In her five years as principal, Dr. Paula Tseunis has built on Sierra Verde Elementary School’s excellent reputation by focusing on curriculum, community, and STEM. She spearheaded an integrated three-year initiative, The Sierra Verde Outdoor Academy, to enhance science education through project-based learning experiences. Though this program, students have partnered with the community to create outdoor learning spaces including a desert tortoise habitat, an outdoor STEM lab, and a simple machines art garden. Sierra Verde Elementary School also hosts a regional STEM conference and annual STEM night events. Tseunis has guided technological innovation including initiation of pilot programs for Chromebooks, iPads, and Google’s Expeditions Pioneer Program, a virtual field trip for students. As described by a proud parent, Dr. Tseunis has built a culture of innovation, integration, and inquiry that benefits both the school and the community. In 2013, Sierra Verde was rated the number one K-8 public elementary school in Arizona. Sierra Verde also won an A+ School of Excellence Award in 2014, and in 2015 Dr. Tseunis was named Principal of the Year by the Deer Valley Unified School District. She holds a Bachelor’s in Science from Northern Arizona University and both M.A. and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University, where she has served as an educational advocate since 2014.