Sonoran Trails Middle School Special Education Resource Teacher recipient of Diamondbacks Foundation Grant

Desiree D’Ambrosi

Desiree D’Ambrosi, Special Education Resource Teacher at Sonoran Trails Middle School, is a recipient of the D-backs $1000,000 School Challenge, presented by the University of Phoenix grant. 

Ms. D’Ambrosi was awarded $5,000 to enhance her special education classroom.  In her application she wrote, “My project would allow our special education department at Sonoran Trails Middle School to purchase flexible seating and create alternative classroom environments.”  She went on to write, “By revamping our classrooms from the traditional teacher-centered environment (teacher lecturing at the front with students in desk) to a student-centered environment (students pick their seating according to their needs), we can create an atmosphere that encourages student focus, engagement, and comfort.” 

Carrie Igondjo, Director of Special Education for the Cave Creek Unified School District said, “I am very proud of Desiree, her dedication and compassion for her students is apparent in her never ending quest to enrich their learning.”

Sonoran Trails Middle School is the only public middle school in Arizona offering its students a World Language (Chinese, French or Spanish) as a core class.  For more information, contact the principal, Mr. Bill Dolezal, at [email protected].