Preschool - Meet the Staff

My name is Veronica Hale and I am truly honored to serve as the Director at Our Lady of Joy Preschool.  For more than two decades, I have been dedicated to the field of childhood education, and it has been a calling and a joy to help shape the lives of young children during their most formative years.

I’ve been blessed with a loving family.  My husband and I were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Scottsdale over 17 years ago, and together we are raising two amazing teenage sons who attend Notre Dame Preparatory Catholic High School.  As both a mother and an educator, I understand firsthand the importance of faith, community, and strong educational foundations.

My favorite bible verse is - “Be kind, humble, gentle and patient.”  Colossians 3:12

I am Antonella Guarino a proud mother of 2 beautiful children: Gabriel 16 and Elianna 9. I was born and raised In the Bronx, NY and my entire education from elementary to college has been through Catholic institutions. I graduated Iona University located in New Rochelle, NY with a BA in International Studies and I am fluent in Italian and Spanish. My strong tie to faith and education as one began as a child with my parents’ decision and now as a parent myself, it is a proud decision I have made for my children.

I have been working here at Our Lady of Joy Preschool for nearly 6 years. I am very blessed to be part of this amazing school which humbles me daily as I witness the teachings of Christ reflected in the children’s actions. Being part of their faith education continuously allows me to enrich and grow in my own journey.

My favorite bible verse is Psalm 23, and my favorite quote is "Even if it should seem at times that everything is collapsing, nothing is collapsing at all, because God does not lose battles."- St Josemaria Escriva

Hi! I’m Karla. I’m originally from Puerto Rico and now live in Arizona with my husband, our two daughters and Charlie our golden retriever. 

I’ve been part of Religious Education for almost four years and love helping little ones get to know the Good Shepherd and how much He loves them.

Favorite Bible Verse:
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." – John 10:14

My name is Becky O’Brien, and I teach the 2–3-year-old class at Our lady of Joy Preschool. I am originally from Camarillo, California. I began my teaching career in 1991, after graduating from UCSB. I began teaching at OLOJ Preschool in Jan. of 2021. I have been blessed with a wonderful family! My husband Tim and I have been married for 30 years. We have 3 amazing adult children. In my spare time, I enjoy quilting, spending time in the mountains and fishing. I love spending time with our littlest students! I am so grateful that God led me here and blessed me with this purpose!

One of my favorite bible verses is Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I am originally from Boston, MA and have found my way to Cave Creek, AZ via Dallas and Houston, Tx and Nashville, TN. I have been married for 32 years and have two adult children. They both attended Notre Dame Preparatory and will attest that having faith combined with a rigorous academic program set them up for success at the college level. They are both independent and employed!

My teaching background is in the Montessori education philosophy. The purpose of this methodology is to help every child develop skills essential for success, not only in school, but also in life. I have been teaching for the last eleven years.

I have had horses in my life since my teenage years and love the care and relationships with all animals. My marathon running days are done but I hike daily and enjoy the outside activities Arizona provides.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" - Galatians 5:22-23

My name is Alexis McQuillin. I am recently married and just moved to Arizona from Oregon this year. I have been working in education for four years, and I absolutely love it. In my free time, I enjoy painting and doing crafts. 

One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse reminds me daily of God’s strength and constant presence in our lives.

I was raised in Ohio and am the youngest in a family of seven children. I attended parochial schools from elementary to high school, then enrolled at The Ohio State University. I graduated with a Bachelors of Allied Health Sciences and worked in the medical field until I had my fourth child. I started teaching preschool when my youngest turned seven and have been working in the early childhood education field ever since, approximately 18 years. I have taught Pre-K and twos/threes and worked many summer camps and VBS programs. 

I became certified to teach in the Phoenix Diocese in 2023 and began teaching at Our Lady of Joy in the Pre-K classroom. For 2025-2026 I transitioned the the Three’s Classroom to spend more time with my four, going on five grandchildren. 

My husband Bob and I have lived in the Scottsdale area for three years and are parishioners at Our Lady of Joy. We celebrated our 35^th anniversary in May! In our free time we like to hike, mountain bike and travel and of course enjoy all our grandchildren.

My favorite bible verse was read by husband’s uncle, Father Joe Zamary, at our wedding. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-6