Becky Ramirez

Hi Gopher Family,

I was born and raised in Florence, Arizona. I went to Florence Elementary school as a child and I am a proud class of 1994 graduate from Florence High School. I attended Northern Arizona University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and another Master’s degree in Educational Leadership both from Northern Arizona University. 

I have been an educator for over twenty-six years. I spent eleven years teaching at Florence Elementary school. Five years as a first grade teacher and six years as a Title I Reading Specialist. I taught a couple of years at a charter school in Gilbert and I later joined Mesa Public Schools, where I worked for twelve years in various roles. I taught second grade, was a reading specialist, an instructional coach, an assistant principal for two years, and principal for three years.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart for twenty-five years, and together we have three boys. We enjoy camping, traveling, and watching movies together.

As an educator I want to empower people to be the best version of themselves. I want students, staff, and families to have a sense of joy when they are here, be noticed for who they are, and find a place where they belong. Each and every child should have choice, voice, and agency in their learning. They should have an equitable opportunity to have a fuller, better life so they can pursue their dreams and become meaningful members of our community. 

Dr. Sonia Bribiescas

I am honored to serve as the Dean of Students at Florence Elementary School. I retired from Florence Unified School District in 2024 as an Assistant Principal for Walker Butte K-8 for a total of 30 years in education. Prior to that, I was a Principal at the Leadership Academy of Excellence and the virtual high school, Florence Virtual Academy, from 2013 to 2016 in the Florence District. 

I spent 15 years as a Business teacher working in Superior Unified District, East Valley Institute of Technology District, and Mesa Unified District. The last 15 years were served as an administrator and athletic director in Mesa Unified, Pinnacle High School, and finally Florence Unified where I finished my career.  I also taught introductory college courses for South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, AZ for 12 years as an adjunct instructor teaching Computer Information Systems and Business Personal Computer courses.

My love for education is witnessing the obstacles and joys that students have and being a part of that solution team. I believe that students, parents, and staff need one another to succeed in our world today. I encourage everyone to be respectful, be responsible and make good choices.

Outside of school, I love listening to all genres of music, playing golf, basketball, and guitar, and traveling to different places and exploring. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you and the Florence Elementary community!

Michelle Fryhover

Michelle Fryhover has been with the district since 2008; she began teaching Kindergarten at Walker Butte, moved to Anthem, and has been with Florence K8 since 0214 while at FK8, she functioned as a Kindergarten teacher, Reading Intervention Instructor, and now as an Instructional Coach.

Mrs. Fryhover was born in Minnesota and moved to Arizona when she was in 7^th grade; from the coldest state to the hottest state. Mrs. Fryhover and her husband have three boys; as a family, they enjoy hiking, jeeping, and hanging out together playing games. Her first love is spending time with her family; her second love is teaching and helping the students and teachers of FK8.