Faculty / Staff
Armona Union Academy has a longstanding tradition of hiring some of the best faculty that the Central Valley has to offer. All of our teachers are credentialed, and together they have over 210 years of combined teaching experience at the elementary and secondary levels.
Armona Union Academy has an open communication between our parents, teachers and constituents. To contact a member of our faculty & staff, click on the name of the person you wish to contact, their staff page will show their email address.
Erik Borges
Principal, Math, Computers, High School P.E., Athletic Director
Erik Borges is entering his 7th year at Armona Union Academy. He has a passion for helping young students excel academically and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Erik was a student at AUA for 11 years.
Cindy Hielscher has been working as the Business Manager at AUA for the past 10 years. She enjoys working with students, staff and families. Cindy graduated from AUA in 1976. Her greatest wish is for Jesus to come soon!
Diana Meneses enjoys the great outdoors even though she admits not knowing “how to survive out there”. Diana describes Jesus as “her joy”. She loves God, takes joy in serving others and values learning.
Silvia Rascon was born in Fresno, but moved around quite a bit growing up. She attended Walla Walla University where she found a passion for teaching. She was excited to have an opportunity to come back to the valley.
Denise Johnston is our 3rd and 4th grade teacher here at Armona Union Academy. She has taught at AUA for 11 years. Denise enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs with her students.
Barbra Tabura attended PUC and finished with her MA in Reading/Elementary Education. Her love for Jesus, her family and school family keep her going each day planning family outings and classroom family lessons and excursions! btabura@auaweb.com
Kevin Thompson enjoys teaching because he feels that it’s a great way to share his faith. His goal as a teacher is to get kids to think, analyze and sharpen their critical thinking skills, and help them have a closer walk with Christ.
Ed Phillips enjoys his job here at Armona Union Academy where he teaches high school religion, history and art classes. Ed enjoys hiking and kayaking, as well as being able to affect lives for Jesus.
Harry Rasmussen has taught at AUA for 11 years. His top priority is making sure students are prepared for college. Mr. Rasmussen has two grown children and one grandchild. He’s also a big fan of the Oregon Ducks.
In every sense of the word, Danica Chandler is an aficionado of the arts and humanities. Her aim is that students learn to do more than simply exist in this world, not simply take up space.
Rosa Espinoza is a mother of five children two boys and three girls and a grandmother of two. She immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico about 15 years ago. Rosa is in her 2nd year of working at AUA.
Bradley Saunders has been performing and teaching music for many years. As an active performer, he performs regularly in church settings as well as other professional shows. Mr. Saunders is also an accomplished studio artist and has recorded hundreds of tunes as a vocalist and va
