Ms. Smith is a graduate of Sunnyslope High School.  After completing her four years there, she went to Mesa Community College to play basketball for one year.  After that, she went to, and graduated from, University of Missouri-Columbia.  She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Steven Pointe where she received her Masters.  Ms. Smith stayed at UW for a year to assist with coaching basketball and then she came to begin work at Independence.  She balances her time and energy here at IHS as the Counseling Department Chair, a Special Olympics coach, a member of the Inclusion Committee, and as a member of the Career Explorations Committee.  When she has the opportunity, Ms. Smith makes it a point to spend as much time with her family as possible. She also enjoys playing golf, working out, and hanging out with her friends.  Her number one hobby, however, is traveling.  She has set a personal goal to visit every island in the world.
	Mr. Lettieri attended Northern Arizona University and graduated with his BS in Special Education/Elementary Education.  He continued his educational career and obtained his Masters in Counseling.  Before coming to work at Independence, he worked at Pueblo Del Sol Middle School, Mitchell Elementary School, and at Westview High School.  Beyond his counseling duties, Mr. Lettieri is involved with several extra-curricular activities such as the Special Olympics and football.  Outside of the workplace, Mr. Lettieri dedicates much of his time to his wife and children.  He is actively involved in his church and related organizations.
	Ms. Knapp spent her college career in Buffalo, New York where she attended Canisius College and received her BS.  She came to Arizona and enrolled at Northern Arizona University to work for her Masters.  Earlier in her career, Ms. Knapp worked at the Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics as a certified athletic trainer.  She then expanded her resume and came to work here at Independence.  Ms. Knapp oversees the smooth operation of a few programs all while also meeting the counseling needs of her students.  She is currently the coordinator of the TA, EMT, and Boys/Girls State programs.  In her spare time, Ms. Knapp loves being a mom and doing stuff with her kids.
	Ms. Rodriguez obtained her BA from Arizona State University and then went on to get her Masters from Northern Arizona University.  Prior to coming to work at Independence, Ms. Rodriguez worked at Washington High School, in the Madison School District, and at both Glendale and South Mountain Community Colleges.  Here at Independence she bares the responsibility of the English Language Learner Program and she does all of the scheduling for students that need more assistance with the English language.  When she finds extra time, Ms. Rodriguez enjoys going hiking, snow skiing, and she loves to travel.
	Mrs. Cass is a graduate of Arizona State University where she completed her BA in Education.  She continued her schooling and received her Masters in Education/School Guidance Counseling.  She was previously a teacher in the Glendale Elementary School District where she taught grades 5-8.  Here at Independence she fulfills her duties as a guidance counselor and also helps with coaching Badminton.  When she is not at work, you can find Mrs. Cass spending time with her family or watching good movies.