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School Leadership

Ralph Quintana

R. Quintana

Principal 

Marissa Barber

M. Barber 

Assistant Principal 

I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and am a 4th generation Arizonan. Upon graduating high school from Trevor G. Browne, I pursued a higher education at Phoenix College, where I obtained an Associate’s Degree. I then chose to enlist in the United States Army, earning the rank of Sergeant, before I was medically discharged. Soon after, I continued in my educational journey at ASU, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in U.S. History. A short time later I decided to continue in education, and obtained a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at ASU. The majority of my twenty-five years in education has been as an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher. Additionally, I have taught in English Language Learner classrooms, with students varying from sixth to eleventh grade. Most recently I worked at Dysart High School as an Academic Interventionist and Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach.  

I am fortunate to be the father of two amazing children, Alyssa and Elijah. My eldest, Alyssa, is currently pursuing a career in education and has blessed me with two beautiful granddaughters. My son has chosen to follow in my footsteps and is presently serving in the United States Army Reserves and recently came back from deployment in the Middle East. I am very committed to both my career and family, and I look forward to my fifth year as an administrator at Thompson Ranch Elementary School. 

Mr. Quintana "Mr. Q", Principal


Hello, I am Mrs. Barber and have been in Surprise, Arizona, for about 12 years. I attended the University of Phoenix, where I received my Bachelor's in Business Administration. Upon graduating, I worked as an Admin Assistant and owned my own business. After selling my business and moving to the Valley, I received my Master's in Education from Grand Canyon University. I have been in Dysart Unified my entire educational career, since relocating. Most of my career has been in the City of El Mirage, and I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity. I love teaching and education, so I went further and received a Master's in Educational Leadership at Western Governors University. I am a true believer that learning and growing never stop 

I am a wife and mother of four, two boys and two girls. I have been married for sixteen years, and all of my older children are married and have children of their own, with one bird left in the nest. I love being a grandma (Mimi) to my eight grandchildren, five boys and three girls. Family time is so important to me, and I cherish every moment. As the new Assistant Principal, I am committed to being the kind of educational leader I would want for my own children and grandchildren. I value every student and believe each child deserves a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. I am excited to be at Thompson Ranch Elementary as a Jaguar. 

Mrs. Barber, Assistant Principal

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