Our Team
Meet the team that supports our students, families, and staff each day. Our leadership and administrative team is committed to creating a welcoming, Christ-centered school environment rooted in care, communication, and community.
Together, we partner with families to support each child’s academic, social, and spiritual growth, ensuring every child feels known, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
Eva Russell
ECC Director of School Business & Christian Education
Eva earned her bachelor’s degree in Music before completing an internship in children’s ministry, where her passion for serving children and families began to flourish. While working in ministry, she also served in the church’s early childhood center, teaching in multiple classrooms over four years and gaining experience across age groups. During that time, she earned her master’s degree in Christian Leadership.
Eva joined Ascension as Assistant Director and served in that role for two years before stepping into a director-level position in 2019. She is dedicated to “Connecting little hearts to Jesus” by fostering a Christ-centered environment where children feel safe, known, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
As ECC School Business and Christian Education Director, Eva focuses on strengthening operational systems, supporting staff development, and integrating faith into the daily life of the school. She is passionate about building authentic relationships with children, partnering with families, and mentoring staff so they feel confident and equipped to serve with excellence. She values clear communication, thoughtful leadership, and cultivating a school culture where every member of the community feels supported and seen.
Eva and her husband have two children, ages 2 and 8. As a family, they enjoy camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors together. Eva also enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, and caring for her plants.
Staci earned her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has faithfully served in the Ascension community for many years. She was married at Ascension in 2000, and the church and school have remained a meaningful and central part of her family’s life.
Staci began working at Ascension in 2011 as a classroom aide and became a lead teacher in 2013, where she nurtured and guided young learners for several years. In addition to her classroom roles, she has served in ministry capacities at Ascension, including as Sunday School Coordinator and as a participant in a Moms in Christ Care group. In 2019, she transitioned into the role of Assistant Director, and in 2025 she became ECC School Director.
As ECC School Director, Staci leads with a strong love for Jesus and a commitment to cultivating a Christ-centered environment where children feel safe, loved, and valued. She is known for her generous spirit, steady leadership, and dedication to the well-being of every child entrusted to Ascension. She collaborates closely with Eva Russell, ECC School Business and Christian Education Director, to steward the mission and vision of Ascension Preschool with faith, unity, and excellence.
Staci and her husband have three adult children, all of whom attended Ascension and later worked at the school. Staci enjoys reading, cooking, camping, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Staci Parrin
ECC School Director
Alexia has over ten years of experience in early childhood education and youth development. Before joining Ascension, she worked at the YMCA of Southern Arizona as a Teen Leader, where she developed a strong foundation in mentoring and supporting young people.
Alexia began serving at Ascension in 2016 as a floater and classroom support staff member. She later became a classroom aide and, in 2019, transitioned into a lead teacher role. Through her years in the classroom, she gained experience across age groups and developed a passion for supporting children’s growth in a nurturing environment. She now serves as Program Coordinator, where she supports curriculum implementation, classroom consistency, and daily school operations.
Alexia participated in the Diversified Cooperative Education (DCE) program in 2014 & 2015 during her senior year of high school, which provided early professional experience and helped shape her interest in working with children. She is passionate about being a part of the “village” that helps children grow academically, socially, and spiritually. She works closely with school leadership to ensure programs reflect the mission and values of Ascension Preschool.
Outside of school, Alexia enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her Dalmatian.
Program Coordinator