Fine Arts

Nichol Elgin is a native of Arizona and has been captivated by music and singing all her life. In her early teen years, she studied voice and piano and has performed in over a dozen musicals, sang with many college and community choirs, and performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and in the Vatican (Italy) for one of their masses. She is a teacher, conductor, and performer. Previously, she has worked in the Arizona public schools for four years and taught private voice and piano lessons for three years working with ages 5 to 75! Nichol graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from ASU and a Master of Music degree from Colorado University. 

Hello! My name is Joni Starmer and I have been teaching art for 12 years. I am a former professional graphic designer in advertising and marketing. In Chicago, I worked for several advertising agencies and corporations as an art director and creative director before managing my own desing business. From there, my family moved to the Bay Area in northern California. Since relocating to Arizona, I have pursued a lifelong dream of sharing my passion for art with students of all ages. I have my BFA in Craphic Design from the University of Illinois and my MA in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. Prior to coming to PVUSD, I taught art in the Cave Creek district. 

Hello from Band! My name is Ms. Sandy L Grimes and I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA.  I grew up with music all around me and I knew I wanted to be a teacher by the time I started high school.  I was a flute major in college and have been teaching in Paradise for 27 years.  My 3 grown children all attended PV schools and are successful and loving young adults.