Circle Cross Ranch Elementary

Kayla Piel

Welcome! I’m Kayla Piel, Principal of Circle Cross Ranch Elementary School

I’m honored to serve as the principal of Circle Cross Ranch STEM Academy. With over 15 years in education, I am passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive, and high-achieving school community where every student can thrive. I hold a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in School Leadership and Administration from Northern Arizona University.  

As educators, we are responsible for providing ALL students with a quality education where school culture, alongside mastery of instruction create an intellectually stimulating environment for students to grow and attain academic goals.  As we begin this new school year, I am especially excited to welcome both new and returning families to our school community. I look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s success and celebrate their growth.

Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors with my family, whether it's being on the lake boating, fishing and paddle boarding or hiking and RZR rides off the grid.  

I believe strong relationships with families are essential, and I’m always here to connect and support you. Together, we can make Circle Cross Ranch Elementary a place where every student loves to learn! 

Gunnar Tietge

My name is Gunnar Tietge and I am excited to be the new Dean of Students and Athletic Director here at Circle Cross Ranch K-8. This year will be my fourteenth year in education. I have taught general music and choir for the last thirteen years and am eager to begin my journey into administration. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education in 2011 & 2016 and my master’s degree in education administration from Lamar University in 2014. 

Originally from Texas I spent most of my teaching in Dallas with a few years teaching in the Houston area before moving to Arizona two years ago with my wife. Outside of school my wife and I enjoy game nights, seeing live theater, and traveling. I spent the last two years teaching in Chandler but am very excited to be closer to home and my family here in Florence USD!

Sarah Pampanin

My name is Sarah Pampanin, and I have the privilege of serving as the Academic Intervention Specialist at Circle Cross Ranch K–8. This is my twelfth year with the Florence Unified School District, and throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to grow both as an educator and as a leader.

I spent eight years as a classroom teacher before transitioning into an Instructional Coach role for three years. I’m originally from New Jersey, where I earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and English Literature. I moved to Arizona more than a decade ago with my husband, and we now have two wonderful daughters, a dog, and two cats.

My passion for literacy led me to fall in love with our current English curriculum. I was fortunate to become a Great Minds associate, which gave me the opportunity to deliver professional development to educators across the country. That experience sparked a deeper passion for supporting teacher growth and inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

At Circle Cross Ranch, I’m committed to helping every student succeed through targeted academic support, and I’m equally dedicated to empowering teachers by supporting their professional learning and instructional practices. I truly believe in the power of collaboration and continuous growth—for students, educators, and myself.

It’s an honor to be part of the Circle Cross Ranch team. I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to partnering with our incredible staff, students, and community. Go Cheetahs! 🐆💛