Jim Desmarchais, Superintendent

Jim Desmarchais is thrilled to be a part of the Christian education at Gilbert Christian Schools. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up in Pittsburgh, Southern California, and Toronto, Canada. Jim received his bachelor's degree at the University of Toronto and his master's degree at the University of Phoenix in Educational Administration. He has taught elementary physical education and sixth grade.  At the administrative level, he served as the assistant principal at Rhodes Junior High, the principal at Barbara Bush Elementary School (which was named an A+ School), and later as principal of Robert Frost Elementary School in Mesa. Jim also served three years as the children's pastor at East Valley Bible Church. He currently attends New Valley Church and leads the junior high ministry. Jim brings a passion for working with children and families and is excited about the opportunity to be part of what God has planned at GCS. Jim is married to Natasha and has two sons, Christopher and Steven who will be attending Gilbert Christian this year.

email: jdesmarchais@gilbertchristianschools.org

Adam Rasmussen brings 16 years of experience in Christian education to his role at Gilbert Christian Schools. Adam received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College and his master’s degree from Wheaton College in Educational Ministries. His certificate in K-12 Administration is from the Association of Christian Schools International. Before moving to Arizona, Mr. Rasmussen was on the pastoral staff of the College Church in Wheaton, Illinois where he joyfully served as the Pastor to Students under the leadership of R. Kent Hughes. Through the years Adam has done consulting work for various non-profit organizations including churches, missions agencies, and schools in the Gilbert and Mesa Public School districts. He has served with North Central Accreditation on quality assurance reviews of area schools. This invaluable experience has familiarized him with research-based standards which help schools succeed. Adam is also an elder at the church he attends, San Tan Bible Church, which meets in the GCS field house. Mr. Rasmussen is greatly anticipating his ninth year at GCS where his focus will be the administration of the middle school. Adam and his wife Lynnette have four daughters and live in Gilbert. His passion is to glorify God by helping students grow to maturity in Jesus Christ.

email: arasmussen@gilbertchristianschools.org

Ann Flagg received both her bachelor's degree in Journalism and English and her post-degree certificate in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Her M.Ed. is from Clarion University. Ann has written curriculum and articles for Scholastic and The Education Center. She has taught students for 20 years, working in preschool to college.

email: aflagg@gilbertchristianschools.org

Janet Oitzman holds her bachelor's degree in Business Management with an accounting minor from Mankato State University in Minnesota.  She moved to Arizona in 1986 where she managed a real estate appraisal office and then owned and operated a home inspection business.  She married her husband, Jeff, in 1990, and they currently have two teenage daughters, Ashley and Paige, who have attended GCS since 2001.  Janet has coached the varsity women's basketball team at GCS for six years.

email: joitzman@gilbertchristianschools.org