An East Coast native, Mrs. Bonessi has taught in three different states since begin her career in education during the 2000/2001 school year. She started her career in Virginia teaching middle school English and history before moving to Connecticut and Arizona, where she finally landed in the Agua Fria Union District in 2006. For 7 years, she taught English and journalism at Millennium High School, but became a Viper in 2014 to assume the position of Instructional Coach. She currently serves as an assistant principal and loves every minute of it. Mrs. Bonessi received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in Journalism and Mass Communications and her master’s in Educational Administration from Argosy University. Working with teachers and helping students become their best is a daily reminder of her passion for education.

Mr. Lees is originally from the Bay Area of California but has also lived in Portland, Oregon. His family moved to Flagstaff, Arizona while in high school, and he has lived in Arizona ever since. He graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Secondary Education History and received his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. He taught Advanced Placement U.S. History and U.S. and World History for 12 years. He was also at various times the student body government sponsor, National Honor Society co-sponsor, social studies department chair, as well as a basketball and soccer coach. He was also a Teacher on Special Assignment for a couple of years. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys building relationships with students and staff and is proud to be part of the Verrado family. One Verrado!  

Garrett Maier is a proud Verrado Alumni and joined Verrado’s administrative team as an Assistant Principal in 2022. He is most passionate about creating positive experiences through which kids learn. 

Prior to this role, Garrett served as a support specialist, and taught all levels of English, as well as Creative Writing, Graphic Design, and Education Professions. He served as a student government sponsor, Career & Technical Student Organization sponsor, and club sponsor. He was also a varsity coach for multiple sports. In all that he is involved with, he is focused on building belonging and community for all. He is on a mission to elevate the culture at Verrado and foster students, families, and staff who take immense pride in being a part of our One Verrado community!

Personally, Garrett loves the following in this order: 1) His wife, 2) Tacos, and 3) Education.

Mr. Barry Cromer began as Verrado's Athletic Director in 2024. A Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA), Mr. Cromer comes to Verrado with a wealth of knowledge and experience as both a coach and, most recently, an Athletic Director in the Payson, Sahuarita, and Queen Creek school districts. In his 6 years at Walden Grove, teams won 16 Region Titles, 4 State Runner Up Titles, and 1 State Title! The 24/25 school year will be his 10th as an Athletic Director, and his 24th in education where he began as a math teacher and coach. Along with leading several high school athletic departments, Mr. Cromer also serves as the Mentoring Committee Chair for the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association supporting new Athletic Directors. He has also been the Kino Region Rep for the AlA and served on the Baseball advisory committee for the AIA. He is a two-time AD of the Year in the 4A Conference. Mr. Cromer is super excited to start at Verrado and return the school to prominence in the state of Arizona! He is excited to be a part of the Viper family! Mr. Cromer is married to his wife Anna Lea,-and they have two sons, Barry Ill and Michael. He enjoys cooking and playing golf when he has the time.