Alyssa Tarkington proudly joined PXU in 2017, as a Leadership Coach, after serving as the Coronado High School Principal in Scottsdale, AZ. She began working in education over 20 years ago as a special education teacher and has spent her entire career in Arizona. She believes that her affinity for secondary education comes from the energy and excitement of the campuses' activities. Supporting post-secondary planning, coaching speech and debate teams, and sponsoring clubs fostered her passion for working with adolescents. Also, Ms. Tarkington believes that her journey toward the Student and Family Services Division in PXU evolved naturally after spending many years collaborating and problem-solving with colleagues and families to strengthen systems.

Ms. Tarkington is the parent of two adult sons and spent many years volunteering in youth sports, supporting their athletic passions. Today, she is fondly referred to as "Gigi" by her granddaughters and enjoys spoiling them and spending time with them in their activities. Alyssa is very proud to live and work in a district that provides so many opportunities for students to connect with adults and meaningful activities that foster their growth and development into strong community members.