Our Team

EAGLE South Mountain is proud to welcome Erendira Carrasco as our School Leader. With more than a decade of experience in education, Ms. Carrasco brings a deep passion for student success, educational excellence, and serving the South Phoenix community she proudly calls home.

Raised in the heart of South Phoenix, Ms. Carrasco understands firsthand the transformative power of education. As a first-generation college graduate, her personal journey inspires her commitment to ensuring every scholar has the opportunities, support, and encouragement needed to achieve academic success and reach their full potential.

A proud University of Arizona Wildcat, Ms. Carrasco earned both her Bachelor of Science in Special Education and her Master of Education in Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Her educational background and years of experience have strengthened her belief that every child can learn, lead, and thrive when surrounded by high expectations, meaningful relationships, and the right support.

As School Leader, Ms. Carrasco is dedicated to advancing EAGLE South Mountain's mission of fostering academic excellence and strong character. She is committed to creating a school culture where scholars feel loved, known, challenged, and empowered to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Ms. Carrasco believes that the strongest schools are built through partnership. She looks forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, engaged families, and the South Mountain community to provide every scholar with the foundation they need to flourish.

We are excited for the future under Ms. Carrasco's leadership and invite you to join us as we continue to build a school community where Love Ignites Learning.

Mr. Carbajal is a Phoenix native who grew up in South Phoenix. He attended Valley View Elementary School, South Mountain High School, and South Mountain Community College before transferring to Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor's degree in Social Work.

With a professional background in finance and customer service, Mr. Carbajal brings a unique blend of operational expertise and relationship-building skills to his role. For the past six years, he has proudly been part of the EAGLE family, beginning as an Educational Assistant before serving as the school's Wellness Coordinator. He currently serves as the School Operations Manager (SOM), where he is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and efficient learning environment that supports scholars, families, and staff every day.

Mrs. Ruiz brings 29 years of experience in education and is dedicated to ensuring every scholar feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. She is currently in her ninth year at EAGLE College Prep, serving as the school's Behavior Interventionist for scholars in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Mrs. Ruiz believes that every scholar has the ability to learn, grow, and thrive when provided with encouragement, consistency, and the right support. A proud Native American and lifelong Arizona resident, she is deeply committed to serving her community. Through strong relationships with scholars, families, and staff, Mrs. Ruiz strives to foster a positive school culture while helping students develop the academic, social, and personal skills needed for lifelong success.

James Tippin, MSW serves as the School Counselor at EAGLE College Prep South Mountain, where he has been a dedicated member of the school community since 2017. During his time at South Mountain, he has served as a substitute teacher, a fifth-grade teacher, and now as the school counselor, supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development.

Prior to joining EAGLE College Prep South Mountain, Mr. Tippin enjoyed a distinguished career with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. He worked in the Child Welfare Division before concluding his public service as the Program Manager for the Food Stamp and Medicaid programs in Jackson County. After retiring and relocating to Phoenix to be closer to his grandchildren, he sought an opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. He found that opportunity at South Mountain, where he is grateful to serve students, families, and staff.

Mr. Tippin earned a bachelor's degree in Religious Education and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He and his wife have been married since 1971 after meeting in college. Together they have three sons, one living in Phoenix, one in Michigan, and one in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Mr. Tippin is passionate about helping students from kindergarten through eighth grade develop the social and emotional skills they need to make sound decisions, build healthy relationships, and confidently transition to high school and beyond. He is committed to fostering a supportive school environment where every student has the opportunity to grow academically, emotionally, and personally.