Stephanie Ochoa’s Career From Science to Service

Stephanie Ochoa, the dean of academics and instructional coach at Trivium Prep, has explored different paths in her career, from science and healthcare to hospitality and, ultimately, education. But the common thread has always been connection. Now, with nearly a decade at Great Hearts, she continues to find joy in helping students, teachers, and families flourish together in a community built on wonder and purpose.

Growing up in Michigan, Ochoa said she was the kind of child who could be found outside from sunrise to sunset, rain, shine, or snow. “My early interests were drawn to the arts and culture: classical piano, ballet, and learning about faraway places. Though my family didn’t have the means to nurture those passions formally, my curiosity pushed me to explore them independently.”

At the age of ten, her family moved to Arizona, where she grew up in the West Valley and attended Agua Fria High School. “Go Owls,” she cheered with nostalgia. “It was there that I met my husband, and Arizona quickly became home.” She did briefly leave Arizona for South Carolina to attend Charleston Southern University before transferring to Arizona State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences through the pre-med program.

“As part of my degree, I completed a series of career exploration internships that would ultimately shape my professional path,” she shared. Her first placement was tutoring for 6th–8th grade math and science students at a local middle school.” What started as a requirement quickly became a revelation, teaching was fun, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling.” Her next internship was at a pediatric dental clinic that served families without access to affordable dental care. “I loved every part of it,” she said. “The conversations with children, comforting families, and building relationships, but I began to realize that what truly inspired me wasn’t the medical side of the work, but the human side.”

After a decade in the hospitality industry, Ochoa said she reached a crossroads. “I had a science degree and a heart for people, and I knew I wanted to make a more lasting impact. That’s when fate, and a bit of encouragement from a friend, led me to education.”

“A colleague suggested that I might make a great teacher, and though I was hesitant at first, she mentioned Great Hearts Academies.” Ochoa said that her curiosity got the best of her, and she decided to send her résumé to Mrs. Heidi Vasiloff, then headmaster at Trivium Prep. “A few weeks later, Mrs. Vasiloff invited me to visit the campus for a tour and conversation. From the moment I stepped into Mrs. Lively’s classroom, where students were deeply engaged in rich dialogue, and then into Mr. Manion’s room, filled with laughter and energy, I knew I had found something special. The warmth, the joy, and the intellectual vitality of the Trivium community captured my heart.  I haven’t looked back since.”

Ochoa said that during her time at Great Hearts, she has served in every dean role: Students, Faculty, and now Academics. “Each position has stretched me, refined me, and given me a deeper appreciation for the many facets of leadership and education.” Besides the personal and professional growth that she has experienced, she said she is most proud of the trust and relationships she has built along the way.

“What I love most about my current role is the opportunity to support scholars, families, and teachers alike. I thrive on problem-solving, brainstorming, and finding creative ways to uplift others. When a teacher or student needs encouragement, I want to be that source of light and stability,” she shared. “The well-being of our community will always be my top priority.”

This love for connection and community extends to her life outside of work as well, where she finds joy in hosting and curating themed dinner parties where food, laughter, her creativity come together.

As she looks to the future, Ochoa said her hope is to continue growing within Great Hearts at Trivium Prep and to serve the West Valley community by expanding access to classical liberal arts education. “I am grateful for where this journey has led me and even more excited for where it’s heading next.”

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