Barbara Hunsaker

Director of Special Education (VINE)

Phone:  480.705.8888 x220

Barb grew up in the East Valley and has lived here for most of her life. She attended school in Mesa and attended Grace United Methodist Church throughout her childhood.

Barb and her husband, Joe, celebrated 40 years of marriage this past year. They have two adult children who live in the Phoenix area with their spouses, as well as a beloved Golden Retriever. Barb enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, especially playing games, and she frequently visits relatives in Albuquerque and Chicago. A fun fact she loves to share: “We have a 50-pound desert tortoise that lives in our backyard in Gilbert.”

Barb has dedicated over 40 years to the field of education. She is now beginning her 13th year as the Director of the VINE program at Valley Christian. Before joining Valley Christian, Barb served as both Assistant Principal and Principal at Bethany Christian School for 13 years. Prior to that, she spent 9 years as a teacher and trainer with the Success for All Reading Program. Early in her career, Barb taught in a variety of special education settings, including both self-contained and resource classrooms. Beyond her roles in teaching and directing VINE, she is also involved with “Bridges,” an initiative designed to connect VINE students with their peers, fostering meaningful friendships and furthering the school’s mission of building a lifelong community. Barb enjoys attending retreats and actively supports Valley students by participating in fine arts and athletic events.

Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science in Education (Dual major in Education K-8, Special Education K-12), 1983