Team TUSD

Meet Trace Looney, the enthusiastic MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) Facilitator energizing Utterback Middle School! Now in his fourth year in Tucson, Arizona, and at TUSD, Trace embraces his first year as MTSS Facilitator with excitement.

Trace began his TUSD journey at Utterback as the ISI (In-School Interventions) Teacher. Originally hailing from the Chicago area, where he started his career as an 8th 8th-grade math Teacher, Trace brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success. Being with the students and seeing them grow is the best thing I could say! His dedication lies in supporting every student and cheering on their development within a safe and structured environment.

Outside of inspiring students at Utterback, Trace is very active in his community! He is deeply involved with his church, where he showcases his musical talent by playing in the worship band and leading Bible studies. And for a dash of fun, Trace is a long-time fan of roller skating—a passion he picked up growing up in Chicago that keeps him moving! Utterback is lucky to have Trace on the team!

For the past 12 years, Ms. Eva Placencio has been an important part of TUSD,  with the last seven years dedicated to Utterback Middle School. In her role handling attendance and registration, she ensures records are accurate, students are marked correctly, and parents have support with enrolling or withdrawing their children. She also manages student files, sends and receives records, and keeps the school organized and running smoothly.

What she loves most about Utterback are the students. Over the years, she’s built strong bonds, becoming a mentor and cheerleader for them as they grow. Whether it’s seeing them work together on projects like the school garden and bringing her fresh vegetables , or just connecting with them daily, Ms. Placencio treats every student like one of her own.

Outside of work, she stays busy with her three daughters and husband, enjoying family walks, movie nights, and quality time together.

Aundrea Lewis has been teaching at Utterback Middle School for three years, entering her fourth year. She loves the close-knit, family-like environment of the staff and the collaborative approach to teaching that supports student growth. She particularly values the AVID program at Utterback, which helps students develop strong note-taking, reflection, and critical thinking skills from the moment they enter sixth grade.

Born and raised in Michigan, Ms. Lewis moved to Tucson in 2010 and has made it her home. Outside of teaching, she enjoys fitness, basketball, hiking, and playing both board games and video games. Her favorite games include classic first-person shooters like Call of Duty and strategy games like Portal.

Fun fact: Ms. Lewis has a nerdy side that many colleagues might not know about, enjoying strategy and role-playing board games she learned from her family.