Steve Johnson, Cubmaster
I started in 1978 as a Wolf. We met at my house and my mom was the den leader. As a Boy Scout, I made rank of First Class before we moved to AZ in 1986. I did not pick up Scouts again until my youngest, Alex, asked to join from a flier that was on our door. I was a Scout parent for less than 15 minutes as they needed a Wolf leader. From there, I have been Cubmaster and Committee member in packs. In Boy Scouts, I have been Scoutmaster, Committee member and Advancement Chair. At the district level, I have been a Unit Commissioner, Mesa District Training Chair and on the Roundtable staff. Awards: Pack and Troop Committee Hall of Fame, District Award of Merit and a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow.
Penny Cluff
I grew up in the valley. After I graduated from Mountain View, I went to U of A, where I met my husband. We moved back to Mesa after he graduated, and had 2 daughters. We now have 3 grandsons; the oldest one is in the Wolf den. I’ve been a Bear den leader for 12 years, and am now excited to be the assistant cubmaster here.
I work as a special ed aide at Westwood. I also play cello in the Symphony of the Southwest- if you’ve heard us play Peter and the Wolf in the last 30 years, I was there! I like to do all sorts of needlework. My 2 favorite things to do are learn new things and teach other people new things, which is why I love working with the Cub Scouts.
Jamie Hedin, Troop Committee Chair
Hello! I am a stay at home mom to my two beautiful kiddos. My son, Landon, is a Webelos 2 and my daughter, Cailin, is a Tiger. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Arizona about twelve years ago to be with my now husband, Kyle. Prior to having kids, I was a mechanic in training, but gave it up to raise the kids. I love having the opportunity to be able to make a difference in this pack and give each boy and girl the best Scouting experience possible. I am open to new ideas and am planning to work hard to make your Scout’s experience the best that it can be!
Veronica Pearl
Hello, my name is Veronica Pearl. I was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. I am second generation here in Arizona. My grandparents were naturalized citizens when we got our statehood. My brother was a part of Troop 451 when we were kids and I am happy to say my son, Patrick, is now a part of it too. He is a Lion scout. I also have a 3 year old daughter named Evangeline. This is my first year being in scouts and being a den leader.
I have been working with children of all ages for years. I work at Montessori Education Centre in Mesa. I am a teacher in the upper elementary classroom and teach 4th through 6th grade. During the summer’s I work with all ages at my campus in several different roles. I have worked there for going on 13 years.
I look forward to having a, “roaring,” year with the lions!
Have a great day.
Caitlin Ruggiero
My name is Caitlin Ruggiero. I have lived in Arizona most of my life. I homeschool my two children. We love doing art projects, participating in Scout activities and exploring outside.
Matt Maynard
In my regular life I’m a programmer. In Scouting I’m an Arrow of Light Scout, a Star Scout, an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow, and the Wolf Den Leader in Pack 451. The highlight of my time in Cub Scouts was when I met Jim Kolbe and John McCain at a 200th anniversary of the Constitution event in 1987 (I’m the toeheaded kid in front of the adult who’s not John McCain). Last year I led the Tiger den, and I’m looking forward to an enjoyable year with the Wolf Den, leading them towards their Wolf Rank and many other awards. I’m also the Outdoor Committee Chairman in Pack 451, so I coordinate the hikes and campouts we schedule throughout the year. Some of the adventure loops and pins the Scouts earn require participation in these events, so be sure to sign up and get out there! We work hard to make it a lot of fun!
Justiene Davis
My name is Justiene. I’m the Bear Den Leader! I am 28 and my daugheter Arya is a Bear in my pack. This is our first time doing scouts but I think it should be a fun time. At home, I live with my brother William, my daughter Arya, my boyfriend Kirk and our two dogs, Tank and Amber. I am the oldest of 9 siblings. I work at a company called ADP and I do payroll. If you have any further questions I will happily have answers.
Ryan Ruggiero
I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. Growing up, I spent my weekends outdoors fishing, hiking, and four wheeling. As a former Cub Scout myself, I thought it would be a fun experience to share with my son. It is important to me to be involved in the activities with my son, so I chose to help with the leader requirements for the den. I look forward to getting to know your boys and you as we help and watch them grow and mature into respectful, helpful members of society.
Nichole Ploughe
I’m an Arizona girl born & raised, a bit of a history nerd, & lover of video games. I’m passionate about food and have my degree in wholistic nutrition and hypnotherapy. I work part time as a personal trainer that specialized in alternative therapies; most of the time though, I’m doing my best at being a boy mom. We do online schooling and love to take our lessons out for an adventure. Sometimes that means math and science in the kitchen, history and reading at the museum, or PE at the zoo. I always wanted to get involved with Scouting as a child, but my parents weren’t up for it. I knew right from the beginning that it was something I wanted my boys to get into. My son Carlin will be a Webelos and my son Wyatt will be a Tiger this year and I’m excited to take part as a Webelos 1 leader.
Kyle Hedin
Being a former Cub Scout myself, I decided to have my son, Landon, give it a try. It has turned into a full family activity, bringing us closer together. I am an Arizona native, but spent about 10 years in the Chicago area, where I met my wife, Jamie. I used to work on reality TV as a cameraman, but gave it up to be around the family more. I now install hardwood floors for a living and also enjoy doing woodworking projects on the weekends as well. I like working with kids and watching them learn new skills and work as a team. I look forward to working with you!
Shanan Bouchard
I am the Webelos II Girls Den leader, the Assistant Webelos II Boys Den Leader and the Pack Gathering Organizer. I am a fourth generation Arizona native and a huge ASU fan. I started volunteering last year when my daughter decided she wanted to participate in Cub Scouts. Since then, we have been able to explore the beautiful state of Arizona through camping, fishing, hiking, and even got to participate in a horse riding camp. The opportunities available to us since joining have been amazing and have made us a stronger family unit. When I am not volunteering, I love working with yarn, watching Forensic Files and Unsolved Mysteries, reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, and trying new foods.
