Administration & Staff

Serving All Campuses

Administration

Cynthia Johnson

Founder & Executive Director

Mrs. Cynthia Johnson is the founder, creator, and director of Acorn Montessori Schools.

As a teacher, Mrs. Cynthia had the vision to create the school you wish you had attended! With the mission of ensuring children always come first, a program was designed to infuse traditional curriculum and teaching with Montessori ideologies and practices so that each student can find success, safety, and a loving environment. Offering opportunity and excellence to our students, staff, and community, Acorn Montessori understands and serves the needs of the “whole child.” Acorn’s approach of linking outstanding educational methods with models for a cooperative respectful way of life is an important element of education. Each classroom represents a structured miniature learning society where the values of harmony, respect, independence, learning, and unity are given the opportunity to blossom and grow. Acorn’s blended traditional and Montessori methods foster a deep appreciation for knowledge, learning and humanity. Acorn Schools have been providing high-quality education in a nurturing environment for students in Prescott Valley since the year the school was built in 2000. Mrs. Cynthia has loved seeing her vision, and the mission of the school, come to life year after year as students realize their potential and build on the success they find within the walls of the school.

Kendal Healey

Principal

Mrs. Kendal Healey is the principal for our Kindergarten – 8th-grade program. She is entering her 24th year with Acorn Montessori Schools and is excited to be leading students, staff, and families at each campus this year. Mrs. Kendal received a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Cross Categorical Special Education from Northern Arizona University, attained a master’s degree in Early Childhood with an emphasis in Educational Leadership, and completed her endorsement certificates in Reading, Early Childhood Education, Structured English Immersion, as well as her principal assessments. Working with children is Mrs. Kendal’s life ambition. It is her belief that every student holds in them the power to be successful, to learn, and to find joy in the process of that learning. Mrs. Kendal’s goal this year is to ensure each child has a meaningful and engaging learning experience that will set the foundation for life-long learning.

Kristin Holliday

Vice Principal

Ms. Kristin Holliday is our vice principal and middle school math teacher. She has been with Acorn for 18 years and has worked with students of all ages. She has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, she has the following educational training which include the Arizona State highly qualified testing in grades K-8, an SEI endorsement, Middle School Math Endorsement, and is a Teacher evaluator. Ms. Holliday loves working at Acorn because she gets the chance to make a difference in the lives of our students.

Jennie Turner

Instructional Coach

Mrs. Jennie Turner is our Reading Specialist and Instructional Coach for our K-8 teachers. Entering her 16th year here at Acorn, Mrs. Jennie is excited to continue the adventure of mentoring staff and supporting a wonderful reading intervention program. Mrs. Jennie has a master’s degree in Elementary Education as well as reading and early childhood endorsements. She has taught grades ranging from kindergarten through 3rd grade. She absolutely loves children and is very excited about the upcoming school year.

Tiffini Schwanderlik

Dean of Students

Tiffini Schwanderlik is Acorn’s Dean of Students. She is a graduate of Northern Arizona University (NAU) and holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling. She has been with Acorn for 7 years. As a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer, Tiffini is committed to equipping communities with the tools to support mental health challenges effectively.

Sara Chadwick

Special Education Director

This will be Sara Chadwick’s 12th year at Acorn Montessori Charter School. She started out as the 8th grade substitute teacher, gifted teacher, fourth grade helper and math interventionist. The following year she moved into special education. Sara has her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Master’s in Special Education. She has worked in education for over 30 years. From preschool, where she owned her own LLC business, to ninth grade. As you can see, Sara loves all ages of children and wants to see them be the best that they can be. Sara has three children and eight grandchildren. Sara is active in her church and enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and taking them on trips.

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.” Magic Johnson

Human Resources & Finance

Jen Rice

Human Resources & School Finance

Mrs. Jen Rice is the head of school finance and human resources. She has been with Acorn for 24 years! She is skilled in many programs such as School Master and Quickbooks. Although Mrs. Rice doesn’t work directly with children, she enjoys seeing them every day. In her free time she enjoys hiking and playing volleyball.

Dawn Grantham

Human Resources & Compliance

Mrs. Dawn Grantham, also known as Mrs. G, is our Compliance Officer and works in human resources. Mrs. G has been with Acorn for 24 years! Overall, she has been in the education field for 30 years. She has served in many positions at Acorn and has worked with students of all ages. She has earned her Montessori Training Degree and over 650 training credits in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. G is diverse in her skills and techniques as a result of her personal experience of raising her own children and a grandson with special needs. Her favorite part of working with students is seeing the excitement in their faces when they learn something new!

Kristin Morgan

Aspire - Finance

Office Staff

Cathy Blair

Main Campus Office Manager

Mrs. Cathy is the Office Manager at Acorn’s Main Campus. Besides her family, she feels her greatest joy is working at Acorn. She truly believes God put her here to be an all-around, versatile support as a Receptionist, a File Clerk, Registrar, and the “Boo-Boo Lady”, but also to be an encourager, comforter, prayer warrior, and every student’s #1 Fan. For this she is beyond grateful!

Melody Rivera

Main Office Support

Olivia Akin

West Campus Office Manager

Ms. Olivia Akin is our West Campus Office Manager. After working in the classroom for 6 years, she moved to the front office 6 years ago. She enjoys talking with parents and families each day and loves getting to see all the little ones’ faces as they come into school each morning. She is in the process of getting her degree in Mental Health and Clinical Social work. When Ms. Olivia is not at work, she loves spending time with her 3 smart and loving boys 21, 17, and 14 all the while being outdoors hiking, biking, running, and exercising.

Amanda Quinn

West Office Support

Ms. Amanda Quinn has worked for Acorn Montessori School for 13 years and is very excited to continue her role as office assistant at our West campus. She enjoys being able to engage with the students as they enter and leave school each day! She has two wonderful sons and loves reading, watching movies, and going to the beach.

Courtney Atkins

North Campus Office Manager

Mrs. Courtney Atkins is our North Campus Office Manager and Preschool Assistant Director. This will be her 7th School Year at Acorn, and 3rd Year as Office Manager. She has 11 years of experience in early education, and is currently in school for her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys getting to know all the wonderful families that call Acorn home, and being the first and last face the students see every day. She has two young children, a one old son and a 5 year old daughter. She enjoys crocheting, reading, playing board games, and listening to music.

Special Education & Gifted Services

Kathy Davis

Special Education Teacher (Math)

Mrs. Kathleen Davis is entering into her fourth year with our Special Education Department. This will be her 17th year teaching and she has worked in almost every subject under the sun. She has a Masters in Mathematics Curriculum and Design from Concordia University. Her Bachelors degree is in Education and Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of California. She is also nearly done with her Special Education Endorsement. One of her greatest joys is to see a child succeed. We are so excited to continue to have Mrs. Davis as part of the Acorn team.

Cristin Maldarella

Math Paraprofessional

Ms. Cristin Maldarella is a middle school paraprofessional and math interventionist who will also be supporting the Special Education Department this school year. She received her Associates of Arts from Yavapai College and is working towards her bachelors degree in English at ASU Online. She’s worked in education for 5 years, starting with one year working in a preschool. This is her fourth year at Acorn. She’s excited to work with everyone this year, and see the students learn and grow.

Jennifer Beckwith

Special Education Teacher (ELA)

Ms. Jennifer Beckwith holds her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and has been in the classroom for over 13 years, 10 of which were here at Acorn. Her two sons are now in High School. When not at work Ms. Beckwith loves to travel, have adventures outdoors, enjoys most activities involving water, and loves animals.

Melina Lee

Special Education Teacher (West Campus)

Mrs. Melina Lee is one of our Special Education teachers and brings nearly 29 years of experience to education, with the last 13 years devoted to the Acorn family. She holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix and is currently working toward her Special Education Endorsement.

Passionate about teaching young children, Mrs. Mel creates a nurturing environment through small group instruction, hands-on learning, and genuine care. She’s also trained in Love and Logic and trauma-informed practices.

Acorn is close to her heart—not only as her workplace, but as the school where her three grown children began. Outside of school, Mrs. Mel enjoys life with her husband of 24 years, and their two dogs, Sage and Basil.

Gina Vogel

Special Education Paraprofessional (ELA)

Gina Vogel joined the Acorn family in July 2019. She holds her Associates degree in Elementary Education from Yavapai College. She has had experience working with children from kindergarten through 8th grade.She tries to strive to make learning fun, engaging, and accessible to all of her students. During her free time she loves to spend time with her husband and two sons.

Kate Ganci

Special Education Paraprofessional (West Campus)

Mrs. Kate Ganci is going into her 9th year working at Acorn Montessori, in which the last two have been in the Special Education Department. She holds an Associate in Arts Social Behavioral Science, and is about to embark on another journey toward earning her Bachelor Degree in Mild/Moderate Special Education. Mrs. Kate’s patience, joy for teaching, and kindness is wonderful to witness each day with her students, and earned her paraprofessional of the year for the 2024-2025 school year! When Mrs. Kate is not working with her students, she is enjoying every moment with her 4 1/2 year-old son, husband, and old English bulldog.

Felicia Mathis

TAG Program

Mrs. Felicia Mathis is our Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher. She has earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from Purdue University Global and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Principalship from Arizona State University. She has been with Acorn for 7 years and has worked with students from preschool to 8th grade. Mrs. Mathis is excited to continue working with students and is looking forward to continuing to be our school’s TAG teacher. In her free time, she enjoys many hobbies including reading, collecting books, arts & crafts of all kinds, singing, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Instructional Support & Intervention

Jennie Turner

Reading/Title I Specialist

Mrs. Jennie Turner is our Reading Specialist and Instructional Coach for our K-8 teachers. Entering her 16th year here at Acorn, Mrs. Jennie is excited to continue the adventure of mentoring staff and supporting a wonderful reading intervention program. Mrs. Jennie has a master’s degree in Elementary Education as well as reading and early childhood endorsements. She has taught grades ranging from kindergarten through 3rd grade. She absolutely loves children and is very excited about the upcoming school year.

Jessie Dera

Intervention Paraprofessional

Mrs. Jessie Dera is a paraprofessional at Acorn who supports the reading intervention team. She has an associates degree from Yavapai College. Mrs. Jessie has worked in the educational field for 9 years, 7 of which have been with Acorn. Mrs. Jessie continues to expand her knowledge through trainings such as Youth Mental Health First Aid and other professional developments and will be working toward her Bachelor’s Degree. She loves working with students and seeing their growth.

Jeanette Martinez

ELL Coordinator

Mrs. Jeanette Martinez is our English Language paraprofessional here at Acorn. She has over 20 years of experience teaching young children. This will be her 10th year teaching at Acorn Montessori and she has loved the family environment. She holds an Early Education Certificate from Yavapai College. The best part about working with children for Mrs. Jeanette are the connections that she makes with them. When she is not teaching, she enjoys hiking with her two kids and spending time with her husband.

Julia Hipolito

Science Paraprofessional & Art

Julia Hipolito is beginning her second year at Acorn as part of our middle school team. She has a passion for working in the education field because it’s the foundation of the community. She has several years of experience with a variety of school-aged children and looks forward to encouraging our students at Acorn. Her hobbies include hiking, physical sports, art, dance, motorcycles and cooking.

Wellness & Physical Education

Adam Pulkownik

Wellness Teacher

Mr. Adam is the lead teacher in our wellness program. This will be his sixth full year with Acorn with over 17 years in the education system. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Phoenix. He enjoys working in a school setting because it is a new experience every day. When he is not at work, he enjoys playing video games and driving.

Bri McCoy

Paraprofessional

Ms. Bri McCoy has been a paraprofessional with Acorn for the last 13 years. While she has worked in various grade levels with students in preschool through eighth grade, Ms. Bri has found her calling working in the Wellness Center with Ms. Tiffini and Mr. Adam. Ms. Bri is able to help students navigate through difficult moments in their days, week, and life. She connects with them through humor, love, compassion, and accountability. Students love her bubbly personality and work hard to earn basketball time with her. When Ms. Bri is not with her Acorn students, she enjoys coaching youth sports, spending time with her family, and being with her friends.

Tristin Archer

Paraprofessional

Mr. Tristin Archer will be joining our Wellness Program this school year. He has been with Acorn for 8 years as a teacher but also attended as a student as well! Throughout his time as an educator, Mr. Tristin has completed too many trainings to list! When not working with students Mr. Tristin loves to go camping and fishing and spending time with his family.

Cynthia VanWormer

Miss Cynthia has been with acorn since the 2023-2024 school year as a Paraprofessional working in multiple departments and grade levels. She has loved to have the opportunity to be apart of what our school stands for. Miss Cynthia started her career in child development at the state level working with Arizona’s families. She loves building those strong and standing relationships with our students and ensures they know they always have a support where needed and come to school excited to learn. She stands by the statement ‘No child left behind!’

Ilario Dera

Mr. Ilario Dera is a paraprofessional at Acorn who will be taking over teaching P.E. this school year.. He has been in the educational field for 9 years, 7 of which have been with Acorn. Mr. Ilario is currently working to complete his degree at Yavapai College. He has a strong background in working with young people who have autism. His favorite thing about working at Acorn is watching students grow and use the knowledge and skills they have gained.

Kayla Wagner

Cheer Coach

Food Services

Keith Johnson

Kitchen Director

Chuck Watson

Food Service Manager

Mr. Chuck Watson is our Food Service Manager. He has been with Acorn for 10 years. Prior to working in the school setting Mr. Chuck was a leader for several large chain restaurants. He works to enhance his knowledge of student nutrition by completing trainings through the Institute of Child Nutrition and the School Nutrition Association. In addition, Mr. Chuck has a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and enjoys mountain biking.

Maria Hopp

Food Service (Main Campus)

Mrs. Maria Hopp is part of our nutrition team at our Main Campus. She joined our cleaning crew in 2020 and has been a joyful, dedicated presence each day. She is adamant about cleanliness and ensuring each school space is clean, inviting, and organized. Mrs. Maria is always willing to lend a helping hand and we are grateful she has joined our team.

Vicenta Ferrari

Food Service (West Campus)

Ms. Vicenta Ferrari has been working for Acorn Montessori School since the very beginning! Joining Acorn in the year 2000, Ms. Vicenta has helped in many positions working with students and ensuring they find joy in their day. Ms. Vicenta has found her passion running the kitchen at the West Campus. Her organization, love of preparing healthy meals, and talking with each student who comes for a meal has been an asset to Acorn for many years. Ms. Vicenta has 2 sons who have been a joy to watch grow up. Ms. Vicenta attended college in Mexico and received the education background to be an elementary school teacher. Her passion for working with children goes far beyond the basic needs of learning things like reading, writing, and math. Ms. Vicenta considers herself to be a hardworking, loving, nurturing, and caring person and she always makes the extra effort to show that she cares.

Amy Arrandando

Food Service (West Campus)

Ms. Amy Arredondo is a kitchen aide at Acorn’s West Campus. She loves to see the students smile each day and give them nutritious meals. Ms. Amy loves going for walks, riding her bike, and spending time with her family. Her goal is to do everything she can to help her kids to be the best versions of themselves and to get the most out of life. Ms. Amy loves having the opportunity to help children and make an impact in their lives at Acorn.

Facilities & Maintenance

Jim Archer

Maintenance

Mr. Jim Archer was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and is a proud, native Arizonan. Mr. Jim has done many jobs, everything from food work to working in a lab as a tech but working at Acorn Montessori has been the most rewarding. Mr. Jim is our maintenance expert and loves getting to know every student as they say hello in the hallways. Mr. Jim also helps with coaching middle school sports. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his two grandsons!

Daniel Stinson

Janitorial

Mr. Daniel Stinson is our West Campus Janitor. He joined our cleaning and maintenance crew four years ago and has been working hard each day to ensure the campus is sparkling clean! Coming off of three years in the janitorial and maintenance field, he has been happy to join a school program. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and traveling.

Ted Miller

Janitorial

Mr. Ted Miller is happy to support our janitorial and maintenance needs. He’s a jack of all trades! He served in the Navy for many years and is also a skilled bronze sculpture artist. He is married and has four kids. He loves hiking, fishing, and camping.

Transportation

Gail Henry

Transportation

Mrs. Gail Henry has been with Acorn for three years. She will be transporting our students to and from school. Prior to coming to Acorn she drove a 72 passenger van for a private school. Gail’s grandchildren attended Acorn. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her chickens.

Bill Walton

Transportation

Mr. Bill Walton will be supporting our Acorn transportation team again this school year.

Jenna Taylor

Transportation

Mrs. Jenna Taylor has worked with Acorn students as both transportation support and a first grade paraprofessional. This upcoming school year she will be supporting our transportation department again!

Dennis Manes

Transportation

Mr. Dennis Manes was raised in a military family and has lived everywhere from North Africa to Asia. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and has worked in a number of professions from large international financial corporations to telecommunications contracting for the US Government and the design and construction of major data center facilities internationally. Having driven a public school bus while attending university, driving for Acorn Montessori Transportation is an enjoyable experience while being retired as it allows him the freedom to enjoy his retirement.

Substitutes

Gianna Moctezuma

Float Sub | 1:1 Support

Gianna Moctezuma is a kindergarten paraprofessional. She started working with elementary students in 2020 during the pandemic. She worked with a variety of SPED and General education students over the course of the years. Working in education, her love for working with kids has blossomed. She plans on going to school to get a dual degree in SPED/Elementary Education. Gianna enjoys downtime at home reading or spending time with her animals. She loves to hike and travel. She loves doing outdoor lifestyle photography as a hobby, but would enjoy seeing it go somewhere in the future!