Main Campus Teachers & Paraprofessionals
4th Grade
Shannon Weilenmann
Mrs. Shannon Weilenmann is one of our 4th-grade teachers. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. She has been in the educational field for 20 years, 7 years as a paraprofessional, and 13 as a lead teacher at Acorn. Mrs. Weilenmann has completed the SEI training amongst many others. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students grow and master new skills. When Mrs. Weilenmann is not in the classroom; you can find her camping (usually by a lake).
Ashlee Robertson
Mrs. Ashlee Robertson is one of our very talented paraprofessionals. She is currently working towards her bachelors in Business Management. She has experience in early child development with child care. She is always looking for ways to gain more information and continue her training. In her free time she is usually fishing with her daughter or reading a book. She enjoys photography and arts and crafts.
Amanda Wallace
Ms. Amanda Wallace is one of our 4th grade teachers. She received her Associates of Arts in Elementary Education from Arizona Western College and a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Ms. Wallace has been teaching for 8 years and this year will be her fifth year with Acorn. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing the “light bulb moment” when a student achieves a goal or grasps a concept they have been struggling with.
Nancy Ludwig
Mrs. Nancy Ludwig will be entering her 13th year at Acorn Montessori. Mrs. Nancy has been a paraprofessional in kindergarten through second grade and has loved getting to know all of the students and showing her creativity through teaching. Mrs. Nancy has three wonderful children, three handsome grandsons, and one beautiful granddaughter. Mrs. Nancy also has several Great Danes that rule the house. She really looks forward to a new year working with 4th graders!
1:1 Support
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!’
5th Grade
Jamie Radford
Mrs. Jamie Radford will be teaching at our Main Campus again this year in one of our fifth grade classrooms. This will be her 4th year at Acorn. After serving 4 years in the Navy Mrs. Radford started teaching. This will be Mrs. Radford’s 22nd year teaching! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Science of Education from NAU and then a Master’s of Education and Curriculum from University of Phoenix. Mrs. Radford has four children and 10 grandchildren. In her free time, she loves to travel. Fun fact: She has been to every continent other than Antarctica and 42 states!
Ilario Dera
Mr. Ilario Dera is a paraprofessional at Acorn. He has been in the educational field for 8 years, 6 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.
Hannah Everhart
Ms. Hannah Everhart joined the Acorn Family in July of 2018. This is her 6th year of teaching at Acorn Montessori Charter School. Ms. Everhart has 8 years of teaching experience in a variety of grade levels, ranging from K-6, this year she will be working with our fifth grade class. She graduated from Chapman University in 2011 with a BA in Liberal Studies and a Minor in Art. Ms. Everhart is currently continuing her education by completing a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at Liberty.
Alana Winston
Ms. Alana Winston is one of our most seasoned paraprofessionals. She started at Acorn in 2005. In 2019 she took the opportunity to work under her business certificate but quickly realized that a school setting is where she is happiest. She has worked in grades ranging from pre-k to 6th grade. When she isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with her three wonderful children.
6th Grade
Karen Morrison
Mrs. Karen Morrison will be entering her fourth year here at Acorn and is one of our 6th grade lead teachers. Mrs. Morrison has a Bachelors in Health and Exercise Science with a Teacher Certification from Rowan University. She has been in the educational field for 12 years, previously as a health and physical education teacher and a paraprofessional. When not at school with her students, she is at home spending time with her husband and kids or traveling somewhere new to explore.
Kailei Kolacek
Ms. Kailei (the kids call her Ms. K) is a mom of 4 beautiful kids ages 10-15. All who have been with Acorn K-8th. Being a mama has been the best thing of her life. She enjoys being in nature and the beauty of it. She is an avid book hoarder and fantasy nerd. She is in a family of die hard gamers! She loves all music but her go to is Metal. She has a bearded dragon and an albino guinea pig who loves to be outside. She volunteered with Acorn for 11 years before becoming a para! She has had the amazing opportunity to work in almost every grade. She fully believes in every child and is honored to be a part of their journey.
Tiffini Schwanderlik
Mrs. Tiffini Schwanderlik is our Dean of Students, Wellness Director, and 6th grade teacher. She has been with Acorn for 8 years and in the education field for 10 years. She attended NAU for her Bachelors degree and is a graduate from Capella University with a Masters in School Counseling. Additionally, she has her Highly Qualified Teaching certificate. Mrs. Tiffini is passionate about promoting social and emotional well-being in each classroom at Acorn.
Shawna Faulkner
Mrs. Shauna Faulkner will be starting her third year as a paraprofessional here with Acorn. She worked with 6th graders last year and will do so again this school year. When not at school, she is exploring with her two boys.
7th Grade
Kristin Holliday
Math
Ms. Kristin Holliday is our vice principal and middle school math teacher. She has been with Acorn for 17 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.
Cristin Maldarella
Math Paraprofessional
Ms. Cristin Maldarella is a middle school paraprofessional and math interventionist. 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 4 years, starting with one year working in a preschool. This is her third year at Acorn working as a paraprofessional in middle school. She’s excited to work with everyone this year, and see the students learn and grow.
Don Gagnon
Social Studies
This will be Mr. Gagnon’s sixth year teaching here at Acorn and his 16th year in the education field. He has a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. He is married with 3 children, Kaitlyn 23, Jami 18, and Johanna, 9. His hobbies include hiking, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. His favorite subjects are writing, science, and social studies.
Tom Flores
Social Studies Paraprofessional & Spanish
Mr. Tom Flores is one of our middle school paraprofessionals. He is currently working towards his Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development. He has been in the educational field for 8 years, 5 of which have been with Acorn. His work in the behavioral health field provided him with skills he has been able to translate to the classroom. He strives to connect with students and build their educational foundation. In his free time, Mr. Flores enjoys basketball, video games, and raising his children.
8th Grade
Kati Young
Science
Mrs. Kati Young is our middle school Science teacher. She received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from NAU. Mrs. Young also has her Middle School ELA and SEI endorsements. She is going into her 8th year with Acorn. Prior to teaching she gained many skills through her work with developmentally disabled adults in group home settings. She loves working with students and “getting a front seat to watch their growth!”
Sheila Aninion
ELA
Ms. Sheila Aninion is excited to start her first year at Acorn as an 8th-grade ELA teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from California State University of Bakersfield in 2021 and is currently completing her Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She will be graduating this October! This will be her second year of teaching, although she has been working in a school environment for 6 years in various roles. She spent 2 years as an after-school tutor, 1 year as a paraprofessional working with students with Autism, 2 years as a special education aide, and the past year was her first year as a teacher. Apart from teaching, she enjoys cooking/baking, reading, and creating arts and crafts on her days off. She is looking forward to seeing the social and academic growth of the students here at Acorn.
Lesa Gosney
ELA Paraprofessional & Interventionist
Mrs. Lesa Gosney is one of our most seasoned paraprofessionals. She took a short break off to raise her youngest son and we are very excited to have her back. This year she will be working in the 5th grade. When not at work Mrs. Lesa enjoys everything outdoors and being with her three boys and husband.
Denae Murry
Denae Murry was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She has four daughters and a dog. She moved to Prescott Valley last Spring. Denae enjoys hiking and being a mom. Denae started at Acorn Montessori last spring. Her daughter, Presley attends Acorn Montessori Charter School. She enjoys working with children and can’t wait to see where this new endeavor takes her.
TAG – Honors/Gifted Program
Felicia Mathis
Mrs. Felicia Mathis is our new 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 6 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 the change for this upcoming school year. In her free time, she enjoys many hobbies including reading, arts & crafts of all kinds, singing, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Wellness
Adam Pulkownik
Mr. Adam is the lead teacher in our wellness program. This will be his fifth full year with Acorn with over 16 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
Ms. Bri McCoy has been a paraprofessional with Acorn for the last 12 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.
Programs
Music Program
PE Teacher & Athletic Director
Matt Rice
Mr. Matt Rice is our P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director, and middle school math paraprofessional. Prior to joining the Acorn team he worked in law enforcement. Mr. Rice has been in the school setting for 12 years as a School Resource Officer and a coach for athletics up to the varsity level. After retiring from law enforcement, he came to Acorn and has been with us for 7 years. Working with children and watching them accomplish their goals and overcome adversity along the way is Mr. Rice’s favorite part of being an educator.
Cheer
Kayla Wagner
Substitutes
Jenna Taylor
Mrs. Jenna Taylor has worked with Acorn students as both transportation support and a first grade paraprofessional. This upcoming school year she will be substitute teaching across several grade levels.
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.