West Campus (Grades K-3)

This is Mrs. Hope’s second year at Acorn and first year as the Preschool Lead Teacher. She has years of early childhood experience as well as a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Healthcare Management. She also has a daughter who attends Acorn and will be attending at the main campus this year. Mrs. Hope enjoys being part of the Acorn family and friends and can not wait to start the new school year! When Mrs. Hope is not in the classroom, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family and dog.

Ms. Jamie is excited to begin her third year at Acorn Montessori. Throughout her time here, she has had the opportunity to work with preschool, middle school, and kindergarten students, which has strengthened her passion for education and child development.

In addition to being an educator, she is also a proud mother of two beautiful daughters. Both in the classroom and at home, she truly enjoys supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop their unique personalities. It is such a joy and privilege to be part of their educational journey, and she looks forward to a wonderful year with your children and families.

Ms. Tanya is excited to return for her second year as a kindergarten paraprofessional. She earned her Associate’s degree from Yavapai College.  She loves working with young learners, getting to know each child’s unique personality, and watching them grow throughout the school year.

Ms. Tanya is a proud mom of two children—a 13-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter—who both began their educational journey at Acorn in Pre-K. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading, and cheering on her children at their sports activities. 

Ms. Emily Peterson will be starting her second year teaching first grade! She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from NAU. Her favorite part of working with children is realizing what a huge impact she can make in each student’s life. When not in the classroom, she enjoys baking, being outdoors, and spending time with her boyfriend and family.

This will be Ms. Brittney’s third year here at Acorn as a Para. She has worked in almost every grade at this school and gotten to know many of the students and staff, who are all amazing in her opinion.  She loves working with children and families. It’s a passion of hers to help make a difference in the community. She worked years in behavioral health as a trauma specialist working with children with severe mental illness. She is a mother to four kids. She enjoys hiking and being outdoors doing any sort of activity. She is also a student at GCU earning her bachelors degree. She is doing a duo degree in Elementary education and Special Education and is looking forward to one day having a class of her very own. This year she is most excited about working alongside a great team again and to having a great school year. 

Ms. Kim Pontzious is currently a student at the University of Phoenix, obtaining her masters degree in elementary education K through 8. This is actually her 2nd masters degree. She was formally a therapist, but found her passion teaching. This is her 2nd year at Acorn and she loves all the children and the staff. She has found that she enjoys collaborating and encouraging each other within the school walls, as well as creating strong teamwork to help each student learn, and grow. She loves family time the most, being a mom to adult children and a nana. She enjoys outdoors, reading, camping, baseball, football, and all sports.   

This is Mrs. Rose’s 9th year with Acorn.  She works with second graders and finds it rewarding when she can make connections with the students.  She has been married to her soulmate for 45 years.  She enjoys making memories with her family, reading and gardening in her free time.