Awakening Seed School Staff 2007-2008
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Glover is the Director and Co-founder of Awakening Seed School. She established the school in 1977 when her two daughters, Sarah and Astraea, were young and has been teaching and directing the school ever since. She has a B.A. in Elementary Ed with an emphasis on Early Childhood Ed and an M.A. in Elementary Ed from ASU. Mary has taught preschool through 5th grade, and is now the full time Director. She is also a certified yoga instructor. Mary has published numerous articles and books, including Making School by Hand, A Garden of Poets, and Surprising Destinations, which she co-authored with Beth Giacalone. Outside of school, Mary enjoys spending time with her family (especially her husband Bill), gardening, writing poetry, creating art, and practicing yoga. She can be reached at (602) 454-2606 and seedsdirector@mac.com.
Bill Glover, Business and Facility Manager
Bill Glover is the Business and Facility Manager. He has a strong background in business and management, and has operated his own business for 37 years. Among his many positions, Bill was the Arizona logistics coordinator for Hands Across America. Prior to becoming the Business and Facilities Manager at the Seed, Bill was in the construction business and took the position at the Seed “for a couple of weeks until we found someone” in 1986. He’s been handling the finances and maintenance ever since. Bill has played a significant part in the Seed’s growth and expansion, and daily continues to see that the Seed is a safe and inviting place for the children and staff. Bill loves seeing his four granddaughters and grandson around the school on a daily basis, as well as his two daughters and wife Mary. He enjoys helping out with projects that make learning fun and exciting for the students and teachers. Bill’s contact information is (602) 448-5110 or b555g@mac.com.
Astraea Rohloff, Assistant Director
Astraea Rohloff is the Assistant Director. Her educational career started in the garage of the Glover house at the ripe old age of six months when Mary decided to start the Seed. Astraea has worked at the Seed on and off since she was fifteen years old. She received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from ASU and her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Astraea worked in the public sector teaching 1st and 3rd grade in Kyrene and Chandler. Her primary focus this year is to support the students, staff, administrators, and parents here at Awakening Seed. In Astraea?s free time she enjoys spending time with her family, attending ASU football games, and just relaxing. Jon and Astraea are the proud parents of Grace-Deb's class, Tre-Sarah's class, and Faith-just a baby! Astraea can be reached at (602) 454-2606 or rohloffx5@mac.com.
Ana Gutiérrez, Office Manager
Ana came from Guanajuato, which is located in central México, in 1996, and she started working at the Seed right away. Ana worked four and a half years as an aide in the kindergarten class and then she had the opportunity to be the Office Manager, the nurse, the ice pack distributor, the Spanish teacher, the seamstress, the babysitter, you name it. She considers herself a happy and thankful person. She really doesn’t have a hobby but she likes painting, dancing, singing, and she is still learning how to play the guitar. This semester Ana is taking a class, The Art of Storytelling at South Mountain Community College, and one day she would like to publish a book that she illustrated. Also, Ana is waiting for the interview to become a U.S citizen! Every summer and winter Ana goes to her hometown to visit her family and when it is time to come back she is ready because she loves to be part of the Seed community. Ana will be very pleased to serve you and she welcomes you to the Seed! She may be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Sandra Johansson, After School Director
Sandra Johansson joined the Seed Staff in the spring of 2007. She was born in Tachikawa, Japan but was raised most of her life in Phoenix. After spending some time in Columbus, Ohio, she moved back to Phoenix and is excited about joining the Seed staff. She spent two years working in the After School program in Worthington Public Schools and spent a year teaching English to Elementary School Students in Osaka, Japan. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and looks forward to spending time with the Awakening Seed School students in the After School Program. Sandra may be reached at (602) 454-2606.
LEAD TEACHERS
Sarah Richeal, Toddler 2 ’s/Turning 2's Teacher
Sarah Richeal was a student at Awakening Seed from 1977 to 1985. She has two daughters, Zoë and Emily, who are Seed students. In 1998, Sarah submitted a proposal to begin a toddler program at the Seed. Two years later, the toddler program began and Sarah was one of the teachers. She strives to provide a child centered and developmentally appropriate toddler program. Sarah believes the experiences young children have will define them as individuals and impact them as learners, friends and citizens. Her goal is to nurture, support, foster independence, and aid in the growth of the children. In order to do so, she takes the perspective of a parent, and focuses on providing an environment much like the home. She currently holds a CDA credential with birth to age three specialization. Sarah also enjoys hiking, backpacking, and photography. Sarah can be reached at sarahricaz@yahoo.com or (602) 454-2606.
Jamie Larson, Toddler 2’s Teacher
Jamie is co-teaching the Toddler 2’s class this school year. She graduated in May 2007 from ASU with a Bachelors Degree in Education and Child Development. Jamie began working at Awakening Seed in the after school program in 2004-05 school year. For the past two years Jamie has worked as the P.E. teacher and assisted in the Toddler 1’s classroom. Jamie and her husband Erik are expecting a baby boy in December 2007. You can reach Jamie at (602) 454-2606 or
jamieleigh139@hotmail.com.
Jessica Worthington, Toddler 2’s Teacher
Jessica is co-teaching the Toddler 2’s class this year. She is in the teaching program at Western Governors University, working toward a BA degree in Elementary Education. Jessica has worked at the Seed for seven years in the toddler classroom and the after school and summer programs. She first came to the school during her senior year of high school as part of a career development program. She enjoys shopping, scrap booking and hanging out or going to the movies with her boyfriend, Justin. Jessica also enjoys spending time with her family and helping take care of her two little cousins. You can reach Jessica at (602) 454-2606 or
jessworthington@yahoo.com.
Kevin Veillette, Preschool 3’s Teacher
Kevin Veillette moved to Arizona from Connecticut in 2000 and graduated ASU’s Elementary Education program with his Bachelors degree. It was his professor who referred him to the Seed. Kevin’s accomplishments as an intern, student teacher, substitute teacher and assistant teacher helped prepare him to attain his role in 2006 as the lead teacher of the Preschool 3’s experience. He chooses to teach at the Seed because of the conscious effort to encourage leadership toward a more humanitarian view of the world. He also enjoys being surrounded by the teachers who are his mentors who deepen his experience by sharing their insight and wisdom. His goals are to provide real-life experiences and while nurturing a foundation of community and overall safety. You may contact Kevin at (602) 454-2606.
Deb Hopkins, Preschool 4’s Teacher
This is Debra’s third year at Awakening Seed and she is the lead teacher in the Preschool 4's class. She started in January of 2005 as the assistant in Mary's 4th/5th grade class. Her children, Hayden (age 6) and Hannah (age 8), started at the Seed when they were toddlers. Prior to the Seed, she worked for the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art as curator of exhibitions. She has published numerous essays on art including several catalog essays. She has a BFA in studio art from the University of Arizona and has taught paper making and book binding workshops to children and adults. She recently completed her training as a yoga teacher through Desert Song Yoga in Phoenix. Deb can be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Mike Shores, Pre-K Teacher
Mike Shores has worked at Awakening Seed School for 24 years. He spent his first six years as a classroom aide and after school director while earning a BA in Elementary Education at ASU. He became the lead teacher of the PreK class in 1989. The children in Mike's class learn through interactive play as well as through both collective and individual lessons. Math and writing are done on a daily basis during a variety of activities, including calendar, taking attendance, chart writing, journal writing, etc. Science inquiry is also woven into the program, along with gardening in the outdoor area of the classroom. A study topic may emerge spontaneously, or the majority may decide on a topic in a vote. During the second semester the study topic is often merged with an alphabet study, and usually lasts until the end of the semester. You may contact Mike at (602) 454-2606.
Kerri Tornow, Kindergarten Teacher
Kerri Tornow is the kindergarten teacher this year. She has been part of the Seed staff since 1984. She grew up in Michigan and is married to Roger. They have two sons, Andrew and Aaron. Andrew is a senior at McClintock High School and Aaron is in 8th grade at Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center. Both boys started their education as preschoolers at Awakening Seed. Kerri graduated from ASU and has many years of experience working with preschoolers, kindergarteners and even 2nd graders. She enjoys art and children’s literature. She also loves to go camping, creating crafts, drawing and traveling with her family and their dog, Buddy. Her focus is on providing a safe, happy environment in which young children can explore their world and influence their own learning with rich oral expression, purposeful experiences and strong social connections to their peers and teachers. Kerri can be reached at (602) 454-2606 or by email at
kerriart@cox.net.
Becky Lewis, 1st Grade Teacher
Becky Lewis spent her childhood in small upstate towns of New York. She began teaching in 1969. She taught first grade for one year, and she taught second grade for 14 years at a school on Long Island, New York. Becky started working at Awakening Seed in 1987. She worked two years as an aide to further her understanding of education, and one of those years was with Mary Glover in a first grade class. This is Becky’s 19th year of teaching 1st grade at the Seed. Becky has her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Adelphi University in New York. Becky is here because the school community is so supportive and nurturing. She never stops learning here. Her primary interest is for children to love learning and her main focus is for her children to love to read. You may reach her by chatting with her or leaving a note in the office or classroom. Her e-mail is rannlewis@cox.net.
Beth Giacalone, 2nd Grade Teacher
Beth Giacalone is the 2nd grade teacher. Beth formerly served as Assistant Director and lead teacher for the Preschool 3's class and for the 2nd/3rdgrade class. This is Beth's 10th year at Awakening Seed School. She came to the school because she believed strongly in the philosophy of the school and stayed because of the support, professionalism, and strong learning community the Seed provides. She holds a teaching credential in Elementary Education in Arizona. Beth holds a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She teaches courses at ASU in the Early Childhood Department. Beth believes that children can and should take an active part in their own learning, in community service, and in working toward his/her own personal best. Her overall goal in her classroom is to make them feel that learning is enjoyable and exciting and should be part ofa lifelong process. Beth co-authored Surprising Destinations with Mary Glover. She can be reached any time at imbeth@earthlink.net or 602-751-7090.
Aimee Benton Arnold,
3rd/4th/5th Grade Teacher
Aimee Benton has been working as a lead teacher at the Seed since 1999, after student teaching with Mary. She attended the Seed as a child in the mid-eighties, and now also has a six-year-old daughter at the Seed. Aimee has taught 1st through 5th grades, and will teach 3rd/4th/5th grade this year. Aimee graduated from the University of Arizona in 1998 with a B.S. in Psychology, and finished up her post-baccalaureate degree and certification in Elementary Education a year later. She recently received her Masters degree in Curriculum & instruction- Science Education, and is teaching science methods classes for pre-service teachers at ASU. Aimee has a strong interest in helping children to learn through experience, ask questions, and discover how to find their own answers. She is also interested in the work of Dr. Mel Levine, and has attended conferences concerning his work with differences in children’s learning. Aimee was married this past summer and she can be contacted through email at aimeeb@cox.net.
Stephanie Peyton,
3rd/4th/5th Grade Teacher
Stephanie Peyton has been working at the Seed for eight years. This is her 7th year as a lead teacher, and her first year teaching the 3rd/4th and 5th grades. Stephanie has also worked as a classroom assistant in both the Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes. She has a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Education. Stephanie has done extensive work with special needs children, especially those with autism spectrum disorders. She currently works for the HOPE Group as an Educational Consultant and conducts a Family Camp for the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in the summer. She has presented her classroom model at several conferences sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education. She also teaches special ed classes at ASU for pre-service teachers. Stephanie has been married for seven years and has a dog named Divot. Stephanie can be reached at (602) 454-2606 or by e-mail at peytons2@cox.net.
ASSISTANT TEACHERS, AFTER SCHOOL & SUPPORT STAFF
Staci Benoit, Toddler 2 ’s/Turning 2's Assistant
Staci Benoit is the new full-time teacher assistant in Sarah’s Toddler 1’s. She moved to Arizona in 1991 after graduating from high school to attend ASU and graduated in 1996 with her B.S. in Exercise Physiology. After graduating from ASU, Staci took a job with a corporate wellness company promoting a healthy lifestyle, and overall wellness. She was employed with the company full-time until her first son, Cameron, was born in 2003, at which time she choose to stay at home, and work part time. In 2005, Cameron started attending the Seed two mornings a week in Sarah’s class, and has been here ever since. Last summer, her second son, Dylan, was born, and she is very excited to share the Seed experience with him in class with her this year. Staci is looking forward to her first year at the Seed as staff, and hopes to promote and install a sense of well-being, independence, and trust in the Seed’s youngest students! She enjoys spending time with her husband Chris, and their two sons, as well as running, camping, and doing yoga. She can be reached at (480) 332-7702 or benwahs@cox.net.
Carly Guzman, Toddler 2 ’s Assistant/1st Grade Assistant/After School
Carly Guzman grew up in Orange County, California and moved to Arizona to attend ASU. She is currently completing her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and will be conducting her student teaching in the spring. Carly found out about the Seed through one of her courses which was taught by Beth Giacalone. She became very interested in the school and decided to complete one of her internships at the Seed. Every since her internship, she has been involved with the Seed by working during summer school and now during the regular school year. Carly loves being involved in many different areas and is always looking for new experiences to help her grow. You can reach her at 714.273.5716.
Lyndsy Sprague, Toddler 2 ’s Assistant
Lyndsy grew up in Tempe, Arizona, and loves Arizona! She is currently attending ASU and pursuing a degree in Family and Human Development, with plans to continue her education to become an occupational therapist. She has worked with children for the last six years. She is a teaching assistant in the Toddler 2’s/Turning 2’s and an instructional assistant in the 3rd/4th/5th Grade classroom. She can be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Emily Murphy, Preschool 3’s Assistant
This is Emily’s first year as the assistant in the Seed’s Preschool 3’s classroom. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from Arizona State University, she married an alumni of Awakening Seed and traveled with him through 14 countries over three years. While traveling, she rediscovered her desire to teach, and is now pursuing her master’s in early childhood development at ASU. Emily was born and raised in Wisconsin and first moved to Tempe, where she now lives, eight years ago. In her spare time, Emily enjoys cooking, camping, reading and spending time with her family and friends. Before joining the Seed staff, she spent the summer working as a substitute kindergarten teacher at Laurel Street Preschool in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Emily would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact her at fionnsister@yahoo.com or at (602) 454-2606.
Charlotte Farr, Preschool 4’s Assistant
Charlotte is the assistant in the Preschool 4’s class. She grew up in Rutland, Vermont, and went to UVM for her undergraduate studies and Lesley University for her Masters degree in Special Education. Her teaching experience includes grades 2-9 and she has worked with SPED children for 10 years and has tutored children for 20 years. She has three children and four grandchildren. One of her grandsons is Preston Farr, a student in the Toddler 2’s/Turning 2’s class. She lived in Andover, Massachusetts for 23 years and moved to Arizona in March 2007. She was interested in Awakening Seed because of its creative, positive atmosphere. She loves working with Deb in the 4’s class. Her greatest passions are her grandchildren and gardening. Charlotte may be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Billie Cruz, Pre-K Assistant
Billie Cruz is the assistant in the Pre-K class with Big Mike. She grew up in Colorado but ended up staying in Arizona after receiving her B.S. at Arizona State University. She started working as the aide in the kindergarten class and has been with Big Mike for the last three years. Billie has two sons that currently attend the Seed; Matthew, age 10 and Ethan, age 8, who are both in the 3rd/4th/5th grade class with Aimee and Stephanie. They started at the Seed in 2000. Billie is energetic and has a good rapport with the kids. Billie can be reached by email at bcruz9@cox.net.
Cecilia Talavera, Kindergarten Assistant
Cecilia Talavera is the assistant in the kindergarten class. She grew up in Phoenix and graduated from Carl Hayden High School in 2004. Cecilia has experience with preschoolers and special needs children. She was in the Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program at South Mountain Community College for two years before leaving for Georgia. She was married to Maurio Talavera in 2006, who is currently in the US Army stationed in Iraq. He will be in the service for six more years, so they will be traveling in the future. Cecilia is eager to learn more about the ways of children, and she loves children’s books. When she’s not at school, Cecilia likes spending time with her family and doing arts and crafts. You may reach Cecilia at (602) 454-2606.
Tracey Carswell, 1st Grade Assistant
Tracey Carswell is a teacher’s assistant in the 1st grade class. Tracey grew up in California. She is the elder of two siblings. Tracey moved to Phoenix eight years ago when she married Phillip Carswell. She then received her Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations on Elementary Education and Speech Communications from Arizona State University. She is a mother of two girls, Briona and Jamelah. Both have attended Awakening Seed in the past three years. Watching her young children learn and grow at Awakening Seed brought her great joy. She has volunteered time in her children’s classrooms and it drew her to pursue a career at Awakening Seed School She has been an assistant in the Preschool 3’s classroom with Kevin Veillette. Her intent is to maintain the tradition of the school by providing an optimal environment for children’s personal growth and learning. Her hobbies include gardening and fishing with her family. She can be reached at carswell999@earthlink.net or 602-305-7431.
Krystle Issar, 2nd Grade Assistant/
After School
Krystle is the assistant in the 2nd grade classroom, as well as an assistant in the after school program. This is her first year here at the Seed. She received her Associates of Arts in Elementary Education this past May, and is now working towards earning her Bachelors Degree from Northern Arizona University. Originally from New Jersey, Krystle has spent most of her life in Gilbert. In her spare time, Krystle enjoys spending time with her family and friends and learning about the world around her. Her other interests include live music, art, reading, and watching extreme sports. Before joining the Seed staff, Krystle managed a day care at a health club. She was attracted to the Seed because she believes strongly in its philosophy, and the unique educational experience that it provides its students. Krystle would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact her at krystlehope@mac.com, or at (480) 321-7890.
Taryn Grace, After School
Taryn just graduated from ASU in May and received a BA in English Literature. She just joined the Seed staff and is part of the After School Program. She is originally from Sonoma County in Northern California, where she attended a school much like the Seed. After spending four years in Arizona during her college career she decided that she loved it here and just couldn't leave. Her goal is to teach second grade and get a Masters in Elementary Education. She started at the Seed to get experience with children and start on her path to her chosen career. Taryn loves to read, write and be creative and can't wait to get to know of all the kids this year. Taryn can be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Maggie Hruska, After School
This is Maggie's second year as an assistant in the after school program at the Seed. She moved to Phoenix from Lincoln, Nebraska in the fall of 2006 to attend ASU, where she is currently a sophomore Psychology major. Maggie's parents and younger sister were also able to come all the way from Nebraska to be closer to her, which has been a huge blessing in her life throughout the last year. She is looking forward to another great year with all the wonderful children at the Seed!
Maggie may be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Amy Kelso, After School
Amy Kelso assists in the Toddler After School Program on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. She has two children, a son named Mac who is 4 and attends Big Mike's class and a daughter Camilla, age 2, who is in Jessica and Jamie's class. Amy has a degree in Communications from Columbia College and is Managing Partner of TRO Crewing, Inc. In her free time, Amy likes to travel, cook and spend time with her family. She can be reached at amykelsotro@aol.com.
Heather Wilson, Substitute Teacher
This is Heather Wilson’s sixth year at the Seed. She has worked in almost every class at the school as a substitute, classroom assistant, or after school care giver. Heather graduated from ASU with a degree in Speech Pathology in 2007. She has plans to start the Speech and Language Masters Program after graduation. This year Heather is our long-term substitute teacher in the 3rd/4th/5th grade class, covering for her cousin Steph’s maternity leave. Heather can be reached at (602) 454-2606.
SPECIALS TEACHERS
Dana White, Music Teacher
Dana White has been teaching music since 1997. She spent seven years teaching string classes (violin, viola, cello and bass) in the Tempe Schools to 4th—8th graders. For the past few years she has been teaching private violin and viola lessons out of her home to mostly junior high and high school kids. Now that she is teaching music at the Seed she is looking forward to the “change of pace” that comes with younger children. She holds a Music Education degree from ASU where she studied viola and played in many music ensembles, including the symphony orchestra. Dana is an active musician, playing in the Chandler Symphony and Final Touch String Quartet. She can be reached at (602) 4554-2606.
Diane Hughes, Spanish Teacher
Diane Hughes is returning this year as the Spanish teacher. She worked at the Seed for seven years (last century!) and returns after working for the Creighton School District in Phoenix for four years: two years as lead teacher in a dual-language kindergarten and two years as a collaborative language-arts teacher. She has a B.A. in Fine Arts and Spanish, a minor in Latin-American Studies and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Elementary Education, all from ASU. Her goal is to teach Spanish in a meaningful way for all the students at the Seed and support the staff in their Spanish language development as well. In her spare time she loves to knit, draw, crochet and is currently learning jewelry making. She also loves to spend time with her husband and her son, who recently started at the Seed in Sarah's Toddler class. Diane can be reached at (602) 454-2606.
Sonja (Sunny) Christofferson, P. E. Teacher
Sunny Christofferson recently joined Awakening Seed School as the new PE teacher. She believes that PE is a great way for children to learn new sports, develop skills such as hand-eye coordination, and develop confidence in themselves. PE is a great place to have fun and release energy, but it is also a great place to learn teamwork as well as individual skills. Her academic background is a B.S. in Travel and Tourism from Brigham Young University and an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird Global School of Management. She has had many years of experience in working with children through church, community, and the private sector. She loves the way children are eager and happy to learn. Sunny can be reached at (602) 454-2606.
