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Tera brings more than two decades of dedication, experience, and heart to her role as Executive Director of Primavera School, a position she stepped into in the summer of 2025. Before moving into leadership, Tera spent 12 years teaching kindergarten, shaping the early learning experiences of countless students with care, intention, and joy.
Tera’s journey at Primavera began in 2004 in the after-school program. From there, she quickly transitioned into a preschool teaching role and later taught both preschool and kindergarten. Over the years, she has also led the Preschool Program, subbed in every classroom across campus, and supported teachers and students schoolwide. In 2023, she stepped into the role of Assistant Director, further deepening her leadership within the community.
Tera holds an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is a certified teacher from birth through 3rd grade. Her passion for natural science deeply influences her teaching style, which is highly tactile and visual. As a teacher with dyslexia, Tera brings a unique and empathetic perspective to learning, one that values multiple ways of thinking, understanding, and demonstrating knowledge.
Born and raised in Prescott, Arizona, Tera briefly left home to serve in the military as an All-Purpose Vehicle Mechanic, with stations in California, Texas, and Italy. Ultimately, her love for family and community brought her back home.
Outside of school, Tera is a wife, mother of two children, grandmother to two, photographer, artist, and the devoted caretaker of Primavera’s beloved chickens. Her deep roots, broad experience, and genuine love for children and learning continue to shape Primavera’s culture and future.
Zoe is thrilled to join the administrative team at Primavera. She brings over a decade of experience in progressive, student-centered education and holds a Master’s in Educational Psychology. Her training in social-emotional literacy and mindfulness supports her passion for nurturing emotional resilience in both students and staff.
Zoe was drawn to Primavera after witnessing the care, creativity, and joy her daughter experiences as a student here. She deeply believes in supporting the whole child—body, mind, and spirit. As Assistant Director, Zoe is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community for all.
Previously, Zoe has worked as a local childbirth educator and doula, supporting families through transformative life experiences. She has called Prescott home for 13 years and enjoys yoga, swimming, hiking, and exploring the Southwest with her family.
April has been a part of the Primavera family since 2015, when she moved back to Arizona. Both of her children attended Primavera starting in preschool. April has served on the board of directors for seven years and was the board president for two years.
April recently joined the staff in April of 2023, training to take over the office administrator position. She currently runs the penguin office fielding phone calls, invoicing for tuition and scholarships, and helps out in all school events and activities, both behind the scenes and during the event.
April is an Arizona native who moved away for school and to explore the great Midwest. She moved back here in 2015 to settle down and raise her two children. April is a talented seamstress and creative person who enjoys sharing her knowledge and creativity with the students. April is a passionate supporter of Primavera School.
Kala came to Primavera in 2023 as a teacher’s assistant in the TK room. She is now the lead teacher in one of the preschool classrooms.
Kala is currently enrolled at Yavapai College and is working toward earning her Early Childhood Education degree. She has experience as a teacher’s assistant in the classrooms, along with working with young minds.
Kala has been inspired by Montessori and all it has to offer and has recently shifted the classroom to a Montessori environment and can not wait to bring that into the children's lives. Kala was born and raised in Prescott and loves what this charming town has to offer. She is married, loves to be out in nature, and hopes to share that love with the kids!
Laurie began working at Primavera in 2021 after retiring from YRMC as one of our Early Childhood Afterschool Teachers.
Laurie found Primavera through her sister, Ms. Sue. She is happy to share her time working with children after retiring from a long and successful career in healthcare.
She enjoys getting to know the children and working alongside the staff. We are thrilled to have Laurie as part of the Primavera family.
Sue came to Primavera in 2015. She loves the learning environment, the supportive staff, and wonderful families. She is excited to be in the Preschool Montessori classroom with its beautiful space and outdoor creative learning model.
Sue has 20 plus years of early childhood teaching experience in the Prescott area. Her credentials include a degree in Early Childhood Education, a certificate from the National Center for Montessori Education, National Geographic Teacher Certification and several other continuing education certificates.
Her goal is to guide children and enhance their joy of learning with discoveries of the natural world. Introducing them to the wonders of letters and numbers in a self-paced, nurturing environment that fosters the child’s inner need to explore the world.
Debbie is beyond thrilled to be starting her first year with Primavera! She had read about the school’s innovative teaching style and nature-based learning several years ago and has longed to be a part of it ever since. With more than 29 years of experience teaching preschool in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Prescott Valley, she is drawn to Primavera’s beautiful campus as the ideal context for learning.
Debbie has a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from ASU and has furthered her studies in Early Childhood Education at Yavapai College. She sees children as competent learners whose natural curiosity leads them to construct their own knowledge with the support of nurturing adults and peers. She believes that learning takes place best in engaging environments, where children can learn through inquiry, exploration, and discovery. She loves the way Primavera students are free to make choices about their learning (both indoors and outdoors) and are the caretakers of the school’s stunning gardens. Debbie is truly honored to be working among so many passionate educators and is eager to immerse herself in the Montessori method of teaching under Miss Sue’s direction.
Debbie moved from Phoenix to Prescott three years ago and thoroughly enjoys the landscape and seasons! She loves being in nature and creating art using natural materials. She also enjoys outings with her husband, time with their two grown sons, yoga, thrifting, and coffee with friends.
Amanda has been teaching at Primavera since 2019. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Child Psychology from Arizona State University. She began teaching in 2013.
Amanda’s biggest goal as a teacher is to let each and every student know that they are unique, lovable and capable of success. She enjoys communicating and connecting with her students on an individual and personal level to let them know they are important because of who they are, not what they can do.
Amanda’s hobbies include doing art in a multitude of mediums, kayaking and reading any good books that she can get her hands in a variety of genres. Amanda also loves all dogs and spends lots of time with her dog at home. She and her husband have been in the Prescott area for over 9 years and are both from the Phoenix area originally. She is thrilled to be a part of the Primavera family and work among other brilliant minds amidst the incredible community that is the Primavera population.
Debbie started teaching at Primavera School in 2013, and she's been teaching since 1994. She has taught in both public and parochial schools, and nearly all of her experience has been in the first grade. She also has experience teaching 2nd grade, kindergarten and reading remediation. Through it all she’s learned that she loves small, community-like schools and first graders!
Debbie has her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from NAU and is a certified reading specialist. She believes education encompasses much more than academic learning. She guides students as they grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. She believes all students can learn and it is her privilege to help each student achieve all they can. She loves teaching, learning and the innate beauty of children.
Debbie and her husband have 3 children, who are all proud Primavera Penguins! Outside of school, she love to read, garden, craft and spend time with her family.
Miss Jenni came to work at Primavera in 2010 after graduating Summa Cum Laude from NAU. She has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She was a Golden Axe Award recipient! She will be teaching 2nd grade with Miss Kelli and Art!
Jenni has been teaching for 13 years. She has taught kindergarten through third grade, and she ran a 21st Century Community Center for Learning grant program for two years at Lincoln School in Prescott.
Miss Jenni lives with her husband, two daughters, and two silly pugs! Her favorite place is the forest. Her favorite foods all start with P! And she’s obsessed with iced black coffee, especially from Dutch bros. She loves to paint, hike, garden, and go to Disneyland!
Joanna (Joey) came to Primavera in the 2022/23 school year as the Physical Education teacher. She is currently the Physical Education teacher for TK-4th grade. She loves being on the Primavera staff.
Joanna earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Health Science and Physical Education in 2012. She has experience teaching 5-8th grade math and science and coaching junior high volleyball.
Joey has lived in Prescott since 2011 with her husband and two children. They enjoy the Prescott outdoors and being involved in youth development activities. She enjoys crafting, reading, and hiking. She is honored to teach students about their physical health, motor development, and social skills. She hopes to encourage overall health in all forms in a safe and fun environment.
Trish started working for Primavera in 2014, serving the school in many capacities since that time. After seven years working with both Pre-K and elementary students, Trish became the lead 3rd grade classroom teacher in 2020.
Trish has an Associate’s and Bachelor’s in Business and Marketing and earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Diversity in 2019. Prior to working at Primavera, her teaching experience includes 6 years being a Teacher’s Assistant in Preschool in Oklahoma and over 10 years of experience working and teaching people with varying abilities. She has a passion for helping all children realize their potential through exploration and hands-on learning.
Trish and her husband have been a part of the Prescott community since 2011, and have enjoyed raising their four daughters, the youngest a Primavera Penguin. Outside of teaching, Trish loves to be outdoors! In her spare time, she likes to hike, bird-watch, garden, swim, and paddleboard. She and her husband are also veterans. Trish is thrilled to be working with such wonderful children, parents, and co-workers!
Mia has been teaching at Primavera since 2011. She considers herself incredibly lucky to have taught Preschool, Kindergarten, and 2nd through 6th grades here and is currently content leading our 4th graders.
Mia received her BSED from NAU in 2012 and taught Integrated Technology to grades K-8 at Mingus Springs Charter School before landing at Primavera. Her teaching strengths lie in her varied educational and experiential backgrounds, which include visual arts, martial arts, writing, boutique and resale shop ownership, and art/nature-focused preschool and summer programs. These allow her to provide rich, creative, and exciting hands-on learning opportunities. She believes the learning environment itself is a powerful teacher.
Outside the classroom, Mia walks our beloved downtown square daily, lifts weights, gardens, reads, creates, thrifts, and plays with her granddaughters. Mia has lived in Prescott since childhood, and her mom and daughter have also taught at Primavera. She has four children, two former Penguins, three grandchildren, two current Penguins, and one great-granddaughter, a future Penguin.
Destiney joined the Outdoor Middle School in January 2024. She is a proud mom of two Primavera Penguins, which makes being part of the community especially meaningful to her. Destiney graduated from Chino Valley High School in 2015 and later worked as a dental assistant for several years. That experience helped her develop patience, organization, and strong interpersonal skills.
Destiney enjoys working with students in hands-on, active learning environments. Cooking with students is one of her favorite ways to help them build confidence and independence. Outside of the school day, she also runs a cheer club, allowing her to share her love for teamwork, movement, and school spirit. She loves helping students express themselves and build confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Primavera has become an important part of her family’s life, and she is grateful to be part of a community where students feel supported, valued, and excited to grow.
John is thrilled to have joined the Primavera Staff in 2021. After a variety of roles throughout his professional career he was fortunate enough to stumble into the field of environmental education. After spending two years teaching science at Aspen Creek Outdoor School in Prescott, he spent three years as the Director of Programs for Backcountry Unlimited, a Prescott based adventure company. He has experience in leading and creating programs for team building, leadership and a variety of outdoor adventures including Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Canyoneering and Orienteering.
Having grown up in a small town in New England, John understands how lucky he was to grow up in the outdoor world. As our world changes, too often we lose touch with nature and he would like to inspire the students at Primavera to learn to love, appreciate and protect the amazing place we all live.
The goal John has with everyone he works with is quite simple - To connect people with themselves, others and the natural world. In his free time you will most likely find him in a tent getting ready to explore some part of Arizona or Utah for a new experience.
Becca has a love for life-long learning and wants to share her experiences with her students. She grew up in Vermont with the wilderness and tight knit community. Becca moved out west and graduated from Prescott College in 2018. Becca majored in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Expeditionary Learning and a minor in Wilderness Therapy.
Becca first discovered Primavera when she came to do her student teaching alongside Mr. Dan in 2017. Primavera was the perfect fit for her to continue her education and implement creative and nature-based lessons. After her student teaching she joined the Primavera staff as a classroom teacher and has experience working in many of our grades. Becca has been leading the 4th/5th since 2020.
Becca enjoys elementary grades because she can make a difference and provide a foundation for the rest of a student‘s educational career. She teaches science, math, language arts, and social studies in thematic, relevant, current and fun ways. Her class has an opportunity to play and study in Arizona’s own backyard and cover many themes. Becca weaves in camping trips, hiking, rafting, field trips, ropes courses, etc into the curriculum. She enjoys working at Primavera and being able to focus on the child as a whole.
Rheanna is a Mom to three Primavera Penguins! Over the past few years, she has volunteered for many field trips, and loved interacting with the students and staff. She was a substitute teacher for 5th and 6th grade last year, and has always appreciated the Primavera community.
This year, Rheanna is the new teachers aide for Primavera’s Outdoor School, and teaches a flexible course each quarter. Rheanna’s previous experience with teaching is as an English teacher while living abroad in China, as a Sunday school teacher at Church, and as a homeschool teacher.
She loves the Primavera community because she feels every child is truly able to be themselves. She hopes to be supportive to teachers and students, and to be an encouragement to others. In her free time she loves to go thrifting, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Allie started teaching at Primavera in the summer of 2024, beginning with the aftercare program for PreK. They have taught both in person and online since 2016. They taught Music at a district for 5 years and then moved up to Prescott for a change of scenery. They taught online for two years when a position opened up at Primavera! Primavera is the first time teaching elementary students, and they love having the flexibility to teach what the students need!
Allie has a bachelor's degree in secondary education, emphasizing biology. They fully believe that education takes place everywhere and that students learning organically holds more weight than lectured learning. They feel that students will let you know when they are ready for the next step. I also believe in integrating technology at the higher levels and allowing the students to feel they are in charge of their learning. They feel they should just be the facilitators for the learning naturally taking place, giving them the tools and watching and guiding them through the learning, which is more how education should be!
Allie has an adorable puppy named Maverick and lives with their sister! Getting to spend extra time with family has been great! They enjoy all kinds of things outside of teaching, Photography, Art of all kinds, Music, hiking, camping, and generally just being outdoors and enjoying nature!
Jaime is new to Primavera as our 1st and 2nd grade support staff. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Arizona State University and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After homeschooling for three years, substituting at a local co-op, and teaching religious school on Sundays, she is beyond excited to join the Primavera team.
Jaime believes that a positive and supportive classroom environment is essential for student success. She strives to create a space where students feel comfortable being themselves, making mistakes, and learning from one another, ultimately fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Her goal is to help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, strengthen critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
Jaime has lived in Prescott for over 25 years and truly loves this community. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, and reading. She also loves camping, hiking, and gardening with her family.
Shelli feels privileged to have been a part of the Primavera family since 2019. She first began working at Primavera as a Substitute Preschool Teacher. Shelli now serves as one of our Early Childhood After School Teachers. She also leads yoga classes for the preschool students.
Prior to coming to Primavera, Shelli has a long history working with children. She has worked in the classroom environment and owned a successful yoga and fitness studio, where she worked with children of all ages.
Shelli holds numerous certifications including a specialization in children's yoga. She feels fortunate to have worked extensively with children and adults with autism and other intellectual, physical or developmental challenges.
Lori joined the Primavera family in 2021. She has been teaching since 2005, and absolutely loves working with children.
Lori has a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition and is constantly incorporating the science of nutrition and healthy eating into her curriculum. Lori works with our primary students teaching, Math and Nutrition in a thematic and hands-on way. Additionally, Lori provides extra support to students who benefit from individualized tutoring.
Lori feels very blessed to be able to share her love of nature, healthy food and gardening with the staff and children of Primavera.
Lauren (Ren) is excited to join the Primavera Community this year! She is the Reading Interventionist, and she hopes to help as many students as she can to read and find confidence in their literacy skills.
Ren previously worked at an elementary school in Minnesota. There, she supported students in improving their literacy skills and building a solid reading foundation. She went to college at Iowa State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She also spent time as a teacher's assistant in the physiology lab during college. Ren was studying to become a Health Educator, and was taking classes to earn her certificate when she started working at a school with their literacy team. She loved the job, and helping the students grow, so she ended up staying and started taking classes for her Elementary Education Certificate instead!
Over the summer, Ren moved to Mayer from Minnesota so she could be closer to her family. After being in the Midwest for many years, she is glad to be back. She lives in a mountain community on Big Bug Mesa, so each day is a new adventure! In her free time, Ren enjoys reading, cooking, painting, and hiking with her dog.
Raven came to Primavera in 2021 as a parent, when she enrolled her daughter Julia, into the preschool program. She joined the school board in 2022 and began volunteering with the kindergarten class as well as with our primavera Girl Scout troop.
In 2022 Raven enrolled in the UofA cooperative extension, Yavapai County Master Garden Program which she completed as well as courses at Yavapai College, in plant biology and summer horticulture production.
At the start of our current school year she facilitated an after school garden club which quickly grew into a beautiful vision for a garden program at Primavera. The opportunity to expand the garden program and work with the student is a dream of Raven’s and she is excited to work along side teachers and a great garden educators network group to bring this enriching program to primavera school. A place her and her family consider a home away from home.
Pam has been teaching at Primavera since 1974. She has taught at all grade levels, and has watched Primavera grow and flourish. There have been many successful students who remember their Primavera experience with affection.
Pam received her degree in Early Childhood Education at Prescott College in the Adult Degree Program. The degree also included Spanish Poetry. She has a background in foreign languages, theatre, art appreciation, dance and exercise. Pam loves teaching languages to young children. Learning another language is linked to a better understanding of math, logic and music.
Pam and and her husband's son was one of Primavera School’s first students. As a family they are happy and proud to continue to be part of the Primavera community.
Natalia is joined Primavera School in 2024, and she has about 5 years of experience in childcare settings. She loves all of the littles at Primavera School and beyond. Currently, she is part of the Afterschool Care Program with Preschool!
Natalia graduated from Valley Vista High School (in Surprise, AZ) in 2023 and is currently studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a major in Forensic Psychology. Throughout high school, she worked for several families, babysitting. She continued to do so during her freshman year at ERAU. Although this is her first time in a school-setting position, she is very eager and excited to be a part of the team! She hopes to continue working for Primavera for the duration of her degree program!
Natalia is an only child and an Arizona native. She enjoys drinking coffee, thrifting, and spending time with her friends and family. She hopes this semester and the year to come will be even greater!