Verde Valley School

List of 33 members.

Catherine Massar

Head of School

University of Central Florida - B.S.
Vanderbilt University - M.Ed.
Bio
Catherine joined the Verde Valley School community as Head of School on July 1, 2026. She brings extensive experience in international education, independent schools, and boarding schools, along with a deep commitment to student-centered learning and educational leadership.

She holds a Master of Education in International Education from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education and Human Development and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School.

Catherine is honored to lead a school with such a rich history and distinctive mission. She looks forward to partnering with VVS's exceptional faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni to build on the enduring legacy established by the Warren family. Together, they will continue to strengthen Verde Valley School's tradition of academic excellence, global citizenship, experiential learning, and service, ensuring the school remains a vibrant and innovative community for generations to come.

Catherine lives on campus with her husband, Christopher, and their three young children. As a family, they are excited to call Sedona home and are looking forward to exploring its remarkable trails, parks, and outdoor adventures.
Alexis Jaquin

Equestrian

Evergreen State College - B.A.
AZ Palmer '87

Information Systems Specialist & Alumni Affairs

Florida Atlantic University - B.S.
Bio
AZ Palmer brings five years of dedicated staff tenure and a lifetime of passion to the VVS community. While she wears several hats on campus, her expertise is rooted in software systems, integration, data management and her favorite, alumni relations. By leveraging her technical background, AZ ensures the school's digital infrastructure runs smoothly to support the campus at large. Meanwhile, her favorite role—fostering alumni relations—allows her to leverage her lifelong connections to strengthen and advance the VVS community on a much larger scale.

AZ's connection to VVS runs deep; she is a proud alumnus and has previously served on the Board of Trustees. The school’s mission has always been her guiding compass. She is driven by a profound desire to help more students experience the meaningful philosophies taught at VVS, knowing firsthand the lessons students will carry with them for life. Because VVS is truly in her soul, she dedicates immense energy to advancing its core mission every single day. When she is not supporting the school, AZ finds her balance outdoors. She enjoys hiking, getting lost in a good book, and spending quality time with her family and in nature.
Caleb Kulfan

History Teacher

Prescott College - B.A.
Bio
Caleb Kulfan has been a dedicated educator at Verde Valley School for over 10 years, where he teaches IB Environmental Systems and Societies and IB Music. Caleb brings a unique interdisciplinary approach that blends scientific inquiry with creativity and experiential learning. He also leads the VVS Rock Band and supports theater productions, helping students explore and express their creativity through performance.

Caleb’s teaching philosophy is rooted in transparency, experience, and creativity. He believes in being clear about objectives and expectations, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. He values experiential education, drawing from expeditionary and constructivist models that integrate real-world relevance and hands-on engagement. His classroom is a space where students are encouraged to ask questions, reflect deeply, and explore content through diverse media—from scientific investigation to musical expression.

At the heart of his practice is a commitment to fostering a learning community grounded in honesty, love, and acceptance. He strives to create an environment where students feel safe to be themselves, support one another, and embrace both challenges and growth. He believes education should inspire not only intellect but also action and reflection, helping students become thoughtful, caring participants in their communities.

Caleb’s passion for the outdoors, music, and authentic human connection shapes everything he does. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or out in the field, he encourages students to live fully in the moment and to approach learning—and life—with curiosity, courage, and care.
Chris Bolton

Chemistry, Biology and Physics Teacher

The University of Chicago - B.A.
University of Oregon - M.Ed.
Bio
Chris is now in his seventh year at Verde Valley School. He previously spent twenty years of his career in Oregon where he was a science teacher at a public high school near Eugene. Between earning his degrees, he made a career in graphic design and marketing, specializing in fly fishing and other outdoor businesses.

Chris teaches chemistry, physics, and biology at VVS. He also serves as the boys’ soccer coach. He has coached men’s and women’s soccer at the high school, club and collegiate levels. In addition to soccer, he has also coached girls’ basketball, cross country, track & field, golf and chess during his tenure at Verde Valley School. Chris is also an accomplished soccer referee.

Chris enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, golf, cooking, and gardening. He also loves hiking to waterfalls and scenic views and kayaking with his wife, Liz –VVS Director of College Counseling. They have three adult children – Hannah, Seth, and Zemedkun.
Cynthia Santillanez

Business Office Assistant
Dana Blavat

Admissions Associate & Registrar
Bio
Dana Blavat joined VVS in 2002 as a part-time bookkeeper in the Business Office. Her skillset from a prior career in the savings and loan industry, and as a certified project manager, led to her quickly accepting increased responsibilities within the school. Dana has worked in every support office at VVS, and is again assisting families applying for enrollment in the VVS Office of Admission as the Office Manager and Registrar.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Dana has taken a leap into academia as a freshman at Yavapai College. When she’s not studying, her hobbies include needle arts and working in her garden. Volunteering is an important part of life for Dana and you can find her supporting the local VFW or gathering food for the homeless. If you’re interested in learning more about the Admission process, Dana would be happy to help.
David Hill

English Teacher

Temple University - B.A.
Louisiana State University - M.A.
Bio
David Hill began working at VVS at the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year. He teaches IB Language & Literature to juniors and seniors. Prior to working at VVS, David taught interdisciplinary humanities at the high school level, worked in family services for an online charter school, and was a learning specialist at an independent school. Besides the natural splendors surrounding VVS’s campus, his favorite things about working here are the enthusiasm, wit, brightness, and true sense of community created by students, staff, and faculty alike. By his own admission, he loves learning new things from students, who routinely enable him to see works of literature that he has read countless times in a fresh light. Having students at the center of the classroom, providing them with the space, freedom and instruction to take ownership over their learning, these are the things that David looks forward to day in and day out at VVS. Outside of work, David loves playing music and exploring the seemingly endless landscapes of Sedona and the southwest, on trail and off.
David Smeeth

Math Teacher

University of California - B.A.
Prescott College - M.A.
Bio
David Smeeth serves as Math Department Chair at Verde Valley School, where he has spent much of his professional life helping students uncover both the beauty and the usefulness of mathematics. He first joined the VVS faculty in 1989 to teach math and science, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to the school’s mission of experiential, globally focused education. After several years in education, David broadened his career into technology training and business development, later returning to VVS in 2011 to continue what he considers his most meaningful work—teaching.

David holds a B.A. in Earth Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Prescott College. His teaching draws from this interdisciplinary foundation, blending scientific inquiry with empathy and real-world relevance. He is known for pioneering a flipped-classroom model that transforms how students engage with math, using hundreds of original video lessons to maximize in-class problem-solving and personalized support.

Beyond academics, David’s classroom emphasizes curiosity, persistence, and creative reasoning—skills he believes are essential for success in both school and life. He strives to make mathematics accessible to all learners, cultivating confidence and joy in a subject that many students find intimidating.

When he isn’t in the classroom, David enjoys exploring new technology tools to enrich learning. An avid endurance cyclist, he rides thousands of miles each year across the American Southwest and Northwest, finding inspiration and balance on the open road. He remains deeply grateful for the chance to mentor young people within the supportive, adventurous spirit that defines Verde Valley School.
Emma Woodworth

Science Teacher

Whitman College - B.A.
University of Idaho - MNR
Bio
Emma grew up in Minnesota, but since graduating high school has lived in multiple states across the West. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology--Environmental Studies at Whitman College and a master's degree in Environmental Education and Science Communication at McCall Outdoor Science School.

The 2025-2026 school year marks her first as a member of the VVS Science Faculty and she is excited to be a part of the IB + Dirt philosophy. Emma has nearly a decade of experience fostering scientific curiosity and connecting people of all ages with the natural world around them. From her previous efforts as an environmental educator, place-based science outreach educator, forest preschool teacher, and trail guide, she brings a wealth of experiential education knowledge.

When not in the classroom, Emma can be found exploring the outdoors, reading, knitting, and making pottery. She lives on campus with her partner, also a VVS teacher, and their food-obsessed cat.
Erica Puccio

Nurse

University of Massachusetts - B.S.
Northeastern University - B.S.
Bio
Erica Puccio is a Registered Nurse at Verde Valley School, where she brings over seven years of experience supporting the health and well-being of the student community. She began her nursing career in Massachusetts in acute care on a medical surgical unit. She transitioned to pediatrics and school health when she discovered her passion for helping young people thrive both physically and emotionally.

At VVS, Erica is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment in the Health Center. She is skilled in emergency response, chronic condition management, and health education, ensuring that every student receives compassionate and comprehensive care. She is committed to promoting wellness, teaching preventative strategies, and working closely with families to provide continuity of care.

Her professional philosophy centers on the belief that students thrive when they feel supported, understood, and empowered to take ownership of their health. She values open communication, collaboration, and fostering resilience within the school community.

Outside of nursing, Erica enjoys exploring Arizona’s landscapes, hiking, and discovering new places. She is also an active member of the VVS Staff Book Club, where she loves connecting with colleagues over great stories and fresh perspectives. Her approachable nature and dedication to student well-being make her a trusted resource on campus.

To connect with Erica or learn more about her work supporting student health at VVS, please contact the Health Center.
Janeece Henes

Dean of Academics

Northern Arizona University - B.S.
Ohio University - M.Ed.
Bio
Janeece Henes serves as the Dean of Academics at Verde Valley School, where she is passionate about working with young people and fostering innovative, student-centered learning that inspires curiosity, creativity, compassion, and global citizenship. With nearly 30 years of experience as an educator, curriculum leader, artist, university instructor, and educational administrator, she specializes in project-based learning, experiential education, arts integration, service-learning, and sustainability education. For more than 20 years, she served in a public charter school dedicated to integrating the arts, leadership, rigorous academics, and service-learning, helping students connect classroom learning with meaningful community engagement and real-world problem solving.

Janeece believes education should cultivate both intellectual growth and compassionate action. Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, she is committed to fostering a vibrant academic community where students and faculty are empowered to think critically, collaborate across cultures, lead with empathy, and contribute positively to an ever-changing world.

Janeece is a Ph.D. candidate in Sustainability Education at Prescott College, where her research explores transformative learning through experiential education, social change, and civic engagement. Outside of school, she enjoys paddling with her partner, Steve, cycling, cooking, creating art, and exploring mountains, rivers, and wild places throughout the West.
Jeff Perkins

Visual Arts Teacher

Arizona State University - B.F.A.
Northern Arizona University - M.A.
Bio
Jeff Perkins has been a ceramics and photography teacher at VVS since 1979. He grew up at Verde Valley School where his parents were respected members of faculty before him. He attended high school there and came back to teach after college.

His career highlights include running the Verde Valley School Field Trip program for over 20 years. One of his favorite field trips was called the Baja Roving trip that he started with Kevin Warren. He also travelled to the Hopi Reservation and did work projects at the Bluff Comb Ridge Native American ruins several times. They were incredible experiences to share with students.

Over his tenure many of his students have gone on to become professional ceramicists and photographers. On a personal note, his works are collected privately and for permanent collections. When he is not working in the studio or teaching Jeff enjoys riding horses on the many trails around the school with students.
John Chorlton

Dean of Students and Sustainability Coordinator

Western Colorado University - B.A.
Bio
John Chorlton is the Dean of Students and Sustainability Coordinator. He arrived at VVS in the Fall of 2011 with his wife and two young sons. Supporting the mission of the school has always been what he values most about his time at VVS. During his time at the school, John, often called JC, has had the unique experience of managing technology from every angle: from digging trenches and navigating attics to climbing every roof on campus. Beyond this hands-on work, he also serves on the leadership teams that manage the school’s high-level operations. He has worked with students, families, alumni, the board and other communities both local and international in service of the school.

John’s career highlights include being part of an Emmy Award winning television production crew at ESPN’s X Games for 17 years. He worked in print media and multi-media production which taught him the value of teamwork, excellence and working under pressure. When coaching snowboarding at a local club ultimately led him to work in the independent school world, he found his path forward. Perhaps the greatest highlight of his 25 year career has been working with young people to guide them along their path to adulthood.

When he is not working to support the student experience at VVS, John enjoys being with his family and friends. He is an avid mountain biker, snowboarder, skateboarder and reader. He enjoys all water sports, and more recently the world of canyoneering. Clear, honest, direct communication is a hallmark of John’s style. Building relationships, community and belonging are central to his role at VVS. Please reach out if you would like to get in touch
John Sheedy

Spanish and Film Teacher

Prescott College - B.A.
Prescott College - M.A.
Bio
John Sheedy has been teaching Spanish and Filmmaking at VVS since 2018, bringing with him a rich international background in education and the arts. Prior to joining VVS, he spent seven years teaching at the United World College and a decade directing an international film festival in Mexico. He is also the director of two award-winning documentaries, “El Inmigrante” and “The Tijuana Project”, reflecting his deep commitment to storytelling as a tool for awareness and social justice.

At VVS, John is known for fostering meaningful cross-cultural experiences. He coordinates ongoing exchanges between VVS and the Benemérito de Las Américas School in Agua Prieta, Mexico, and he established the annual tradition of welcoming Mexican students to campus for cultural immersion and a vibrant VVS-style Día de los Muertos celebration. In alignment with the VVS mission, John leads yearly field expeditions to the Arizona–Mexico border, guiding students in exploring themes of immigration, diversity, and sustainability.

Beyond the classroom, John serves as a VVS mountain bike coach, and he organizes the annual VVS Student Film Festival in collaboration with the Sedona International Film Festival.

John and his wife, Sandra, are raising their son, Joaquin, on the VVS campus. They believe deeply that VVS is more than a school — it is a living education grounded in diversity, community, and experiential learning. In his free time, John enjoys gardening and restoring antique bicycles.
Josh Crawford '89

Information Technology and Sustainability

University of Arizona - B.S.
University of Arizona - M.S.
Verde Valley School
Bio
Josh first arrived at VVS in the early 80’s as the child of newly-hired faculty members. When old enough, he enrolled at VVS, attended all four years, and graduated in 1989. Afterwards, Josh’s many interests led him through a variety of academic and professional paths, including wildlife rehabilitation work, facilities maintenance, camp counseling, corporate team building, retail sales, and e-commerce, culminating in a 20-year IT career with one of the founding corporations of Silicon Valley. Through it all, Josh always maintained close ties with the VVS community, returning to campus frequently to attend annual alumni work-weekend reunions.

Following an extended Covid sabbatical, traveling the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico, Josh and his family settled back in the Verde Valley where he began part-time work supporting the VVS Maintenance Department. After a few months, in true VVS fashion, the school found several more hats that fit Josh’s versatile skillsets and interests, including the permanent role of IT Director, while continuing to support the school’s maintenance department and sustainability initiatives.

Josh now lives on campus with his wife and two kids who are enrolled at VVS; their oldest child attends NAU in Flagstaff. When he’s not zipping around campus on his e-bike, attending to this and that, you can find Josh analyzing the school’s energy and water data, or delivering an ad hoc “Josh Crawford Lecture” on climate change and renewable energy, or evaluating the efficacy of the latest erosion control check-dams installed by student work job teams. Josh loves that the same diversity of opportunity he experienced as a VVS student is now available to him as a VVS staff member, where he can bring to bear his broad range of professional experiences and personal interests to support current and future generations of students.
Kate Stanley

Director of Student Support Services

Wheaton College - B.A.
University of Montana - M.S.
Northern Arizona University - M.Ed.
Bio
Kate Stanley came to Verde Valley School in 2022, drawn by the opportunity to serve students in a community as dynamic as the surrounding red rock landscape. Before joining VVS, she supported first-generation and low-income college students at a university, helping them access research opportunities and navigate higher education. During this time, she earned her master’s degree in combined school and clinical counseling, providing her with a dual foundation in academic guidance and mental health support. Earlier in her career, Kate worked with schools and educational non-profits that used outdoor learning to empower middle and high school students, encouraging growth through challenge, connection, and discovery in the natural world.

As a counselor, Kate believes every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of growth. She is passionate about fostering resilience, self-understanding, and belonging, bringing a holistic approach that integrates emotional well-being, academic success, and social development. Her work is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for each student’s individuality. Kate strives to create a safe and encouraging space where young people can navigate challenges with confidence, embrace their strengths, and develop skills that serve them long after graduation.

Outside of her counseling role, Kate enjoys exploring Arizona’s trails, canyons, and waterways, pursuing creative art projects, and sharing daily joy with her dog, Coral. She welcomes opportunities to connect with students, families, and colleagues—through counseling, collaboration, or conversation—to support the school’s mission of growth, community, and discovery.
Katie Welty

Math Teacher

Wheaton College, IL - B.S.
Bio
Katie Welty joined VVS in the fall of 2025 and quickly found herself at home in a community where learning extends far beyond four classroom walls. Katie loves helping students make meaningful connections, both with numbers and with the world around them. She believes math is less about memorizing formulas and more about learning how to think, persevere, and cooperate.

Prior to coming to VVS, Katie taught at a nearby boarding school and in public middle and high schools in Texas. Katie approaches her classroom with equal parts structure and encouragement, holding high expectations while making sure students know she is firmly in their corner. When not in the classroom, you can find her coaching soccer or basketball, where she values the chance to see students challenge themselves in new ways. She sees her time with students outside of class as one of the greatest advantages to working with them inside. Trust built on the field often translates to confidence at the board.

Originally from North Carolina, Katie has lived in Illinois, Vancouver, BC, and Texas, and she’s grateful for the perspective that comes from calling many places home. She loves summer road trips with her family and is always collecting recommendations for the next great destination (bonus points for scenic overlooks and excellent coffee). Katie lives on campus with her family and treasures the rhythms of boarding school life. Her husband teaches at NAU in Flagstaff where their daughter is a student. Their two sons are current VVS students. Katie feels fortunate to teach, coach, and parent within the same vibrant community and she is always happy to connect with families about how to help students grow in confidence, character, and maybe even a love of math.
Kaylyn Oates

Science Teacher and Director of Experiential Education

Smith College - B.A.
High Tech High Graduate School of Education - M.Ed.
Bio
Kaylyn Oates has had the privilege of working with amazing students in incredible places! She blends her scientific knowledge and love of the outdoors with a passion for meaningful, student-centered experiential education.

Kaylyn is currently the Director of Experiential Education at Verde Valley School, where she facilitates the design and implementation of two signature VVS programs: Field Expeditions and Project Period! Field Expeditions have always been an integral part of VVS since it was founded. Kaylyn has led many field expeditions and adventures to the Grand Canyon, the canyons of Capitol Reef Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and to Malawi, Africa with VVS students. Project Period is a time at the end of the school year where students engage in experiential projects that focus on creativity, action and skills. Kaylyn has led projects like Solitude, Children’s Book Creation, VVS Day Camp, and preparation for the summer Malawi service trip.

Kaylyn is also the head of the science department, currently teaching IB Environmental Systems & Societies, 9th grade Big History, both using experiential and project-based learning to foster critical thinking and curiosity. Kaylyn loves taking classes outside to use the farm and our natural surroundings as a lab for data collection and experimentation in her classes.

Kaylyn’s background as a Park Ranger at both Grand Canyon National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, where she led various multi-day science-focused trips and programs for youth, have deeply shaped her philosophy that: learning is most powerful when it's active, reflective, and connected to the world beyond the classroom.

Kaylyn believes in building strong relationships, supporting diverse learners, and helping students see themselves as capable, curious problem-solvers. She loves having fun! Outside of school, you’ll find her hiking the red rocks around campus, stargazing, and enjoying time with friends and family.
LeAndrue McCoy

Dean of Enrollment

University of Phoenix - B.S.
Bio
LeAndrue McCoy serves as the Dean of Enrollment at Verde Valley School, where he leads with a deep commitment to connecting families with transformative educational experiences. Since joining VVS in July of 2025, LeAndrue has focused on building meaningful relationships with students, families, and global education partners while advancing data-driven strategies to strengthen enrollment and expand the school’s reach worldwide.

A Phoenix native with a passion for community impact, LeAndrue brings more than a decade of experience in education leadership, marketing, and strategic enrollment management. His work is guided by the belief that every student deserves an environment where they are known, supported, and inspired to discover their purpose. At VVS, he integrates innovation with authenticity, combining modern enrollment practices with the school’s core values of academic excellence, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship.

LeAndrue’s approach is personal and mission-driven. He is known for his warm communication style, ability to see potential in every student, and dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for families from around the world. LeAndrue welcomes opportunities to connect with families, educators, and partners who share his passion for experiential learning and international education. He can be reached through the VVS Admissions Office to learn more about how Verde Valley School helps students discover themselves and the world.

When not meeting with students or shaping VVS’s global outreach initiatives, you can find him enjoying the outdoors, exploring Sedona’s red rocks, or spending time with his four children.
Leigh Carter

Anthropology Teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator

University of Texas at Austin - B.A.
Northern Arizona University - M.A.
Bio
Leigh Carter has taught a variety of anthropology courses at VVS since 2013. Leigh brings a background in southwest anthropology, archaeology, and fieldwork experiences ranging from Alaska to Central America. She specializes in teaching students to design and implement their own ethical and purposeful studies of contemporary culture.

Outside of the classroom, Leigh enjoys coaching competitive beach volleyball, hiking and running the trails around campus, and using her sewing machine to make, mend and upcycle anything under the sun. Leigh and her partner Bill have relished raising two daughters in the most awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds VVS campus.

Leigh has a passion for coordinating service-learning projects and trips, especially within Tribal communities. She has coordinated several fundraisers for Native American student scholarships and led numerous service trips for both students and staff, with the goal of connecting the school with Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Lianne Lydum

Spanish Teacher

Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (Mexico) - B.S.
Northern Arizona University - M.A.T.
Bio
Lianne was born in Los Angeles, CA, but Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico is the place she truly calls home. She’s spent the majority of her life immersed in the language, culture, and warm traditions of her Mexican mother’s hometown. As her deep passion for cross-cultural education developed, it defined her career and ultimately brought her to teach Spanish at VVS.

Lianne began her teaching journey in Mexico, instructing students in English as a foreign language, before returning to the US to pursue a master’s degree in Spanish. She went on to teach in Flagstaff, AZ and Providence, RI, though the Southwest’s proximity to Mexico kept calling her back. She now brings joyful authenticity to her Verde Valley School classroom — that of someone who has genuinely lived between two cultures and two languages. In 2024, she was honored with the IB Diploma Teacher of the Year award from the Arizona International Baccalaureate Schools (AZIBS).

At VVS, Lianne has led and co-led Field Expeditions including Sonora Sur in her hometown of Navojoa, the Grand Canyon, Climbing the Border (rock climbing in Cochise Stronghold and borderlands awareness in Nogales, AZ), and Desert Dwellers (backpacking in Utah). She currently leads the Guatemala Field Expedition — her favorite highlight being the hike up Acatenango Volcano.

Outside of school, Lianne is a proud mother of two adult children who live and work in Navojoa. When they visit, the family enjoys cozy movie marathons and making homemade pizza together. She also loves exploring the outdoors around Sedona and Flagstaff through mountain biking, rock climbing, trail running, and paddleboarding.
Liz Turner-Bolton

Director of College Counseling

Northwest Christian University - B.A.
Bio
Liz Turner-Bolton is the Director of College Counseling at Verde Valley School and has worked in college counseling for over two decades. She guides students through the college admission process with individualized counseling, thoughtful academic planning, and steady emotional support. She works closely with students and families to identify colleges that align with students’ strengths, interests, and values, while teaching them to navigate applications, essays, interviews, and financial aid with confidence.

Liz traces her lifelong connection to education and athletics back to her undergraduate years, where competing at the collegiate level shaped her belief in the transformative power of mentorship, teamwork, and disciplined growth. That experience continues to inform her work with students today. Her background includes serving on scholarship foundation boards, facilitating success programs for at-risk youth, and developing a comprehensive College and Career Readiness curriculum. She trained with the Decision Education Foundation at Stanford and implemented a schoolwide program incorporating decision-making frameworks that strengthen students’ ability to evaluate options and outcomes with discernment and purpose. Before joining Verde Valley School, Liz built a 30-year career as a basketball coach at the college, professional, and high school levels. Her journey began as a collegiate player and continued in Australia, where she both played and coached professionally.

Originally from Oregon, Liz now calls Arizona home. She finds inspiration in the landscapes of the Southwest and often explores its canyons and mountain trails with her camera and her Bernedoodles, Wilson and Stella. A lifelong Ducks fan, she also enjoys college sports, hiking, and international travel. Liz and her husband, Chris, a member of the science faculty, have three adult children—Hannah, Zemedkun, and Seth. She feels deeply aligned with Verde Valley School’s values of global awareness, curiosity, and community, and considers it a privilege to help students chart their futures with confidence and clarity.
Lori Perkins

CFO and HR Director

Northern Arizona University - B.A.
Northern Arizona University - M.A.
Maddie Smith

Equestrian Program Director

Northern Arizona University - B.S.
Northern Arizona University - M.S.
Bio
Before Maddie was the Director of the VVS Equestrian Program, she was a VVS student. Before she was a student, she was growing up on campus as a faculty kid. In 2016 Maddie returned to VVS to teach English riding lessons part time while completing her degrees in Flagstaff, AZ. She eventually moved back on campus as Assistant Director of the Equestrian Program before fully moving into the Director Role in 2024. Maddie’s educational and professional background is in outdoor and experiential education. She loves being able to combine it with her lifelong love of horses to lead the equestrian program at VVS, engaging with Field Expeditions, Project Period, and student life.

Prior to teaching horseback riding at VVS, Maddie competed in hunter/jumper shows in Colorado and Arizona A-rated show circuits. She often rides young horses and brings them to their first horse shows. Eventually she went on to ride at performance stables in Tucson and Flagstaff, helping with exercise riding, rehabbing injured horses, and teaching youth lessons or summer camps. Since her first job teaching riding lessons in East Hampton, NY, she’s loved teaching as much as riding itself.

For many years while teaching at VVS part time she worked at youth-oriented outdoor education organizations and landscape conservation organizations. There she lead both backcountry trips with students and restoration projects with volunteers across the Colorado Plateau.

Maddie deeply loves the desert Southwest and its rivers and canyons where she can often be found exploring on foot, by boat, or on horseback. Most days, riding the trails behind VVS with a group of students on horseback is still her favorite place to be. To learn more about the equestrian program at VVS, reach out today.
Michael Jorgensen

Math Teacher

Whitman College - B.A.
Mayville State University - M.A.T.
Bio
Michael Jorgensen has been teaching at VVS since 2023. He teaches IB Mathematics, coaches bouldering, helps students take sports pictures, and usually runs the canyoneering project-period offering. Michael has ten years of teaching experience, ranging from public school in Idaho to a semester boarding school that traveled to Chile primarily. Michael is mostly fluent in Spanish from his time in Chile, and in 2024 led the Guatemala Field Expedition with students at VVS. In his first year teaching AP Physics in Idaho in 2022, ten of his students passed the AP exam. This equaled the number of students who had passed the exam in the previous 18 years combined.

Michael most enjoys taking students outside to backpack, play in creeks, and canyoneer. During the summer Michael guides rafting trips through The Grand Canyon and climbs, canyoneers and goes caving. Please consider supporting the nascent VVS climbing program by donating your time, experience, or resources.
Mike Spielman

Farm Manager

University of Tampa - B.A.
Bio
Mike Spielman brings a rare combination of wanderlust, grit, and genuine love for the land to his work at VVS. He teaches Farming skills, co-leads a Field Expedition, wrangles a garden work job crew, maintains the VVS Seed Library, and operates the school’s beloved wood-fired oven — a role that suits someone who has never been afraid to tend to slow, patient processes.

Before finding his calling as a tender of plants, Mike lived what can only be described as a wonderfully unconventional life. He has worked as a roofer in the South Bronx, a bread delivery man in New Hampshire, a kayak ranger in Alaska, a janitorial technician in Tucson, a night watchman in South Lake Tahoe, and a backcountry ranger at the remote and remarkable Keet Seel in Arizona. Each chapter seems to have sharpened his eye for landscape, labor, and what it means to truly inhabit a place.

That sensibility now runs through everything he brings to students — whether he’s demonstrating seed-saving techniques, stoking the oven fire, or leading a crew through a long morning in the garden. Mike lives on campus with his wife, Meg Haesloop, VVS’s Director of Academics, and their two daughters. The family has called VVS home since 2012.
Natalie Plueger

Academic Coordinator

Pennsylvania State University - B.S.
Northern Arizona University - M.A.T.
Bio
After growing up in Pennsylvania and Idaho, Natalie Plueger ultimately found her home in Northern Arizona, where she has sought to engage actively in the education community. Since 2009, she has taught mathematics at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, cultivating a reputation for rigor, clarity, and intellectual depth in the classroom. For over nine years, she has been a dedicated member of the Mathematics Department at Verde Valley School, and for four years she has served as a Lecturer in the Mathematics & Statistics Department at Northern Arizona University.

In addition to her teaching roles, Natalie has served as Academic Coordinator at Verde Valley School for more than 4 years. In this capacity, she works closely with the Dean of Academics to manage scheduling, oversee database systems, generate grade reports, and conduct institutional data analysis. She also partners with the Dean of Students to coordinate attendance tracking, reporting, and data-driven decision-making. Whether guiding students through complex mathematical concepts or applying quantitative reasoning to improve school operations, Natalie is deeply committed to precision, analytical thinking, and fostering meaningful understanding.

Beyond her professional life, Natalie enjoys hiking, running, and quilting; balancing outdoor adventure with building and making. Her husband, two sons, and dog are her constant companions in exploration. Summers are often devoted to cross-country road trips to visit family, filled with hiking, camping, and adventures. In the quieter winter months, she turns her focus to refurbishing furniture and quilting. Natalie feels most at home when she is immersed in the unique spirit of Verde Valley School students and the vibrant surrounding community.
Natalie Rockwell

Equestrian

Case Western Reserve University - MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Sandra Bustillos

Spanish Teacher

Highland University - B.A.
New Mexico State University - M.A.
Universidad La Salle, Guadalajara Mexico
Stephanie Sterrett

Office Manager, Business Office Assistant

University of Maryland - B.A.
Todd Richardson

Art Department Chair

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - B.F.A.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - M.S.
Bio
Todd Richardson is a veteran art educator with over 17 years experience between Verde Valley School and in his home state of Wisconsin. He brings extensive experience in ceramics and sculpture, specializing in clay and cast concrete works that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. His professional accomplishments include exhibiting in local galleries and museums, mentoring hundreds of young artists, and developing innovative curricula that encourage students to find their unique artistic voices.

Todd’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that art is both a personal expression and a shared dialogue with community and environment. He values curiosity, perseverance, and craftsmanship, guiding students to approach their work with both technical skill and creative risk-taking. As a practicing sculptor, he continues to model what it means to be a lifelong learner and creator, ensuring that his classroom is a space where ideas and imagination can thrive.

Outside the studio, Todd enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the wilderness, and finding inspiration in the landscapes of the Southwest. His passion for connecting art, nature, and human experience makes him a dynamic and approachable mentor within the VVS community.

Todd invites students, colleagues, and alumni to connect with him to share ideas, collaborate, and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Zane Dickey

Director of Global Initiatives and Service, IB Coordinator, CAS, TOK Teacher, Social Media Manager

Arizona State University - B.S.
University of Phoenix - M.Ed.
Bio
Zane Dickey is the Director of Global Initiatives and Service Learning at Verde Valley School, where he also serves as International Baccalaureate Diploma Coordinator, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Coordinator, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) teacher, and Social Media Manager. He has been a part of the VVS community since 2022, bringing more than two decades of international experience in admissions, program leadership, and student engagement across North America, Africa, and Asia.

Before stepping into his current role, Zane served as Associate Director of Admissions at VVS, where he helped strengthen recruitment and family engagement. His career has spanned teaching and leadership positions at international schools in Madagascar, Senegal, Mali, and Indonesia, where he taught IB Theory of Knowledge, Spanish, and Humanities, while also coordinating Model United Nations and global issues programs. He began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, where he co-launched the country’s first international butterfly farm and ecotourism project.

Zane is passionate about experiential education, cross-cultural understanding, and servant leadership. He thrives on helping students develop curiosity, resilience, and a global perspective—values which are at the heart of the VVS mission. Outside the classroom, he enjoys hiking the red rocks of Sedona, exploring new cultures, and sparking conversations that connect people and ideas.

Faculty & Staff

List of 33 members.

Catherine Massar

Alexis Jaquin

AZ Palmer '87

Caleb Kulfan

Chris Bolton

Cynthia Santillanez

Dana Blavat

David Hill

David Smeeth

Emma Woodworth

Erica Puccio

Janeece Henes

Jeff Perkins

John Chorlton

John Sheedy

Josh Crawford '89

Kate Stanley

Katie Welty

Kaylyn Oates

LeAndrue McCoy

Leigh Carter

Lianne Lydum

Liz Turner-Bolton

Lori Perkins

Maddie Smith

Michael Jorgensen

Mike Spielman

Natalie Plueger

Natalie Rockwell

Sandra Bustillos

Stephanie Sterrett

Todd Richardson

Zane Dickey