Our Wonderful Staff and Teachers
Kara Martin: C.E.O.
This is my 18th year at NVCS, and my 8th year as CEO. I started out as a special education paraprofessional, part-time, when my son entered Kindergarten. Later I was promoted to Business Manager and finally, "the head honcho"! : ) I really love being the administrator here because I believe wholeheartedly in our mission and the holistic approach to education that NVCS embodies. Additionally, I feel that I have the support of the families, school board, and our very competent and caring teachers and staff. However, the best part of my job has to be the joy that these children bring into my life on a daily basis!
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
This is my 18th year at NVCS, and my 8th year as CEO. I started out as a special education paraprofessional, part-time, when my son entered Kindergarten. Later I was promoted to Business Manager and finally, "the head honcho"! : ) I really love being the administrator here because I believe wholeheartedly in our mission and the holistic approach to education that NVCS embodies. Additionally, I feel that I have the support of the families, school board, and our very competent and caring teachers and staff. However, the best part of my job has to be the joy that these children bring into my life on a daily basis!
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Shannon: Kindergarten Teacher
Hi! My name is Shannon Cover and I am the Kndergarten teacher at Nittany Valley Charter School. I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I am Pennsylvania state certified to teach Kindergarten through Sixth grade and have been teaching for over ten years. I am originally from Pennsylvania and was a stay-at-home mom before my kids went to school. Erin is now 19 and in college (!) and Benjamin is 16 and in High School: “Wow! time flies!” We have lived in State College for the past thirteen years and I previously taught Kindergarten for seven years at The Goddard School here in State College. I am thrilled to be a part of Nittany Valley's team and my classroom is an exciting and busy place to learn. I love what I do!! Our classroom environment is structured by a variety of hands-on learning activities, games, learning centers and fun! Since living in Happy Valley, I have been active in my children's schools, the community and try to explore and take advantage of all this great town has to offer. I love spending time with my family and friends, playing outside and going on trips. I also enjoy reading, writing, exercising and going out to dinner. I look forward to getting to know you and your child. :) |
Check out Shannon's class page
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Verna: Grades 1 & 2/Director of Education
My name is Verna Etchells and I have the privilege of teaching first and second grade here at Nittany Valley Charter School. My family and I are originally from St. Augustine, Florida having moved to State College 15 years ago. My teaching experience spans from Pre-K to 4 and I have been teaching for the past 20+ years. I have previously spent 2 years as the CEO of another charter school. Robert and I have been married for 31 years and we have three wonderful children. Robert (27) attending Lock Haven University, William (26) who is attending college in Seattle and got married this summer, and Catherine (24) who attending Law School in Charleston, SC. When I'm not in the classroom, you will find me spending time with my family, enjoying the great outdoors or going to auctions. |
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Check out Verna's class page
Brandy: Director of Special Education/
2 - 4th Grade Teacher
I first worked at NVCS 21 years ago as a classroom teacher and special education teacher and am excited to be part of this wonderful school community once again! This is my 23rd year of teaching; I've worked with children from preschool through middle school ages in a variety of settings. I hold dual teaching certification in Special Education and Elementary Education and recently completed my Masters of Education. My favorite thing about teaching is helping children to celebrate both the big and small accomplishments they make. Outside of school I keep busy going on adventures with my two boys, Gareth (17) and Collin (10). In my free time I can be found curled up with a good book.
2 - 4th Grade Teacher
I first worked at NVCS 21 years ago as a classroom teacher and special education teacher and am excited to be part of this wonderful school community once again! This is my 23rd year of teaching; I've worked with children from preschool through middle school ages in a variety of settings. I hold dual teaching certification in Special Education and Elementary Education and recently completed my Masters of Education. My favorite thing about teaching is helping children to celebrate both the big and small accomplishments they make. Outside of school I keep busy going on adventures with my two boys, Gareth (17) and Collin (10). In my free time I can be found curled up with a good book.
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Matt: Grades 4 - 6
My name is Matt Dashem and this is my 7th year as a classroom teacher. I enjoy teaching at NVCS and working hard to educate our fourth through sixth graders. Before I became a certified teacher, I was the music teacher at NVCS for 9 years. I’ve lived in State College since the day I was born, so I’m as local as it gets. I attended State High and graduated from Penn State in 2004 with a Degree in Psychology. In 2013, I earned my teaching certificate and Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My musical journey began on the violin at age two, to which I later added saxophone, and eventually guitar. I’m also a fan of writing and recording songs, and performing with my beautiful wife, Jenn. My other interests include being a weekend mechanic, chef, carpenter, amateur zymurgist, and computer technician. |
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Lindsay Puhlman: Special Education
Hello, my name is Lindsay Puhlman, I am excited to say that I am going to be the new Special Education Teacher and Art Teacher. I moved to State College when I was 8 years old from Memphis Tennessee. I received two bachelor’s degrees from Penn State in 2013. I am currently working towards to my master’s in Special Education and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, by the end of next summer. For four years I did outdoor school as a learning group leader, after that I was after school educator for The Science Discovery Space and the last two and half years did Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for children with autism and other disabilities at the Journey Center. My partner Seth and I have a little boy named Ruslan, who is 4 and keeps us moving and grooving. In our free time we like to go on walks, to the park, go camping, exploring new areas or ride our bikes.
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Mike: P.E. / Environmental Education
My name is Mike Manni and this will be my 8th year teaching at NVCS. Before moving to State College in 2012, I lived in Binghamton, NY where I taught a variety of subjects at the high school level including health, physical education, business management and sports marketing. I have recently completed my Master's degree from West Virginia University in Physical Education Teacher Education and I hope this makes me the best PE teacher possible! I love working with the students and faculty and NVCS. The learning environment here is positive, relaxed and fun! My instruction varies from class to class but I enjoy using; cooperative learning, direct group instruction, guided discovery, problem solving and learning stations! I married the love of my life, Kate, four years ago, last September, and we just had our first baby, Thomas! We are very excited about our journey together and couldn't be happier to begin it here in State College! Go Shooting Stars! |
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Chris: Para-educator
I begin my sixth year as a para-educator at Nittany Valley Charter School. This year a major portion of my day will be assisting in the Kindergarten room, and some in the second through fourth grade room. It thrills me when I am assisting a student to an “ah-ha” moment as he/she accomplishes a goal.
My husband, Dennis, and I moved to Pennsylvania almost ten years ago and very much enjoy our rural living environment on the “farm.” I have three grown children, Brian, Steven, and Cynthia, and very much love being the “Grammie” of Jon and Charlotte.
I come to the school with a B.S. degree in home economics and a teaching credential from the University of California, Davis. I taught in a CA high school for four years.
It has been rewarding working with the very talented staff of NVCS as we all strive to help prepare our wonderful students for their future. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work at NVCS.
I begin my sixth year as a para-educator at Nittany Valley Charter School. This year a major portion of my day will be assisting in the Kindergarten room, and some in the second through fourth grade room. It thrills me when I am assisting a student to an “ah-ha” moment as he/she accomplishes a goal.
My husband, Dennis, and I moved to Pennsylvania almost ten years ago and very much enjoy our rural living environment on the “farm.” I have three grown children, Brian, Steven, and Cynthia, and very much love being the “Grammie” of Jon and Charlotte.
I come to the school with a B.S. degree in home economics and a teaching credential from the University of California, Davis. I taught in a CA high school for four years.
It has been rewarding working with the very talented staff of NVCS as we all strive to help prepare our wonderful students for their future. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work at NVCS.
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Constanza: Spanish Teacher
My name is Constanza Ehrenhaus, and this is my third teaching in Nittany Valley Charter School. I was born in Argentina, moved to United States in 2003, and in 2014 my family and I arrived to State College. Learning a second language has great benefits, it helps develop unique neurological pathways, it aids with understanding one's own language and it provides a glimpse into other cultures. During our lessons, I always incorporate cultural elements, so our students gain global awareness. Spanish classes are dynamic, incorporating a number of games, songs, videos and crafts, which make the learning process feel more natural for the children. |