Our Wonderful Staff and Teachers
Shannon: Kindergarten Teacher
Hi! My name is Shannon Cover and I am the Kindergarten 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 about 20 years. I am originally from Pennsylvania and was a stay-at-home mom before my kids went to school. Erin is now 24 and Benjamin is 21 and in college “Wow! time flies!” We have lived in State College for the past eighteen 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. :)
Hi! My name is Shannon Cover and I am the Kindergarten 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 about 20 years. I am originally from Pennsylvania and was a stay-at-home mom before my kids went to school. Erin is now 24 and Benjamin is 21 and in college “Wow! time flies!” We have lived in State College for the past eighteen 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. :)
Verna: CEO - Director of Education
My name is Verna Etchells and I am the CEO and Director of Education here at Nittany Valley Charter School. My family and I are originally from St. Augustine, Florida having moved to State College 20 years ago. My teaching experience spans from Pre-K to 6 and I have been teaching for the past 28 years. I have previously spent 2 years as the CEO of another charter school.
Robert and I have been married for 37 years and we have four wonderful children. Robert (32) recently graduated from Lock Haven University and now works as a para at NVCS, William (30) who is a personal care home administrator, and Catherine (29) who is a personal injury attorney residing in Charleston, SC and Max (our fur baby) who also works at NVCS (so he thinks).
When I'm not in the classroom, you will find me spending time with my family, enjoying the great outdoors or going to auctions.
My name is Verna Etchells and I am the CEO and Director of Education here at Nittany Valley Charter School. My family and I are originally from St. Augustine, Florida having moved to State College 20 years ago. My teaching experience spans from Pre-K to 6 and I have been teaching for the past 28 years. I have previously spent 2 years as the CEO of another charter school.
Robert and I have been married for 37 years and we have four wonderful children. Robert (32) recently graduated from Lock Haven University and now works as a para at NVCS, William (30) who is a personal care home administrator, and Catherine (29) who is a personal injury attorney residing in Charleston, SC and Max (our fur baby) who also works at NVCS (so he thinks).
When I'm not in the classroom, you will find me spending time with my family, enjoying the great outdoors or going to auctions.
Cecilia: 1st/2nd Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Cecilia Tabor and I am the 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher at Nittany Valley Charter School. I graduated from West Chester University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (PreK- 4th Grade). I am originally from New Jersey but I have spent my summers in Pennsylvania my whole life as a camper at Lake Naomi Club Kids Klub, and now as the Assistant Camp Director for the program. This is my first year in State College and my first year as a classroom teacher, so I am very excited and grateful to have the Nittany Valley Charter School team and families in my corner!
I student-taught in the Downingtown Area School District and gained the knowledge and skills I need to make my classroom hands-on, engaging, and suitable for the varying needs of all of my lovely students. I cannot wait to become an active member of our school and the surrounding community. In my free time I love going to concerts with my family and friends and I am looking forward to exploring State College! I can’t wait to get to know my students and their families as we enter this school year together!
Hi! My name is Cecilia Tabor and I am the 1st and 2nd Grade Teacher at Nittany Valley Charter School. I graduated from West Chester University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (PreK- 4th Grade). I am originally from New Jersey but I have spent my summers in Pennsylvania my whole life as a camper at Lake Naomi Club Kids Klub, and now as the Assistant Camp Director for the program. This is my first year in State College and my first year as a classroom teacher, so I am very excited and grateful to have the Nittany Valley Charter School team and families in my corner!
I student-taught in the Downingtown Area School District and gained the knowledge and skills I need to make my classroom hands-on, engaging, and suitable for the varying needs of all of my lovely students. I cannot wait to become an active member of our school and the surrounding community. In my free time I love going to concerts with my family and friends and I am looking forward to exploring State College! I can’t wait to get to know my students and their families as we enter this school year together!
Matt: Music/Tech - Business Manager
My name is Matt Dashem and this is my 18th year at NVCS. I enjoy teaching at NVCS and working hard to educate our students at all grade levels. Before I became a certified teacher, I was the music teacher at NVCS for 8 years. I still enjoy teaching music to all of the NVCS students as well as keeping things rolling along as business manager.
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.
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, as Anchor&Arrow. My other interests include being a weekend mechanic, chef, carpenter, and computer technician.
My name is Matt Dashem and this is my 18th year at NVCS. I enjoy teaching at NVCS and working hard to educate our students at all grade levels. Before I became a certified teacher, I was the music teacher at NVCS for 8 years. I still enjoy teaching music to all of the NVCS students as well as keeping things rolling along as business manager.
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.
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, as Anchor&Arrow. My other interests include being a weekend mechanic, chef, carpenter, and computer technician.
Mike: P.E. - Environmental Education - Security Coordinator
My name is Mike Manni and this will be my 9th 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, five years ago, and we have a one year old son, Thomas! We are very excited about our journey together and couldn't be happier to begin it here in State College!
My name is Mike Manni and this will be my 9th 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, five years ago, and we have a one year old son, Thomas! We are very excited about our journey together and couldn't be happier to begin it here in State College!
Kathleen: 3rd/4th Grade Teacher - Art
I feel so lucky to be a new member of the NVCS team! I have taught in a variety of settings and states over the past 20+ years. I completed my undergraduate studies in Elementary and Deaf Education in St. Augustine, FL and began my teaching career at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. After relocating to North Carolina, and working as an itinerant teacher where I served infants and toddlers in their home and preschool settings, I took a break to travel cross country with my husband before settling in Pennsylvania. My family and I set roots down in the Bellefonte area in 2004 and in that time I have had the pleasure of teaching in a local inclusive preschool program as well as serving as a county early intervention evaluator. I received my Masters of Education from Penn State and had the pleasure of being home with my two children for a few years while completing a variety of yoga and mindfulness certifications along with teaching yoga and mindfulness in a variety of settings from local studios to the Arboretum and for Discovery Space! I also had the pleasure of growing creatively as an early education art instructor at The Makery, and am inspired daily by our NVCS students as we dive into art endeavors together!
As a high-energy person I recognize how important movement and mindfulness, as well as other creative outlets, are to being able to be ready to learn!! It is a true pleasure to help youth of all ages build skills that can support them throughout not only their academic career but in day-to-day life and their relationship with self and others! When I am not teaching I love to be outside or taking in local music with my family! And I so appreciate time to get creative in other ways including cooking and basket weaving or knitting!
I feel so lucky to be a new member of the NVCS team! I have taught in a variety of settings and states over the past 20+ years. I completed my undergraduate studies in Elementary and Deaf Education in St. Augustine, FL and began my teaching career at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. After relocating to North Carolina, and working as an itinerant teacher where I served infants and toddlers in their home and preschool settings, I took a break to travel cross country with my husband before settling in Pennsylvania. My family and I set roots down in the Bellefonte area in 2004 and in that time I have had the pleasure of teaching in a local inclusive preschool program as well as serving as a county early intervention evaluator. I received my Masters of Education from Penn State and had the pleasure of being home with my two children for a few years while completing a variety of yoga and mindfulness certifications along with teaching yoga and mindfulness in a variety of settings from local studios to the Arboretum and for Discovery Space! I also had the pleasure of growing creatively as an early education art instructor at The Makery, and am inspired daily by our NVCS students as we dive into art endeavors together!
As a high-energy person I recognize how important movement and mindfulness, as well as other creative outlets, are to being able to be ready to learn!! It is a true pleasure to help youth of all ages build skills that can support them throughout not only their academic career but in day-to-day life and their relationship with self and others! When I am not teaching I love to be outside or taking in local music with my family! And I so appreciate time to get creative in other ways including cooking and basket weaving or knitting!
Robert - Classroom Assistant
My name is Robert Etchells and I am a recent graduate of Lock Haven University with a degree in Sociology.
My duties this year include working with third - sixth grade and filling in wherever the need is. I am very excited to be working at such a wonderful school. My hobbies include fishing, hiking and reading. I am looking forward to a great school year.
My name is Robert Etchells and I am a recent graduate of Lock Haven University with a degree in Sociology.
My duties this year include working with third - sixth grade and filling in wherever the need is. I am very excited to be working at such a wonderful school. My hobbies include fishing, hiking and reading. I am looking forward to a great school year.
Siobhan - Director of Spec. Ed.
My name is Siobhan (pronounced: shiv + awn) Davis. I am a certified elementary and special education teacher and have taught in a variety of learning environments including: The Philadelphia Zoo as a Manager in Conservation Education (leading family programs, teacher programs, homeschool programs and summer camps), The PA Resources Council as the Manager of Central and Eastern PA Environmental Education (leading lessons on energy, recycling and working with a team to develop our PA State Standards for Environment and Ecology), and Centre Learning Community Charter School as a project-based learning teacher and 6th grade math teacher.
I am looking forward to supporting your student's needs this year as the Special Education Director at Nittany Valley Charter School. I am elated to work in a school with a focus on the environment, individualized learning and one that promotes the value of each student, family and teacher as a member of our learning community. I am also a proud mama of 3 beautiful children. Some of you may know me as "Finnbar's mom" and may have seen/met me at pick-up or volunteering at NVCS. When I am not at work you can find me helping out at our family farm (Strong Roots Organic Farm), training/riding horses, enjoying live music, hiking, walking our dogs, swimming or bike riding with our kids. I love being active in the outdoors with my family and friends.
My name is Siobhan (pronounced: shiv + awn) Davis. I am a certified elementary and special education teacher and have taught in a variety of learning environments including: The Philadelphia Zoo as a Manager in Conservation Education (leading family programs, teacher programs, homeschool programs and summer camps), The PA Resources Council as the Manager of Central and Eastern PA Environmental Education (leading lessons on energy, recycling and working with a team to develop our PA State Standards for Environment and Ecology), and Centre Learning Community Charter School as a project-based learning teacher and 6th grade math teacher.
I am looking forward to supporting your student's needs this year as the Special Education Director at Nittany Valley Charter School. I am elated to work in a school with a focus on the environment, individualized learning and one that promotes the value of each student, family and teacher as a member of our learning community. I am also a proud mama of 3 beautiful children. Some of you may know me as "Finnbar's mom" and may have seen/met me at pick-up or volunteering at NVCS. When I am not at work you can find me helping out at our family farm (Strong Roots Organic Farm), training/riding horses, enjoying live music, hiking, walking our dogs, swimming or bike riding with our kids. I love being active in the outdoors with my family and friends.
Beth - Speech/Special Ed.
My name is Beth Updegrove and I am the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) here at NVCS. This will be my fourth year working full time at NVCS. Before working at NVCS, I worked as a SLP in the public schools for over a decade, working with grades K-12. I also provided speech and language services for an additional seven years at a private clinic dedicated to improving the communication skills of children with autism. I have my speech therapy teaching certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), my PA state speech therapy license, and the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). I graduated from Penn State with my Bachelor of Science and my Master of Science in Communication Disorders. My family and I have been lifelong Penn State fans and after graduation, I never left. I currently live in the Grays Wood’s area with my husband Chris, son Ian, and our crazy Doodle, Daisy. I love working with the students and faculty here at NVCS and being part of a team that celebrates each individual’s successes. In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, reading, and traveling.
My name is Beth Updegrove and I am the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) here at NVCS. This will be my fourth year working full time at NVCS. Before working at NVCS, I worked as a SLP in the public schools for over a decade, working with grades K-12. I also provided speech and language services for an additional seven years at a private clinic dedicated to improving the communication skills of children with autism. I have my speech therapy teaching certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), my PA state speech therapy license, and the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). I graduated from Penn State with my Bachelor of Science and my Master of Science in Communication Disorders. My family and I have been lifelong Penn State fans and after graduation, I never left. I currently live in the Grays Wood’s area with my husband Chris, son Ian, and our crazy Doodle, Daisy. I love working with the students and faculty here at NVCS and being part of a team that celebrates each individual’s successes. In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, reading, and traveling.
Naomi - 5th and 6th grade
I'm Naomi Binelli and this is my second year teaching at Nittany Valley Charter School. I was born in New York City in Jackson Heights. Before going to Penn State I moved to 3 different continents. First, living in Frankfort, Germany before beginning pre-K in Rome, Italy. I went to grade school in Brazil and Middle School in the East Coast of the United States. Finally, I finished High School in Vienna, Austria before starting Penn State in 2008.
I have a B.A. in English and Political Science. I received my certification in Philadelphia under the teacher residency program where I was able to teach with a mentor teacher while taking courses at Relay Graduate School of Education.
I have been teaching since 2017. In Philadelphia, I taught 7th and 8th grade English and Language Arts and Social Studies as well as 3rd-5th Emotional Support. Teaching 5th and 6th grade at Nittany Valley Charter has been a rewarding experience. Here, students are able to learn through varying methods and can develop new skills, fall and get back up again in a safe and loving environment. I continue to learn from my students and enjoy developing lessons to serve their needs.
I'm Naomi Binelli and this is my second year teaching at Nittany Valley Charter School. I was born in New York City in Jackson Heights. Before going to Penn State I moved to 3 different continents. First, living in Frankfort, Germany before beginning pre-K in Rome, Italy. I went to grade school in Brazil and Middle School in the East Coast of the United States. Finally, I finished High School in Vienna, Austria before starting Penn State in 2008.
I have a B.A. in English and Political Science. I received my certification in Philadelphia under the teacher residency program where I was able to teach with a mentor teacher while taking courses at Relay Graduate School of Education.
I have been teaching since 2017. In Philadelphia, I taught 7th and 8th grade English and Language Arts and Social Studies as well as 3rd-5th Emotional Support. Teaching 5th and 6th grade at Nittany Valley Charter has been a rewarding experience. Here, students are able to learn through varying methods and can develop new skills, fall and get back up again in a safe and loving environment. I continue to learn from my students and enjoy developing lessons to serve their needs.