Our Wonderful Staff and Teachers
Kara Martin: C.E.O.
This is my 17th year at NVCS, and my 7th 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 17th year at NVCS, and my 7th 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 18 and in college (!) and Benjamin is 15 and in High School: “Wow! time flies!” We have lived in State College for the past twelve 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
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 over ten 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 30 years and we have three wonderful children. Robert (26) attending Lock Haven University, William (25) who is attending college in Seattle and getting married this summer, and Catherine (23) 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/
3 & 4th Grade Teacher
I first worked at NVCS 20 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 21st 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 (16) and Collin (9.) In my free time I can be found curled up with a good book.
3 & 4th Grade Teacher
I first worked at NVCS 20 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 21st 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 (16) and Collin (9.) In my free time I can be found curled up with a good book.
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Matt: Grades 5-8
My name is Matt Dashem and this is my 6th year as a classroom teacher. I enjoy teaching with Joyce, and together working hard to educate our fifth through eighth 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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Joyce: Grades 5-8
Joyce Kreuter was born in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Penn State in 1980 with a degree in Computer Science and worked in the computer industry for several years. She met her husband Rodney Kreuter while working at HRB Singer (now Raytheon). She left the computer industry to raise her children. During that time some teaching experiences led her to go back to school and obtain her Pennsylvania teaching certificate, which was awarded in 2000. Joyce especially likes chocolate, reading children's written work, correcting math papers, and using computers in the classroom. |
Chelsea Guenther: Special Education
Hello! My name is Chelsea Guenther and I am so excited to be a special education teacher here at Nittany Valley Charter School. I hold two Master’s degrees, one in elementary education and one in special education and I am dual certified to teach both. I have previously taught third and fourth grades both in Ohio and in State College. When I’m not teaching, you can find my husband, Steve and I, along with our little guy, Leo (4 months) playing board games, traveling, and reading Harry Potter! I truly love teaching and believe each child has something unique to contribute to the classroom.
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Mike: P.E. / Environmental Education
My name is Mike Manni and this will be my 7th 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, three years ago, last September, and we are expecting our first baby! 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 fifth year as a para-educator at Nittany Valley Charter School. A part of my job is to guide some students in the preparation of a snack for all. This year a major portion of my day will be assisting in the first/second grade room, and some in the third 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 seven 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 fifth year as a para-educator at Nittany Valley Charter School. A part of my job is to guide some students in the preparation of a snack for all. This year a major portion of my day will be assisting in the first/second grade room, and some in the third 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 seven 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.
Katy: Art Teacher
I am a former NVCS student and I am happy to be back at the school that had such a huge impact on my life! I have been working as the art teacher here for four years now and have been involved with NVCS for much longer. I started out running an after school art club when I was in high school. I now have two degrees in art, one of which is in Animation & Visual Effects. Currently, I teach art to all grade levels in the school. I love working with the kids and my experiences with NVCS and its students have inspired me to go back to school for a degree in 4-8 education which I am completing this year!
I am a former NVCS student and I am happy to be back at the school that had such a huge impact on my life! I have been working as the art teacher here for four years now and have been involved with NVCS for much longer. I started out running an after school art club when I was in high school. I now have two degrees in art, one of which is in Animation & Visual Effects. Currently, I teach art to all grade levels in the school. I love working with the kids and my experiences with NVCS and its students have inspired me to go back to school for a degree in 4-8 education which I am completing this year!
Constanza: Spanish Teacher
My name is Constanza Ehrenhaus, and this is my second year teaching young children. I was born in Argentina, moved to United States in 2003, and in 2014 my family and I arrived to State College. I started volunteering with NVCS two years to offer the children some experience in Spanish with a native speaker, and I enjoyed it so much that I was beyond happy when a formal teaching position was offered to me.
I am raising my two children bilingual, since bilingualism is a very important skill to have, and research has been showing more and more benefits in brain development besides the ability to speak another language. I am eager to share this with the school children as well.
My name is Constanza Ehrenhaus, and this is my second year teaching young children. I was born in Argentina, moved to United States in 2003, and in 2014 my family and I arrived to State College. I started volunteering with NVCS two years to offer the children some experience in Spanish with a native speaker, and I enjoyed it so much that I was beyond happy when a formal teaching position was offered to me.
I am raising my two children bilingual, since bilingualism is a very important skill to have, and research has been showing more and more benefits in brain development besides the ability to speak another language. I am eager to share this with the school children as well.