Our Wonderful Staff and Teachers
Kara Martin: C.E.O.
This is my 18th year at NVCS, and my 9th 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 9th 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 20 and in college (!) and Benjamin is 17 and in High School: “Wow! time flies!” We have lived in State College for the past fourteen 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 16 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 (28) attending Lock Haven University, William (27) who is attending college in Seattle and is now married, and Catherine (25) 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 22 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 24th 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 (18) and Collin (11). In my free time I can be found curled up with a good book.
2 - 4th Grade Teacher
I first worked at NVCS 22 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 24th 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 (18) and Collin (11). 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 8th 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 still enjoy teaching music to all of the NVCS students. 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: Special Education
Hello, my name is Lindsay Puhlman, and I am happy to teach Special Education and Art at NVCS. 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 this year. 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 husband Seth and I have a little boy named Ruslan, who is 5 and attending Kindergarten at NVCS. I am expecting another baby this April! 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 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! Go Shooting Stars! |
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Kathleen: Mindfulness and Social, Emotional Learning Support
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 16 years ago 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! 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 16 years ago 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! 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!