Our community of highly experienced, passionate, and dedicated Crew Leaders align awesome adventures with California Preschool Early Learning Foundation Standards to guide daily instruction in numeracy, literacy, and social/emotional skills. Our year-end adventure is the Challenge Hike. The adventure is an opportunity for the big kids (6th-graders) to aid in the passage and perseverance of the littler Pre-K kids. On this 6 mile journey, the Pre-K crew members carry their own packs and are teamed up with an older buddy. The older buddy has the responsibility to have the patience and courage to help their little buddy out for the entire 6 miles.
Anne Chippendale has been a teacher and coach in the Lake Tahoe area for almost 30 years. Anne earned her Teaching Credential from the University of Nevada, Reno while coaching the Squaw Valley Ski Team and facilitating swimming lessons at the Truckee Pool. Soon after, she began teaching at the State Preschool in Kings Beach, where she developed a fun and creative multicultural program for her students and families. Prior to Tahoe Expedition, she spent four years at Creekside Cooperative Charter School.
Outside the school environment, Ms. Annie loves traveling and seeing the world beyond our immediate reach. She volunteered and cheered for our local athletes at the last two Olympics (Italy 2006, Vancouver 2010), has skied in Argentina and enjoys biking and hiking in our backyard, on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
What inspired you to join TEA? The strong character and sense of adventure in the kids!!!
Where did you go to school? U.C. Davis Human Development, U.N.R. Teaching Credential, Pacific Oaks Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Do you have any special certifications? Early Childhood Education Certificate, Wilderness First Responder
What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I’ve ski coached 4-year-olds at Squaw for 35 years.
Originally from Upstate New York, Stephanie moved to Truckee in 2012. Before joining Tahoe Expedition, she taught grades K-2 at Custom Learning Academy and most recently Year One in Auckland, New Zealand. Stephanie has a B.A. in Childhood Education and has both New York and California teaching credentials. Her mission is to create a learning environment that encourages students to take healthy risks so they are able to realize just how much they are capable of. Stephanie focuses on teaching the whole child in light of their individual and developmental needs so that they become life-long learners. Outside of the classroom Stephanie can be found outdoors taking in all that the Tahoe area has to offer. Snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking are a few of her favorite activities. During the summer months, she coaches downhill mountain biking.
What inspired you to join TEA? Everything about TEA inspires me! From the knowledgeable staff right down to the kiddos. I am especially inspired by the love our students share for the outdoors.
Where did you go to school? SUNY Plattsburgh
What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am going to be an interpretive dancer in my next life.
Regine was born and raised in Cologne, Germany, where she received her degree in Business Management and International Communication. She has been living in the United States for over 25 years. In August, Regine fulfilled her dream and relocated to Tahoe from the Bay Area, where she had worked as a Preschool Teacher at Alto International School, a German-immersion school, Preschool to Grade 12. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from Canada College in San Mateo and has been passionate about early learning for nearly 20 years. Regine also taught art to Grades 2-5 for 10 years and was a teacher’s assistant during math, science and English language for K-2. Outside of school, Regine likes to spend time with her 3 children, Sophia, Henrik and Philip, exploring the Tahoe region. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and skiing in the winter. Regine has been traveling all over the world, discovering new cultures through art, music and great food. Whenever time allows, she relaxes with Ikebana and floral design and getting together with friends.
What inspired you to join TEA? I witnessed an amazing transformation of students first hand. It inspired me to move to Tahoe and become a teacher at TEA
Where did you go to school? Cologne, Germany Early Childhood Education/Child Development
Do you have any special certifications? Bilingual German/English, CTC (Certified Travel Counselor), member of PARCA (Bay Area based)
What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love to write and am working on a children’s book.