Bio to come!

Rosie believes that every child has unique strengths, abilities, and passions that can be accessed through dynamic interaction and experience. She spent her childhood outdoors exploring her family’s apple farm and brings that spirit of “barefoot” nature exploration to her students. Over the course of the past 11 years, Rosie’s teaching has been focused on early childhood education, nature, science, physics, and social/emotional exploration, language acquisition, the science of reading and writing, and math skills for Kindergarten. She was first exposed to education by her mother who is a 40-year preschool teacher veteran. As an adult, Rosie began her teaching career at Tahoe Safe Alliance as a Violence Prevention Educator, where she taught Kindergarten through High School and a series of classes at UNR. She graduated from Sierra Nevada College with a B.A. in Humanities and a concentration in Psychology and has also received her M.A. in Teaching, and focused her thesis on the theory of multiple intelligences. She is 8 + years WRF certified, has a Nevada Teaching Credential, she won Student Teacher of the Year 2009 at Sierra Nevada College, received her certified Waldorf Approach for Public Schools from Rudolf Steiner College in 2014, received a grant from Fund for Teachers in 2016 where she went to Peru to study frogs in the Amazon, won co-teacher of the year (with Miss Brenda) for Nessy a dyslexia advocacy and dyslexia software company in 2021, and is a guided meditation teacher. When she is not teaching she is soaking up life in the Sierra’s or traveling to distant lands.

What inspired you to join TEA? Being able to use innovation to create curriculum with the guidance of students interests and the incredible amount of support and connection within the TEA community.

Where did you go to school? I have B.A. in Humanities with a concentration in Psychology and an M.A. in Teaching from Sierra Nevada College.

Do you have any special certifications? 6 + years WRF certified, Nevada Teaching Credential, Student Teacher of the Year 2009-Sierra Nevada College, Fund for Teachers Recipient 2016- Peru “Save the Frogs” Eco-Adventure, certified Waldorf Approach for Public Schools teacher Rudolf Steiner College -2014, shamanic meditation teacher/intuitive.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am an artist! I use acrylic/recycled dry acrylic/recycled paper/canvas as my medium. Through my art, I explore the range of human emotions that happen during experiences and relationships through shapes, colors, and images.

Brenda Gants has been working with young children for over 20 years. Her experiences range from being the Assistant Director of a local Pre-Kindergarten to teaching 1st – 3rd Grades in the Lake Tahoe Area as well as in Santa Cruz, CA. Although she has loved the various schools at which she taught, Brenda regards her time at TEA as the most rewarding she has experienced across her entire career. Brenda is very committed to strengthening herself as an educator. She has recently completed a year-long Teacher Induction Program at San Diego State University in topics such as Technology in the Classroom, Special Education, and Teaching Diverse Learners. In 2012, Brenda completed her Master of Arts in Teaching degree, with a focus on 2nd and 3rd-grade informational writing. In her year of completion of the MAT program, Sierra Nevada College awarded her the top honor for Outstanding Project. Brenda loves that her experience at TEA has allowed her to creatively cultivate her instructional and management skills and given her the opportunity to participate in planning curriculum that is well aligned across disciplines. As a teacher, Brenda loves weaving science and social studies concepts into Readers’ and Writers’ Workshops. Outside of the classroom, Brenda’s favorite thing to do is to hop in the car and take a road-trip adventure with her husband and 6-year-old son, Owen. They often don’t know exactly where they’ll end up, what they may end up doing or who they may meet! Both on-and-off the road, she enjoys skiing, dancing, hiking, kayaking, cooking and going on animal-observation journeys with her family.

What inspired you to join TEA? Getting to help students reflectively take ownership in their own learning and while inspiring them to be adventurous innovators.

Where did you go to school? Rutgers University, Psychology and Sierra Nevada College, M.A. Teaching.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I have slept 2 consecutive nights in 48 out of 50 states (Alaska & North Dakota are the ones missing!).

Marisa’s interest in pursuing experiences “outside the box” began in her childhood. She grew up in a ballet studio donning pointe shoes instead of her now preferred hiking boots. As a former professional ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet, with several film and stage acting credits, Marisa still holds a deep love for the performing arts and integrates her experiences and committed work ethic into her classroom teaching.Soon after retiring from the ballet world, Marisa began her career as a classroom teacher in 2007. She holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education as well as a Bachelors in Applied Psychology from New York University. She has taught in private and charter schools on both the East and West coasts as well as abroad in South Asia. Her areas of expertise include fostering growth mindset, identifying individual learning styles, encouraging cooperative learning, integrating kinesthetic learning and teaching mindfulness to children. In 2012, Marisa moved to the Tahoe area from San Francisco after living in cities for the majority of her life. Living amongst the mountain landscape energizes and inspires her daily. When Marisa is not at school, you can find her exploring our beautiful, natural world with her son, husband and pup!

What inspired you to join TEA? I’m a lover of adventure, nature, and learning. The combination of the three makes for powerful, meaningful experiences and is the reason why I’m thrilled to be part of the communiTEA. I’m passionate about bringing students outside and allowing them to learn, explore, and form an authentic connection to the natural world.

Where did you go to school? Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from Manhattanville College, BS in Applied Psychology from New York University

Do you have any special certifications? M.A.T. in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, Clear California Teaching Credential, Member of California Kindergarten Association, certified to teach Yoga through the Yoga Alliance

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I was in the 1993 movie ‘The Nutcracker’ starring Macaulay Culkin.

Colleen has been teaching for more twenty years. She grew up in the Bay Area but spent a great deal of time in Tahoe during her childhood. Her parents ski-patrolled at Mt. Rose and instilled in her a love of skiing and the Lake Tahoe area. Colleen completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received her teaching credential from Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village. Throughout her years of teaching in her own classroom, Colleen has proven to be a reflective practitioner who pursues continued learning and applies innovative teaching strategies to design and implement unique and differentiated instruction to meet students’ needs in both academic and social areas. Colleen’s pursuit of knowledge and expertise is on-going and includes work with the Teacher’s College of New York, the Center for Childhood Creativity, Making Math Real, the Gifted Foundations Institute of Texas, and the California Reading and Literacy Project. Her curricular expertise and knowledge of meeting the needs of all learners will translate into effective support for both the teachers and students of TEA. Outside of school, Colleen is excited to enjoy all the area has to offer with her husband Rob, their son Macklin and their dogs Fletcher and Stella. She will most likely be found skiing with her friends and family, paddling on a lake, camping, or hiking out the endless trails.

What inspired you to join TEA? Having spent the majority of my career in public education, joining the communiTEA has been a breath of fresh air. The way that students learn here is incredibly inspiring and I am honored to be part of the impact, not just locally, but hopefully to a broader audience. As a parent, I have been blown away the impact that TEA has had on our son the last two years. He is inspired, passionate about his learning, and love, love, loves school.

Where did you go to school? University of California, Santa Barbara, and received my teaching credential from Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village.

Do you have any special certifications? California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Teacher’s College of New York Reading and Writing Project, the Center for Childhood Creativity Institute, Making Math Real Training, the Gifted Foundations Institute of Texas, the California Reading and Literacy Project, CLAD Certified, WFA Certified

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I can handstand walk up and down stairs.

Maude grew up in the small town of Naples, Maine. Adventuring outside with her family was a big part of her childhood, from learning to ski to annual camping trips in the 100-Mile Wilderness of northern Maine. Her passion for education started young, too; in her kindergarten yearbook she proudly put down that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up! This passion eventually brought her to the University of Maine to study Elementary Education. She was a member of the Honors College, and wrote her thesis on opt-out of standardized testing at the high school level. After completing student teaching in Santiago, Chile and graduating, she moved to Carrabassett Valley to work in child care at Sugarloaf and ended up teaching preschool for a ski season. She was looking for bigger mountains to explore when a friend’s mom happened upon TEA’s website and passed it along to her, thinking it would be a great fit. After applying to be a substitute teacher, she ended up coming on board as a 4th Grade assistant teacher in 2017. Since then, Maude has held various roles at TEA: adventure guide, substitute teacher, and now crew leader. When she’s not at school, she loves to cozy up with a good book or head out on backcountry skiing, mountain biking, or trail running adventures with her pup.

What inspired you to join TEA? The TEA community as a whole inspires me every day. Seeing students push themselves outside of their comfort zones (and how proud they are after of themselves for working through challenges), being able to work and learn alongside amazing educators, and having the opportunity to form such strong bonds with families is an incredible experience that I am so grateful for.

Where did you go to school? University of Maine Orono, B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in English as a Second Language

Do you have any special certifications?  WFA, AIARE I

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I’ve been a vegetarian for over half of my life!

The opportunity to constantly build additional background knowledge, in the company of like minded individuals, and to improve educational practice and impact in the United States has been DC’s singular focus for over two decades. DC believes that equal access to opportunities for learning has the ability to level the playing field for socioeconomically oppressed populations as well as those who have historically been disadvantaged due to race, gender, and cultural diversity.

DC’s graduate work was specific to the creation of variegated modalities of science instruction for third, fourth and fifth graders. To put his theories into practice, DC developed a partnership with UC Davis and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, to advance the realization of the annual “Science Expo”. The latter is a Tahoe based, mainstay, hands-on science event that continues to inspire thousands of public school students to engage with the idea that mindfully created, constructively adverse, learning environments promote intellectual development and academic success.

In 2010, keeping the aforementioned thesis in the forefront of his mind, DC catalyzed and co-founded Tahoe Expedition Academy with the objective to aggressively forward his vision and promote opportunities that allow all humans to live with dignity regardless of where they may be at or coming from.

In an effort to continue to develop his understanding of the value of “informal adventure based learning” and to broaden his interpretation of the effects of both poverty and affluence on cognitive and intellectual development, in 2015, DC established a collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. The latter led to DC’s tenure as the Director of a residential program serving marginalized inner city youth ages 8-13. This experience provided a startling backdrop for DC’s future in education and advanced his understanding of the effects of socioeconomic disparity, racism, neglect and abuse on the human psyche and the achievement of both personal and collective human potential.

Looking to the future, DC aspires to promote the pervasive advancement of developmentally appropriate educational models for young people, as well as the greater teaching and learning community. He believes that the best way to do this is by relentlessly investing himself in the sacred relationship between the teacher and the student and engaging in a professional education practice that is based on the adage: “We are at our best while we are in the service of others.”

What inspired you to join TEA? TEA inspires me to go beyond myself to be in the service of others…

Where did you go to school? Sierra Nevada College Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am an open book…

Emily Tessmer is a founding TEAcher, professional musician, music producer & veteran singer-songwriter from the Tahoe area. Emily is also an ORFF Schulwerk certified music instructor and loves teaching children with this modality because of its ability to engage students and dazzle audiences. In addition, she plays and teaches a variety of musical instruments including piano, ukulele, voice, drums, and others. Her musical arsenal includes a wide range of covers spanning decades, and also includes a host of originals that touch on themes of love loss, belonging, and earth justice. Emily is also the creatix of the new age/world music sensation Orenda Blu, which has three full length albums available on Spotify, and has garnered attention from programs such as NPR’s echoes, and has also received awards for its lush harmonies, world chanting and blissful soundscapes. Emily has her under graduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Sierra Nevada College. Teaching music to children is the love of her life and the light in her heart!

What inspired you to join TEA? Project Based Learning

Where did you go to school? Sierra Nevada College Bachelors In Interdisciplinary Studies

Do you have any special certifications?  Orff Schulwerk Certified, Professional Musician, Founding TEAcher

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love to make documentary films!

Sarah joins us from Sugar Bowl Academy, where she taught art for the last six years. She also coached ski racing and nordic skiing while there, and was a caretaker for the Truckee Donner Land Trust during the summers. Sarah has a B.S. in fine arts from Bates College in Maine, and grew up on a ranch in the Yellowstone ecosystem. She is thrilled to be joining the TEA faculty.

Seth first moved to the Reno/Tahoe area in 2010 to attend University of Nevada, Reno. Having graduated in 2014 with a double major in Finance and Economics he was selected to participate in a financial internship in London. This provided his first opportunity of backpacking through Western Europe thus allowing him to see new parts of the world and for him to put his studies of the German language to use.

Seth’s athletic experiences from a young age include basketball, baseball, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, tennis, golf, karate, soccer, and football before realizing his passion for Lacrosse which became his primary sport from elementary school through college.

Seth has been a Kids Ski Coach since 2015 at Palisades and grew up skiing in their then Children’s World program starting at the age of 2 where he began to develope his love of the mountains and winter sports. His first year working with kids awakened his passion for sharing his knowledge with the future generations and proved life doesn’t require you to work behind a screen. He is a certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Coach, Strength and Conditioning Specialist and certified ski instructor.

What inspired you to join TEA? Aside to getting to work with all the kids I was inspired to join TEA because of the unique approach to education they continue to push the threshold on. I am excited to be part of a school that encourages and focuses on more outdoor, hands on, life experience having grown up in a traditional classroom with mostly bookwork and little first hand experience.

Where did you go to school? University of Nevada, Reno

What’s a little known fact about you that everyone should know? I’ve broken more bones than the age of the oldest elementary school student. I’m also an avid reader and am a diehard Harry Potter fan!

Alex’s position at TEA as Athletics and Activities Manager combines her passion of working with kids, providing healthy activities, and exploring the outdoors. Alex graduated from Arizona State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. Alex’s career has included designing and executing after school programs for at-risk teens, farming, and working with teens as a guide in Wilderness Therapy. Alex started her work at TEA as an Adventure Guide in 2018 and is thrilled to now be a full-time member of the TEAm.

In her free time, Alex loves hiking, cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Alex is excited to live in Tahoe and explore all the outdoor activities available here!

What inspired you to join TEA? I am inspired by how TEA encourages students to be curious, think outside the box, and hones in on the strengths of each student.

Where did you go to school? Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion

Do you have any special certifications? Wilderness First Responder

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am passionate about sustainable practices and decreasing food waste.

Bio to come!

Bio to come!

Katie was the 2nd grade Crew Leader at TEA 2014 through 2018. Now she is excited to teach students in her new role as our Literacy Specialist and Student Support Services Teacher. Her many years of teaching experiences, ranging from kindergarten through middle school English, have helped her become an expert in how students learn to read as well as identifying skills needed in struggling readers. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Katie is still a big Bills fan. Katie went to college at the State University of New York Plattsburgh, nestled in the Adirondack mountains. Her adventures in the Adirondacks made it easy for Katie to see that she always wants to live in a mountain town and are what sent her across country right after graduation. Katie lived in Mammoth Lakes for seven years, where her experiences as a recreation guide and ski instructor led her into the classroom. She has been happy to call Truckee home since 2009. Outside the classroom, Katie enjoys skiing, hiking, cooking, dancing, reading and spending time with friends and family. Having traveled to Canada, Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico, Katie’s list of places to visit is still long.

What inspired you to join TEA? Where to begin… I have never been to a school where students are so engaged in their learning. TEA’s focus on having even our youngest students solve real-world problems is inspiring and makes me proud to be a part of the “TEA Magic”.

Where did you go to school? SUNY Plattsburgh, BA English Literature, Cal State East Bay Teacher Credentialing Program, UCSD Reading and Literacy Program

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I get more joy out of reading children’s literature than adult literature.

Anne is originally from the St. Paul area in Minnesota, but moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado after high school, where she dove into her love for the outdoors. While in Colorado, Anne obtained a Bachelors of Science in Sustainability Studies with a minor in Outdoor Education. Shortly after, she started her career in the outdoors as the Program Manager in the Outdoor Education program for Colorado Mountain College. Ultimately, Anne was drawn to education and began leading courses like canyoneering, snow camping, desert orientation, backpacking, top rope climbing, and river rafting for the college. This job fed her passion for taking people into the outdoors and developing their relationship with the natural world. Anne loves immersing herself in the outdoors, and continues to share that passion with her students. After a decade in Colorado, she made the move to Tahoe in order to be closer to family and pursue new adventures. This is where her journey began at TEA, as the Adventure Coordinator.

What inspired you to join TEA? The ability for TEA to break the mold of traditional education, by immersing students into real world scenarios inspires me to be apart of this change. I have witnessed the fieldwork and curriculum at TEA inspire students to persevere through adversity, inspiring hope for the future.

Where did you go to school? B.S. in Sustainability Studies and Outdoor Education through Colorado Mountain College.

Do you have any special certifications? Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescue Certification, Watershed Science Technician Certification, AIARE 2 Certification

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I rode my bike across the country, led canyoneering in Scotland, and have been known to moonlight as a raft guide through the Grand Canyon.

Starting her 18th year in education, Kristen has developed her skills as an educator at independent schools, holding different positions including math, science, and wellness teacher, Dean of Residential Life, and Dean of Student Life. Her focus is on the emotional wellness, safety, and growth of every individual in the TEA community. Her passions include guiding community growth and helping instill a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Kristen hails from the west coast and was born and raised in California and Washington. She has been in the Truckee area since 2006. Despite pursuing a career in disease research after studying Microbiology at Washington State University, Kristen found her place and passion within independent schools. She is currently completing her M.Ed. in School Counseling at the University of Southern California. Outside of school, Kristen is mom to a TEA 4th grader, a chihuahua, and a border collie. She is a proud member of the #BooCrew and loves to be out Nordic skiing in the winter.

What inspired you to join TEA? The focus on student wellness at TEA inspires me. Putting our social-emotional needs at the forefront of educational practice will help our students be healthier and happier humans as they navigate life.

Where did you go to school? Microbiology at Washington State University, M.Ed. in School Counseling at the University of Southern California.

Do you have any special certifications? Certifications from the American School Counseling Association including Mental Health, Anxiety & Stress Management, and Trauma & Crisis Specialist.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love cooking, doing puzzles, and am obsessed with houseplants!

In her 25 years as an educator, Stephanie has been privileged to work with students and educators in a variety of settings. After graduating from Salem State University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, she worked as a K-5th grade classroom teacher in Massachusetts. A vacation to the West coast inspired a move to the Lake Tahoe Basin, where Stephanie met her husband Brendan, while teaching young children to ski at Olympic Valley. Her lifelong goal to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness has led her to design and work to create and establish two local schools.
She was a founding parent and teacher at both the Lake Tahoe School in Incline Village, NV, and right here at TEA! Stephanie also developed and implemented the use of the Mindful SEAD curriculum, a non-profit project of Nevada Department of Education for use in Nevada public schools where she Collaborated with classroom teachers, instructional coaches and school counselors to integrate Social Emotional Academic Development.

What inspired you to join TEA? A lot! After working in the public education system for years I was looking for a way to incorporate project-based learning into the standard curriculum with buy in from both parents and administrators. At TEA we get to do just that while preparing students for the task of solving real-world challenges after they graduate.

Where did you go to school? Salem State University, BS Early ChildhoodED

Do you have any special certifications? Mindful SEAD Coach, Board Member of Positively Rolling- a program working to enhance strong character development in teenage boys through the mediums of mentoring, discussion and skateboard. Certificate from Inner MBA- A nine-month immersion program to train leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, and employees on how to powerfully grow themselves and their companies.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I don’t function in a black and white world which can drive some people crazy. I work best at the last minute, under pressure, and always with the students’ needs in mind first.

After graduating from Princeton University in 1994, where he earned a B.A. in English, All-America Honors, Scholar All-American Honors and won two National Championships for the Men’s Lacrosse Team, Taylor entered into the field of education. Over the past three decades, he has taught and worked in a variety of public, charter and private schools across the country – always looking for the school that was truly meeting the needs of its learners in today’s rapidly changing world. Without finding one, DC Larrabee, Margo Redfern and he started TEA in 2011.

At TEA, Taylor has served in a number of roles, including Co-Director, Admissions Director, Development Director, Middle School and High School Teacher, coach and adventure guide. In his current role as Advancement Officer, Taylor will be driving TEA’s external and outreach efforts to ensure more students can experience the benefits of an adventure-based, experiential education. In addition, Taylor will be working with Courtenay and David to help build out the Martis Valley Campus to serve as a hub for innovative education and a benefit to the community.

Finally, as one of his favorite things to do, Taylor will continue to guide adventures with students around the world, coach after-school and summer programs like archery, rock-climbing and lacrosse and support the development and delivery of new summer programs so we can reach a wider, more diverse audience through scholarships.

Taylor lives in Truckee, CA with his wife, Chelsea, sons Sully and Mickey, and cat, Tadpole, where they love spending time in the mountains hiking, biking, rock-climbing, fishing, hunting and skiing.

What inspired you to co-found TEA? I love working in a place that values, and even leans into, the messiness of solving complex, real world problems. TEA is not a place for everyone, with its dynamic, challenging environment, but for those who like doing hard things, TEA is a wonderfully rewarding place to work and learn.

Where did you go to school? Princeton University, English, B.A., Brown University, M.A.T. Education

Do you have any special certifications? WFR Certification

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? My smile is fake (having knocked out my four front teeth during childhood).

Heather was born and raised in Rocklin, CA. After she graduated from high school, she moved to Soda Springs to work, live, and learn to snowboard at Sugar Bowl. After two full-seasons living on the summit and several bone breaks, Heather switched trajectories and enrolled herself at San Francisco State University, where she knew she wanted to study philosophy and deepen her self-awareness by getting outside of her comfort zones and learning from the “great book of the world.” Heather’s time at San Francisco State University was well spent, she earned her B.A. in Philosophy and World Religions and her M.A. in Philosophy and perhaps more importantly, Heather did grow tremendously as a human-being. After college, Heather wanted to share her love of learning and self-cultivation with others. So naturally, she sought out a profession as a philosophy teacher. To date, Heather has taught philosophy and world religions courses at San Francisco State University, Diablo Valley College, Canada College, and Sierra College. Additionally, Heather holds a Social Science teaching credential and has spent several years working for Placer County Office of Education here in Truckee at the Tahoe-Truckee Community School. Regardless, if Heather is teaching philosophy at the college level or teaching middle school and highschool, her professional goal remains the same: to guide and encourage all learners towards becoming open-minded, deep-thinking, resilient, empathetic, compassionate, creative, team-players, problem-solvers, and awesome citizens of our complex, ever-changing, and diverse world. Heather is thrilled to be joining the TEA team and embarking on her 11th year of teaching. Personally, Heather has a joyous and curious relationship with life, so away from teaching and developing her craft, you might find Heather reading , traveling, relaxing solo or with friends at Donner Lake, visiting family in Auburn, eating delicious vegetarian foods, snowboarding at Sugar Bowl, finding peace and renewal outdoors, loving her children and husband, or playing with her dog Charlie.

What inspired you to join TEA? The promise that not only will I be teaching my beloved subject areas, but that I will be challenged and encouraged to try new things, struggle, be in awe, have fun, be curious, let creative juices flow, reflect, learn deeply, build relationships, and cultivate wisdom right alongside my students and colleagues! I am excited to do this work and to see who we become!

Where did you go to school? San Francisco State University: BA Philosophy & World Religions / MA Philosophy Brandman University: Social Science Credential

Do you have any special certifications? WFA

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? Kombucha is life!!!

Hannah was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. She believes that her passion for working with the youth began as a teenager when she would babysit her younger cousins and neighbors. While attending college, she was able to snowboard out West for the first time and made it a goal to find a teaching job in the mountains after she graduated. Hannah previously spent several years teaching high school English in Western Colorado while completing her Master’s Degree online. Having taught everything from middle school English to AP Literature, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to TEA. Hannah has also had experience mentoring seniors on their capstone experiences and will bring that expertise to her role at TEA. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, skateboarding, kayaking, climbing, and yoga.

Where did you go to school? B.S.Ed Integrated English Language Arts Education, The Ohio State University

Do you have any special certifications?  M.Ed in Reading, Ohio University.

Haley grew up in the Truckee area and spent most of her formative years focused on ski racing. After high school she attended college at Montana State University – Bozeman and completed her B.S. in Health Enhancement: Physical Education with minors in Technology Education and Coaching in 2014. Since then she has been teaching middle and high school courses ranging from PE and Health to Advanced Computer Science courses mostly in the public school environment. The last 6 years she has been in Reno and couldn’t wait to be back in the Tahoe area.

What inspired you to join TEA? Seeing students, families, and staff push to create a better world for our youth. Its inspiring to see such a committed group of people who really walk the walk.

Where did you go to school? Montana State University – B.S. Health Enhancement Physical Education with Minors in Coaching and Technology Education

Do you have any special certifications? State of Nevada Teaching Licenses: Physical Education and Health, Technology Education, Advanced Computer Science, Alternative Education

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I was a wildland firefighter in Montana during summers in college

Andy is excited to be teaching upper school science and leading 9th-10th grade crew at TEA. Andy cultivated his experience in education over the course of 14 years in independent schools where he served variously as a science and photography teacher, department chair, residential life staff, Director of Experiential Ed and Dean of Students. He is focused on connecting students with their own curiosity and fostering self-awareness under the guiding principle that safety and challenge must coexist in the learning environment. He excels at pushing students to contextualize their experience in pursuit of their goals. Andy’s focus in the classroom is to continually push core understandings in science by drawing together big ideas. He asks students to develop the ability to make observations, ask scientific questions, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and create scientific arguments. In this way students develop scientific habits of mind while building confidence and independence.

What inspired you to join TEA? I’m inspired to be a part of a learning community that shares my goals and values. I’m excited for the opportunity to innovate in the classroom, to explore unifying through lines across the student experience, and the constant pursuit of growth and collaboration.

Where did you go to school? I earned a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MS in Zoology from Washington State University.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love tying flies. There is nothing quite as satisfying to me as the combination of art, science and sport. It’s also quite funny to watch big old me tying tiny little flies.

University of Nevada, Reno graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Mechanical Engineering with 3.5+ years of work experience. Aiming to leverage academic experience and a proven knowledge of computer aided engineering, facilities engineering, and root cause analysis to successfully inspire students in the fields of math, physics and engineering.

Anna is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where she got both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She has taught upper school science courses for the last nine years, in addition to operating the school greenhouse and running extensive fieldwork. She was the teacher of the year in 2015. Anna is and experienced Secondary Science Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry.

Where did you go to school? Master of Education – MEd focused in Educational Leadership and Administration, General from University of Kentucky.

Do you have any special certifications?  Skilled in Educational Leadership, Teaching, Google Suite, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking

Ana was born and raised in Miami, FL, where she studied Visual Arts at New World School of the Arts. For her undergraduate degrees Ana studied science & design at the New School in New York City, receiving a BA degree in Environmental Studies and a BFA in Design and Technology from Parsons, as well a double minoring in Interdisciplinary Science and Hispanic Studies. Her thesis Solaic documented the creation of dye-sensitized solar cells and studied their potential use as a hands-on way of learning about energy, electricity, botany, and chemistry.

Ana has worked with various institutions as an educator, designer, and marine species researcher– whether it was exploring Alaska in the name of renewable energy, mucking about SF Bay for invasive clams, or biking through Brooklyn with tupperwares of phosphorous-loaded pond water.

After graduating Ana moved to Reno, where she worked for the Desert Research Institute to created citizen-science centered curricula to engage the surrounding communities with their local ecology. She is currently enrolled in Sierra Nevada University’s Masters of Arts in Teaching program. Her work focuses on the intersection of art, science, and education, and her passions lie in interdisciplinary avenues of promoting STEAM engagement for all.

What inspired you to join TEA? TEA’s commitment to providing inquiry-based and experiential education fosters the curiosity and passion of its students, making it a unique and inspiring place to have the pleasure of contributing to each day!

Where did you go to school? Parsons School of Design, BFA in Design & Technology & Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, BA Environmental Studies with minors in Interdisciplinary Science and Hispanic Studies

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I like to experiment with making raspberry-powered solar mosaics (dye-sensitized solar cell arrays) in my spare time

Katy was born and raised in the Bay Area and has been happily working with teenagers since 2002, after she earned her MA in School Counseling and PPS from Chapman University. After 3 years in public schools in the Bay Area, she moved to the Middle East (Bahrain) in 2005 to focus on college planning and guidance, where she worked with international students seeking admissions to universities not only in the US, but in Australia, Europe, Canada and anywhere else they could imagine. She has also worked with students from low income and first generation backgrounds. Most recently she has been an external freshman reader for a top UC. Well versed in public, private and Ivy League colleges and universities, Katy also has experience with recruited athletes.

Katy has been with TEA since 2015 and has been honored to create the HS College and Counseling program from the beginning and usher each senior class to post HS life. Her focus has always been on guiding students in finding the right social, academic and financial fit for college. Katy continues to stay current on admission trends by attending local, regional and national conferences and visiting colleges and universities around the US.

What inspired you to join TEA? TEA provides an opportunity for students of all ages to develop holistically while balancing academics, character and adventure. Our kids truly are ready for the real world by the time they graduate.

Where did you go to school? CSU East Bay BA Sociology, MA Counseling, PPS Chapman University

Do you have any special certifications? NACAC, ACCIS

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? As a family, our goal is to visit all 50 states by the time our kids, age 6 and 11, graduate from HS!

A meticulous, thoughtful, detail-oriented professional, Ariane thrives in a collegial setting dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children. Curious and inquisitive, Ariane seeks to share her experiences while also learning from others. Ariane work best in a collaborative, innovative, educational community where ideas are welcomed and striving to do better is celebrated.

Where did you go to school? New York University – Bachelor of Science, graduated with honors. Major: Childhood Education and Special Education

Emily Reid, a North Lake Tahoe Native, is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience. Her educational background includes supporting aspiring athletes, guiding gifted and talented learners, and coaching students who struggle in traditional learning environments. Emily’s mission is to help students broaden interests, develop self-awareness skills and independence, and motivate students to meet their goals and make a difference in the world.

What inspired you to join TEA? TEAs students leave with an enhanced set of skills including awareness of self, adaptability in discomfort, and fighting for what is right in the world. There isn’t another school I would rather be a part of.

Where did you go to school? Masters of Education – Humanities with a Concentration in English

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should?I love working with flowers. You can find me designing wedding bouquets and floral headpieces and creating bouquets in my spare time!

Eric graduated from Salisbury University in 2004 with a BS in Business Marketing. At Salisbury, Eric had a standout lacrosse career — winning two National Championships in 2003 & 2004 and was named the 2003 & 2004 National Defenseman of the Year and the 2004 National Player of the Year. The summer following college, Eric was drafted by professional lacrosse teams in New York and California. After spending time on both coasts Eric made San Francisco home for the next 8 years, that is, while he wasn’t flying to/from or playing lacrosse games across North America. Eric enjoyed a nearly 10 year professional lacrosse career in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse. Eric was a member of the US Men’s National Team that won the 2010 World Championship in Manchester, England. He’s a member of the Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame. Eric started working at TEA at the beginning of the 2011/12 school year. Prior to moving to Tahoe, Eric worked in sales and marketing within the sport and manufacturing industries. He directed and coached One City Lacrosse, a non profit that introduced lacrosse to underserved youth in San Francisco. He also co-founded and ran a lacrosse camps business. Eric believes that athletic participation and competition define character and perseverance. Eric will draw from his extensive professional background to help students discover and pursue their athletic passion.

What inspired you to join TEA? The opportunities and challenges that Lake Tahoe and its surrounding lands provide to everyone willing to step out of their comfort zone.

Where did you go to school? Salisbury University, BS in Business Marketing

Do you have any special certifications? High Sierra Lacrosse Board Member, Wilderness First Responder

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I’m a better cook than you.

After graduating from Princeton University in 1994, where he earned a B.A. in English, All-America Honors, Scholar All-American Honors and won two National Championships for the Men’s Lacrosse Team, Taylor entered into the field of education. Over the past three decades, he has taught and worked in a variety of public, charter and private schools across the country – always looking for the school that was truly meeting the needs of its learners in today’s rapidly changing world. Without finding one, DC Larrabee, Margo Redfern and he started TEA in 2011.

At TEA, Taylor has served in a number of roles, including Co-Director, Admissions Director, Development Director, Middle School and High School Teacher, coach and adventure guide. In his current role as Advancement Officer, Taylor will be driving TEA’s external and outreach efforts to ensure more students can experience the benefits of an adventure-based, experiential education. In addition, Taylor will be working with Courtenay and David to help build out the Martis Valley Campus to serve as a hub for innovative education and a benefit to the community.

Finally, as one of his favorite things to do, Taylor will continue to guide adventures with students around the world, coach after-school and summer programs like archery, rock-climbing and lacrosse and support the development and delivery of new summer programs so we can reach a wider, more diverse audience through scholarships.

Taylor lives in Truckee, CA with his wife, Chelsea, sons Sully and Mickey, and cat, Tadpole, where they love spending time in the mountains hiking, biking, rock-climbing, fishing, hunting and skiing.

What inspired you to co-found TEA? I love working in a place that values, and even leans into, the messiness of solving complex, real world problems. TEA is not a place for everyone, with its dynamic, challenging environment, but for those who like doing hard things, TEA is a wonderfully rewarding place to work and learn.

Where did you go to school? Princeton University, English, B.A., Brown University, M.A.T. Education

Do you have any special certifications? WFR Certification

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? My smile is fake (having knocked out my four front teeth during childhood).

As Dean of Students, Chloe Levenson is dedicated to working with each faction within the TEA community to facilitate the unique academic experience that only TEA offers. Since coming to TEA in 2022–all the way from New York City–Chloe has implemented several programs to empower and inspire our students and our community, including our 1st Annual School Olympics! In addition, Chloe is also focused on giving students a voice at TEA and creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing educational environment.

Chloe brings more than a decade of experience in a variety of educational environments including as a Middle School Learning Specialist and Dean at Collegiate School in New York City–one of the oldest and most well established independent schools in the country. She has her Master’s in Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education and is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Prior to Collegiate, Chloe also held a range of positions at Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn, Miami Dade Public Schools, SAR Academy and other private, charter and public schools. Additionally she has experience in doing direct therapy with children and adults, and as a private educator and educational consultant.

Chloe has extensive experience working together with students and families to develop individualized plans that put students on the path for success, both in and out of the classroom. As both an educator and a social worker (and a mom), Chloe focuses on meeting students where they are and helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Every student has unique tools and strengths at their disposal, and Chloe greatly enjoys helping students hone their skills to develop a deeper sense of self and become more self reliant.

Chloe also greatly enjoys running, hiking and hot sauces!

Kristen is thrilled to be joining the TEA community as the Pk-12 school counselor. Starting her 16th year in education, Kristen has developed her skills as an educator at independent schools, holding different positions including math, science, and wellness teacher, Dean of Residential Life, and Dean of Student Life. Her focus is on the emotional wellness, safety, and growth of every individual in the TEA community. Her passions include guiding community growth and helping instill a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Kristen hails from the west coast and was born and raised in California and Washington. She has been in the Truckee area since 2006. Despite pursuing a career in disease research after studying Microbiology at Washington State University, Kristen found her place and passion within independent schools. She is currently completing her M.Ed. in School Counseling at the University of Southern California. Outside of school, Kristen is mom to a TEA 2nd grader, a chihuahua, and a border collie. She is a proud member of the #BooCrew and loves to be out Nordic skiing in the winter.

What inspired you to join TEA? The focus on student wellness at TEA inspires me. Putting our social-emotional needs at the forefront of educational practice will help our students be healthier and happier humans as they navigate life.

Where did you go to school? Microbiology at Washington State University and am now in my last year of study to receive my M.Ed. in School Counseling at the University of Southern California

Do you have any special certifications? Specialist certifications from the American School Counseling Association including Mental Health, Anxiety & Stress Management, and Trauma & Crisis Specialist

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love cooking, doing puzzles, and am obsessed with houseplants!

Andy is excited to be teaching upper school science and leading 9th-10th grade crew at TEA. Andy cultivated his experience in education over the course of 14 years in independent schools where he served variously as a science and photography teacher, department chair, residential life staff, Director of Experiential Ed and Dean of Students. He is focused on connecting students with their own curiosity and fostering self-awareness under the guiding principle that safety and challenge must coexist in the learning environment. He excels at pushing students to contextualize their experience in pursuit of their goals. Andy’s focus in the classroom is to continually push core understandings in science by drawing together big ideas. He asks students to develop the ability to make observations, ask scientific questions, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and create scientific arguments. In this way students develop scientific habits of mind while building confidence and independence.

What inspired you to join TEA? I’m inspired to be a part of a learning community that shares my goals and values. I’m excited for the opportunity to innovate in the classroom, to explore unifying through lines across the student experience, and the constant pursuit of growth and collaboration.

Where did you go to school? I earned a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MS in Zoology from Washington State University.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love tying flies. There is nothing quite as satisfying to me as the combination of art, science and sport. It’s also quite funny to watch big old me tying tiny little flies.

After earning bachelor degrees in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Courtenay entered the world of non-profit program development and fundraising, and basically never left. For almost 30 years she has dedicated herself to helping organizations clarify their strategic plans, execute and deliver on their missions, and raise the resources necessary to provide vital services. She has fundraised for the YWCA, the Girl Scouts of America, Tahoe Safe Alliance (now the Sierra Community House) and Tahoe Expedition Academy. She believes deeply in the power of donors to make a significant positive impact on the world through their contributions to worthy organizations, and she greatly enjoys facilitating these connections.

What inspired you to join TEA? I’m inspired by so many aspects of TEA! I love the REALNESS of it all — the fact that my kids study complex, multi-faceted real world problems, using the actual world as their classroom and experts as their guides. I love that we don’t pretend to have everything tidied and buttoned up, but instead accept, embrace and adeptly adapt to the challenges and chaos of real living. Most of all, I love the authentic, passionate and deeply committed people who make up our communiTEA. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of such an amazing group of parents and educators.

Where did you go to school? University of California, Santa Cruz BS Psychology and BS Women’s Studies, then Portland State University – Ph.D. Systems Science: Community Psychology

Do you have any special certifications? Certified Parent Coach

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I’m an open book, so this one is tricky– maybe that I’m a Zumba dancer?

Greg’s path to joining TEA was through the world of action sports. Prior to TEA, Greg was at the helm of an influential action sports publishing network whose titles included Freeskier Magazine and Snow Board Magazine. His particular area of expertise is branded content production and distribution, and he’s found an impactful application for that skillset at TEA. From our TEAFilms.org program to our yearbook, website blog, social media, and monthly feel-good email newsletters, Greg may have earned the title “Chief Storyteller” at TEA.

What inspired you to join TEA? The opportunity to use storytelling and content distribution to influence kids to solve real-world problems and advocate for causes they believe it.

Where did you go to school? Sierra Nevada College, BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Ski Area Design, Layout and Management.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I love to cook and have even won competitive cooking awards for my pork green chili (that’s made with 100% jalapeños).

Eric graduated from Salisbury University in 2004 with a BS in Business Marketing. At Salisbury, Eric had a standout lacrosse career — winning two National Championships in 2003 & 2004 and was named the 2003 & 2004 National Defenseman of the Year and the 2004 National Player of the Year. The summer following college, Eric was drafted by professional lacrosse teams in New York and California. After spending time on both coasts Eric made San Francisco home for the next 8 years, that is, while he wasn’t flying to/from or playing lacrosse games across North America. Eric enjoyed a nearly 10 year professional lacrosse career in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse. Eric was a member of the US Men’s National Team that won the 2010 World Championship in Manchester, England. He’s a member of the Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame. Eric started working at TEA at the beginning of the 2011/12 school year. Prior to moving to Tahoe, Eric worked in sales and marketing within the sport and manufacturing industries. He directed and coached One City Lacrosse, a non profit that introduced lacrosse to underserved youth in San Francisco. He also co-founded and ran a lacrosse camps business. Eric believes that athletic participation and competition define character and perseverance. Eric will draw from his extensive professional background to help students discover and pursue their athletic passion.

What inspired you to join TEA? The opportunities and challenges that Lake Tahoe and its surrounding lands provide to everyone willing to step out of their comfort zone.

Where did you go to school? Salisbury University, BS in Business Marketing

Do you have any special certifications? High Sierra Lacrosse Board Member, Wilderness First Responder

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I’m a better cook than you.

Alex’s position at TEA as Athletics and Activities Manager combines her passion of working with kids, providing healthy activities, and exploring the outdoors. Alex graduated from Arizona State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. Alex’s career has included designing and executing after school programs for at-risk teens, farming, and working with teens as a guide in Wilderness Therapy. Alex started her work at TEA as an Adventure Guide in 2018 and is thrilled to now be a full-time member of the TEAm.

In her free time, Alex loves hiking, cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Alex is excited to live in Tahoe and explore all the outdoor activities available here!

What inspired you to join TEA? I am inspired by how TEA encourages students to be curious, think outside the box, and hones in on the strengths of each student.

Where did you go to school? Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion

Do you have any special certifications? Wilderness First Responder

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am passionate about sustainable practices and decreasing food waste.

Ally Chase has been living in Lake Tahoe for almost 10 years. Ally moved to Lake Tahoe in 2009 from Houston, Texas where she was born and raised. She is a proud Texas Aggie. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She began her career with Ferrari of Houston where she made her way into the racing world managing logistics as a Team Manager. After her move to Lake Tahoe she joined the Vail Resorts Team at Northstar where she used her Human Resources knowledge as an HR Coordinator then after a year transitioned to the Marketing Manager role. In 2013, she went back to join the car racing world which took her back to Houston but that didn’t last long because she missed Tahoe and quickly found her way back “home”.

As a mother with two little ones, she found that there wasn’t a place that compiled all of the kid-friendly activities in the area and launched Tahoe Kidz – an online community that shares all the happenings going on in the North Lake Tahoe area to help fill her time during her professional break. Ally also has a passion for creativity and crafting.

Ally is excited to continue her adventure here at TEA and is looking forward to bringing her knowledge to help the growth of the school.

What inspired you to join TEA? I love the creative and critical thinking that goes into each lesson the kids learn, the environment and the growth potential that is provided for everyone on campus.

Where did you go to school? Texas A&M University, B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies: Human Resource Development & Business

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? The very first time I went camping was when I did the Napali Coast in Kauai, hiked 11 miles to the campsite and 11 miles out.

Beth Gamboa has lived in Lake Tahoe for close to 4 years with her husband and energetic pup, Max. Beth has lived many places in her life including Texas, Long Island, Maryland and Florida. Out of them all, she feels she has learned the most about herself since moving to Lake Tahoe in 2018. Beth graduated from Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland with a BS in Human Communication and Marketing. She began her career as a front desk agent at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel where she set plans to be in the hospitality industry the rest of her life. She moved to Florida and began her path of growth till she reached Meetings and Special Events Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. This path led her to accepting the position of Senior Meetings and Special Events Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe in 2018. So began the new chapter in her life with her husband and faithful pup by her side. At the end of 2019, Beth realized there was something missing from her path. With her family’s support, she decided to leave the hospitality industry and begin a new path of which she had no idea. This new path led her to childcare where she had the incredible opportunity to work with two amazing companies; The Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Donner Recreation and Parks District. Over the last year she has had hands-on experience working with children, conquering the beast of distance learning, and running Camp Rad summer camp. Working with kids during such a chaotic time and seeing how resilient children can truly be, brought a light in her life she never realized she was missing. It was truly kismet when the position of Office Manager opened here at TEA, it felt to her as though she was meant to be a part of the TEA family.

What inspired you to join TEA? Seeing the hands on experience the students are exposed to. I never had hands on life skills experience as a child and it is truly inspiring watching the next generation learning things that will truly help them in the future and spark interest at such a young age.

Where did you go to school? Salisbury University, Human Communications and Marketing

Do you have any special certifications? Zumba Instructor, basic American Sign Language

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? 2021 was the first year I went camping since 2008! It was also the year I went to a hot spring, battled Truckee river in a rafting excursion and flew in the air in a skydiving simulator!

Larry arrived in Truckee/North Tahoe drawn by the mountains, the snow, and the qualities of our active lifestyle. His business background includes leading and developing Tahoe Forest Therapy Services from a staff of 12 to a staff of 75. Areas of responsibility included finance, accounting, business systems, compliance, risk management, insurance policy oversight, and human resources. He has also served on the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and led as Chair for two terms, provided consulting on several successful start-ups and most recently served as Executive Director of Tahoe Freeride for the past three seasons through all the challenges of COVID. As a father of three with his wife Michelle by his side, he knows the value of both public and independent school education and the importance of supporting and leading youth.

What inspired you to join TEA? Participating in education is an exciting direction where I can take my skills in business to advance our academy to the next level. TEA is quite amazing and I am excited for the future of our students, parents, and faculty.

Where did you go to school? California State University Chico, Business Administration, BS In Business Administration

Do you have any special certifications?I have a diverse background with several certifications. I started my college career at the University of California Santa Barbara and graduated from California State University, Chico. In addition to my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, I have pursued credentials as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Scrum Master Certification, an Agile Development certification from the Varden School of Business, and an Ergonomic Specialist designation from R. Matheson.

What is something that not everyone knows about you, but probably should? I am an avid sailor!

Brian has worked at Tahoe Expedition Academy for 5 years as the school’s Facilities Manager. Prior to his time at TEA Brian worked locally and abroad in an array of different industries. He enjoys motorsports, camping and watching, playing and coaching a variety of sports. He has a wife and two children.