CASY Preschool | CASY Teachers & Staff

Ms. Michelle

Ms. Michelle began teaching at CASY Preschool in January of 2020 as one of the Extended Day and
Clubhouse teachers. She is an Arizona native currently achieving her Bachelor's degree in
Psychology from Arizona State University. Michelle earned her Associate's degree in Elementary
Education and in Arts from Scottsdale Community College while being a student athlete playing on their
volleyball team.
Her passion for teaching children began early and flourished while nannying and being a Behavioral
Therapist. Michelle loves being able to watch the children grow in her classroom through play and
mindful experiences.
Outside of the classroom she enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and being
outdoors.

Ms. Shelby

Twos, Naptime

classroomc@gmail.com

Ms. Shelby

Ms. Shelby has always loved working with children and has been so since she was a child herself! She
grew up teaching gymnastics to toddlers, working at an overnight summer camp, as well as teaching art
every Sunday. Ms. Shelby was born in California but has lived in Arizona almost her whole life, aside
from going away to Chicago for college.
Ms. Shelby began teaching at CASY Preschool in 2019 in our two’s program, where she enjoys leading
circle time, doing arts and crafts, dancing to music and working on movement with her students. She
loves to goof around and be silly with the kids as a fun way to introduce learning.
Outside of work Shelby has two dogs who are her like her children for the time being. Aside from taking
care of them, she enjoys crafting for herself as well as traveling and experiencing new places!

Ms. Suzie

Twos, Early Morning, Naptime

Ms. Suzie

Ms. Suzie has been a teacher at CASY Preschool since 2009, but really has been a part of our CASY family
for 20-years. Both Ms. Suzie’s daughter and granddaughter attended CASY. Ms. Suzie states, “I fell in
love with all the teachers because of their love and dedication to each and every child!”
Suzie loves watching the children grow from little babies into little grown-ups. She enjoys the look on
her students’ faces when their light bulbs turn on with comprehension! Mostly, Ms. Suzie appreciates
the students’ laughter and all the hugs she receives daily! Ms. Suzie so grateful to be a part each child’s
growth, development, to help promote their love of reading, learning, and coming to school!
Ms. Suzie’s hobbies include ballroom dancing, hiking, spending time her family and her dog!

Ms. Carmen

Twos, Extended day

Classroomc@gmail.com

Ms. Carmen

Ms. Lizi

Twos

casyclassrooma@gmail.com

Ms. Lizi

Ms. Lizi has a Journalism degree from the London College of Printing. After moving to the US in 2004 and
starting a family she trained as a Kindermusik instructor where she enjoyed teaching families the
benefits of brain boosting using a child’s natural instincts to listen to musical patterns.
Ms. Lizi has two children who both began as CASY students. When her son was in the 3s program she
joined the CASY team, this is now her 7th year and along with a joy for working with the kids, she
integrates music and rhythm to her class daily.
Outside of school Ms. Lizi loves to be with her family and puppy exploring parks and trails. She has a
passion for musical theater and is most likely to be singing while cleaning her home.

Ms. Kristen

Mini Twos

casyclassroomd@gmail.com

Ms. Kristen

Ms. Michelle

Twos, Extended Day, Clubhouse

Ms. Michelle

Ms. Shelby

Twos, Naptime

classroomc@gmail.com

Ms. Shelby

Ms. Suzie

Twos, Early Morning, Naptime

Ms. Suzie

Ms. Cheryl

Cheryl Johnson is a native Floridian who moved to Scottsdale in the mid-80s. She is a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Education. In addition to teaching in a Middle School setting (6-8th grade) she has worked with young children as a Cub Scout Den Leader and volunteered for many years at her children’s Elementary school.

Over the years, Ms. Cheryl has enjoyed attending workshops and conferences that help to keep her current in new trends and studies in Education!

Working with children is so rewarding, no matter the age! It is such a special thrill to watch as the “light goes on” for a young mind! Encouraging children to be excited about learning and encouraging their curiosity brings her joy and great satisfaction!

Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband, sons, daughter in law and especially with her 3-year old granddaughter. She also enjoys the opportunity to meet up with friends for a movie, baseball game or a good meal! In her “free time” she enjoys reading, cooking/baking, movies, travel and some light gardening

Ms. Cheryl

Threes

Ms. Cheryl

Ms. Cheryl is a native Floridian who moved to Scottsdale in the mid-80s. She is a graduate of the
University of Florida’s College of Education. In addition to teaching in a Middle School setting (6th
-8
th
grade) she has worked with young children as a Cub Scout Den Leader and volunteered for many years
at her children’s Elementary school.
Over the years, Ms. Cheryl has enjoyed attending workshops and conferences that help to keep her
current in new trends and studies in Education.
Working with children is so rewarding, no matter the age! It is such a special thrill to watch as the “light
goes on” for a young mind! Encouraging children to be excited about learning and encouraging their
curiosity brings her joy and great satisfaction.
Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband, sons, daughter in law and especially with her 3-year-old
granddaughter. She also enjoys the opportunity to meet up with friends for a movie, baseball game or a
good meal! In her “free time” she enjoys reading, cooking/baking, movies, travel, and some light
gardening!

Ms. Debbie

Debbie Koser is a valley native who has been teaching at CASY Preschool for 16-years. She took a two year break a few years ago to move to CT for her husband's job. While they enjoyed exploring the east coast, they are happy to be back in the valley. Debbie has a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business from NAU.

The majority of Ms. Debbie's time at CASY has been in the 3s program, but she has taught both 4s and Jr K. The fine arts curriculum at CASY is Debbie's favorite part of teaching at the school. She loves to see what the children create! She feels the seasons aren't the same unless you are making fun art projects to represent them! The plays and holiday sings are some of her other favorite things at CASY.

In her free time, Debbie loves to travel to visit her children, hike all the awesome trails around the valley, spend some time on the golf course, read great books and try her hand at new crafts.

Ms. Debbie

Threes, Early Morning

Ms. Debbie

Ms. Debbie is a valley native who has been teaching at CASY Preschool for 16-years. She took a two year
break a few years ago to move to CT for her husband's job. While they enjoyed exploring the east coast,
they are happy to be back in the valley. Debbie has a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business from
NAU.
The majority of Ms. Debbie's time at CASY has been in the 3s program, but she has taught both 4s and Jr
K. The fine arts curriculum at CASY is Debbie's favorite part of teaching at the school. She loves to see
what the children create! She feels the seasons aren't the same unless you are making fun art projects
to represent them! The plays and holiday sings are some of her other favorite things at CASY.
In her free time, Debbie loves to travel to visit her children, hike all the awesome trails around the
valley, spend some time on the golf course, read great books and try her hand at new crafts.

Ms. Marcie

Marcie Oulman is currently a 3’s teacher at CASY Preschool. She grew up in Rochester, MN but has lived in Scottsdale for the last 18 years. She has a teaching credential from Northern Arizona University and a minor in Spanish. She taught second grade for many years in Lawndale (California) School District before taking time off to raise her three beautiful children. She has since returned to teaching and has been a member of the CASY staff for seven wonderful years.

In her spare time Ms. Marcie loves to travel and experience new cultures and places. Her favorite activities include hiking, tennis, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Her passion is working with young children and making sure their first school experiences are filled with joy, love and laughter.

Ms. Marcie

Threes

Ms. Marcie

Ms. Marcie is currently a 3’s teacher at CASY Preschool. She grew up in Rochester, MN but has lived in
Scottsdale for the last 18 years. She has a teaching credential from Northern Arizona University and a
minor in Spanish. She taught second grade for many years in Lawndale (California) School District before
taking time off to raise her three beautiful children. She has since returned to teaching and has been a
member of the CASY staff for eight wonderful years.
In her spare time Ms. Marcie loves to travel and experience new cultures and places. Her favorite
activities include hiking, tennis, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Her
passion is working with young children and making sure their first school experiences are filled with joy,
love, and laughter.

Mrs. Myers

Threes

Mrs. Myers

Ruth Ann Myers settled in Scottsdale in the early ‘80’s after moving from the “East Coast”( Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida)! She is a graduate of Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia.

Her understanding of the need for preschool education became evident after her two sons were born and she found herself involved with creating “Mothers Morning Out” programs! Institutional early childhood programs were virtually non-existent at that time! It was a natural step to start working at CASY after its initial founding, and she’s been on the faculty ever since! Additionally, Mrs. Myers coauthored the creation of the Animaletters program, which CASY proudly continues to use in our current curriculum!

She remarks that she is always rewarded by opening children’s minds to knowledge! Each year brings new challenges and development! But the best part is how much fun it is to be in a creative classroom with young children excited to learn! When “ the light goes on” it is truly inspiring!

When not in the classroom, she spends most of her time at home with her husband and two dogs, and occasionally her two grandchildren! She enjoys gardening, cooking, and exploring “the world of wines” with a wine group

Ms. Cheryl

Threes

Ms. Cheryl

Ms. Cheryl is a native Floridian who moved to Scottsdale in the mid-80s. She is a graduate of the
University of Florida’s College of Education. In addition to teaching in a Middle School setting (6th-8thgrade) she has worked with young children as a Cub Scout Den Leader and volunteered for many years
at her children’s Elementary school.
Over the years, Ms. Cheryl has enjoyed attending workshops and conferences that help to keep her
current in new trends and studies in Education.
Working with children is so rewarding, no matter the age! It is such a special thrill to watch as the “light
goes on” for a young mind! Encouraging children to be excited about learning and encouraging their
curiosity brings her joy and great satisfaction.
Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband, sons, daughter in law and especially with her 3-year-old
granddaughter. She also enjoys the opportunity to meet up with friends for a movie, baseball game or a
good meal! In her “free time” she enjoys reading, cooking/baking, movies, travel, and some light
gardening!

Ms. Debbie

Threes, Early Morning

Ms. Debbie

Ms. Marcie

Threes

Ms. Marcie

Mrs. Myers

Threes

Mrs. Myers

Ms. Chayo

Fours, Spanish

casyclassroomg@gmail.com

Ms. Chayo

Ms. Chayo was born in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Arizona State University, Magna Cum Laude.
Ms. Chayo has been a CASY preschool teacher for 21-years. On a personal note, Chayo has been married
for 37-years and has one adult child.
Chayo especially enjoys teaching preschool because she loves watching the growth of the kids in her
classroom from the first day to graduation. Her focus is assuring the kids have a safe environment, feel
loved, develop social skills and pique their interest in learning.
Chayo enjoys hiking, walking her German Shepard, reading, going to the moves and happy hour with her
husband.

Ms. Holly

Fours

casyclassroome@gmail.com

Ms. Holly

This is Ms. Holly’s 5th year at CASY in the Pre-K classroom. During her first year at CASY, she
was in the Mini 2’s classroom. She has also worked in the afternoon napping classroom for
several years. Ms. Holly has 10-years’ experience in the Paradise Valley School District in the
resource classroom, working with children in Kindergarten through 6th grade with reading,
math and writing; 6-years’ experience teaching religious education for first through sixth
grade; and 2-years’ experience teaching English to Japanese students.
Ms. Holly says, “Children make me smile every day at work. I truly believe that you can make
learning fun at the preschool level, and that preschool allows you to get to know the parents
as well as the children. No matter what learning level children have when they enter the
classroom, they leave at a higher level, and I enjoy seeing each individual grow over the
course of the school year.”
Holly enjoys working out, hiking, travelling, watching movies, playing board games with my
adult children, and spending time with my family.

Ms. Jackie

Curriculum Director, Fours

casyclassroome@gmail.com

Ms. Jackie

Ms. Jackie has been a teacher at CASY for over 20 years. She is the Director of Education and a Pre-K
teacher. Ms. Jackie has a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood. With her vast
knowledge and experience in academics, Ms. Jackie oversees the curriculum across all age groups. Her
passion for teaching, developing, and encouraging her students grows each year. She enjoys working on
staff development, teaching the minds of young children, and developing relationships with our CASY
families.
In her spare time, Ms. Jackie enjoys cooking, shopping, and spending time with her family and dogs.

Ms. Mouna

Fours, Extended Day

casyclassroome@gmail.com

Ms. Mouna

Ms. Mouna love’s teaching. She is originally from Connecticut, moved Arizona in 2016. Ms. Mouna
studied and graduated with elementary education at the University of Connecticut.
Mouna is passionate about teaching and motivating children to become independent and lifelong
learners.
Ms. Mouna states, “I enjoy working in a caring and respectful classroom where students are encouraged
to think, share, and have fun! I look forward to a wonderful year filled with curiosity and learning.”

Ms. Lauren

Director

admin@casypreschool.com

Ms. Lauren

Ms. Lauren is an Arizona native who graduated from Arizona State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of
Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Psychology. Directly out of college, Ms. Lauren began
working both directly and indirectly with at-risk youth in the foster care system as an administrator.
Through her time in the foster care system, it became apparent how critical early childhood education is
for a child’s development. So, after 4 years, Ms. Lauren took her experience and leadership skills to
preschools in 2016. In 2017, Ms. Lauren began working as the Director of CASY Preschool.
Ms. Lauren enjoys collaborating with teachers to create a fun, safe, and academically enriching
environment for all. It is her belief that preschools are the building blocks for a child’s social, emotional,
and academic success, which is why she, and the rest of the CASY team, work so diligently to create a
high-quality educational experience for students.
In her free time, you can find Ms. Lauren cheering on the Phoenix Suns, spending time with friends or
family, or exploring all the nature that Arizona has to offer.

Ms. Jackie

Curriculum Director

classroome@gmail.com

Ms. Jackie

Ms. Kristen

Music

Admin@casypreschool.com

Ms. Kristen

Ms. Marissa

Extended Day, Clubhouse

admin@casypreschool.com

Ms. Marissa

Ms. Marissa has been a nanny for over 10 years and absolutely loves working with children! Ms.
Marissa states, “this led me to continue my passion as a teacher at CASY where I can help
children learn and grow!”
While relatively new to teaching, Ms. Marissa enjoys helping children fulfill their potential and
learn new things every day. She enjoys watching the children at CASY grow and appreciates
being a part of it!
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Marissa enjoys spending time with her husband and their family
and friends. Additionally, she loves being outdoors with her dog!

Ms. Michelle

Twos, Extended Day, Clubhouse