CASY Preschool | CASY Teachers & Staff

Teachers & Staff

Twos

Ms. Carmen

Twos, Napping, Extended day

Ms. Carmen

Ms. Carmen has over 9 years of experience working with preschool aged children. She first caught the
teaching bug during an internship at a bilingual preschool in Colombia, South America. After graduation,
Ms. Carmen traveled back to Bogota, Colombia, where she worked in marketing for a medical magazine
for a year. When she returned to Scottsdale, she started teaching at a preschool and realized that she
had a love and passion for working with children. While teaching there, she started and implemented a
bilingual program for the preschool. Ms. Carmen has a Liberal Arts, BA degree in Spanish, and a
Montessori Certification in early childhood education.
Ms. Carmen is a teacher in the 2's program and teaches the 3's in the extended program. She started her
C.A.S.Y career as a substitute teacher, and taught in the extended/clubhouse program. She joined the
2's program as a mini 2's teacher last year. This will be Ms. Carmen's third year at C.A.S.Y.
Outside of work, Ms. Carmen loves reading, watching movies, and spending time with her girls, family,
and 2 dogs.

Ms. Kristen

Mini Twos

Ms. Kristen

Ms. Kristen has been teaching at CASY preschool since 2018. Both of her children went to CASY for 3 years and she fell in love with the program after watching them flourish.
Kristen is passionate about the Mini Two's Program and truly believes it is the first steppingstone into kindergarten. She believes that giving these little ones a warm, happy classroom environment will prepare them for when the "real" learning begins. Learning to sit at circle, line up for recess and interact with other children is so important for their future classroom endeavors. Even at this young age, she prepares them for problem solving and strategizing by asking questions before an activity.
In her spare time, she is a room parent at her children's school and is a total dance and golf "mom". Additionally she loves to travel, shop, read and hang out with her family and friends.

Ms. Lizi

Twos

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.

Ms. Suzie

Twos, Early Morning, Naptime, Clubhouse

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. Bente

Mini Twos

Ms. Bente

Ms. Bente got her Teacher Degree in Norway in 2008 and worked as a teacher in her hometown Odda, before she moved to USA with her husband in 2013.

When their children started pre-K, Bente started to work part time in their schools.

The excitement and joy in children from learning new things and seeing them grow in fellowship with others is one of the things Bente loves the most about her job. She believes that feeling safe and cared for in the early years, is fundamental for positive growth and development in children. Bente is passionate in what she does and is excited to be a part of the mini 2’s at CASY.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, travel, arts and crafts, and hanging out with friends.

Ms. Marleigh

Twos, Early Morning, Naptime, Clubhouse

Ms. Marleigh

Ms. Marleigh was born in the mountain town of Prescott, Arizona and came to Phoenix to reside after graduating in 2014. She developed her love for teaching and child development thru helping autistic youth transition from foster care into adopted homes in her late years of high school. After moving into the city, she was met with a variety of opportunities to nurture and care for folks of the elderly community and assist in rehabilitation and home assistance of the disabled community. Upon accepting her first opportunity in a childcare setting, she was met with an incredible and life-changing adventure to take part in a short-term fostering experience of her own, which flourished a growth of appreciation of learning and teaching thru developmental milestones. She was welcomed aboard by CASY with open arms earlier this year and is anticipating the exciting new adventures that are awaiting her and her students in the classroom.

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. Amber

Threes, Extended Day, Spanish and Clubhouse

Ms. Amber

Currently Unavailable

Ms. Debbie

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. Michelle

Threes, Napping, Yoga

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. Brittany

Threes, Early Morning, Naptime, Imaginative Art

Ms. Brittany

Currently Unavailable

Ms. Linda

Threes

Ms. Linda

Ms. Linda was born and raised in Arlington, Massachusetts. She received her bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College. Linda moved to Arizona and continued her education at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Education. Ms. Linda began her career teaching in the elementary school system, primarily working with first and second grade students. In 2021, Ms. Linda, and her 35 years of formal teaching experience, joined the CASY Preschool team as one of our Pre-K teachers.

Ms. Linda’s happy place is in the classroom with children. She loves watching her students grow and says there is no better feeling than seeing a student reach that “lightbulb moment.” Ms. Linda creates a loving classroom environment and believes that students thrive when they can feel that they are genuinely cared for at school. Ms. Linda’s teaching style is hands on; you will often find her on the carpet playing side by side with her students or climbing on the jungle gym on the playground. She simply loves being a teacher, and it shows!

When she is not busy in the classroom creating memorable moments for her students, Ms. Linda can be found spending time with her dogs and family members.

Fours

Ms. Holly

Fours

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

Fours, Director of Education

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

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. Jackie

Director of Education

[email protected]

Ms. Jackie

Ms. Lauren

Director

[email protected]

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. Athena

Assistant Director

[email protected]

Ms. Athena

Ms. Athena spent her early career in the financial services industry where she earned her MBA. After having her own children, she embraced her passion for working with children and helping them develop skills for success. Ms. Athena has been a CASY family member since 2018. She obtained her Early Literacy Certificate through Southwest Development, and previously taught our retired Jr K program.
The best part about Ms. Athena's role is the connection she makes with staff, students and our CASY families. She gets to maximize our administration efforts to ensure our CASY program is running smoothly. We are raising the next generation and that future is very bright.
Outside of CASY, you may spot Ms. Athena and her family out and about Scottsdale. When she is not hiking our McDowell Mountains, she loves to bake with her girls, enjoy a good book, or craft in her free-time.

Ms. Morgen

Extended Day and Clubhouse

Ms. Morgen

Currently Unavailable

Ms. Kristen

Music

Ms. Kristen

Ms. Kristen has taught music at CASY Preschool since 2005. During this time, Ms. Kristen has also taught a Mommy and Me music and movement class, and private piano lessons both from my home and to students at CASY during the Extended Day program.

Ms. Kristen loves teaching at CASY because of the friendships, the supportive atmosphere, and of course, the kiddos! The curriculum, the nurturing teachers, and the small school size all contribute to CASY Preschool being a cozy school home. Additionally, three of Ms. Kristen’s children attended CASY Preschool, and her mother was one of the original CASY 3s teachers. So, it’s all in the family!

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Kristen loves to read, exercise, watch a good movie or Netflix show, and spend time with family and friends, and her husband of 24 years.

Twos

Ms. Carmen

Threes

Ms. Debbie

Ms. Debbie

Fours

Administrators

Music and Clubhouse