Faculty & Staff
Our teachers and assistants have a CDA, AA, BS, BA, or MA degrees in the Early Childhood Field or a related field. Shenker Academy hires professional faculty members who are dedicated to the school mission and passionate about early childhood education and about their personal growth.
We are certified by the State of Nevada Preschool Licensing Department, Nevada Department of Education, SNHD, Office of State Fire Marshal, Department of Building & Safety, OSHA, and accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Head of School
Dr. Sharon R. Knafo
After fulfilling a variety of leadership positions as a principal in elementary and middle schools in Memphis Tennessee and Houston, Texas, he assumed the position of School Head at Shenker Academy. Dr. Knafo is married+2 and finds the time to write in various publications and speak to employees and non-profit organizations around the country about careers and organizational culture. Dr. Knafo addressed audiences in universities, schools, congregations, community centers, and at various conferences and events. His educational philosophy embraces the balance between academic achievements, creativity, cognitive development, and social growth, and sees the necessity of skilled management interwoven with educational mission and vision as a vital component when leading a school. In the center, Dr. Knafo views the personal relationship and the community building around the school as a unique strength of Shenker Academy.
Curriculum & Licensing Director
Paola Borders
Admissions Director
Casey Luna
Casey Camat-Luna is the Admissions Director and Administrator at Shenker Academy for the past 5 years. Prior to joining Shenker Academy, Casey held various administrative positions in Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, and Private Equity. Casey holds a BA in Business Management from CSUH Casey, and with more than 20 years’ experience in business administration, it is Casey’s goal to provide excellent customer service to our current families, as well as prospective families interested in learning more about Shenker Academy. Please contact Casey directly at 702.255.5437 or via email at admissions@shenkeracademy.com to inquire about the admissions process at Shenker Academy.
Accounting Administrator
Melissa Rogers
Lead Teachers
Kindergarten Lead
Sheryl Davis-Haas
Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Cristina Magallon
My name is Cristina Magallon and I am the Lead Teacher in the Little Rangers classroom. I hold an Associate Degree in Elemntary Educaion and I am completeing my Bachelor’s degree in elementary school education. I have taught at Shenker Academy since 2021 as a Kindergarten assitant teacher, Pre-K assitant teacher, and this year I assumed the lead position in the Rangers classrom. I am passionate about teaching and learning, I believe in child centerd education, and I am grateful to be on the team at Shenker Academy.
Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Tiffany Wilson
Hi, my name is Mrs. Tiffany Wilson and I am proud to be in the Early Childhood Education field for over 7 years now. I have years of experience as a lead teacher in various Los Angeles, California Preschools. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, as well as Nevada Registry training courses. My educational philosophy embraces hands-on activities with an emphasis on science experiments, and our ROZZY STEAM is certainly supporting that! I have been a lead in the past two years, and taking over the Pre-K groovy cats is a great journey for me and my team.
Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Kijai Ridick-Tupelehake
3’s Lead Teacher
Eryka Slizeski
3’s Lead Teacher
Brittney Ganir
My name is Brittney Ganir, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Whales classroom 2022-23 school year. This is my second year at Shenker Academy. I am holding an associate degree in early childhood Education (CDA), and after a year with our Pre-Kindergarten and a year in our uyoung classrooms I am excited to lead the 3’s Whales. I bring the knowledge of both young toddlers and Pre-K, and I integrate both when implementing my curriculum plans in the classroom. I enjoy being part of the Shenker Academy team.
3’s Lead Teacher
Gissele Corpuz
My name is Gissele Corpuz, and I am the 3’s Lead teacher at Shenker Academy. I completed a CDA equivalent at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in English Literature and will complete her B.A soon. This is my second year as a 3’s teacher at the Academy. I love working with the students through centers and defined structure. I work on the new curriculum with the students with writing, letters, reading sight words, phonics, reading comprehension, science, and mathematics. I work closely with parents to meet individual needs, and I emphasize my communication through our app and our newsletter to support my students and families.
3’s Lead Teacher
Chloe Young
My name is Chloe, I am the co-lead in the Safari 3’s program. I joined the Academy in the Summer of 2022, and I am excited to work with Ms. Cynthia and our wonderful children!
3’s Lead Teacher
Cynthia Prawki
My name is Cynthia Prawki. I am originally from New York, and I have been working in the field of early childhood education for two years. I hold an associate early education degree (UNR) and I love teaching my three-year-olds in the Safari Kids classroom. I believe that teaching and mentoring this age group is not only challenging but also very gratifying. Our classroom is always busy. There are 11 other different areas of interest in our classroom available for all children to help enhance their learning. I am very excited and honored to be the Safari Kids teacher for the second year.
2’s Lead Teacher
Betzy Rangel
2’s Lead Teacher
Peta Porotesano
2’s Lead Teacher
Shelby Clemente
Hi, my name is Ms. Shelby Clemente and I am proud to be in the Early Childhood Education field for over 2 years now. I have years of experience as a teacher in various settings. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in science, as well as Nevada Registry training courses. My educational philosophy focuses on differentiate instruction and giving young children the love and warmth they need to grow academically and developmentally.
18 Month Lead Teacher
Maya Queypo
Hello, I’m Maya Queypo, and I am the lead teacher for the Little Sailors- 18M children. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in elementary educatin at the UNLV, and I have worked as a preschool assistant tacher at Shenker Academy for the past year as well as a lead kindergarten in the summer program. I love working with the young 18-month-old children since they are in the“discovery” phase of their school. My approach is to encourage exploration, imagination, curiosity, creativity, problem-solving skills, and thinking outside the box. I believe that warm classroom is a key for a successful year.
18 Month Lead Teacher
Diblaim Hernandez
My name is Ms. Diblaim H., and I am excited to be the 18M lead teacher. I am glad to see the children’s abilities grow with the curriculum planned for the school year. I am experienced with early childhood education, and after working at the Academy for 3 years aas a Teacher Assitant in the 2’s program, I assumed the role of a Lead in the Busy Bees classroom. My educational philosophy is that educators are here for helping each child individually reach their milestones and develop into their own person through exploration, and hand on activities. I am focusing on routines and centers, and I am honored to share my expeirence and creativity with the children in my classroom.
12M Room Lead Teacher
Jaime DeLeon
Infant Room Lead Teacher
Debora E. Deutch
Enrichment/Curriculum Specialist
Lauren Alvarez
My name is Mrs. Lauren Alvarez, and I am the enrichment specialist & curriculum coordinator for Pre-Kindergarten and kindergarten grades. After leading position for the past 5 years, and after completeing my CDA and in ECE, I am glad to assume this important role at Shenker Academy. I will work individually with over 80 students to enhance their reading and reading comprehension and to advance students per their needs and their progress. I work collaboratively with 5 lead teachers to meet the growing different needs of our students.
Enrichment Specialist (18M-3Y)
Kayla Savard
My name is Ms. Kayla Savard, and I am the enrichment/support specialist for 18M, 2Y, and 3Y program. I work individually with students to meet their academic needs as defined by their lead teachers, and I enjoy seeing my young students taking the first steps of reading, writing, matching, verbalizing, and more. I also manage the up room program for non-nappers, and I love being at at Shenker Academy for the second year.
Reading Specialist
Sara Tobin
Executive Assistant
Michelle Vargas
My name is Ms. Michelle and after 6 years at Shenker Academy I am glad to help with all the immediate needs of parents, students and teachers. I will be at the front desk, helping you with any questions you have (from last minute lunch order to communication between home and classroom teams and more). Please feel free to call me or email me at any time during the day and after hours.
Sign Language Teacher
Shannon Osborne
Music Teacher
Andreas Haas
My name is Mr. Andreas Haas, and I am an assitant teacher in the Kindergarten classroom as well as the music teacher at Shenker Academy. I hold a B.A. with majoring in musi and Fridays are my week anticipated music days at Shenker Academy, and I love bringing new music trends to the children through percussion instruments. I will use different instruments each Friday and work on various rhythm enhanced with our percussions.
Hebrew Teacher
Sharon Beeman
Spanish Teacher
Abu Bengoechea
Assistant Teachers & Additional Staff
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Andreas H.
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Mariyah B.
4's Assistant Teacher
Wendy Rangel
4's Assistant Teacher
Darielle R.
4's Assistant Teacher
Melissa Tinajero G.
4's Assistant Teacher
Jerrie Ortiz
Pre-K Co-Lead Teacher
Pamela Vargas
4's Assistant Teacher
Loubna Zahri
3's Assistant Teacher
MaryAnn Bounds
3's Assistant Teacher
Ruby Zavala
3's Assistant Teacher
Boshra Israel
3's Assistant Teacher
Hannah Flippo
3's Assistant Teacher
Stephanie Nguyev
3's Assistant Teacher
Shaylyn Mandado
3's Assistant Teacher
Amanda Silva
2's Assistant Teacher
Maryam Mahj
2's Assistant Teacher
Ashley Ibarra
2's Assistant Teacher
Emma Moreno
2's Assistant Teacher
Iszabella Cofield
2's Assistant Teacher
Jessica Vallejo
2's Assistant Teacher
Amber L. Patterson
2's Assistnat Teacher
Cristina Rivera R.
2's Assistant Teacher
Aleah Lasker
18M Assistant Teacher
Kim Rojas
4's Assistant Teacher
Catherine Catanatan
18M Assitant Teacher
Melanie Sanchez
18M Teacher
Karym Carrillo
18M Assistant Teacher
Claritza H.
18M Assistant Teacher
Lori B. Washburn
2's Assistant Teacher
Katya Mena
18M Assistant Teacher
Nashalee G. Bautista
18M Assistant Teacher
Allie Speaks
18M Assistant Teacher
Ashley Hernandez
12M Assistant Teacher
Bridgette Sanchez
12M Assistant Teacher
Anabelle Zaragoza
12M Assistant Teacher
Andrea Matas
18M Assistant Teacher
Kayla Lowery
12M Assistant Teacher
Lisbeht Barrera
Infant Assistant Teacher
Jessica Panoy
Infant Room Assistant
Marylin Leyson
Infant Room Assistant
Claudia Hincapie
Infant Room Assistant
Emma Moreno
Infant Assistant Teacher
Kennady Krogg
Infant Assistant Teacher
Madeline Hernandez
Support Teacher
Baylee B. Washburn
Assistant Teacher
Annie Wang
12M Assistant Teacher
Anna Bracamontes
Support Staff
Lori B. Washburn
Support Teacher
Genesis Guzman-S.
Support Teacher
Joselle Mabasa
Substitute Teacher
Amber Patterson
Support Teacher
Nicole Sonenschein
Maintenance Director
Alireza Mahj.
Chef
Chef Hector
Faculty & Staff
Our teachers and assistants have a CDA, AA, BS, BA, or MA degrees in the Early Childhood Field or a related field. Shenker Academy hires professional faculty members who are dedicated to the school mission and passionate about early childhood education and about their personal growth.
We are certified by the State of Nevada Preschool Licensing Department, Nevada Department of Education, SNHD, Office of State Fire Marshal, Department of Building & Safety, OSHA, and accredited by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Head of School
Dr. Sharon R. Knafo
After fulfilling a variety of leadership positions as a principal in elementary and middle schools in Memphis Tennessee and Houston, Texas, he assumed the position of School Head at Shenker Academy. Dr. Knafo is married+2 and finds the time to write in various publications and speak to employees and non-profit organizations around the country about careers and organizational culture. Dr. Knafo addressed audiences in universities, schools, congregations, community centers, and at various conferences and events. His educational philosophy embraces the balance between academic achievements, creativity, cognitive development, and social growth, and sees the necessity of skilled management interwoven with educational mission and vision as a vital component when leading a school. In the center, Dr. Knafo views the personal relationship and the community building around the school as a unique strength of Shenker Academy.
Accounting | Admin Assistant
Melissa Rogers
Admissions | Admin Assistant
Casey Luna
Casey Camat-Luna is the Admissions Director and Administrator at Shenker Academy for the past 5 years. Prior to joining Shenker Academy, Casey held various administrative positions in Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, and Private Equity. Casey holds a BA in Business Management from CSUH Casey, and with more than 20 years’ experience in business administration, it is Casey’s goal to provide excellent customer service to our current families, as well as prospective families interested in learning more about Shenker Academy. Please contact Casey directly at 702.255.5437 or via email at admissions@shenkeracademy.com to inquire about the admissions process at Shenker Academy.
Curriculum & Licensing Director
Paola Borders
Lead Teachers
Kindergarten Lead
Sheryl Davis-Haas
Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Cristina Magallon
My name is Cristina Magallon and I am the Lead Teacher in the Little Rangers classroom. I hold an Associate Degree in Elemntary Educaion and I am completeing my Bachelor’s degree in elementary school education. I have taught at Shenker Academy since 2021 as a Kindergarten assitant teacher, Pre-K assitant teacher, and this year I assumed the lead position in the Rangers classrom. I am passionate about teaching and learning, I believe in child centerd education, and I am grateful to be on the team at Shenker Academy.
Pre-Kindergarten Co-Lead
Cristina Magallon
My name is Pamela Vargas and I am the Co-Lead Teacher in the Little Rangers classroom. I have completed my B.A. in Elementary Education from UNLV as well as her practicum with the CCSD. I have been with Shenker Academy since 2018 as an assistant in the Pre-K (with Mrs. Maria) as well as in other classrooms. My academic knowledge, and well as my class management skills and kindness are utilized daily with the students and with the class happenings.
Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Tiffany Wilson
Hi, my name is Mrs. Tiffany Wilson and I am proud to be in the Early Childhood Education field for over 7 years now. I have years of experience as a lead teacher in various Los Angeles, California Preschools. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, as well as Nevada Registry training courses. My educational philosophy embraces hands-on activities with an emphasis on science experiments, and our ROZZY STEAM is certainly supporting that! I have been a lead in the past two years, and taking over the Pre-K groovy cats is a great journey for me and my team.
Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Kijai Riddick-Tuipelehake
My name is Kijai Riddick-Tuipelehake and I am the Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher of the Wonder Kids. Prior to moving back home here in Las Vegas, I tutored children with special needs, worked at the YWCA Youth Center, and contributed as a volunteer with local charity programs in Virginia. Working with children is my passion. It is my mission to prepare my class for Kindergarten and enrich their lives with the fundamentals of STEM. After leading the kindergarten-first grade for 2020-2, I am very excited and happy to lead the pre-kindergarten and be a part of the Shenker Academy team!
3’s Lead Teacher
Cynthia Prawki
My name is Cynthia Prawki. I am originally from New York, and I have been working in the field of early childhood education for two years. I hold an associate early education degree (UNR) and I love teaching my three-year-olds in the Safari Kids classroom. I believe that teaching and mentoring this age group is not only challenging but also very gratifying. Our classroom is always busy. There are 11 other different areas of interest in our classroom available for all children to help enhance their learning. I am very excited and honored to be the Safari Kids teacher for the second year.
3’s Lead Teacher
Chloe Young
My name is Chloe, I am the co-lead in the Safari 3’s program. I joined the Academy in the Summer of 2022, and I am excited to work with Ms. Cynthia and our wonderful children! I love reading to our young listeners and make sure that our comprehension and participation is always upbeat.
3’s Lead Teacher
Brittney Ganir
My name is Brittney Ganir, and I am the Lead Teacher in the Whales classroom 2022-23 school year. This is my second year at Shenker Academy. I am holding an associate degree in early childhood Education (CDA), and after a year with our Pre-Kindergarten and a year in our uyoung classrooms I am excited to lead the 3’s Whales. I bring the knowledge of both young toddlers and Pre-K, and I integrate both when implementing my curriculum plans in the classroom. I enjoy being part of the Shenker Academy team.
3’s Lead Teacher
Gissele Corpuz
My name is Jossele Corpuz, and I am the 3’s Lead teacher at Shenker Academy. I love working with the students through centers and defined structure, and the students learn writing, letters, sight words, reading comprehension, science, and mathematics from a very young age. I work very closely with parents to meet individual needs, and my communication through our app and our newsletter is vital for the growth and support of my students.
3’s Lead Teacher
Eryka Slizeski
2’s Lead Teacher
Shelby Clemente
Hi, my name is Ms. Shelby Clemente and I am proud to be in the Early Childhood Education field for over 2 years now. I have years of experience as a teacher in various settings. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in science, as well as Nevada Registry training courses. My educational philosophy focuses on differentiate instruction and giving young children the love and warmth they need to grow academically and developmentally.
2’s Lead Teacher
Betzy Rangel
2’s Lead Teacher
Peta Porotesano
18M Lead Teacher
Diblaim Hernandez
My name is Ms. Diblaim H., and I am excited to be the 18M lead teacher. I am glad to see the children’s abilities grow with the curriculum planned for the school year. I am experienced with early childhood education, and after working at the Academy for 3 years aas a Teacher Assitant in the 2’s program, I assumed the role of a Lead in the Busy Bees classroom. My educational philosophy is that educators are here for helping each child individually reach their milestones and develop into their own person through exploration, and hand on activities. I am focusing on routines and centers, and I am honored to share my expeirence and creativity with the children in my classroom.
18 Month Lead Teacher
Maya Queypo
Hello, I’m Maya Queypo, and I am the lead teacher for the Little Sailors- 18M children. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in elementary educatin at the UNLV, and I have worked as a preschool assistant tacher at Shenker Academy for the past year as well as a lead kindergarten in the summer program. I love working with the young 18-month-old children since they are in the“discovery” phase of their school. My approach is to encourage exploration, imagination, curiosity, creativity, problem-solving skills, and thinking outside the box. I believe that warm classroom is a key for a successful year.
12 Month Lead Teacher
Jaime DeLeon
My name is Jaime DeLeon, and I am the lead teacher in the 12M program. Working with many of my students in the Infant Room, I feel fortunate to continue and engage the young ones in education, through play, read, music, arts, and more.
Infant Room Lead Teacher
Debora Estenos-Deutch
Hello! My name is Debora Estenos-Deutch and I am the Infant room lead teacher. My team and I are happy to greet each baby every day and care for each one of our babies throughout the day. Communication with parents is a key at this age, and we are available all through the day, to report to you about the happenings at all times.
Hebrew Teacher
Sharon Beeman
Administrative Assistant
Michelle Vargas
My name is Ms. Michelle and after 6 years at Shenker Academy I am glad to help with all the immediate needs of parents, students and teachers. I will be at the front desk, helping you with any questions you have (from last minute lunch order to communication between home and classroom teams and more). Please feel free to call me or email me at any time during the day and after hours.
Music Teacher
Andreas Haas
My name is Mr. Andreas Haas, and I am an assitant teacher in the Kindergarten classroom as well as the music teacher at Shenker Academy. I hold a B.A. with majoring in musi and Fridays are my week anticipated music days at Shenker Academy, and I love bringing new music trends to the children through percussion instruments. I will use different instruments each Friday and work on various rhythm enhanced with our percussions.
Sign Language Teacher
Shannon Osborne
Spanish Teacher
Adriana (Abu) Bengoechea
My name is Abu (Adriana), and I teach Spanish through songs, dance, and games. From “Good Morning – How Are You?” to colors, shapes, days of the week and more, the children love learning Spanish at all ages.
Enrichment/ Curriculum Specialist
Lauren N. Alvarez
My name is Mrs. Lauren Alvarez, and I am the enrichment specialist for Pre-Kindergarten and kindergarten grades. After leading position for the past 5 years, and after completeing my CDA and in ECE, I am glad to assume this important role at Shenker Academy. I will work individually with over 80 students to enhance their reading and reading comprehension and to advance students per their needs and their progress. I work collaboratively with 5 lead teachers to meet the growing different needs of our students.
Enrichment Specialist (18M-3Y)
Kayla Savard
My name is Ms. Kayla Savard, and I am the enrichment/support specialist for 18M, 2Y, and 3Y program. I work individually with students to meet their academic needs as defined by their lead teachers, and I enjoy seeing my young students taking the first steps of reading, writing, matching, verbalizing, and more. I also manage the up room program for non-nappers, and I love being at at Shenker Academy for the second year.
Assistant Teachers & Additional Staff
Kindergarten Assitant Teacher
Andreas Haas
Kindergarten Assistant
Mariyah Betancourt
4's Assistant Teacher
Wendy Rangel
4's Assistant Teacher
Darielle Rios
4's Assistant Teacher
Melissa T.J.
4's Assistant Teacher
Jerri Ortiz
4's Assistant Teacher
Loubna Zahri
4Y Assistant Teacher
Maryann Bounds
3's Assistant Teacher
Amanda Silva
3's Assistant Teacher- Up Room Coordinator
Ruby Zavala N.
3Y Assistant Teacher
Boshra Israel
3Y Assistant Teacher
Hannah Flippo
3Y Assistant Teacher
Stephanie Nguyev
3Y Assistant Teacher
Annie Wang
3Y Assistant Teacher
Shaylyn Mandado
3's Assistant Teacher
Genesis G. Sahgun
2s Assistant Teacher
Ashley Ibarra
2's Assistant Teacher
Isabella Cofield
2Y Assistant Teacher
Katya Mena
2Y Assistant Teacher
Jessica Vallejo
18M Assistant Teacher
Allie Speaks
2Y Assistant Teacher
Cristina Rivera R.
2's Assistant Teacher
Aleah Lasker
2's Assistant Teacher
Kimberly Rojas
2Y Assistant Teacher
Melanie Sanchez
18M Assistant Teacher
KArym Carrillo
18M Assistant Teacher
Claritza H.
18M Assistant Teacher
Kayla Lowery
18M Assistant Teacher
Floren H. R.
18M Assistant Teacher
Nashalee G. Bautista
18M Assistant Teacher
Maryam Mahj.
18M Assistant Teacher
Ashley Hernandez
12M Assistant Teacher
Bridgette Sanchez
12M Assistant Teacher
Anabella Zaragoza
12M Assistant Teacher
Anna Bracamontes
12M Assistant Teacher
Andrea Matas
12M Assistant Teacher
Melanie Sanchez
18M Assistant Teacher
Lisbeht Barrera
Infant Assistant Teacher
Jessica Panoy
Infant Room Assistant
Marilyn Leyson
Infant Assistant Teacher
Claudia Hincapie
Infant Assistant Teacher
Emma Moreno
Infant Assistant Teacher
Kennady Krog
Infant Assistant Teacher
Madeline Hernandez
18M Assistant Teacher
Baylee B.W
Support Staff
Nicole Sonenschein
18M Assistant Teacher
Lori B. Washburn
Support Teacher
Genesis G.S.
Support Teacher
Joselle Mabasa
Support Teacher
Amber Patterson
Substitute Teacher
Maryam M.
12M Assistant Teacher
Esme C.
Maintenance Director
Alireza Mahj
Chef
Hector R.