




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 Administrator
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
Maria Causey

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
Jenny Barbag

4’s Lead Teacher
Kijai Ridick-Tupelehake

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
Jobel Mabasa

3’s Lead Teacher
Eryka Slizeski

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 Specialist
Genesis Rangel

Executive Assistant
Michelle Vargas

Reading Specialist
Sara Tobin

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!

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
Cristina M.

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Andreas H.

4's Assistant Teacher
Jocelyn Quiocho

4's Assistant Teacher
Darielle R.

4's Assistant Teacher
Brittney Ganir

4's Assistant Teacher
Loubna Zahri

4's Assistant Teacher
Amanda Silva

3's Assistant Teacher
Wendy Rangel

3's Assistant Teacher
Melissa Tinajero

3's Assistant Teacher
Jerrie Ortiz

3's Assistant Teacher
Genesis G. Sahagun

3's Assistant Teacher
MaryAnn Bounds

3's Assistant Teacher
Kelsey Hill

2's Assistant Teacher
Dulce Cisneros

2's Assistant Teacher
Mayra Galvaz

2's Assistant Teacher
Iszabella Cofield

4's Assistant Teacher
Jailene Aguirre

2's Assistant Teacher
Shelby Clemente

2's Assistant Teacher
Kim Rojas

2's Assistant Teacher
DiBlaim Hernandez

18M Assistant Teacher
Dynnalie N.

18M Assistant Teacher
Camila D.S.

18M Assistant Teacher
Kaitlyne Grace D.

18M Assistnat Teacher
Janahlane Colmenar

2's Assistant Teacher
Cat Catanatan

18M Assistant Teacher
Lori B. Washburn

18M Teacher
Waiming Denduangrudee

12M Assistant Teacher
Anabelle Zaragoza

12M Assistant Teacher
Bridgette Sanchez

12M Assistant Teacher
Floren S.

12M Assistant Teacher
Maya Queypo

Infant Room Assistant
Floren Angeles R.

Infant Room Assistant
Claudia Hincapie

Infant Assistant Teacher
Daniela Ibarra

Infant Assistant Teacher
Jessica Panoy

Infant Room Assistant
Marylin Leyson

Support Teacher
Boshra Israel

Support Teacher
Baylee B. Washburn

Support Teacher
Chloe Hammond

Support Teacher
Nicole Sonenschein

2's Assistant Teacher
Aleah Lasker

3's Assistant/Up-Room Coordinator
Ruby Zavala

Support Teacher
Dianara Zaragoza

Support/Admin
Emily Thomas

Support Teacher
Pam Vargas

18M Assistant Teacher
Nicole S.

Maintenance Director
Jose Escobar

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 Coordinator
Paola Borders
Lead Teachers

Kindergarten Lead
Sheryl Davis-Haas

Pre-Kindergarten Lead
Maria Causey

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
Jenny Barbag

3’s Lead Teacher
Paola Borders
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
Paola Borders
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
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
Jobel Mabasa

3’s Lead Teacher
Eryka Slizeski

2’s Lead Teacher
Tiffany Wilson
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
Stephanie Roque
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

Infant Room Lead Teacher
Debora Estenos-Deutch

4’s Lead Teacher
Kijai Riddick-Tuipelehake

Hebrew Teacher
Sharon Beeman

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

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Andreas Haas

Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Cristina Magallon

4's Assistant Teacher
Jocelyn Quiocho

4's Assistant Teacher
Darielle Rios

4's Assistant Teacher
Brittany Ganir

4's Assistant Teacher
Loubna Zahri
Assistant Teachers & Additional Staff

4's Assistant Teacher
Amanda Silva

4Y Assistant Teacher
Catherine Cabanatan

4Y Floater
Shaylyn Mandado

3's Assistant Teacher
Wendy Rangel

3's Assistant Teacher
Cynthia Prawki

3's Assistant Teacher
Jerri Ortiz

3's Assistant Teacher
Genesis G. Sahgun

3's Assistant Teacher- Up Room Coordinator
Ruby Zavala N.

3's Assistant Teacher
MaryAnn Bounds

2's Assistant Teacher
Dulce Ciseneros

2's Assistant Teacher
Mayra Galvaz

2's Assistant Teacher
Isabella Cofield

2's Assistant Teacher
Jailene Aguilar

2's Co-Lead Teacher
Shelby Clemente

2's Assistant Teacher
Aleah Lasker

2's Assistant Teacher
Kimberly Rojas

2's Assistant Teacher
DiBlaim Hernandez

18M Assistant Teacher
Marisela Robles

18M Assistant Teacher
Camila D.S.

18M Assistant Teacher
Kaitlyne G. D.

18M Assistant Teacher
Janahlane Colmenar

18M Assistant Teacher
Lori B. Washburn

18M Assistant Teacher
Baylee B.W

18M Assistant Teacher
Waiming Denduangrudee

12M Assistant Teacher
Anabella Zaragoza

12M Assistant Teacher
Bridgette Sanchez

12M Assistant Teacher
Esme C.

12M Assistant Teacher
Maya Q.

Infant Assistant Teacher
Kimberly T. McCular

Infant Assistant Teacher
Claudia Hincapie

Infant Assistant Teacher
Jessica Panoy

Infant Room Assistant
Marilyn Leyson

Support Teacher
Dianara Zaragoza

Support Teacher
Emily Thomas

Support Teacher
Pamela Vargas

Support Staff
Rebecca Winger

Support Staff
Boshra Israel

Support Staff
Chloe Hammond

Support Staff
Baylee B. Washburn

Support Staff
Nicole Sonenschein

Maintenance Director
Jose Escobar

Chef
Hector R.