K-5 Faculty

Janet Salvoni joined Sun Valley Community School in 2005 and was appointed Elementary School Head in 2011. Janet has extensive experience in the classroom, having taught pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades; she has also served as a Learning Specialist and as Early Childhood Coordinator. Currently, in addition to her role as Elementary School Head, she serves as Co-Director of the Teacher Training Academy (TTA)

Janet holds a BA in elementary education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an MA in education from Cambridge College.

In her daily work with students, parents, and colleagues at the school, Janet is continually inspired by the passion of the school's faculty. "They believe 100 percent in the work they are doing, both with students and behind the scenes," she says.

Janet and her husband, Frank, are parents of two Cutthroats: Tyler '23 and Cooper '27. When she's not at school or spending time with her family, Janet spends time on the ice pursuing her passion for ice hockey.

For the 2022-23 school year, Edith will serve as lead Kindergarten teacher while Suzanne Buchanan is on a one-year sabbatical. 

Edith Perez Rodriguez joined the Elementary School in 2020 as a Teaching Assistant in the Kindergarten classroom. For the 2022-23 school year, Edith will serve as lead Kindergarten teacher. 

A native of Mexico, Edith worked as an English teacher for six years, teaching preK-4th grade students in Coahuila, MX before moving to the Wood River Valley in 2018. She enjoys kayaking and snowshoeing and is excited to learn to ski this winter! Edith holds a BA from el Centro de Idiomas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila en Torreón, Coahuila, MX.

Jessica Lane joined the Kindergarten classroom as a Teaching Assistant for the 2022-23 school year. Jessica brings 12 years of teaching experience, including internationally in Grand Cayman, the Philippines, Switzerland, and Uganda. Most recently, she worked as a private tutor for all subjects and the visual arts in Grand Cayman. Previous to that, she served as a MS, HS, and IB visual arts teacher for Brent International School Subic in the Philippines. Jessica is a graduate of Grove City College in Pennsylvania and has a degree in Elementary Education. 

Suzanne Buchanan is on a one-year sabbatical for the 2022-23 school year. In her absence, Edith Perez Rodriguez will be serving as lead Kindergarten teacher. 
Suzanne Buchanan joined Sun Valley Community School in 2009 as an Early Childhood Center teacher and has been teaching kindergarten since 2015. Prior to arriving in the Wood River Valley, Suzanne taught pre-school and kindergarten in schools in Arizona, Virginia, and Texas.

Suzanne earned a BS in elementary education from Gonzaga University and, since joining Community School, has attended Reggio Emilia-inspired workshops through the Opal School in Portland, Oregon, the Journey School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Lesley University in Boston.

Suzanne loves the educational philosophy that guides the school's educational philosophy and by the school's faculty: "We honor and empower the whole child," Suzanne says. "I am constantly inspired by everyone who works here—the knowledge, experiences, and passions of our faculty are amazing; all of us truly love teaching and have meaningful relationships with our students."

Suzanne has three children, all of whom are Cutthroats: Braden '22, Elise '24, and Will '26. When she's not teaching, Suzanne loves to spend time family biking, hiking, and digging in the garden.

Hannah Young joined Sun Valley Community School in 2010 and currently teaches first grade.

Hannah earned a BA at New York University and a MAT at Lewis and Clark College.

Drawn to the progressive, hands-on learning community and standard-setting outdoor program at the school, Hannah appreciates the sense of community and commitment to learning she encounters every day as a teacher here and loves to share time outdoors with her class. "My love and respect for the outdoors is evident any time I venture outside with my students, and my wish is for them is to push beyond their comfort zone and try new things, as that's when meaningful learning often takes place."

When Hannah isn't teaching—in her classroom or in the outdoors—she loves to adventure with her husband, Sam, a Cutthroat alum, and her daughter, Theo, who is in 1st grade.

Heather Cunningham joined Sun Valley Community School in 2018 and is currently a teaching assistant for 1st grade. 

She holds a BA in Sociology from The University of Arizona. Originally from North County San Diego, she grew up as a young girl here in the valley enjoying summer and winter outdoor activities with her family.  She believes the Wood River Valley to be a unique place in the world with great resources that is excellent for raising children.

Heather truly appreciates the capacity for growth of young minds and their willingness to learn.  At this age, they are like little sponges, they just want to absorb and experience all they can at this stage in their young lives.  She feels blessed to be a part of such an amazing school community who appreciates both the importance of classroom based and outdoor education.    

When Heather is away from school, she loves to spend time with her family outdoors; snow or water skiing, boating and hiking.  She and her husband have two children.

Tricia St. George is a Sun Valley Community School graduate (Class of 1995) and returned in 2012 to teach second grade after having spent over ten years teaching a variety of elementary grade levels.

She holds a BA in communications from Western Washington University and a MA from City University in Seattle.

Tricia loves spending her days with seven and eight-year-old people. "Second graders are amazing and very capable," she says. "One of the aspects of our Elementary School program I love is that from early on children learn to be assertive and problem solve on their own; we are simply here as their guides. From this they have a strong sense of self and are confident little people."

As a graduate of the school, Tricia also appreciates the opportunity to be back on campus, paying the gift of her own education forward and watching her own children benefit from all the school offers: "When I was a student here, I had teachers who encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me. Now, as a parent, I get to watch my own children build similar relationships with their teachers. It's these relationships that really make Sun Valley Community School such a special place."

When Tricia is not at school, you will find her with her family. She and her husband, Tony, are parents to two Cutthroats: Charlie '26 and Stella '29.

Dawn Webber joined Sun Valley Community School in 2010 and is currently a teaching assistant in second grade.

Dawn holds a BA from University of Arizona and a MEd from Ohio State University.

Dawn appreciates the close student-teacher relationships that develop at the school, as well as the outdoor program, traditions, and family atmosphere that are hallmarks of the school. She is inspired by her students every day: "Hearing the students’ perspectives, questions, and ideas on a daily basis is a privilege—and, of course, their sense of humor is priceless," she says. "Having a fantastic group of colleagues is quite a perk as well."

Dawn and her husband, Brian, are parents to Keegan '18.

Gretchen Thoreen joined Sun Valley Community School in 2007 as kindergarten teacher and currently teaches third grade.

She holds a BA in communications from Washington State University, a Teaching Certificate from Central Washington University, and a MS in education with a specialty in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University.

For Gretchen, observing transformational moments in a child's educational journey—and specifically in their growth as writers— is continually inspiring: "Each year, there comes a point when kids feel that excitement and passion to write—when they truly realize they are authors. It is very special to watch kids passionately feel what they have learned and worked so hard to do."

When Gretchen steps away from school, she can be found on the hiking or skiing trails and spending time with friends.

Claire Iverson joined the 3rd grade classroom as a Teaching Assistant for the 2022-23 school year. A recent graduate of Boston University with a BS in Mass Communications and Minor in English, Claire worked as a teacher's assistant and after-school teacher at Winsor School in Boston, Massachusetts. In these roles, she monitored and assisted students in the classroom and assisted 5th-8th grade students with homework assignments. Claire was also a pre-kindergarten teacher's assistant for the YMCA RTH Early Education Center in Boston. During her time at Boston University, Claire played for the Boston University Women’s Club Soccer Team from 2019-2021 and served as captain. 

Dana Covington joined Sun Valley Community School as fifth grade teacher in 2016. Prior to her current role, Dana taught fourth and fifth grades at schools in Boulder, Colorado and taught Spanish, fourth grade, and eighth grade math and science at Community School between 2000-07.

She received her BA in communications and business from University of California, Los Angeles and a MEd from University of Colorado, Boulder.

Dana loves teaching at the school, where she has the opportunity to connect deeply with her students. "I thoroughly enjoy finding what makes a child tick and making the school experience as meaningful as possible for each student," she says.

Teaching Assistant Elle Lucas is in her fifth year assisting the 5th grade class. She also works in the creative arts, with a focus on the Middle School drama productions where she translates her love of the backstage to curious students.

Elle originally joined Sun Valley Community School as a Teacher Training Academy (TTA) intern for the 2016-17 school year, where she taught Upper and Middle School Spanish and was an advisor to the Upper School Cutthroat Underground newspaper club. Prior to working with the 5th grade class, Elle also worked as the 7th grade assistant teacher in the 2017-18 school year, where she focused her teaching efforts on Enhancement.

Elle is a 2016 graduate of St. Lawrence University and earned her BA in Spanish with minors in English and theater. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching from Idaho State University with an expected graduation date of spring 2023.

Sarah White joined the Elementary School faculty as the Spanish teacher in the fall of 2022. Sarah holds a degree in Environmental Geoscience and a minor in Spanish from DePauw University in addition to a Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication from the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Sarah most recently worked as a 4th grade Class Assistant at the Denver Waldorf School. Prior to this role, she worked as a substitute teacher for grades K-8 at Graland Country Day School and Colorado Academy’s Middle School. 

Hannes Thum '03 graduated from Sun Valley Community School in 2003 and returned to the school in 2009 as a member of the Upper School science faculty. Before joining the Elementary School faculty in 2019, Hannes taught Introduction to Biology, Advanced Biology, Sensing Place (an interdisciplinary course he co-teaches with English faculty member Elliot Jacobs), Wildlife Ecology, This is Your Brain, Human Physiology, and Field Biology. He also serves as Science Department Chair and as an OLA advisor.

He was  known in the Upper School for his curiosity, love of science, his commitment to his students, and his approachable nature. These are traits that will continue to serve his students well. Janet Salvoni, Elementary School Head, says, “I am excited to work with Hannes as a member of our ES faculty. The entire hiring committee was deeply impressed during the search process, not only by Hannes’s vast science knowledge, but also by his commitment to always putting children first, learning from them, and helping them to develop a sense of self.” While it’s difficult to leave behind what he loves about teaching Upper Schoolers, Hannes says he is looking forward to exploring science and education through this new lens within the school. 

Hannes holds a BA in environmental earth sciences from Dartmouth College and a MS in science education from Montana State University.

Prior to coming home to the Cutthroat campus to teach, Hannes taught for two years at Colorado Rocky Mountain School, where he was also a ski coach.

Hannes says his colleagues at Sun Valley Community School "inspire me every day," and he appreciates "the community, the support, and the relationships" here at school—as well as the incredible location. He has especially loved the opportunity to teach summer field courses, which allow him to take small classes into the field for a day or a week at a time, providing the group the opportunity to "learn, camp, hike, and collect data all side-by-side."

When he's not teaching, Hannes enjoys being outdoors and enjoying other activities that help him find balance in life.

Jessica Mayne joined the Elementary School team as the ES music teacher starting with the 2022-23 school year. She moved to the Wood River Valley in 2020 and has been teaching piano at C’s Mountain School of Music since 2020 and working as a voice coach at Wood River High School since the spring of 2021.

Jessica studied Managerial Economics and Music Education at Emory University and earned her Masters of Fine Arts at the Actors Studio Drama School in 2018. Jessica also continued to pursue her passion for acting with the Infinite Variety Productions Theatre Group, where she also wrote grants and managed social media efforts. Jessica’s music education spans from singing to music composition, from the history of jazz to current global contemporary music. She is excited to work with our Elementary students to “show them how fun and varied music can be.” 

Millicent “Millie” Kozak joined the Elementary School as the new Aftercare Coordinator starting the fall of 2022. Since 2018, Millie has worked as the Adult Day Program Director for the Smith Agency in Aurora, Colorado, where she developed enrichment programs to ultimately encourage individuals to live more independently. Prior to this role, Millie was the Smith Agency’s Adult Day Program Manager, a role she held from 2016-18.

Millie earned her BA in Studio Art and History from University of Colorado and a Post Baccalaureate Work for Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University. 

Cara Frost joined Sun Valley Community School in 2011 and currently teaches kindergarten through eighth grade art, serves as a seventh grade advisor, leads the Art Club, and coaches Middle School volleyball.

Cara attended San Jose State on a Division 1 volleyball scholarship and went on to earn a BFA in Art and Art Education at the University of Arizona.

Prior to joining the Cutthroat faculty, Cara taught sixth through twelfth grade in Tucson, Arizona, where she also coached varsity volleyball.

Cara appreciates "the freedom to question the process and the trust encouraged by the administration, the faculty, and the students" at Sun Valley Community School, and, she says, "I love to watch the students and their passions grow. Mark making, storytelling, imagination, and innovation are all expressed within their creations, in their voice. It is beyond powerful."

When Cara is not teaching, she finds inspiration for her own art in the outdoors, her dogs, books, and her daughter Tova.

Megan Mahoney joined Sun Valley Community School in 2017 and currently teaches Middle School music and drama in addition to Elementary School dance.

She holds a BA in theatre management from University of Massachusetts and a training certificate in musical theatre from CAP21 Conservatory in New York City.

A professional singer and actress, before joining the school's faculty, Megan appeared in local, regional, and national theatre productions was involved, as a performer, choreographer, director, and teacher, in Wood River Valley productions through The Spot, St. Thomas Playhouse, and NexStage Theatre.

In her free time, Megan creates theatre with the artists of the valley, runs and performs with her princess party company Pixie Dust Parties Idaho, and pampers her adorable dogs.

Stacey Ward joined Sun Valley Community School in 1994. She currently teaches K-8 P.E. and was also a teaching assistant in fourth grade until 2021, when she transitioned to teaching K-8 physical education.

Stacey holds a BS in education from University of Wyoming.

Stacey was drawn to the school by the wide variety of programming the school offers students. She is inspired every day by the children she teaches. "I strive to create a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for all my students every day," Stacey says.

When she isn't teaching, you can find Stacey on the ski hill or pursuing other outdoor adventures. Stacey has two children: Taylor, who graduated from Sun Valley Community School in 2008, and Latner.

The Technology Department welcomed Marisa Still as the new ES STREAM and Technology teacher in March 2023. Marisa has 15 years of experience with Silicon Valley Independent Schools, where she taught elementary and middle school science. Most recently, she was the 4th-8th grade science teacher at Beachwood School in Menlo Park, California. Prior to this role, she was the Lead Educator with Biodiversity PEEK (Photography Educating and Empowering Kids, a project developed by the Biodiversity Group, aimed at promoting citizen science and conservation in rural communities around the globe through nature photography. 

Marisa holds a M.S. in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University and a BA in Nature and Culture with a focus in Bioregionalism in addition to a minor in English from University of California, Davis. Claudia Mihm, Director of Educational Technology and Innovation, said “Marisa will be a natural and welcome addition to our team. She brings seemingly endless energy and excitement for the practice of education and has been looking for the right opportunity to share her passion for inquiry and design thinking with students in a setting that also embraces outdoor education and adventure.”