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)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.
Suzanne Buchanan joined Sun Valley Community School in 2009 as an Early Childhood Center teacher and has been teaching kindergarten since 2015. She took a sabbatical for the 2022-23 school year. 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.
Edith Perez Rodriguez joined the Elementary School in 2020 as a Teaching Assistant in the Kindergarten classroom. For the 2022-23 school year, Edith served 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.
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 and daughter.
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.
Ashley Madigan joined the 3rd grade classroom as a Teaching Assistant in the fall of 2023.
A 2015 graduate of the University of Puget Sound, Ashley earned her BA in psychology, and then went on to become trained as a behavior therapist. After moving to Ketchum in 2016, Ashley worked with students in the Blaine County School District through her role as a Habilitative Interventionist with Progressive Behavior Systems in Hailey. Most recently, Ashley worked remotely for HireVue, where she was the Director of Customer Success.
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 Jackson Flynn joined the Elementary School’s 5th grade classroom in the fall of 2023. Jackson is a familiar face to both Cutthroat students and faculty having served as a substitute teacher at SVCS for ECC-10th grades since 2019. Also since 2019, Jackson has served as a substitute Lead Preschool Teacher at Neighborhood Sprouts in Boise.
Since 2022, he has worked for Sun Valley Museum of Art as the Lead After School Art Teacher for children ages 12-15 and as the Lead Ceramics Teacher (youth and adult) for Boulder Mountain Clayworks. In addition to his experience teaching, Jackson also leads youth summer bike camps and guided hiking and biking trips for Sun Valley Mountain Guides and was an adaptive ski/snowboard instructor for Higher Ground in 2017 and 2018.
Jackson holds a BFA in Studio Art and Design and a minor in architecture from the University of Idaho, Moscow.
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.
Former Middle School Math + Science Teacher Tom Downey transitioned in 2023 to teach Elementary Science and provide mathematics extensions and support. Additionally, he serves as the Middle School Track & Field Coach and Science Dept. Chair. 
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.
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.
Anik Avard joined the Learning Support Services Program as a K-8 Learning Specialist in 2022. She has over 20 years of experience in elementary education and joins us from Franconia, New Hampshire. In addition to her many years of experience in the classroom, Anik has researched and piloted new literacy programs at her former schools; she has also developed and implemented standards-based, thematic, and interdisciplinary units in her classrooms as well as championing the right use of technologies. She believes in and practices strong communication with families and each student’s team at school.
Anik holds a BA in Fine Arts and History from St. Lawrence University. Additionally, she holds a M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Upper Valley Educators Institute and a K-8 Teacher Certification from Norwich University.
Heidi Bromley joined SVCS as the new Elementary and Middle School Learning Specialist and Middle School enhancement teacher starting in the 2022-23 school year. Heidi brings a wealth of teaching experience, having been a classroom teacher in the Boise School District for the past 20 years, primarily in 7th and 8th grades, in addition to teaching in elementary grades early in her career.
During her time with the Boise School District, she held a number of leadership roles, including professional collaboration teams, curriculum development, and student activity advisor. As a classroom teacher, Heidi supported and challenged her students while building positive classroom cultures and successfully addressing the individual learning needs of her students.
Heidi holds a BA in History from Whitman College and a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Northwest Nazarene University.
Heather Christiansen transitioned to Elementary School Learning Specialist in the fall of 2018. She also serves as the school's Greenhouse Coordinator.
Heather has been a member of the Elementary School faculty since 2004, most recently serving as a classroom assistant. Prior, she also served as a substitute teacher for long-term absences.
As a certified Phono-Graphix instructor, Heather was instrumental in the implementation of the school’s phonics program four years ago. Her skill set, calm demeanor, magnetism, and creative approach to learning have proven invaluable to her students in the classroom and will transition to her role as a learning specialist. Her work has spanned grades Kindergarten through fifth.
Heather earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Governors University and is currently working toward her degree in Special Education.
Jill Perkins joined Sun Valley Community School in 1989 and currently serves as Learning Specialist Department Director.
Jill holds a BS in education from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Prior to her current position at the school, Jill taught in schools in Wisconsin for five years.
At Sun Valley Community School, Jill finds inspiration in the students and in her colleagues. "The students inspire me every day with their perseverance through a challenging curriculum, their spontaneity, and their joy," she says, "and my colleagues inspire me to seek continued growth as an educator—and make me laugh when a laugh is needed."
For Jill, time away from school is dedicated to her family. "My biggest passion is to love life with my husband, Don, and my daughter, Hope. They are my world beyond school, and time with them means everything to me," she says. She also enjoys listening to audio books, hiking local trails with her husband and her shelter dog, Cosmos, and spending time in her garden.
Jill and Don's daughter, Hope, is a 2016 graduate of the school.
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 Beechwood 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.”
Sun Valley Community School's philosophy resonates with my teaching philosophy and my own personal philosophy. When I first visited the school, I knew immediately that this place was different. It is a special place for students and families—a place where the whole child is honored and empowered.
Suzanne Buchanan, Kindergarten Faculty
October 7, 2023 SAT Administration
At this time, Sun Valley Community School plans to administer the October 7, 2023 test. However, this is subject to change. Please check back for updates prior to the test date. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and contact Yvonne Inman, our SAT Administrator.