Andrew Collins

Founding Executive Director

I believe there is no better way to spend one’s life than to support the joyful flourishing of others. In addition to being the Executive Director for Phoenix Modern, I serve as the President & CEO of New Learning Ventures, our operating nonprofit corporation. In the last two decades, I have supported the design and launch of schools and learning experiences all over Arizona as a classroom teacher, educational entrepreneur, director, and guide. My greatest passions in life are to love others, imagine new opportunities, and inspire people to be their best selves. Under New Learning Ventures, I also support Acton Academy Phoenix, a micro-independent school and the Arizona Children’s Business Fair, a one-day event for aspiring young entrepreneurs in K-8th grade. I love living in Central Phoenix with my wife Alicia and our two daughters and son, Alina, Adeline and Archer.

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Charlie Kaplan

Founding Operations Director

I am from Chicago and I like to build things. From electric go-carts in my dorm room to hyper-targeted local advertising campaigns and scalable school systems. My journey in education started five years ago when moved out to Arizona to help build the highest performing high school in Maryvale. With a double major in Economics and Business Management along with a focus in Entrepreneurship from Purdue University, I am excited to be reimagining school with our Phoenix Modern team! I love the challenge of trying new things and exploring new places. When I am not checking items off of a checklist you can find me on a basketball court or out for a bike ride. If you see me riding my bike to work go ahead and honk as you pass by.

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Bakhshish Kaur

Co-Middle School Guide

My name is Ms. Kaur and I am really excited to be the new middle school guide. I have been teaching since 2012 and middle school has been my passion. I love to guide the flourishig creative minds and see them grow and bring out their amazing ideas. Math and science has always been my interests thus I pursued Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from University of Arizona. I later went on and got my certification in Holistic Health and Wellness with specialities in yoga and nutrition. Along with teaching school children, I love spending time with my own daughter. Together we explore nature, do creative art and craft activities, make silly songs, and do our yoga poses. I also enjoy experimenting with foods and cooking my own dishes. In past along with math, science, physical geography and genetics, I have also deeply enjoyed teaching cooking and health classes. Teaching is my passion and I feel alive and fullfilled while guiding young minds toward developing their own confidence and independent beings. I am very excited and delighted to be part of the middle school team at Phoenix Modern.

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Allison Wear

Foundations Guide

Working in the school system in some capacity has been my experience for the past 17 years. I started in public schools as an Early Childhood Special Educator after completing my post-baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education at Arizona State University in 2005. Wanting to weave my B.F.A. in Photography into my career, I took a pause from teaching in 2008 to pursue my graduate degree in Clinical Art Therapy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. As a licensed family therapist, I worked in several settings in the LA area including outpatient psychiatric programs and therapeutic schools that contracted with LAUSD. Our family found ourselves in Arizona in 2018 and I resumed work in the public school setting; this time with a solid foundation in therapeutic and social emotional practices. Having seen my own child flourish in Phoenix Modern, I knew that this was exactly the type of school I wanted to become a part of. In the classroom, I enjoy weaving art, creativity, play and hands-on learning experiences into the learning process. Outside of the classroom you will find me reading, exploring fun and quirky places, working on my antique mall booth, seeking out vintage clothing, thrift shopping, grabbing coffee and most of all hanging out with my wonderful husband, daughter and our chihuahua, Frito.

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Erin Mahoney

Summer Camp Specialist

Hi, I’m Coach Erin! I am a Phoenix native and deeply rooted in a purpose to uplift, empower, and inspire meaningful change in the lives of others. From an early age, I’ve felt called to care for people, foster connection, and be a catalyst for growth in my community. I’m a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a Transformational Emotional Intelligence Leadership Trainer with Live4You Trainings. I’m also the founder of Re-Inventing Self Love, a heartfelt venture where I lead experiential workshops and retreats for both kids and adults, guiding them to rediscover a love for themselves that feels true, grounded, and liberating. My work is all about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to rise into their fullest expression. Whether I’m facilitating deep healing, leading transformational conversations, or building community, I show up with presence, passion, and purpose. Outside of my work, you’ll find me with my amazing partner, my family, and my dogs—most likely listening to early 2000s throwbacks, riding my bike outside or teaching spin class indoors, or savoring a matcha latte at a favorite local café. I’m here to lead with heart, live with intention, and help learners remember the power and joy that already exists within them. Guiding learners to see that the power is already in them to be successful and feel capable of achieving all that they want.

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Dionne Snively

Elementary Guide

My name is Mrs. Dionne, (like Celinè Dion), and I am delighted to be your guide this year. I can’t wait to spend the year with you. I was born and raised in Saint Louis, MO. Do you know where it is? Well, Saint Louis is the city with the big arch on the Missouri River and Mississippi River confluence or riverbank. It is best known as the Gateway to the West. Perhaps, that’s where I first found my love for the west. I have been a teacher for more than 15 years from private schools to public schools to even homeschooling. As I hold a Bachelors in Education from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. My family of 6, including 4 children and my husband, love to travel. Collectively, we have lived in every region of mainland U.S., excluding the Pacific Northwest. We have a puppy named Blu, who steals the show wherever he goes. Just watch your socks around him, he’s known to bury a pair or two outdoors! Maybe you’ll meet him one day! You will find that I love nature and the outdoors as well. I love incorporating nature into our daily math and reading lessons! Well that’s enough about me! I look forward to learning all the fascinating things about you!

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Demytria Bennett

Instructional Assistant

I moved to Phoenix from LA 7 years ago. I am a passionate person and enjoy helping others and watching people grow and evolve. I originally started off my career in education with ABA in 2019 working with pre teens and then eventually in pre-intervention with kids with ASD and other behavioral disorders.

I hope to inspire and encourage the kids I work with and help them gain the confidence that they can to achieve anything that they set their mind to.

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my daughter Emery. We enjoy our smoothie Saturdays, hiking and painting. We love watching spooky movies and our favorite nightmare before Christmas.

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Leah Vice

Elementary Guide

I am originally from sunny South Florida, where my journey into education began. After high school, I moved to Arizona to attend ASU with the intention of studying pediatric speech therapy. However, during my time there, I discovered my deep-seated love for education and decided to pivot my focus. I studied Early Childhood Education at PVCC, driven by my passion for nurturing young minds and instilling a love for learning from an early age.

My educational journey sent me on a path to find the best and most child-centered practices. With my expanding knowledge and steadfast commitment to respecting the whole child while fostering a strong connection between learner and guide, I was drawn to embrace the Reggio Emilia Approach in my teaching. In 2018 I was fortunate enough to go to Reggio Emilia, Italy on a study tour, and had a truly transformative experience where I immersed myself in the renowned educational philosophy of the region. While there, I gained valuable insights into progressive pedagogical approaches and the crucial role of environment and community in shaping educational outcomes. As a studio guide at Phoenix Modern, my goals are to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment, foster a sense of belonging, actively listen to and advocate for children, and co-create experiences that encourage critical thinking, self-expression, and a love of learning.

Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Organizational Leadership at ASU, focusing on bridging the gap between educational theory and effective organizational management. My goal is to empower educational institutions with strategic leadership and visionary guidance. Outside of my work in education, I am a devoted fan of Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons, and the Phoenix Mercury. You can find me working on a challenging crossword puzzle, trying a new restaurant, or enjoying a relaxing day of watching movies with my husband and our pup.

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Brianna Almanza

Instructional Assistant

Hello! I’m thrilled to be an Instructional Assistant here at Phoenix Modern! Growing up in Arizona has been an absolute joy, and I cherish every moment spent in this beautiful state. For the past four years, I’ve immersed myself in education, working as an instructional assistant and diving into the world of applied behavior analysis as a behavior technician. My passion for working with children sparked from my experiences with my sister who has special needs. Witnessing the incredible impact educators can have on young lives inspired me to pursue my goal of becoming a Special Education Teacher. I’m currently on my journey to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education!

When I’m not at work, you can find me staying active—I love hitting the gym, indulging in Pilates, or exploring new hiking trails. I’m also a huge foodie, always excited to discover new restaurants with my husband. We cherish our quality time together as a small family with our dog!

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Andrew Collins

Founding Executive Director

I believe there is no better way to spend one’s life than to support the joyful flourishing of others. In addition to being the Executive Director for Phoenix Modern, I serve as the President & CEO of New Learning Ventures, our operating nonprofit corporation. In the last two decades, I have supported the design and launch of schools and learning experiences all over Arizona as a classroom teacher, educational entrepreneur, director, and guide. My greatest passions in life are to love others, imagine new opportunities, and inspire people to be their best selves. Under New Learning Ventures, I also support Acton Academy Phoenix, a micro-independent school and the Arizona Children’s Business Fair, a one-day event for aspiring young entrepreneurs in K-8th grade. I love living in Central Phoenix with my wife Alicia and our two daughters and son, Alina, Adeline and Archer.

Email

Charlie Kaplan

Founding Operations Director

I am from Chicago and I like to build things. From electric go-carts in my dorm room to hyper-targeted local advertising campaigns and scalable school systems. My journey in education started five years ago when moved out to Arizona to help build the highest performing high school in Maryvale. With a double major in Economics and Business Management along with a focus in Entrepreneurship from Purdue University, I am excited to reimagine school with the Phoenix Modern team! I love the challenge of trying new things and exploring new places. When I am not checking items off of a checklist you can find me on a basketball court or out for a bike ride. If you see me riding my bike to work go ahead and honk as you pass by.

Email

Allison Wear

Foundations Guide

Working in the school system in some capacity has been my experience for the past 17 years. I started in public schools as an Early Childhood Special Educator after completing my post-baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education at Arizona State University in 2005. Wanting to weave my B.F.A. in Photography into my career, I took a pause from teaching in 2008 to pursue my graduate degree in Clinical Art Therapy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. As a licensed family therapist, I worked in several settings in the LA area including outpatient psychiatric programs and therapeutic schools that contracted with LAUSD. Our family found ourselves in Arizona in 2018 and I resumed work in the public school setting; this time with a solid foundation in therapeutic and social emotional practices. Having seen my own child flourish in Phoenix Modern, I knew that this was exactly the type of school I wanted to become a part of. In the classroom, I enjoy weaving art, creativity, play and hands-on learning experiences into the learning process. Outside of the classroom you will find me reading, exploring fun and quirky places, working on my antique mall booth, seeking out vintage clothing, thrift shopping, grabbing coffee and most of all hanging out with my wonderful husband, daughter and our chihuahua, Frito.

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Lola COLÓN Vargas

Elementary Guide

I am originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico but have been fortunate enough to travel and live all over Europe and the United States. This constant movement has shaped my perspective on education and what the path to a well-rounded education looks like, a path that has led me to join the Phoenix Modern team. I received my bachelor’s from Portland State University in Oregon and recently completed my Masters in Elementary Education. As a lifelong learner, I aspire to travel to every corner of the world and learn from as many people as possible. When I am not in the classroom you can find me enjoying time with my English Bull Terrier named Zeus, traveling, or at a concert. I also enjoy going to art museums and trying new restaurants.

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McKaela Christensen

Art Specialist

Having grown up living in various places across the globe, I’ve embraced the wonders of diverse cultures and nurtured an insatiable passion for learning. College brought me to Arizona, where I explored subjects ranging from architecture to astrobiology to ornithology. The jobs I took leading up to graduating fueled my passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. I believe in creating magical learning environments, inspired by joy and motivated by the desire to see dreams become reality. Every child is an artist whether they believe it or not, and my goal is to help as many as possible realize the potential they have within themselves. Art remains my constant companion since childhood, with sketching and creative pursuits filling my free time. After all, I come from a family of artists and have been learning how to draw, paint, knit, and the like since before I could even say the words. Reading, writing, and wildlife photography are my weekend joys, but I love to challenge myself to learn new art styles and techniques whenever I can.

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Sydney Mcnally

Elementary Guide

I am from Chicago and had the desire to be an educator for as long as I can remember (and a pop/movie star but that ship might be sailing). Luckily I have been fulfilled teaching third and fourth grade the past four years and being involved in my previous school’s Drama Club. I graduated from Bradley University in 2017 with an Elementary Education K-9 degree and a concentration in Fine Arts. My previous Chicagoland school was part of the Green Schools National Network and there was a large focus on environmental sustainability, explorative learning, project and place-based learning, SEL, and how to better the world for future generations. There I received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Outstanding Early Career Educator Meritorious Service Award and in my first year of teaching, I received 93.9 Lite FM’s Salute Teachers Award. My favorite activities outside of school include theater, working out, and going camping. I am also a huge Disney lover! I am passionate about the environment and I am constantly educating myself on best teaching practices. I moved to Arizona recently for new experiences, adventures, and perspectives- and I am so happy that it led me to Phoenix Modern!

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Jennifer Hicks

Foundations Guide

I knew I was going to be a educator from a very young age. There are many in the field of education in my extended family and I too felt the call to serve. I started my career shortly after graduating high school. By March 2000 I had found my first job in a preschool setting and began teaching with more traditional approaches. When my youngest son started kindergarten, I went back to school for my formal education. I attended Paradise Valley Community College for my associate’s degree and learned about the Reggio Emilia education project and my whole educational trajectory changed. I began trying out some of the practices I learned, attended professional development at PVCC, continued on to earn my bachelor’s & master’s degrees, and began facilitating adult learning through my roles at PVCC. During this time, I gained field experience in a variety of early learning settings including corporate, non-profit, private, and government funded locations. Through my experience in early childhood classrooms and facilitating learning for adults, a generative energy continued to fuel my love of learning. I am excited to be part of the Phoenix Modern team and share my experience, education, and passion with the community. I bring with me my expertise in emergent curriculum, interdisciplinary approaches, social emotional learning, collaborative facilitation, and trauma-informed care. My goals as a studio guide are to create a safe & comfortable space, create a sense of belonging, to be a co-learner, to be a listener to and an advocate for children, and to curate experiences that challenge thinking and support self-expression. I look forward to learning and growing with Phoenix Modern.

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Leah Vice

Elementary Guide

I am originally from sunny South Florida, where my journey into education began. After high school, I moved to Arizona to attend ASU with the intention of studying pediatric speech therapy. However, during my time there, I discovered my deep-seated love for education and decided to pivot my focus. I studied Early Childhood Education at PVCC, driven by my passion for nurturing young minds and instilling a love for learning from an early age.

My educational journey sent me on a path to find the best and most child-centered practices. With my expanding knowledge and steadfast commitment to respecting the whole child while fostering a strong connection between learner and guide, I was drawn to embrace the Reggio Emilia Approach in my teaching. In 2018 I was fortunate enough to go to Reggio Emilia, Italy on a study tour, and had a truly transformative experience where I immersed myself in the renowned educational philosophy of the region. While there, I gained valuable insights into progressive pedagogical approaches and the crucial role of environment and community in shaping educational outcomes. As a studio guide at Phoenix Modern, my goals are to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment, foster a sense of belonging, actively listen to and advocate for children, and co-create experiences that encourage critical thinking, self-expression, and a love of learning.

Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Organizational Leadership at ASU, focusing on bridging the gap between educational theory and effective organizational management. My goal is to empower educational institutions with strategic leadership and visionary guidance. Outside of my work in education, I am a devoted fan of Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons, and the Phoenix Mercury. You can find me working on a challenging crossword puzzle, trying a new restaurant, or enjoying a relaxing day of watching movies with my husband and our pup.

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Paris Weldy

Instructional Assistant

Hello, my name is Paris Rose and I am a dedicated reading and math interventionist here at Phoenix Modern! I was born and raised in Washington state but moved to Arizona in 2020 to escape from the rain and experience the sunshine. I attended Grand Canyon University and received my bachelors in elementary education as I have a passion for helping children learn and grow. My first year of teaching, I taught 5th grade at a Title 1 school in downtown Phoenix. After my first year, I decided I wanted to experience other schools and learning opportunities which then led me to become a substitute teacher. I worked as a substitute teacher for two years, teaching at over 50 schools all over the valley. This extensive experience allowed me to adapt to various educational environments and develop a flexible teaching style. I was fortunate to discover Phoenix Modern during a week of substitute teaching in one of the studios. I loved my time and experience so much that I knew it was the perfect school for me which is why I am very blessed and excited that I get to be the reading/math interventionist here at Phoenix Modern. Outside of my professional life, I love being outdoors and trying new things. I especially love hiking, wakeboarding, thrifting, and hanging out with my best friend (my poodle). Whether it’s exploring nature or engaging in exciting diverse activities, I find joy in the adventure.

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