Teaching Staff
August ChristensenPreschool Lead
August always knew that being a preschool teacher was her calling. She began working at a preschool in Orange County, California when when she was 16 years old and started coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE) when she was 18, completing her bachelor's degree in ECE at Cal Poly. August moved to Teton Valley in 1998 after visiting friends and opened Teewinot Children's Center in 1999. She was on the founding board of TVCS and accepted a lead teacher position in 2007, after spending a year in Australia with her husband Aaron. August shares her love of cooking, yoga, gardening, reading, exploration, and being outside in nature with the children in her preschool classes. She models her program after the innovative preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy where she aspires to visit someday.
August can be reached at august@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Erin DowlingMath Assistant / After School Program Coordinator
Erin was born in a suburb of New York City along the Long Island Sound. Growing up there, she enjoyed the diverse opportunities a busy community and loving parents offer. Across the country, at The Evergreen State College in Washington state, Erin earned a BA with emphasis in Natural Product Chemistry and Art. Today, Erin lives in Teton Valley and continues to explore the world around her with optimism.
Erin can be reached at lil_elively@hotmail.com
Kate Ennen3rd/4th grade
Kate is a true mountain woman and skilled teacher. She grew up in California and Colorado and moved to Teton Valley in the late 90's after completing her bachelor's degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), in Washington state. This move solidified her interests in skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, and hiking as well as her commitment to teaching at the elementary level. Kate attained her Idaho teaching certificate in K-8 and taught 3rd/4th grade at Swan Valley Elementary before joining the faculty at TVCS. Kate has been a favorite camp counselor in TVCS's adventure summer camp, where she shares her love of outdoor adventure with students of all ages. Kate lives in a house she built with her husband Nate along with their 2 avalanche rescue dogs.
Kate can be reached at kate@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Nate GastonPreschool Assistant
Nate is from Ashland, Oregon. He moved East to attend Cornell University where he graduated with degrees in History and Biology. Nate has lived in Teton Valley since 2000. He has two children, Brayden who is in 6th grade and Holland in 2nd grade at TVCS. Both Brayden and Holland were in August's class in preschool so Nate is very excited to be working with that age group again. In his free time he enjoys skiing, traveling, discussing current events and spending time with his kids.
Nate can be reached at nathangaston@aol.com
Tori HedermanKindergarten
Tori came to Teton Valley in the 1992 to work for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and went on to work for both Red Top Meadows (a residential treatment and therapeutic wilderness program for adolescent boys) and C Bar V Ranch (a state-funded special education school for 1st through 12 graders). Tori graduated from Boise State University with a certification in elementary education (K-8) with an endorsement in special education (K-12). She is dedicated to making learning fun, helping students overcome obstacles, and inspiring children to find their own path. She lives with her husband and 2 young children in Tetonia and enjoys out of valley experiences that involve the ocean.
Tori can be reached at tori@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Amber Jacobson1st/2nd grade
Amber has been teaching early elementary for nearly 20 years. She was inspired by her grandmother who was a dedicated teacher for most of her life. Amber says that teaching at TVCS allows her to be the kind of teacher she wants to be - creative, integrated, and flexible in her approach. After growing up in Kansas and attending UK, Amber moved to Colorado and taught at elementary schools in Denver and Vail. She earned her master's degree in education from the University of Colorado along with an endorsement in reading. Amber moved to Teton Valley in 2004 with her husband Brian because they were awed by the scenery and impressed with the sense of community here. Amber enjoys telemark skiing, fishing, walking her dogs, and spending time with friends and family.
Amber can be reached at amber@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Debra LoudenslagerPreschool Lead
Debbie moved to Teton Valley from Ohio in 2007 with her husband and one of her three sons to try out the ranching lifestyle. After a year of ranch work, she decided to return to her former career as an early childhood teacher and administrator, in which she had 15 years of experience. Debbie is a member and advocate for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and believes that all children have a right to a high quality preschool experience, which includes diverse opportunities to learn and develop through exploration and play. Debbie holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Cincinnati as well as masters level coursework. Horseback riding, reading, animal care, and nature are her other passions.
Debra can be reached at deb@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Patricia MoellerKindergarten
Patricia grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and attended Alaska Pacific University earning her BS in natural science and mathematics. She chose the warmer climate of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for her MS in elementary education. After spending a year in Jackson in the early 90's, Patricia and her husband Rob dedicated the next 12 years of their lives to finding a way to come back to the area with professional careers and enough money to buy a home. Rob became a pilot, while Patricia pursued her career in education. The reside in Alta, Wyoming with their 2 sons, Augustus and Tristan. Patricia enjoys running on the trails and roads of Teton Valley in all kinds of weather.
Patricia can be reached at patricia@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Constance MullinPreschool Assistant
Constance was born in Madellin, Columbia, grew up in Florida, and attended University of North Carolina in Charlotte. She moved to Teton Valley from Montclair, New Jersey in 2000 when her husband Rob took a job as the brewmaster at Grand Teton Brewing Company. Constance has 3 children, Duncan and Adriana who attend TVCS and Cormac who attends the Journey's School in Jackson. Constance loves children and has a gentle and patient approach to caring for the preschool students that she works with. Constance was formerly a co-owner of Miso Hungry in Driggs and is a fabulous chef and baker. She also enjoys biking, knitting, reading, and swinging in hammocks with her kids.
Constance can be reached at constance@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com
Natasha Peterson5th/6th/7th grade
The inspiration for Natasha's teaching career came from her father, who was a teacher, and her desire to make positive change in the world. Natasha grew up in Evergreen, Colorado and attended Colorado College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Spanish. After teaching for 3 years at the elementary and middle school levels, Natasha earned her master's degree in education from Montana State University. She moved to Teton Valley from Jackson in 2008 and began teaching at TVCS that fall. Natasha and her partner, Jeremy, turned a former garage into a uniquely creative and environmentally conscious home in downtown Victor. She enjoys hiking in the mountains with her dogs as well as mountain biking, skiing, painting, and pottery.
Natasha can be reached at natasha@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com