Hola, Owls! My name is Ms. Guzman and I am a Preschool Teacher here at VVA. After graduating from Nevada State University, I am thrilled to begin my first year of teaching. I have a deep passion for Early Childhood Education and love encouraging children’s curiosity, creativity, and excitement for learning. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy drawing and spending time with my friends and family. I am looking forward to an amazing school year full of learning, growth, and fun! I can’t wait to meet all of you and make wonderful memories this year!

Hello Owls! My name is Ms. Williams and I’m the Lead Kindergarten teacher here at VVA. I hold a Master’s in Educational Policy and Human Development from the University of Chicago and have 15 years of experience in educational research, administering NSF grants and evaluating funded programs with universities and foundations. I have 8 years of classroom experience, teaching Kindergarten exclusively and earned my RBT certification to better support students with Autism.  When I’m not fostering a love of learning in students; you can find me with my 6 year old daughter, reading a great book, traveling or hanging out with family and friends. I am so excited to meet everyone and can’t wait to grow your students’ brains! 

Hello Owls! My name is Zoe Miller, and I am SO excited to teach Kindergarten at VVA. This is my third year teaching and my first year living here in Vegas! When I’m not in school, I love to read, write, draw, and play with my cat, Sunnie. I am eager to get to know the students and families here at Vegas Vista Academy!

Welcome to a world of wonder! I’m Ms. Avila, your friendly neighborhood 1st grade teacher here at VVA — home of the wise and whimsical owls! With over 7 years of early childhood magic (5 in Private Kindergarten, 2 as a Preschool Director), I bring heart, joy, and a sprinkle of pixie dust to every lesson. I earned my Business degree from the University of Phoenix and am currently on my next grand adventure: earning my Elementary Education degree at Grand Canyon University (PhD dreams ahead!). At home, I share my castle with my amazing husband Walter and our two shining stars, Everly (13) and Phenix (12). I love baking enchanted treats, diving into anime worlds, playing epic games, singing showtunes and creating delicious spells in the kitchen. I can’t wait to soar through a year of imagination, growth, and discovery with my little owls!

Aloha Owls! My name is Kristi Okura and I’m excited to be a part of the VVA team as it will be my first year. I’m originally from Hawaii and have taught everything from infant/toddler, to preschool, and this will be my 9th year in elementary. When I’m not in school you can find me spending time with family, crafting, and binge watching K Drama or the newest TV sitcoms. I look forward to meeting and partnering with you all!

Hello Owls! My name is Leslie Navarro, and it is such a privilege to be a classroom teacher at VVA! This is my second year teaching here at Vegas Vista Academy and I am so excited to get to know everyone! In my free time I enjoy traveling, doing anything involving being creative, exploring nature and spending time with my loved ones! In the classroom, I like to make sure that everyone feels welcome and is not afraid to make mistakes, because we wouldn’t be able to grow and learn without them! Let’s make this school year a hoot!

¡Hola Búhos! My name is Mrs. Garcia, and I’m so excited to be starting my 2nd year at Vegas Vista Academy and my 4th year teaching! I love building strong relationships with my students and creating a classroom where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. Outside of school, I’m a woman of faith, a wife, and a proud mama. When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me shopping, grabbing a coffee, or spending time with my family and friends. I’m so thankful to be part of the VVA family and can’t wait for another amazing year together. ¡Vamos Búhos! 🦉

Hello Owls! I’m Ms. Jackson. This will be my fourth-year teaching, and I’m so excited to be a part of the amazing VVA family. I’m a proud Vegas native, born and raised, although I did spend a few years in Texas to further my studies at the historic Wiley College. I’m a proud mom of two future superstars who will be joining VVA. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me exploring the outdoors, traveling, or learning something new. I love to bring energy, creativity, and real-world connections into everything I teach. Let’s make this year unforgettable!

Hi everyone! My name is Corinne Butts. I’m originally from Medina, Ohio, but I’ve been living in Las Vegas since 2020. I studied Environmental Studies at Kent State University before transferring to UNLV for Elementary Education. I realized that I have a stronger calling towards education, though I’m still passionate about environment science. This will be my third year teaching elementary school. I’m a nerd at heart and love the outdoors. I have a passion for animal rescue; I’m the fur-mom to a pittie named Zeus. I can’t wait to get to know the students and families at Vegas Vista Academy, I look forward to making meaningful connections with you all!

Aloha! My name is Valerie Manzano and I am the 5th and 6th grade ELA teacher at VVA. This will be my first year teaching at VVA but my twelfth year of teaching in total. I’ve recently moved from Hawaii and took a year off as my family and I settled into our new environment. Since having kids, I enjoy experiencing new things with them and just watching them grow up. I’m excited to get back into a classroom and be in my element and I’m also excited that I get to share this VVA journey with my kids as well.

Hello Owls! My name is Rickey Bratcher and I’m very excited to teach at VVA. This is my 4th year in education. When I am not at school, I enjoy going to the gym, playing video games, and spending time with my dog. I am excited to continue my teaching career at VVA.

Hello Owls,
My name is Dr. McClain and this is my second year at VVA serving as the Special Education Instructional Facilitator. I have nearly 20 years experience teaching regular education, special education, and school leadership. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where students can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I strongly believe that every child deserves access to high quality instruction. Beyond my work in education, I am a serial entrepreneur, writer/author, and creative visionary. I serve on the board for two non-profit organizations. I have 3 wonderful children. When I am not working, I enjoy shopping, fine dining, traveling, writing, and finding creative ways to inspire and uplift others. This year I am looking forward to the growth of the special education department and continuing to work with diverse student populations.

My name is Oscar Burns IV, and I am ready to begin my first year teaching at Vegas Vista Academy as this is my third year in education. I am a proud Valley High School IB graduate, and I recently earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from UNLV. I have a background working in a self-contained STAR classroom, where I gained valuable experience supporting diverse learners. I am also a coach who loves to play basketball, make smoothies, spend time with family, and create smooth experiences for others. I believe in taking life one day at a time while keeping it smooth. I am looking forward to growing with our students, staff, school, and community while making a positive influence and impact.

*K-1st Grade

Hola y bienvenidos!

My name is Silvia Ruiz, and I am excited to continue my journey as the Spanish teacher at Vegas Vista Academy. I strive to create a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore language and culture.

This is my third year at VVA, and I have had the pleasure of leading the VVA Ballet Folklórico and Cheer team, helping celebrate our school’s diversity through meaningful cultural experiences.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my two wonderful children and family, making memories through life’s simple blessings.

I look forward to a school year filled with growth, fun, and meaningful connections with both new and returning owl families. 

Hello! My name is Yaite Hernández González, and I am delighted to be part of the teaching team at Vegas Vistas Academy. I have over six years of experience as an educator in my home country and have continued working in the educational field in the United States as a teaching assistant. I enjoy cooking, reading, and learning new things. This year, I am particularly excited to share the Spanish language and the richness of Hispanic culture with our students. I hope to help the children view Spanish not merely as a language to be learned, but also as a bridge to a wider world—one filled with art, music, traditions, and meaningful cultural connections. I look forward to learning and growing alongside our VVA community!