• Lauren Arsuffi

     

    Lauren Arsuffi

     

    My name is Lauren Arsuffi. I am a native of Western North Carolina who has taught special education for the past 14 years at Swain County Schools. My teaching experience through the years has been quite diverse, teaching all ages and grades K-12, exceptional children’s reading and math, self-contained, resource, and co-teaching in the general education classroom , and with all disability categories ranging from mild to severe, as well as serving as a department head with responsibilities outside of the classroom as a teacher leader. My education background includes a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Meredith College and a Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education from Western Carolina University. I am also beginning the process of becoming a Montessori teacher/guide through the Institute of Guided Studies with a focus in early education ages 3-6 as of this summer 2020. Curriculum programs I have been trained in and used in my classroom through the years include Reading and Math Foundations, SRA Corrective Reading, LANGUAGE! reading curriculum, Wilson Fundations, SRA Number Worlds, PBS Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Prevention, as well as co-teaching training. I have always been drawn towards helping others throughout my life and knew I either wanted to be a teacher or nurse from an early age. My interest in Montessori began during my college years and has been strengthened again most recently by the birth of my son and during my time at home with him. After being a full time stay at home mom for the past year and a half, my husband and I made the decision to move to Asheville to allow my son the chance and privilege to grow up with a broader range of diversity, cultural activities, and education opportunities that Asheville provides. I am grateful, thankful, and blessed to have the opportunity to continue my teaching career with Asheville Primary Montessori and to know that my son will be able to join me in this intentional venture when he turns 3 as well.

     

    Alesia Hollis

     

    Aleisa Hollis

    My name is Alesia Hollis and I am excited to be transitioning to full time as an EC support teacher at Asheville Primary. The first part of the year I spent my mornings at APS, then worked at Asheville High School for the remainder of the day. This is my 5th year with Asheville City Schools. Before coming to Asheville I worked as an EC teacher in a Head Start Program in Polk County. I came to North Carolina from the Chicago area and there I worked with 5th - 7th grade students with Learning Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders for 8 years and supported Kindergarten - 2nd grade students as a special education teacher for 14 years. I am originally from upstate New York. I received my undergraduate degree in English and Education from Nazareth College of Rochester. After moving to Chicago, I received an Early Childhood endorsement from Northern Illinois University, and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. I also completed a yearlong Mindfulness in Education program through Mindful Schools in Petaluma, CA. This summer I will be completing a Children’s Yoga Instructor training at Asheville Yoga Center. I enjoy making pottery and have a studio at Odyssey Pottery Co-op. I also love spending time with my grown children and and my dog. I’m so happy to live near the mountains and enjoy hiking and camping.