thayna oliphant, learning coach

Thayna was born and raised in Brazil where she studied Early Childhood Education (or Pedagogy as it's called there) for her Bachelor's degree. She also completed a specialization course on Neuropsychopedagogy to learn more about how the brain works during the learning process.

Her first time stepping into a classroom was as an intern in 2014 where she worked in an immersive bilingual environment - which she fell in love with given her interest in learning languages.

Thayna moved back to Arizona in 2021 after living here from 2016-2018 and then going back to Brazil to finish her degree.

She is married to her husband Kolby and they have two wonderful cats: Jorge (who moved from Brazil with her!) and Alfredo.

When she's not working, she loves reading, watching funny shows, baking and traveling!

Education Experience: 8 years

TYLAR RODRIGUEZ, EXPERIENCED LEARNING COACH + SCIENCE SPECIALIST

Tylar moved to Phoenix after teaching in New Mexico for the last nine years.  After teaching 3 years at Navajo Pine in Navajo, NM, Tylar moved to Albuquerque to teach at the Native American Community Academy. While there, Tylar had the pleasure to serve students in a variety of roles including teacher, advisor, athletic director, coach, and most recently, a member of the Land-based Healing and Learning Team. Tylar is extremely passionate about science and the intersection of Land-based learning, sustainability, and restorative practices in the science classroom. Parents can expect Tylar to work hard to develop strong relationships with their students and take time to develop curriculum that reflects their interests and local place. 

Beside being a teacher, Tylar loves being a new father and husband and getting outside to hike, bike, and run. Tylar is excited to join the PIA community and serve its students and families. 

Education Experience: 9 years

natsuki jallorina, learning coach

Natsuki was born and raised in Japan where she studied Developmental Psychology and Education for her Bachelor's Degree. She also earned her Master's Degree in Community Development from the University of the Philippines. She started her teaching career in an English-Japanese bilingual international school in Japan as a grade 4 and 6 classroom teacher. She moved to Helsinki, Finland, and continued teaching as a personal teaching assistant in an international school there. She is excited about moving to Phoenix and joining the PIA community. She is also a mom of a 2-year-old daughter and a wife to a Filipino husband. 

Education Experience: 10 years

Nikki Trapp, diverse learners coordinator

Nikki was raised in southern California and eventually moved to northern California to obtain her degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. In 2013, she moved to Arizona and obtained a masters degree in Special Education in MID/MOD from Grand Canyon University. During her years of teaching, Nikki has worked with students in all levels of education; preschool, K-8 and high school; working with a wide range of students with special needs. Teaching and being a positive influence on children and youth is her passion.

She has two children of her own; an 8th grade girl and a son who is transitioning into Kinder this year. At home, she enjoys cooking/baking and playing card/board games. She is constantly listening to music and enjoys podcasts, reading and creative journaling. She is also a gym junkie and makes sure to prioritize working out in her everyday routine.

Education Experience: 10 years

sameerah baldwin, diverse learners specialist

Sameerah is a certified special education teacher and believes that every child should have a positive learning environment. Growing up in a family of educators it was already in the universe that her passion would be to serve the community, my community of south Phoenix for almost 15 years. Sameerah received a B.A. in Education from Arizona State University, specific to elementary and special education. Currently she’s pursuing a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon State University.

As a consultant teacher for the special education department, I managed projects, built stronger relationships with the private day schools, facilitated training for teachers and administrators, attended training and workshops to better develop my teacher tool box, and became a certified trainer for Non-violent Crisis Prevention training through Crisis Prevention Intervention.

Having a passion for helping children grow up to be their best selves is my ultimate goal. You can expect high energy, solutions, and a high level of care.

Education Experience: 15 years