1st Grade Team
Kyrsten Lang
Hello Vassiliadis families and students! My name is Kyrsten Lang. I am very excited to start another year
as a member of the VES team! I have taught 2 nd grade and love teaching in the fabulous 1 st grade! I am
originally from Southern California and moved to Las Vegas when I was in Elementary school. I earned my Bachelor of Administration and Interior Design degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. Go Pack! Also, I have my master’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.
A bit about me, I am married to the man of my dreams, Patrick and we have two beautiful young daughters. I also have a mini goldendoodle named Liberty. In my spare time when I am not teaching, I love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy being active with playing golf, going to the gym, and exploring the outdoors.
I am excited to start another fabulous year at Vassiliadis Elementary school! My goal is to inspire my
students in a loving environment that feels like family with education as #1. My students will enjoy coming to school every day with the mentality of growing with independence, leadership, and support from others. Most of all, they will have smiles on their faces and shine with everything they do!
As Dr. Seuss says, “You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!”
Email: webbk1@nv.ccsd.net
Lauren Huseman
Hello Cubs! My name is Lauren Huseman and I am so excited for another wonderful year. I am born and raised in Las Vegas and a product of CCSD. My Undergraduate and Master’s degrees are both from UNLV. Go Rebels! This will be my 20th year teaching, all in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. My Master’s degree is in Library Science and I love literature and creating a love for reading.
I am married to my amazing husband, Chris, and we have two awesome boys, Cash and Easton. Cash will be in 8th grade and Easton will be in 5th grade here at Vassiliadis. My boys love playing all sports, but club baseball is our jam. I have a Miniature Schnauzer named Wyatt who is spunky and adorable. When I am not at school, I love running, working out at Orange Theory, and hanging out with my friends and family. I also love packing up and traveling in our motorhome.
I believe that school should be a safe and fun experience. I love to create an environment where all students feel supported and where it is truly their happy place. I believe that when I build relationships with my students and capture their hearts, then I can go on to capture their minds. I love to utilize cooperative learning strategies and have the kiddos moving around as much as possible, all while learning even when they don’t realize it! I cannot wait to spend this year with you all and I know that it will be fabulous!!
Email: blehmls@nv.ccsd.net
Erin Stafford
Howdy Cubs! My name is Erin Stafford, and I am living the dream of being a teacher here at VES! This will be my 15th year teaching, and I have taught both 1st and 2nd grades throughout CCSD. I grew up in College Station, home of Texas A&M University, so there was no doubt where I would be going to college...Gig 'em! I love college sports and try to cheer for other SEC teams (except for one or two).
Shortly after arriving in Las Vegas, I met my husband Derek and am now the proud mom of 4 energetic kids, two of which are fellow Cubs. They like to keep me on my toes by choosing multiple sports to play. I also try to make time to get outdoors as much as possible, whether it be running, swimming, travelling to the mountains, or just catching a baseball game.
The first grade classroom is truly one of the most exciting and impactful times in a child's life. It is filled with curiosity, learning, leading, and collaboration. I want my students to love coming to school, to be motivated to do their very best, and take part in a positive classroom community. They will also love getting to know our class pet, a leopard gecko named Chance, named after our favorite VGK Mascot. We are going to have a fun & fabulous first grade year!
Email: staffea@nv.ccsd.net
Haley Ramous
Hi Cub families! My name is Haley Ramous, and I am thrilled to be part of the First Grade team here at Vassiliadis! I was raised here in Las Vegas and attended UNLV to receive my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I later received my masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have dreamed of being a teacher since I was in third grade. I would stay after school hours almost every day to help my teacher get ready for the next day. I cannot imagine a better career.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, and we have one dog together. When I am not in school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and being active.
I believe strongly in helping children feel welcome in our classroom and find enjoyment in becoming a lifelong learner. My teaching style and approach includes a focus on hands-on learning, collaborative structures, and Project Based Learning (PBL) to foster high levels of engagement and enjoyment during the learning process. My goal is for my students to feel excited to come to school every morning and leave with a smile on their face. I am looking forward to having a wonderful year!
Email: jackshr@nv.ccsd.net
Brianna Oberg
Hello Vassiliadis Families. I'm excited for another amazing year at Vassiliadis. My name is Brianna Oberg and I have been teaching for 20 years. I have taught both 1st and 2nd grades throughout CCSD. I was born in Washington State and moved to Las Vegas for a teaching position. My undergraduate is from Eastern Washington University. Go Eags! Also, I have my Master’s Degree from Nova Southeastern University in reading. My passion is teaching students to love reading through sharing the joy, excitement and adventure you can find when reading a good book.
I am married to my college sweetheart Jason, and we have two amazing boys Jonah and Lincoln. Lincoln is here at Vassiliadis and going into 5th grade and Jonah will be in 8th grade. Both my boys play club soccer and flag football. Yes, I am a soccer mom! I also have a Mini GoldenDoodle named Bella, who is like my daughter. When I am not busy at soccer and flag football games I enjoy hiking, traveling and reading.
First grade is such an incredible grade to teach, as I have the privilege to set the foundation for these young learners. Through a positive learning environment a child can achieve anything they set their mind to. This year your child will have the opportunity to learn through STEM activities and interactive learning centers. I love teaching through hands-on experiences as it is engaging and a fun way for students to learn. I look forward to getting to know each individual child and their family this year!
Email: obergb@nv.ccsd.net
Amber Ponte
Hi! My name is Amber Ponte, and I am proud to be a resource teacher at Vassiliadis Elementary. I have been a licensed teacher with CCSD for 16 years, and have experience in teaching grades 1-4. Having been born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, I obtained my teaching degree at UNLV. I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a child. When I was in elementary school, I used to play “teacher” at home in my room with my stuffed animals posing as my students, so I am convinced it is my calling as a profession. However, this profession is more than just a career to me. It is something that I truly enjoy doing every day, and is a part of who I am. Having the opportunity to work with children and making a difference in their lives is what it’s all about. I connect with kids on a very positive level, and we always seem to make every school day fun together. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I have lived here for 42 years. I have been married to my incredible husband, Dave, for the last 17 years. We have a wonderful son, Jax, who will be starting 7th grade. When I have any free time, I like to spend it with my family, go out into nature, listen to music, or play with my pets. I also love working out and staying active by either going to the gym, riding my road-bike, hiking, or lifting weights in my garage.
Overall, I am excited to be a part of an amazing team who shares the same passion as I do, and I am looking forward to starting another year here at Vassiliadis. Let’s go, Cubs!!!
Email: beardar@nv.ccsd.net
Dorothy Von Sachsen
Hello Cubs! My name is Dorothy von Sachsen, and I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Vassiliadis community!
I was born and raised in Florida and now proudly call Las Vegas home. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and my Juris Doctor, and I am a member of the Nevada Bar. I also have a background in real estate, and my experiences in law and real estate have strengthened my ability to build meaningful relationships, communicate clearly, and be a strong advocate for my students. This passion for working with and supporting others, along with seeing how my own daughter has thrived in CCSD, ultimately led me to pursue my Master’s in Elementary Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
I have experience teaching both third and fourth grade, and I am so excited to begin this new chapter in first grade. First grade is such a magical year where students grow in confidence, independence, and a love for learning, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of that journey.
When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my 9-year-old daughter, Valentina, who also attends school here in CCSD. Being both a teacher and a parent gives me a deep understanding of how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and excited to come to school each day. My husband and I also enjoy staying active. I especially love getting my steps in while keeping up with my students!
I am passionate about positive psychology and love helping my students build confidence, develop a growth mindset, and truly believe in themselves. My goal is to create a classroom that is joyful, welcoming, and full of encouragement, where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success.
I am so excited for a wonderful year and can’t wait to watch my students learn, grow, and shine!
Email: vonsad@nv.ccsd.net
Jordan Hogg
Hello Vassiliadis families! My name is Jordan Hogg and I am excited to be a part of the Vassiliadis team! Go Cubs!
I have lived in many states and several countries around the world and have now enjoyed Vegas life for 10 years. I wasn’t sure if Las Vegas would be a good fit for me but I am constantly amazed at the beauty of the desert and the outdoor opportunities surrounding us. I have been teaching second grade in Las Vegas for the past five years and I’m so excited to begin my journey in first grade at Vassiliadis. I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and my Masters in Elementary Education from UNR. I have been working in schools for many years, from teaching English in Japan, to being a teaching assistant and a librarian in England, to being a substitute teacher and a CTT in Vegas, before realizing that teaching early elementary school is my passion.
As you can imagine, I love travelling and meeting new people. I also enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends. I have two daughters, one about to graduate from the University of Hawaii, and the other in her freshman year at UNR. We love to travel, read, swim, try new foods, watch musicals at the Smith Center, and explore new places together. I also love spending time with our dog, Pongo, who loves treats but does not love other dogs!
My favorite book series is the Knuffle Bunny books by Mo Willems. I love how a toy can help bring new friends together and how the multimedia artwork brings the characters to life. I hope to share my love of reading and school with my new first graders, and all of the students at VES! School should be a positive, engaging experience, where students learn to be curious, collaborate, and love school. I believe that the classroom is like a family and we all do our best when we feel safe and comfortable to learn and grow together!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt