5th Grade Team
Tina Stevens
Hello to all Vassiliadis students and families! I love being part of the fifth grade team and the wonderful school community here at Vassiliadis Elementary School. I am originally from a rural town in Illinois. There were only 35 students in my graduating class and 850 people in the entire town! I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from BYU. Throughout my teaching career (30+ years) I have taught fourth grade, resource, and fifth grade. I also currently teach for UNLV’s College of Education. I teach college students who are working towards becoming teachers themselves.
In 1999, I moved to Las Vegas with my husband and two children. We now have 4 (3 boys and 1 girl) who have all attended CCSD schools. We loved being involved in youth sports. Through the years, I have sat through hours and hours of baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics meets and cheer competitions cheering my kids on. Now we spend our time attending and cheering on the Golden Knights!
I have an extensive classroom library and love sharing my passion for reading with my class. Continuing to learn how to be a better teacher is how I challenge myself each summer. The last two years I have attended a summer academy on Eduprotocols which I have implemented to support engagement and learning for my students. I love being a teacher and every new school year I look forward to meeting those fabulous fifth graders who will share my classroom with me!
Email: stevetl@nv.ccsd.net
Jennifer Guia
Hi! My name is Mrs. Guía, and I am thrilled to be a part of the fifth-grade team at Vassiliadis! I am originally from Columbus, Indiana, but I have lived in Las Vegas for 25 years. I attended Purdue University for a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, then graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. While working at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York, I met my husband of 31 years. We have two wonderful adult children who, fortunately, live locally. When my kids were younger, I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom before returning to school to earn my teaching degree, followed by a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, I have certifications in Math Instruction from Stanford University, Data Analysis from Harvard University, and my Library certification from UNLV. This is my 14th year teaching in the Clark County School District.
In my downtime, I enjoy fishing and camping with my five dogs, knitting, and spoiling my granddaughter rotten. I love reading and science and hope my 5th-grade students will develop a passion for both. My students can expect to engage in collaborative, hands-on activities where they can think critically and make connections.
I look forward to making the journey toward middle school with my fifth graders!
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
Email: jonesj14@nv.ccsd.net
Jaime Borkholder
Hello! My name is Jaime Borkholder, and I'm excited everyday to be a part of the Vassiliadis family. I am originally from South Bend, Indiana, home of the South Bend Cubs (an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs). While living in Indiana, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University with additional endorsements in both Life Science and Mathematics. These endorsements give me the ability to teach Science and Math up to ninth grade. I have had the pleasure of teaching sixth grade students for five years and our Vassiliadis fifth graders for the past four years. Every new class of students has brought me joy and challenges. Each year, I marvel with wonder and amazement at the growth my students and I make together.
In my spare time you can find me walking my mischievous dog, Gypsy, and spending downtime with family and friends. I love to read various types of novels and explore investigative shows. Also, I tend to spend every weekend on a pickleball court enjoying a morning of laughter and competition. Every year my mother and I take a girl’s vacation to the beach. This beach can be found in the United States or even the Caribbean, especially Jamaica. When I cannot go to the beach, I visit with my brother and his family in Texas.
I want all my new fifth grade students to know that they have me as their teacher for life. I enjoy watching my students grow in extracurricular activities as well as academics. As Vassiliadis events become available, I look forward to spending time with not only my students but their families. My hope is that my students and I are able to share our successes and challenges for years to come. I cannot wait to get to know all of my fifth grade students this school year!
One of my favorite quotes is, “Education is improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” - Marian Wright Edelman
Email: borkhjr.ccsd.net
Andrew Giacomino
Hello Vassiliadis students and families! My name is Andrew Giacomino (jocko-mee-no) and I am honored to be part of the fifth grade team and proud to be a Cub! I was born and raised in Butte, Montana and moved to Las Vegas twenty years ago to begin my teaching career with the Clark County School District. My teaching experience includes fifteen years at the elementary level and five years at the middle school level teaching my favorite subject, Math! In addition to my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana, I’ve most recently earned a Master’s degree in Administration from Sierra Nevada College.
My wife Noelle and I have two young children and two quirky rescue dogs. Our daughter Beatrice will be moving to 3rd grade this year and our son Grover will be a 2nd grader here at Vassiliadis. We enjoy being active outdoors and visiting family in Montana and Minnesota. We are also big sports fanatics, especially when it comes to our love for the Golden Knights. When I’m not spending time with my family, I am working to improve my golf game or trying to get a round in with friends.
My classroom philosophy is work hard, play hard. I adhere to this idea by bringing energy and enthusiasm to my lessons. I’ve been known to participate in many games of four square and basketball with my kids during recess! My students will be encouraged to become strong leaders and great citizens while building a classroom community that is both challenging and supportive. My focus will be on helping my students become responsible, independent learners prepared to take the next steps in their educational journeys.
“If you do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life” -MIchael Jordan
Email: giacoap@nv.ccsd.net
Lindsay Hagman
Hello fellow Cubs! My name is Lindsay Hagman, and I am excited to begin my second year on the Vassiliadis team. I am originally from a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After high school graduation, I moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee’s education program, earning my undergraduate and master's degree in Elementary Education. My love for schooling was not yet fulfilled, so I attended Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville to receive my administration license. I earned my National Board Certification in middle school science as well. I taught for 16 years in Knoxville, Tennessee, before my husband’s job moved us to Las Vegas. We have a daughter in second grade this year at Vassiliadis and another in fifth grade at the school.
When not attending to Cubs at Vassiliadis, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking hikes, and walking around beautiful Summerlin. We also enjoy traveling and exploring the National Parks surrounding Las Vegas. My two girls keep us plenty busy with their interests in ice skating, theater, choir, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, and [insert the latest flavor of the month here].
I am passionate about student growth and building my students’ confidence. A joy of teaching is discovering how each student likes to learn and making meaningful connections with them. I strive to create an environment where students are motivated, and I’m excited to start building relationships with my students and their families.
Email: hagmal@nv.ccsd.net
Sarah Robledo
Hello Vassiliadis families! My name is Sarah Robledo, and I love being part of Vassiliadis’s 5th grade team. Originally from Buffalo, New York, I made the move to Las Vegas in 2007 to kickstart my teaching career. I began my journey in a third-grade classroom and later transitioned to fourth grade at a fantastic 5 star magnet school in the valley, and stayed for almost 9 years. After welcoming my two children, Sebastian (soon to be middle schooler), and Sofia (a soon to be fifth grader), I chose to stay home and be their 'room mom,' which reignited my love of education and eventually led me back to teaching. I hold an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology from the University at Buffalo, and a Master's degree in elementary education from Canisius College.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family and watching my children in their various activities like dance, flag football and floor hockey. I enjoy a good book, the beach, or being able to go for a run. Teaching is something I love to do. I strive for a positive classroom community where every child can succeed in all areas! I believe in goal setting and it is awesome to see when a student sets one and eventually hits the target! I look forward to welcoming my new 5th graders.
Email: scaccsc@nv.ccsd.net
Kristen Luque
Hello! I am Kristen Luque, and I am thrilled to be teaching 5th grade at VES. I have been an educator for 10 years, and I love helping students grow academically and personally during this exciting stage of their learning journey.
I have my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, which I received from UNLV. It has always been my dream to be a teacher and to make a difference in my students’ lives. I strive to create a welcoming and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop a growth mindset.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy adventuring to new places with my daughter Emma, reading, baking, cheering on the Arizona Cardinals, and hiking. I believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, and I love incorporating real-world connections into my lessons.
I look forward to an amazing year of learning, discovery, and fun with my students and their families!