April 17, 2020
215 Antelope Ridge Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89138 | Phone: 702-799-1420 | Fax: 702-799-1421
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 23 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 City, I met my, now, husband of 29 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 and Data Analysis from Harvard University. This is my 13th year teaching in the Clark County School District.
I enjoy hiking and camping with my four dogs, knitting, and making cheese in my downtime. 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
Veronica Swenson
Welcome to 5th Grade! I’m Mrs. Swenson and I love being a Cub and a 5th grade teacher! As a Vegas native, I graduated from UNLV with a bachelors in Psychology. Our family moved to Minnesota when our girls were younger and I earned my masters from St. Mary’s University in Curriculum and Instruction. We moved back home to Vegas, where I have been teaching ever since. I have taught second, third, and fifth grades, and truly enjoyed each grade. In 2021, I completed my Gifted and Talented Education endorsement and enjoy implementing these qualities and strategies into our classroom with all learners. This school year, I will be working on my second masters in English Language Acquisition and Development and am eager to learn more about bilingual learners and their academic achievement.
When I am not at school, my family and I enjoy spending time together. My husband and I have two girls; Sadie is starting college in the fall and Madi will be a sophomore at West Tech. We love taking hikes at Red Rock and Mt. Charleston, and walking our two dogs, Sam and Stella. We can also be found taking quick trips to SoCal for much needed solar and beach recharging. If we aren’t out exploring some place, we are snuggled up at home watching movies and baking, or watching hockey! Go Knights Go!
Being a teacher is my passion and one of my purposes on this Earth. I love learning with my students, and fostering a whole child approach to their educational experience.
“You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.” -Antiope
Email: swensv@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 three 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 a 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 eighteen years ago to begin my teaching career with the Clark County School District. My teaching experience includes twelve 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 mutts. Our daughter Beatrice will be moving to 1st grade this year and my son Grover will be starting Kindergarten 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 tirelessly working to improve my golf game or “hacking” it up on the course 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 games 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
Davide Ghilarducci
Hello! I'm Mr. Ghilarducci and I’m excited to be a part of the Vassiliadis family. I am originally from Sunnyvale, California which is located in the Bay Area. My family and I moved to Las Vegas roughly four years ago. I attended Fresno State for my BA in Liberal Arts and got my teaching credential at San Jose State. This will be my fourteenth year teaching and fifth year in elementary. I taught 6th grade the previous nine years. When I moved to Las Vegas I made the transfer to 5th grade and have been enjoying the move down.
When I am not busy at work, I am blessed to have an amazing wife and two awesome kids. My wife Ali and I enjoy exploring what Las Vegas has to offer with our kids. Makena (8) and Myles (5) keep us busy with their crazy amount of energy and enthusiasm. If we are not checking out a new park, we are at home playing some crazy games. With any extra time I am not with my kids, I enjoy baking, playing football, building LEGO, and playing video games. I am so excited to meet all the amazing students and families at Vassiliadis.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin