2nd Grade Team
Bridget Stevens
Hello and welcome to 2nd Grade! I am thrilled to begin my 16th year of teaching at Vassiliadis Elementary School! I have a passion for educating and hope to spread my love of learning to all students in our academic community.
I am originally from Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS!!) where I spent a frigid 22 years. I attended Canisius College for my undergraduate degree in early childhood education and mathematics. I continued on at Canisius College for my masters degree in gifted and talented education and differentiated instruction. In college, not only did I discover my passion for educating others, I also learned that continuing my own education out of the classroom--through travel--was very important to me. My wanderlust began with a trip to Australia, and I have been traveling and immersing myself in other cultures ever since. In addition to travel, some of my hobbies include reading, baking, story-telling, coffee, shopping for a good bargain, laughing, listening to music, staying physically fit and (most importantly) spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I have 2 beautiful children who bring us more joy than I could have ever imagined. They also attend Vassiliadis!
I strive to make my classroom a challenging yet safe learning environment for your child. I believe in teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills through different learning styles. I actively engage students using technology, problem based learning and a lot of movement! Most importantly, I believe that students need to enjoy their time in school to truly learn! My classroom is an upbeat, positive atmosphere where students will feel secure to learn and grow into the best student they can be!
Email: cimerbd@nv.ccsd.net
Riley Lauria
Hello! My name is Riley Lauria and I am SO excited to be a part of the Vassiliadis team. I was born in California and at a young age moved to Las Vegas. I attended CCSD schools and graduated from Legacy High School. I went onto UNLV and received my Bachelors of Elementary Education. I also attended Western Governors University and received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. My favorite part about being a teacher is challenging my students and celebrating their successes. My goal is to create a safe, fun, and positive learning environment where students are thrilled to come to school.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two sons. We love going on family walks and hanging out at the baseball fields. We love everything Disney and go to the parks as often as we can.
It is my pleasure to be teaching second grade and encouraging young minds to think outside of the box. I look forward to a fantastic year at Vassiliadis!
Email: laurira@nv.ccsd.net
Jeanine Gusmerotti
Hello Parents and Students! My name is Jeanine Gusmerotti and I am so excited to begin another incredible year at Vassiliadis working with such an amazing staff and community where we inspire our children to learn and strive for their goals.
I grew up in New York where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Saint Joseph's College. I moved to Las Vegas in 2000 where I earned my Master's Degree at Lesley University. I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was five years old, pretending my teddy bears and dolls were my students. I have been teaching for 27 years (K-2) and have loved every moment! I originally started teaching in New York as a Full Day Kindergarten teacher. After three years, I married my wonderful husband Greg Gusmerotti (who is also a teacher at Vassiliadis) and moved to Las Vegas where I continued to follow my passion for teaching.
I enjoy going to the movies, escape rooms, reading, drawing, playing board games, camping, and bike rides, but most of all I love being a mom to my amazing children. My daughter Bella is sixteen years old and will be entering eleventh grade and my son TJ is fourteen years old and will be entering ninth grade.
I am looking forward to another wonderful year at Vassiliadis. I feel children learn best by making learning fun while providing a safe and nurturing environment. Through the use of educational games, songs, working with groups/partners, hands-on activities, and building relationships with my students I can capture each child’s heart. One of the best things about second grade students is their love for learning and I can't wait to get started! I will make this year an exciting and memorable experience for all my students.
Email: gusmejm@nv.ccsd.net
Leah McCallum
Hello, my name is Leah McCallum and I love being a part of the Vassiliadis community. I am originally from Minnesota and moved to Las Vegas in 2005. I graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Minor in Special Education. I continued my education at UNLV to earn my Masters in Curriculum Instruction with an emphasis in math. I also attended UNLV to earn a reading endorsement and served as a reading specialist. I have taught in CCSD since 2005. During those years I have taught first and second grade.
In my free time, I love to spend time with husband and my two daughters. We like playing games, going to the park, and watching movies. My oldest daughter dances, so I spend a lot of time watching her do what she loves. I love reading picture books to my youngest daughter and watching her learn new things. When I am not with my family, I enjoy shopping, crafting, and going to dinner with my friends. My goal for my students is to build a love for learning through collaborating with others. My classroom is a safe and nurturing environment. Students feel comfortable and know that it is okay to make mistakes because they help us learn. I enjoy incorporating songs, dancing, and games while learning. I am looking forward to making school a fun place to learn where every student looks forward to coming each day. I am so excited to have a fabulous year!
Email: mccall@nv.ccsd.net
Sydnee Cimini
Hi friends and families, my name is Sydnee Cimini and I am excited to be a part of the Vassiliadis family! Las Vegas has been my stomping grounds since birth. I am a third generation Las Vegas native and love living so close to my family. I received my undergrad from the University of Nevada, Reno and graduated with my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from UNLV. During my years of teaching I have worked with 2nd and 3rd graders. I have two daughters, Paige and Quinn, and a dog named Nugget. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and being with family.
My favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the look on a student's face when they overcome challenges and persevere. I want students to feel empowered to do anything they set their minds to and to never give up.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." -Albert Einstein
Email: ciminsd@nv.ccsd.net
Lexi Fleury
Hello! My name is Lexi Fleury and I am beyond excited to be part of the Vassiliadis family again this year! I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I decided to join the Pack at the University of Nevada, Reno where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Elementary Education. After I graduated, I decided I was tired of the snow and moved back to Las Vegas to be closer to my family. I landed my first teaching job at Walter Bracken STEAM Academy where I taught first grade for two years. I taught 4th grade here at Vassiliadis last year and I’m excited to be back with the younger kids this year in 2nd grade. In my free time, I love working out, cooking new recipes, and watching the Golden Knights. My students will tell you that I am obsessed with coffee and anything to do with pugs!
Ever since I can remember, I have loved working with kids. When I was little, I would set up a mini whiteboard on my dresser and play teacher with my stuffed animals. I took any chance to work with kids, from babysitting to being a camp counselor. My senior year of high school, I took a community service class that offered the opportunity to volunteer in a first grade classroom. I was completely inspired from that experience and knew my heart was pulling me towards a career in teaching. In my classroom, I love building a positive, warm environment for my students to feel safe and welcomed in. As Kid President says, I strive for all of my students to “be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” I’m so excited for a year full of new memories and adventures as we learn together in second grade. I am thrilled to be a part of the Vassiliadis family!
Email: fleuraj@nv.ccsd.net
Brandon Komuro
Welcome, my name is Mr. Komuro. My journey began in California and after living there my entire life I decided to try something new. I moved to Las Vegas in 2001 and graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and received my Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. I also have completed advanced studies certifications in Technological Innovations in Teaching and Learning and Emergency Management.
I have taught 2nd and 3rd grade. I began at Martinez Elementary School before moving to Conners Elementary School. I then became a Digital Learning Coach for the Clark County School District. I decided to return to the classroom and taught the Accelerated Learning Model class for 3rd grade at Bozarth Elementary School and coached the 5th grade basketball team there. Now, I am honored to be the Vassiliadis Cub Basketball and football coach.
During my free time I enjoy getting out on the water to do some fishing. One of my favorite places to go is Mammoth Lakes in California. I have been going there since I was a small child with my parents for summer vacation. It’s my get away place, the place I can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
I’m very excited for the new school year and challenges that come with it. For all of the students that are part of Vassiliadis Elementary School, remember, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."