Early Childhood & Specialized Education
Kristina Lutke - Early Childhood Inclusion
Hello, my name is Kristina Lutke and I am originally from Minnesota but moved to Las Vegas 22 years ago. I went to college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where it was very cold, so I love Las Vegas weather. I have been teaching preschoolers with special needs for 24 years and can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. I've been at Vassiliadis since it opened and prior to that, I had the opportunity to support other early childhood special education teachers working with Student Support Services. I am also Nationally Board certified. I love being in the classroom and allowing students to learn through hands-on activities.
I am married to a teacher, and we have 2 energetic children, Gavin (9th grade) & Siena (7th grade). In our free time, you can find us at the softball field or at the hockey rink. We also enjoy camping, traveling, and swimming.
I personally love reading and share my love of reading in the classroom. I can’t pick just one of my favorite books, but I do love hearing my own kids read & retell stories. I encourage all families to read to their child every night and let him/her read to you (even if it’s by just looking at the pictures).
Email: macmaka@nv.ccsd.net
Lauren Christie - ECSE
Hello parents and students! My name is Lauren Christie and I’m originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan but have lived in Las Vegas since November of 2007. I completed my undergrad degree at Ferris State University where I also played collegiate level volleyball, Go Bulldogs! Lastly, I graduated in 2011 from The University of Las Vegas Nevada where I obtained my M.Ed. in Special Education.
I started my career in special education back in 2011 with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Early Intervention Program. For 8 years I provided specialized intervention services to children ages birth to three with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families. Other services included comprehensive evaluations, service coordination, and supervision. I’m looking forward to teaching and creating a positive learning experience for everyone. I can’t wait to meet my students and families!
I’m married with two children; my son Ashton and my daughter Ava. I love spending quality time with my family and making memories. During down time we enjoy traveling back to Michigan and Nebraska to visit our extended family and friends. Thanks for getting to know me, I look forward to meeting everyone.
Email: chrislm1@nv.ccsd.net
Cassandra Beckman-Berdan - Primary SLD
Hello! My name is Cassandra Beckman-Berdan. My spouse and I moved to Las Vegas in 2021 and we love it here! I was born and raised in southern Wisconsin. What feels like many years ago, I received my undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. I worked with children with Autism and their families doing ABA and social skills training for 10 years before, going back to college. I received a Master’s in Teaching and Learning from Concordia University. I started teaching in 2017 in the Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, Wisconsin.
In the classroom, creating a passion for learning and building student confidence are my foremost goals. I look forward to helping each student realize their full potential and how to use what they already know to continue to grow.
When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family, my cats, and my friends. My husband and I enjoy trying new restaurants, cooking, and doing projects around the house. My favorite activities are meeting with my book club, reading, cooking, and gardening.
I can’t wait to meet and work with you and your child! This is going to be a phenomenal school year!
Email: beckmcj@nv.ccsd.net
Unique Brown - Special Educator, Intermediate SLD
Hello, my name is Unique Brown and I am honored to be a part of the Vassiliadis family again this year! I am a true Vegas native; born and raised. I attended CCSD schools for elementary, middle and high school. I completed my undergrad at UNLV (Go Rebels!) and received my Bachelor's of Science in Special Education. In my free time you can find me sipping an iced coffee and dancing on a bicycle (I'm a certified spin instructor). When I am not at school, I love trying new workout classes, hanging out with friends, and relaxing at home.
Teaching Special Education is my absolute jam and I am very passionate about advocating for ALL students to have an inclusive learning experience. I enjoy creating a safe and loving classroom environment where your children are represented and encouraged to try new things. I believe in setting high expectations, teaching students how to be problem solvers, and encouraging them to try their best. I cannot wait for the phenomenal year that is ahead of us, working with our excellent Special Education team and families!
Email: brownul@nv.ccsd.net
Erica Smith - Primary Autism
Hello Vassiliadis families! My name is Erica Smith, and I am beyond excited to begin my fourth year as the Primary Autism teacher at Vassiliadis Elementary. My family returned to Nevada in the summer of 2022 from the Midwest, where we had been living for the past ten years, to be closer to family. We are thrilled to live in such a geologically and culturally diverse part of the country. We have been enjoying everything this city has to offer, especially the opportunity to be outdoors year round.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University. Over the past twelve years, I have had the privilege of teaching students, primarily preschool through fifth grade, in general and special education. My goal is to foster a welcoming and positive community in my classroom that champions inclusivity and ensures that all learners, including your child, have an equal opportunity to thrive in the best environment possible.
I am a proud mom to two creative and spirited children who bring immense joy to my life. In our free time, we love to explore and travel. I am particularly fond of the oceans and mountains, but also enjoy a science museum and a local library. I am constantly on the lookout for children’s literature to add to my ever-growing library, and love discovering science facts about the Earth, animals, and insects. I am eagerly looking forward to working with and getting to know each of your students
Email: smithen@nv.ccsd.net
Natalie Peterson - Special Educator - Resource
Hello Vassiliadis families! My name is Natalie Peterson and I’m so happy to be a Vassiliadis Cub. I am originally from outside Chicago, IL but moved out West after highschool to attend University of Colorado at Boulder. I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and elementary education. I began my career on the Western Slope of Colorado as a 1st grade teacher where I also worked towards my masters degree in culturally linguistically diverse special education. Four years later, my husband’s career took us to New Mexico where I was a K-5 special education teacher and an instructional interventionist. During this time, I obtained my National Board Certification in early childhood literacy and language arts.
In the spring of 2019, we landed in Las Vegas. Since continuing my career at CCSD, I’ve had general and special education classroom experiences and worked at the central office as a project facilitator. I have been a teacher at Vassiliadis since 2023.
When I’m not busy teaching, I love to rock climb, read, cook, and spend time with friends and family. My husband and I relocated to Las Vegas for the amazing outdoor access and we take advantage of it every weekend. We spend a lot of time at Red Rock, Mt. Charleston, and the Utah Hills. We welcomed our son, Roy, in February 2024 and love exploring the outdoors and reading books with him.
I believe all children can learn and I love figuring out what works best for students. I take great pride in my dedication to creating inclusive learning environments that meet all learning needs. My heart is in the classroom, so I am happy to have found a home at Vassiliadis. The Vassiliadis community is truly a special place. All teachers, staff, and families are so welcoming and supportive.
Email: peterne@nv.ccsd.net
Nechama Gewirtz - Special Educator - Resource
Hello! My name is Nechama Gewirtz and I am so thrilled to be part of the Vassiliadis Team! I come from a family of educators in which education was always a priority. I knew from a very young age that I would want to continue on that same path. My first teaching job was straight out of high school and I've never looked back since! This will be the start of my 21st year teaching and I couldn’t be more excited.
I grew up in New York where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree and a dual Master’s Degree in General Education and Special Education in both early childhood and elementary education at Daemen College. After that, I continued my education and received my second Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at St. John’s University. In New York, I taught early childhood, special education for many years and then K-8 resource room as well. In New York, I met my husband, Shimon, and we have been married for 20 years. We have six beautiful children, 4 boys and twin girls!
In 2014, we relocated to sunny Las Vegas due to my husband’s job and we couldn’t be happier. I started out as a Resource teacher at Cashman Middle School in grades 6-8 for three years. It was there that I decided to further my credentials and pursued my National Boards Certification which was a real learning experience for me. I love working with elementary school students and helping them develop their foundational skills for life.
As a family, we enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, hiking at Red Rock, rollerblading, swimming and spending time in parks (Fox Hills is our family favorite:). In my free time I enjoy working out at the gym, biking, cooking, reading, watching football and spending time with family and friends.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year at Vassiliadis. I believe that children learn best from those they trust and feel comfortable with. My goal is to create those relationships with my students so I can have a greater impact on their learning and their lives.
Email: gewirn@nv.ccsd.net
Amber Ponte - Special Educator - Resource
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
Sandy King - Special Education Instructional Facilitator
Hello Vassiliadis Families,
My name is Sandy King. I grew up in Las Vegas and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a Master's Degree in Special Education, both from UNLV. I shifted from a career in advertising to devote myself to special education twenty years ago and I have never looked back! I have taught in resource and self contained classrooms before moving to my role as a special education instructional facilitator at Vassiliadis.
I have two beautiful adult children. I love to travel and stay active through the gym, pickleball and golf. I also enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends.
I am proud to be a member of the amazing Vassiliadis family and I love working with our incredible staff, families and students.
Email: kingsd@nv.ccsd.net
Lori Jones - Speech/Language Pathologist
Hello! My name is Lori Jones, and I am so happy to be a part of the Vassiliades family! I am a native Nevadan. I was born in Vegas but grew up in Reno. I was fortunate enough to live on the island of Maui before moving back to Vegas, where my family is.
I am an N.V. licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. I graduated from UNR and have a Master's degree in Psychology. I service children from preschool to 5th grade with varying disabilities. I love being a speech therapist and feel blessed that I can help our little cubs.
I am a mother of a wonderful son who is my pride and joy. I enjoy traveling to new places, watching baseball (go Giants!), camping, and spending time with family. My favorite place is at the beach, soaking in the sun and listening to the sounds of the ocean.
I love being a part of the Vassiliades team and look forward to each new year!
Email: jonesld3@nv.ccsd.net
Jayme Cutting - Speech Therapist
Hi! My name is Jaymie Cutting and I am honored to be the speech-language pathologist at Staton Elementary School! I was born in Pierre, South Dakota but raised here in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a product of the Clark County School District and attended C.H. Decker Elementary School, C.V.T. Gilbert 6th grade center, Cashman Middle School, and Bonanza High School (Go Bengals).
I received my Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a Minor in Developmental Disabilities from the University of Nevada, Reno (Go Wolfpack) and I was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. I have been an American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Certified Speech-Language Pathologist in the Clark County School District since 2003. Since working in the school district, I have earned a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and multiple Awards for Continuing Education from ASHA. I absolutely LOVE helping children communicate but did you know that speech-language pathology is more than communication? It’s true! I also work as a speech-language pathologist in a hospital. In the hospital setting, I teach patients how to safely eat and drink so that they are not at risk for choking or aspiration pneumonia. It’s a fascinating field!
I am married with three wonderful children. When I’m not working, I enjoy cheering for my kids at their sports, attending church activities, exercising, and roller skating (I once set a national record for in-line speed skating). I also love anything to do with comedy and if I wasn’t a speech-language pathologist, my dream job would be to work on Saturday Night Live! I’m also obsessed with gymnastics and have been known to do cartwheels in the hallways at Staton! I'm thrilled to be a member of the Vassiliadis family and work with the talented staff and amazing students here.
Email: larsoj@nv.ccsd.net
Michael Matthews - School Psychologist
Bio coming soon..,.