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, 23 years ago. I went to college at the University of Minnesota-Dultuh, where it was very cold, so I love Las Vegas weather. I have been teaching preschoolers with special needs for 25 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 work with Support Services supporting other early childhood special education teachers.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 (10th grade) & Siena (8th grade). In our free time, you can find us watching Siena play softball or flag football and Gavin playing hockey or lacrosse. We also enjoy traveling, swimming, and going to Golden Knights games.
I personally love reading and share my love of reading in the classroom. 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 Vassiliadis families! My name is Unique Brown, and I am so excited to begin my sixth year as the Intermediate SLD teacher at Vassiliadis Elementary. I am a true Las Vegas native—born and raised—and proud to have attended CCSD schools from elementary through high school. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Special Education from UNLV (Go Rebels!).
In my free time, you can usually find me sipping an iced coffee or dancing on a bike as a certified spin instructor. I also love spending time with my husband—together, we carry the love of our beautiful daughter who is watching over us from above.
When I am not at school, I enjoy trying new workout classes, spending time with friends, and relaxing at home.
Teaching Special Education is truly my passion—it’s my jam. I am deeply committed to advocating for all students and creating an inclusive, supportive classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to grow. I believe in setting high expectations, helping students become confident problem solvers, and encouraging them to always try their best. My goal is to create a safe, positive space where your children can take risks, build confidence, and celebrate their growth. I am looking forward to a phenomenal year working alongside our amazing Special Education team and partnering with families!
Email: brownul@nv.ccsd.net
Erica Smith - Intermediate Autism
Hello Vassiliadis families! My name is Erica Smith, and I am looking forward to my fifth year at Vassiliadis Elementary. This year, I will be transitioning from Primary Autism to Intermediate Autism, which allows for a more cohesive and consistent learning experience for our students as they grow. My goal is to create a welcoming and positive classroom where every student feels valued, included, and supported in reaching their full potential.
After spending ten years in the Midwest, my family returned to Nevada in 2022 to be closer to loved ones. We have truly loved being back and enjoying the sunshine, along with all of the opportunities to be outdoors.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University. Over the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of working with students from pre-k through 7th grade in both general and special education settings. I am especially passionate about special education and supporting students with diverse learning needs through structured, supportive, and inclusive instruction.
I am a mom to two active and creative boys who keep me on my toes and bring so much joy to my life. We love to travel, explore new places, and spend time outdoors together. I have a love for children’s literature and am always adding to our classroom library.
I am so looking forward to getting to know your child and partnering with you to support their growth this year.
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
Kait Jarchow - Special Educator - Resource
Hi! My name is Ms. Jarchow, and I’m so excited to be teaching resource at Vassiliadis Elementary School this year! As a first-year teacher, I feel incredibly grateful to begin my journey in such a supportive and welcoming school community.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas and earned my Bachelor of Science in Education with dual licensure in General and Special Education from the University of Nevada, Reno. I’m also currently working toward my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction through Western Governors University.
I’ve always had a passion for helping students grow into confident, independent learners. In our classroom, I strive to create a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels supported and capable of success.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy baking, spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with my family and friends.
I’m looking forward to an amazing year at Vassiliadis!
Email: jarchkn@nv.ccsd.net
Kerry Treichel - Special Educator - Resource
Hello Vassiliadis students! I’m Mrs. Treichel, and I’m excited to be part of the Specialized Education Team at your school. With over 20 years in education, I have a strong passion for helping students think deeply, stay curious, and grow through challenges. I love creating a classroom where students feel supported, valued, and inspired to develop at their own pace and celebrate their progress.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Marketing from UNLV and went on to complete Master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Elementary Education. I’m also National Board Certified in Early-Mid Childhood English Language Arts and hold endorsements in Gifted and Talented and Literacy, with a current focus in Special Education.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors—hiking, biking, and exploring National Parks. I’m a big Vegas Golden Knights fan and also teach fitness classes at Lifetime Fitness. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family, including my children, grandchildren, and my German Shepherd, Zoe.
I’m looking forward to a great year of learning and growing together!
Email: treickm@nv.ccsd.net
Lindsey Wall - Primary Autism
Hello! My name is Lindsey Wall, and I am thrilled to be teaching at Vassiliadis this year. This school holds a very special place in my heart—both of my children completed their entire elementary journey here, and it is also where my own teaching career began.
I am originally from Michigan, but I have called Las Vegas home for the past 23 years. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from UNLV and am currently continuing my studies there as I work toward my Master’s degree. I am passionate about growing as an educator so I can provide the very best learning experiences for my students.
Working with young learners is truly a joy. I love helping students grow not only academically, but also socially and behaviorally. My goal is to create a positive, structured classroom environment where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn.
I strongly believe that open communication with families is key to student success, and I enjoy celebrating each child’s progress—big and small—throughout the year.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy lifting weights, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth together!
“They may forget what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel.” Carl W. Buehner
Email: walll1@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 Vassiliadis family! I am originally from Las Vegas, but my journey took me through Reno and the island of Maui before returning home to Southern Nevada to be near family.
I am a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and am an alumna of the University of Nevada, Reno (Go Pack!) and Nevada State University. I serve children from preschool through 5th grade with a diverse range of disabilities. I find great fulfillment in helping our "little cubs" develop their communication skills and gain confidence.
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 and friends. My favorite place is at the beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the ocean's sounds.
I love being a part of the Vassiliadis team and look forward to each new year!
Email: jonesld3@nv.ccsd.net
Jaymie Cutting - Speech Therapist
Hi! My name is Jaymie Cutting, and I am honored to serve as one of the speech-language pathologists at Vassiliadis Elementary School!
I was born in Pierre, South Dakota, but raised here in Las Vegas. I am a proud product of the Clark County School District, having attended C.H. Decker Elementary, C.V.T. Gilbert 6th Grade Center, Cashman Middle School, and Bonanza High School (Go Bengals!).
I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, along with a minor in Developmental Disabilities, from the University of Nevada, Reno (Go Wolfpack!), where I was also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. I have been an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist in CCSD since 2003. I also hold certifications in Teaching English as a Second Language and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and have received multiple ASHA Awards for Continuing Education.
I absolutely love helping children communicate and build confidence. In addition to my work in the school setting, I also work as a speech-language pathologist in a hospital, where I help patients learn to safely eat and drink to reduce the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. It’s a fascinating and rewarding 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! 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..,.