Desert Spring Educators are deeply committed to the growth and well being of young children. Our teachers pride themselves on providing experiences for children that are inclusive of all abilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders and gender identities, which are reflective of our collective belief in the competent child. Desert Spring educators also bring their own range of educational, professional, and life experiences to our school which enriches the diverse nature of our community. Regardless of where they are on their journey as an educator, every teacher holds Desert Spring’s values of play, exploration, and individuality as a core belief of their teaching practice.
Hypatia Luna, Director
Hypatia joined Desert Spring in 2021, bringing with her over twenty years of experience in education and a deep commitment to whole-child development. She believes that children learn best through doing. She prioritizes creating emotionally, physically, and mentally safe environments, knowing that true learning only happens when children feel seen, supported, and respected.
Her background includes Montessori training and Reggio-inspired practice, both of which align with her belief in individualized learning, developmental readiness, and the interconnectedness of all things. She holds a BA in Art History, a California Clear Credential, and owns a children’s bookstore in Tucson. Her child is also a proud Desert Spring alum.
Favorite childhood memory: Hypatia loved to build forts (both inside and outside), color and draw, and make up dances to Paula Abdul songs!
Kiana Solis, Assistant Director
Kiana has been at Desert Spring since 2018. Kiana believes children are unique individuals and in her classroom she fosters their growth by cultivating a safe and caring environment. Her passion for teaching lies in guiding young children toward becoming compassionate and exceptional adults. Her favorite activity to do is joining in their imaginative play and nurturing their creative ideas. Outside the classroom, Kiana loves to read and dedicates herself to playing slow-pitch softball three times a week.
Favorite childhood memory: Kiana grew up in a very sports oriented family and loved playing softball with her sister.
Dee Altuna, Rainbow Room Educator
Dee has been at Desert Spring since 2012. She wears all sorts of hats and is deeply committed to seeing the school thrive and grow. Dee believes that all children are individuals and have their own unique ways of learning. She thinks the classroom is a space where children should feel safe and be able to express themselves freely. Dee is passionate about working with children and loves to learn alongside them. In her free time Dee loves to read books and watch baking shows.
Favorite childhood memory: Dee loved to visit her grandmother and explore the majestic mountains surrounding her town.
Fanny Brown, Rainbow Room Educator
Fanny has been at Desert Spring since October 2022. What Fanny loves most about teaching is seeing the children’s personalities blossom as they become more comfortable with their classroom, teachers and peers. In the class she loves listening to the children talk to each other and hear their unique ways of conversing. When she is not at work Fanny enjoys going thrift-store shopping and listening to music.
Favorite childhood memory: When Fanny was a child she loved to collect stickers and adorn all her belongings with them.
Zoe Aveling, Monsoon Room Educator
Zoe loves bringing music and movement into the classroom, singing and dancing with children to spark joy and curiosity. She believes children are capable meaning makers and strives to create a safe, supportive space where they can explore, make mistakes, and ask questions. With a Masters in Occupational Therapy, Zoe incorporates sensory experiences and co-regulation to help children feel grounded and ready to learn. She values building meaningful connections with students and appreciates Desert Spring’s commitment to honoring each child’s uniqueness. In her free time, Zoe enjoys music, movement, and creative expression.
Favorite childhood memory: As a child, Zoe loved to catch frogs with her siblings in the creek behind their house.
Isa Coronado, Monsoon Room Educator
Isabella Coronado is returning to Desert Spring after taking time off to continue her studies, and we are so happy to welcome her back! She is passionate about helping children problem-solve and loves to bring out their creativity. Isabella believes that every child deserves respect and the freedom to express themselves. She sees the classroom as a space to explore children’s interests and support them in becoming the best version of themselves.
What Isabella loves most about teaching is getting to know each student, since every child brings something special into the classroom. She is also deeply appreciative of the Desert Spring community, where the care and attention shown to the school make it a truly wonderful place.
In her free time, Isabella enjoys watching movies and rock climbing.
Favorite childhood memory: When Isabella was a child she loved playing with dolls and painting.
Emma Collier, Mountain Room Educator
Emma has been at Desert Spring since January 2023. Emma is a dedicated educator who believes in providing every child with kindness, love, and personalized care to nurture their individual growth. In her classroom, she fosters a safe environment where children can freely explore and discover the wonders of the world. Emma’s passion for creativity shines through as she engages her students in imaginative activities and reading stories out loud. Emma is also creative in her spare time and enjoys sculpting and painting; some of her work can be seen at exhibitions around Tucson!
Favorite childhood memory: One of Emma’s fondest childhood memories revolves around spending endless hours outdoors with her sisters and neighbors, building fairy gardens from found objects in nature.
Gwyn Schweska, Mountain Room Educator
Gwynyth is new to the Desert Spring family, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team. She enjoys guiding children through experiments and art, encouraging both creativity and curiosity. Gwynyth believes every child is unique and brings their own strengths to the classroom. She sees the classroom as a welcoming space where each child can feel supported and grow at their own pace.
What she loves most about teaching is witnessing the moment a child masters a new skill. She also values Desert Spring’s child-led learning, which allows students to follow their interests in meaningful ways.
In her free time, Gwynyth enjoys hiking, crafting, and playing games.
Favorite childhood memory: When Gwynyth was a child she loved to play in the mud, being outdoors, and creating art.
Marissa Hernandez, Sun Room Educator
Marissa has been at Desert Spring since April 2021. In the classroom Marissa encourages students to explore and celebrate their uniqueness. It is her goal to ensure that the classroom is an environment where each child feels valued, empowered and supported. With a background in social work, she brings empathy and understanding to her teaching and individualizes her approach to meet the diverse needs of her students. Marissa enjoys using open-ended materials to spark creativity as well as reading during circle time to promote a love for literacy and community. Reading is a passion for Marissa too, and when she is not immersed in a good book you can find her exploring local eateries.
Favorite childhood memory: Some of her happiest memories center around exploring the wash next to her home to collect rocks.
Carina Kealey, Sun Room Educator
Carina has been a part of the Desert Spring family since 2022. She believes in the power of play as a key to learning, where children thrive in an environment that nurtures self-confidence, trust, creativity, and acceptance of individual differences. Carina is dedicated to creating a classroom space where children can explore, discover, create and imagine freely. She especially loves guiding children on their learning journeys and cherishes those special “aha” moments. Her favorite part of the day is circle time, as it always brings somethin fresh and offers a chance to be creative.
Favorite childhood memory: Carina recalls childhood trips to the mall for a Mrs. Fields cookie!
Brooke Sanders-Silverman, Community Engagement Coordinator
Brooke joined Desert Spring after several years on the school’s board, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit experience. She has served as Director of Education at the Children’s Museum in Tucson, founded a preschool in Southern Oregon, and worked with other nonprofits. Brooke earned her BA in Education from Evergreen College, where she explored Reggio, Waldorf, and Montessori educational philosophies.
Brooke believes that children are whole, capable beings who actively shape their own learning. She encourages children to explore their interests and follow their curiosity, while also nurturing social-emotional growth, knowing that kindness, thoughtfulness, and self-awareness are essential in development. A parent of a Desert Spring graduate, Brooke cherishes the school’s community and stays connected with many families. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, camping, games, and family time.
Favorite childhood memory: Growing up, Brooke spent many summers at overnight camp in Prescott, enjoying the outdoors among the cool pine trees.
Sara Van Slyke, Founding Director & Acting Atelierista
Sara Van Slyke, the eldest of four children, was born and raised in Tucson, where a childhood of love, laughter, and desert adventures nurtured her deep connection to family and appreciation for the Sonoran landscape. After college, Sara began teaching in preschools and after-school programs, initially exploring a career in nursing before discovering her true passion for early childhood education. In 1987, she and co-founder Jan Kincaid opened Desert Spring Children’s Center, which blossomed over the next 35 years into a cherished community for children and families. Sara felt daily gratitude for the families who enriched her life, creating a lasting legacy of joy and connection.
Favorite childhood memory: Playing endless hours of tennis and riding her horse through monsoon swollen arroyos and cactus covered hills.
Sam Morales, Grounds keeping and Maintenance