Specialists
Jennifer Risser - Art
Hello! My name is Ms. Risser. I am a National Board Certified Art Teacher with over a decade of teaching experience. I have been teaching Art at Bailey Elementary School since it opened. I love teaching Art to kids, because they are so full of interest, excitement, and creativity. It is inspiring to watch them discover new artmaking techniques, be inspired by famous works of art, and share their creative ideas.
I grew-up in Pennsylvania, and I graduated from Seton Hill University in 1997 with a BA in Art Therapy. I first received my K-12 Art Teaching certification in 2005, before moving to Nevada in 2006. I knew teaching Art was right for me, after my student teaching experience many years ago. My mentor teacher advised me to jump right-in, which I did! Seeing the students bring to life my lessons, in such beautiful and creative ways, was the best experience!
As an artist, my favorite art form is painting. I enjoy painting with other artists on the weekend. It is fun for me to talk about art and share ideas with other artists. I have more paintings than I know what to do with!
Email: risseje@nv.ccsd.net
Matthew St. John - Computer Science
Hello Bailey Families! My name is Matt St. John, and I’m excited to be your child’s technology teacher for yet another year here at Bailey Elementary.
I’m originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and back in 1982, when I was just a kid, my family decided to get out of the cold and move to Las Vegas, Nevada! Having been here for almost 40 years, I feel like a native. I love living here, and when I’m not spending time with my wife and kids, I enjoy mountain biking, playing drums, and writing music.
This will be my 23rd year teaching for CCSD. I graduated from UNLV in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and received my Master’s Degree in Technology Integration in 2009. I taught 3rd grade for 12 years and was also an ECS and a Technology Learning Strategist. This will be my 8th year teaching Computer Science.
While in my class, students will practice a variety of technology skills including keyboarding and mouse skills, digital citizenship, internet research, multimedia, productivity tools, Google apps, coding, and much more. It is my hope that all students finish each school year with a much better understanding of how to use computers safely and efficiently as well as why it’s important to know how to use a variety of technologies in this digital age.
Our class webpage is www.protopage.com/mjstjohn. If your child has computer access at home and would like to review some of the activities we have done in class and/or practice some additional skills, feel free to have him/her access the site. Also, please feel free to access the site yourself to see what your child is working on in our class throughout the year. I'm looking forward to another great year as a Bailey Bronco!
Email: stjohmj@nv.ccsd.net
Mike Vanides - Library
Hi there! My name is Mike Vanides and this is my 11th year as a Bailey Bronco. I grew up in Southern California and came to Las Vegas after being offered a teaching position at Bailey. I received my Bachelor's Degree from Chapman University and my Master's Degree from Concordia University. I have taught 4th grade as a classroom teacher, and have been the librarian for the last five years.
My life outside of school pretty much revolves around sports. I grew up playing and watching sports, and that has pretty much carried over to my adulthood. My favorite teams are the Dolphins (football), Clippers (basketball), Kings (hockey), and Angels (baseball). I have also coached basketball for 17 years. The other love I have is animals. I have two cats, Creamsicle and Misty Mae, but I think that all animals are wonderful.
As the librarian, my goal is to provide research reading and writing instruction for all grade levels. In addition, to create a library catalog that has a plethora of books for all student interests to increase reading enjoyment and engagement.
Email: vanidmn@nv.ccsd.net
Leah Deiana - PE
Hi Bailey Broncos! My name is Coach Deiana and this is my 21st year with CCSD. I was born in southern California, but moved to Las Vegas when I was four years old. I attended Estes McDoniel ES, Thurman White MS, and Green Valley HS. When I graduated high school I accepted a position with CCSD. Through the years I have worked with several special education programs, and most recently 12 years experience as a physical education teacher's assistant. I received my Bachelor's Degree from Grand Canyon University and accepted a position as the physical education teacher at SRJ Bailey ES. I also held a site leader position with the City of Henderson Youth Enrichment department for over 12 years at various elementary schools, as well as a site leader at a City of Henderson recreation center.
Outside of teaching PE, I spend my time with my husband, two children, and pugs! I love pugs! I also enjoy cooking and baking, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and crafting. Oh, and I love going to the beach! One of my most favorite sports is rugby!
My goal as Bailey's physical education teacher is to enrich the lives of students with physical activities, teach students about health and nutrition, as well as sportsmanship, kindness, safety, and perseverance. Through hands-on activities, mentoring, modeling, and presentations students will discover a world of fun activities, organized sports, as well as health and fitness. I am excited for my new adventure as a Bailey Bronco!
Email: favella@nv.ccsd.net
Dayna Luca - Science
Hello families! My name is Dayna Luca. I have taught several different grades but am very excited to be teaching Science this year at Sister Robert Joseph Bailey Elementary School.
I graduated from California State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration but wanted to become a teacher so I went back to school and obtained my master’s in education through Sierra Nevada College. In addition to my passion of being a teacher I am fascinated with psychology which is why I also obtained a master’s degree in Psychology.
Besides education, I love to travel and see the world whenever I get the opportunity. My goal is to visit all 50 states and at least one place on all continents possible. In my free time, I like to read, spend as much time with my boys and listen to music or be outside.
I look forward to our fun adventures and learning this year.