Classroom Teacher Profiles

Janet Bicknese, Kindergarten
Janet Bicknese, B.A. in Dance and Arts for Children, Arizona Teacher Certification, has been involved in public education for the past 25 years. As a California Arts Council grant recipient, early in her career, she served as an Artist in Residence, teaching in numerous schools as an integrated arts dance educator. She also worked as a consultant for the San Diego County Department of Education training teachers and administrators in dance education. As the founder and director of “Literature Alive,” a performing arts troupe bringing books to life, Janet performed regionally in California and then, upon relocating to Arizona, brought “Literature Alive” to Prescott.

Janet was one of the founders of Skyview School and has served in a variety of roles during her affiliation with the school including, Board Member, Integrated Arts Coordinator, and Director. Janet has been married for 28 years and has two teenage children, both of whom attended Skyview’s full K-8 program.

Emeline Phipps, Kindergarten

Dave McNelly, Primary
At the center of David's teaching is the belief that being compassionate with others and ourselves is a gateway to genuine learning. His teaching draws from his experiences as a father, a musician and avid outdoorsman. Prior to teaching at Skyview, David
received his B.A. in Elementary Education from Prescott College, where he obtained foundational knowledge in Expeditionary Learning and experiential education.

Mary Layman, Primary
At the core of Mary’s being is a scientist, an investigator of the natural world. Mary holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Environmental Science. Prior to her association with Skyview School, Mary served as the Director of Willow Bend Environmental Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. In this capacity she designed and taught science curriculum to children, young adults, and teachers throughout the Northern Arizona.

Scott McCreery, Intermediate
Before entering into public education, Scott began his career leading Outward Bound Wilderness Courses. Scott has a B.A. in Social Science from Prescott College and holds dual certifications in both K-8 elementary education and 7-12 in social studies.

Kathryn Miedema, Intermediate
Kathryn Miedema received her BA from Long Island University in Interdisciplinary Studies. Later, she completed her MA in Education and teacher certification through Prescott College. Her interests lie in an interdisciplinary approach to agricultural education. Kathryn served as a teacher’s aid in various classrooms in California before she came to Skyview as a student teacher. She has a love for learning and teaching through the multiple intelligences as well as projects-based instruction.

Pam Robbins, Middle School
Pam holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, M.A. in Elementary Education and holds dual endorsements in Gifted Education and Reading. She is a member and mathematics teacher trainer for the North Central Arizona Math and Science Consortium. She is also part of the Teachers Developmental Group and consults as a teacher trainer for the Northern Arizona Writers Project.

Linde Lisbona, Classroom Specialist
Linde was introduced to experiential education during his early work with Outward Bound. He holds a B.A. in History and having studied in Spain, Linde is conversationally fluent in Spanish. Linde also holds a 7-12 teaching certificate in history and taught at Eagle Rock School in Colorado, which is affiliated with the Coalition of Essential Schools. Linde spends his spare time running local trails.

Peggy Pate, Music and Math
Peggy is really into experiential learning. She feels the more intelligences students can integrate, the more learning takes place. Peggy holds a B.A. in Music and Integrated Learning and a M.Ed. in Special Education – Learning Disabilities. She has taught in a variety of settings including regular education classes, special day classes, and private piano. She holds an Orff music certification and has integrated its concepts into all of her teaching roles. Music has always been an integral part of her life. She was also present at Skyview’s beginnings teaching a primary class during their first year.

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