Jenny Schon - Head of School
Dr. Jenny is a life long learner with a degree in Environmental Science, MS in Teaching, and PhD in Education, and soon a MA in School Counseling. After a decade of working on a Fire Ecology crew in the southwest she decided to do the most meaningful thing she could think to do - teach! She started out teaching middle school science in Montana and later worked for the University of Idaho McCall Outdoor Science School, and then teaching all things K-12 at Meadows Valley School before leaving to open Mountain Community School. It has been an incredible experience to open MCS and to re-envision education and what's best for our learners today in our community. She is beyond excited to be working with this team and your students!
When she's not at school or driving the bus she's busy chasing around her daughter, skilling, running, biking, gardening, or dreaming up of new places to travel.
Ashauntay Leonard - K-1 Teacher
Ashauntay grew up in Idaho her entire life, and enjoys almost all outdoor activities. Ashauntay graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Ashauntay particularly enjoys teaching reading and science, and also share a passion for exploratory and place-based education. She can't wait to explore more of the area, and get to know more of the community and students!
Carrie Ferguson - 2-3 Teacher
Mrs. Ferguson is an experienced educator with a degree in Family Studies, Masters of Art in Teaching, and Doctorate of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.). She also holds certificates in Oregon as a Reading Specialist, Administrator and an English Language Development Teacher. Her teaching career started in the first grade classroom in Salem Oregon. After more than 10 years in the classroom and as a Reading Specialist in a Title I school in the Portland, Oregon metro area, she became an Elementary Principal for the next stage of her career. After 20 years of working in schools in Oregon, she and her husband had an opportunity to relocate to Idaho and jumped at the chance. Mrs. Ferguson is thrilled to be at Mountain Community School learning from the team here and working with your students.
When she is not at school, or planning for the next class you will find her walking/hiking with her dogs, skiing, or planning the next camping trip with her grandkids.
Bre Anderson - 4-5 Teacher
Before joining the Mountain Community School team, Ms. Bre has worn many hats. Ms. Bre has been a Children’s Librarian, the Education and Programs Coordinator for Payette Children’s Forest, the Executive Director of Wild Science Explorers, and a professional snorkel for Idaho Fish and Game.
Ms. Bre is an East Coast gal at heart, growing up in Connecticut and attending the University of Vermont, where she studied Fisheries Management. The wild landscapes of Idaho, and the fish that live in them, brought her to Valley County in 2014. After many wonderful years of backcountry fisheries research, she decided it was time to follow her heart and pursue a career in education. In 2018 Ms. Bre received a Masters of Natural Resources, from the McCall Outdoor Science School, where her focus was place-based environmental education. A winding path filled with hard work, amazing teaching opportunities, and a sincere love for our community eventually led her to the Mountain Community School.
Ms. Bre has a passion for bringing place-based inquiry projects to the classroom. She believes in giving students autonomy over their learning and that there is no idea too big. With creativity, hard work, and willing educators, students have limitless potential. Being part of a team that shares these ideals is a dream! When not in the classroom, you can find Ms. Bre guiding educational rafting trips on the Salmon River, playing in the mountains with her husband Josh and dog Rio, or relaxing with a good book.
Randall "Randy" AnNUNZiato - 6/7/8 Teacher
An outdoor enthusiast. A place-based project collusionist. I hail from the east but have settled in the West. From cultural immersion to science-based research, I use these experiences in my classroom to foster student engagement.
With years of teaching experience and community-based project stewardship, I aim to bring young working hands into the local community. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and a little "ramblish" (the new language Middle Schoolers have created) to try to connect with students across cultural and geographical boundaries. I believe nature has the answers. I hope to provide students with access to tools to hear and create within their bounds.
My life-partner, Briana, and I are developing ~12 acres of land.
Along with my teaching certificate, I have a B.S. in Sports Biology & M.S. in Natural Resources. I also have permaculture design certificate, a yoga teacher credential, an EMT/paramedic license, and have worked at Brundage as a volunteer ski patroller.
Sarah Lenda - Intervention Teacher & Special Education
Courtney Grogan - Para
Mother of three and passionate educator, Ms. Courtney has dedicated seven years to the field of education, with the last two at MCS. Her journey with MCS began when her own children joined the school at its inception, fostering a deep connection to the community.
Ms. Courtney holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing further studies to enhance her skills and better support the growth and development of children. She strongly believes in the power of kindness and the importance of cultivating an environment where every child’s unique traits are celebrated.
Ms. Courtney is married to Zach, the Cascade State Park manager, and together they share a deep love for this area. As an avid hiker and camper, she advocates for wildlife conservation by following "leave no trace" principles and preserving the environment as it was intended.
As an active member of her community, Ms. Courtney is passionate about inspiring children to explore life beyond social media and to connect with the world around them. With a commitment to raising successful children who grow into thriving adults, she strives to nurture the potential in every child. She sees children as the future and finds immense joy in helping them learn and grow every day.
Lanette Stach - Office Manager
Nick Teresko - Bus Driver/Outdoor Guide