ABOUT
Meet the Team
Owner/Founder
Rachel Gannon BAEd
Hello! My journey in Education began in pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. While attending the University I was privileged to work at Montessori Schools of Flagstaff. During my employment I was introduced to the Montessori Method and the philosophy of whole child education. After finishing my studies I completed my teacher training at the school I attended as a child, Whittier Elementary in Mesa AZ. In the Fall of 2001 I was hired by Mesa Public Schools to teach Pre K and Kindergarten. I am passionate about education and early childhood. I use a whole child approach to education and believe in a child led environment.
My husband Steve and I have been married for 24 years and have 3 amazing children. We love to travel, spend time up north at our little cabin in the woods and play card games and pickleball. I love my work with the Little Schoolhouse Co-operative. The families and students are amazing. I am excited for the new school year!
Rachel Gannon
Owner/Founder
Michelle Anderson, M.C., BAEd
My roots in education began over 20 years ago as an elementary school teacher for Mesa Public Schools. While teaching for MPS, I was able to continue my education and received a Master of Counseling degree with an emphasis in Educational Psychology, from Arizona State University, as well as endorsements for Reading, Early Childhood Education, and English as a Second Language. I ‘retired’ from my full-time teaching position when my two favorite students were born. I love being my daughters’ mama, and am so grateful for the blessing to get to teach and learn with them. In my spare time you’re likely to find me in my garden, hanging out with our chickens, or on a bike ride with my family. I also love to travel. One of my favorite adventures took me to the Amazon Rain Forest and a teaching position in Lima, Peru! My most recent adventure, co-creating the Little Schoolhouse with my sister Rachel, is among my favorites too! I love being able to work with my sister, and also with students and their families, in such a beautiful and peaceful school.
Michelle Anderson
Teacher
I attended Arizona State University where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Psychology
and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. My teaching career began in Phoenix
Elementary School District as a kindergarten teacher. While there, I was nationally recognized as a Lighthouse Classroom through the
Reading First program. I was selected as my schools Reading First Coach, where I was instrumental in training the faculty in reading instruction and modeling effective lessons as well as a Math coach mentoring new and struggling teachers. After nine years in public education I decided to open my own in-home preschool where I have spent the last eleven years connecting with children and families. I am thrilled to now be a part of The Little Schoolhouse. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my teaching pursuits. When not teaching, I love to spend time with my husband, Jake, and our three children: Spencer, Lila and Gemma. My family is my world. In my free time I also enjoy tending to my flower beds, cooking and teaching ballet at Inspire Entertainment.
Marissa Harris
Teacher
Aloha! I grew up in Arizona and earned my degree in Elementary Education from BYU–Hawaii. Post graduation, I served as a missionary in Italy and fell in love with the culture, language, food, people and places! I started my teaching career as an 8th grade science teacher in the Kyrene district. I have also enjoyed substitute teaching across grade levels while supporting my husband’s Air Force career, which took our family to several states and most recently Hawaii. After three years there, we’re excited to make Mesa our permanent home. I enjoyed getting back into teaching full time last year as a third grade teacher.
My husband and I have been married for nearly twenty years and have four amazing kids. I love sharing the cultures and experiences I’ve gained from living in many places, and I'm honored that my three younger kids and I get to be a part of The Little Schoolhouse! I'm passionate about teaching and specifically making connections of students to the material they're learning, as well as connections with each other!
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Jacque Neil
Our Story
Our journey started as a group of parents who wanted to be an integral part of our children's lives and educational experience. We began teaching in a small one room schoolhouse with 2 teachers and 22 students. We combined experience from Montessori education, the public school sector and homeschooling platforms to create a hybrid learning experience. We worked with parents to support the work they were doing at home. We provided adequate time for play and learning outdoors in nature. What we experienced was inspiring. We knew what we had to offer needed to be available to more children and families.
