Our Team
Administration
Kelly Mangan
Principal
I am so proud and thankful to call SKILLS Private Academy my home. I have two MAs; one in Education and one in Special Education. I have taught for over 35 years, working with infants to high schoolers, general education to special education, public schools and private schools, and a bit of admin along the way. I took some time off when I was home with my babies. I gave birth to 6 beautiful children and call 6 more my own (step, foster and adopted). I also have 7 kids that call me Grammy. Seeing SKILLS students learn and grow with kindness and confidence makes me very proud and I can’t wait to see SKILLS serve more of our community.
Read BiographyMark Mangan
Director
I am retired military; I was a Drill Sergeant for 17 years. I've done administration in the military for 19 years and later became a military contractor doing systems administration. After retiring from contracting, I wanted to support Kelly’s vision for her school and we began the adventure that has become SKILLS. There is no way to be in a bad mood driving the school bus. When I see the kids each morning it always puts a smile on my face.
Read BiographyAmanda Wolfe
Administrative Assistant
I have been an Administrative Assistant for 21 years. I recently moved back home from Boston. My favorite thing about working at SKILLS is watching our students have fun at school and feel comfortable and safe. SKILLS is a FAMILY and that is very important to me. Outside of school, I love spending time with my sons and my beautiful cat, Betty. I also love volunteering, whether it be with animals, the homeless or just fundraising for a good cause. ~I HAVE FOUND THAT IS YOU LOVE LIFE, LIFE WILL LOVE YOU BACK
Read BiographyTeachers
Amanda Unger
Kinder-3rd Grade Teacher
This is my first-year teaching and I hold a BS in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. I am currently going to school for my MA in Special Education. I know many students don’t think teachers have a life outside of school but we do. I love playing volleyball, spending time with family and crafting. When it comes to teaching, I let the children explore new ideas for themselves, show them how to be kind to one another, and teach them how to wash their dirty hands. 🙂 -The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see. Alexandra K. Trenfor
Read BiographyElizabeth Kordosky
High School Life Skills Teacher
This is my second year teaching at SKILLS. I went to school at Northern Arizona University and I have been working with special needs children for over seven years. My favorite thing about working at SKILLS is having a small enough class to individualize my lesson plans to each of the children’s needs. Outside of work I enjoy hiking and reading as well as spending time with my family.
Read BiographyJoshua Velazquez
High School Teacher
I have been working at SKILLS Private Academy since it opened. I have been working in education for 8 years, and am currently going to school for a BA in education. I have wanted to be a teacher since before I graduated high school and am so happy for this opportunity. At work math is my favorite thing to teach. Outside of work I enjoy doing stand up comedy and playing disc golf.
Read BiographyClaire Jackson
3rd to 6th grade Teacher
I studied Psychology at NAU. My background is in social work and counseling. My favorite part about teaching at SKILLS is our emphasis on Social Skills as I love helping my students learn how to handle their emotions, self-regulate, and be able to identify and communicate their needs. A few of my other favorite things outside of SKILLS are: going on adventures with my husband (like backpacking in New Mexico!), cooking and eating different kinds of food, and playing board games with family and friends.
Read BiographyMadison Beecher
Elementary Life Skills Teacher
This is my first year teaching at SKILLS but my second working at SKILLS. I previously worked in special education in Alamogordo, New Mexico for about 5 years. I am working towards my Bachelor’s in Special Education with an emphasis on Moderate to Severe. Outside of work I love hiking, crafting and playing with my two dogs.
Read BiographyRebecca Hetherington
Middle School Life Skills Teacher
I grew up a Kansas girl but took a chance and moved to Sierra Vista in 2012. I absolutely love this area and the people. I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2017 where I earned a Bachelor’s in Human Services with a minor in Educational Psychology. I have experience working with kids of all ages, from Kindergarten to high school. I have also done home visits with parents of infants and toddlers. Returning to education, especially this environment, has been a dream come true. I look forward to teaching here for years to come.
Read BiographyPara-Professionals
Kyle Hop
Para-Professional
Working at SKILLS is a new experience for me. I previously worked with high risk students at Mary’s Mission. I like the variety of students and the different needs each has. I'm a sports fan so on my off time you will find me watching or playing sports. My favorite is football.
Read BiographyHeather Wilson
Para-Professional
I love the environment at SKILLS. The staff always have a positive attitude, and every day I fall more in love with the kids. I am currently working towards my Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, but since I started working here I found a love for teaching children with special needs. I would like to use my degree to become an agriculture teacher. I think of myself as a modern day 1940’s housewife because I like hair curlers, big band music, and vintage clothing.
Read BiographyAlexis Morris
Para-Professional
For the past two years I've been working as a private childcare provider. This is my first year at SKILLS as a para. When I'm not working with kids I find myself at the barn where I spend the end of the day with my livestock!
Read BiographyAlyssa O'Daniel
Para-Professional
This is my first year as a para at SKILLS. I am currently finishing up my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy traveling, working with the kiddos, and eating bread.
Read BiographyTherapist
Grey Avery
Speech Therapist
Dale Bryan
Physical Therapist