Director of Early Years and Teacher

Katrina Hansen is an award winning educator who is coming home after teaching in one of Dubai's top performing private international schools (Dubai American Academy). She has been an educator for over a decade. She received her Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Centre College. While teaching in Dubai she received the Mariamma Varkey Award for Most Outstanding Educator in Early and Primary Years for GEMS in 2018. Before relocating to the UAE, Katrina worked with Teach for America in a rural community in the United States. 

Katrina is a passionate educator who fosters a love of learning within her class. She believes it is essential for her learners to develop the skills and mindsets to flourish in a future we cannot imagine. Katrina dedicates significant time to developing her learners’ holistically. She has found that through teaching social and emotional skills, her learners more productively approach problems. Sharing with students and families the power of a growth mindset has instilled in her learners a belief that dedication and perseverance can overcome any challenge in learning and/or life.

Head Early Years Teacher

Mike Hansen has worked in education for over 9 years and is coming home to Sierra Vista after teaching as a Special Education Teacher for Pre-K to Grade 2 students. He also is coming from one of Dubai's top performing private international schools (Dubai American Academy). He has his Bachelors in Elementary Education and is currently in his final year of his Masters program for Special Education (K-12).

Additionally, Mike is a Water Safety Instructor who has taught all aged learners how to find comfort in water. There he realized his talents and passion for teaching. 

Mike is excited to bring imagination into his learning environment. He strives to inspire his learners to ask questions through inquiry, as well as, advocate for themselves and others by supporting them holistically and encouraging their individual passions.

Occupational Therapist

Karen Klein is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist with over 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. She has worked extensively with early years children over her career. She will be providing small group sensory and fine motor sessions 2-3x a week for our Pre-K learners.

Karen takes a holistic approach to therapy, addressing the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of her clients to help them achieve their goals. She is dedicated to staying current with the latest research and techniques in her field, and regularly attends professional development courses and conferences.

Karen's commitment to her clients and her profession is evident in the results she achieves and the lasting impact she has on the lives of those she works with. She is a valuable asset to our team and will be working with our young learners by leading sensory and fine motor activities multiple times each week.