Meet Our Staff!
From Left to Right: Ms. Angie (Primary Learning Guide and School Administrator), Ms. Sarah (Founder), Ms. Elizabeth (Secondary School Learning Guide), Ms. Hannah (Assistant Learning Guide), and Ms. Preem (Intermediate Learning Guide). Not pictured: Ashley Hardman (Assistant Learning Guide and Business Manager) and David Smith (Secondary School Learning Guide)
Sarah Lavezzo – Founder
Sarah Lavezzo is the founder and director of Wonder Learning Collective, an educational nonprofit that believes the purpose of education is to equip students to be lifelong learners and compassionate citizens while preparing them to live an enriched, fulfilling life as they create positive change in their community and world. She founded Ascend Micro School in 2019 with the intent of creating a supportive community where kids feel cherished and empowered. Additionally, she has co-authored several curriculums for the United States Institute of Peace and Heartwork. Her graduate degrees are in curriculum & instruction and gifted education & talent development. She is passionate about learner-driven education, global education, and empowering children and families. She firmly believes that our kids are capable of great things, and is always excited to see the amazing work of AMS students! As the mom of a delightful daughter, she loves to build community with other parents and support them in their journeys. You can reach her at sarah@ascendmicroschool.com.
Angie Speight – School Administrator & Lead Learning Guide: Lower Elementary
Ms. Angie comes to us with over 25 years of K-12 experience. Her educational expertise includes homeschooling, starting a small private school, teaching in multi-age settings similar to ours, and directing a children’s ministry. She is a tremendous asset to our team! She is a wife, mother of three, grandmother of six, and has been teaching in a Christian school environment since 2001. You can reach her at angie@ascendmicroschool.com
Preem Mendoza – Lead Learning Guide: Upper Elementary
Ms. Preem has been with AMS since the beginning, first as an assistant learning guide and then as the lead upper elementary learning guide. She has vast experience working with children in school, ministry, extracurricular, and tutoring settings. You can reach her at preem@ascendmicroschool.com
Elizabeth Watkins – Secondary School Learning Guide
David Smith – Secondary School Learning Guide
David Smith has a passion for teaching math and science, and is excited to join Ascend Micro School. Over the last several years he has tutored K-12 as well as taught at the university level. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in Engineering-Physics from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
Ashley Hardman – Business Manager and Assistant Learning Guide, Intermediate
Hannah Smith – Assistant Learning Guide, Primary
