Gennifre Hartman-
Interim Head of School and Curriculum Gennifre is our current Interim Head of School and our schools Program Director. Gennifre's primary passion is authentically working to make the world a better place. Her personal mission is to improve the lives of people, and she does this through travel, peace and humanitarian efforts, and experiential education. Connecting genuinely with students, faculty and parents; changing the status quo regarding education; and creating ethical, safe experiences for people who want to learn about the world and, in turn, make their differences. Gennifre believes that when we are all inspired to grow both personally and professionally, every single one of us has the ability to change the world. At HWA since 2018 Email: ghartman@headwatersacademy.org 
Abby Carruthers -
Physical and Outdoor Education Abby is originally from Northern Michigan. She spent five years in Driggs, Idaho before moving with her husband to Bozeman in 2008. She is currently our physical education and outdoor education instructor. She also serves as our student advisor and student council sponsor. She loves sports, being outside, and traveling. “I enjoy working for a school with Headwaters Academy’s reputation and having a great time with the students.” She enjoys spending downtime with her husband, son Brewer, and daughter Page. Abby has a B.A. from Ferris State University in Recreational Leadership and Management. At HWA since 2010 Email: acarruthers@headwatersacademy.org 
Brody Johnson-
Visual Art & Technology Brody graduated from Saint Cloud University with a B.A. in Art, and he also has a B.A. in Music from Minnesota State University of Moorhead. Brody is enamored by observing and moving in nature: field sketching, climbing, snow and water kiting, skiing and being present in the outdoors. He is a lifelong learner who has been a student and a teacher of many different subjects including: rock climbing, kayaking, guitar, and the visual arts. He achieved training as a licensed visual arts instructor at one of Minnesota’s most forward-thinking high schools focused on technology integration, 21st Century Skills and academic achievement. At HWA since 2013 Email: bjohnson@headwatersacademy.org 
Kimberly Magro-
Pre-Algebra Kimberly is enthusiastic about joining the HWA community as the 8th grade Geometry teacher. She received an Undergraduate degree in Health Promotions from Montana State and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a certificate in Elementary Education. In addition to tutoring students of all grade levels for 17 years, she worked with Thrive as the CAP Coordinator at the Middle School level. When not at Headwaters, Kimberly is often found adventuring with her two children and husband in the mountains and pursuing faster times on her mountain bike. At HWA since 2017 Email: kmagro@headwatersacademy.org 
Hannah McMaster-
English and World Cultures Hannah is thrilled to be part of the Headwaters Community. Hannah is a local performer who has held various roles with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Intermountain Opera, the Ellen Theatre, the Verge Theatre, and the Shane Lalani Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, she is currently on staff at the Verge Theater teaching musical theater for grades K-5. She is so excited to be sharing this passion with Headwaters’ middle school students, and cultivating in them a love for the performing arts. World Cultures is another one of her passions. Hannah lived and attended school in Chatellerault, France where she studied economics. She has been teaching French language and culture for grades K-5 in the Bozeman School District as part of the World Languages program since it began, as well as teaching French in Montessori schools for the past 5 years. She is an impassioned traveler, and has spent time studying culture hands-on in India, Fiji, Panama, Great Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Mexico, and Canada. When she is not performing or traveling, she loves to spend time with her family hiking, kayaking, and camping in our beautiful state. She graduated summa cum laude from Chadron State College with a B.A. in Theatre Performance and a B.A in Business Administration/Finance. At HWA since 2017 Email: hmcmaster@headwatersacademy.org 
Hilary Rhea-
Math & Science Hilary has a BA in Biology and and an MES from Taylor University. She spent several years in Indiana pursuing various teaching interests and enjoying the South Bend community. When the time was right, she headed west. When it comes to teaching, Hilary has a passion for creativity and curiosity in the classroom, permaculture, organic farming, and observing and enjoying the natural world. Before coming to Headwaters, she spent her time farming and substitute teaching. In her spare time you can find her wandering mountain paths, listening to streams and trees, and laughing at her dog's antics. At HWA since 2019 Email: hrhea@headwatersacademy.org 
Sayer Wickham -
Geography and Earth Science Sayer grew up exploring the streams and forests of Vermont. He graduated from Hampshire College in Massachusetts where he studied science and sculpture. Before moving to Montana, Sayer worked as an educator in a program that focused on place based, hands-on learning for at-risk students. Most recently, he spent the summer as an instructor for the Montana Outdoor Science School. Sayer enjoys getting children outside to share his passion for exploring and understanding the natural world. He spends his free time hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. At HWA since 2015 Email: swickham@headwatersacademy.org 
Paúl Gomex of 406Cirque
We are thrilled to Welcome 406Cirque here at Headwaters Academy! 406CIRQUE is a school of circus and performing arts. It is a place where students can explore while being respected and encouraged instead of judged, for just the act of sharing a moment of vulnerability requires a lot of courage. The word Circus often refers to a specific type of activities: trapeze, clowns, jugglers, etc. We place the focus on the act of being on stage fully present, of expanding our presence and sharing our passion with the world. At 406Cirque we are never in competition with other students, always in collaboration. 406Cirque wants to change the world by creating a community that practices positive self talk. They believe in the power of play,celebrating small goals and accomplishments. Welcome Paúl!!!! At HWA SPRING 2022 Email: 406cirque@gmail.com |
Faye McDonough-
Associate Head of School and Admissions Faye is our Associate Head of School and Admissions Director. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the Headwaters Academy community with her vast experiences in independent schools. She most recently served as Head of School at Capital Day School in Frankfort, Kentucky. Engaging students in educational experiences has been a life-long career for Faye as she has enjoyed teaching learners of all ages. Now she will be recruiting her favorite age group to Headwaters Academy. “Letting the Gallatin County community know about the choice that our middle school offers students will be my pleasure. Our offerings are enhanced because of the small class size and the willingness of the faculty to go beyond the traditional school goals.” At HWA since 2012 Email: fayemcdonough@headwatersacademy.org 
Hernando Velez-
Math & Science "Mr. Nando" is super excited about being a part of the inclusive and adaptive learning community here at Headwaters Academy. Before joining our staff, he worked in the school district as a math interventionist and a resource para. He brings with him a undergrad degree in Environmental Engineering with a Masters of Science in Science Education from Montana State University. Originally from South Mississippi, born into an immigrant family, he learned the value of building your own foundations through watching his parents build a place for themselves in a new country. Through his formative years, he traveled extensively overseas; this gave him a unique perspective in the importance of diversity and openness which he brings into his teaching philosophy. Now here at Headwaters, he prioritizes self-reliance and ownership of the learning process, while serving as a mentor and an ally to his students. WELCOME Mr. Nando! At HWA since 2021 Email: hvelez@headwatersacademy.org 
Kristen Wolf - Spanish
Kristen ND Wolf (@LaLobaLista) is a dynamic educator and presenter. Her background as a Montessori & Spanish teacher has led her to understand the process of language acquisition and human development in profound ways. La Loba Lista’s (the ready/ clever Wolf) teaching style is engaging, holistic, and supported by language acquisition research (Communicative Language Teaching). Kristen recently earned the distinction of Montana Language Teacher of the Year in 2019, as decided by the Montana Association of Language Teachers (MALT). Kristen loves getting outside and enjoying the beauty of Montana and its vibrant communities with her family and dogs. She encourages you to come to participate in or observe a class, online or in person. Welcome Kristen! At HWA since 2021 Email: kwolf@headwatersacademy.org 
Shannon Mahoney-
English & Spanish Shannon has a passion for teaching, learning, family and the outdoors. After earning a degree in English from UC Berkeley, she pursued a second degree in Education and an M.A. in English from Montana State. Shannon has previously taught ESL on the Montana State University campus and writing at both MSU and Gallatin College. Outside of the classroom, Shannon can be found running in the mountains, chasing her two boys, skiing Bridger, or riding her mountain bike. At HWA since 2017 Email: smahoney@headwatersacademy.org 
Ani Casabonne –
English and US History Ani teaches 8th grade Humanities at Headwaters Academy. She passionately instills creativity in her students while leading out of the box activities and projects. She believes that she learns as much from her students as they learn from her. Human connection fuels Ani’s fire and she seeks relationship building opportunities wherever she goes. She grew up in Breckenridge, Colorado and graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO with a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She loves teaching Humanities with a cross-curricular approach where students often ask: “Wait, are we in English or History?”. Headwaters Academy is her dream job and she hopes to continue to challenge the norm of education for years to come. When she isn’t in the classroom, she loves spending time outside with her dog Gus, skiing and playing the violin. At HWA since 2020 Email: acasabonne@headwatersacademy.org 
Deborah Schuerr-
Music Deborah loves coaching students to develop as musicians and creative young artists. Since 2006, she has taught piano and songwriting and has an active studio of 50 students. Her students have won the BHS Hawks Night Live contest and several songwriting contests. During the summer, she’s taught at Equinox Summer Theater Camp and Kids Singers Club. Deborah has her B.A. in English and B.A. in History from Calvin College and her M.A. in History from Montana State University. She was active in public speaking, fundraising, and event planning during her tenure as Development Director for Gallatin Valley Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity. She also has the equivalent of a music degree and private studies degree from Montana State University. She has performed her original compositions on Yellowstone Public Radio, toured with a Windham Hill artist, composed music for a fashion show, jazz orchestras, and short films. She’s accompanied for the Ellen Theater, Missoula Children’s Theater, and Equinox Theater Co., played violin in the Bozeman Symphony, and sang in a variety of church choirs. She also likes to hike, bike, Nordic ski, play tennis, dance, read, and spend time with her friends. At HWA since 2011 Email: dschuerr@headwatersacademy.org |
