Staff and Board

Our Staff & Board

Meet our compassionate & innovative staff.

To contact any of our staff members, please follow the email link in each respective profile.

PAUL PRESSLER \| HEAD OF SCHOOLS/PRINCIPAL Paul has over 12 years of teaching and educational leadership experience, most recently as Assistant Head of School & Academic Dean of Students at Scattergood Friends School. Prior to that he spent four years as Head of School for Willowwind School. Paul holds a BA in English from the University of Colorado Boulder, a MA in Humanities-Culture/Gender from University of Colorado Denver, and a MA in Educational Leadership from Iowa.	LARISA BICKEL \| DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS & OPERATIONS Larisa has been a part of Summit in some fashion since it began in 1998. She graduated from Luther College in 1993 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has had a multitude of roles at Summit!	KATHLEEN REINWART I OFFICE MANAGER Kathleen is thrilled to be part of the Summit team. As a Summit parent and former Board President, she is passionate about all things Summit! She brings many years of child-centered managerial experience to Summit, most recently as Assistant Director of St. Matthew Preschool.
CHRIS MALONEY \| EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER Chris attended Mount Mercy University where she received her BS in Elementary Education with a reading endorsement. She also received her Early Childhood Endorsement from Teikyo Marycrest. Her favorite part of teaching is learning along with her PreK students. “Every day is different. I like to make school fun and interactive with materials, props, and ideas that encourage language and learning.”	ERIN VALAREZO \| EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATE Erin graduated from Kirkwood with her degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent the beginning of her career as an assistant preschool teacher at College Community’s ECC. She then took a job nannying two young boys. Erin spent time volunteering at Summit while the youngest of the boys attended preschool at Summit. As they aged out of preschool, Erin joined the Summit team.	EMILY FLEMING \| PRIMARY TEACHER Emily most recently served as a teacher at The Conrad Academy in Orlando, Florida. Emily has taught in K-6th grade classrooms for the past seven years. Emily brings a rich science background to Summit, and has effectively demonstrated a deep understanding of project based learning. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida and a TESOL endorsement.
ASHLEY LUEBE \| PRIMARY TEACHER Ashley has held a variety of roles at Summit since 2012. She earned her education degree from UNI and has taught PreK-2nd grade at Summit over the years, and has also served as the director of summer camps and development.	SUE MENKEN \| PRIMARY TEACHER Sue is a familiar face at Summit - she has previously taught summer camps and been a tutor. Sue graduated from UNI and received her Master’s from Mount Mercy University. She has taught in Des Moines, Deep River, Marion Home School and for the last 14 years at Cedar Valley Christian in various primary grades. She is currently pursuing her certification through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.	SHAWNA WALKER \| PRIMARY TEACHER Shawna graduated from Coe College in 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education, with emphasis in Reading and Social Studies. Shawna's previous work experience in local libraries cultivated her passion for making literacy accessible to all ages and abilities. When not teaching Shawna enjoys traveling, trying new foods, drinking coffee and checking books off her endless "to read" list.
TERESA COLEMAN \| MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER Teresa grew up in North Liberty and graduated from UNI with a degree in Education and a minor in Mathematics. She moved to Texas and has taught 25 years in the 5-8th grade levels. She received her Master of Science in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems from the University of North Texas. Teresa loves learning and passing the information on to the younger generations.	JAMIE NEWTON \| MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER Jamie graduated from UNI in 1994 with his education degree, earned his master's in history in 1997, then received talented & gifted certification from Iowa in 2015. Jamie joined Summit in 2016, after serving as the Talented and Gifted Learning Specialist at Prairie Creek Intermediate in the College Community School District.	JAMIE DAY\| PE/HEALTH/WELLNESS TEACHER Jamie attended Kirkwood and then Central College where he received a degree in health and physical education. He believes that kids who move and enjoy physical activity make more effective learners. Jamie taught gymnastics while going through school which shaped his positive teaching style and the importance of having a growth mindset. In his free time he practices Olympic weightlifting, tends a garden, plays chess and likes to read.
AMBER MAAS \| ART TEACHER Amber graduated in 2007 from UNI with a bachelors in elementary education and a certification in elementary art. After subbing at several area schools, she joined the Summit team.	ANDREW BODDICKER \| MUSIC TEACHER Andrew has a BA in music and music education from Luther College and a Master's of Music Education from the University of Illinois. He returns to Iowa after teaching for 10 years in Oregon, Illinois, and London, UK. In addition to teaching music and leading choirs, Andrew also enjoys long-distance walking, reading, tear-enducing laughter, traveling, learning new things, and spending time with his family.	CATHARINE JOHNSON I ACCOUNTANT After graduating from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Catharine moved to Cedar Rapids. This is where she met and married her spouse, Truman. Her last job was at D. C. Taylor Co. where she worked for 25 years. She sings with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, and has held the elected position of Treasurer for this organization since 2000 and shows no sign of stopping. Catharine joined Summit Schools in this part-time position in 2018.
TONYA TRUDO \| MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Tonya grew up in Cedar Rapids and received her communications/journalism degree from Augustana College. She was an associate editor at Soap Opera Weekly magazine in New York City and the public relations associate at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. She enjoys working with Summit staff and students in this part-time position.	CHRISTINA ANDERSON \| TUTOR MANAGER Christina is an Orton-Gillingham tutor and also works with homeschooling families through the Marion Home School Assistance Program. She has four children and lives with a menagerie of animals including cattle, hogs, poultry, goats, dogs and cats. She would love to set your student up with a great tutor!	RACHEL EILERS \| KITCHEN MANAGER Rachel's family was introduced to Summit Schools through summer camp in 2009. Rachel has volunteered for classroom activities, filled in at the main desk, subbed as an associate, served lunches and is now our Kitchen Manager. She lovingly cooks each school meal from scratch with only the healthiest ingredients, often incorporating produce from Summit's own garden!

Board of Trustees

Summit's volunteer Board of Trustees includes a mix of current parents, alumni parents and community members. The board meets at Summit at 5:15PM on the fourth Thursday of each month, and invites all interested to attend. In addition to tending to the current and long range goals of the school, board members are also regular volunteers on committees, special projects and events at the school.

Paly Afridi President

Dan Clark Vice President

Lynn Davy Secretary

Camron Devor Treasurer

Chris Graw Past President

Matt Doty

Jase Jensen

Virginia Michalicek

Christopher Parker

Terri Petersen

Board meeting minutes are posted on Renweb.

SIAC meeting notes 10-18

SIAC meeting notes 6-3

PAUL PRESSLER \| HEAD OF SCHOOLS/PRINCIPAL Paul has over 12 years of teaching and educational leadership experience, most recently as Assistant Head of School & Academic Dean of Students at Scattergood Friends School. Prior to that he spent four years as Head of School for Willowwind School. Paul holds a BA in English from the University of Colorado Boulder, a MA in Humanities-Culture/Gender from University of Colorado Denver, and a MA in Educational Leadership from Iowa.	LARISA BICKEL \| DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS & OPERATIONS Larisa has been a part of Summit in some fashion since it began in 1998. She graduated from Luther College in 1993 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has had a multitude of roles at Summit!	KATHLEEN REINWART I OFFICE MANAGER Kathleen is thrilled to be part of the Summit team. As a Summit parent and former Board President, she is passionate about all things Summit! She brings many years of child-centered managerial experience to Summit, most recently as Assistant Director of St. Matthew Preschool.
CHRIS MALONEY \| EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER Chris attended Mount Mercy University where she received her BS in Elementary Education with a reading endorsement. She also received her Early Childhood Endorsement from Teikyo Marycrest. Her favorite part of teaching is learning along with her PreK students. “Every day is different. I like to make school fun and interactive with materials, props, and ideas that encourage language and learning.”	ERIN VALAREZO \| EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATE Erin graduated from Kirkwood with her degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent the beginning of her career as an assistant preschool teacher at College Community’s ECC. She then took a job nannying two young boys. Erin spent time volunteering at Summit while the youngest of the boys attended preschool at Summit. As they aged out of preschool, Erin joined the Summit team.	EMILY FLEMING \| PRIMARY TEACHER Emily most recently served as a teacher at The Conrad Academy in Orlando, Florida. Emily has taught in K-6th grade classrooms for the past seven years. Emily brings a rich science background to Summit, and has effectively demonstrated a deep understanding of project based learning. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida and a TESOL endorsement.
ASHLEY LUEBE \| PRIMARY TEACHER Ashley has held a variety of roles at Summit since 2012. She earned her education degree from UNI and has taught PreK-2nd grade at Summit over the years, and has also served as the director of summer camps and development.	SUE MENKEN \| PRIMARY TEACHER Sue is a familiar face at Summit - she has previously taught summer camps and been a tutor. Sue graduated from UNI and received her Master’s from Mount Mercy University. She has taught in Des Moines, Deep River, Marion Home School and for the last 14 years at Cedar Valley Christian in various primary grades. She is currently pursuing her certification through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.	SHAWNA WALKER \| PRIMARY TEACHER Shawna graduated from Coe College in 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education, with emphasis in Reading and Social Studies. Shawna's previous work experience in local libraries cultivated her passion for making literacy accessible to all ages and abilities. When not teaching Shawna enjoys traveling, trying new foods, drinking coffee and checking books off her endless "to read" list.
TERESA COLEMAN \| MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER Teresa grew up in North Liberty and graduated from UNI with a degree in Education and a minor in Mathematics. She moved to Texas and has taught 25 years in the 5-8th grade levels. She received her Master of Science in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems from the University of North Texas. Teresa loves learning and passing the information on to the younger generations.	JAMIE NEWTON \| MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER Jamie graduated from UNI in 1994 with his education degree, earned his master's in history in 1997, then received talented & gifted certification from Iowa in 2015. Jamie joined Summit in 2016, after serving as the Talented and Gifted Learning Specialist at Prairie Creek Intermediate in the College Community School District.	JAMIE DAY\| PE/HEALTH/WELLNESS TEACHER Jamie attended Kirkwood and then Central College where he received a degree in health and physical education. He believes that kids who move and enjoy physical activity make more effective learners. Jamie taught gymnastics while going through school which shaped his positive teaching style and the importance of having a growth mindset. In his free time he practices Olympic weightlifting, tends a garden, plays chess and likes to read.
AMBER MAAS \| ART TEACHER Amber graduated in 2007 from UNI with a bachelors in elementary education and a certification in elementary art. After subbing at several area schools, she joined the Summit team.	ANDREW BODDICKER \| MUSIC TEACHER Andrew has a BA in music and music education from Luther College and a Master's of Music Education from the University of Illinois. He returns to Iowa after teaching for 10 years in Oregon, Illinois, and London, UK. In addition to teaching music and leading choirs, Andrew also enjoys long-distance walking, reading, tear-enducing laughter, traveling, learning new things, and spending time with his family.	CATHARINE JOHNSON I ACCOUNTANT After graduating from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Catharine moved to Cedar Rapids. This is where she met and married her spouse, Truman. Her last job was at D. C. Taylor Co. where she worked for 25 years. She sings with the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, and has held the elected position of Treasurer for this organization since 2000 and shows no sign of stopping. Catharine joined Summit Schools in this part-time position in 2018.
TONYA TRUDO \| MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Tonya grew up in Cedar Rapids and received her communications/journalism degree from Augustana College. She was an associate editor at Soap Opera Weekly magazine in New York City and the public relations associate at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. She enjoys working with Summit staff and students in this part-time position.	CHRISTINA ANDERSON \| TUTOR MANAGER Christina is an Orton-Gillingham tutor and also works with homeschooling families through the Marion Home School Assistance Program. She has four children and lives with a menagerie of animals including cattle, hogs, poultry, goats, dogs and cats. She would love to set your student up with a great tutor!	RACHEL EILERS \| KITCHEN MANAGER Rachel's family was introduced to Summit Schools through summer camp in 2009. Rachel has volunteered for classroom activities, filled in at the main desk, subbed as an associate, served lunches and is now our Kitchen Manager. She lovingly cooks each school meal from scratch with only the healthiest ingredients, often incorporating produce from Summit's own garden!

Our Staff & Board

Meet our compassionate & innovative staff.

LARISA BICKEL | DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS & OPERATIONS Larisa has been a part of Summit in some fashion since it began in 1998. She graduated from Luther College in 1993 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has had a multitude of roles at Summit!

ASHLEY LUEBE | PRIMARY TEACHER Ashley has held a variety of roles at Summit since 2012. She earned her education degree from UNI and has taught PreK-2nd grade at Summit over the years, and has also served as the director of summer camps and development.

AMBER MAAS | ART TEACHER Amber graduated in 2007 from UNI with a bachelors in elementary education and a certification in elementary art. After subbing at several area schools, she joined the Summit team.

Board of Trustees