All of our teachers use Hill Methodology, a research-based Orton-Gillingham instructional approach developed and refined at Hill Learning Center in Durham, NC, over the past 35+ years.  HillRAP certification must be completed within the first year of employment.

​Our teachers have been recruited for their experience in elementary and special education through undergraduate and master’s degrees, and also through public school teaching positions such as Special Education Resource Teacher, Gifted & Talented Teacher, Title I Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach. 

​Our teachers excel at delivering our specialized instruction with poise, tact, and compassion. 

All of our teachers truly care about making a difference in every student’s life!

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Educator Team

​Gail Iida
Educator​
gailiida@hillsprings.org

Gail graduated from the University of Arizona after completing a dual program in Elementary and Special Education. Soon after that, Gail was drawn to the mountains and moved to Colorado. She earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
​Gail spent many years teaching in public schools, and has been a teacher at HillSprings Academy for ten years. She enjoys hiking, music, dancing, and spending time with her husband, Tom, and son, Max.

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​Melinda Sellars
Educator​
melindasellars@hillsprings.org

​Melinda has passionately forged a career facilitating educational goal achievement with children and adults. With a unique combination of a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Human Services Counseling/Life Coaching, Melinda has had the privilege to serve students as a Reading Recovery Specialist in the Chicago suburbs and New Orleans and to academically coach adults all over the country. Melinda is also an Air Force veteran and pragmatic optimist who avidly seeks out adventurous challenges, such as bungee jumping, hiking fourteeners, skiing, and running marathons, but her ultimate bliss is hanging out and laughing with her husband of 34 years, Thom, and their three adult children.

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​Susan Howland​
Educator​
susanhowland@hillsprings.org

​Cathy Vana​
Educator
cathyvana@hillsprings.org

​Emily Hess
Educator​
emilyhess@hillsprings.org

Sharon Webster​
Educator​
sharonwebster@hillsprings.org

​Celeste Hausner​
Educator​
celestehausner@hillsprings.org

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Administrative Team

Danae Duke​
Academy Director​
danaeduke@hillsprings.org

Katrina Becker
Communication & Development Manager
katrinabecker@hillsprings.org

Ashley Prueitt​
Office Manager​
ashleyprueitt@hillsprings.org

Lori McCauley​
Director of Professional Development​
lorimccauley@hillsprings.org