Lower Elementary Staff
Diane Brandon
Diane Brandon received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin, and her M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Arizona. Diane taught kindergarten students in Wisconsin and special needs young adults in Tucson and surrounding areas in the College of Education at the University of Arizona. Diane has been a dedicated and committed Hermosa parent and teacher since 1989.
Guru Simran (Goose) Khalsa
Guru Simran (Goose) Khalsa joins our faculty as a lower elementary teacher. Guru Simran received his B.A. Degree in History with a Minor in Philosophy, and work towards his M.A. degree in History prior to his receiving his AMS (American Montessori Society) Elementary Teaching Certification. He previously taught at Khalsa Montessori School, and coached basketball at the Jewish Community Center and The Gregory School. Guru Simran understands the Montessori approach to education well, as he attended Hermosa Montessori from pre-school through 8th grade.
Don Van Karsen
Don has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Relations from the University of Arizona and AMS Montessori elementary certification. Before joining the elementary teaching staff at Hermosa, Don was the late care teacher for six years. Don loves to read and will attest to reading whatever he picks up, but is a particular fan of historical and science fiction subject matter. He also enjoys doing home improvement projects, surfing the net, and caring for his animals: 2 two cats and six reptiles!
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