Current Role: Kindergarden Teacher at Telesis Preparatory Academy
What are your favorite memories from UNLV? The times I got to spend in several classrooms in Clark County as a student teacher and guest. I met a lot of amazing teachers in NV and learned valuable experience that I use in my own classroom.
What is something people don’t know about your field that you believe they should know? Teachers have to be able to multitask all day long and have to clear long- and short-term goals for all students in their classroom. You are constantly adjusting instruction to meet the needs of your students. I am lucky to work at a school that believes in an individualized instruction for all students.
Ashley is now in her 19th year of teaching Kindergarten at Telesis Preparatory Academy in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She also uses social media to bring awareness to children in the foster care system in hopes more people will become interested in adoption
Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!
On December 4, the College of Education welcomed educators, policymakers and community leaders to the Fourth Annual Summit on Nevada Education to discuss the successes and challenges in education in our state. More importantly, attendees, speakers and panelists unpacked where we all need to come together in order to better focus our efforts to usher in the next era of education in Nevada.
Watch a video recap of the day below.
Morning Keynote Address by Clark County School District Superintendent, Jesús Jara
Joining Southern Nevada as CCSD’s leader in June 2018, Dr. Jara discussed his findings from the listening tour he conducted during his first months as Superintendent, spoke about Clark County’s unique local landscape, and emphasized the District’s mission to effectively educating ALL students.
Keynote Address by Andrew J. Rotherham, Co-Founder & Partner, Bellwether Education Partners, and “Fireside Chat” with College of Education Dean Kim K. Metcalf
Having worked in varying roles as an education expert and consultant, Andrew Rotherham unpacks the national landscape of education and the biggest threats facing our nation. Then, he and Dean Metcalf sit down for a Q&A to discuss the role of research in bettering education, the responsibility of colleges of education, and the opportunity for state legislatures to make big impacts in a time of stagnant federal reforms.
Innovation in the New Era: Project CULTURED
UNLV College of Education Doctoral Candidates Sarah V. McCarthy, Katelyn Zirkus, Doctoral Graduate Kathy Ewoldt, and Project CULTURED C0-Investigator and Moderator Joseph Morgan are researchers aiming to translate cutting-edge research into practice in ways that are beneficial and meaningful to educators and students in the classroom. Hear from them about their experience as Project CULTURED scholars and how they worked with local educators and schools to make contributions that help students and teachers in real classrooms.
Policy Issues in Education
With the 2019 Nevada Legislative Session quickly approaching, College of Education faculty and staff preview some of the most pressing issues facing the state, including: the teacher workforce, teacher leadership, Autism in early childhood education, supporting high-quality early childhood education, identifying children with disabilities, school safety, and more.
Panelists: Matt Borek, Ph.D., Director of Educator Preparation, Recruitment & Field Placement Danica G. Hays, Ph.D., Executive Associate Dean & Professor Cori More, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Lois Paretti, Ed.M., Field Experience Coordinator Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Sam Song, Ph.D., Associate Professor Moderator: Todd Mason, Director of Government Affairs, Wynn Resorts Limited
A Conversation with Legislative Education Committee Representatives, Assemblywoman Brittney Miller (D-5) and State Senator Joyce Woodhouse (D-5)
Highlighting what is sure to be a productive year, Panel Moderator & College of Education Assistant Professor Brad Marianno discusses Nevada Education Committee Members priorities and focus for the upcoming legislative session.
Nevada Partners Panel: Leading into the New Era
Community stakeholders discuss where our state is headed we should set our sights to build a strong Nevada for generations to come.
Panelists: Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst, Applied Analysis Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive Vice President of Public Policy & Corporate Responsibility, Caesars Entertainment Jesús Jara, Ed.D., Superintendent, Clark County School District Richard Knoeppel, 2019 Nevada Teacher of the Year Lisa Morris-Hibbler, Director, Department of Youth Development and Social Innovation, City of Las Vegas Sean Parker, Executive Director, Teach For America Las Vegas Valley Moderator: Terri Janison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grant A Gift Autism Foundation
REBEL ROMANCE: IT WAS MEANT-TO-BE FOR JON AND KIM POLSON
When Jon Polson, ’94 BA Communications, transferred to UNLV to play baseball, the Denver native didn’t expect to hit a home run off the field. Reno native, Kim Caspary, ’96 BS Elementary Ed, was looking forward to living in a bigger city with a modern campus and opportunities to cheer on Rebel athletes. She never expected to take one home with her. Over three decades later, the match made at UNLV continues to flourish and the happy couple has two sons, Jake and Ty.
Meant to be
Kim was the first person Jon met upon his arrival at UNLV. “I think it was meant to be. We could have been anywhere else but we both ended up in Las Vegas,” he recalled.\
After their first encounter, Kim frequently ran into him when she was out with her friends. She was attracted to him from the start, especially since he was “very athletic, outgoing, fun, and cute.” But it took a bit for their friendship to cross the line into romance.
“We spent most of our time together off campus but Jon played baseball,” says Kim. “There was a big grassy hill you could sit on and watch the games from. I loved being there.”
Built on Rebel Spirit
As students, Kim and Jon shared a love for UNLV games. Kim was thrilled to watch and cheer. “When I was there, Jerry Tarkanian was the basketball coach and UNLV went to the Final Four. It was a really exciting time.”
Jon got the best of both worlds as an athlete and a spectator. “It was the best time. They had great athletic programs, and it was fun to go to the games as student athletes.”Jon’s experience as a UNLV athlete set him on course to become one of Northern Nevada’s winningest baseball coaches. He has received multiple awards, including the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) Model Coach of the Year.
Making a Lifetime Rebel Connection
Jon distinctly remembers his proposal to Kim. “We were on vacation with my family in Breckenridge, Colorado. We had gone skiing and my sister was making spaghetti. Kim wanted to eat the spaghetti, but I told her we were going to eat out instead. She was so mad, but later at the restaurant, my family came over and I popped the question.”
Despite the change in dinner plans, Kim said yes, and, over the years, their mutual adoration remains strong. “Kim is an unbelievable mother and I respect her work ethic,” Jon explains. Now the principal of Lena Juniper Elementary School, Kim is the second-longest tenured elementary school principal in the Washoe County School District. “I admire her resilience because it’s such a hard job.”
Jon’s appreciation of Kim’s strength grew when he switched careers to become an educator too. After graduation, he stayed on at UNLV as a volunteer coach, juggling his job at an electrical company with his coaching duties. “When we moved to Reno, I decided to become a teacher. I spent two years earning my credentials. I couldn’t have done it without her keeping me grounded.”
From what it sounds like, Jon is now returning the support. After retiring from being the head baseball coach at Damonte Ranch High School for 20 years, he’s happy to be more of a homebody. “We are a good team,” she says. “He makes all the dinners.”
The pair also attribute the success of their relationship to spending as much free time with each other as they can. From camping and skiing to just hanging out at their pool, Kim notes “Whatever we do, we do it together.”
Those Three Little Words
Every romance seems to be tied up in the ribbon of three magic words: “I love you.” But the strength in the bow’s knot comes with three more from Jon – “Meant to be” and from Kim – “Unconditional, endearing, and true.”
A first-gen doc student reinvests generosity, care and mentorship with her peers and students.
Winning the 2025 Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award is far from Nicole Thomas’ first big achievement. The 29-year-old educational psychology doctoral student’s academic career is studded with accolades, including the Edward Pearson Memorial Scholarship and two highly competitive Nevada NASA Space Grant fellowships. Yet, Nicole’s gratitude isn’t just for the honors or funds received—it’s for what they’ve made possible.
“Staying enrolled is the main thing for me,” she explained. “Scholarships and fellowships have allowed me to move out of my parents’ house, conduct research projects, and start my own life.”
Inspirational Mentorship
Initially earning her bachelor’s degree in life sciences at UNLV, Nicole hadn’t considered a future in education. That changed when she met Tina Vo, a teaching and learning associate professor with a background in science. Tina immediately saw potential in Nicole as a science educator. “Her projects have always focused on supporting folks to learn about the world around them, help them grow, and think critically,” Tina said. “She is so community-oriented that it makes every space she is a part of better.”
A simple conversation over coffee opened her eyes to what she could do with her skills and interests, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She loved her UNLV experience so much, she continued her studies as a Ph.D. student. Beyond graduate apprenticeship opportunities, “the mentorship here is incredible,” she said. “Faculty members truly care about you as a person. Faculty and financial support made it clear this was the best place for me.”
Paying it Forward
In addition to balancing rigorous coursework and research, her commitment to service and advocacy keeps her busy and fulfilled. As a beneficiary of state and donor funding, she helped other graduate students get the additional financial support and attention they needed to succeed. As the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association from 2021 to 2024, she spearheaded a major campaign to increase graduate assistant stipends. She organized a lobbying trip to the Nevada State Legislature that resulted in a $20 million funding increase for graduate assistants statewide.
Jon Hilpert, Nicole’s Ph.D. advisor who encouraged her to apply for the Sam Lieberman Award, praised her leadership and impact. “Nicole is a model student, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of how higher education systems work,” he said. “Her academic excellence and service to the graduate student community are truly inspiring.”
Nicole always encourages her peers to put themselves out there. “There are so many opportunities that we just don’t know about,” she explains. “It can be scary applying for things but it always feels good once I am done applying.”
Long-Term Re-Investment Strategy
As Nicole approaches the final year of her Ph.D. program, she remains focused on her goals. “Graduating is, of course, the big one,” she said. “But I also want to publish one more paper and continue mentoring my students. If even one of them feels like I’ve been a good mentor, I’ll consider that a success.”
The Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for student scholarship affirms the hard work Nicole has poured into her studies, research, and community leadership. Earning a doctorate has been a journey marked by pride and humility for the first-generation college student. “Sometimes I walk around my house and think, ‘I can’t believe I’ll be a doctor. My family didn’t even know what grad school was when I started.”
Looking ahead, Nicole envisions a future in public education, as either a faculty member or an administrator. “I believe strongly in the power of public education. Every student deserves access to a great education and faculty who are passionate about teaching. That’s what I want to be a part of.” Nicole’s story is a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of investing and lifting others along the way.
From having dreams of becoming a lawyer to finding purpose in education and counseling; UNLV alumna Abby Hasberry, ‘13 Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, wears many hats. She is a mother, therapist, the founder of D.E.A.R. Abby Counseling, an educator, a lifetime learner — and most recently, the author of her debut memoir; Adopting Privilege: A Memoir of Reinventing
My Adoptee Narrative.
Abby is a transracial adoptee and although she had multicultural experiences throughout her childhood, she lacked a meaningful connection to the black community and its culture. When she became pregnant as a teenager, she was coerced to relinquish her son , a decision that changed her life forever.
Shifting the Narrative
Adoption is often discussed from the perspective of the adoptive parents and adoption agencies. Adoptee stories are often told with fairytale-like endings, but in reality, the road to happily ever after can be rough.
“Adoption is trauma,” and in her book, Abby sets the table for a much-needed conversation on the wounds adoption can create for adoptees and their birth parents.
“I really wanted it to be a catalyst for healing, which begins in conversation.”
Writing from a Healed Place
“The most challenging part of writing my book was deciding how much to write? How much do I share? How do I portray others in my story?”
Abby balanced the need to remain honest and authentic by ensuring that she wrote from a healed place. “Write it all and whatever you don’t want to share, you can take out,” was the guidance she got from mentor-turned-friend, Professor Christine Clark.
So, she wrote freely, sparing no details—and in the end, didn’t take anything out. Given the great reviews she has received, it’s clear she made the right call by telling her whole truth.
“The rewarding part has been the feedback I’ve received, specifically from adoptees and birth mothers who have previewed the book,” she shared. “Having someone say they felt my bravery and balance in it.”
Fostering Equity in Classrooms, More books and Ted Talks
Abby hopes educators can learn to be informed about trauma and how it affects child development so they can better foster equity and inclusion in their classrooms.
“Understanding trauma and how you can be a trauma-informed teacher and have more grace is something I hope people can get from this.”
Although Abby’s memoir comes from a healed place, her journey continues. She’s still processing her more current experiences within the context of her beginnings as an adoptee, including reuniting with her biological family and son.
“I plan on writing another book in the next five years. I would love to do some research on adoption, specifically on the experiences of birth mothers and birth fathers.”
While we await her next volume, she plans to share her stories about identity, development, parenting, adoption and adoption trauma through more personal connections and public speaking opportunities.
Adopting Privilege: A Memoir of Reinventing My Adoptee Narrative
Abby Hasberry’s memoir will launch on February 18. Interested readers can pre-order a copy and plan to join her on February 20 in a virtual book club.
Current Role: School Counselor at Clark County School District
Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education/human services?
Born in Las Vegas, UNLV was a realistic choice for me. I decided to go into human services specifically because I’m a natural helper and want to do more in the community.
Going to UNLV was the best choice. It gave me the best experience, and it encouraged me to think outside the box.
How did your experience at UNLV help you find your first position after graduation?
It provided me with real-life scenarios; through my internship opportunities offered by UNLV, I was able to land a full-time job in juvenile justice, which led me to do treatment-level foster care. I later became a recruiter for the foster care system.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?
Student advising awareness is the best and biggest thing, as well as helping students explore their degree and knowing what avenues that degree offers.
Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!
In commemoration of the 10th Annual Summit on Nevada Education, the College of Education launched its Hall of Fame. It inducted the inaugural class.
This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to advancing academic programs and initiatives within disciplines such as education, mental health, sport management, and workforce development. Honorees exemplify dedication, leadership, and selfless service to the community, impacting students, educators, practitioners, and other stakeholders across Nevada. Inductees must have:
Demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting and enhancing academic programs or initiatives relevant to the UNLV College of Education.
Provided visionary leadership that has positively influenced educational practices, policies, or partnerships within Nevada.
Offered selfless and impactful service to the community, prioritizing the needs of students, educators, practitioners, and the broader community.
Contributed to innovative solutions addressing today’s challenges in education and education-related programs.
Advocated for educational excellence and equity, helping to elevate the mission and vision of the UNLV College of Education.
UNLV’s College of Education is pleased to celebrate 60 new graduates from the Paraprofessional Pathways Project (PPP) who received their bachelor’s degrees at this week’s commencement ceremony.
The students, who were all working at Clark County School District schools, began the program in January of this year. Thanks to an aggressive academic schedule, they each completed the final 60-68 required credits they needed to earn their undergraduate degree, pursue licensing, and secure classrooms of their own. Thanks to state grant funding, most students are graduating and entering the profession without the heavy burden of student debt.
Another cohort of 59 students are slated to graduate in May and program organizers have invited 130 applicants to join the program in the spring.
“Although our state grant funds will only cover this latest group, we have substantial interest to continue the program,” notes Kelsey Claus, communications, outreach and engagement coordinator for NVForward, which supports the Nevada Educator Preparation Institute and Collaborative (NV-EPIC). More than 75 candidates have inquired about a fourth cohort, which would require additional funding.
In addition to the Paraprofessional Pathways Project, the college offers an accelerated alternate route to license (A-ARL) program for individuals who have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields to complete the required coursework to obtain a teaching license and eventually a master’s degree. Unlike the college’s traditional two-year ARL program, the accelerated path guides candidates through the required coursework in only one year. Applications for the program will open in mid-January and program coordinators expect that most of the 600 prospective educators will apply.
Degree: Class of 2023 M.Ed. Intercollegiate and Professional Sport Management
Current Role: Director of Marketing at National Youth Sports – Nevada
Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education/human services?
After graduating with my bachelor’s, I realized that I needed to get a degree in sports management to work in sports. So, I decided to pursue my master’s in IPSM.
I have always been a huge sports fan and knew that it was the field I wanted to go into.
Did you have a mentor while you were at UNLV, or do you have one now? Why is this important?
My professors were like his mentors. I had professors whom I could go to for advice, and this is important because it gives you references and a good network.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?
Don’t rush to get where you want to go; don’t worry too much about every little step you take to get your degree. Don’t focus too much on the small details, as the big stuff is what matters. You will get your degree!
Don’t burn yourself out.
Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!
When Tarryn McGhie finished his doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction in 2015, his research was far from over. Driven by a passion for child literacy and a desire to put children on a path to a successful academic future, he continues to explore the indirect effects of race on literacy, namely what goes on in the classroom and at home, and how these are shaping the child’s engagement.
Tarryn’s inspiration for pursuing this line of research is deeply rooted in his own childhood. His parents navigated economic hardships and saw how older and younger children could have different experiences in the same household. Ultimately, though, he decided on his professional path through a simple choice in high school.
“I wasn’t a good student,” McGhie said, “I was an athlete and all I wanted to do was play sports. But I started to think in my senior year, ‘What am I going to do?’”
His father, a first-generation college graduate, impressed the importance of education on his son and gave him two choices—head to France to pursue a culinary career or go to college. Tarryn chose the latter, and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University before heading to UNLV in pursuit of a master’s degree in educational psychology.
As he progressed in his studies, Tarryn noticed a negative deficit thought process dominated the higher education experience—especially in regard to students of color. Instead of seeing his strengths, his presence as a Black male pursuing a graduate degree was treated as a surprising anomaly. His experience drove him to pursue a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction (with an emphasis in cultural studies, international education and multicultural education) so he could reshape the learning experience to discover and build on students’ strengths—an approach that makes diversity integral to the educational experience.
Tarryn saw the benefits of this approach when working on a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program, which targeted low-income students of color. The summer and after-school enrichment program uses a research-based and multicultural program model centered on five components: high-quality academic and character-building enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational servant leadership development; and nutrition, health, and mental health.
“For me, it’s less about teaching kids to read and more about teaching educators and parents to implement an literacy curriculum that speaks to kids because it’s geared towards their neighborhoods, it celebrates their identities, and makes reading fun,” McGhie said.
Although he finished his doctoral program in 2015, his work is far from over. He’s still on campus, serving as a senior instructional designer for the UNLV’s School of Nursing and as a member of the Anti-Black Racism Task Force. His recent research focuses on improving the academic trajectory of children and families from high needs communities through the examination of race, class, and literacy development. All of these factors are explored in relation to the school-to-prison pipeline, as well as teacher-student interactions that lead to conflict in PK-12 schools.
While Tarryn has covered a lot of educational ground in his academic career, judging by his prolific research and consistent publishing track record, it looks like he’s just getting started.
