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NVTESOL

​The NVTESOL board consists of passionate educators from various sectors. Learn more about our committee members below!

Meet the NVTESOL Committee 

Valerie Seals - President

Valerie Seals is a K-12 English Language Development (ELD) Regional Trainer with the Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program and the President of NVTESOL. With a passion for supporting educators and multilingual learners, she provides professional development, coordinates the ELAD Endorsement Program, and empowers teachers to create equitable learning environments. Valerie is dedicated to fostering collaboration and advocating for Nevada’s diverse student population.

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Vanessa Mari - Past President

Dr. Vanessa Mari has worked as an English teacher for the past 8 years. She started her career teaching English as a second language in a public high school in Puerto Rico. Dr. Vanessa Mari has also taught in diverse academic settings including the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez, the University of Texas San Antonio and The University of Piura. She has also collaborated with the Ministry of Education in Peru as the English Language Fellow. 

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Michael Mantyla - Membership Development

Michael Mantyla earned his bachelor's degree in Integrated Social Studies from Kent State University. He later pursued his passion for language education, obtaining a master's degree in English Language Learning from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

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Michael began his teaching career in rural southwest Alaska, where he had the privilege of living in Yupik villages and working exclusively with multilingual Yupik students. His experiences there deepened his understanding of language development and the power of multilingualism. After leaving Alaska, he transitioned to teaching in eastern Las Vegas, where he continues to support emergent bilingual students in a middle school setting. Michael remains dedicated to fostering inclusive, engaging, and linguistically affirming learning environments where all students can succeed.

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​​Juan Plancarte Hernandez - Communications & Archives

Juan Plancarte Hernandez is an accomplished educator and advocate for English Learners (ELLs), serving as the Committee Chair for NVTESOL's Communications and Archives Committee and the ELL Facilitator and Strategist at Canyon Springs High School. He has led professional development sessions that empower teachers with high-leverage strategies to support diverse learners and has developed targeted intervention programs focused on WIDA preparation and self-advocacy for ELL students. A recipient of UNLV’s Project PUEBLO Most Innovative Action Plan Award, Juan continues to champion equity and inclusion through innovative practices that enhance student and teacher success alike.



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​​Lavon DeAnda - Collaboration & Networking Committee

LaVon DeAnda is a veteran teacher with over 20 years of experience. A proud New Mexico native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from New Mexico State University (2004), followed by a master’s in Special Education (2007). She also holds a TESOL endorsement, a minor in Dance Education, and is currently pursuing an endorsement in Curriculum and Instruction in Literacy.

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Throughout her career, LaVon has taught Special Education and General Education. Since moving to Las Vegas in 2014, she has focused on literacy instruction and supporting multilingual learners. She believes teachers should never stop learning and is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can succeed. Today, she teaches middle school ELA and ELL classes.

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​​Stephanie Ramirez - Delegate-At-Large

Finally, I said to myself after 13 long years on this journey we call “life.” I finally get to teach! I’ve been chasing this dream since 2nd grade. Growing up in an immigrant household where the odds were often stacked against me, I chose to rewrite my story. My goal has always been to break generational chains emotionally, financially, and academically.

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Today, I have the honor of teaching 7th grade history and English Learners (newcomers) at Jim Bridger M.S. Middle school wasn’t my plan, it was my first student teaching placement. I had envisioned teaching 12th grade government, since I studied Political Science, but life had other ideas. Needless to say, I love teaching 7th graders and matching their high energy.

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I grew up in Yuma, Arizona, a small town where everyone knows everyone and most who leave eventually return. I earned my Associate’s in Political Science from the College of Southern Nevada, then my B.S. in Secondary Education with a minor in Political Science from UNLV. Now, I’m back at UNLV pursuing my Master’s in English Language Studies to better advocate for English learners.

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I joined NVTESOL two years ago and am passionate about being a voice for the ELL community, having once been in their shoes. When I’m not working, I love to work out, hike, read, travel, and try new restaurants!

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Elizabeth Adler - Delegate-At-Large

Bio coming soon. 

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