Teachers

The Selle Valley Carden School is proud to have a dedicated team of six exceptional teachers who inspire a love of learning in our students. Our staff is highly qualified, meeting all teaching standards set by the Carden Foundation. Additionally, each teacher is certified in first aid and holds specialized qualifications in early education. To maintain the highest standards of teaching excellence, our educators regularly participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education, ensuring they stay at the forefront of effective teaching practices.

Stacy Happell, Middle School Teacher

I am a native of Sandpoint, the oldest of four children and was raised on the ranch where Selle Valley Carden School is located. I feel very fortunate to give to the students some of what I enjoyed as a child.

I attended NIC where I received my Child Development Associates Certificate. I love that I am able to grow up with my students, work closely with parents, and bring structured lessons that follow the specific interests of our class into the already highly individualized Carden Curriculum. Watching the children grow throughout the years and seeing their amazement and excitement makes me confident that I have made a positive difference in each of their lives. I am honored to have this opportunity as a teacher.

Melissa Peck, 4th and 5th Grade Teacher

I spent my childhood playing and working hard on the very ranch that Selle Valley Carden School sits on. I grew up exploring the outdoors, always looking for a new adventure, and could only imagine what our next discovery would be. Today I get to share some of that with my students.

I have been teaching now for 20 years and enjoy watching the children as they take the journey of learning. I love watching the little light bulbs pop on as they begin to understand and witness the excitement in their eyes, it is a truly amazing sight.

Heather Steele, 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher

I relocated to Sandpoint from Bend, Oregon, in 2001 and have had the privilege of being part of the Carden School community since 2011. As the youngest of five children, I always felt a deep calling to pursue a career in education.

With a degree in Child Development and certification as a Carden Teacher, I bring a strong foundation in fostering a love of learning in my students. I am passionate about inspiring curiosity, celebrating individuality, and supporting each child in reaching their full potential in their academic journey.

Shawna Myers, 1st Grade Teacher

I am a Sandpoint native and the youngest of 2 children. I was raised in the Northern Selle Valley area and grew up adventuring this beautiful place we call home.

My two children have been a part of the Carden family for six years now, and in 2020 I was blessed with the opportunity to join the wonderful world of teaching at Selle Valley Carden School. I have dreamed of being a teacher since I was a small child and feel so lucky to see the excitement of learning both in the classroom and outdoors where we spend much of our time experiencing the wonders of the world which God intended for us.

I am grateful to teach a classroom of children in a Christ centered environment through the Carden Method.

Lacelyn Benda, Kindergarden Teacher

I am a Sandpoint native and the oldest of nine siblings. I started teaching at Carden in 2023 and I’ve always had a passion for children. I was drawn to teaching because I believe every child deserves a safe, loving environment where they can grow and thrive. I’m dedicated to pouring the love of God into my students, creating a space where they feel supported not only academically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Watching my students grow and develop their skills is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, and I’m excited to continue helping shape their futures. My mission is to show them the love and kindness that I’ve been blessed with and help them see their potential to accomplish great things.

Aunika Day, Preschool Teacher

Hi there! Since 2018 I’ve had the privilege of supporting local families as a child care worker, birth assistant, volunteer, and teacher. I’m also a certified Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician and am continuing my education through Idaho State University’s online programs.

In 2024, I was honored to join the SVCS community as the preschool teacher. My passion is fostering understanding, connection, and a love of learning as I walk alongside children and their families toward a full and abundant life in Christ.

Jacob Kenyan, Music Teacher

Mr. Kenyon grew up in Hawai’i and started his musical career on the ukulele at age 11. He started learning guitar at 12, and piano at 16. He got his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Oregon in 2008, then he taught music lessons and classes in Hawai’i from 2008-2021. He moved to Sandpoint in 2022 and is currently teaching our students a love of music.

Madame Julie, French Teacher

Bonjour! In 2022 I moved to Sandpoint with my family to live a rural, outdoor lifestyle with traditional God-centered values. We were thrilled to enroll our children at Selle Valley Carden School and watch them blossom.

Educated with a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of San Diego I made a career in the hospital with a specialty in neurology. My professional life pivoted in Sandpoint and in 2024, I was delighted to join the Carden School as the French teacher. I grew up in a bilingual home. My mother is from Normandy France, and my childhood summers were spent there amongst family. I enjoy sharing my love of the French language with the students and hope to enrich their lives with the historic culture.

Jennifer Hudson, Art, Math, Assistant 4th & 5th Grade Teacher

I was born and raised in Hawai’i and relocated to Sandpoint in 2023, when my family and I were blessed to join the Carden School community. I have always been drawn to service-oriented roles, which led me to a career in mental health and education.

After enlisting in the United States Air Force in 2003, I earned a degree in psychology and worked as a counselor for at-risk and homeless youth before becoming a family case manager. In 2019, I transitioned into teaching and have worked with students from preschool through 8th grade in both public and private school settings. Over the past year, I have been training in the Carden Method.

I believe education thrives in a faith-based learning environment where both the mind and heart are nurtured. It is an honor to support each child in developing strong character, critical thinking skills, and a love for learning. My goal is to help students grow in the Fruits of the Spirit while providing them with the knowledge and experiences that will support them in discovering God’s calling for their lives.