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Meet the Team
The teachers and staff of Doris Hancock Elementary School are committed to the success of our students. Our diverse team is not afraid of trying new things and making school effective, safe and fun.
At Hancock, we are not afraid of adapting with time. That is why we are utilizing the latest teaching trends and technology. Our entire student body is 1 to 1. That means every single student has either a Chromebook or an iPad, giving them access to digital resources like Canvas, Clever and more.
MISSION
All students achieving exceptional academic growth in a collaborative learning environment.
MOTTO
“Soaring High on the Wings of Excellence”
Administration
Sarah Payne
Principal
Principal Payne has had the honor of serving as the principal of Doris Hancock Elementary since July of 2019. Before coming to Hancock ES, Principal Payne served students in CCSD as an assistant principal, learning strategist, and classroom teacher for over 14 years. Principal Payne is committed to working closely with the teachers, parents, and students to ensure that all of the students at Hancock ES make exceptional academic growth.
Sandra Zurbriggen
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Zurbriggen has been in education for over 13 years as a classroom teacher and learning strategist. Mrs. Zurbriggen joined the Hancock team in 2018 and is excited and honored to now serve as assistant principal. She is already connected to the students and staff at Hancock ES and is dedicated to ensuring that our students have access to the education they deserve.
Our Faculty
Administration and Staff
Sarah Payne
Principal
I love working at Hancock ES because we have the best school community! Our students are hard workers that care about each other and always strive to do their best. I love listening to students to hear what they are learning about and their life goals.
Favorite Drink: H2O
Fave. Fast Food: El Pollo Loco
Marjorie Meana-Strong
Office Manager
I have worked at Doris Hancock for 16+ years now. I was a Health Assistant before becoming the Office Manager . I love working at Hancock for it’s laidback, yet helpful and compassionate group of people and atmosphere. We have an amazing Staff who are always willing to go above and beyond with students, their team,… a work family atmosphere.
Debbie Graham
Office Aide
I work in the office as an Office Specialist. I enjoy interacting with all the staff & students. The office staff & administration are great to work with. It makes the day a better one.
Favorite Drink: Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit, Coca Cola or water
Fave. Fast Food: Canes
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Marcus Marshall
FASA
Brian Zawid
Social Worker
I have been a School Social Worker in the field for 20 years. I’ve worked at CCSD for 11 yrs and I’ve worked at Hancock ES for 4 yrs. Love working at Hancock because of the our great staff and wonderful kids who keep things fun and entertaining!
Favorite Drink: Lemonade, Gatorade
Fave. Fast Food: El Pollo Loco
Cameron Laidlaw
Sub-teacher
I have been teaching for over 10 years and enjoy helping students achieve their academic goals. I moved to Las Vegas 4 1/2 years ago from Breckenridge, Colorado. Dogs and hippos are my favorite animals. Cycling is my daily "to do" and I love to laugh :)
Favorite Drink: Water
Fave. Fast Food: El Dorado Cantina
Sandra Zurbriggen
Assistant Principal
I am originally from Florida where I began my teaching career and have been a part of CCSD since 2013. I am dedicated to our students' education and improving the lives of children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and cheering on the Florida Gators and Vegas Golden Knights!
Favorite Drink: Dutch Bros. Golden Eagle Freeze
Fave. Fast Food: Anything with fries or chips
Silvia Favela-Arrieta
Clerk
My name is Ms. Silvia, I was born in Mexico and have lived in Las Vegas since 2003. I have 3 beautiful children, two whom attend CCSD schools. Some of you might remember me from when I was the library aide , and now I am happy to be our School clerk. I truly have a passion for helping families with whatever is needed, and look forward to helping many more families to come!
¡Hola familias de Hancock! Mi nombre es Ms. Silvia, nací en México y vivo en Las Vegas desde 2003. Tengo 3 hermosos hijos, dos de los cuales asisten a las escuelas de CCSD. Algunos de ustedes me recordarán de cuando era ayudante de la biblioteca, y ahora estoy feliz de ser la secretaria de la escuela. ¡Realmente tengo una pasión por ayudar a las familias con lo que sea necesario, y espero poder ayudar a muchas más familias por venir!"
Karen "Ria" Bangayan
Nurse
I started working for CCSD Health Services Division in 2006. This is my 13th year as Hancock ES school nurse. As in previous years, my goal is the seamless provision of health/nursing services to Hancock students and staff to ensure their safety and well-being on campus.
Favorite Drink: Starbucks Salted Caramel Frap (non fat milk)
Fave. Fast Food: Cafe Rio/Zuppas
Kelly Cano
Strategist Team
I have been teaching in the Clark County School District for 11 years. I have 4 kids ranging from 8-3 years old and my husband is also a teacher in the school district. I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade and 4th grade. This year I am working as a math and technology strategist. I absolutely love seeing all of the kids everyday and helping them to be mathematicians and technology masters. Hancock is such a fantastic community where all of the students and staff are so friendly and kind. I love getting to know each and every student!
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Azaria Jackson
Custodian
Pre-Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Zuko (Woody) Garcia
Pre-K Teacher
I love being a teacher. I am so excited to begin the 2021-2022 school year.
Favorite Drink: Coke
Fave. Fast Food: Five Guys
Fave. Snack/Candy: Trail Mix
Amber Dushman
Kinder Teacher
Paula Melo
Kinder Teacher
Welcome to Kindergarten! I'm happy to be starting my 8th year of working with Kinders! I have spent 16 years working in the Clark County School District both as a substitute teacher and regular classroom teacher. Prior to teaching, I have three grown children: two are teachers and one has just finished medical school. Mr. Melo and I have two new additions to our family! Their names are Lola and Alfie and they are 6 pound chihuahuas! I enjoy exercising and reading when I'm not busy with school. I'm looking forward to having a great school year ahead!
Favorite Drink: Diet Coke
Fave. Fast Food: McDonalds
Fave. Snack/Candy: Popcorn
Nathaly Landa
1st Grade Teacher
I graduated in December 2020 from UNLV with a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been married to my husband for over six years and I have 1 son. I am also a fur-mom to two dogs. I love being creative and artsy. I am a very proud Latina that enjoys listening to Latin Music.
Favorite Drink: Diet Dr. Pepper
Fave. Fast Food: Sonic
Fave. Snack/Candy: KitKat
Alonzo Dean
1st Grade Teacher
I am a very vibrant easy going person that loves to laugh and have fun. I enjoying doing outdoor activities in my spare time, such as hiking and longboarding. When I'm not working hard in education, I am spending time with my family.
Favorite Drink: Apple Juice
Fave. Fast Food: Rubio's Costal Grill
Fave. Snack/Candy: Gummy Bears
Robin Salisbury
2nd Grade Teacher
Hello, I am Mrs. Salisbury. I am so excited to be your teacher for this school year. Let me tell you a little about me. I have been teaching for 17 years. Most of teaching experience is in the primary grades. I have been married for 22 years and my son just turned 21. I have a pet beagle named Mickey. In my free time I like to read and go to the beach.
Favorite Drink: Diet coke
Fave. Fast Food: Zabas
Fave. Snack/Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Sarah Green
3rd Grade Teacher
I have lived in Las Vegas since I was 9 and I completed my public education in CCSD schools. I am happy to be able to teach in the school district I grew up in. I enjoy building positive relationships with students and hope to make a difference in their lives.
Favorite Drink: Coffee
Fave. Fast Food: Five Guys
Fave. Snack/Candy: Rice Krispies
Riley Knauf
5th Grade Teacher
Sara Dolson
5th Grade Teacher
I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and received my bachelor's degree from UNLV in Anthropology. I started teaching in 2017 when I enrolled in the ARL program at UNLV and obtained my teaching license in 2020. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and rock climbing.
Favorite Drink: grapefruit juice
Fave. Fast Food: In n Out
Fave. Snack/Candy: Dark chocolate
Cathy Scott
4th Grade Teacher
I have been teaching for 20 years now, and it is my passion. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, reading and playing games on my phone. I have lived in Las Vegas since 2013, and before that I lived in Texas.
Favorite Drink: Ice Tea
Fave. Fast Food: Cane's
Fave. Snack/Candy: Chocolate and Fruit
Kelsey Grill
Pre-K Teacher
I am new to Las Vegas, after living in various places across the county. I am very excited to be here and spend another year teaching prekindergarten! Outside of school I love walking around and exploring, cooking, relaxing, and talking to my family.
Favorite Drink: Diet Pepsi
Fave. Fast Food: Jimmy Johns
Fave. Snack/Candy: Snickers
Candy Lowery
Kinder Teacher
I grew up in Las Vegas and California. I love sports: Baseball and Basketball are my favorites. I love reading and camping with my family and our 2 dogs. I am pursuing my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
Favorite Drink: Dutch Brothers or Bubbly
Fave. Fast Food: Chipotle or Canes
Fave. Snack/Candy: Butterfinger or Chips and Guacamole
Hannah Aguilera
1st Grade Teacher
I graduated from UNLV with a bachelors of science in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy being creative and love to paint. In my free time I love to cook and try new foods, and spending time with my dogs Charlie and Clementine.
Favorite Drink: Lemonade
Fave. Fast Food: In-n-out
Fave. Snack/Candy: Popcorn
Ann Lehner-Marra
2nd Grade Teacher
I’m originally from AZ, and I’ve been married for 36 years. My husband and I have two grown children. We’ve lived here in LV for 9 years. I’ve lived in 7 different towns/cities in the US, and 3 towns/cities in Chile and Peru. I love: teaching 2nd Grade, spending time with family and friends, my 2 dogs, gardening, swimming, cooking/entertaining, reading, and traveling.
Favorite Drink: An iced skinny latte with 2 pumps of sugar free vanilla.
Fave. Fast Food: Freddy’s Custard and Steakburgers
Fave. Snack/Candy: Plain Lay’s Potato Chips
Kat Banks
2nd Grade Teacher
My name is Mrs. Banks. I am so excited for this school year! I have been teaching for 15 years and absolutely love my job. I was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan. I received my Bachelors degree from University of Hawaii and my Masters from Touro University. I also have a TESOL endorsement. I am happily married to my wonderful husband, Reuben and together we have four grown children and four beautiful grandchildren. When I am not planning lessons, I love to cook. Lets work together to help your child succeed!
Favorite Drink: Green Tea
Fave. Fast Food: Burger King
Fave. Snack/Candy: Kit Kat
Veronica Dannaker
3rd Grade Teacher
I have been teaching for 15 years, and I truly love the daily learning experience I share with my students!
Favorite Drink: Ice-blended Coffee!
Fave. Fast Food: Canes
Fave. Candy: Reese's
Torion Rojas
3rd Grade Teacher
Teaching students has been in my family for many generations. I became an educator to educate and inform our future leaders. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with students and I like learning from my students.
Favorite Drink: Gatorade
Fave. Fast Food: Sonic
Fave. Snack/Candy: Skittles
Jenieca Tipay
5th Grade Teacher
Fave. Fast Food: Cane's Chicken
Fave. Snack/Candy: Nuts
Special Education
Carla Whitaker
SEIF
I am honored to be a part of Hancock as the Special Education Instructional Facilitator. We look forward to serving you!
Favorite Drink: Green Tea
Fave. Fast Food: In and out burger
Fave. Snack/Candy: Chocolate
Kat Mehocic
Psychologist
This is my fourth year at Hancock, and I love the team here! Most students will probably know me from my rabbits; I bring them to visit classes throughout the school year. I also enjoy dressing up, so Halloween week and spirit week are some of my favorite times of school year. I look forward to getting know our students again now that we are all back on campus!
Favorite Drink: Coke Zero
Fave. Fast Food: Del Taco
Fave. Snack/Candy: Snickers & Pringles
Nanette Vitug
Instructional Assistant
I like kids and I have 4 grown up/adult (37, 34, 33 and 24) kids of my own. Music is my happy medium. I love to sing, it helps me get through the day and makes me feel good too. Summer Hats are always a part of me and I wear it everyday.
Favorite Drink: Young coconut juice
Fave. Fast Food: In and out burger
Fave. Snack/Candy: Macadamia or Pistachio nuts
Ashlee Landahl
Primary Autism Teacher
Favorite Drink: Ice tea
Fave. Fast Food: Its rare for me to eat fast food.
Fave. Snack/Candy: Potato chips
Katrina Baesa
Intermediate Autism
Adaptable because classroom is unpredictable. Dedicated and compassionate teacher. Collaborate and communicate with parents for the success of their child. Find multiple ways to meet the varied needs of students along with different learning styles.
Favorite Drink: Diet Coke, Sweet Tea
Fave. Fast Food: Chick-fil-A
Fave. Snack/Candy: Hershey with almond
Candy Callender
Primary Resource
I currently work with students in grades K-3. This is my 5th year at Hancock Elementary and also my 5th year with CCSD. Prior to moving to Las Vegas, I lived and worked as a Special Education Teacher in Texas.
Favorite Drink: Coke
Fave. Fast Food: Canes
Fave. Snack/Candy: Twix
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Myrna Parrot
Speech Therapist
Favorite Drink: Dutch Bros Iced Carmelizer
Fave. Fast Food: Sonic
Fave. Snack/Candy: Chocolate and original Lays potato chips
Sloan Navarro
KIDS Program Teacher
This is my 20th year teaching and I look forward to coming to work every day! I enjoy my time with family. We like to attend sporting events and concerts.
Favorite Drink: Coffee
Fave. Fast Food: Del Taco
Fave. Snack/Candy: Nuts
Dana Delario
SPTA - Autism
I enjoy traveling with my husband and son, we try and visit a different baseball stadium every summer. I love to cook, shop, and decorate.
Favorite Drink: Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha
Fave. Fast Food: Chipotle
Fave. Snack/Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
SPTA - Intermediate Autism
Specialists
Lisa Riley
Music Teacher
I'm a violinists. I've been playing since I was real young. I love animals and I love to go camping and fishing.
Favorite Drink: Sparkling water. Any flavor.
Fave. Fast Food: Panda express
Fave. Snack/Candy: Fruit
Supplies I could use: Dry erase markers for my white board.
