Mrs. Cindy JensenCEO “Children are more receptive when they feel safe, loved, and excited to come to school. Journey is that place.” Cindy Jensen is a native of Las Vegas and a graduate from UNLV in Elementary Education. She has taught the full spectrum of education from public school, private school, even homeschool. In 2007 Mrs. Jensen, with her sister-in-law Becky, founded Journey Education based on the principles of individualized education, strong leadership and values.
Dr. Thursenia PorterPrincipal “As educators we influence the future by encouraging our students to aspire towards their dreams. Journey is a training ground where our students are given tools for life so they can go forward and make their mark in the world.” Dr. Thrusenia DeHart-Porter is an educator of over 30 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and later her masters and doctorate degrees in educational administration from UNLV. Dr. Porter’s experience ranges from classroom teacher to principal to superintendent. She has worked in education in the United States as well as abroad.
Mrs. Becky JensenChief Operating Officer “The character values incorporated throughout the day help students realize that they are a leader at school, home and in the community.” Mrs. Jensen has a bachelor's degree in applied business management from Brigham Young University Idaho. She is a cofounder of Journey Education where four of her five children attended. Education has always been a priority for Mrs. Jensen from the time she was young growing up in Montana. Mrs. Jensen is an avid learner and the author of Journey’s values curriculum.
Mr. Drew Office Manager “Journey feels like a big family where students, teachers, staff, and parents all support and care for each other. The teachers are amazing and really care about the students’ success and well-being. The kids are excited to be at the school every day. Journey feels like home.” Mr. Drew has 8+ years’ experience in business management which includes focusing on strategic planning, marketing, logistics and quality control. He graduated from one of the top federal universities in Brazil. Previously working as a booking manager in a New York talent agency, he had the opportunity to work with amazing musicians like the Temptations and Sting.
Ms. N. Wanner Administrative Assistant “Journey Education is a unique place built with each child’s best interest at heart. This is specifically what each faculty member at Journey creates for your child. While students are challenged academically, they are also taught the importance of compassion, empathy, love and kindness. My favorite thing about working at Journey is witnessing the children be accepting and kind to one another. When a new student enrolls, they aren’t the new student for long because everyone gives them a warm “Journey Welcome.” Ms. Wanner has lived in Las Vegas since 2013 where she enjoys spending time with her three grown children, reading, and being outdoors. She has an Associate's Degree in General Studies as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Metaphysics and is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. Ms. Wanner taught preschool for many years, including at the YMCA of Southern Nevada, where she still devotes her free time supporting the community.
Ms. R. MartinezKindergarten “The Journey family is a supportive community where everyone feels valued. This is a school where education goes beyond the classroom, as we work to prepare students to be thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate individuals.” Ms. Martinez has dedicated her teaching to kindergarten since 2015. She brings a wealth of hands-on experience and passion for early childhood education and loves helping children grow to their full potential. Her commitment for professional growth and her in-depth understanding of developmental milestones makes her a beloved educator.Ms. Martinez is a mother of two and enjoys pickleball and fishing with her family.
Mrs. Lance1st Grade “I feel blessed to be a part of Journey Education where it is a safe and happy environment. Classes are structured to meet the needs of every student, giving them the opportunity to grow and learn to the best of their abilities.” Mrs. Lance received her teaching degree from St. Cloud State college in Minnesota and began teaching there. She later moved to Las Vegas where she met her husband. She has two children and loves hiking, reading, crocheting, and knitting.
Mrs. Howard2nd Grade “My favorite thing about teaching is those Aha moments where the lightbulb turns on and is shining bright. It is a tickle to my heart! I am blessed to be a part of a wonderful team of teachers, administrators at Journey.” Mrs. Howard attended Arizona Western College and is a graduate of Arizona Computer Institute. She has been in education since 2008 and has taught in special education as an intervention specialist as well as grades second through 5th. Mrs. Howard grew up in Arizona, married her high school sweetheart, and is the mother of 4 children.
Mrs. Blackwell3rd Grade “I love that Journey truly individualizes every child’s education. This support helps them on their journey to being the best they can be.” Mrs. Blackwell has been an educator since 2006, including 5 years of homeschooling her own children. As a former dancer, Mrs. Blackwell loves to incorporate movement and music in her classroom. Her organization talent not only helps her classroom run smoothly, but has been an advantage to keeping the entire school beautiful.
Ms. Plummer4th Grade "I love teaching Journey students. My most important goal as a teacher is to create a family of learners! I am committed to implementing a classroom environment where each child is valued, trusted, and an integral part of the Journey family.” Ms. Plummer has a master degree in elementary education and curriculum and also holds a bachelor of science degree in the human services field. She has taught both 4th and 5th grades with CCSD. Ms. Plummer has lived in Las Vegas for over 30 years and considers herself a local. She is married and has a son who began attending Journey Education in 2021.
Ms. Swallie5th grade/ curriculum development “Every staff member is dedicated to the individual’s experience including the academic and emotional growth of each student. We all feel a sense of ownership and belonging at Journey. When we enter Journey we feel as if we are at home.” Ms. Swallie studied abroad at Karl Franzens Universität in Austria, then returned to the University of Utah to obtain two bachelor's degrees in German and linguistics. After living all around the world, Ms. Swallie, her husband, and their three children finally settled in Las Vegas, where she earned her masters of education from Western Governors University. Ms.Swallie has taught at Journey since 2013.
Ms. LisoskiMiddle School “Joining the Journey family has been one of the best experiences of my career. The small class sizes allow me to know each student individually and therefore better meet their needs.” Ms. Lisoski earned a bachelor of science in biology from Portland State University and later a master of arts in teaching from Concordia University Portland. Ms. Lisoski moved to Las Vegas in 2018 where she taught middle school science in CCSD for 4 years. She has two children and enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Southern Nevada.
Mrs. LeakeMiddle School “I am happy to be a part of the Journey family and work with amazing middle school students! I strongly believe in my students and know they are capable of anything they put their minds to.” Mrs. Leake earned her degree from the University of Georgia in 2004, and has been teaching ever since. She has worked with both middle and high school students in a variety of academic areas. She also has a gift for tutoring students in math and ACT prep. Mrs. Leake moved from Georgia to Las Vegas where she met her husband, Cody.
Mr. Adrangi Algebra I “Journey fosters an environment of friendship and diligence in its students. The Mathematics curriculum is strong and the students enjoy learning.” Mr. Adrangi is a graduate student at UNLV pursuing a PhD in engineering. He has always enjoyed teaching others and has worked as a math instructor in many capacities the past few years.
Mr. BrunoMusic “I'm incredibly happy and proud to be part of Journey Education as a music teacher where I get to share my passion for music with students kindergarten through 8th grade. Bringing music to young minds is an honor and I couldn’t ask for a better place to do what I love!” Mr. Bruno has a bachelor’s degree in music education from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. He brings over 20 years of teaching experience, including roles as a music coordinator, curriculum developer, and a social worker in underprivileged communities in Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Bruno has lived in Las Vegas since 2021 where he performs at Planet Hollywood Casino and with local bands.
Ms. Pinal PE “Journey Education celebrates individuality by encouraging students to pursue their unique interests. This creates an inclusive environment where students are empowered to be creative, authentic, and confident.” Ms.Pinal graduated with a degree in nutrition sciences from UNLV with a concentration in sports dietetics. She has been a personal trainer since 2019. Journey Education is her first job as a P.E. teacher, but it is only the beginning of a lifelong career of empowering and encouraging children to fuel their bodies and stay active!
Ms. AndrikaTeacher Aide “I love working at Journey because making an impact on children’s lives is important to me. At Journey I am given the opportunity to work with the students every day and watch them grow.” A Las Vegas native, Ms. Andrika graduated from Morris Academy east high school where she had her first experience working with children in the childcare room on campus. Following high school, she began working for CCSD as a safe key teacher with kindergarten through 8th grade children. Andrika’s love for children led her to join the Journey Education team.
