Teacher Bio

My name is Kali Vadnais. I am originally from Michigan but I moved out to the Phoenix area in the summer of 2012 to start my teaching career here at the Laveen Elementary School District.  This year I am starting my 8th year teaching here in Laveen at Trailside Point. I did my undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University where I studies both elementary and special education with a minor in history. In the spring of 2016, I finished a masters degree at Grand Canyon University in the area of Autism. We have had a dramatic increase in the number of students coming into our district with the diagnosis of Autism. I enjoyed my program and I am excited to use new techniques in the classroom to better serve my students.

I moved out to the Phoenix area after meeting my principle at a teacher fair at Central Michigan University where I did my undergrad. Our principle, Sarah Zemburski, told me that it was 90 degrees in January and I was sold. The snow is not for me despite growing up in a cold place like Michigan. My immediate family (mom, dad, little sister) still live in Michigan. Soon after moving to Phoenix  I adopted my dog, Tink, who sadly passed away in the spring for 2017. I miss her everyday, but I am happy to announce I have adopted another dog from the same shelter in the west valley. His name is Huckleberry and he is the cutest. When I am not at school I enjoy staying active, I attend a kickboxing/circuit training gym multiple days a week after the school day ends. I also enjoy hiking Arizona’s beautiful mountains, hanging out with my friends, binge watching shows on Netflix and reading books for fun. I look forward to working with you all during this school year.