The IDEA School employs life-long learners who are committed to our philosophy, engaged in the practice of inquiry, and bring a special combination of experience, skills, talents, and passion to the table for the benefit of our students and their families. If you feel that you would be a great fit for our school, or wish to volunteer, let us know
COLLABORATOR STAFF
Marissa Amezcua, Early Childhood
Caitlin Rathbun, Lower Elementary
Caitlin was born in Tucson and spent most of her childhood growing up in Yuma, AZ. She has called Tucson home since moving back to attend the University of Arizona in 2010, where she studied Elementary Education. After graduating from UA, Caitlin put down roots at a local public school, where her love for teaching grew during her first 7 years as an educator. In addition to teaching 1st and 2nd grade, she also participated in after-school tutoring programs as well as leading a mindfulness and yoga class for children ages 5 to 10. Caitlin has been part of the IDEA family since joining as a collaborator in 2022.
In her free time, Caitlin volunteers with a women’s rock climbing non-profit, whose goal is to provide an inclusive and safe space for women within the climbing community. She can also be found biking in the beautiful mountains that surround Tucson with her friends and traveling with her partner Carlos and their two pups- Bowie and Atlas.
Caitlin is thrilled to have the opportunity to join the IDEA community for another year and to engage in meaningful learning experiences with your children.
Clint Baker, Upper Elementary
Clint grew up in Phoenix, Arizona but moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, studying English and Creative writing. After finishing his Bachelors, he returned to the U of A to pursue a Master’s of Education. After completing his education he spent many years in the craft coffee world, tasting great coffees and serving beautiful cappuccinos and becoming closely familiar with the Tucson community.
During his stint in coffee, Clint had the opportunity to explore much of the southwest, seeking out remote thorn-choked canyons and shady banks to hang a hammock. Bringing along his two dogs, Bubble and Billie, he was able to survive run ins with snakes, angry deer moms, countless lost water bottles, three broken water filters, rock falls, hailstorms, and even the occasional burnt marshmallow.
In his free time, Clint still loves spending time outdoors camping, rock climbing, and adventuring with his pups. At home, Clint spends his free time cooking and binge reading non-fiction books. He loves music of all sorts and has recently taken on learning the banjo.
About joining the IDEA school Clint says “I am so excited to be a part of a community of learners and teachers that truly centers the experience of the students. The inclusiveness, the empathy, and the care that goes into this school really inspires me to be my best self and has made me fall even more in love with the Tucson community.”
Zack Armstrong, Middle School 
Zack loves to learn and has dedicated his life to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. An Arizona native, he has lived and traveled worldwide, but the Sonoran Desert always calls him back.
Born and raised in Phoenix, he then got wise and attended the University of Arizona where he received a BA in Creative Writing and English Literature in 2001. For the last 9 years, he has taught English, mostly to 5th graders. He also taught history and English to grades 8-10.
After college, he moved to Chicago to study improv comedy at the Second City, IO, and Annoyance theaters. For the last 8 years, he has been an instructor and performer at the Tucson Improv Movement and spent 3 years as director of the comedy school.
He ran away to join the circus in the Pacific Northwest in 2005 and has more than 15 years experience teaching and performing juggling, clowning, and other circus arts at camps, libraries, and festivals with Cirque Roots, the WonderFools, and more.
Zack learned Spanish and Portuguese while juggling his way through South America and was lucky enough to perform in the Spanish-speaking improv troupe, ¿Como se Dice?, from 2017-2020.
When not facilitating education, he can be found hiking on trails, biking on streets, reading, writing, publishing, editing videos, trying to be funny, or any combination therein.
“I’m ecstatic to work at the IDEA School! I can’t wait to learn, share, and collaborate with so many wonderful humans.”
Dalziel Dominguez, Lead Collaborator
Dalziel is a Southwest native originally from Yuma, Arizona. He came to Tucson in 2006 and was captivated by the rich Sonoran Desert that thrives in this region. He attended the University of Arizona where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry.
Before joining IDEA School, Dalziel worked as a tutor both in private and public school settings, working with a broad age range of students who were struggling and facilitating learning mostly around mathematics. At IDEA, Dalziel has developed his skills and expertise as the Upper Elementary co-collaborator, focusing on math, inquiry, and social-emotional learning, as well as movement and music.
Prior to becoming a classroom teacher, Dalziel worked with local and naturalized plants of the Southwest. In 2010 he completed the Sonoran Herbalist Apprenticeship program, which centered on learning how to work with local plants as medicine and food. He also worked as a gardener at the Tucson Botanical Gardens for a couple of years and lived on a local CSA farm learning organic and sustainable farming practices.
Sara Johnson, Exceptional Education Specialist and Librarian (Volunteer)
Sara is Jaime’s mom and has been a staunch supporter of the IDEA School since it was only an idea! After retiring from TUSD as an Exceptional Education Specialist with decades of experience in the classroom, Sara has devoted her volunteer time and energy toward helping the IDEA School mature and grow over the years. Sara provides professional development support around serving the needs of students with special needs, is our school librarian, and all-around #1 Volunteer. We are so fortunate to benefit from Sara’s passion and expertise. Thank you, Sara!
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Jaime Johnson, Director – jaime@explorebuildlearn.org
Jaime is a co-founder of IDEA School and serves as the Director of Curriculum and Student Services, in charge of the pedagogical vision and its implementation. She began her career teaching first grade and kindergarten in Tucson Unified School District, where she met the challenges of overflowing classrooms, narrow state standards, and report cards. At TUSD, she had an epiphany: To realize their full potential, children must be intrinsically motivated, but to preserve intrinsic motivation, education must be child-led and play-based. Informed and inspired, Jaime moved on to a private preschool, Second Street Children’s School, teaching two-, three-, and four-year-olds. This work, coinciding with the powerful experience of becoming a mother, gave her new insights into how children learn through active, purposeful play.
In 2011, Jaime co-founded Downtown Community School as a child-led, play-based preschool in Barrio Viejo. Her vision there was to support students in their discovery as they grow through the years. It is at Downtown Community School that the seeds of the IDEA School were planted.
Jaime’s role at IDEA School has evolved as we’ve grown, but her heart has always remained in the classroom. Today, Jaime supports her fellow collaborators with planning and assessment, works one-on-one with students who need extra support and leads daily classes in literature, language arts, and history, with an eye toward helping students build their empathy as well as their literacy and critical thinking skills. Jaime’s calling is to engage students deeply and productively within a safe environment in which they can take healthy risks and be themselves.
In addition to her administrative role, Jaime also teaches in the Upper Elementary and Middle School classrooms.
Jaime’s son, Tula, attended the IDEA School and is now in high school.
Brooke Sanders-Silverman, Donor Relations and Operations
Brooke, a Tucson native, was raised by parents who are dedicated educators and activists. Inspired by their example, she pursued her degree in education at Evergreen College, a university with a philosophy similar to that of the IDEA School. Her career began in early childhood education, where she taught for several years. Eventually, she founded and served as the director of a preschool in Southern Oregon, which prioritized learning through play and nurturing each child’s unique interests.
After to returning to Tucson, Brooke assumed the role of Director of Education at the Children’s Museum Tucson for a significant period. Subsequently, she was the Philanthropy and Engagement Officer at Habitat for Humanity Tucson. Brooke’s active involvement in the Tucson community extended to her participation on various boards and committees, including Ben’s Bells, the Primavera Foundation, and Literacy Connects.
In recent years, Brooke took a sabbatical to devote time to raising her daughter. In her leisure moments, Brooke enjoys camping, traveling, and practicing yoga. She also is an avid collector of vinyl records and disco balls.
Gaby Vidal, Administrative and Admissions Officer
With more than twelve years of administrative and managerial expertise in an educational environment, Gaby thrives on collaborating with families and connecting with students. She has worked in a handful of schools around Tucson. In her free time, Gaby finds joy in cooking, dancing, crafting, exploring farmers markets, and spending time in nature.
IDEA BOARD:
David Higuera, IDEA School Co-founder, Board Member
Katie Kurtin, Consultant, Board President
Clint Baker, IDEA School, Board Member
Faffs Riederer, City of Tucson, Board Member
Stephanie Castillo-Leon, Tucson Community School, Board Member
Ema Laehn, Business Owner, Board Member