Staff

Founder, Director, Special Educator

Emily Holly, an Arizona native, lives in Camp Verde with her three beautiful children and partner, Weston.  She moved from Phoenix about 7 years ago and loves the Verde Valley.  She worked for the local school district and then started a private school in Cottonwood in 2016, Cupertino Power Learning Academy with a local family.  In 2019 she founded RISE and feels grateful for the support from the community and for the amazing staff and families that she spends time with each day.

Business Manager

Sarah Mathews moved from Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Arizona in 2015. During her time in Phoenix, she met her husband, a Northern Arizona native. Sarah relocated in 2017 to Camp Verde, where she currently resides with her husband, three children and many animals. Sarah enjoys crafting, baking and spending time with her family.

Vice Principal 

 Alicia Slaughter, an Arizona Native, Lives in Camp Verde with her husband of 18 years and her 2 daughters. She has been a part of RISE for three years. Her hobbies include Reading and spending time with her family and friends. 

IEP Coordinator 

 Angel Gilbert is a Verde Valley Native who graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Sciences and Disorders along with a Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant Certification and is State licensed as an SLPA. She has been part of the RISE time for three years. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids as well as crocheting.

Preschool Admissions Coordinator

 Curriculum Director, Yoga Wellness Facilitator 

 Deeply believing in the transformative power of the mind-body connection, Ana Camacho Hansen is an experienced and certified children's yoga instructor, teacher, author, and speaker dedicated to fostering body awareness in special needs individuals. Through mindful movement and breathwork, she guides RISE students toward a deeper understanding of themselves and greater ease in their bodies and minds. Ana Camacho Hansen has been teaching yoga in the Verde Valley since 2010. She has been a certified teacher since 2001. She is excited to be part of RISE leadership team and staff.