“We are what repeatedly do.Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit”
CALL US: (520) 625-3502 X 1564 or 1565
Heather Manzonelli
Inclusion Teacher at SHS
Heather began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. She took an interest in teaching at the young age of twelve and was influenced by two special people in her life, her sister’s reading teacher, Ms. “Belles” Bellisario, and her younger sister Ashley. Heather is beginning her 6th year as a special education inclusion teacher where she teaches students with cognitive disabilities daily living skills that will help them to be as independent as they can be in order to be successful as they transition into the community. Heather holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, and a certificate in Special Education Mild-Moderate Disability, Cross Categorical from Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ. Before taking her position as a special education teacher, Heather spent 11 years as a Program Manager for professional development classes at the University of Pittsburgh. When Heather is not teaching, she enjoys traveling back east to visit family and hiking throughout Arizona.
Nelly Sanchez
Inclusion Teacher
Ms. Nelly was born in El Salvador in Central America and moved to California when she was 27 years old. When Nelly got married, her and her husband moved to Tucson, AZ where she decided to go back to school and work on her teaching degree. Nelly’s passion for teaching started when she was 16 years old while teaching in her community church. Due to extreme conditions of the educational system in El Salvador, Nelly decided to go in a different direction. Nelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from The Universidad Tecnologica de El Salvador and a Bachelor’s degree in Special education-Cross categorical K-12 from University of Arizona. Nelly was hired at Sahuarita High School while completing her student teaching at Sahuarita Primary School. Nelly will begin her 4th year as special education teacher where she teaches students with Intellectual disabilities. As a special education teacher, Nelly works with her students to be as independent as possible to prepare them to transition into the community. Some skills that Nelly works on with her students is; functional academics such as reading, writing and money concepts, social skills such as following rules and obeying laws; and practical skills such as routines, housekeeping and safety in order to function in everyday life situations. In her free time, Nelly enjoys camping with her family. Nelly grew up going camping with her church. Camping has become a habit for Nelly as it is a way to relax, spend quality time with her family, and enjoy nature outside of the classroom.