April 17, 2020
215 Antelope Ridge Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89138 | Phone: 702-799-1420 | Fax: 702-799-1421
Welcome to Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis Elementary School! My name is Paul Catania and I couldn’t be happier to be the principal of such a wonderful school community. I am very excited to be kicking off another year in such an amazing school. I taught special education from 2001-2007 and have been an administrator since 2008, having spent my entire educational career within the Clark County School District.
At the age of eight, my family relocated from Queens, New York to Las Vegas, where I went to Doris Hancock Elementary School, Garside and Cashman Middle Schools, and Clark High School. Upon graduating high school, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Advertising and hold two master’s degrees in Special Education and Educational Administration.
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Originally from the business sector, I worked as the director of marketing, advertising, and public relations prior to entering the world of education. I became a special education teacher after a friend encouraged me to visit his classroom and, needless to say, I fell in love with the idea. I served as a special educator at Kermit Booker, Sr. Empowerment Elementary School, as an assistant principal at Harvey Dondero Elementary School, and embarked upon my journey as a principal at John W. Bonner Elementary School in summer of 2010, where I spent 7 years. I have been very fortunate to work with a tremendous school community that yielded high levels of sustained growth and achievement, culminated by the prestigious honor of being designated as a National Blue Ribbon School. These achievements only came from a shared vision and collective hard work.
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I am happily married to my wife Kimberly and have two wonderful boys (Joey and Nick), who have made our life complete and have played a role in my premature grey hair (haha). I enjoy staying active, love all sports and have a passion for the arts. My hobbies include drawing, painting, media arts, computer technology, horseback riding, traveling, watching movies, exercising, and most of all entertaining children of all ages (including adults).
As educators, it is our duty to motivate students to always do their best. I believe in creating a culture where the memories and experiences from elementary school will leave a lasting impression. Not only is it our duty to provide a safe, engaging and challenging environment for students to learn, but it is imperative to cultivate strong connections and relationships between teachers, students, and parents.
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There is no secret to success; it comes with hard work and dedication. Our team includes a spectacular group of educators and we are so very excited to offer our students a once in a lifetime elementary experience. I am very proud and grateful to the school community and ask you to join our vision, which is to create the most amazing school in the world. I invite you to unite as a team of full-time partners to collaboratively help all of our children to become all that they can be.
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It is my honor to be your principal and I look forward to another exciting and successful year filled with unique field trips, after school activities, amazing school functions, and a once in a lifetime educational experience!
Thank you for all that you do for children,
Paul Catania
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Aimee Levy - Assistant Principal
Hello! My name is Aimee Levy and I am thrilled to be a member of the Vassiliadis family as an assistant principal! I am honored and proud to call myself a Cub and be a member of this incredible community.
This year will be my 21st year as an educator here in CCSD. Throughout my career, I have taught grades 1st-4th at Dondero Elementary, and served as an instructional coach and strategist at Bell, Wasden, and Derfelt Elementary Schools. In 2017, I had the privilege of being part of Vassiliadis’ inaugural staff, having assisted in building the foundation of this dynamic school before being promoted to assistant principal at Marion Earl Elementary in 2021.
I was born in Hollywood, Florida, went to high school in St. Charles Illinois, and moved to Las Vegas after graduation. I am a proud UNLV graduate with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration. I am happily married to my husband Barri and we share two children. Our daughter, Ava, is a former Cub and is currently in High School at Palo Verde! Our son, Ari, is also a former Cub and is currently in Middle School at Sig Rogich. We love to travel, watch movies together, go out to dinner, and cheer on our Golden Knights! My personal hobbies include working out, reading, and spending way too much money shopping online!
Education has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I believe that students and staff thrive in positive, collaborative, and inclusive environments that challenge them to be their personal best and that is exactly what Vassiliadis embodies. I am so excited to continue to foster the relationships built between the school and the community and contribute to the ongoing academic success of Vassiliadis Elementary! Go, Cubs, Go!
Aimee Levy
Nestor Pineda - Assistant Principal
Hello! My name is Nestor Pineda and I love being a part of the Vassiliadis team as an assistant principal! I am very eager and honored to help serve this amazing community.
This year will be my 13th year as an educator here in CCSD. Throughout my career I have taught 4th and 5th grades, served as an instructional coach & strategist, and have been a school administrator.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas and continued my education at UNLV with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I received my two Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Curriculum & Instruction from Grand Canyon University. In my spare time, I love to travel with my family to Hawaii, but you can most likely find me at a Disney park or Disney Cruise!
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I am proud to be a product of CCSD and it is my goal to ensure that families feel the same when they entrust us with their children. It is my belief that a strong staff that is led with empowerment can assist students develop a passion for learning that will follow them thoughout life. I strongly believe that Vassiliadis does just that and I am proud to be a part of their journey. While I may be a Dodgers fan at heart, I proudly root for the Vassiliadis Cubs!
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Nestor Pineda
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Heather Musni - Assistant Principal
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Hello Cubs! My name is Heather Musni and I am so excited to be back at Vassiliadis as a Cub. I was part of the inaugural staff in 2017 where I taught Kindergarten and then transitioned to the Read By Grade 3 Strategist. I spent four years at Vassiliadis before becoming an administrator.
I was born in San Diego, California, but moved to Las Vegas before starting Kindergarten. I am a product of CCSD and have had some outstanding educator mentors shape my career. I received both my B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in 2001 and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Literacy in 2006 from UNLV. In 2014, I received a second Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration.
This will be my 24th year in the district and I have been an administrator for the past two years. I have taught grades kindergarten through 3rd grade and was also a special education resource teacher. Kindergarten was my favorite grade to teach and I spent 15 years teaching kindergarten before becoming a strategist.
I am married to Mr. Musni (YES, the former PE teacher). He is now the PE teacher and football coach at Liberty High School. I have three children, Jaxson (24), Jarrett (22), and Zoe (18) and a grandson Banx (1). We also have a French Bulldog named Paisley. Sports is LIFE in our house and we enjoy watching and attending football games. However, you can always find me back in Cali at the beach during my time off.
I am an avid reader and love exploring literature with students to enhance their love for reading. I believe students and staff have a love for school and work when their environment is engaging and memorable. Students learn best when their full potential is realized and they have the encouragement from their teachers to explore their passions. I believe with your cooperation and encouragement Vassiliadis will continue to be the best place possible for your child(ren). Go Cubs Go!!!
Heather Musni
Click on the sections below for past articles or videos of interest.
Mr. Catania the Artist
Click on the pic to see him in action
2011 Principal of the Year
2011 Inside Education Interview
2012 Ranked Top School in the District
2014 National Blue Ribbon School Award at Bonner ES
