Lauren Banks
Lauren is a School Psychologist at Nevada City School of the Arts. She has a passion for supporting students’ emotional and psychological well-being. Lauren embarked on her academic journey at UC Santa Barbara, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological & Brain Sciences. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree in School Psychology from California State University, Chico where she graduated with distinction. This comprehensive program provided her with the knowledge and tools needed to make a positive impact on the lives of students, families, and the school community as a whole. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and cat, reading books, and traveling. Lauren is an avid traveler and has been to over 25 countries!
Ania Kapp
Ania holds a B.A. in Art from California State University, Hayward, and an M.S. in Special Education from National University, where she also earned her Education Specialist Teaching Credential. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Special Education.
ania.kapp@ncsota.org
Scott Mertz
Scott Mertz is a School Social Worker, School Counselor, and Specialist Instructor who comes to NCSA with over 16 years of experience working in education, community development, and child/youth mental health. From leading therapeutic wilderness trips to working as a teacher to facilitating comprehensive school counseling programs, Scott combines his background and training to best serve the needs of the NCSA community. He is personable, approachable, friendly, and truly cares about the students and families in the community. Scott also is an elective teacher at NCSA and teaches two middle-school electives called “Bike for Life” and “Thriving in the Wild”.
In his free time, Scott along with his family( his wife and partner of 23 years along with their 6th grader and 11th grader) are often traveling and exploring the Westcoast and beyond. His family also enjoys relaxing and exp all the recreation that the Northern Sierra has to offer. Scott is an avid mountain biker, tele skier, backpacker and pretty much enjoys all the wilderness adventure activities in between. Scott is also a ceramic artist and textile designer (fancy name for seamstress) who loves giving his handmade gifts to family and friends.
Erika Haynes
Erika grew up in the hills of a tiny town in Mendocino County amongst oak, manzanita, and madrone trees. Prior to her decade long career as a speech language pathologist, Erika has always enjoyed working in social occupations. In 1998, she received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Humboldt State University. Shortly after graduating from HSU, she taught preschool for many years in Marin County, before leaving to assist in therapy groups at the Kalmanovitz Child Development Center at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. In 2007, she returned to school for her master’s degree in Communicative Science and Disorders at Cal State East Bay. After receiving her degree, Erika worked in Bay Area schools for 6 years as an SLP before moving to Nevada County and working in Placer County school district for another 3 years. She very happily began her work at NCSA in 2020, and is overjoyed to be supporting students in the community she loves.
Erika has worked in a variety of class settings; from general education to moderate-severe special education classrooms, supporting students with needs in the areas of receptive/expressive/social language, fluency and articulation. She has received certification in Picture Exchange Communication (PECs), and has advanced training in Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) in order to support students who benefit from using other modes of communication aside from speech. Recently, Erika piloted a language intensive preschool program to provide early intervention services for students with mild-moderate communication disorders. Erika has implemented a variety of techniques in her therapy practice, including using music, visual supports, games, physical activity, and literature based curriculum. Currently, she is interested in better understanding how to support and involve neurodiverse students so that speech/language therapy nurtures a sense of self-esteem in a world that can be challenging and overwhelming to a neurodiverse brain.
On the weekends and during breaks, Erika spends her time gardening, hiking, and swimming in the river. Erika enjoys knitting while listening to audio books, wild crafting, herbalism, reading, cooking, baking, and hanging out with her husband, and wonderful menagerie of animals. She feels grateful and excited to be working at NCSA, a school that encourages growth, community and creativity.