Middle Schools

Mr. Bodensteiner-7th and 8th Grade Social Studies

My name is Todd Bodensteiner and this is my 17th year at Swope Middle School.  I have taught social sciences for 19 years, three in Las Vegas before moving north to Reno.  I studied at the University of Nevada and Sierra Nevada College and carry a Master's Degree in education and history.  My true passion is U.S. and European intellectual history with an emphasis on the relationship between sociology and history.  Almost every spring, I take students to Europe to explore, discover, and see the very history I teach throughout the year.  I have coached basketball at Swope Middle School and have previously coached men's varsity basketball at Wooster and Damonte Ranch High Schools as an assistant.  I played varsity basketball at Reno High School and played one season at the Junior College level.  I am married to Amy Carling Bodensteiner who is a school psychologist here in Washoe County.  We have two daughters who we love and cherish and enjoy raising our family in Reno.  We will remain with Washoe County until retirement.  In my free time, I enjoy activities with my daughters, reading history, gardening, running, and traveling. 

Ms. Commons-6th Grade ELA and Social Studies

Hi, my name is Nicole Commons, and I teach 6^th grade Magnet ELA and Social Studies. This is my third year at Swope.   I have a master’s degree in education and my AMS Montessori credential.  For nine years I taught at a public Montessori school in a 1^st ,2^nd, 3^rdgrade mix classroom, and for 3 years I taught in a SWAS 5^th/6^th grade classroom.  Once the SWAS program at Gomm was relocated I wanted to continue with 6^th grade and found a wonderful team to work with right down the street!  I do my best to create a welcoming and inviting classroom where all students feel they are heard and are comfortable learning.  Personally, I have 7 chickens, 1 puppy, 1 cat, and 1 tortoises. I enjoy gardening, hiking, and skiing in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.  I am a fierce supporter of our Gifted and Talented Kiddos.  I look forward to working with you to help your student be successful in Middle School.

Mrs. Hoy-8th Grade ELA and GT Challenges, Swope GT Magnet Lead

I started my professional life with a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno.  After several years spent in the business world, I discovered my true passion and mission in life was to be the teacher I wanted my children to have, and earned my teaching credentials through the Sierra Nevada College Teacher Certification Program in 2001.  I earned my GT endorsement in 2009 and joined the Magnet program during its inaugural year (2011) after having taught English at Vaughn MS for ten years.  As a third-generation educator, I’m continually working toward my goal of being ‘the toughest middle school teacher ever’ by joining the Northern Nevada Writing Project, winning a few teaching awards, serving on various educational advisory councils, and running a marathon all in the spirit of engaging students in the joys of the written and spoken word.  In 2022, I earned my National Board Certification in the teaching of Gifted Students. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, taking photos of my animals, traveling to exotic places, playing golf, and working out.

Mrs. HIlliard-Algebra I, Integrated I & II

Hello Swope families! My name is Kelly Hilliard. I am a Michigan Wolverine and am excited to be a Swope Panther as well! My education background is as follows: I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, I completed my master’s at Sierra Nevada College and this past year I earned my National Boards Certification in mathematics. I have taught high school for over 20 years and I am excited about teaching in the Swope magnet. I really enjoy mathematics and all of the patterns that we sometimes see and sometimes miss in the real world! For my life and hobbies – I walk my doggies, read about school and (other stuff!), and enjoy being outdoors and crafting. I have a wonderful family! My husband teaches high school English at McQueen, and both of my children participated in the SWAS and magnet programs and now attend college in Colorado and Oregon.

Mrs. Little-7th Grade ELA and GTC

Hello there! I currently teach 7th grade ELA and GT Challenges, but over the years have also taught Creative Writing, OLE Health, and 6th grade GT Challenges. This year will cement my 6th year at Swope Middle School and 7th year teaching Gifted and Talented students. In my free time, I play Dungeons and Dragons, read, write, and spend time with my friends. One of the things I cherish most about teaching Gifted and Talented students is the opportunity to hear their creative ideas, motivate them to strive for excellence, and emphasize the importance of kindness within a competitive academic setting.

Mrs. Matilainen-6th Grade GT Science; Leadership Advisor

Hello!  My name is Jennifer Matilainen.  I will be teaching 6th Grade GT Science, 6th Grade Science and 7th/8th Grade Student Leadership this year.  This will be my fifth year at Swope and sixth year with WCSD.  Before I taught in Reno, I taught in downtown San Jose for seven years, four years with an International Baccalaureate elementary school.  I graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Communicative Disorders and Science and received my teaching credentials from Cal State Monterey Bay.  During the summer of 2020, I earned my GT endorsement and joined the Swope GT Magnet crew.  Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Education in STEM Education at the University of Nevada, Reno with a graduating date of May of 2024. During my Master's studies at UNR, I was a part of the intense RET program for Cybersecurity in the summer of 2022. In my down time, I am spending time with my family; relaxing, camping and dreaming of our travels in the summer of 2024.  Looking forward to another year in the Swope GT program!

Mrs. Randall-6th Grade Math and GTC

My name is Cindi Randall. I am teaching Accelerated Math 6, GT Challenges, and Math 6. This is my 4^th year teaching math at Swope MS. I have a master's degree in mathematics education. I have taught 4th, 5th, and 6^th grade, Integrated I, Integrated II, Algebra II, and adult education at WNC. I love to learn about new and engaging ways to teach math! I was selected to be part of the Rosenthal Summer Institute in New York this summer and am so excited to implement these hands-on lessons with your kids this year.

My husband and I have two adult children who were both in the GT program in Carson City. We are fortunate they are both living in Reno, so we can spend time together. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, running, paddle boarding at the lake, watching plays and musicals, and reading.

Ms. Wilbrecht-7th and 8th Grade Science