Elissa Turpin

Ms. Elissa grew up in Washington state as the youngest of four children. During her years in elementary school, she developed a special passion for art and working with others. When she became an adult, she developed those passions by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. After her children were born she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in University Studies, which gave her a diverse education and skill set that has been a great benefit to her life. 

She is a proud mother of two sons, ages 9 & 5 that attend Alturas International Academy. Ms. Elissa and her sons love to dance, read, play outside, play board games, bake and ride bikes together. Her sons inspire her to live a life filled with learning and curiosity. Ms. Elissa also has a deep passion for helping animals and people in our local community. She runs a nonprofit animal rescue in Shelley, Idaho and loves to bring humans and animals together and help make each other's lives better.

Parenting her cherished sons, coupled with her experience doing animal education work in our community are what inspired her to become a teacher at AIA. Ms. Elissa considers the choice profession of providing quality education to children a great privilege and honor; one that she believes can help set children on an exceptional path for their whole lives. One of Ms. Elissa’s passions is helping children harness their natural gifts of curiosity and engagement in learning. 

She can’t wait to learn and grow with the students and staff at AIA and strive to be I.B. leaders and learners, together!

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

-BB King