~Meet the Sky Mountain Team~
Hi! My name is Jami Riley. I am thrilled to be a member of the Sky Mountain team. This position allows me to work closely with dedicated families focused on an innovative education method where parents make the choices for their children's education. I have been a classroom teacher for 6 years and have seen my own philosophy of education evolve as I have become a parent myself. I look forward to helping parents meet the diverse needs of their children. 
My name is Michele Johnson and I am so excited about this wonderful opportunity to work with home school families. I have been a teacher for 13 years and possess an M.A. in education. As a parent and an educator I see the need to provide kids with diverse educational opportunities that are tailored to their learning styles and needs. I am thrilled that such opportunities exist through Sky Mountain. I can’t wait to help families along their journey of educational discovery!
My name is Jana Smith and I am thrilled to be a part of the Sky Mountain team. I received my MA from Biola Unversity and have taught in both public and private school settings. I enjoy spending time with my family and working with our local community theater. It is my goal to provide quality education that will equip young people to face all of life's challenges.
My name is Kelly Whitehead, and I consider it an honor to work as an Education Specialist for Sky Mountain Charter School. I have taught in the public school system for the past 7 years, in both 2nd grade and at the adult school. I am married to a wonderful husband and have two adorable children. I look forward to working with families as they guide their children through their educational journey.
Hi! I’m Christina Glenn, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work with the families of Sky Mountain Charter School! I am a step-mother of two teenagers, and a mother of three elementary aged children. My husband and I are happy to be raising our children in the same community in which we grew up, even though it means enduring a few feet of snow every winter. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at the University of Redlands, and taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades in two different public schools. In the spring of 2009, I completed my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biology. I am passionate about education and about families pursuing the type of education that is best for their children!
Hi! My name is Monica Wilson and I am very excited to be an ES for Sky Mountain! Teaching has always been a passion of mine. After I graduated from Whittier College, I taught elementary school for 15 years. But for the past 18 years, I have been a stay at home mom to my son, Ryan. He will be attending Biola University this fall, majoring in film production. My husband, Jeff, Ryan and I love to travel, bike, hike and go to the movies. I have always loved learning and helping other to learn, so I look forward to working with Sky Mountain families to help them create the best opportunities for their children to grow and develop!
Hi, my name is Misoon Mitwalli. I have three years of teaching experience in a public school setting. I have taught in kindergarten and first grade classrooms. I have a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I look forward to working with families and assisting them in meeting their children’s goals. I am very excited to be a part of Sky Mountain Charter School!
Hi, my name is Genevieve Goeku and I am so excited to be an Educational Specialist with Sky Mountain Charter School. I received my B.A. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSULB. Over the last 14 years, I have taught grades K – 5 in the Orange County public school system. I look forward to working with SMCS families and students in helping them achieve their educational goals.
My name is Katrin Bath-Teal. I have a B.S. in Geography and a M.A. in Curriculum Development from CSU, Fullerton. I have taught for over seven years in a public school setting. The past few years I have been homeschooling my own children. I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve other homeschooling families, while still being able to spend time with and homeschool my own boys. I look forward to helping other families make the most of their homeschool experience.
Hi! My name is Christin Williams and I am thrilled to be an Education Specialist with Sky Mountain Charter School. I hold a Master of Arts in education and spent 9 years teaching Kindergarten and First Grade in a traditional classroom. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband, family and friends. I love baking, reading, jogging, traveling and am very involved in my church. I look forward to working closely with students and their families to provide and education that is fun, rewarding and allows them to reach their full potential.
My name is Jennifer Sanchez and I have been working in education for about 15 years. I especially enjoy teaching in an Independent Studies program, and the satisfaction I get from working one-on-one with students and their families.
My name is Amanda Larriva (Speelman). I am in my fourth year of teaching. I have taught in charter schools for two and a half of those years. I am highly qualified in Music and am very excited to be a part of the SMCS team.
Hello! My name is Lisa Hopkins and
I'm an Education Specialist with
Hi! My name is Keri Schneeweiss and I am excited and fortunate to be working with Sky Mountain Charter school and their families. This is my second year working with a homeschooling program. I worked in the public school system for 8 years and hold an M.A in the Art of Teaching. I truly appreciate being involved with parents and children and their dedication to a successful learning environment. I look forward to a successful year!
Hello! My name is Kiley Barton. I have a wonderful husband named Brian and two energetic boys, Jackson and William. I have been a part of the traditional public school system for nine years. I am excited to have been welcomed into Sky Mountain Charter School as an Education Specialist. I love the idea of working with families who take such an interest in their children's education. I look forward to meeting and working with these families. Our children truly guide us through new experiences everyday and I can't wait to be a part of those experiences.
Hello, my name is Christina Murray. I am very thankful to be part of the Sky Mountain team. I received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Master of Education from Hope International University. Prior to working for Sky Mountain, I spent over 6 years teaching in the Anaheim City School District. My husband and I have two boys, and love spending time together as a family. Working for Sky Mountain is an wonderful opportunity as each child has the chance to learn at their own pace and within their own learning styles. I am excited to walk alongside families, serving as a resource, and helping empower children to learn.
Hi, my name is Jaymee Stocks! I am thrilled to be a part of the Sky Mountain Charter School Team. I have a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, from Cal Poly Pomona. I also have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and am currently working on my Master's Degree in Education. I have spent the past five years teaching in the public school system. I greatly enjoy working with students and their families. I'm looking forward to a fabulous year!
My name is Melissa McDougall. I received a bachelor's degree in Spanish as well as my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State San Marcos. I am HOUSSE certified to teach all subjects K-12. Although I am new to Sky Mountain this will be my seventh year as an Educational Specialist, and I am excited to be working for SMCS! I am a mother of two (a three-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy). As a family, we enjoy going to the beach and having potlucks with friends and family. My mom home-schooled me 25 years ago without any help, so I enjoy partnering with parents to ensure a quality education for their children!
Hello, my name is Kara Willis. I am very excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team! I have my bachelor's in Child and Adolescent Studies and my master's in Education with an emphasis in Reading and Literacy. I also have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton. I have taught in a public school for 7 years. I am married and have a wonderful son who is 2 and beautiful 8 month old daughter. As a family we enjoy going to the beach, playing at the park and reading.
My name is Lourdes Ornelas. I started homeschooling my daughter when she began 3rd grade, and now she is a freshman in high school. Before that I was a teacher at a public school in grades 3, 4, and 5. I am married and have two children. I look forward to getting to know the families that I will be working with, and I hope that my experience as a homeschooling mom and public school teacher will be helpful to them as they educate their children.
Hi! My name is Alisa Barbosa and I am very excited to be a part of Sky Mountain. I have a BA in Liberal Studies and MA in Education from Claremont Graduate University. I have been teaching in the public schools for the last six years. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work more closely with parents, and helping them meet the diverse needs of their children.
My name is Gayoshi Rodrigo and I have been teaching for the past 11 years in both traditional and homeschool settings. I began my teaching career in Sri Lanka where I am originally from and came here to pursue a masters in special education and now this is my home. I have three children who keeps me busy with their schedules. We enjoy hiking and love to find new places to hike.
My name is Jenny Tetley and I am thrilled to be working with Sky Mountain school and their families. I worked in the public school system for eight years and I have a MA in the Art of Teaching. I am fascinated by the diverse ways students learn. I look forward to being involved with dedicated parents and children in their positive learning discoveries.
Hello. My name is Lisa Phillips. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Sky Mountain Team! I have previously worked as an educator in public school since 1999. I have worked in grades K-8. I can't wait to begin a new journey in educating students and helping parents along the way.
Hi! My name is Lisa Ross and I grew up around the Inland Empire. My education backround includes being an Outdoor Education teacher in the local mountains for 2 years, and then teaching at the elementary level for 11 years. I became a stay-at-home-mom when my daughter was born, but am now excited to be working alongside families who want to give their children the best home education possible! I am thrilled to be a part of the Sky Mountain Team!
My name is Poppy Perfect. I am a mother of 2, and started teaching in the traditional classroom in 2000. I have a BA in Liberal Studies, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an MA in Education-Curriculum and Instruction, all from CSUSB. I am very excited to be part of the Sky Mountain team and to have the opportunity to work with families who are as passionate about education as I am!
Hi, my name is Venessa Chase. I am thrilled to be a part of Sky Mountain Charter School and to be able to work closely with such dedicated families. I obtained my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU San Marcos and taught in both the public and private school settings. I have dedicated myself to my own children, and am excited to work alongside my families to help create the most rewarding educational experience for your child. My passion in life is education and I look forward to watching your child grow and succeed in their academic endeavors.
My name is Amy McCollum and I am very excited to be a part of Sky Mountain Charter School. My husband and I have one daughter and we love to hang out as a family, vacation in the mountains, and go hiking. I have worked in the classroom for five years as a middle school science teacher. I love education and am thrilled to be working on a more personal level with families and supporting their different learning styles. I have an MA in Education and I love to find ways to make learning fun. I look forward to a great year at Sky Mountain!
My name is Vanessa Gaspar and I am excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team. I have seven years teaching experience and I am National Board Certified in early childhood education. I am eager to support home school parents to meet the needs of their individual children.
Hi My name is Carrie Diedolf and I have been a classroom teacher for the past nine years. I have taught grades first, second and third. On my free time, I love spending time with my family, jogging, watching movies, and just relaxing. I have heard wonderful things about Sky Mountain and am very excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the families and students.
Hi, my name is Valari Reed. I am delighted to be a part of Sky Mountain’s team. With a Master’s Degree in Education, my experience in teaching ranges from elementary to high school. I have worked both in the public and private school settings, homeschooled my children for 9 years, and tutored several students. My desire is to make a positive difference in the lives of each family member I meet and help them achieve their goals.
My name is Shirley Linn. Over the years
I have been involved with different aspects of education including writing
curriculum and teaching classes from preschool to college. It is
particularly rewarding to work with homeschooling families as they
achieve their educational goals. What an opportunity it is to be part of a
team dedicated to the support and success of the homeschooling community.
Hi! My name is Janine Letherer and I have been an educator for 6 years working with Pre-K-2nd grades. I received my multiple subject credential at Azusa Pacific University and have expertise in theatre arts. I left my wonderful teaching job to stay home with my even-more wonderful daughters. As a homeschool mom I am thrilled to work with families who strive to give their children a quality education. I am excited to take up this new challenge with Sky Mountain Charter School and look forward to the years ahead.
My name is Candice Coffey. I had been teaching for five years and when my daughter was born last year it changed my life. It was important to me to be home with my little one but continue to work in the field of Education, so I was thrilled to hear about the exciting and innovative school, Sky Mountain. I look forward to working with families that find being home with their children just as important as I do as well as learning from those who have a different approach to education. My hope is that I can help make their child's learning fun and successful.
My name is Karen Amesse, and I am thrilled to be an Education Specialist for Sky Mountain Charter School. I previously taught first grade, and have spent the past few years substitute teaching. I also have experience working with children with special needs, developing curriculum that matches various learning styles. I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and my M.A. in Education from Azusa Pacific University. My husband and I have two young boys, and we strive to make learning fun for them. It is a privilege to assist families who have chosen to be proactive in their child’s education, and I am looking forward to a very successful year!
My name is Michelle Velasco and I grew up in McMinnville, Oregon and I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I moved to Southern California in 2002, and earned a Master’s in Education from National University in 2005. I am married and have two children, Jordan (age 10) and Gabriella, (age 5). I have been home schooling Jordan for three years now and through this experience have become a huge advocate of the home schooling process. I look forward to providing my students with the resources Sky Mountain Charter School has to offer.
My name is Melissa Stadler, and I am thrilled to be an Education Specialist for Sky Mountain Charter School. I hold a Master of Arts in Education, and have eight years of experience teaching in both public and private elementary schools. I look forward to working with you to ensure the best possible education for your individual children.
Hi! My name is Dana Kaeo and I grew up in the Aloha state of Hawaii. I've worked in the public schools for the last ten years and have my Masters in Gifted Education. I'm looking forward to differentiating curriculum for individual students' needs and educating children to help prepare them for their future, whatever it may hold! It's a privilege to be working with Sky Mountain Charter School!
My name is Michelle Scott, and I am thrilled to be an Education Specialist with Sky Mountain Charter School. I have worked in the public school system for the past 8 years with grades 2-4 and teaching English to adult students. I earned my BA and teaching credential from San Diego State University, and my MA in Education Administration from the University of Redlands. I am an educator, a wife and a mother of 2 girls. My husband is a 3rd grade teacher. I look forward to working closely with homeschooled families. I hope to be a great resource to parents as they choose the educational paths for their children.
My name is Jennie Bletscher and I feel very priviledged to be an Education Specialist with Sky Mountain Charter School. Before joining the Sky Mountain team, I taught in an elementary school classroom for six years. I received my B.A. degree in Sociology from Westmont College and my teaching credential and M. A. in Teaching from Chapman University. My husband, son, and I are "outdoor people" and we enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping and sports. I am a growing photographer and love to spend my free time perfecting my art.
My name is Diana Tidwell. I am a California native and I received my BA and teaching credential from Pepperdine University. However, I married a native Texan who graduated from USC ... so I've learned to appreciate cowboy boots and Trojan football! I have seven years of public school teaching experience. I have taught 6th grade English, math, social studies, and 6th-8th grade ELD. Personally, I am excited to work with Sky Mountain families as I start a family of my own. My first son is due Thanksgiving Day 2009! Professionally, I am happy to continue to work as an educator while developing one on one relationships with students and their parents. I look forward to helping each student grow within the unique environment of Sky Mountain Charter School.
Hi, my name is Kristina South. I am very excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain Team and am thrilled to be serving families as an Education Specialist! As an educator for over 23 years, I started my journey by receiving a BS in Child Development and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential/Supplementary Authorization in English from Cal State University, Fullerton. I have enjoyed a variety of experiences teaching, tutoring, and being an independent study teacher. I truly enjoy developing programs that are student centered, fun, and motivating. In addition, I've also directed GATE programs, worked with creatively minded students in Odyssey of the Mind, taking them to regional and state level competitions, and have designed/taught effective summer Language Arts programs that met the needs of students needing extra assistance. I have a wonderful husband and four beautiful kids. We enjoy sports, camping, cooking, and just hanging out together. I truly count it a privilege to be working with the Sky Mountain team and being able to assist and support their amazing families.
Hi! My name is Kelly Rawley and I have been an elementary teacher for 11 years. I have a BA in Child Development and Family Studies and a Master’s Degree in Cross Cultural Education. I am the proud mother of 2 wonderful children who keep me busy with baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, gymnastics and Cub Scouts. I enjoy being outdoors and running in races. I am honored to be a part of Sky Mountain and to be able to work with parents that have chosen to take an active part in their child’s education.
Hi! My name is Megan Marston and I am so excited to join the Sky Mountain team! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning. I have spent the past four years working as a classroom teacher in a public school. I am looking forward to working with families and having a successful year!
Hi! My name is Sarah Gonzales and I am very excited to be a part of Sky Mountain Charter School. I previously have taught second grade in a public school. I am excited to become a part of homeschooling education and look forward to helping families customize their child's education. I hope to make the homeschooling experience fun and memorable for both the students and parents.
Hi my name is Jill Shaw and I have been working in the education field for 9 years and have taught 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th in the classroom. I have also taught all other grades while a substitute teacher. My husband and I love walking to the beach with our one year old daughter. I am very excited to be working with Sky Mountain Charter School where I can closely work with families to meet the needs of the each student. 
My name is Brenda Ramirez. I have been in education for over 20 years. I have worked in independent study for six. I enjoy teaching my own two children ages 9 and 6 at home as well. I am happy to be a part of this alternative mode of education
My name is Shirley Allen, and I'm very excited to be working as an ES for Sky Mountain Charter School. I have worked as a classroom teacher and an ELD Specialist for the past 17 years. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to support families as they educate their children at home.
Hi! My name is Brenda McHaney and I am so excited to have the opportunity to assist so many great families as an Education Specialist with Sky Mountain Charter School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, a multiple subject teaching credential, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. I taught for ten years in 3rd grade and Kindergarten, then for 3 years grades 9-12 in an independent study model. I have a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, Allison who is 8 and P.J. who is 14, and 2 cocker spaniels, Gonzo and May. I spend all my free time with my family either watching my daughter dance or my son play basketball. We love going to the beach and Disneyland as a family. I thoroughly enjoy watching students grow and thrive while having learning experiences every day. I wholly believe in the model of education Sky Mountain Charter School offers and look forward to working with many wonderful families!
Hello! My name is Chenai Williams, and I am thrilled and very pleased to be a part of the Sky Mountain family! I cherish this golden opportunity to have a dynamic and meaningful impact on the lives and educational experiences of children throughout Southern California. I have been involved in child development and education at various levels for most of my life. After graduating from the University of California in 1998 and obtaining my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in 2002, I taught first grade for seven years in the public school system while simultaneously developing and employing a non-traditional educational approach with students at all grade levels in a special weekend-based college preparatory program. I am sincerely grateful to be working with Sky Mountain, where each student can receive a truly tailor-made learning experience that is most effective for their individual learning method, and most conducive to their educational success!
My name is Julie Alcala. I have thirteen years of experience teaching grades Kindergarten through fifth and have also homeschooled my three children for five years. I hold a multiple subject credential and a masters degree in educational administration. I am an enthusiastic learner myself and love to share that with my own children and the many families I meet. Working for Sky Mountain and homeschooling families presents a very exciting opportunity for me. I look forward to assisting families with making learning an enjoyable experience.
My name is Cindy Dominguez, and I am extremely excited about joining the Sky Mountain team. I've taught for over 20 years in predominantly grades five through eight, and have truly loved sharing in the lives of my students. However, I have always desired the freedom to be more creative in education and was thrilled to learn about Sky Mountain as an option for families. I have four grandchildren who are all under the age of three and will definitely be home schooled, when that time comes along. I am anxious to work with Sky Mountain families, as it promises to be an exciting journey. The possibilities are endless!
My name is Jessica Pohl and I am very proud and excited to introduce myself as an Education Specialist with Sky Mountain Charter School! I received my Bachelors of Biological Sciences degree from University California, Irvine and my Secondary Science Teaching Credential, with a Supplemental in Math from California State, Fullerton in 1998. Before coming to the “Charter School World”, I taught High School Science and Algebra. After having my second child, I began to look at other alternative educational settings that would allow me the opportunity to spend more time with my children, yet still be involved in facilitating learning. I am PASSIONATE about education, and am very excited for the opportunity to work with a school that supports both parents and their ES’s to provide meaningful and effective educational opportunities for their students.
Hello, my name is Heidi Gasca. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to be an Education Specialist for Sky Mountain Charter School! I graduated from UC San Diego, received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Irvine and a Masters in Education from Concordia University. I was a classroom teacher in the public school system for 9 years. I have a passion for education and look forward to working with dedicated families in individualized learning environments. I also enjoy snow skiing, shopping, Disneyland and spending time with my husband and our two daughters.
My name is Peggy Clelland and I have been teaching for 13 years. I have taught in public, private and charter schools. I am so excited to be a part of Sky Mountain because it is a wonderful option for families who want more of an input in their child's education. The teachers, administrators and families involved in Sky Mountain are phenomenal: experienced, dedicated and a "can do" group!
Hi, my name is Maria Rocha-Castillo. I taught 1st -3rd grade in the Paramount Unified School District for 7 years. I took time off to homeschool my own two children. I have been homeschooling for the last 4 years. I look forward to working with my families to help them make learning a positive experience for their children.
My name is Heather Hixson Carver and I’m excited to be an ES on the Sky Mountain team. I’ve been hearing all the buzz about charter schools for several years! I am thankful to now be a part of this awesome movement where families can make choices in their education. As your ES, it is my goal to assist you in that process!
My name is Erin Bunch and I am very excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team! I am excited to work for a charter school that emphasizes the individual needs and learning styles of each student. I have taught in public education for the past 5 years and I have a Masters degree in education. I am looking forward to working with families to support them in educating their children.
Hi! My name is Andrea Henderson and I am so excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team! I taught second grade for 4 years in a private school and substitute taught all grades for two years. I graduated with my B.A. in Liberal Studies in 2003 and got my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in 2004. I am passionate about education, and the different ways children learn. Looking forward to a successful year and working with you!
My name is Danna Garcia and I am so thankful to be working for Sky Mountain Charter School! My husband and I have two children, a one-year-old daughter and a three-week-old son! I received my Credential in 2001 from Fresno Pacific University. Since then I have had the privilege of serving in both the public and private education settings. I have taught first grade, fifth grade, continuation high school and adults. I have enjoyed each experience and greatly look forward to serving Sky Mountain families in such a special capacity. 
My name is Edward Bernard. I love the adventures of educating, having started as a Peace Corps
teacher in
Hello. My name is Taylore Coulombe. I am very excited to be apart of the Sky Mountain team! I previously taught second grade in a public school and this year will be my fifth year working as an Education Specialist. I am excited to have the opportunity to work for Sky Mountain and join their staff. It is refreshing to be apart of a school that favors parental choice and thrives to meet the needs of homeschool students. I am looking forward to a great school year!"
My name is Scott McCormick and I am excited to start my 4th year with Sky Mountain. I have previously taught middle-school math and science for seven years. All three of my daughters are homeschooled and we are advocates for home schooling. I am delighted for the opportunity to work with a school that supports parents, students, and their ES’s to provide meaningful and effective educational opportunities for their students.
My
name is Eileen Mastro. I’ve been teaching for 20 years. I have a Master’s Degree in Education and a
Reading Specialist Credential. I have
been a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader, a classroom teacher, and staff
development presenter. I have been an
independent study teacher for the past six years and am looking forward to
working with Sky Mountain. 
Hello! Our names are Jim and Sandy Barela. We are very thankful to be educational specialists for Sky Mountain. We have been in education for the last 4 years, in both the public and private sector. We also have experience home schooling. All three of our children have been homeschooled and we have helped friends who were homeschooling their children. We are excited about the opportunity to work one on one with families to help their children learn to their full potential!
Hi! My name is Jenny Poladian and I am delighted to be working with Sky Mountain Families. I have been a 5th grade teacher for the past four years and involved in education for the past 6 years. I have a passion for education and look forward to seeing that worked out with home school families. In addition to loving kids and school, I am fond of participating in outdoor activities with my husband and our families. I also like to organize just about anything I can get my hands on!
Hi, I am Suzzan Pelletier. I have been in various types of education for 13 years. I am excited to be a part of Sky Mountain Charter School as I find this alternative approach to education both exciting and rewarding. I am happy to be a part of a team whose focus is on success and whose goal is to reach every type of learner.
My name is Erin Hunt. I have a master's in education and have been teaching in the classroom for 10 years, primarily with grades 4-6. I have served as a GATE site coordinator, leadership team member, and study group collaborator. My husband and I have one daughter and I am grateful to be able to spend my days with her, and still work in my chosen field of education. I am thrilled to be a part of the Sky Mountain team.
My name is Heather Eckert, and I am excited to be working with Sky Mountain families! I have worked in both public and private school settings, and am passionate about education! I look forward to partnering with families as we continue on the journey of home schooling. It’s my joy to be an educator as well as a wife and mother. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, daughter and our recalcitrant Golden Retriever.
My name is Annette Hodge. I have taught in the classroom for twelve years and as a ES for seven years. I am happy to be part of Sky Mountain because of the many opportunities it presents for home school families.
My name is Gabi Golan and I have been
working in Special and Regular Education for the past fifteen years. I love having the opportunity to work with
families that are so excited about all of the different alternatives to
learning. I am truly looking forward to
the following school year.
My name is Jocilynn Belon and I am pleased to be apart of the Sky Mountain team. I received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Biola University and have taught in the classroom for five years, four of them with 4th grade and one year of high school Geometry. I'm now enjoying being home with my two children and working alongside homeschool families. I look forward to being a great resource to families and helping students succeed in their educational endeavors.
My name is Kelly Herrera and I am delighted to be working with such a specialized and family oriented school! I have been teaching in the public education system for 5 years, and value the involvement and commitment of the parents and support system that makes our charter school so successful. My husband and I have one daughter, and we love spending time with family, camping and fishing. I look forward to being a positive resource to parents, helping to make learning fun and rewarding for the entire family!
My name is Lori Van Doll. I received my multiple subject credential from Vanguard University and my Master’s in Education from National University. I am a wife and a mother. I have taught kindergarten, first and second grade in the public school sector for over ten years. I enjoy watching children learn and grow in their education. I am excited to be working with Sky Mountain and being able to help parents succeed in teaching their children in the home school environment.
My name is Niki Wagner. I graduated from Westmont College with my BA in Liberal Studies and teaching credential in 1995. Since then I have taught in public school for nine years and been home raising my own two children for the last five. I believe the nurture and education of our children is so important. I am excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team to support families in their unique academic endeavors. My family enjoys outdoor activities and playing games together. I love to travel and scrapbook in my free time.
Hello, my name is Sunny Schweers. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University Long Beach. I have taught in both the public and private school systems over the years. I had my first child almost a year ago and I treasure the fact that I have the opportunity to stay home with him. I enjoy taking walks, going to the beach, and spending time with my family. I am very excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team and look forward to working with families that are committed to their children’s education.
Hi, my name is Stefanie Lamar. I have been involved in the teaching profession since 1995 and have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a multiple subject teaching credential, and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I have a wonderful husband who teaches at an alternative high school and two amazing children. As a family, we love to go to the beach, mountain bike, and travel around our beautiful country together. I have a passion for finding fun, interesting, and creative methods of teaching children and truly enjoy working with the many amazing families of Sky Mountain.
Greetings! My name is Sheila Jakobsen. For the past five years, I’ve worked as a public educator in Pasadena, California and completed a Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University. As an Education Specialist at Sky Mountain, I look forward to the opportunity to serve families with the guidance of quality education specific to each student’s educational goals. As an educator, I’ve enjoyed teaching through cooperative learning, inquiry and multiple intelligences. I believe every child has the potential to become an outstanding learner and that reading is a major key to academic success. “You become what you read,” is a quote from my favorite movie of all times- You’ve Got Mail. Outside of the classroom, my interest for culinary arts continues to sauté. My husband enjoys the fact that I love cooking and we’ve been happily married for eight years. We are anticipating with great joy a new addition to our family in October 2010. We enjoy traveling overseas and cultivating cultural friendships. We are both grateful for the opportunity for me to be a part of the Sky Mountain team.
Hello, I’m Rachael Sullivan. My background in education includes ten years as a public school teacher in eclectic, diverse settings. In my career I made a point to seek out innovative, sound teaching practices that helped me inspire and encourage in children a love of learning and the confidence that comes with it. My areas of special interest include creative writing workshops, multiple intelligence theory, gifted education, inquiry based science, relating math concepts to real life, and reading instruction. While serving as a teacher in kindergarten through 5th grade I also worked with both middle school and high school students as part of a buddy program that connected young children with older role models. One of the most important elements of my success as a public school teacher was my decision to get to know my students’ families and welcome their input in the learning process. Now that I’m a part of Sky Mountain I look forward to learning still more about how to educate and inspire young minds, and sharing this information with families. I believe my commitment to educating my own two boys will both enrich and be enriched by my work with Sky Mountain, and I’m grateful to be a part of it all! 
Hello! I am Laurie Goltara and I have been an educator for 15+ years. I began my teaching career working with K-6 students in a traditional public school setting. In addition to my two teaching credentials (Multiple Subject and Learning Handicapped), I also have a MA in Education with a Special Education emphasis. I have enjoyed teaching all my students but working with struggling learners has become a great passion of mine! I have been an Education Specialist for various charter schools since 2002. I am currently homeschooling several of my children which I find challenging, tiring, exciting and most definitely worthwhile. I love encouraging students to become life long learners. I want to ignite that "spark of interest" in students and get them learning without realizing its “school.” I am excited to be a part of the Sky Mountain team and work closely with such dedicated families. It’s going to be a great year!
Hello! My name is Sarah Coyan. I am the parent support clerk for Sky Mountain Charter School. I am available to answer general parent questions regarding Sky Mountain Charter School and the enrollment process. Please feel free to contact me anytime at 1-800-979-4436 extension 14 or you can email me at skyparents@ieminc.org. I would love to talk with you and I am happy to assist you in any way possible, or direct you to who can assist with your needs. I also serve as the parent council secretary and I work with the director and advisors on various school projects. I previously taught preschool for 5 years and am currently attending online college to receive my BA in communications and my Masters in teaching. I have a beautiful 7 year old daughter who lights up my life. I have been with Sky Mountain since the first year and have enjoyed being a part of watching the school grow and being involved with the families and administration. I look forward to talking with you. 
My name is LeAnn Snee. I'm married and proud mother of three boys. We are a very active family. Most of my free time is spent watching my boys on the soccer field. I am glad to be joining the Sky Mountain Team! I look forward to assisting families with the intake process.
My name is Patti Larriva. I have taught for a total of 17 years. Ten of those years have been in some type of charter school/Independent study. I am thrilled to part of
My name is Krista Woodgrift and I have been in the field of education for ten years. I enjoy being part of such an amazing school that offers parent choice within the frameworks of the public education system. I have two wonderful children and a husband who love having me home during the day. Serving our families and Education Specialists is something that brings me great joy. I am so fortunate to be part of such an innovative school, and look forward to the years to come.
My name is Erin Havrilesky. After ten years teaching in a traditional classroom, I decided to try something completely different: homeschooling my own children. I've been an educator in independent study for 12 years now, and being on board with Sky Mountain from its inception has been very rewarding. Working with our staff and families is truly a wonderful experience.
My name is Katie Ringhofer. I have been involved in teaching in one form or another for over twenty years.I love my current job of assissting families in the education of their children. I feel truly blessed being in my position. I am a mother of five and an avid photographer. My family and I enjoy swimming, building Legos, reading, and all winter sports. We have spent the past three years remodeling our two bedroom mountain cabin into a five bedroom home. We are almost done:)
Director
My name is Shana Fisk. I have worked in charter school administration for the past 8 years and prior to that, I taught at the elementary school level. I have extensive background with brain-compatible learning and teaching teachers and parents about how brain-compatible learning strategies can benefit the independent study experience. I am extremely excited about being part of Sky Mountain Charter School and helping to build this school from the ground up. We have an amazing team of administrators and teachers that are focused on the goal of parent-driven education.
My name is Jamee Block and I am very excited to be part of the Sky Mountain team. I currently have a Bachelor's of Science in Child Development, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education. Before joining Sky Mountain, I taught the 4th and 5th grade in an elementary school, where I was able be teach and be educated on the gifted child. In addition to being an Advisor and Education Specialist, I am a wife and a mother of two wonderful boys. I am grateful to be in a position to help parents and children with the homeschooling process as well as making it an enjoyable and memorable experience.
