Educational Coordinators
Pivot Charter School provides instruction to students through a robust standards-based online curriculum supported by class offerings at our resource center, tutoring, strong oversight and academic support. The school is a “blend” of online curriculum with resource center support.
The role of the teacher at Pivot Charter School is to monitor student progress online daily, provide feedback, encouragement, and support to students. They provide academic support in their areas of expertise for students needing help and produce accurate, timely and compliant documentation of independent study attendance. Teachers do not necessarily provide direct instruction to a “class” of students on a daily basis but are at our resource centers every day. Teachers, also known as Educational Coordinators, counsel, mentor, provide oversight, direction and whatever support it takes to help students succeed in their academic endeavors.
Education Specialists
Education Specialists play a crucial role in the education of Pivot’s students with Individualized Education Plans. Each student with an IEP will have an Education Specialist who will help them achieve their goals through regular support.
Educational Coordinators and Education Specialists
Abigail Titus
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Abigail Titus
Abigail was born and raised in Ferndale, California, where caring teachers and parents showed her the power of learning and helping others. After graduating high school, she spent a year as a Rotary Youth Foreign Exchange student in France. She went on to receive her BA in Anthropology and Social Justice from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Abigail returned to Northern California with a goal to make a positive impact in the lives of others through education and joined the teaching profession by entering the Sonoma County Office of Education Intern Teaching Program. Over the past six years, she has applied her passion for teaching and learning at Pivot Charter School where she can be an advocate for all students, first as an education coordinator, then as the North Bay Site Administrator, and now as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Abigail graduated in May 2023 from San Francisco State University with a Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology. When she is not in the classroom, Abigail enjoys spending time with her hilarious family and traveling. She has been to 39 states and hopes to visit all 50 while she is 30.
Robert Brier
Educational Coordinator
Robert Brier
Robert grew up in Southern California and graduated from California State University, Long Beach. He started at Pivot in 2010 and is passionate about teaching. He loves to see history in person and has lived and taught in Taiwan, where he studied Mandarin Chinese. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his family.
Isabelle Beckner
Educational Coordinator
Isabelle Beckner
Isabelle grew up in Sonoma County, exploring its vast landscapes and playing in the dirt. Her passion for nature led her to a career in science. She attended Sonoma State University, where she earned her degree in biology and pursued her teaching credential the following year. Isabelle loves to inspire students to ask questions and help them fill their lives with inquiry. She aims to give her students the tools they need to be successful while building connections that enable them to grow.
Meghan Coffey
Educational Coordinator
Meghan Coffey
Meghan was born and raised in Santa Rosa, where she had the opportunity to learn from wonderful science teachers and naturalists throughout her K-12 years. They sparked her curiosity and laid a foundation that led to her earning a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology and her Single Subject Credential in Biology from Sonoma State University. Over the years, Meghan has discovered that while she loves teaching science, what she enjoys the most is encouraging students to be lifelong learners and to embrace their curiosity. She joined Pivot in 2014, thinking it would be a good way to transition back into the classroom after becoming a parent in 2012. At Pivot, she found she could connect with and support students in a way that was seemingly impossible in a traditional middle or high school. Prior to joining the Pivot family, Meghan worked for more than a decade in various programs that supported Santa Rosa’s at-risk youth, including a small alternative charter that offered independent study and job skills training and after-school and summer programs. In her free time, Meghan enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, crafting and baking.
Sarah Cullar
Educational Coordinator
Sarah Cullar
Sarah began her teaching career in 2003 as a third-grade teacher in Pittsburg, California while completing the Multiple Subjects Credential program at Cal State East Bay. After teaching in Pittsburg for eight years, she took some time off to have her son, Hunter, and move to the North Coast of California. A lifelong resident of California, Sarah now lives in Caspar, where she taught at a small charter school campus for two years; first in a K/1 program, then teaching grades two through five in a combination classroom. When that school closed in 2020, she continued working for Pivot in her current role as Educational Coordinator. Sarah has a great passion for music, nature and working with children.
John Halderman
Educational Coordinator
John Halderman
John was born and raised in Sacramento. He moved to Sonoma County in 1993 to pursue his education at Sonoma State. He has a B.A. in Mexican American Studies and a Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. As an advocate for youth, John is passionate about educating our diverse community by encouraging creativity and supporting ambitious endeavors. For nine years he educated youth at Rancho Bodega School. He is committed to Pivot’s mission to provide an individualized educational program to each student. In his free time, he loves to go hiking, mountain biking, spend time with his daughter and play music with his band, Hoodwink.
Tim Mehew
Educational Coordinator
Tim Mehew
As an English teacher, Tim has always maintained the goal of enabling students to be more effective communicators. As a history teacher he tries to imbue their communication with understanding and context, a task he finds increasingly important today. He has had a desire to teach and reach young people since he was relatively young. He began pursuing his career at both Chico and San Francisco State Universities immediately after high school, while simultaneously pursuing a career as a musician. In his 9 years of teaching, Tim has worked in traditional classrooms in 9-12 grades at various schools throughout the Bay Area, but, as a former independent study student, he feels most at home working at Pivot and the unique student population with whom he identifies very closely. He still plays music, and sometimes this endeavor takes him abroad and keeps him very busy. It enables him to find common ground and connect with students on a personal level, thereby building a better rapport with students and families alike. Establishing this accord between these three parties is an essential quality of an Educational Coordinator and the one to which Tim attributes his success.
Travis Prendergast
Site Administrator
Travis Prendergast
Travis grew up in Riverside, Southern California and graduated from CSU Chico in 2018 with a degree in Social Sciences. He completed his Credential program in Paradise, California, during the Camp Fire, which gave him first hand experience in natural disaster response. His main goal within education is to turn students into self-sufficient, competent and confident young adults, equipped with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in whatever venture they choose. When he is not teaching, Travis enjoys fishing in new waters and hiking unfamiliar territory.
Adolfo Ortiz
Educational Coordinator
Adolfo Ortiz
Adolfo Ortiz, also known as Mr. O or Mr. Ortiz, boasts a background with credentials such as a Public Administration degree and a teaching credential. His passion for teaching stems from personal experience. As a late bloomer himself, he understands the challenges and rewards of igniting a love for learning. This fuels his innovative approach, where he bridges the gap between textbooks and real-world application through theater, social media, and experiential learning like nature exploration.
From dissecting the physics of motorcycle dynamics to analyzing brain letter recognition’s impact on academic challenges, his insatiable curiosity translates into a classroom where questions are celebrated and exploration thrives. This passion extends beyond academics, nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard.
He is not just a teacher with credentials; he is a lifelong learner, facilitator, and mentor eager to empower students. His unique blend of experience, enthusiasm, and dedication makes him an ideal candidate to contribute to students’ positive growth and development. He is very happy to be part of the EC staff at Pivot Charter School.
Sara Campbell
Educational Coordinator
Sara Campbell
Sara received her B.A. in Linguistics and English Education from CSU, Chico. She worked as a Logistics Analyst and Purchaser in the Bay Area and a Marketing Communications Specialist in Tahoe before returning to Chico State for her M.A. in Education. Sara is passionate about creating positive learning experiences for students that enable their growth and development as lifelong learners. She enjoys working at Pivot Charter School because it allows teachers to form meaningful connections with students and individualize instruction while meeting standards and reaching higher goals. Sara loves traveling, backpacking, swimming, cooking and so many other things, especially when she can enjoy them with her husband, Corey and daughter, Ruby.
Bob Firestone
Education Specialist
Bob Firestone
Bob was born in Missouri but moved to southern California at a young age. Following his service in the US Army, he graduated with a BA in Political Science from Sonoma State University. His first career was with the United States Postal Service, where he held a variety of management positions in operations, engineering and budget. He retired as Manager of the North Bay General Mail Facility in Petaluma, CA after more than thirty-five years of Federal service. Bob then began his second career as a substitute teacher in 2004, teaching almost exclusively at Healdsburg High School for the next twelve years, with many assignments involving Special Education classes. His understanding of the challenges faced by these students developed from an early age due to one of his younger siblings having special needs. In January 2016, Bob began work on his Special Education Teaching Credential with the County Office of Education. He joined the Pivot North Bay team near the end of the spring 2016 school year. Bob has come to love both the Pivot model and the unique student population. Working closely with the Educational Coordinators who are responsible for students on his caseload creates a great collaboration model to support our students. The real reward comes at the end of each year when graduation rolls around and all the hard work pays off for the seniors receiving their high school diplomas. During his spare time, Bob and his wife enjoy spending time with their four children, eight grandchildren and their two labs. Bob is a freelance photographer and enjoys hiking on local trails, camping, sailing and of course teaching at Pivot.
Nicole Benjamin
Educational Coordinator
Nicole Benjamin
Nicole grew up in Northern California and took her first Art History class at the junior college while she was a senior in high school. The experience sparked her lifelong love of history, culture and travel. Nicole graduated from San Diego State and received her Social Science credential from Dominican University. As a third-generation teacher, learning and education were in her blood. However, she did take several years off to start her own business, traveling the country producing large-scale dinner festivals that led to opening a restaurant in Sonoma, a VW bus wine tour company and even filming several projects for the Food Network and Amazon Prime. Now a mom of three, Nicole has returned to teaching, hoping to spark a love of life and higher education in her students, just as her first Art History teacher did for her.
Arianna Vincent
Educational Coordinator
Arianna Vincent
Arianna was born and raised in Ukiah, California. She received her B.A. in Fine Arts for photography from The Academy of Art University in San Francisco and has worked as a portrait and wedding photographer since 2010. She began teaching as a long term substitute teacher in 2017 and quickly found her passion for education. After teaching for a year she took time off to have her third and fourth son. During her time out of the classroom, she started homeschooling her oldest two children and loved the ability to deliver individualized and personalized instruction that drew on strengths and student interests. These aspects of education are what led her specifically to Pivot. When she is not teaching, Arianna enjoys spending time with family and loves hiking with her five kids.
James McElroy
Director of Special Education
James McElroy
James has served as Director of Special Education for Pivot Charter School since 2023. James has built a successful career in education, taking on various leadership roles including Special Education Teacher, Program Supervisor, and Vice-Principal before becoming Principal at a Non-Public School. Originally from New Jersey, James relocated to California seeking sunshine and to further his career in special education. After finding Pivot, James made the leap to his new school and hasn’t looked back. His dedication to education and the mission of Pivot Charter School is evident in his work, where he cherishes the opportunity to build and nurture meaningful connections with students, their families, and his colleagues.
James earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Monmouth University in New Jersey and later completed his Master’s Degree in Special Education at National University. Beyond his professional life, James enjoys sports, music, and spending quality time with family and friends near the beach.
Courtney Bird
Educational Coordinator
Courtney Evans
Courtney received her B.S. in Biological Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara. She also attended University of California, Irvine where she received her Master’s Degree in Teaching and her Biology teaching credential. She taught high school Biology and AP Biology in San Jose for six years before transferring to Pivot in 2022. She enjoys all things outdoors, like camping and hiking, and spends a lot of time with her dog!
Shannon Rogers
Education Specialist
Shannon Rogers
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Shannon attended the University of Oregon, where she earned her B.A. in English before deciding to pursue a teaching career. She obtained her Education Specialist credential and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Chapman University. Shannon began her career in 2005 as a paraprofessional at a Bay Area high school. She earned her Administrative Services credential in 2009 and has since worked as both a special education teacher and general education administrator at the high school level for over 17 years, with a particular interest in alternative education. Her personal passions include sports, cars, family, dogs, and nature (in no particular order).
Chris Briggs
Education Specialist
Chris Briggs
Chris was born, raised and spent most of his life residing in Chico, California. He has spent a significant amount of time playing competitive and recreational sports in the community, has a love of the outdoors, enjoys snowboarding in the winter and plays guitar and bass in various local bands. Chris graduated from California State University, Chico where he received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and later earned Education Specialist and Social Science teaching credentials. He has spent seven years working in education as a Paraprofessional providing one-to-one with a talented young man diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Chris serves as an Education Specialist and is excited to continue the work with the awesome students and dedicated Pivot staff. His goal is to help young people find a passion in life, develop it and create meaning in their lives.
Sarah Torma
Educational Coordinator
Sarah Wilmarth
Sarah has a wide array of experience, having been an educator in three countries and nine grade levels. Her career started in San Diego, where after receiving her Bachelor of Arts in History of Art she worked as a Docent for the San Diego Museum of Art. There she discovered a love of sharing learning experiences with students and so earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. In her work with middle school students she developed a passion for social-emotional learning and student wellbeing as a foundation for academic success. She received the Mindful Teacher Certification from Mindful Schools and her yoga teaching certification in Indonesia to broaden her toolbox for providing regulating experiences for all. Her career in education includes not only public and private school classroom teaching but grant management and administration as well. She started with Pivot North Bay as an Education Coordinator in 2023 and is excited to help guide students and families through a personalized school experience.
Demi Perez
Educational Coordinator
Demi Perez
Demi grew up in LA county where she played competitive soccer. As she grew older, she began coaching AYSO teams and realized her dream job, teaching. Demi graduated from Sonoma State University and received her Multiple Subject Credential in 4 years. She loves to create student engagement with hands-on activities and group discussions. Demi hopes to give all students the tools they need for their future while building a safe and welcoming school environment.
Rachel Angeles
Executive Assistant and Educational Coordinator
Rachel Angeles
Born and raised in Southern California, Rachel Angeles received her Bachelors of Arts from Cal State San Bernardino and recently completed her credential and MA in Elementary Education from WGU. Rachel is excited to be part of the Pivot team and looks forward to supporting her colleagues, students and families. When Rachel is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, rescuing dogs and listening to music.
Lorna Hayman
Educational Coordinator
Lorna Hayman
Born and raised in Drogheda, Ireland, Lorna spent much of her time swimming and playing water polo. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Trinity College, Ireland, and worked as a social worker for six years before moving to the United States in 1996. While working in Oahu, she developed a passion for working with teenagers, which led to a career change and the pursuit of a teaching credential at Dominican University. Since becoming a teacher, she has dedicated her career to guiding middle school students and helping them understand the broader impact of education. She later returned to Dominican University to earn a Master of Science in Education with a focus on curriculum.
While living in Oahu, Lorna began competing in open water swimming, which led to participation in triathlons and swim races. Her passion for swimming continues through masters swimming and coaching a high school swim team. Outside of work, she is a proud parent of two sons who stay active in sports.
Raven Marshall
Education Specialist
Raven Marshall
Raven was born in San Francisco, California, and raised on the peninsula. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from CSU Hayward, now CSU East Bay. Raven holds teaching credentials for elementary education, single subject instruction, and special education for Mild-Severe needs. An avid runner in her youth, she trained with her father, who ran marathons, and she was passionate about softball. Raven learned to play golf in high school and was a member of the high school golf team. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a nanny and camp counselor. A single mother of three daughters, Raven and her family enjoy making Sonoma County their home. They can often be found at the beach, paddleboarding, hiking, or playing disc golf. Raven loves teaching all grades and subjects.
Support Staff
Kristen Poitras
Director of Student Support Programs
Kristen Poitras
Kristen is a Northern California native, growing up and going to school in the East Bay area. Kristen began talking about being a teacher “when she grew up” from as young as four years old. In college, she studied creative writing (her other passion) and earned her BA in English/Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. After some time spent traveling in Europe and living in Scandanavia, Kristen returned to earn her Single Subject Teaching Credential in English at Cal State University Sacramento, where she focused on social justice and equity in education. She worked as an English and reading intervention teacher for two years at Armijo High School in Fairfield, before leaving to pursue a career in alternative education. She is happy to have found a home at Pivot, where a holistic approach to education leads every student on their unique path to success! When she isn’t teaching, she loves writing, playing and listening to music, hiking, catching up on her favorite shows on Netflix and spending time with her family and friends.
Ashley Ecker
Grader
Ashley Ecker
Ashley is a San Diego native and mom to two wild boys. She has a Master’s Degree in Latin American Studies from SDSU and a teaching credential in Social Studies and Spanish. Ashley taught for eight years – including a year in Spain – before leaving the classroom to focus on her family. In her free time, she loves going to the beach and traveling.
Megan Vatcher
Program and Attendance Clerk
Megan Vatcher
Megan grew up on the Central Coast of California and earned her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She has been an educator in some capacity for the past 16 years, with experience in teaching private music lessons, coaching volleyball, serving as a parent educator for children with special needs and supporting K-12 classrooms. She relocated to Chico in 2018 and enjoys the many opportunities for hiking and exploring with her husband and kids. She most enjoys the simple pleasures in life, including gardening, cooking and taking her dog for long walks.
John Giacinto
Intervention Specialist
John Giacinto
John grew up in the neighborhood of Almaden Valley within San Jose, California. After graduating from Pioneer High School in 2016, he went on to the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo to pursue a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics. While in San Luis Obispo, John developed his interest in public service and sustainable development, and recognized education as an essential means to help develop communities envisioned in his coursework and book club discussions. Prior to earning his credential from Cal Poly SLO and starting as Pivot’s Intervention Specialist in 2023, John published research on urban forestry, did a little work as a beach lifeguard, a cheesemonger, an instructional aide, and a local cooperative grocery store employee. He comes to Pivot with an eagerness to serve students and families, to help spark others’ lifelong passions and grow as an educator and human being. Outside of his work as an educator John loves spending time with his partner and their cat, crafting ceramics, journaling, cooking local produce and spending time outdoors.
Anna Toso
Admissions Coordinator
Anna Toso
As the Admissions Coordinator for Pivot Charter School, Anna enjoys all aspects of assisting with student enrollment, maintaining student records and overseeing the campus logistics. Prior to joining the PCS team, Anna served as the Operations Manager for Sierra Business Council, based in Truckee, CA and was the Project Coordinator for Prosser Creek Charter School, where she managed student records and admissions. Anna graduated from New College of California with a B.A. in Humanities (with an emphasis in Music Composition and Natural History) and has an extensive background in Environmental Education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, enjoying the company of family and friends, gardening or reading something new and interesting!
Julianne Cochran
Curriculum Coordinator
Julianne Cochran
Julianne is a San Diego native and math nerd. She has worked in mathematics education since 2006, in six different schools, on two coasts. She holds degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education and Curriculum and Instruction. When she isn’t busy obsessing over numbers, she enjoys time with her husband and two boys, going to the beach, watching movies, reading, baking and exercising.
Barbara Felix
Special Education Administrative Assistant
Barbara Felix
Barbara was born and raised in New York and New Jersey and relocated to California to be near family. She earned a special education teaching credential and M.A. at Fresno State and taught special education for 18 years at Fresno Unified School District. Barbara was an adjunct professor at Fresno State University in the special education department for eight years, preparing teaching candidates. She moved to Sonoma County to be near her two grandsons and joined the Pivot Team in the role of special education administrative assistant in November 2016.
Joanna Yoels
Grader (English)
Joanna Yoels
Joanna has happily been a part of Pivot’s English Department team since 2015. She has been teaching middle school and high school English and history since 2003 throughout California before joining Pivot. She holds a Master’s degree from California State University, Fresno. She loves working at Pivot and helping all of our incredible students achieve their goals and become stronger writers. In her spare time, Joanna enjoys quality time with her family, music, road trips, reading and the beach.
Jenny Maiorano
Grader (English)
Jenny Maiorano
Jenny was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California where she spent most of her childhood in and out of the ocean or pool. She received her B.A. in English and a minor in Health Science, and later her M.A in Literacy Instruction, from Michigan State University. Jenny has lived in the midwest and the southwest of the United States, but has called Chico home for several years. When working with students, she strives to create meaningful relationships that are grounded in promoting a love for learning. Jenny has taught in grades 7 through 12 but finds working at Pivot Charter School refreshing and meaningful as it gives her the ability to work one on one with students in a unique and dynamic setting. When not working with students, she enjoys spending time with her husband and teenage daughters; as a family, they love traveling, cooking, reading, crafting and cheering for the Michigan State Spartans.
Shawn Mallonee
Grader (Physical Education & Art)
Shawn Mallonee
Shawn has a degree in Art and Art History and a multiple subject teaching credential from SSU. One of the most rewarding teaching moments for her is when she gets to observe how students express themselves creatively through art when words can’t describe how they feel. Shawn looks forward to centering the needs of students at Pivot and contributing to an environment of mindfulness and reciprocity. During her own time, she does something that makes her happy every day. Whether it’s playing with her two kids, hiking, riding bikes, or helping her husband with garden projects – they are her favorite parts of the day.
Liz Jones
Chief Business Officer
Liz Jones
Liz has always loved math, and finds happiness in teaching others. Her favorite thing about Pivot Charter Schools is the ability to tailor students’ education plans to meet their individual needs and goals. Liz grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, graduated from UCSD with a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science, and earned her teaching credential in Mathematics from SDSU. She loves rowing, music, cooking, puzzles and backpacking.
As Chief Business Officer, Liz works with a wide range of staff and contractors to manage the financial operations that make Pivot Charter Schools possible. Liz has been with Pivot since 2010, and looks forward to serving Pivot’s students and families in many diverse ways in the years to come!
Craig Hobart
Regional Director
Craig Hobart
1st you do it for yourself, then you do it for friends and then you do it for money:
As a teenager, Craig loved ski racing and became the youngest instructor in ski school. He was mentored by a biology professor/professional ski instructor who planted the seed of becoming a life-long learner by teaching others. After ski school he found work as a river guide, a college trip leader, taking friends climbing, and discovering new trails on a mountain bike. He found great meaning by sharing new skills with others, especially younger people.
After college Craig first worked in biotech, and later in computer technology, but he wasn’t satisfied. One brave day he applied to graduate school and earned a Master’s degree in Education. Like many students, he thinks he found the ideal environment at Pivot.
Pivot has proven to be a campus of kindness and respect that strives to find an ideal work environment that first engages students. He strives to bring a culture that blends student needs, teacher satisfaction, technology, and an entrepreneurial spirit, together to create a safe real-life model of the outside world.
Jayna Gaskell
Executive Director
Jayna Gaskell
Jayna Gaskell has worked in education for more than 30 years. Gaskell holds a Masters degree in secondary education from Emory University. After teaching grades 4-12 in Florida and Georgia, Gaskell moved to California in 1993 to serve as Director of Admissions and Academics of a small boarding and day school for four years. In 1998 Gaskell co-founded and directed a California charter school for five years. Gaskell has presented multiple statewide workshops on Independent Study, Governance, Renewal, Special Education and Strategic Planning with the Charter Schools Development Center, CANEC and other educational agencies throughout California. Ms. Gaskell also established a highly successful charter school consulting business assisting schools by drafting and reviewing charter petitions, writing grants, creating charter renewals, developing staffing plans, WASC Self Study documents, educational plans and school wide improvement plans, and conducting governance trainings, compliance reviews and strategic planning projects. She served a two year term on the State Superintendent’s Advisory Commission on Charter Schools, and has participated in the US Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights Summit on Charter Schools and Special Education for four years. In addition to serving many CA charter schools, Gaskell has worked with charter schools in Fl, TN, OR and AZ. She has worked with over 200 schools in the last 10 years. She served as a founding board member and chair of the Board of the California Montessori Project, one of the largest public Montessori schools in operation for 10 years. Ms. Gaskell has been Executive Director for Pivot Charter Schools since November 2010.
Andria McNamee
School Nurse
Andria McNamee
Brittany Daugherty
Director of Human Resources
Brittany Daugherty
Brittany Daugherty is a graduate of Plumas Charter School. She works as Director of Human Resources for all 4 Pivot schools. She enjoys traveling and reading, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She loves being a part of the Pivot team and looks forward to working with new students and families.
Shannon Mallory
Enrollment Specialist
Shannon Mallory
Jasmine Falary
Data Support Specialist
Jasmine Falary
Jasmine was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and graduated from Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. She studied Early Childhood Education at City College of San Francisco. Prior to joining the Pivot team, Jasmine worked in the educational travel industry for 12 years and taught enrichment classes in engineering and robotics. She is proud to be a part of the Pivot team and looks forward to supporting her colleagues as well as the students and families we serve. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dogs, crafting, cooking, watching movies, and going on adventures around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Luis Portilla
Academic Counselor
Luis Portilla
Luis is native of South America, where he spent most of his youth. He received his B.A in Spanish Linguistics and M.S in Counseling with a specialization in school counseling, and Child Welfare and Attendance from California State University Dominguez Hills. Luis has been working as a College Counselor for over five years, and it is his greatest joy to help students guide them to reach their life goals. Luis has a great interest for languages and other cultures. His favorite hobbies are spending time with his family, traveling, and playing online video games.
Ashley Fletcher
Grader
Ashley Fletcher
Ashley has been in education for 11 years. She has a Master’s in Education and a Secondary Mathematics Teaching Credential. She loves to spread her passion for math to her students by helping them see that math doesn’t always have to be “hard”. When she isn’t grading, she loves hanging out with her husband and kids, baking, sewing, and enjoying the fresh air.
Kareen Poulsen
Director of Student Services
Kareen Poulsen
Kareen is a fourth generation Santa Rosan and graduated from Santa Rosa High School before attending UC Davis, where she played volleyball for four years, rowed crew for two years and earned a BA in English. After 25 years as the CFO for an Investment Corporation, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time teacher and went on to receive her teaching credential in Mathematics from Sonoma State University. She previously taught Math at Pivot and has now moved into the role of Director of Student Services for all four resource centers. Kareen also serves as the Title IX Coordinator for Pivot Charter School. For information on Title IX, click here. She enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach, hiking, traveling, reading books and watching good movies. As a part of the Pivot Charter School Team since 2013, Kareen is devoted to using her education and experience to help students succeed.
Mariana Barajas
Paraprofessional / Classroom Aide
Mariana Barajas
Mariana was born in Michoacan, Mexico, but raised in Santa Rosa. Before working at Pivot, Mariana worked as the Manager of a shoe store, she came to Pivot because she wanted to work in a school environment. Mariana graduated from Piner Highschool in 2020, and is currently studying Child Development at the Santa Rosa Junior College. Her goal is to transfer and become an elementary school teacher.
Christine Mazalewski
Grader
Christine Mazalewski
Christine is originally from Pennsylvania, but has lived in San Diego since 2009 . She has worked in education since 2008, teaching mostly middle and high school science. She holds a degree in Secondary Education for Chemistry and Geoscience. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys time with her husband and two kids, hiking, running, and coaching her kids activities.
Karyn Songer
Virtual Grader
Karyn Songer
Karyn is a native of Clovis and mom of two teenage girls. She has a multiple subject teaching credential & a minor in Biology from California State University, Fresno. Karyn taught 6th grade for over 7 years before becoming a stay at home mom. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking & hanging out with her family.
Kelly Dobyns
School Counselor
Kelly Dobyns
Kelly grew up in Southern California, obtained her BA in Human Services at Cal State Fullerton, and her Masters in Counseling and PPS Credential from Chapman University. Kelly has a background working for mental health services for the County of Orange and this is her 5th year being a school counselor. She absolutely loves being a counselor and working with kids to help them however they need. In her free time, she loves reading, eating out and making memories with her three kids.
Jess Hughes
Independent Study File Auditor
Jess Hughes
Karen Cobain
Grader
Karen Cobain
Karen was born and raised in Northern Ireland where she gained her Bachelor of Education in Technology and Design and History. She studied abroad and developed a passion for Business. Upon returning to NI she completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and worked in a range of educational settings. Shortly after finishing her studies, she moved to California and set about earning her CA teaching credentials and pursued a Masters of Education: Instructional Technology. She has taught every grade level from 4th -12th and even adult education. In her spare time, Karen enjoys exploring all of the beautiful things California has to offer. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, learning new skills, and taking road trips in search of the best breakfast diner. She is also passionate about animal welfare and volunteers with local animal rescues. She is “mom” to Stanley (her dog) and to many, many cats that come to her through fostering. Her motto is “I work hard so my animals can live their best lives.
Lucas Elbaum
English Language Development Teacher
Lucas Elbaum
Nicole Ling
Grader
Nicole Ling
Nicole was born and raised in Southern California. She has a degree in Political Science from UC Irvine and has taught high school English and Social Studies for about ten years. When she’s not grading, Nicole enjoys traveling, reading, yoga and watching her daughter grow from a tiny human to a big kid!
Ana Martinez
Community Liaison
Ana Martinez
Ana Martinez grew up in the Inland Empire and graduated from UC Santa Barbara. She received her Masters in Educational Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from National University. She has worked in Elementary and High School as a school counselor and is passionate about education and providing a positive learning experience to students! In her spare time she enjoys reading and finding new coffee shops!
Romello Smith
Accounts Payable and Logistics Coordinator
Romello Smith
Romello grew up in Sacramento, California and graduated from a local public charter high school. Since a kid, he always had a fascination with business finances and investing, and would spend hours playing Tycoon games. This passion led him to obtain a BS in Managerial Economics and a minor in Accounting from UC Davis. After a decade in Sacramento, Romello moved to Chico CA for a taste of the small city life. He has worked as an accountant in various industries, but ultimately decided to work for Pivot Charter because of the personal impact charter schools made in his life.
Ryan Muldery
Grader
Ryan Muldery
Ryan is a Northern California native who grew up in the Gold Country. When not in the mountains, he enjoys spending time at the beach and kayaking in Monterey. A passionate traveler, Ryan has visited all 50 states. He has a deep love for history and has been a history teacher for nearly twenty years. Throughout his career, he has taught at the junior high and high school levels, and even served as a college professor. Ryan holds two master’s degrees, one in online learning and the other in teaching pedagogies. He is married to a talented artist, and together they share their home with two energetic cats.
Omar Abassy
Grader
Omar Abassy
Omar is a dedicated science educator with a passion for fostering student success. Born and raised in Orange County, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Systems from UC San Diego and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Chapman University. Omar’s interdisciplinary background has equipped him with a robust understanding of scientific concepts and pedagogical strategies. Currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Science, Omar demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning and staying at the forefront of his field. He holds teaching credentials in Biological Sciences, Psychology, and Physical Education, enabling him to create engaging, NGSS-aligned curricula that support diverse learners. Dedicated to inspiring students to explore the wonders of science, Omar’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a love for science in his students, empowering them to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. When he’s not teaching, Omar enjoys watching, playing, and coaching basketball, and he is also an avid kickboxing enthusiast, appreciating the discipline and fitness the sport provides.
Brianna Farasat
School Counselor
Brianna Farasat
Brianna grew up by the beach in Los Angeles, California and moved to Sonoma County after graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Education. She holds her Master’s in Education for School Counseling with a PPS Credential from Concordia University Irvine and is also a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher. She is deeply passionate about supporting the well-being of all students and aims to bring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness to others as a powerful tool to combat the effects of trauma and chronic stress. Brianna believes in a holistic approach to mental health, integrating mind and body practices to foster resilience and personal growth. When she is not counseling, she loves spending time in the sun, going to the beach and connecting with animals.
Kaitlyn Ahrbeck
School Counselor
Kaitlyn Ahrbeck
Kaitlyn grew up in the Bay Area. She received her Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications through the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in Arizona. She achieved her MAE in School Counseling through Alliant International University. Kaitlyn has been pursuing her passion to help students of all ages for the past three years as a School Counselor. Kaitlyn has joined the Pivot North Bay team as a School Counselor starting in 2024. Her favorite hobbies are reading, cooking, swimming and traveling whenever she can. Kaitlyn is looking forward to supporting Pivot students by helping them continue on their journey to find happiness.
Casey Becker-Carr
Classroom Aide
Casey Becker-Carr
Casey grew up as a Santa Rosa local, but moved away to get her degree in biochemistry from CSU Chico. After graduating, she took some time to figure out exactly what job would make her happy, before settling on teaching. She currently works mornings at Pivot as a Paraprofessional/Classroom Aide and afternoons at the Sonoma County Family YMCA as a swim instructor. She prides herself on creating an encouraging environment where mistakes are viewed as learning experiences, and every student is met at their level. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, crochet, and quilting, as well as attempting to keep her cat from knocking house plants off tables.
Lyric Pearson
Classroom Aide
Lyric Pearson
Lyric is currently in the Hutchins program at Sonoma State, and is studying to become an elementary school teacher with a concentration in psychology. She also graduated from SRJC with an associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and is an ArtQuest (Theatre) at Santa Rosa High School alumni. She is very passionate about learning and hopes to inspire the same in all students! In her free time, Lyric loves being in nature, reading, being around animals and her pets, seeing musicals, and spending time with her friends and family.