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
John Halderman
Site Administrator
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.
Sarah Torma
Site Administrator
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amber Herman
Educational Coordinator
Amber Herman
Amber Herman was born in Pacifica CA and raised in Santa Rosa. Enthusiastic about secondary education, Amber has worked with teens since emerging from teenhood herself. Amber remains inspired by and committed to the success and joy of young adults. A Santa Rosa Junior College alum, Amber holds a double AA in both English and Humanities. Amber simultaneously completed units for a BA in English with a focus in secondary education at Sonoma State University while working here at Pivot as a paraprofessional. After student teaching and receiving her credential in English, Amber returned to Pivot as an Educational coordinator. With her experience, education, and journey, Amber remains committed to upholding students’ voices and experiences – inviting them into the magic of education and the ways in which it opens up new opportunities, paths, and ways of thinking.
Jamie Buehner
Educational Coordinator
Jamie Buehner
Jamie Buehner (MFA, MAT) lived and worked, either as a teacher or a website proofreader, in Turkey, Vietnam, Germany, Wisconsin, and Alaska before coming to Pivot. She has two elementary-aged kids, a son and a daughter, with whom she loves to spend her time and who give her insight into the best way to help her students and families.
Jered Hazlett-Karr
Educational Coordinator
Jered Hazlett-Karr
Jered Hazlett-Karr was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA. He received his Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science in both Biology and Earth and Planetary Sciences from U.C. Santa Cruz, and later his teaching credential from Sonoma State University. Jered is passionate about fostering students’ creativity and curiosity, allowing them to develop their desire for learning. He loves seeing students find their passion and helping them reach their goals. As a true scientist, he models the importance of using powers of observation and oscillating between observation and interpretation. Jered has taught high school chemistry, biology and earth science. He loves spending time in nature with his wife and three children. You can also frequently find him on a sand volleyball court or in a battle of wits with a good board game.
Richard Maxwell
Educational Coordinator
Richard Maxwell
Richard grew up in Santa Rosa. He attended El Molino High School and the University of California, Davis, where he studied Computer Science and Engineering. Richard began a career in the technology industry working in engineering, project management, sales and leadership roles with companies including Hewlett-Packard and Dell.
Inspired by a desire to work more directly with young people, Richard transitioned into education, serving as a substitute teacher throughout Sonoma County, and ultimately taking an EC job at Pivot North Bay while simultaneously pursuing his teaching credential.
As an Educational Coordinator with Pivot Charter School North Bay, Richard is committed to supporting students on their individual learning journeys and helping them to Pivot to discover pathways to future success.
Jason Hodges
Educational Coordinator
Jason Hodges
Jason Graduated from Humboldt State University (Cal-Poly Humboldt) with a BA in History and earned his California Teaching credential in Social Science the following year. He spent over 25 years coaching Men’s Basketball at the High School and Division II College level. Jason was also the owner/operator of a busy Italian restaurant (2000-2015) while coaching and raising two sons (19 & 21). He loves working with kids, collaborating with co-workers, spending time with his dog, playing guitar, and hanging out with his boys.
Sarah Moe
Educational Coordinator
Sarah Moe
Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Studio with a minor in Art History from the University of Kentucky, and holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University.
With a strong background in both fine arts and education, Sarah is passionate about fostering creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking in the classroom. She enjoys helping students make meaningful connections between art, science, and math.
Sarah is a Sonoma Valley native and enjoys small town life, spending time with her neighbors, family and cats. She enjoys traveling, visiting museums, camping, gardening, cooking, making art and going to concerts.
Courtney Bird
Educational Coordinator
Courtney Bird
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).
Carrie Primavera
Education Specialist
Carrie Primavera
Originally from the Jersey shore, Carrie earned her BSED in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University before heading west to begin a rich teaching career in 1995. After teaching Kindergarten and 4th grade in San Francisco and operating her own boutique catering business as Chef Owner, she transitioned into special education. Demonstrating a trademark ability to balance a full plate, Carrie earned her Education Specialist credential at Cal State Hayward while simultaneously raising toddlers and teaching a K-2 Special Day class. She then spent a decade in Oakland special education, where she trained in Orton-Gillingham to support students with dyslexia and was instrumental in building the Full Inclusion program at Bella Vista Elementary. Now entering her third year as an Education Specialist at Pivot Charter, Carrie is a proud single mom to two daughters, ages 13 and almost 16, and a 5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog named Millie. She loves cooking big meals, camping, and playing games with her kids, her partner, and his children, while her solo hours are filled with gardening, dog walks, tarot, and finding signs of the spiritual world in nature.
Yi Chen
Educational Coordinator
Yi Chen
Yi earned a B.A. in Classical Civilization from University of California, Irvine and a M.A. in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from Sonoma State University. She received her World Languages – Mandarin teaching credential from San Jose State University.
Yi worked for many years in international education and teaching English as a Foreign Language, which developed her curiosity about other cultures and passion for helping students learn about and make meaningful connections between the world they already know and the wider world beyond. She enjoys traveling, good food, reading, and spending time with friends both human and animal.
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.
Emily Runyan
Education Specialist
Emily Runyan
Emily grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota enjoying ice skating and sledding in the snowy winters and swimming in the lakes in the warm summers.
After completing a double major in Psychology and Spanish at Earlham College, Emily spent two years teaching English in Guanajuato, Mexico before venturing to California in 2017 to find a new home. She eventually settled on the sunny beaches of Santa Cruz where she discovered her calling working in special education.
She began as a paraprofessional and then became a special education classroom teacher in 2020. She taught in an adult transition program and loves helping students achieve their dreams. She also earned a Masters Degree in Education from CSU Monterey Bay.
After the birth of her son, Theo, she relocated to Chico to be closer to extended family. In her free time, she enjoys jogging, exploring Upper Bidwell Park and dressing Theo in cute outfits.
Andrew Campbell
Educational Coordinator
Andrew Campbell
Andrew received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and his teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from CSU East Bay. He taught middle school science and served as an Assistant Principal for 12 years before joining Pivot in 2022. Andrew has two young children and enjoys living under the redwoods in western Sonoma County.
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.
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.
Rachel Angeles
Executive Assistant
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.
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.
Isabelle Beckner
Graduation Track 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.
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.
Arianna Vincent
Arts 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.
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!
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.
Meghan Coffey
Graduation Specialist Teacher
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.
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.
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.
Eileen Riley
Paraprofessional
Eileen Riley
Eileen studied theater and dance at the Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), then moved to San Francisco, where she performed with Improvisation Inc. on Powell Street for 2 years. When she moved back to Santa Rosa, she acted and played music in Shakespeare and contemporary plays, and danced at the Renaissance Faire. In San Francisco and Sonoma County, she also worked in the jewelry industry. Jerry Spaulding Designs had a line of machined rings, so she earned a degree in Machine Tool Technology at the SRJC to machine rings. She taught machining at SRJC in Career Technical Education while working as a machinist, including computer aided manufacturing. Eileen began working with at-risk youth (kindergarten through high school) in 2022 as a teacher’s aide, where the teacher she was working with was voted the teacher of the year.
Andria McNamee
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.
Carol Castro Ballard
Director of Special Education
Carol Castro Ballard
Carol is passionate about creating inclusive school environments where all students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. She brings a collaborative approach to leadership, focusing on strong IEP practices, meaningful family partnerships, and thoughtful support for educators. As a bilingual and bicultural educator, Carol is especially committed to ensuring that families from diverse backgrounds feel heard, respected, and involved in their children’s education.
She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, a Bachelor’s in Social Science, and credentials in administration, special education, and single-subject instruction.
Outside of work, Carol is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, kayaking, and swimming. She also enjoys traveling and discovering new places whenever she can.
Shannon Mallory
Enrollment Specialist
Shannon Mallory
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.
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.
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.
Jess Hughes
Independent Study File Auditor
Jess Hughes
Lucas Elbaum
ELD Coordinator
Lucas Elbaum
Lucas was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Chatham University. Lucas began his language teaching career while living in the Andes region of Ecuador, and later joined a bilingual, eco-oriented school in the Galapagos Islands. In the U.S., Lucas has taught middle and high school Social Studies, English Language Arts, and English Language Development, and served as an ELD Content Specialist with San Francisco Unified School District. Lucas is passionate about supporting students to hone their multilingual superpowers and to use their language skills to find success in school and beyond. When not planning lessons, you can find Lucas digging through old records, arguing about politics, or searching for mushrooms in the forest.
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.
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.
Ashley Yim
Grader
Ashley Yim
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her Master’s in Teaching from the University of Southern California. Before joining Pivot Charter Schools, she taught middle school science in San Diego. She enjoys gardening, rock climbing, and spending time with her family and two dogs. Ashley loves all things science and enjoys sharing her curiosity and enthusiasm for chemistry with students.
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.
Ryan Muldery
Grader
Ryan Muldery
Ryan is a Northern California native who grew up in the heart of Gold Country. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching history at the junior high, high school and college levels, he brings a deep passion for the subject and a thorough understanding of how students learn and express historical thinking at every stage of their academic journey.
He holds two master’s degrees — one in online learning and one in teaching pedagogies — which have sharpened his ability to evaluate student work thoughtfully, provide meaningful feedback and support learning across diverse formats.
As an avid traveler who has visited all 50 states, Ryan brings a broad perspective to history that extends beyond the textbook. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys exploring the mountains, kayaking in Monterey and spending time at the beach. He is married to a talented artist, and together they are enjoying the adventure of raising their young daughter, who keeps them on their toes alongside their two energetic cats.
Ryan is excited about the opportunity to contribute as a grader and help students grow in their understanding and appreciation of history.
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!
Sukhdev Singh (Singh)
Grader
Sukhdev Singh (Singh)
Sukhdev Singh was born in Northern India and migrated to the USA when he was 18 years old. He has taught high school physics, chemistry and math since 2005.
He holds BSc and MSc in Physics from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State LA. In his spare time, he likes gardening, hiking, and camping.
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.
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.
Diana Truax
CSI Graduation Program Assistant / Paraprofessional
Diana Truax
Diana is a California native who grew up and attended school in Southern California. She has worked in education for 16 years as an Early Start Kindergarten aide, special education aide, and in the counseling department at Ramona High School. She enjoys working with students, especially helping them with college and career planning. Diana is happy to be at Pivot because of its unique approach and the amazing students it serves.
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.
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.
Luke Shoulders
Systems and Technology Coordinator
Luke Shoulders
Luke was born and raised in Santa Rosa and is an alumnus of Sonoma State University and is currently pursuing a MLIS degree at San Jose State. He is happy to serve in his role as the Systems and Technology coordinator and offer support to the students and staff at Pivot. Apart from work and school Luke enjoys going on river walks, hanging out with his cat, and working in his garden.
Rachel Force
Reading and Literacy Specialist
Rachel Force
Rachel Force is a SoCal native who graduated from California State University San Marcos in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing. She then earned her Education Specialist credential in 2021. She is currently completing her Master’s in Reading Instruction as well as her Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential from California State University San Marcos. She is passionate about improving literacy outcomes for all students and fostering a love of reading. Rachel enjoys helping her students grow and succeed here at Pivot. She is an avid reader, animal lover, and is a San Diego Padres fan.
