The Educational Coordinators and Support Staff
of Pivot North Bay
Educational Coordinators and Education Specialists
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.
Abigail Titus
Site Administrator
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 last year, has applied her passion for teaching and learning at Pivot Charter School where she can be an advocate for all students. When she is not in the classroom, Abigail enjoys spending time with her hilarious family and traveling. She has been to 27 states and hopes to visit all 50 before she turns 30!
Robert Brier
Educational Coordinator
Robert Brier
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 path in science. She attended Sonoma State University where she got 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 tools that they need to be successful while building connections which enable them to grow.
Brenda Burke
Educational Coordinator
Brenda Burke
Brenda grew up in North County San Diego and graduated from CSU, San Marcos with a degree in Social Sciences. She loves international travel and has worked on community development in Australia and Costa Rica. Becoming fluent in Spanish is one of her life goals. Brenda was drawn to education as a field that empowers future generations. Working with young people to help them reach their goals and see them thrive is what inspires her to be a part of Pivot Charter Schools. Brenda enjoys all outdoor activities and visiting her sister in Bend, Oregon.
Meghan Coffey
Educational Coordinator
Meghan Coffey
Meghan’s love for science started in early elementary and has been the driving force in her educational endeavors ever since. She was fortunate to have inspiring science instructors throughout high school and college who challenged her and supported her. She earned a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a Single Subject Credential in Biology from Sonoma State. She has more than 15 years of experience providing academic support to youth in Sonoma County through various programs and is thrilled to have found a place at Pivot Charter School. When Meghan isn’t catching up on science in the news, she enjoys spending time with her child, crocheting, knitting, baking, decorating cakes and cupcakes for her friends and family, having impromptu dance parties in her living room, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors with her family. In the near future, Meghan hopes to learn how to use her new sewing machine, do some traveling with her family, and start running again with the ultimate goal of running a marathon someday. Meghan is very excited to share her passion for science with students, and support them in becoming lifelong learners.
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, she now lives in Caspar where she has taught for the last two years; first in a K/1 program and this last year overseeing and teaching grades two through five. Sarah has a great passion for music, nature, and working with children.
Collin Dobb
Educational Coordinator
Collin Dobb
Collin found his love for history very young when he was annoying his grandpa by constantly asking questions about his involvement in the Bay of Pigs incident way back when. That love of history and asking constant questions only grew throughout the years before attending California State University, Chico, graduating with a B. A. in History which was quickly followed by a Social Science Teaching Credential in 2018. Specializing in Eastern European history, Collin would love to rant about Josip Broz Tito, Napoleon’s military campaigns in the east or why everything bad in the Balkans occurs on June 15th, but he can save it for a time when people want to listen. When he’s not falling down a historical rabbithole, Collin can be found hiking around state parks, visiting historical sites, at sporting events, or lost camping in the mountains. Collin’s goal is to help every student he meets discover something that they are passionate about and translate his passion for history to the next generation of historians.
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 has a passion for educating our diverse community by encouraging creativity and supporting ambitious endeavors. For 9 years he educated youth at Rancho Bodega School. This is his fifth year teaching at Pivot, and he is committed to our 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.
Jered Hazlett-Karr
Educational Coordinator
Jered Hazlett-Karr
Jered was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA. He received his B.S. and M.S. in Biology and Earth and Planetary Sciences from UC Santa Cruz, and later his teaching credential from Sonoma State University. Jered is passionate about fostering students’ creativity and curiosity, allowing them to develop a desire for learning. Jered is excited about 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. Before coming to Pivot, Jered worked in education at several traditional schools as a chemistry, biology and earth science teacher. Jered loves being in nature, especially with his wife, son and baby daughter. He also loves matching wits with a good board game after dinner.
Kevin Lendo
Educational Coordinator
Kevin Lendo
Kevin is originally from San Francisco and moved to the east coast in his early teens. Over the years, he has lived in various parts of the country, and recently returned to California to work at Pivot Charter School. Kevin made a career change in the late 90s and earned his B.S. in Education at the University of New Orleans. He taught Math and Physical Education in the state of Maryland for 17 years.
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 9th-12th 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
Educational Coordinator
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 in the midst of 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, who have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in whatever venture they choose. When he is not teaching, Travis’ passion is fishing new waters and hiking unfamiliar territory.
Julian Rooney
Educational Coordinator
Julian Rooney
Julian grew up in Southern California before moving to Northern California in 1999. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and after transferring, earned his BA in Geography from Sonoma State University. He joined Pivot Charter School in 2017 and was very impressed with the individualized education approach. He believes that we all learn differently, but that is something that should be embraced! He entered education because he believes strongly in empowerment through knowledge and wants to help children reach their goals in life through learning. Julian previously worked at Salmon Creek Middle School and spent six years as a manager at Sports City Indoor Soccer. He loves to play and talk sports with anyone who is willing. He also enjoys traveling to new places whenever he gets the free time.
Chelsea Van der Heide
Educational Coordinator
Chelsea Van der Heide
Chelsea was born and raised in San Francisco but moved to San Diego in 2008 where she attended San Diego State for her undergraduate degree. Chelsea majored in Political Science and Women’s Studies with a minor in history. During college, Chelsea volunteered with the organization Girls on the Run where she helped young adults train for a 5K. She worked as a kindergarten teacher at a Montessori school for five years before going back to SDSU to obtain her teaching credential in History/Social Studies. Before coming to Pivot, Chelsea worked as a 6th-grade History teacher and ASB leader. During her free time she loves spending time with her fiance, friends, and mini Goldendoodle; Mr. Baba Ganoush. She loves cooking new recipes, journaling, and taking long walks on Coronado Beach. Chelsea is passionate about implementing restorative practices in her classroom and nurturing her students’ social and emotional mindset.
Sara Campbell
Educational Coordinator
Sara Campbell
Sara was born and raised in Needles, CA and graduated from Needles High School. She received her B.A. in Linguistics and English Education, and later her M.A. in Education, from CSU, Chico. Sara is passionate about creating positive learning experiences for students that enable their growth and development as lifelong learners. Sara finds Pivot Charter School inspirational because it allows teachers to form meaningful connections with students and individualize instruction while meeting standards and reaching higher goals. Before coming to Pivot, Sara worked in education as a tutor, preschool teacher, and substitute teacher. She has also held positions as a Logistics Analyst and Purchaser and as a Marketing Communications Specialist. Sara loves traveling, backpacking, swimming, cooking, and so many other things, especially when she can enjoy them with her husband and dog.
Nicole Westbrook
Educational Coordinator
Nicole Westbrook
Nicole Westbrook has a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Santa Cruz, CA and is the Biology and Physics Lab teacher at Pivot Charter School. She enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, cooking, and going on walks with her adventurous cat. Her favorite part of teaching is when her students get to engage in hands-on learning and work collaboratively in her labs.
Ruben Escamilla
Educational Coordinator
Ruben Escamilla
Ruben Escamilla went to Sonoma State University for Applied Mathematics. Also fluent in Spanish, he is an experienced and dedicated math teacher. In his past, he has enjoyed coaching soccer, cross-country, track, and baseball for students in the middle and high school grades. Ruben is a current member of the Santa Rosa Marine Corps and also spent time in the US Marine Corps.
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. He then began his second career in 2004 as a substitute teacher. Bob taught almost exclusively at Healdsburg High School for the next twelve years. A good deal of his assignments involved Special Education classes. One of Bob’s younger siblings had special needs and his understanding of the challenges these students face developed from an early age. 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. During the past three years Mr. 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, six grandchildren, and their two labs. Bob is a freelance photographer and enjoys hiking on local trails, camping, sailing and of course teaching at Pivot.
Shelli Goldin
Education Specialist
Shelli Goldin
Shelli is a native Californian with a passion for education. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. After a career as a marketing and event specialist and taking time to start a family, she pursued her Education Specialist credential at National University which, like Pivot, provides their curriculum online. In her free time, Shelli loves to read, do yoga, bake, take walks, and go on adventures (near and far) with her husband and two daughters.
Brooke Van Arsdale
Interim Director of Special Education
Brooke Van Arsdale
Brooke grew up in Western North Carolina and attended University in Tennessee, where she majored in English Literature and Secondary Education and minored in Mathematics. After graduating with her Bachelors of Arts in 2012, Brooke spent a year teaching 9th grade Algebra. Afterward, she obtained a Masters of Education in Special Education and worked as an Inclusion Teacher for two years. After moving to California, she worked at a Non-Public School for two years, serving students with higher levels of need. Brooke began working at Pivot in 2017. She loves working with students with a variety of backgrounds and needs. She works to create a collaborative and supportive environment for her students at Pivot. When not working, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family and exploring national parks.
Chris Briggs
Education Specialist
Chris Briggs
Chris was born, raised, and spent most of his life residing in Chico, Ca. 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 eventually earned Education Specialist and Social Science teaching credentials. Chris has spent seven years working in education as a Paraprofessional working one-to-one with a talented young man diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. This will be Chris’ second full year as a full-time Education Specialist, and he 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 as well as evolve and create meaning in their lives.
Danica Eng
Education Specialist
Danica Eng
Born and raised in San Diego, Danica received her B.S. in Mathematics (Specializing in Education) from UC Irvine and her Education Specialist Credential and M.A. in Education from CSU San Marcos. One thing about Pivot that inspires her is how incredibly student-centered Pivot is as a learning institution. All staff and faculty ensure that the instruction and curriculum is tailored to each individual, ensuring the success of all students. Previously, Danica taught Math at the middle school and high school levels. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with her dog and crocheting for family and friends.
Tara Wiglesworth
Education Specialist
Tara Wiglesworth
Tara was born and raised in Placerville, CA. After high school, she attended California State University, Chico where she majored in Agricultural Business and Business Administration. After college, she spent the next couple of years working in the almond industry before deciding to go back to school and earn her teaching credential. In 2008, Tara earned her Multiple Subject credential from Chapman University and in 2010 decided to go back to add a Mild/Moderate and Autism credential while completing her Master’s degree. Tara enjoys working with her students and learning what makes them tick and how to best motivate them. Tara lives in Chico with her dog and cat, and when she’s not teaching, she enjoys spending time outside kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and traveling.
Jennie Clopton
Educational Coordinator & Foster / Homeless Liaison
Jennifer Clopton
Jennie is an alumna of Sonoma State University and has spent over a decade teaching in Sonoma County schools. As an English teacher, she is passionate about helping students realize the power words have to transform thought into action. She is committed to providing more individualized attention in education in order to help serve the needs of a more diverse population. Having moved over forty times in her life and having spent time traveling the world, Jennie values unique approaches to education and truly appreciates Pivot’s flexible and supportive program. Jennie loves to travel, camp and explore the outdoors with her family.
Support Staff
Adriana Arellanes
Site Coordinator
Adriana Arellanes
Adriana was born in Saint Helena. She was raised in different cities around Sonoma County including, Calistoga, Windsor and Santa Rosa. She also spent 6 years living in Mexico. Once she turned 15, she moved back to Santa Rosa. Adriana is bilingual. She graduated from Elsie Allen High School in 2019. She is currently a full time student at the Santa Rosa Junior College with a Psychology major, aspiring to be a Child and Adolescent Psychologist in the future. Adriana love working with kids, and Pivot has been an amazing first step to reaching my goal. She loves traveling, especially to Oaxaca, Mexico, where her family is from. One of her goals is to visit every state in Mexico.
Alex Braden
Technology Coordinator
Alex Braden
Alex Braden was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He has dabbled in a little bit of everything, from Engineering and Chemistry to Game Design and Writing. He strives to learn something new every day and feels that the only thing needed to be exceptional in a field or topic is the right teacher.
Kristen Poitras
MTSS Coordinator
Kristen Poitras
Theresa House
Program Coordinator
Theresa House
Theresa has a life-long passion for teaching and learning. She worked in the software development industry as a professional trainer, documentation writer, and support analyst for many years prior to transitioning to a career in education. Her broad teaching experience spans Kindergarten through adult learners in computer applications, middle school math, and accounting. She received her master’s degree in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at Sonoma State University and her doctorate degree in Learning Technologies at Pepperdine University. Theresa brings to Pivot Charter Schools over 15 years of experience working at the district and county office of education levels supporting a broad portfolio of projects focused on curriculum, assessment, and teacher professional development. She loves the intersection of these interconnected facets of education.
Theresa thoroughly enjoys working with the highly collaborative Pivot team of professionals and the unique educational setting it offers. She was deeply moved after attending her first Pivot graduation and witnessed the transformational impact of personalized learning on student growth and success. Theresa is excited about her role at Pivot and expanding the learning opportunities for our students.
She loves spending time with family and friends, often hiking, being at the coast, or exploring a different park trail. Theresa recently caught the Pickleball craze and is often hitting the courts after work. She still becomes flabbergasted at the Pickleball-sized hole that mysteriously appears in her racquet on occasion.
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 8 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.
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 was the Operations Manager for Sierra Business Council, based in Truckee, CA and was the Project Coordinator for Prosser Creek Charter School, overseeing all aspects of student records and admissions. Anna graduated from New College of California with a BA in Humanities (with an emphasis in Music Composition and Natural History) and has an extensive background in Environmental Education. In her free time, you may find her hiking, swimming, enjoying the company of family and friends, gardening, or reading something new and interesting!
Shayna Calkins
Reading Intervention Specialist
Shayna Calkins
Shayna Calkins is from Kauai, Hawaii and received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language Arts/Secondary Education from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. She loves learning about new cultures and has taught in The United States, South Korea, Albania, and Taiwan. She also has previous experience working for Upward Bound, Project Mentor, and the Des Moines Public Library. Shayna enjoys reading, writing, volunteering, gardening, swimming, hiking, and spending time with her husband and their new baby girl. She also holds a Master’s in Secondary Education and plans to continue her goal of being a life-long learner.
Angelica Herrera
School Counselor
Angelica Herrera
Angelica grew up in San Jose and moved to Sonoma County in 2011. She attended Sonoma State University and completed her B.A. in Liberal Studies and later received her M.A. in Counseling. She has had teaching experience as a substitute teacher and an instructional assistant in various schools throughout Sonoma County. Through her teaching career, she discovered her enjoyment working one-on-one with students and their families, thus decided to continue her education in the counseling field. In her spare time, she enjoys doing outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, running, and gardening. She takes pride in her abilities to make niche Spotify playlists and homemade tortillas. Angelica is excited to create meaningful relationships with Pivot students and families while providing them support and guidance through their academic journey.
Sarah Gerber-Kai
School Counselor
Sarah Gerber-Kai
Melissa Andrade
Classroom Assistant
Melissa Andrade
Melissa grew up in Santa Rosa and studied at San Francisco State University, receiving a B.A. in Creative Writing with a minor in World Literature. She hopes to bring her passion for the written word to the students at Pivot. Outside of the classroom, she spends her time writing, adopting new plants, learning arts and crafts projects, and hanging out with her “niblings” (her sibling’s kids).
Roy Domke
Math Coach
Roy Domke
Roy is a Pivot Math Coach Coordinator of middle and high school on-campus and Virtual students at all five Pivot campuses. He has always been fascinated by all things mechanical, especially machines that move people about with powerful motors. He has logged over two million miles operating numerous cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes. This life-long passion drew him to the field of Mechanical Engineering, in which he holds a BS degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. He also loves to travel and has visited all fifty States and seven continents, including Antarctica. During his working career, he held a position of Project Engineer with an aerospace firm designing ICBM components for the US military. He served seven years in the US Navy Reserve, founded and managed companies ranging from custom home building, insurance claims investigations, medical research, and antique/classic mahogany boat restorations. Following the sale of his last business, Roy began volunteering as a math tutor in Sonoma County schools on a part-time basis. That activity hooked him on helping kids succeed in math. Especially high school students. After spending several years working in the Healdsburg and Santa Rosa School Districts, Pivot Charter School caught his eye as a perfect match for his skills and worldly experience.
Julianne Cochran
Grader (Math)
Julianne Cochran
Julianne is a San Diego native and math nerd. She has taught math for 11 years, in 6 different schools, on 2 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, campaigning for the clean beauty movement, baking, and exercising.
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, CA 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 bachelor’s degree in Art and Art History and a multiple subject teaching credential from Sonoma State University. She has worked with children from early childhood to middle school-aged students. 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, Shawn makes sure she does something that makes her happy every day. Whether it’s coloring with her two kids or helping her husband with garden projects, it’s always a great time at the Mallonee home.
Tiago Marta
Grader (Tech/Electives/CTE)
Tiago Marta
Tiago lives in Shasta County, CA and started his career as a California credentialed teacher in 2017 at a local personalized learning school such as Pivot and later at a large high school. He has three single subject credentials for Information and Communication Technologies, Business and Finance and Marketing, Sales and Services. He has supported a Tehama county school district as a Technology Support Specialist, Shasta County Office of Education as a Information Technology Analyst and the Office of State Publishing Department at the Capitol building in Sacramento as a technology consultant. Besides his love for technology, Tiago is also a language consultant for different government organizations and technology companies such as The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Google, Sony and many others. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, working as a volunteer and traveling around the world.
Josefine Pettit
Grader (Social Studies/History)
Josefine Pettit
Josefine was born and raised all over Riverside County. She moved to San Bernardino in 2016, where she attended California State University, San Bernardino, for her undergraduate. Josefine majored in History on the Teaching track. Josefine was part of Alpha Phi, Phi Alpha Theta during college and volunteered for Girls Scouts. Josefine continued her education at CSUSB for her teaching credential in Social Science. During her free time, she loves going to Disneyland with friends. She also loves spending time with her family. She loves to read historical fiction, watch movies, and bake. Josefine’s favorite part of teaching history is implementing lessons with different perspectives of History in the classroom where students can connect to the lessons.
Shahram Yousefian
Grader (Science)
Shahram Yousefian
Shahram holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in chemistry and organic chemistry and loves all things science. He enjoys helping students realize science is fascinating and not a subject to be feared. He is married with two young adult children and in his free time loves gardening and bicycling.
Sarah Golden
School Counselor
Sarah Golden
Sarah has an MA in Counselor Education specializing in School Counseling grades K-12 from Western Michigan University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Walden University finishing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She has served as the Consulting School Counselor at Pivot for the past five years and was previously a counselor at a school in Los Angeles. Sarah is passionate about supporting students and their families and is excited to work closely with the students and families at Pivot.
Sarah is originally from the Midwest but has lived in California for the past 10 years. She enjoys hiking, running and stand-up paddle boarding. She is a marathon runner and competed in cross country while in college. She is passionate about working with youth and has traveled to Rwanda, Africa to volunteer with children 5-18 years old in various communities. She has two dogs, a French bulldog named Linus, and an English bulldog named Franklin.
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.
Craig Hobart
Regional Director
Craig Hobart
As a teenager, Craig was the youngest instructor in ski school. He worked with and mentored under a Biology professor/ski bum who planted the seed of becoming a life-long learner by teaching others. After college Craig first worked in biotech, and later in computer technologies. One brave day he applied to grad school and earned a Master in Education. Like many students, he thinks he found the ideal environment at Pivot.
During the Summer, Craig is the guy who the backcountry trout laugh at. During the school year, Craig is often recognized at the tail end of a local cycling race. He lives in San Marcos with his wife, two kids, and his dog Fin.
Liz Jones
Chief Business Officer
Liz Jones
Liz has always loved math, and she 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!
Lindsey Vining
Director of Systems and Accountability
Lindsey Vining
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
Registrar
Shannon Mallory
Rachel Angeles
Executive Assistant & COVID-19 Coordinator
Rachel Angeles
Born and raised in Southern California, Rachel Angeles has received her Bachelors of Arts from Cal State San Bernardino. She is currently working on obtaining her credential and master’s degree in elementary education from WGU. Throughout her life, Rachel has always been involved in competitive sports and performing arts and is always looking for continued growth in everything she does. She loves music, books, and all animals. When Rachel is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and dogs. She likes entertaining friends and family, rescuing animals, and is an avid movie watcher. Rachel loves the fun and diversity that Pivot brings and enjoys interacting with all the Pivot staff and families.
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.
Cindy Spencer
Accounts Payable Clerk
Cindy Spencer
Cindy Spencer was born in Placerville, California and raised in Placer County. She was fourth among five brothers and a sister, so she grew up in a very competitive environment. She attended Sierra Junior College and after two years transferred to American River College for her English degree. Enjoying the best of many industries, Cindy worked both in the public and private sectors of the land use industry. After the building industry fallout, Cindy moved into managing a Chiropractic office for nearly five years. Through that experience, Cindy was sought out to close out a teaching program for the Sacramento Office of Education for three years. She taught the Medical and Chiropractic Assistance program to at-risk adults. This program was fulfilling in that after 300 hours of class and hands-on training, she was tasked to place each student in a medical/chiropractic office for 250 hours of internship. Her last graduating class was 86% employed at the time of graduation.
Cindy has two sons, both Placer County Deputy Sheriffs who live also in the Roseville area. She also has two grandchildren. Her non-working hours are spent hiking and kayaking, golfing and playing volleyball. Before accepting this wonderful position with Pivot, Cindy spent six months in South America, backpacking through Ecuador, Argentina & Chile, enjoying the adventure of a new culture.
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.
Kareen Poulsen
Director of Student Services
Kareen Poulsen
Yi Chen
Paraprofessional / Classroom Aide
Yi Chen
Yi grew up in San Mateo and graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BA in Classical Civilization. She then worked in international education and teaching EFL between Taiwan, China and the US for about 17 years before getting her MA in Education: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at Sonoma State University. As a lifelong learner, Yi loves to connect with students and share knowledge and the learning experience together with them in dynamic ways. She can go on for hours about mythology stories and fascinating ancient cultures, and is an avid Disney fan, reader, and gamer.
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.
Alize Marsh
Paraprofessional / Classroom Aide & Independent Study File Auditor
Alize Marsh
Alize was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. She is currently a student at Santa Rosa Junior College studying Social Science, as well as a former 2021 North Bay Pivot graduate. Before working at Pivot, Alize started her own business, called Treatsbyzae, where she would make treats such as chocolate covered strawberries, candy apples, etc. for all different events. Alize currently works as a paraprofessional working with children and auditor at the North Bay Pivot site. She enjoys helping children and hopes to pursue a career in social work.
Kathleen Mendoza
Student Records Clerk
Kathleen Mendoza
Kathleen came to Pivot after working with the school district and the high school dual enrollment program at the local junior college. She is grateful to be part of Pivot, not only as a team member, but also as a proud parent. She loves spending time with her family, animals, and outdoors!
Andria McNamee
School Nurse