Our Staff

Anna Wilkinson

annaw@inspireschools.org Teacher Trainer
Coordinator

"Anna Wilkinson is a Homeschool Teacher and Teacher Trainer Coordinator for Yosemite Valley and Monarch River Academy.

Anna graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a BA in Liberal Studies in 2003. She completed her credential there immediately after and has been in education since then. She has taught almost every elementary grade (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6th!) and also adults. She is passionate about teaching and loves to continue learning herself! Anna believes that education should be accessible to all and that through schooling at home, students’ individual needs are met and their education can be personalized.

Anna has been married to Ken for 16 years and has 3 children. She grew up in Fresno and loves raising her family here as well."

Kathryn Buckley

kathrynb@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Kathryn Buckley understands the importance of individualized education and knows there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to learning. This is her 3rd year as a homeschool teacher and 7th year as an educator. Kathryn spent her early years as a high school history teacher and loves all things historical. She completed her undergraduate degree at Fresno State with a Bachelors in History in 2011 and immediately went on to finish her Social Science Credential at Fresno State in 2012. She lives in Clovis with her husband, Dustin, and two young children, Morgan and Avery. She is ready and excited to begin a new year helping families on their homeschool journey!

Kristen Kroeker

kkroeker@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"If asked what is the most important bit of advice you would give a new homeschooler, Kristen Kroeker would answer, “Teach the child you have.” As a credentialed teacher with a Masters of Arts degree in Teaching and Curriculum, as well as a mother of five children who has homeschooled for more than ten years, Kristen knows well the beauty and the challenges that come with educating children at home. She knows that no child fits perfectly into a “box” and that each child has strengths and weaknesses that are unique to them. As a homeschool teacher, Kristen encourages students to run with their passions, while at the same time gently strengthening their weaknesses, letting them be victorious and not discouraged about the things that challenge them."

Lindsay Hughes

lhughes@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"Lindsay Hughes is excited to be in her third year at Monarch River Academy as a homeschool teacher. She has a deep passion for homeschooling families, and is excited to work with parents and help foster their child’s learning. Her goal is to encourage and support parents, and walk with them in this amazing journey of homeschooling. She has been homeschooling her three girls for the past seven years. With this this experience, she has learned so much about the homeschool journey and how it looks so different for every family. Before Inspire, she worked as an Independent Studies teacher for high school students. That job taught her how to work one on one with students and families, individualizing each student’s learning needs, in turn leading to their success and graduation! Prior to that, she was a kindergarten teacher for three years. Lindsay attended Fresno Pacific College for her BA as well as her teaching credential. Mrs. Hughes is excited to start this journey with you!"

Margie McIntyre

margiem@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Margie McIntyre has been a Homeschool Teacher for the past two years. She loves to see students learning about the world around them and is privileged to walk with parents as they support their students in their homeschool journey. Margie taught 8th-grade math and science for seven years prior to coming to Monarch River Academy. She was homeschooled during her own elementary years and has really enjoyed being a part of the homeschool community again. 

Megan Rios

mrios@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"Megan Rios is a teacher with Monarch River Academy and has been working in the field of education for over 6 years. She has been passionate both about homeschooling and about teaching since she was a child; her mother homeschooled her and her siblings for most of the elementary school years. After completing her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and earning her teaching credential through California State University San Marcos, she began her teaching career in Selma. She taught 3rd grade for four years before joining the Inspire family. She enjoys her job immensely and is looking forward to a great year of learning!"

Melissa Ens

melissa.ens@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"Melissa Ens is someone who loves teaching and loves learning. She is beginning her 3rd year as a Homeschool Teacher, and is happy to be part of the Monarch River Academy family! In addition to teaching TK, 4th grade, and bilingual kindergarten for local public schools for over 6 years, Melissa homeschooled her own children for several years, covering grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and half of 10th. She knows that some families always planned to homeschool and others found it necessary at some point due to unexpected, sometimes difficult circumstances. No matter their story, Melissa is passionate about supporting each family’s efforts to help their children learn and grow.

Melissa lives in Fresno, CA with her husband, three teenagers, two dogs, and 11 chickens. She completed her undergraduate and credential coursework at Fresno Pacific University and later lived in Peru for 2.5 years. She has a bilingual teaching credential and loves reading, playing the guitar, living in a culturally rich city, and eating anything she didn’t have to cook. "

Miriam Hofer

miriam@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"Miriam Hofer is passionate about Homeschooling . This is her fourth year teaching with Yosemite Valley Charter Schools. Miriam is both a Homeschool teacher and a Homeschool mom. Being both an Homeschool Teacher and Homeschool mom gives her great insight as to the ins and outs of what it takes to Homeschool successfully, and also the joys and challenges of homeschooling.

Miriam's passion for Homeschool is evident, as she received Inspire's Heart of Homeschool award in 2018. She works diligently to meet the needs of her students and loves to encourage families to grow in their learning and thrive as Homeschool families. Miriam taught a 3rd/4th grade class at Inspire's Enrichment Academy and led a Book Club at this year's Community Connections Events in Kingsburg. Miriam loves to encourage students to read and she can often be seen with her portable library that she has created out of vintage suitcases.

Miriam has been married for 23 years and has 3 children, all of which she has homeschooled at some point. She is currently homeschooling her youngest child who is in 7th grade.

In her spare time Miriam enjoys baking, camping and spending time with her family. She is looking forward to another fantastic learning year with Inspire!"

Shiela Skibbie

sskibbie@inspireschools.org Community Coordinator & Homeschool Teacher

Shiela Skibbie loves helping homeschool parents and students be successful! She is entering her third year as an Homeschool Teacher and has over 20 years of education experience in public, private, and home school environments as a classroom teacher, charter school leader and administrator, and as a homeschool mom to both a middle school and high school student. She has her multiple subject credential, a Masters in Educational Media Design & Technology, and a passion for helping students pursue their college & career goals.

Stacey Pettitt

spettitt@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"Stacey Pettitt is a homeschool teacher with Monarch River. She has been a teacher for 26 years and has homeschooled her own children for 16 years. She believes it is the best parenting decision she and her husband have ever made! She has found that the relationships within the family have been strengthened by the time spent learning together at home.

Stacey has a passion for homeschooling and helping other families on their homeschool journey. She enjoys coming alongside other homeschooling families to help them find the best methods and strategies to fit their learning and teaching styles. She is here to be your encourager, cheerleader, advocate, and facilitator. She enjoys children and encouraging and motivating them."

Tami Goossen

tami@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

"Tami Goossen has been in education and teaching for the past 25 years. Her passion for education and love of teaching took her from the classroom to homeschooling her own three children and then to Inspire, where she has been a Homeschool Teacher for the last two years. While schooling her children at home, she saw the truth of the statement made by Charlotte Mason, ""Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life."" Throughout her 18 years of home educating, she taught in various co-op and classroom settings and also gained knowledge of different teaching methods, curriculum, and how to foster real-life learning. Tami loves coming alongside families to encourage, support, and help find what best fits the needs of a student. She understands the challenges and joys of homeschooling and enjoys being able to encourage the process of a life of learning!

Tami received her BA and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Fresno Pacific University and is looking forward to another wonderful year of learning!"

Valerie Blackburn

vblackburn@inspireschools.org SST Coordinator & Homeschool Teacher

Valerie Blackburn traces her road to teaching all the way back to 3rd grade when she wrote a report on Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan and was forever captivated by the story of the difference a dedicated teacher can make in the life of a child. Mrs. Blackburn has had a wide variety of experiences in education prior to joining the Inspire Family of Schools, which include classroom teacher, independent study teacher, and charter school developer. The most rewarding experience, by far, was the ten years she spent homeschooling her own three children. Mrs. Blackburn received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Fresno Pacific University. Mrs. Blackburn believes that great teachers are the ones who inspire students to ask their own great questions, and she has always been guided by the words of Helen Keller, "A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers." Mrs.Blackburn is eagerly looking forward to a great year partnering with families to ensure that their children have everything they need to experience a successful and joyful school year!

Nailya Jarocki

nailya.jarocki@inspireschools.org Lead EL Coordinator | Homeschool Teacher

Nailya Jarocki is excited to be joining Monarch River Academy! A lifelong student and educator, she has taught and administrated for over two decades at private, public, and charter schools in the US and Europe. She has taught at all levels, from kindergarten to graduate courses, and she loves being in the classroom. Nailya’s hobbies include languages (she is fluent in four), literature, gardening, and international travel. Having received her Bachelor’s in Child Psychology and German in Russia, upon arrival in the US, she earned her MA in Education from Fresno Pacific and a Doctorate in Education from Brandman University. She holds three single subject credentials and a Clear Administrative Credential as well. Nailya is the wife of an English teacher and the mother of a freshman and a senior at University High Charter School. During her time teaching in Visalia, she received both the Redwood High yearbook dedication and a Crystal Apple Award for excellence in teaching. Nailya has spent the last decade working with special education and English learner students. She is passionate about teaching and reaching all learners. She believes in helping every child to discover their unique talents and individual ways of learning.

Rachael Jantzen

rachael.jantzen@inspireschools.org English Language Coordinator | Homeschool Teacher

Rachael Jantzen is a Homeschool Teacher and is excited to have the opportunity and honor to work with amazing families and students at Yosemite Valley Charter School. Mrs. Jantzen was born and raised in the Central Valley and loves taking little trips here and there or simply barbecuing in the backyard with her husband, son, and extended family.

Rachael Jantzen is a Homeschool Teacher and is excited to have the opportunity and honor to work with amazing families and students at Yosemite Valley Charter School. Mrs. Jantzen was born and raised in the Central Valley and loves taking little trips here and there or simply barbecuing in the backyard with her husband, son, and extended family. Before deciding to pursue a career in teaching, Mrs. Jantzen wanted to be an attorney, so she worked at a law office while in college and earned her B.A. in Philosophy Pre-Law and Communication. She was also coaching high school pep and cheer while in college and realized how much she enjoyed working with students. So, Mrs. Jantzen earned her single-subject credential in English. Mrs. Jantzen taught English to every grade from 8th grade to 12th grade. While earning her Master’s in Educational Administration and Leadership and Administrative Credential, she was a campus culture director at a middle school. Mrs. Jantzen also taught at the Center for Advanced Research and Technology in Clovis, CA. Mrs. Jantzen enjoyed how students were excited to learn English because it was presented using a theme that intrigued them. One of the many amazing things about homeschooling is that students have the opportunity to study what interests them and pursue experiences that make learning fun. Mrs. Jantzen strongly believes that learning should be fun and exciting for students. Not all students learn the same way and homeschooling provides students with the ability to find curriculum options that appeal to them. When Mrs. Jantzen became a homeschool teacher, she saw the excitement and creativity in her students’ work samples which is a true testament to parents knowing their children and tailoring learning experiences to fit their needs. Mrs. Jantzen and her husband are also foster and adoptive parents and have seen how beneficial homeschooling is to fellow foster and adoptive families. Mrs. Jantzen looks forward to collaborating with Yosemite Valley families and seeing all of the amazing examples of learning!

Becky Bennet

rbennett@inspireschools.org English Language Coordinator | Homeschool Teacher

"Becky Bennett is a Homeschool Teacher for Yosemite Valley Charter School. She believes in preserving the dignity of childhood and has made it a priority to make students feel important, loved, and capable. This is her fifth year as a professional educator and second year with the Yosemite Valley team. She received her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Brigham Young University in 2016 where she also minored in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Becky believes that every student has the right to an individualized education. She has seen how homeschooling allows children to discover, learn and explore the world through the lenses of their own interests and questions. Becky encourages teaching to the whole child with a focus on movement, art, imagination and storytelling as key foundations in a child’s journey.

Becky lives with her husband and one-year-old daughter in Madera Ranchos. They love being outdoors and in their free time are developing a small homestead on their property."

Vikki Shumaker

vikki@inspireschools.org 504 Coordinator

"Hello! Welcome to Yosemite Valley Charter School! This is Vikki Shumaker's third year as a teacher with Yosemite Valley, and her eighth year of working in the homeschool and online schooling environment. She has experience working with all grade levels, and feels blessed to have the opportunity to continue to work with all ages while teaching with Yosemite Valley Charter.

Vikki fell in love with this career and feels truly blessed to be able to connect with so many children and families through teaching. She enjoys learning along with her students and continues to still grow in her education by adding up to date courses to her degree and credentials. Homeschooling has opened so many new opportunities for little learners, and Vikki loves being a part of that. She enjoys seeing the growth and development that our school can provide for the students. Vikki welcomes you and cannot wait to join you on the path of learning and help your students achieve their academic goals!

Vikki was born and raised in Fresno and loves that with teaching at Yosemite Valley Charter she can connect with others from the Central Valley. When not busy with students, Vikki enjoys exercising, running, and spending time with her family of two teenage children and their cute Goldendoodle dog. They especially love spending quality time together traveling, mostly to the beach.

Vikki is very excited for the new school year and is looking forward to meeting other local families to connect and explore this amazing academic journey together! "

Jacquelyn Anderson

jacquelyn.anderson@monarchriveracademy.org Homeschool Teacher

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Lindsay Barstow

Homeschool Teacher

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Karen Berney

karen.berney@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

From teaching modeling techniques and self improvement skills, to teaching preschoolers and public school students from kindergarten to sixth grade and teaching her own three children at home from infancy through high school, Karen Berney has been involved in the educational field in varying capacities for more than 25 years. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from National University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Clear CLAD Multiple Subject teaching credential. As an eclectic homeschool educator, she has experimented with many different styles and types of curriculum as well as different teaching techniques to meet the individual needs of her three very unique children. The cumulation of all her educational experiences has helped her come to the realization that it is a customizable curriculum that focuses on the students learning style and a personalized learning plan that leads to the greatest student success.

Karen moved from Southern California to the Central Valley and has lived in Clovis for the past 18 years where she and her husband of 25 years have raised their three daughters. As a family they enjoy spending time together soaking up the sun at the beach, breathing fresh air while camping in the mountains and attempting to play tennis. Karen also serves on the board of a local homeschool theater group and volunteers as the makeup artist for all of their performances. Her other pursuits include baking, physical fitness, and learning all she can about health and nutrition.

Karen considers it an honor and privilege to help to equip, empower and encourage you as you endeavor to home educate your children in a way that will lead to a successful and rewarding academic experience for both the student and teacher!

Lissa Engstrom

lissa.engstrom@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Lissa Engstrom is passionate about finding the best in people. Growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, and traveling as a young child, she quickly learned how stories are the most important thing a human being can share. She finds joy in community and brings this mentality into her interactions with the students and families she works with. Lissa has taught for 14 years, working in a variety of K-12 classrooms, most recently teaching Advanced Placement Literature and Stagecraft Design at Kingsburg High School. She holds a Masters in Theatre Design from Southern Oregon University and completed her undergraduate studies in Theatre and English at UCLA and Fresno State University. Lissa and her husband Corey ran E&e Performing Arts Center in Kingsburg for 6 years, offering over 100 performing arts programs and productions, for kids of all ages, as well as adults. She is mommy (and homeschool teacher) to Olive and Winnie, her daily reminders to live her best life. She looks forward to this upcoming school year and looks forward to getting to know you!

Janell Gaertig

janell@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Janell Gaertig is excited to be part of the Monarch River Academy team to help families personalize their child’s education. As a homeschooling mom with classroom experience, Janell offers her thoughts on homeschooling: “I believe that for a student to receive educational benefit, learning activities need to be meaningful. Who better than the parent and the student to know what will be meaningful? That is what I appreciate, and see, as the biggest benefit of homeschooling to encourage student success.”

Janell is a long-time resident of the Central Valley who earned her bachelor’s in Speech Therapy and teaching credential at CSU Fresno, and her Master’s in Educational Administration from National University. Janell has worked with students on the autism spectrum, is trained in Reading Recovery practices and is a proponent of Positive Discipline to support the Social Emotional needs of students.

For fun, Janell enjoys spending time with her family, creating in the kitchen, reading, and exploring the outdoors. She looks forward to offering support and resources to families as they take the next steps in their homeschooling journey.

Jeff Grunau

jeff@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Jeff Grunau has a total of 14 years of experience with traditional public schools, brick and mortar public charter schools and Monarch River Academy homeschool charter. His expertise K-2 with 10 years of classroom experience as a 1st grade teacher. Mr. Grunau went to Edison High School, Fresno City College and Fresno State for his Liberal Arts B.A. and finished his teaching credential at National University.

Jeff has been married for 20 years to Launa and they homeschool the two youngest children while his two oldest attend Hoover High School. His philosophy is to meet the student where they are in their educational journey and find avenues that facilitate their growth to achieve their best. Every child has different needs and abilities. Every child can and will learn, they need someone to walk alongside them.

Fabio Linares

flinares@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

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Sheryl Reimer

sheryl.reimer@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

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Lorinda Riffel

lorinda.riffel@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Lorinda Riffel finds joy in empowering students and parents to succeed. She knows that not all children learn and grow in the same way. Lorinda loves to help students find their strengths and live confidently. She has over twenty-five years of experience in education; teaching at the elementary level in a brick and mortar setting, teaching high school to struggling readers, teaching for an online charter school, and homeschooling her own three children for 14 years. She has lived in the Central Valley for most of her life and has been married to her husband for 28 years. She loves math, reading, paper-crafting, and spending time with her family. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, teaching credential, and Master of Arts degree in Special Education at Fresno Pacific University. Mrs. Riffel is so excited to begin working with students in Monarch River Academy this year!

Monica Strickland

monica.strickland@monarchriveracademy.org Homeschool Teacher

Monica is in her 20th year in education. She loves teaching and learning new things! She has been married for over 17 years to her amazing husband, Kelly! They have 2 boys, Brandt (13) and Reed (10), they are homeschooling.

Carrie Stumpfhauser

carries@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Carrie Stumpfhauser embraces learning in every area of life. She understands that education is a lifestyle made up of experiences, interests, hardships, and perseverance. Homeschooling is not only her job but it is also her passion and her lifestyle. Carrie and her husband have been homeschooling their four children for the last 9 years (since 2010). She truly understands the joys, challenges, choices, and opportunities that homeschooling families experience. Carrie considers herself an eclectic homeschooler, mixing a bit of Charlotte Mason, Classical, projects, and unit studies into their learning. It has been her delight to support families through co-op learning and through the homeschool charter. Carrie also enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, gardening, reading, crafting, and caring for her animals on their “mini” farm.

Prior to having children, Carrie taught at an elementary school in Selma for 7 years. During that time she taught third grade, fourth grade, and an early reading intervention program. This will be Carrie’s fourth year working as a homeschool teacher for Monarch River Academy. She is excited to be working with the charter school to support and encourage families on their homeschooling journey.

Randy Stumpfhauser

randys@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Randy has served for three years as a Homeschool Teacher at Monarch River Academy. He graduated from Fresno State University with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering in 2003 and later went back to school and obtained a single subject teaching credential in Mathematics in 2010. Randy spent seven years working with high school students who were at-risk for drop out at Selma High School. He found a lot of satisfaction in helping students learn how to succeed who previously had struggled with school.

Randy has grown up in the Sanger area, graduating from Sanger High in 1995 where he met his wife of nearly 20 years. His wife began homeschooling nearly ten years ago and he has enjoyed jumping in to help these past three years. Randy has four children (4th, 6th, 7th, and 9th grades) that he loves helping in their academics and life skills. His favorite things to teach are History and Mathematics, but he also loves cooking the occasional meal with his daughters.

Homeschooling began as something Randy simply supported his wife in doing, and now has turned into something he is passionate about. He loves supporting families and their educational journeys.

Cathy Troxell

cathy.troxell@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

Cathy Troxell believes that all children are uniquely gifted and it is her privilege to partner with parents to help develop these gifts! She is passionate about helping families design an individualized educational experience for their child(ren). Mrs. Troxell lives in Fresno with her husband, two children, and 12 pets. She earned a B.A. in English from Fresno Pacific University, a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Fresno State University. She has served Central Valley families as a teacher and administrator for 15 years in both public and charter schools. Mrs. Troxell is excited to be working along Monarch River families to help their children become life-long learners!

Tracy Vilanova

Tracy.Vilanova@inspireschools.org Homeschool Teacher

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Sheri Collins

sheri.collins@inspireschools.org Math Intervention Specialist | Homeschool Teacher

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Rebecca Duyette

rebecca.duyette@inspireschools.org ELA Intervention Specialist | Homeschool Teacher

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Jennifer Falco

jenniferf@inspireschools.org ELA Intervention Specialist | Homeschool Teacher

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Michelene Fitzgerald

michelene@inspireschools.org Director of Community Engagement | Homeschool Teacher

Michelene comes to our school with twenty-two years of homeschool charter experience. She draws in the community with her positivity and team spirit. Michelene enjoys time with her students and their families, as they work to reach their potential. Michelene has worked in a variety of leadership positions, but her favorite has been the times where she hosted student events and field trips! Currently, she is back in school working on a new certification with her administrative credential next in line. Truly, Michelene leads with her heart as she draws in students and connects with them in authentic ways. Creating a culture and community is her strong suit! She has been married for 24 years to Scott and they have three smart daughters that are all very active and competitive in swim and water polo. You will often find her outdoors!

Damien Phillips

damien.phillips@inspireschools.org Education Specialist

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Nicole Raven

Math Intervention Specialist | Homeschool Teacher

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Lindsay Tharp

lindsay.tharp@monarchriveracademy.org Homeschool Teacher

When it comes to teaching, Lindsay Tharp feels that good leadership empowers. She feels that leadership is not about her but it is about investing in the growth of others. This will be Lindsay’s first year teaching with Monarch River Academy, but it is not her first year teaching. Lindsay has been teaching in public school, both full-time and part-time, for over 15 years. Lindsay received her Multiple-Subject teaching credential from CSU, Fresno in 2004. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs Lindsay has been part of many professional teams and held many different leadership roles over the years. She has experience in teaching children of most elementary grade levels. While teaching, she continued her education by earning her Masters’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007 and then in 2010 she earned an Administrative credential both from CSU, Fresno. Her goals while teaching at Monarch River Academy include creating strong relationships with her students as well as the parents, supporting the education of students and their families, and to empower those families through leadership. Lindsay knows that all children develop at different ages and demonstrate that growth in different ways. As a homeschool teacher she hopes to help and guide parents to build on their child’s gifts. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams

Ellen Davison

ellen.davison@monarchriveracademy.org HQT Math Teacher | Homeschool Teacher

Ellen Davison has over 10 years of experience teaching mathematics. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern and is working towards a MS from Emporia State University. When she is not happily solving math problems, she enjoys gardening, cuddling her animals, playing music with her children and tap dancing. She also has over 16 years’ experience homeschooling her two lovely daughters.

Alexandra Hoyt

Homeschool Teacher

Alexandra Hoyt believes that by creating lifelong learners, who have the ability to think critically, that it will create prosperous adults. This is her first year as a homeschool teacher, 6th year as an educator, and 10th year in education. Alexandra spent her beginning years as an educator teaching 8th grade history and 6th grade. She has taught for Visalia Unified, and most recently, Selma Unified. Mrs. Hoyt received her B.A. in History in 2013. She holds a single subject credential in Social Science as well a multiple subject credential. She also completed her Masters in Educational Technology in 2018. She currently lives in the Selma area with her husband Frank and their five children; Makenna (10), Tathum (8), Braelyn (6), Landon (4), Elliemae (7months). Alexandra loves bringing families together and is looking forward to an exceptional educational year.

Alyssa_Seifert

Homeschool Teacher

Alyssa Seifert is dedicated to meeting the needs of each and every one of her students. She loves being able to assist them in meeting their goals and finding their own passions. She has spent the last 5 years at Oak Grove Elementary in Porterville teaching first, third and fourth grade. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Azusa Pacific University and received her Teaching Credential from Cal State Teach. Alyssa is a mom to two kids, Zion and Remi, and absolutely loves spending time with them and her husband Nick. She is so excited to join the team at Monarch River Academy and work with all the incredible families this next year!

Corey Engstrom

Homeschool Teacher
Virtual Academy Teacher

Corey Engstrom is passionate about seeing students meet their goals. He has taught in a variety of contexts ranging from elementary school teacher, to youth director, to college instructor. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University. He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University and a second Master’s degree in Educational Technology from National University. Corey and his wife Lissa ran E&e Performing Arts Center in Kingsburg for 6 years, offering over 100 performing arts programs and productions, for kids of all ages, as well as adults. He is a super dad, loving every moment of parenting his two young girls, Olive and Winnie. He looks forward to a great year teaching his students!

Debbie Kimzey

Homeschool Teacher

Debbie Kimzey believes that all children are the most amazing people on the planet! She enjoys working with them and helping them to make their goals and dreams a reality. Debbie knows that each child has a unique way of learning and it is her desire to nurture and grow that style. She has worked in education as a classroom aide, library specialist and as a teacher. Debbie received her bachelor’s degree from California State University of Fresno, where she rode on the Women’s Equestrian Team. She received her teacher credential from National University and is finishing her master’s degree in August of 2021. Debbie has been married for 25 years and has three children ages 18, 15 and 9. She has 5 horses and a miniature donkey and has a passion for animals (especially horses). In her spare time when she is not spending time with her family or her horses, she is most likely doing photography, her other passion. Debbie is beyond elated to join the Monarch River Charter School team!

Deborah Cardoza

Homeschool Teacher

Deborah Cardoza believes that developing a love of learning is the foundation of a lifetime of successful educational growth. This is her 12th year in education and has enjoyed varied experiences from teaching 2nd garage, 5th grade, middle school Language Arts, General Music, Independent Study, and even teaching marching drumlines to prepare for statewide competitions. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Child Development and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sacramento State University. She earned her Master’s of Education degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University via an online program in the middle of a pandemic. Ms. Cardoza enjoys playing percussion in a local New Orleans Jazz band and lives in Visalia with her daughter, Hazel and two kitties, Caterina and Simba. She is thrilled to join the Monarch River family and is excited about the new year!

Jennifer Daddino

Homeschool Teacher

Jennifer Daddino is passionate about education and wholeheartedly dedicated to the growth and success of her students. She has been teaching for 14 years, three of which she enjoyed serving as a site and district writing trainer. She received her B.S. in Business Administration as well as her Clear Credential from California State University, Chico. Jennifer is excited to be joining the Yosemite Valley team and can’t wait to support, empower, and connect with families on their education journey.

Jessica Beal

Homeschool Teacher

Jessica Beal believes every student deserves an education individualized for their unique abilities, gifts, struggles and strengths. Jessica graduated from Fresno State with her Bachelor’s degree and completed her multiple subject credential from Fresno Pacific University. Jessica has worked as an elementary teacher and most recently as a high school Independent Studies teacher for the last 15 years for Dinuba Unified. Working as an Independent Studies teacher has helped her to work one on one with students and families. Jessica has been working for the last 3 of those years with students who have an IEP or 504 educational plan. This has given her great insight into working with students and families to find the right approach and methods that work best for their differing educational needs. Jessica also has a strength in curriculum and helped re-write and create a new English curriculum for Dinuba’s Independent program. Jessica also has homeschooled 4 of her 5 children this past year and will continue homeschooling the younger 2 this coming school year. Jessica is right alongside families in the trenches balancing all that comes with being a busy family. She enjoys being with her family outdoors, trailering or traveling. She cannot wait to start this homeschool journey with you and help each family figure out what works best for them!

Nancy Tikkanen

Homeschool Teacher

Nancy Tikkanen believes that fostering relationships is the key to all learning. She knows that all students come to the classroom with many different assets. Assets that can continue to build and grow as they are learning new concepts throughout their lives to foster the whole child. Mrs. Tikkanen was a 5th/6th grade teacher for 14 years and continued with the same school district as their English Learner Coordinator for the following 6 years. In 2019, she began a new chapter in Educational Consulting to share her expertise in education and guide teachers to the specific needs of the English Learner population. She earned her teaching credential and Masters in Education through National University. Nancy and her husband David have five children with the two younger children, Katie and Kevin still living at home. Mrs. Tikkanen is excited to build new personal and academic relationships with her students and families at Monarch River Academy.

Valerie Scott

Homeschool Teacher

Valerie Scott comes to Monarch River Academy after teaching at the junior high level. After spending a couple years at home, starting her family, she quickly learned how special taking a front row seat in your own child’s learning can be. She believes that homeschooling allows this wonderful mix of flexibility and structure as well as individualized creativity that caters to families.

Valerie taught 8th grade English and Leadership and was the ASB Advisor at Rafer Johnson Junior High in Kingsburg. While there, she took part in curriculum adoption as well as searching and creating her own curriculum for a few different electives she had the privilege of teaching. Valerie graduated from CSU Fresno with a bachelors in English Education with a Drama emphasis as well as obtaining her single subject credential in English.

Valerie and her husband, Tad, have a love for Disneyland and visit as often as they can! She has two little ones at home; Mason and Amelia along with her two dogs; Berkeley and Mila. She loves staying busy and active with her family. Valerie cannot wait for this next year to start!

Zovig Adanalian

Homeschool Teacher

Zovig Adanalian believes that learning is a journey that we all should enjoy. Whether you are a child or an adult, learning has no limits. Zovig has served in education for over 23 years in various capacities. A Fresno State graduate, her career started off teaching elementary school in Fresno for 13 years and then transferred to teaching high school English for the past 10 years. While teaching at a local high school, she served as a Master Teacher, Instructional Coach, English Language Lead Teacher, and Literacy Teacher. Zovig has been married to her husband John for 22 years and the couple have three beautiful children. She enjoys reading, going on long walks, and vacationing with her family. Zovig is thrilled to support families with their homeschooling journey!