
Coordinator

Anna Wilkinson
annaw@inspireschools.org Teacher TrainerCoordinator
"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 TeacherKathryn 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 TeacherMargie 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 TeacherShiela 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 TeacherValerie 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!


Amy Friesen
afriesen@inspireschools.org High School SpecialistAmy Friesen has been in education for 11 years. She has taught kindergarten and first grade in Selma Unified, kindergarten in Clovis Unified, junior high math, and bible at Fresno Christian as well as homeschooling two of her children from 2nd-8th grade. Mrs. Friesen earned a Multiple Subject Credential, a Master of Arts degree in Education and a Reading Specialist Credential from Fresno State University. She lives in Clovis and has been married to her husband, Anson, for 22 years. Mrs. Friesen has three children: Brittany, Kaden, and Keely. When she is not teaching, she enjoys riding dirtbikes, wake surfing, camping, relaxing at Hume Lake, reading and going to the beach. Mrs. Friesen is excited to work alongside your family and help you tailor an education that best suits your child’s individual learning style while maintaining a love for learning. She also looks forward to having the opportunity to build a relationship with your family while encouraging you on the hard days and celebrating with you on the good days. Welcome to Inspire!


Shirin Schneider
shirin@inspireschools.org High School Specialist"Shirin Schneider spent 18 years home educating her three children. While teaching in a variety of homeschool co-ops, coaching homeschool speech and debate, and volunteering in enrichment activities that supported her children’s education she continued to enjoy encouraging others on their homeschool journey. In her 18th year, she found her dream job as a Homeschool Teacher inspiring a life-long love of learning.
She believes in learning as a lifestyle. She is knowledgeable about literature-based instruction including the Charlotte Mason philosophy and understands the benefits of Classical Education as well. She understands how to prepare students for life beyond homeschool; she knows what students need to be successful in college and career.
Experience has taught her that Helen Keller was right when she said, ""Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."" When she is not hiking with family, knitting baby hats, or watching BBC costume dramas, she partners with Guide Dogs for the Blind, raising puppies that will eventually become partners for those visually impaired. She looks forward to partnering with you on your homeschool journey. "


Michelle "Shelly" Elrod
michellee@inspireschools.org High School SpecialistMichelle Elrod is often referred to as Shelly. She has been teaching for more than 20 years and has a true passion for student learning. She taught in Fresno Unified for 7 years. While at Fresno Unified, Shelly taught 4th grade for four years and then transitioned into a Literacy coach position for 3rd-6th grade students for three years. She began her journey with public charter schools 17 years ago and has loved working closely with families to educate their children. She was delighted to join the Inspire Charter School family four years ago and has had a front row seat in watching our school exceed! Shelly LOVES creating community within the learning environment at our Community Connection events. This time with students in our community setting is the place where her passion for quality teaching and building friendships within students collide. Shelly has been married for 18 years to my husband, Mike, who is in the construction business. They have twin 11 year old boys who love sports! They are an active family that truly enjoys time together. Shelly looks forward to meeting more Inspire families and students and walking through their educational journeys together.


Nailya Jarocki
nailya.jarocki@inspireschools.org Lead EL Coordinator | Homeschool TeacherNailya 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


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! "



Lindsay Barstow
Homeschool Teacher

Karen Berney
karen.berney@inspireschools.org Homeschool TeacherFrom 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 TeacherLissa 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 TeacherJanell 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 TeacherJeff 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.




Lorinda Riffel
lorinda.riffel@inspireschools.org Homeschool TeacherLorinda 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 TeacherMonica 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 TeacherCarrie 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 TeacherRandy 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 TeacherCathy 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!






Michelene Fitzgerald
michelene@inspireschools.org Director of Community Engagement | Homeschool TeacherMichelene 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!



Nicole Raven
Math Intervention Specialist | Homeschool Teacher

Lindsay Tharp
lindsay.tharp@monarchriveracademy.org Homeschool TeacherWhen 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 TeacherEllen 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.






Melinda Buletti
melinda.buletti@inspireschools.org Credentialed School NurseMelinda Buletti is part of the Special Education Assessment Team. She is the Credentialed School Nurse and she performs the required health assessments for students. She firmly believes that optimum health enables students to excel and learn. She has worked in the Charter School and traditional school settings for many years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CSU Fresno and went on to complete a Health Services Credential. She also holds a Public Health Nurse Certificate. Healthy lifestyle habits begin early in life and lead to a happy, productive individual.




Sharla Deaton
sharla.deaton@yosemitevalleycharter.org PsychologistI am a licensed educational psychologist who has worked in the field for 20 plus years. I pride myself on working diligently to provide thorough assessments of students to support families with tools and strategies to best facilitate their academic success and learning needs. I am born and raised in the central valley. I have two beautiful daughters, one a current student at Arizona State University and a second that will be attending the University of Arizona in the fall. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, music, travel, and watching historical dramas on Netflix. I look forward to supporting students and families in Yosemite Valley and Monarch River Academy.


Michelle Dorn
Speech Langauge PathologistMichelle Dorn is a speech-language pathologist with 13 years of experience in the field. She provides speech intervention for students across schools.



Kristina Emig
kristina.emig@yosemitevalleycharter.org Education SpecialistKristina Emig is a veteran Education Specialist. This is her tenth-year teaching, and she has worked with both the general education and special education populations. She is originally from northern California, but spent some time living in Arizona while in college and in the first five years of her career. Throughout her career, Kristina has worked with students who have unique needs, and she has been able to support them in the classroom. She has helped their parents to support them when at home and in the community as well. Kristina has participated in trainings related to the structured teaching model, the TEACCH model, ABA practices, PBIS and more. She is currently working on her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction for Autism Spectrum Disorders and will graduate in December of 2020. Kristina has worked as a mentor teacher for student teachers and new teachers. She has served as a team lead in previous districts, and has participated in PBIS, Collaboration, School Safety and Leadership teams. Kristina leads by example and always puts the needs of her students first. She looks forward to helping all students and families that she works with and hopes to leave a lasting and positive impression in their lives.



Judy Karnesky
judy.karneskystevens@yosemitevalleycharter.org Education SpecialistMiss Judy enjoys supporting homeschooling families with their choice to provide the best education possible for their child at home. As a homeschooling mom and teacher, she has experience with choosing curriculum that fits student needs and scheduling the day to maximize learning times. She has been supporting students and their families for over 15 years.





Sarah Lackey
sarah.lackey@monarchriveracademy.org Education SpecialistI am currently in my 14th year of teaching. I cherish all opportunities to help children learn! I have amazing 16-year-old twins, both of whom have severe learning needs. My husband and I just celebrated our 23 wedding anniversary and are looking forward to many more. My family and I are blessed to live on a small farm where we spend a lot of time outside with our many animals.





Tanya O'Geen
tanya.o'geen@yosemitevalleycharter.org Education SpecialistMrs. O'Geen is an Education Specialist. The is her 19th year teaching and her 3rd year with this school. Previous to joining this school, she taught Resource Language Arts at the elementary and middle school level, Special Day Class at the middle school level, and AVID elective at the middle school level. She enjoys teaching reading and writing the most, and believes that every child is gifted in their own way.



Melissa Patt
mpatt@inspireschools.org Program SpecialistMelissa Patt is a strong educational leader who understands the intricacies of special education law and how to build student achievement in all learners. She began her career in high school as a before and afterschool daycare worker and went into being a first grade aide. She then went on to gain her undergrad in both elementary and special education, graduating summa cum laude. Later, Melissa accomplished obtaining her Masters in Education, with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction. Her Master’s thesis focused on teaching students with Autism in the inclusive environment. Melissa’s core belief is that every student can learn and all will achieve higher then expected if they are allowed to. Her educational philosophy is summarized by the quote, “every student is born with great potential, shouldn’t they be allowed the chance to achieve it?” Melissa began teaching in the state of Maryland where she obtained her undergrade and moved back to her home state of California in 2015. Melissa moved from being a classroom teacher, to a special educator, to a school administrator for special education. Her overall educational goal is to obtain her doctorate in special education and continue supporting staff who work with those who have special needs to ensure they are meeting their full potential.





Erin St. Marie
erin.stmarie@inspireschools.org Education SpecialistMrs. St. Marie is an Education Specialist. She has taught Special Education for 6 years and this is her 3rd year at a Charter School and her first with Inspire. She teaches reading and agrees with Dr. Suess when he says, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go."






April Green
april.green@monarchriveracademy.org Education SpecialistApril Green is a Transition Specialist working with our Moderate/Severe students. She has 20 years of experience working with M/S students of all ages ranging from infants to 22 years of age. Previous experience includes tutor, ABA Therapist, Speech/Communication Preschool, ASD Teacher, ILS Teacher, and Education Specialist. She attended SJDC where she received her AA degree in Child Development, went on to attend CSU Stanislaus where she received her BA in Liberal Studies and Minor in Child Development, and received her M/S Ed Specialist Credential with MA from National University. April enjoys being creative and developing "out of the box" approaches to teaching. She is especially interested in inclusive practices for all students focusing on a whole-child approach to learning.


Stacey Regitz
stacey.regitz@yosemitevalleycharter.org Education SpecialistStacey is a dedicated, hard-working, and passionate person. She loves being part of a team to be able to get things done together.


Barbara Bolaños
barbarab@inspireschools.org Regional CoordinatorBarbara Bolaños is a teacher and homeshooling parent who has always loved learning and helping others to see their unique gifts and to follow their passions. Barbara is dedicated to ensuring all students experience success and joy as they learn about themselves and their world. She has homeschooled her son since 2017 and her teenage niece since 2018. Barbara has been in the education field since 2003 and has a multiple subjects teaching credential, a special education teaching credential, a Gifted and Talented Education certificate, and a Masters of Education. She joined the Yosemite Valley team in 2018. Barbara lives in Coarsegold, California with her husband, son, and niece. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and exercising.


Jenny Plumb
jennyp@inspireschools.org Assistant Director | Regional Coordinator"Jenny Plumb grew up in a homeschooling family and is a homeschool mom with three kids in 11th grade, 8th grade and 5th grade. Some of her children are dyslexic and she understands navigating education to fit your child’s specific needs. Her husband is an airline pilot and they have sometimes homeschooled for the freedom to travel with them around the world. She believes that the best gift she can give her children is the desire to explore, create, play, and become lifelong learners - strong in who they were born to become. She has always taught her children a variety of curriculum, as each one is an individual, and takes schooling year by year for each one. She crafts, does photography, gardens, and is happily renovating her old house with her husband.
Jenny has a BA in English and a teaching credential from CS Monterey Bay and started teaching in 2000. She also has an administrative credential. She has taught in private, public, charter and homeschool classrooms. She's taught K, 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and writing classes in traditional schools along with homeschooling her own K-8. She has been a mentor/lead teacher in former schools, and enjoys curriculum and learning styles research. She loves to help and support other teachers/parents find their own teaching style and couldn’t be more excited to be supporting families on their homeschool journey!"


Shiela Skibbie
sskibbie@inspireschools.org Community Coordinator & Homeschool TeacherShiela 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.


Carmen Marroquin
cmarroquin@inspireschools.org High School Counselor"Carmen Marroquin is passionate about education, counseling, and joined Inspire to empower families and help students reach their educational and future goals. Mrs. Marroquin began her career as an educator teaching high school Spanish and English Language Development in 1998, first in the Bay Area and later in the Central Valley. She transitioned to her dream job of high school counselor in the Merced Union High School District and is excited to bring her skills to homeschooling families in the area. Mrs. Marroquin double majored in psychology and Spanish at Santa Clara University, then earned her teaching credential and Masters of Education degree at Stanford University. She also holds a Masters in Educational Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services credential from National University. Mrs. Marroquin looks forward to helping her high school students unlock their potential to pursue their passions! "


Denise Voth
denisev@inspireschools.org High School Success CoordinatorDenise Voth loves working with High School students and their families. She has been in education for over 15 years and has taught Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 at the High School level. She has worked in the Independant Study Charter School environment for over 10 years. She enjoys finding out what high school students love to do and encorporate that into their high school schedules. Her favorite subjects are math and science and she earned her BA in mathematics from Fresno State. Mrs. Voth (rhymes with both) is excited to begin a new school year and get high school students excited about thier futures.


Arlene Cayouette
arlene.cayouette@inspireschools.org Highly Qualified TeacherArlene Cayouette is a high school English teacher who has taught in both online brick and mortar schools since 2002. She is credentialed in English (2002) and Special Education (December 2020). Arlene has taught English to grades 6-12, but focuses her teaching with grades 9-12. In her personal life she her hobbies include tennis, golfing, bowling, and goofing around with her two boys. Her kids keep her busy with karate, soccer, eating fried chicken while watching the sunset, and creating practical jokes.


Ellen Davison
Highly Qualified Teacher

Marcela Marquez
Marcelam@inspireschools.org Highly Qualified TeacherMarcela Marquez is a Social Science HQT and has been teaching 10 plus years.


Kellie Hickey
kellie.hickey@inspireschools.org Lending Library SpecialistHello! I am one of your Library Specialists. I began working with Inspire in the summer of 2020. I was born and raised in Fresno California. I have been married to my husband Michael for 2 years and together we have a daughter named Lorelai who is 1. In our spare time, we love to swim and play water polo together (Lorelai is taking her first swim classes to join us soon). I have a degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English Writing. I love working in education and building relationships with students and parents. I am very excited to meet all of you!
