Meet Our Team

Caitlin Ayers has been in education since 2007, when she started teaching 2nd grade in the West Covina Unified School District. Since then, she has served as an elementary school teacher and intervention specialist in brick-and-mortar school districts before coming to CAVA. At CAVA, Caitlin has been an elementary teacher, intervention teacher, GE Lead (for both Special Education and 4th grade), a principal, and, most recently, ELD Coordinator. Caitlin holds a multiple-subject teaching credential, an administrative services credential, and has her MA in online instruction. When not working, you can find Caitlin quilting blankets, hiking in the local mountains, or hanging out with her family: her husband is a first responder and has two sons.

Mrs. Burns received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology from the University of Montana, Missoula. After earning her degrees, she spent time as a researcher and instructor in Montana, tutoring and advising at-risk college students. Mrs. Burns also worked with special needs high school students, helping them achieve their learning goals. She began working for CAVA as a family academic support liaison in 2015, helping high school students and families achieve success in our online school environment. Mrs. Burns subsequently served as a compliance liaison for students in TK–12 before beginning her role as the FAST Program coordinator in 2018. Mrs. Burns resides in northern California, where she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and many pets.

Mrs. Chadez received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University. She received a master’s degree in learning and technology, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of Idaho. She spent the first eight years of her teaching career teaching in 1st and 2nd grades in a traditional school setting. She had the opportunity to teach in two K12-powered schools and spent five years as an elementary principal before moving into a regional academic director role with K12. Mrs. Chadez joined the CAVA team in March 2020 as the director of academics. She moved into her current role as academic administrator in 2021. This role allows her to collaborate with our academic teams to continually strive to improve our academic programs for our students and offer professional growth opportunities to our faculty. Mrs. Chadez enjoys spending time with her husband and her three children.

Mrs. Fellows received an associate’s degree in child growth and development and taught pre-kindergarten while completing college. She received a bachelor’s degree and multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, San Bernardino. Mrs. Fellows taught first and second grade in a traditional school setting where she worked with English language learners, served as a mentor for new teachers, and was part of various site and district leadership teams. Mrs. Fellows has been with CAVA since 2003 and has served students, families, and staff in various capacities. Her currently role of director of engagement and community includes our Compass team, as well as coordinating community development and WASC study. Mrs. Fellows has a Master of Arts in educational leadership and administration from Brandman University. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their children.

Katherine Laag is starting her 20th year with CAVA and her 27th year in education, having served as a 1st-grade teacher in brick-and-mortar settings and as a K-8 teacher, lead, instructional coach, and coordinator of leader development and instructional coaching in CAVA. She is excited to collaborate, learn, and serve in this new role. Katherine is a mother of three and has been married to her high school sweetheart for 22 years.

Ms. Maxwell received her teaching credential from Chapman University and started her teaching career in 1996. She completed the administrative credential program at the University of California, Irvine and obtained her master’s degree in Online Instruction from Southern New Hampshire University. During her years in the brick-and-mortar classroom, she taught upper elementary and worked at the district level in the areas of GATE and history/social science. Ms. Maxwell started her career with California Virtual Academies in 2007 with the high school program. She has served in various roles at CAVA, including a K–8 teacher, leader, and the director of the elementary program for seven years. In January 2020, Ms. Maxwell began her current role as the academic administrator.

Ms. Mount graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in mathematics. She received her teaching credential from Saint Mary’s College of California and spent eight years teaching at a brick-and-mortar elementary school before joining CAVA at Sutter as a teacher during the 2005–2006 school year. Since then, she has served as lead teacher of middle school mathematics and as curriculum specialist for CAVA. As director of categorical programs, Ms. Mount ensures that all students have the resources they need to reach their full academic potential.

Mrs. Nelson’s experience as an educator, administrator, and clinician has equipped her with the knowledge and experience to support our staff and families as the Director of S.E.L., Prevention and Intervention. She believes our school community can meet the needs of students, families, and staff by providing meaningful opportunities for connection, strengthening skills for resilience, and creating a caring learning environment that leads to academic success. Mrs. Nelson loves spending time with her family and always enjoys a day at the beach or mountains.

Ms. Neuenschwander received her teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University and started her teaching career as a 6th grade teacher in 2001. She joined California Virtual Academies in 2006. During her time at CAVA, Ms. Neuenschwander has been a K–8 teacher, elementary principal, and testing coordinator. In her current role as the director of accountability, she oversees all state reporting and state testing.

Rachel Stephan is starting her 21st year with CAVA and 24th year in education. She served as a 4th/5th grade teacher at a private school and then as a 7th-12th grade teacher/counselor for an at-risk youth independent charter school before joining the CAVA staff. At CAVA, Rachel has had the opportunity to serve as a K-8th grade teacher, a Community Day teacher, a lead, and an instructional coach. She then began building the instructional coaching team and stepping into her role as Coordinator of Leader Development and Instructional Coaching before becoming the Interim Director of Coaching and Professional Learning. She has been married for 22 years and has two daughters (16 and 18). She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and reading.

Mrs. Warren first joined CAVA in 2004 as a teacher. Over the last 20 years, she has served in various roles including supporting teachers and parents with curriculum and instructional strategies, developing processes and procedures to ensure compliance with various state and federal agencies, and working with teams to continue to increase the instructional programming and support offered to students. Under her leadership as the academic administrator, the elementary team developed a transitional kindergarten program, the middle school implemented a model more in line with the unique needs of middle school students, and the high school programs have seen increased growth in both passing rates and student engagement. Mrs. Warren became the head of schools for the California Virtual Academies in 2016 and has worked with the administrative team to increase the offerings of the California Virtual Academies, including a CAVA2College program and Career Academy. Mrs. Warren graduated with honors from California State University, San Bernardino, in 2002 with a degree in Child Development. She obtained her master’s degree in Online Instruction from Southern New Hampshire University. She resides in Southern California and enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Mrs. Brizendine studied elementary and special education at Northern Arizona University. Upon graduation, she worked as an Education Specialist in Southern California for over 14 years as a moderate/severe Education Specialist, Intervention Specialist, and Teaching Assistant Principal. During that time, she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Chapman University and took on various leadership roles. Special education is her passion, as she believes that all students are capable of learning and deserve to be active participants in their education. Mrs. Brizendine resides in Southern California with her husband and three daughters.

MacKenzie Clark has been an educator for nearly ten years, with experience in private schools, Montessori programs, traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms, and virtual education. For more than six years, she has proudly served the CAVA community as an Elementary Teacher, Elementary Lead, Lead of Engagement, and now Elementary Principal. Her diverse experiences have fostered a passion for understanding different learning methods and educational philosophies to best support every student and educator.
Mrs. Clark believes that meaningful relationships are at the heart of a successful school community. She is passionate about supporting teachers, partnering with families, and creating an environment where students feel known, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential. She is honored to serve the CAVA community and is committed to helping every student, family, and staff member thrive.

Mrs. Dahl received her master’s degree in education, master’s degree in business administration, multiple subject teaching credential, and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of La Verne. Before joining CAVA in 2017 as a middle school teacher, she taught across the grade levels in schools throughout Southern California. She has also served on curriculum and technology committees, been a mentor teacher, a lead teacher, and a master teacher for Cal State Teach. Mrs. Dahl served as a curriculum specialist before moving to her current role as 2nd grade principal.

Mrs. Hodgkinson began her teaching career in 1994. Her teaching experience in brick-and-mortar schools was as a kindergarten teacher and served as a department lead. Mrs. Hodgkinson has been with CAVA since 2007, supporting students and families as a K–8 teacher, an Engagement and Support teacher, a Regional Lead r, and now as the 3–5 Curriculum Specialist in the Elementary Department. She resides in Southern California with her husband and two adult children. She enjoys spending any free time with friends and family, exercising, reading, and traveling.

Mrs. Kelso received her multiple-subject teaching credential and master’s degree in teaching from the University of California Irvine. She has taught grades 6th, 4th, and 2nd in a brick-and-mortar classroom for seven years before joining California Virtual Academies in 2015. Mrs. Kelso has supported families within our Community Day program as an instructional coach and then as a lead teacher. Mrs. Kelso is passionate about serving our CAVA students and their families and ensuring all students grow academically and socially. She resides in Southern California with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Ms. Magallanes has been an educator for over twenty years and holds a bachelor’s degree, multiple subject teaching credential and master’s degree in online instruction. She taught various elementary grades in the brick-and-mortar classroom before joining CAVA in 2017. Ms. Magallanes began as a Kindergarten teacher in our virtual setting and then became an Elementary Lead, Lead of Engagement and is currently an Elementary Principal. She has a passion for education and a strong belief in a growth mindset. Ms. Magallanes is dedicated to providing excellent support for our CAVA students, families, and staff to ensure all students succeed and achieve.

Ms. McCarty received her teaching credential from Concordia University in 1998 and then went on to acquire her master’s degree in education with a specialty in reading from National University. She began teaching in the classroom with a primary focus in fourth grade. Ms. McCarty began teaching with CAVA during the 2004–2005 school year. She has worked as a K–8 teacher, regional lead, as well as an Elementary and Middle School principal prior to becoming the Elementary Director of our TK-2nd grade program in 2022. Ms. McCarty strives to provide our students with an approach to learning that involves connection and inspires lifelong learning.

Mrs. Mikaelian received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State, Northridge, where she also earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Gifted Education from Arizona State University. Mrs. Mikaelian began her teaching career in 2010 in brick-and-mortar elementary schools, where she taught grades 2–5 and served as a Gifted Coordinator, Math Intervention Coordinator, Instructional Technology Coach, and English Learner/Title I Coordinator. Since joining CAVA, Mrs. Mikaelian has supported students and families as a 5th grade teacher and now serves as the TK–2 Curriculum Specialist, partnering with teachers to strengthen instruction, develop curriculum, and support student achievement across the primary grades.

Mrs. Powell began her career in education in 2002. She holds an Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Leadership and a master’s degree in Reading Education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She taught students in grades K-12 in the brick-and-mortar before joining CAVA in 2018. With CAVA she has worked as a 2nd grade teacher and elementary lead. During her spare time, Mrs. Powell enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, baking, and going to the pool/beach. She believes that all students are valued and can become successful, well-rounded individuals. Mrs. Powell is passionate about equipping and encouraging staff and supporting parents and families, so students can excel and be successful at CAVA and beyond.

Mrs. Smith received her degree from Chapman University and began her teaching career in 1996. Her teaching experience in brick-and-mortar schools spans multiple grade levels, including kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 5th grade, in which she served her district as a department lead. She has been with CAVA since 2002, supporting students and families as a K–8 teacher, Elementary Trainer, Regional Lead, Principal, and now as an Assessment Specialist for TK-5th grade. Born and raised in Southern California, Mrs. Smith resides in Orange County and enjoys spending any free moments she has with family cooking, traveling and enjoying a good tennis match!

Ms. Titizian began her career in education in 1998. She earned her master’s degree in 2000 while teaching in the Bay Area. Ms. Titizian joined the CAVA staff in 2008 as a K–8 teacher. Since then, she has been a K-8 teacher, Testing Coordinator, Lead, and most recently a Middle School Principal. Ms. Titizian became an educator because she has a love for learning and wants to share her passion with the people who deserve it most, our students. Her focus, along with the schools, is to provide our students with the necessary tools to become well-rounded, well-grounded individuals who will lead us into the future. She is most passionate about motivating and inspiring students and staff alike to reach their full potential, supporting them to accept new challenges, and nurturing them to help develop a growth mindset, while fostering a relationship built on trust.

Mrs. Wissner earned her teaching credential from CSU, Bakersfield in 1998, as well as a degree in Forestry. She has worked in education for 28 years and this is her 20th year with CAVA. Mrs. Wissner worked as a kindergarten, first, and fourth grade teacher in the traditional classroom for eight years before coming to CAVA in 2007. Since joining CAVA, she has worked as a K-8 teacher, a teacher trainer, an elementary lead, and a principal. When she is not working, Mrs. Wissner can be found golfing, traveling, attending Miami Dolphin football games with her husband, and spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Wissner looks forward to partnering with the TK-K staff and learning coaches to support our littlest learners as they engage, connect, and grow.

Mina received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of California, San Diego. She studied abroad for a year studying genetics at the University of Sydney, Australia. She then went on to receive her Single Subject Teaching Credential, Master’s in Education and Administrative Credential. She has been in education for 25 years, having taught at a traditional brick and mortar school and also at the college level until coming to CAVA in 2007. She has served as a teacher, regional lead, principal, and director role during her time at CAVA.

Angie Bright received a bachelor’s degree in human development with a minor in psychology from UC Davis. After falling in love with the education field while substitute teaching, she earned her single subject social science teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Before joining CAVA in 2013, Angie Bright taught at a brick-and-mortar school in Sacramento for three years and at another online charter school for three years. Her experience with online schools and passion for alternative education led her to earn her master’s degree in learning and technology from Western Governors University. With CAVA, Angie taught history and psychology, and served as a regional lead teacher and curriculum specialist, before becoming a principal at CAVA.

Tammy Calkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Humboldt State University and completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at California State University, Chico. She has worked in education since 2005 and joined California Virtual Academies (CAVA) in 2011. Throughout her time with CAVA, Tammy has served as a teacher, lead, and principal, gaining valuable experience supporting students, families, and staff in a variety of roles.

Tammy is a strong advocate for non-traditional educational settings and values the flexibility and opportunities they provide for students. Her commitment to alternative education is both professional and personal, as she has also chosen these educational options for her own children. She is passionate about helping students find learning environments where they can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Shelby Hazelton received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a multiple-subject teaching credential with a foundational level add-on for mathematics from California State University, Fresno. She has worked in education since 2013 and has been with CAVA since 2017. Shelby has experience teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has served as a teacher and lead prior to becoming a principal at CAVA.

Madonna Johnson has a double bachelor’s degree in human services and sociology from Black Hills State University in South Dakota, a master’s degree in school counseling from Capella University in Minnesota and is a licensed school counselor in multiple states. She has worked in education and work force development in multiple capacities for many years. Madonna Johnson spent some time in Alaska where she worked at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). In her position there, she traveled the state promoting community outreach and engagement with secondary and post-secondary students. Prior to that, Madonna was the tech prep program coordinator at the UAA Community and Technical College. In that role, she worked with secondary students involved in career and technical education. Before entering the post-secondary world, she worked with the military community as a transition and workforce development counselor for service members transitioning out of the military. Madonna Johnson is passionate about offering college and career readiness for all students and providing them the unique educational opportunities through CTE that will allow them to rise to their potential.

Caroline Kalugin received a bachelor’s degree in social science, single subject teaching credential, and multiple subject teaching credential from Biola University. Prior to joining CAVA in 2012, Caroline taught middle school social studies for 6 years, and homeschooled her own children for 8 years. With CAVA, she taught world history and U.S. history before joining administration as a high school lead in 2015 and principal in 2021.

Sara Laurent received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, multiple subject teaching credential, and single subject teaching credential in mathematics from California State University, Long Beach. She also received a master’s degree of education in learning and technology through Western Governors University. Sara Laurent has been working in the field of education since 2005 and employed by CAVA since 2010. Prior to working in administration in 2016, Sara was a high school math teacher for 10 years, a high school swim coach for four of those years, and an elementary school teacher for one year.

Rebecca Mortier received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, a multiple subject teaching credential, and a master’s degree in mathematics with a focus on conceptual understanding from San Diego State University. She also earned an administrative credential from National University. Prior to joining CAVA at San Diego in 2011, Rebecca taught for eight years in a brick-and-mortar school and taught college courses for three years at San Diego Community College. With CAVA at San Diego, she taught math intervention, served as a department coordinator, served as a regional lead teacher, and high school principal before becoming the director of high school.

Katherine O’Brien joined CAVA in 2021 with a background as a certificated school counselor and experience working at all grade levels, K-12. She spent 9 years as a school counselor in the brick and mortar setting and previously worked in the field of mental health services. Katherine attended Cal State University, Long Beach where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and later went on to attend Capella University of Minnesota for her Master of Science Degree in Clinical School Counseling. Katherine started with CAVA as a Counseling Specialist in the Department of Prevention and Intervention where she applied skills related to crisis management and mental health support services for students and families. Katherine is now the CAVA High School the Counseling, College, and Career Coordinator. She works directly with the high school Counseling team as a team leader, advisor, advocate, and promoter of student success at CAVA and beyond.

Marc Shaw received dual Bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology, a single subject teaching credential in English, a California Administrative Credential, and a Master’s degree in Theology and Literature from Fuller Seminary. Prior to joining CAVA, Marc taught for 9 years in a brick-and-mortar school, serving as English teacher, Department Chair, basketball coach, and administrator. He also served as Assistant HR Director for a Healthcare IT and Cloud Services Company for several years. With both CAVA San Diego and the SCP, Marc taught English 10 and American Literature and regional lead before becoming a high school principal for the CAVA SCP Campus.

Ms. Ellenson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkely. She then went on to study teaching, receiving a Master of Arts from George Fox University in 2010. She has over two decades of experience working with students in the public school system. Ms. Ellenson taught 1st, 4th and 5th grade before joining the CAVA 8th grade teaching team in 2018. She enjoyed teaching, leading an after-hours club and serving as an NJHS advisor for 6th grade. She now serves as a Middle School Curriculum Specialist, overseeing ELA, History and other special programs, and is dedicated to helping students thrive in every way possible. When she is not working, Ms. Ellenson loves spending time with her children and dogs, hiking or reading a good book.

Crystal earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from the University of the Pacific. In 2008, she began her career in education with Aspire Public Schools. There she spent 5 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. Her enthusiasm for shaping young minds guided her to embrace new challenges, leading her to join the staff of the California Virtual Academy in 2013. During her time at CAVA her experience has included educating students from 2nd to 8th grade as well as serving as a Middle School Lead from 2018-2022. Crystal became an educator because she has a love for learning and wants to share her passion with the people who deserve it most, the students. Her focus is to provide our students with the necessary tools to become well-rounded, well-grounded individuals who will lead us into the future.

Mrs. Kaelin has been in education for over 20 years, starting her career as a substitute Instructional Lead. She earned her Multiple Subject Credential and Master’s in Education in 2005. She has taught ten years in a public school teaching Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 5th grade. In 2018, she started teaching at CAVA. Since then, she taught 5th grade, became a Lead in 5th grade, trained new teachers, and now has the honor of serving as an 8th Grade Principal. Outside of work, she spends her time with her wonderful husband and four beautiful children. They love to go to the beach and mountains, cook, bake, and take walks. She is excited to help serve our families and students this school year.

Mrs. Marberry received my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies, with a Minor in Education, as well as her teaching credential from the University of California of Riverside. She has been a teacher for 14 years. 5 of those years have been with CAVA, and the other 9 were teaching 2nd and 5th grades at a brick-and-mortar charter school. She previously held a leadership role for 2 years, where she was a Learning Community Coordinator and BTSA mentor. She is most excited about this leadership role as she can be a part of providing resources for our students and staff through our curriculum, so together, we can support our students’ growth.

Lisa has been with CAVA since 2016. She has taught 6-8th grades and was previously lead teacher and teacher trainer for the past three years. Lisa has a strong passion for education and learning. She loves working for CAVA and appreciates the relationships between the teachers, parents, students, and administrators. She and her husband have six kids; they all play sports, so they are a very busy family. Her family enjoys spending time together camping and playing sports.

Ms. Vallerga started her career in education in 1992. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a clear administrative credential. Before coming to CAVA, Ms. Vallerga worked in K–8 public schools in Fishers, Indiana, and Cupertino, California, mainly with 5th through 8th grade students. She joined the CAVA staff in 2005 as a K–8 teacher. Since then, she has served as the lead of language arts, and regional program coordinator for the northern CAVA schools for six years. Currently, she is the Director of Middle School for all nine California Virtual Academies. Ms. Vallerga is committed to making the CAVA middle school program a great schooling option for all middle school students.

Mrs. Watson- Werring began her career in education after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and later her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She joined the CAVA team in 2020 as a high school English Language Development (ELD) Specialist, where she spent two years supporting English Learners. She then served as the TK–12 ELD Lead for one year before becoming a 5th Grade Lead, partnering with teachers and students for two years. She is honored to now serve as a Middle School Principal and is passionate about creating a positive, supportive school community where every student feels seen, challenged, and empowered to succeed. Outside of school, Mrs. Watson-Werring enjoys spending time with her family and friends, the beach, and staying active through OrangeTheory Fitness, running, and playing soccer. She is excited to partner with students, families, and staff to make this school year a meaningful and successful experience for everyone

Shannon earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Science degree in Child development from Arizona State University in 2007. After having her two children, she went back to school to study education and received her teaching credential and Master Degree of Education in 2017. Her teaching career started at a local Elementary school where she taught multiple grade levels, until joining the 8th grade team at CAVA in 2019. She was a part of CAVA’s 8th grade team for 4 years and now serves as a Middle School Curriculum Specialist, overseeing elective courses, Health, and special programs.

Ms. Marietta serves as the Director of Special Education for the California Virtual Academies. She brings over 15 years of experience in education, including extensive leadership in special education programming, compliance, and team development. Prior to her current role, Ms. Marietta served as both a Lead Program Specialist and Middle School Program Specialist, where she trained and coached program specialists across the network, supported state and federal compliance efforts, and provided strategic guidance for complex IEP cases. Her career spans classroom teaching, direct service in RSP and SDC settings, and progressive leadership roles supporting students with disabilities. Ms. Marietta holds dual credentials in Special Education and General Education, along with an Autism Authorization and CLAD certification. She brings CAVA’s mission to Engage, Connect, and Grow to life by ensuring all students receive meaningful, individualized support that empowers them to thrive – academically, socially, and beyond.

Ms. Scott is the director of student support services for CAVA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a certificate in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from California State University, Fresno, and a master’s degree in special education from National University with a specialization in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She has also worked directly with students with autism during her graduate and undergraduate years. Her background and experience are in management, banking, and finance. Most recently, she served as the related services manager for CAVA and four additional virtual schools. Ms. Scott believes that all students should be celebrated for who they are and has enjoyed the shift in education culture that recognizes that students with disabilities are students with abilities. Embracing the skills of students, especially due to neurological differences such as ASD is no longer a dream for the future, it is now. Ms. Scott is student-centered and passionate in her desire that all CAVA students with special needs are identified, supported, and served quickly and with excellence.

Ms. Flemmer completed her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of California, Davis, with a minor in Education. Following this, she obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of the Pacific and furthered her qualifications with an advanced K–12 online teaching certificate from Boise State University. Beginning her teaching career in Lodi, California in 1994, Ms. Flemmer transitioned to the California Virtual Academy at San Joaquin in 2009, where she has held various teaching and leadership positions. As of spring 2024, she has assumed the role of Assistant Director of Special Education, providing consultative support and advisory services to our school community, particularly focusing on enhancing programs tailored to special education students.