Meet Our Special Programs Team

Michael Allum | Director of Special Education

Mr. Allum is passionate about supporting students with a variety of needs to be included to the greatest extent possible.  Born and raised in Southern California in a home where he and his six siblings were adopted through the foster system, Michael grew up navigating a variety of needs and resources in his home and the community.  After transferring from UCLA to UC Davis in an attempt to make the wrestling team, he made the club team but got a wonderful introduction to Northern California and his B.A in Psychology with a Minor in History.  After a decade as a special education teacher at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels, he served as Program Specialist, Coordinator, and Site Administrator at the district and county office of education levels.  He received his teaching credential from Fortune School of Education and his administrative credential and master’s degree in Educational Leadership from CSU East Bay.  He enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children in the Bay Area, volunteering in an inclusive soccer program, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a white belt.  

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Sharon Flemmer | Assistant Director of Special Education

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.

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Krista Mount | Director of Categorical Programs

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 works to ensure that all students have the resources they need to reach their full academic potential.

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Brandy Scott | Director of Student Support Services

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.