Each Education Facilitator (EF) works closely with students and families to ensure learning is personalized and state standards are addressed. An EF guides parents and students through the vast curriculum options available; to assist in determining and implementing the best educational program possible. Parents and students meet regularly with their EF so that support is consistent, and academic growth is documented. Below are brief biographies on our Education Facilitators. Get to know our education staff, and feel free to contact them with any questions about our program options and what they can offer for your child.
Shelly
Adams Email
Certification/Degrees:
BS Mathematics
MA Education
CA Professional Clear Single Subject Math, Health
Education Experience(s):
5 years Adjunct Faculty Community College Math Instructor
10 years as a Charter School Educator
Role at GECS:
School Director
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Leadership
Team Member
Serving students in:
McCloud, Mount Shasta, Weed
Any other information:
I love my job because it has a variety of duties, mixing administration
and interaction with students and homeschooling families. I
homeschool my two sons.
Alana Althaus-Cressman Email
Certification/Degrees:
B.S. in Oceanography (minor in Physics) from Humboldt State University,
M.S. in Oceanography, M.S. in Applied Mathematics from University of
Washington, K-12 Multiple Subject Credential, special endorsements in
algebra and physics
Education Experience(s): 5 years working in
personalized learning charter schools as an educational facilitator, 15
years tutoring mathematics, 5 years teaching math and science classes
at community colleges in California and Washington State
Role at GECS:
Teacher at the High School Program in Weed
Serving students in:
Weed at the High School Program
Marilyn
Berger Email
Certification/Degrees:
BS Business Administration-Marketing
CA Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
CA Clear Learning Handicapped Credential, Mild Moderate
MA Education
Waldorf Early Childhood Education Certification
Education/Experience:
10 years Public School Teacher K-12, Resource Specialist, GATE
Coordinator, Severely Handicapped, Juvenile Hall, Community Day School.
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 2004
Licensed Child Care Provider
Role at GECS:
Special Education Teacher, Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool
Support/Guidance, Leadership Team Member, Tutor
Other information:
Special Education Resource and Consultation, Waldorf Curriculum,
alternatives in education to fit the needs and abilities of student,
Structure of the Intellect Assessment for career/vocational direction.
Marijane
Derby Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA Liberal Arts
CA Clear Multi-subject K-8 Credential
Education Experience(s):
Seven years experience in Charter School Education.
Three years teaching music to children, ran a home based pre-school for
4 years.
Serving students in:
All of Siskiyou County
Additional Information:
Currently teaches small group instruction for middle school students in
math and science, as well as a music program for primary students
Lynn Hocker
Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA Social Science in Family Studies
CA Preliminary I Education Specialist (Mild-Moderate)
Education Experience(s):
Five years as a Charter School Educator
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Small Group
Class Instructor, Leadership Team Member, Tutor
Serving students in:
Weed, Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, Yreka & Montague
Additional Information:
Enjoys personalizing curriculum for students, and empowering
homeschooling families. 6 years experience in
a homeschooling family. Currently team teaches thematic and
center-based classes for K-3rd grade students.
Kathryn
McCotter Email
Certification/Degrees:
BS English, Cum Laude,
MA Education
CA Professional Clear Credential, English & Social Science
Endorsements
Education/Experience:
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 1997
Charter School Administrator since 2001
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Leadership Team
Member.
School Coordinator – Testing, Accountability, Documentation
Pat
McLaughlin Email
Certification/Degrees:
BS Physics, Engineering Concentration
CA Single Subjects Clear Credential
NCLB Certified in Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies
Education Experience(s):
Two years as a Charter School Educator
Five years as a Classroom Teacher
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Tutor
Serving students in:
Weed, Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, Lake Shastina , McCloud
Any other information:
Enjoy working with young people of all backgrounds and interests.
I want to help students to enjoy learning and to set lofty goals and
reach them.
Kelly McRee
Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA in Liberal Studies
CA Professional CLAD Multisubject Credential
Education Experience(s):
7years as a Charter School Educator
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Small Group
Class Instructor, Leadership Team Member, Outdoor Education Coordinator
Serving students in:
Dunsmuir, Mount Shasta , Weed, & McCloud
Any other information:
I ran the Mt.Shasta Cooperative School (K-6th) for 4 years prior to
working for Golden Eagle and homeschooled my two sons. I have
experience with Waldorf education, earth arts, and environmental
education.
Jan Dorrell Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA in Nursing
Life Time Adult Education Credential
Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
Education/Experience:
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 1997
Two Years Program Manager, Yreka Project-Based Learning Program
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Small Group
Class Instructor, Leadership Team Member.
Other information: Homeschooled 3 children, who are
now in college.
Patricia
Resch Email
Certification/Degrees:
Multiple Subject and Early Childhood Education CA Credentials
Previous Secondary credential for Spanish, Psychology and English
Education/Experience:
24 years experience teaching in public education
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 2002
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Home school Support/Guidance,
Other information:
12 years providing body work classes in the USA and internationally.
12 years of extensive international travel.
12 years running my own business.
Yolanda
Sanchez Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA in Spanish, Bilingual/Bicultural emphasis
Education/Experience:
Public school teacher since 1993
Adjunct Faculty at College of the Siskiyous
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 2004
Enrolled in Masters in Education program at Simpson University
Role at GECS:
Academic Guidance Counselor since 2005
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool guidance/support, Leadership Team
Member.
Other information: Homeschooling mom.
Sandy
Scofield Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA Liberal Studies Emphasis: Natural Resource Conservation
CA Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Education/Experience:
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 1997
Environmental Education, USDA Forest Service, Upper Sacramento River
Exchange, Charter School
One year training “Science in Rural California”
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Tutor, Small
Group Class Instructor, Leadership Team Member.
Other information:
Enjoy personalizing curriculum that nurtures interests, learning
styles, and gift areas. I have a passion for hands-on science and
writing.
Joseph
Supple Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA in Education from Boston College, Cum Laude, Concentration: Gifted
and Talented.
Lifetime MA Teaching Credential, Multiple subject, K-12.
CA Teaching Credential, Multiple Subject, K-12.
Education Experience(s):
12 years teaching grades 4, 5 and 6.
7 years teaching kindergarten.
1 year teaching a variety of subjects with grades 9-12.
2 years as an educational facilitator for home school and independent
study students at a charter school.
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support/Guidance, Small Group
Class Instructor, Tutor.
Serving students in:
Weed, Fort Jones, Dorris, Yreka & Montague.
Any other information:
3 years working in camps as Sports Director and as "Outward Bound"
Ropes Course and Rock Climbing Director. 5 years coaching
football, baseball and basketball.
Authored a novel and a wrote a screenplay. Enjoys traveling and speaks
Spanish.
Dave Theno Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA English / Teaching Emphasis, Minor in Linguistics
CA Professional Clear Credential, Multiple Subject
Education Experience(s):
Five years as a charter school educator and traditional classroom
teacher
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Program Manager for GECS High School
Program, Leadership Team Member
Serving students in:
Weed, Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, Yreka
Any other information:
Dave is a performing musician, songwriter, and homeschooling parent for
7 years.