Golden Eagle Charter School

Meet the EFs

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 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:
School Coordinator
High School Counselor
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support

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, South County
Other information:
Special Education Resource Teacherand Consultation, Waldorf Curriculum, alternatives in education to fit the needs and abilities of student, Structure of the Intellect Assessment for career/vocational direction.

Judy Cape Email
Certification/Degrees:
Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Clear Specialist Instruction Credential in Special Education
Resource Specialist Credential
BA Liberal Studies, emphasis in English Language Arts
Education Experience:
Twenty years Public School experience, General and Special
Eight years Mentor Teacher/BTSA Support Provider
Role at GECS:
Special Education Resource Teacher, North County

Marijane Derby Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA Liberal Arts
CA Clear Multi-subject K-8 Credential
Education Experience(s):
Twelve years teaching in California Charter Schools
Four years teaching science and math enrichment classes
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.

Carla DeRoss  Email
Certification/Degrees:
Master of Arts in Teaching in Language Arts Education
Master of Arts in Teaching in Language Arts Education
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential, Social Science
Role at GECS:
Technology Coordinator
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support

Lisa Heffel  Email
Certification/Degrees:
Clear Designated Subject Credential, Vocational Education
Role at GECS:
Yreka Site Coordinator
Testing Coordinator

Jan Dorrell Henderson 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
 Small Group Class Instructor
Other information: Homeschooled 3 children, who are now in college.

Lynn Hocker Email
Certification/Degrees:
BS Social Science in Family Studies
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Education Experience(s):
Nine years as a Personalized Learning Educator and Advocate
Role at GECS:
K-8 Educational Facilitator
K-5 Program Manager
Serving students in:
Weed, Mount Shasta and Dunsmuir
Additional Information:
As an EF, I enjoy collaborating with families to create a personalized, mindful approach to homeschooling.
As a Program Manager, I strive to create a caring learning community in which members are provided dynamic, cooperative and hands-on learning experiences by enthusiastic teachers.

Eric Janke Email Certification/Degrees: CA Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential CA Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential - English Role at GECS: Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support

Jennifer Knapp Email
Certification/Degrees:
CA Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support

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, Homeschool Support
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
Small Group Class Instructor, 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.

Yolanda Sanchez  Email
Certification/Degrees:
BA in Spanish, Bilingual/Bicultural emphasis
MA in Education
Education/Experience:
Public school teacher since 1993
Adjunct Faculty at College of the Siskiyous
Personalized Learning Charter School Educator since 2004
Role at GECS:
Independent Study Teacher, Homeschool Support,
Other information: Homeschooling mom.

Sandy Sullivan 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, Small Group Class Instructor
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,
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, High School Program Manager,  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.

Wayne Toler Email
Certification/Degrees:
CA General Elementary Life Credential
CA Standard Supervision Credential
CA Real Estate Broker License
CA Fire & Casualty Broker License

Shelley Young Email
Certification/Degrees:
CA Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential, Foundation-Level Math
MA Education with major in Cross-Cultural Teaching
Role at GECS:
Math and ELA Success Coordinator
Middle School Site Coordinator
Math Teacher
Leadership Team Member

Top of page