Staff
Biddinger, Amy
Education Specialist
I graduated from California State University, Chico in
2004 with a BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in
Health Science. I received my Multiple Subject
credential as well as my single subject credential in
Health Science in 2005 I believe one important task of
education is to help children find their proper
relationship to the world they live in. I feel
fortunate to be working for Forest Charter School, a
school that promotes individualized student success.
Buck, Heather
Education Specialist and GV/NC K-8 Coordinator
I started my teaching career when I decided to help adult illiterates learn to read. The volunteers' training program was so interesting that I immediately decided to go back to school for a California teaching credential. I had already received my BA from Wellesley College, where I focused on political science and economics, never dreaming that teaching would be my ultimate calling. Since then I've taught in a traditional school, educated my own three children at home, and joined the Personalized Learning Charter School movement as a parent and an educational specialist. I look forward to overseeing the K-8 Block Class program this year as well as being an Education Specialist.
Buckley, Ruthanne
Education Specialist
I received a B.A. from Willamette University (Salem, Oregon) with a double major in history/political Science. To qualify for the California State Teaching Program, I completed and passed the NCTE examinations in the sections of multiple subject (elementary) and single subject (social science). I received my multiple-subject teaching credential from CSUS-Chico. Since 1991 I have worked in the personalized learning environment and since 2004 at Forest Charter School. I enjoy working with students and families to coordinate learning and curriculum planning.
Cadeaux, Yvette
Education Specialist
In addition to holding aCalifornia multiple subject credential (CLAD), I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in radio and television broadcasting from San Francisco State University. I have a Masters Degree in education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I enjoy being a block class instructor at Forest Charter School, as well as an education specialist. I admire the way that Forest Charter School’s personalized learning approach fosters parental choice and I am excited about the future both as a parent and an education specialist.
Homan, Jen
Education Specialist
I graduated from Dominican University with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and English Literature with a Writing Emphasis. I earned my teaching credentials in English and History from California State University, Chico. I then went on to get a Masters Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. Having lived much of my childhood and a good part of my adult life overseas and in other states besides California, I've had an opportunity to observe many systems of education in action, and this experience has helped me to truly understand the simple idea that different kinds of education work for different students. Forest Charter School's personalized learning program is a place where I can see this discovery happening for students whose gifts and talents might otherwise be "lost in the crowd". At Forest, I want to help all of my students to be successful by guiding them to realize that it's not how smart they are, but how they are smart.
Markson, Nancy
Education Specialist
I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BS in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Ornothology. I went on to get my teaching credential from Chapman University. I started out at Forest Charter School as a science teacher to the 8th grade co-op. Since that time, I have expanded my role at Forest Charter to include teaching high school biology, chemistry, and middle school science. I love to learn and explore the natural world around me.
Miller, Josh
Education Specialist
I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Washington State with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Studio Art. I earned my teaching credential in Earth Science from California State University, Chico. Before earning my teaching credential I spent several years teaching environmental education throughout the west at several different schools and programs. This combined with my outdoor guiding experience has enabled me to become a teacher who thrives in the non-traditional "classroom". Having spent many years teaching where nature was my "classroom" I have a passion for hands on and experiential learning. Along with teaching science and photography at Forest Charter I also work as a nature photographer with work appearing in publications throughout the country.
Raupp, Elyse
Speech Language Pathologist
As a native to Nevada Country, I graduated from Nevada Union and then attended Cal State University, Sacramento. During college, I did some traveling abroad. I graduated with a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, and a Clear Clinical/Rehabilitative Services Teaching Credential. I have worked with students Kindergarten through the College level ranging from basic articulation to the severely handicapped, in which augmentative communication was necessary for successful life skills. I have also worked in the hospital, rehab centers and public school settings, as well as through a private company working with other home school families. I am in love with my husband Jonathan and recently blessed with our son Joe Nathan. I joined Forest Charter School in the fall of 2005 and am excited to be a part of this awesome team and dedicated parents and students to the philosophy that I whole-heartedly believe
in . . . Personalized Learning.
Rice, Eleni
Education Specialist
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology. Additionally, I have extensive studies in music education. I have California state multiple subject teaching credential. In 2001, I helped to establish Forest Charter School and have served there as a mentor teacher ever since. I love being a teacher and supporting students in achieving success and in developing a lifetime love of learning.
Ross, Steve
Education Specialist
I completed my Bachelors Degree in computer science in 1991 from San Jose State University. I earned my teaching credential becoming qualified to teach science, mathematics and technology. I am currently working on my Masters in Education.
I love the paradigm of personalized learning and teaching in small class situations. My goal is to create life long learners who can think, question, and analyze the world around them.
Simoes, Paul
Education Specialist
I came to teaching after a brief career in city government and corporate real estate in New England, where I was raised. I have a BA in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and an MPA from the University of New Hampshire. After earning my teaching credential at Dominican University, I spent the next twelve years as a teacher and administrator in both public and private schools Marin and Nevada Counties. I am very happy to be part of the growth, innovation, and fun that comprises daily life at Forest Charter School. I will be working with FCS students as an education specialist and as the site coordinator for the Center for the Arts block classes in Grass Valley.
Smith, Linda
Education Specialist
I graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and earned my teaching credential from Chapman University. My years of working and observing traditional classrooms, unstructured camp situations, as well as the individualized educational setting used for special education has given me vast experience in the various approaches needed to reach a growing population of diverse learners in today’s society.
Stillman, Dawn
Education Specialist / Co-Op Teacher
I graduated from UC Davis and immediately applied to CSU Chico’s secondary teaching credential program and spent the next year studying and working with middle school students. I was drawn to Personalized Learning and Forest Charter School’s program because I was fascinated by the idea that I could have direct contact with both students and their parents. I am one of the lead teachers in the High School IDEA Academy and am so excited about being part of this program.
Stratton, Shana
Special Education Teacher
I attended CSU, Chico where I earned a Bachelor in Liberal Studies as well as two credentials; Special Education K-12, and Multiple Subjects K-8. I love being a Resource teacher at Forest Charter School and can think of no better place to teach. My favorite slogan is "Aim for the moon, you just might hit it!" I believe that at Forest Charter School even the moon is attainable if you are willing to try hard enough!
Stuart, Valerie
Education Specialist
I have been enjoying teaching for over ten years in public schools, home study, and private tutoring. I received my education from University of California at Riverside, studying history and the arts. I now enjoy my position at Forest Charter as both an education specialist and art teacher. I see great joy in the learning and education styles offered in personalized learning. I am happy to be among this staff and our families. I enjoy the diversity of opinion, those things which make all efforts so rewarding.
Sween, Christine
Education Specialist
I was born in Whittier, California and graduated from Whittier high school and U.C. Davis.
I am the mother of six children, 3 boys and 3 girls, ranging in age from 3 to 16.
My husband, Matt, and I recently celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.
I sing in a worship band at my church and stay in shape by training for the "Celebration of Life" women's triathalon in Nevada City. I love helping people educate their children.
Torres, Alexandria
Education Specialist
I was blessed to realize at a very early age that I wanted to be a teacher. I received my B.S. in Finance with a minor Cybernetic Systems, a Spanish/Eng. Language Development credential, and an M.A. in Educational Administration. Marrying a USAF pilot has allowed me to experience very unique educational and administrative opportunities throughout the U.S. I am grateful that we have now settled in Nevada County, and that I am at FCS, where I feel so at home with” like-minded” families and educators.
Wellington, Tonya
Education Specialist
My undergraduate work at UCSB was followed by multiple subject credential from CSUS. After two years of classrooms teaching, I opened and operated a preschool for six years. At that point, I began teaching in the way I love most – personalized learning. I taught my own children for many years, and now greatly enjoy designing and implementing tailor made courses of study that enable students to become life-long learners and reach their highest potential.