Pacific Coast Charter

 

Throughout the many adventures I've had in my adult life, teaching has been my constant companion. As a young college graduate yearning to explore my Chinese heritage, I taught English in Taiwan...and years later, Mandarin Chinese in San Jose. In between those teaching jobs, I became an aspiring musician; and found great joy in teaching Suzuki violin and Music Together. Upon starting my own family, I rediscovered my love for teaching young children; and returned to what I was originally trained to do: teach in the elementary classroom. 
 
In 2016, my family fell in love with a piece of land in Larkin Valley and became homesteaders, after many years living in San Jose. Once again, my teaching complemented this new stage in my life, as I started teaching at PCCS. My work with K-8 families has been a perfect fit with my eclectic life on the ranch. I thrive on the relationships built with my PCCS family, when not tending to my many farm projects and critters, along with my husband and teenaged son. Currently, our outdoor endeavors include an apple orchard, small kitchen garden, birdwatching, babydoll sheep, chickens, a livestock guardian dog, and most recently a barn cat. In my spare time, I mostly daydream about my other hobbies, such as crafts, reading, yoga, making music, and watching baseball. 
 
I love teaching at PCCS because I get to spend each day sharing my love of learning, my creative ideas, and my diverse experiences, with a wonderful learning community. It's a privilege to be able to work so closely with families to find the best learning tools for each student, and I plan to continue to do so, for years to come.

 

 

 

I am one of the K-8 Supervising Teachers at PCCS. My undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and teaching credential are from UC Santa Cruz (1982); my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership focused on equity and inclusion, with a year-long research project on Dyslexia (2020). I am curious about everything from cells to stars, how things are made, and how people live. Learning and curiosity are what float my boat, so teaching is a great way for me to have fun while learning with others. I have a vast book collection, love to read, and often share books with families. 

 

I guide each parent and student in how to create their educational program at home using a wide variety of curriculum and instructional methods. I also meet with each student regularly to assess their progress, discover what piques their curiosity, and suggest resources for their next studies. 

 

I teach classes on-site and on-line for K-8 students. Problem-solving, art, and language skills are embedded in my classes. Lessons are hands-on and as messy as humanly possible. Classes I have designed and taught include: Microbiology, Engineering, Intro to Chemistry, Intro to Physics, People of the ‘Wild West’, Pirates & the Age of Exploration, Bears of the World, Endangered Animals, Energy Sources & Solar Ovens, Patterns All Around Us, “What is Culture?”, Mindfulness, Hands-On Math, Poetry, Ceramics, and Book Studies with many novels.

 

 

 

 

 

My name is Michelle Chapa, and I have been teaching high school math students since 1991. I have also been teaching at Cabrillo College since 2016 when I got my masters in mathematics.  I LOVE helping students understand math!  I also have a husband and three adult kids.  I like running, hiking, camping, and baking.  I also love to read.  I have been a teacher at Pacific Coast Charter School since 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

Marilyn Guido
 
My name is Marilyn Guido.  I grew up in Manhasset, New York, where I attended Saint Mary's School for twelve years. I graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1982. After graduation, I worked for nine months as an intern at MS Magazine in New York, where I did research, edited articles, and sorted through mountains of queries. It was very exciting to travel to the city every day and work with some well-known writers.

 

Over 2 summers, I was employed by American Trails West, which enabled me to escort teenagers on tours throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. I moved to Santa Cruz in 1983 and received my Learning Handicapped Credential from UCSC. Two years later, I obtained a Resource Specialist Credential from the Assessor Panel in Monterey.

 

In addition to being an RS, throughout our district, I have taught Kindergarten through third grades, teaching both English and bilingual classes. This is my second year teaching at PCCS and I love it here. As an RS, I am very fortunate to work in a creative environment, with students of all grade levels and where staff and students respect and care for one another. I am also a professional Cantor. I enjoy hiking, biking, cooking, reading and spending time with my daughter, who is a high school English teacher, and my son, who is an artist and student.

 

 

 

Gala Haskins - Science Geek (with a capital G). Always looking for interesting and engaging ways to learn and teach science. My background is in Marine biology but I like to dabble in physics, earth, and space sciences. In my free time you can find me walking my dogs (husky and shepherd), practicing yoga, roller skating, or milking goats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have enjoyed teaching for almost 20 years. I was a special education teacher for grades 6-12 for my first 11 years of teaching. I only worked in larger schools in the past, so it was always a challenge for me to help all of my students. It was such a great change to find PCCS and I enjoy personalizing learning for all of my students. I joined this amazing staff in 2014, and I have pursued multiple subject and science credentials since I started teaching at PCCS. I currently teach Math, but I enjoy helping students with all subjects. Outside of school, I am a mother of twin girls, and my family and I love to get outdoors for adventures whenever possible.

 

 

 

     Melissa Jenkins

I have been teaching science for over 15 years. This is my 3rd year at PCCS. I got my Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology with an emphasis on Conservation Education. I did sea turtle conservation work in Mexico and worked for a local sustainable fisheries non-profit. I went back to UC Santa Cruz to get my Master's Degree in Science Education and Teaching Credential in Biological Sciences. I love teaching all subjects in science! Teaching has allowed me to travel the world and I feel fortunate to have lived and worked in both Costa Rica and New Zealand. I love learning new things, new cultures and sharing my personal experiences. Nature is my sanctuary so when I'm not teaching I am tending to my bonsai garden, hiking and foraging, biking and occasionally surfing. I also love to cook, make jewelery and appreciate artwork. I really enjoy talking with students about their interests and love how PCCS gives the students so many options for learning and so much support. It brings me joy to help students reach their goals! 

 

     Lisa Kellert

My name is Lisa Kellert and I have been an educator for 20 years! I started as a teacher of English, AVID, and peer counseling, which all led to my current role as a counselor. My approach to counseling is student-centered, collaborative, and innovative to truly put students’ best interests first. As School Counselor at PCCS, I look forward to working with students and families to meet academic and post-high goals. When I am not at work, you can find me reading, soaking up the sun, practicing yoga, making a reservation for a Michelin-starred restaurant or getting more stamps in my passport.

 

Mary has been a teacher for 15 years. She loves watching students overcome obstacles and realize how much potential they have for success and happiness. Outside of the classroom, Mary enjoys running, reading, and adventures with her husband and 4 children. 

                                               

 

 

 

Living in Germany until age 12, I grew up Bilingual, speaking both English and German. Later I also learned Spanish and French. By the time I was 18, I had moved 22 times, living in 5 different countries. My mother is from Ohio and my father is Austrian. Nowadays my family is spread from Mongolia to Germany and we do not get everyone together very much. I am lucky though to have my mother and one of my brothers live nearby in Monterey County.

 

As a child, I attended Munich International School, German school, and a school on an American Military Base. Then I went to high school in Charlottesville, Virgina. I have also lived in Munich, Germany; Paris, France; Dublin, Ireland; Barcelona, Spain; Northampton, Massachusetts; and Los Angeles. I attended the University of Paris, Smith College, Holy Names College in Oakland, and later at Naropa University, I earned a master’s degree in comparative spirituality.

   Lola Ross

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello PCCS family, my name is Socorro Ancira, and I am the office manager here at Pacific Coast Charter. I have worked for PVUSD for 37 years. My favorite things are being with my family and dogs.  I love to cut people's hair and make them feel good.  I love sewing, being creative, and decorating for my grandchildren's parties.  I also enjoy helping family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey Pelicans,

 

My name is Sophia Ceja and I have been a Library Media Tech for over 17 years. I have enjoyed connecting with students and providing support throughout the years. Every student has their own story. I have three fur babies that are my world. In my spare time I work on projects, home interiors, gardening and crafts. I also enjoy cooking, baking, reading, hiking, taking long road trips and spending time with family.

 

 

 

 

 

Hi, my name is Mike Harwell.  I graduated from the University of Southern California and earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. I received my teaching credential from National University and have taught for 25 years in alternative education. This is my second year at PCCS supervising K-8 students in language arts, math, science and social studies.

 

When I have time, I enjoy exploring all of our beautiful  beaches and mountain trails.  I feel fortunate to be able to raise my family, live and work in Santa Cruz County. 

 

It is an amazing place!