Experience the Support of Seasoned School Leadership

Hi! I’m Monica Brammer, I am an Academic Advisor and Homeroom Teacher here at Insight Schools. I have been at Insight for 4 of my 6 years of teaching. I have a Bachelor’s in Art Education with an ephasis in Ceramics. As a previous art teacher, my favorite thing was making connections with students and helping them life, now as an Academic Advisor, I teach Social Emotional Skills and Adulting in Homeroom and make connections to students every day. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and cooking.

My name is Jen Buehler and I am an Academic Advisor at Insight. This is my seventh year as an advisor at Insight and I love to help our students achieve their goals and earn their high school diploma! Prior to advising, I was a high school social science teacher. In my free time I love to travel, to hike, climb, backpack, swim, and explore the outdoors with my family.

Hello! My name is Colette Kasowski and this is my first full year as an Acadmeic Advisor with Inight Schools. Before I came to Insight I taught for 15 years in upper elementary and also reading intervention for 2 years. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from CSULB and continued my education at Walden University where I received my Master’s Degree. I enjoy teaching students new and useful concepts that they can carry with them for a lifetime. Some of my hobbies include crafting, baking and reading. I also love being outside and going for walks.

Hi there! I am Jackie Lytle, an Academic Advisor here at Insight. This will be my 8th year at our school, and the first 6 years were spent teaching English. I love getting to know my students in my Homeroom class and serving them in this role as AA. When I’m not working, you can find me walking my dog, coaching my kids’ soccer team, cross stitching, volunteering at church, or most likely folding laundry! Go Cougars!

I am the Lead Trauma School Counselor at Insight. I graduated from Fresno State and earned my master’s degree in School Counseling and Counseling Credential from National University. I have been with Insight since 2014 and absolutely love my team, our staff, and our students; our students especially inspire me with their stories of strength and determination! I oversee the Counseling department and part of the RAISE team, including the Academic Growth Advocates, who support students whose grades have fallen behind, and the Student and Family Champion, who provides resources and support to students in a variety of circumstances. I have been married for 22 years and have 3 kids – I love hiking with my husband and any time I can spend with my young adult children is my favorite thing to do!

My name is Monique Kroese. I started teaching in 2007, joined the Insight Teaching staff in 2014, and have since become a member of the Leadership Team. Insight is such an amazing school and I am proud to work side-by-side with some of the most amazing teachers and staff! When I am not supporting teachers and students, I enjoy spending time with my family. When we aren’t at the ball field, we are camping, fishing, riding UTVs, or just hanging out together at home.

Kimberly began her journey in education over 20 years ago within the special education department. She has worked with kids ranging in ages from preschool through college, focusing on transitional components for students. Kimberly piloted an adult transition program at the local community college that successfully graduated students with an AA degree as well as provided community work opportunities. She came to California Virtual Academies (CAVA) in the fall of 2012 as an education specialist and was most recently the director of special education for all K12-powered California schools. She brings to the table her love for continued education as well as a strong focus on data driven student supports and achievement.

Briette Peterson is the Director of Engagement at Insight Schools of California. She has been working with Insight Schools for nine wonderful years. She has a passion for online education and believes that every student deserves a personalized learning experience where they feel valued and loved. She holds two master’s degrees in education, with specializations in curriculum and online instruction and in online teaching and learning.

Briette is a proud mother of five children, ranging from 9 to 18 years old and has been married to her sweetheart husband for 20 years. She loves to spend time with her family and go on outdoor adventures, such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, and wake surfing. She also enjoys reading, photography, and is stretching her new found skills in watercolor art.

Briette considers Insight Schools of California as an extension of her family and loves working with the students, staff, and parents. She is always looking for new ways to engage and support the school community and to celebrate the achievements and successes of everyone involved.

Hello! My name is Holly Rodriguez and I am grateful to be the ELD Coordinator at Insight Schools of California. This is my tenth year in education, and I have always been passionate about teaching and building programs for English Learners. After finishing my Teaching Credential program, I knew I wanted to pursue my Master’s Degree with an emphasis on English Learners. I received my Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in U.S. Education in a Global Context in 2017. Over the years, I have worked with kindergarten through high school students and have had tremendous experience working with English Learners and their families. When I am not working, I love to spend time with my husband and my son. We love to travel, camp, bike ride and hang out at home together.

I have the privilege of serving as the Academic Administrator for Insight Schools of California, and I am so grateful to be able to work with alongside the most wonderful students, families, and educators! I first became a teacher in 2008 and joined the Insight Schools family in 2014. I have held multiple positions here at Insight, including teaching and leadership roles, and have developed a true passion for working with this unique population. I have a beautiful family, including my wonderful husband and four children, whose ages range from three to eleven years old, and a wide variety of pets. When I’m not working, I love watching my children play sports, dance, and play piano, and I love watching movies and reading. My hope for all of our students is to find a home here at our school, where they feel safe, loved, and accepted, in order to successfully finish high school!

Hi! My name is Nilma Alvarez-Drinkwater and I am part of the Counseling team here at Insight. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I earned a BA degree in Psychology from the Universidad de Puerto Rico and a Master’s degree in counseling from Universidad Central de Bayamon. I have been in the School Counseling field for 14 years. My first four years as a school counselor were as an elementary school counselor in Puerto Rico. I also lived in Florida and worked at an elementary school as the ELL School Counselor. This is my third year with Insight! And I feel honored to be part of this family! On a personal note, I have two boys and love spending time with them and watching them grow. When I am not working, I enjoy taking them to the park or for walks, going to the beach and exercising!

Nice to meet you! My name is Wesley Harden. I am part of the amazing English Intervention Team here at Insight. I have a boundless passion for literature and language, and hope to ignite the same flame of curiosity and creativity in my students. My classroom is geared toward a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to excel. I know each and every one of my students has the ability to learn and it is my goal to provide the tools and scaffolding to help shape them into confident and compassionate individuals ready for the real world.

My Name is Kelly Mortensen and I am one of the Insight School Counselors. I serve students with Last Names: “O-Z.”

I have a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling and think I have the BEST job in the world. I have been in education for almost 30 years in various capacities including Teacher Assistant, Registrar, Family Academic Support Liaison and School Counselor. I have been working with K12 online schools since 2015, initially starting at CAVA and presently at Insight. Prior to working in online schools, I worked for nearly 20 years in the juvenile court and community schools in an in-person setting.

I am married with a teenage son (and 4 fur babies and a tortoise) and enjoy spending time with my family. I love working with my students and helping them prepare for their futures beyond high school.

My name is Heather Raposo and this is my 9th year at Insight Schools and have been working in education for near 20 years. I also am finishing up a master’s degree in Art History and plan to try for a doctorate research program in the same field that is based in England. I am a world traveller and have been to 22 countries to date (and counting). I spend most of my free time either traveling, in my garden, or doing floral designs and other crafty things. My husband immigrated from the Azores islands of Portugal, so we like to spend our vacations exploring his native country. I have two adult children and a third grandchild on the way and spending time with my family is also a huge highlight of my free time.

My name is Amber Scala and I am a school counselor here at Insight schools. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno. While this is my third year at Insight, I have worked at both the elementary and high school level as a school counselor for five years. I think school counseling is the best job ever, and look forward to working with all of my students and families this year! Outside of school counseling, I love to bake, play guitar, travel as much as possible and spend time with my cat, Sir Thomas. I am also an avid runner and recently took up learning how to surf.

Hello! My name is Susan Steinmetz, and I am excited to be the ELD Specialist at Insight Schools of California. This is my 13th year in education, and over the years, I have taught many different grade levels in just about every subject.

I enjoy interacting with the students and believe they learn best in a positive learning environment where they feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe. I try to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I encourage my students to express themselves, accept themselves for who they are, as well as embrace the differences of others. It is my aim to bring an open mind, positive attitude, and high expectations every day.

My name is Leahndrah Carrillo, I’m part of the RAISE team. I’m fortunate to have found a role that allows me to fulfill my dream and passion of working in education. Being helpful is what I thrive off of. So its a gift and privilege to provide support to both Insight staff and families. In my personal life, things that I enjoy while not at work are: reading, writing, hiking, and cooking.

Hi! My name is Jade Robertson, and I have been the Academic Growth Advocate here at Insight for a little over two years. In my free time, I love to read, take naps, and go on walks. I love all genres, but mostly read thrillers. My current favorite authors are Colleen Hoover and Freida McFadden. I am currently in school & hope to one day teach here at Insight. I have been married to my amazing husband for two years. Together with our beautifully blended family, we have our daughter that is 19, and two boys that are 16 and 11, and a new baby on the way due in February. I love being part of the RAISE team and am so excited to help support you this year!!

Hello! My name is Anica Garcia and I have been an Academic Growth Advocate at Insight schools for almost two years. I have been married for 17 years to my funny yet loving husband. I am a very proud mother of 3 children. (2 boys and 1 girl) I love to work out and I have a true passion teaching various fitness classes at a Pilates Studio in town. I also love to dance! In my free time I love to watch my boys play in the sports they are involved in. I also love watching my daughter perform in dance, pep/cheer and folklorico. It has been so amazing to be part of the RAISE team! I am looking forward to another school year and supporting students from Insight Schools!

A little about me: I am the proud mother of 3 beautiful children. Giselle 10, Blue 5 and Matteo 2. This will be my second year with ISCA and my sixteenth year working in the education field. Working for Insight is a unique opportunity because I get to work with students and learning coaches as we collaborate to make your student’s online learning experience the best it can be. When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my children. We like going to the park, beach and explore museums. My oldest love martial arts and have competed in Jiu-jitsu tournaments. My middle child loves baseball and will start kinder this year. And my sweet youngest baby boy is still in the baby shark phase. This is just a little about me and my family, can’t wait to get to meet you and your family.

My name is Jeannie Sheffield, and I’m part of the RAISE Team. I really enjoy my role as a Retention Specialist. Connecting with students, discussing any barriers they might be facing and following up with support and encouragement is deeply rewarding. My interests involve anything relating to personal growth, and my cat, Romulus. He is the sweetest and loves to snuggle.

My name is Ashley Boucher, and I am going into my 8th year of teaching! I have a master’s degree in Special Education. I really love to learn new things. I really like organization and crafting. I like to make cards, photo albums (all handmade), and wreaths. Lastly, I am obsessed with my dog, she is an almost 3 year old Mini Schnauzer.

My name is Bo Binas and I am part of the English department at Insight. I have been teaching since 2012. I have a Master’s of Education in Online Instruction. English was always my favorite subject. I love to read and I love share my love of literature with my students. English is important because we need to read many different things all througout life. In my free time I enjoy knitting and crocheting.

My name is Chris Corniola and I am a Science teacher here at Insight schools. I have been a high school teacher since 2010. Before I was a science teacher I was an epidemiologist which is also very science based. I love science and hope that more people will learn about science because it is amazing and helps people understand the world better. I also enjoying hiking, traveling, and hanging out with my 3 amazing dogs.

My name is Courtney Dale and I am part of the Physical Education department at Insight for the past 9 years. I have a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning in a Global Society and love teaching at Insight. Physical fitness has always been a part of my life, playing softball in college and professionally in Japan. I look forward to sharing my passion for sports and fitness with my students helping them become the best version of themselves.

Hi there! My name is Ms. Deckelmann and I am an English teacher here with 5+ years experience in the classroom. I grew up in the Monterey Bay Area and I have one younger sister. Though teaching is number one (of course), I do love cooking, swimming, and traveling to tropical islands in my spare time. I love Insight and I feel privileged to be teaching here— it’s a great school! I’m looking forward to having you in class!

Hi. My name is Marla Friedler and I have been a teacher at Insight for 8 years. I have a masters degree in Communications and spent the first part of my life working in that field as a TV/commercial producer and strategic communications professional and educator. I love the merging of art and technology in the hopes of making the world a better place. I want to help students develop skills for not only improving their own lives but also the lives of all who know them. I volunteer at my local wildlife rehab center and have a passion for animals of all types. Ask me to see pix of my border collies and I’ll be happy to show you!

My name is Jimmy Hernandez and I am part of the English department here at Insight Schools. I have been an educator since 2011, my first few years were in preschool before transitioning to high school in 2017. I have a master’s degree in curriculum and development and I enjoy sharing my passion for story telling with my students. I believe that English is a beautiful and powerful language that can help us understand and appreciate each other. I also enjoy extracurricular activities such as gaming, traveling abroad, and volunteering at my local animal shelter.

My name is Trevore Humphrey and I am a Modern World Studies teacher in the History Department. This is my 9th year at Insight and 11th year as a teacher. I earned both my B.A. and M.A. at San Diego State University, my M.A. was in Technology and Learning Design. My academic expertise revolves around world history/geography with a particular focus on the 20th Century and the Global Cold War. As a lifelong San Diegan I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, photography and pickleball.

I’m Adam Lang, a member of the Social Science department here at Insight Schools. After years in the outdoor education industry, tutoring in writing, history, and more, and substitute teaching many subjects in grades K-12, I am very excited to join you here at Insight! When I am not teaching I am most likely outside performing a variety of camping-related activities or just literally performing, as I am an active musician playing drums with various groups!

My name is Kris Mazich and I am part of the social science department at Insight. I come from a family of teachers and I have been an educator for the last 4 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree in History and German at Pepperdine University and I earned a master’s degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governor’s University. I have a strong passion for learning and my hope is that I can help my students develop the skills they need to think critically and better understand the complex world that we all live in. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my friends and family. I also love spending time immersed in nature and frequently go hiking and camping.

Hello! My name is Wade Perkins, and I teach Government and Economics at Insight. I have been lucky enough to work here since 2015, so I’m no spring chicken when it comes to online learning. With both Government and Economics, I hope to give students some of the support, knowledge, and skills helpful to be an active and positive citizen within their local community. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, watching baseball, specifically the Dodgers, and playing video games!

Hello! My name is Maryrose Pratt. I am currently in my 11th year of teaching and my 8th year teaching at Insight Schools. I have a master’s degree in education and enjoy sharing my passion for math with students. Math does require practice and mistakes, but there is much to be enjoyed with math and it is useful in our everyday lives. In my spare time, I love spending time with my 2 puppies along with crafting and genealogy.

My name is Katy Sepulveda and I am a part of the Science and History departments here at Insight. I have been teaching at Insight since 2019. I have a bachelor’s degree in Diversified Liberal Studies from the University of San Diego and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Chapman University I love to go hiking, visit the mountains, read, shop and watch hockey. I can’t wait to spread the joy of learning to each and everyone of my students. GO COUGARS!!!

I have been teaching history for many years and absolutely love it. I have lived in England, Spain, the Bay Area and currently reside in Northern California. I am also a photographer in my spare time, which may explain why I love to use a lot of interesting photographs and images in my lessons. I really look forward to getting to know you all over the semester.