Mindy Bolar has worked in the field of education for over thirty years serving in several roles: Classroom Teacher; Instructional Coach; Coordinator of Staff Development/New Teacher Program; Assistant Principal; Principal; and Director of Educational Services. Ms. Bolar taught a multi-age, multi-level classroom for five years early in her career. Her classroom served as a model that led to the development of a magnet school for inquiry-based, individualized instruction. Her training and experience in that role shaped her educational philosophy and her passion for equitable, effective instructional programs that address the development of the whole child. Ms. Bolar proudly served as the Principal/Superintendent of Sierra Foothill Charter School for five years, before holding the role of Superintendent.

Chelsea Kamins earned her BA from California State University, Bakersfield in Child, Adolescence and Family Studies with a minor in Special Education. She is working on her Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential. Ms. Stillwell has over 10 years of experience teaching young children including teaching preschool, working in an after school program for students with Autism, and after school daycare.

 

Instructional Aide Clara was born in Colombia South America and currently lives in Mariposa California. She has a degree in Science and Environmental Education. She was a natural science teacher for 6 years before she moved to California. She has experience in teaching TK- high school. Since 2007 she has devoted herself to the study of Yoga, Clara has over 10 years of experience teaching yoga and is a certified yoga teacher. She is really excited to be a Teacher Aide for Kinder gardeners, and she is teaching Spanish as a second language. Through her work she is transmitting not just a language but a cultural connection. “Learning a language is very beneficial to the cognitive development.” Additionally this connection helps the students to accept others’ differences, become more compassionate, and develop higher level of understanding. Furthermore, it will develop respect for those who are from other cultures. The language immersion at early age fosters in them curiosity and confidence to become conscious and respectful citizens of the planet.

Wendy Baumann earned a BA in Liberal Studies from California State University, East Bay. She holds a California Professional Clear Multiple Subject teaching credential along with a Clear Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development Certificate. She also has a Central California Reading Recovery Project Certificate from California State University, Fresno. Mrs. Baumann’s certification as a Reading Recovery teacher ensures a comprehensive, intensive and individualized approach to the important K-1 task of learning to read and write. Mrs. Baumann has 18 years of teaching experience that includes both public and private schools. She enjoys teaching science and math using engaging hands-on activities.

 

Instructional Aide Teila Gonzales is a long time Mariposa resident. Originally born in Ventura California, she moved to Mariposa in 1999 and has been involved at Sierra Foothill Charter School since 2014. Over the course of four years, Teila has volunteered many hours in both the TK/Kindergarden and the First/Second grade class. Teila is currently working  towards obtaining her AA in early childhood development and enjoys raising her two wonderful girls who both attend Sierra Foothill Charter School. She is excited to live out her dream of being a instructional aide and becoming a part of our school.

Teena Starchman received a BA in English from California State University Stanislaus. She earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Chapman University. During this time, she student taught at Mariposa Elementary School. She continued working in the Mariposa County School district for several years and has taught in a multi-level classroom. Ms. Starchman also taught at Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School in Fish Camp, where her passion for science began.  She looks forward to incorporating the outdoors, music, theatre, and art into her daily lessons.

 

Instructional Aide Peggy Decker has over 10 years experience working with children as a substitute teacher and basketball coach. She also worked for a Parks and Recreation department in its Aquatics Programs and in management for 15 years. Finally, she worked at the Boys and Girls club in Oakhurst. She and her husband live in Ahwahnee and enjoy outdoors, fishing, and family who live nearby.

Stephanie Clark earned her BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art from California State University, Stanislaus. She received her Multiple Subject Credential from California State University, Stanislaus as well. Ms. Clark has prior teaching experience from Stanislaus and Merced counties in K-8 classrooms. Ms. Clark comes from a family of educators and is excited to make a difference in our students’ lives.

 

Instructional Aide Jarrett Veiga is originally from Hemet, a city in Riverside County in Southern California.  He attended Cal State University Bakersfield on a division 1 baseball scholarship for two years.  After transferring to Cal State University Stanislaus, he became a member of the baseball team and later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science. He moved to Mariposa in 2019 and is presently in his second year working at SFCS.  He enjoys watching most sports and would someday like to be a PE teacher and a baseball coach.

Audrey Davis  comes from a long line of educators and has been working with youth and in academics for many years. Her passions are (in no particular order) music, theater, performance, literature, friends, and family. She is very happy to be part of the SFCS staff and to have the honor of making a positive impact on her students and other young people!

Instructional Aide Hannah Morse has been living in Catheys Valley since 2019 and has lifelong roots in the Central Valley. She is a current student at University of California, Merced working to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science. Since she began her position at Sierra Foothill Charter School, she has rekindled her love for teaching and will also be obtaining a Minor in Natural Science Education as well as a multi-subject teaching credential. She is happy to serve the community and students she has grown to love, and is excited to raise her young son in this beautiful part of California.

Gail Vanderslik holds degrees from Fresno Pacific University in secondary music education, music composition, and music in the church. She holds certificates in Kindermusik and Orff. She has taught music in preschools, elementary and middle schools and to private students ranging in age from four to adults. She is also a member of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra.

Andrea Contreras earned her BA in Anthropology at California State University, Stanislaus. She has worked for Mariposa County Park and Rec as an Aide in its Summer Day Camp program. She has also volunteered in both kindergarten and preschool classrooms. Ms. Contreras has been with SFCS since the school first opened its doors, working as an Instructional Aide in the first and second grade classroom and also taking on PE once a week for all grade levels. She is working on obtaining her Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential. Ms. Contreras enjoys working for SFCS as it gives her the opportunity to give back to the community that has been so supportive of her, and to help the community’s children become passionate about learning.

Instructional Aide Terris Cleary earned her degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from UC Davis. She completed four years of graduate work in Clinical Psychology, which provided valuable training in a variety of school and medical settings. Her background in psychology and passion for education led her to work for many years as a substitute teacher at Mariposa Unified School District. Additionally, she has taught first grade at Mariposa Elementary, as well as being a K-8 intervention teacher. Mrs. Cleary loves to share her love of art, nature, and animals in the classroom. When she’s not at school she’s often found riding a horse or camping with her family.

Dee Means grew up in the central valley where she was a farmer and ag business owner while homeschooling her son. She has been involved in special education, tutoring, and homeschool education for many years as well as over 15 years experience in business administration. Miss Dee joined SFCS as an Instructional Aide and is now the Business Manager. She is excited to be part of the community.

Robin Cook grew up in Catheys Valley and attended Catheys Valley Elementary School. After graduating from high school, she joined the Air Force where she was an Information Manager and Military Training Instructor. After 20 years, Robin decided it was time to retire and move “back home”. Both of Robin’s children have attended SFCS since its first year. She is pleased to be a part of SFCS and so close to them during the work day.

As custodian Jon Cook was an integral part of making Sierra Foothill Charter School a beautiful place to be.  His passing has left a hole in our hearts but he will always be a part of our school community.  We will remember all he has meant to us.

Bob Morse began his career as a night custodian for Woodlake Public schools in Tulare County and held positions such as supervisor to Director of Maintenance Operations and Transportation and later became a State Certified School Bus Driver Instructor. He has enjoyed building, maintaining and cleaning schools, as well as training bus drivers for nearly 30 years. As the bus driver/custodian, he is thrilled to serve the community in this capacity.