IVYTECH CHARTER SCHOOL - Key Persons
Adreanna Diaz is a Ventura County native, who grew up in the Conejo Valley. Her passion for
working in education and supporting students started when she was just in 8th grade through
volunteering and tutoring. It was at the University of California, Irvine, where Adreanna
completed her undergraduate degree in Criminology, Law and Society with Minors in
Educational Studies and History, that her passions, purpose, and plans aligned and she decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Adreanna returned to Ventura County after college to complete her teaching credential with hopes of serving the community in which she grew up.
Adreanna was one of two teachers who greeted students and families on IvyTech's first day of
school in 2010. She has worn many hats while at IvyTech, including that of History and English
teacher and school counselor. Today, Adreanna is honored to serve as principal and has a deep admiration for IvyTech, its students, alumni, and families. She enjoys working collaboratively with the IvyTech team and educational partners to create an encouraging, enriching, and safe community of learning that strives to realize its vision "to produce learners and leaders who are brave enough to think outside the box."
Adreanna received her teaching credential, Master's in School Counseling, and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from California Lutheran University. She is in the process of completing her Administrative Services Credential. Adreanna lives in Moorpark with her husband, son, and daughter. They enjoy taking weekend adventures, especially up the CA 1, all things Disney, and spending time with family and friends.
Catherine Crowley currently lives in Simi Valley, California. She has been involved in Education for over forty-five years having started as a substitute teacher at seventeen years old in her native city of Montreal, Canada. Both of her parents were involved with Education. She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada and her teaching credential from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. She began teaching for Simi Valley Unified School District in 1994 with mostly sixth and third grades. She has always had a passion for world languages. She speaks five languages and learned English and French when she entered school as a young student. In 2017, Catherine developed and taught a FLAGS program (Foreign Language and Global Studies) to introduce four world languages, one language per quarter for the entire elementary school, Pre-K to sixth grade. She attended summer institutes in Canada and online Professional Development to perfect a particular world language teaching style that uses many modalities of learning. It is suited well to the elementary level student level as it initially focuses on speaking and listening with hand gestures to support the learning. As she retired three years ago, Catherine pursues her world travels and enjoys her grandchildren. It would be an asset for her to continue on the board as she brings her love for education and knowledge to IvyTech.
Casey Nielsen currently lives in Castaic, commuting to IvyTech. He is starting his fourth year both at IvyTech and as a teacher, teaching grades seven through twelve. He earned his undergraduate degree in Radio, Television, and Film from California State University, Fullerton, and both Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts degrees in screenwriting from California State University, Northridge. CSUN is also where he earned his English teaching credential when continuing his academic career. Casey is joining the school board in September of 2023 and brings technological experience and training in video and film production to the team. As the teacher of 3D printing and our new podcasting course, Casey is always looking for new ways to use technology in our courses - and provide experience with real-world workflows that will give the students a roadmap for continued studies and applications of the technology they are using at IvyTech.
Catherine Crowley currently lives in Simi Valley, California. She has been involved in Education for over forty-five years having started as a substitute teacher at seventeen years old in her native city of Montreal, Canada. Both of her parents were involved with Education. She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada and her teaching credential from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. She began teaching for Simi Valley Unified School District in 1994 with mostly sixth and third grades. She has always had a passion for world languages. She speaks five languages and learned English and French when she entered school as a young student. In 2017, Catherine developed and taught a FLAGS program (Foreign Language and Global Studies) to introduce four world languages, one language per quarter for the entire elementary school, Pre-K to sixth grade. She attended summer institutes in Canada and online Professional Development to perfect a particular world language teaching style that uses many modalities of learning. It is suited well to the elementary level student level as it initially focuses on speaking and listening with hand gestures to support the learning. As she retired three years ago, Catherine pursues her world travels and enjoys her grandchildren. It would be an asset for her to continue on the board as she brings her love for education and knowledge to IvyTech.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Principal
Adreanna Diaz is a Ventura County native, who grew up in the Conejo Valley. Her passion for
volunteering and tutoring. It was at the University of California, Irvine, where Adreanna
completed her undergraduate degree in Criminology, Law and Society with Minors in
Educational Studies and History, that her passions, purpose, and plans aligned and she decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Adreanna returned to Ventura County after college to complete her teaching credential with hopes of serving the community in which she grew up.
Jenny Elias is a mother of six and has been homeschooling since 2007, using the philosophy of Charlotte Mason (CM), an educator and reformer from the late 1800s. Jenny quickly developed an interest and excitement in sharing CM with others in her community. She started a CM discussion group, Learning Charlotte Mason in Conejo and Simi Valleys, with other homeschooling mothers in 2015. This group blossomed into a weekly CM co-op community known as the "Large Room," which Jenny moderated. Among the subjects covered were history, nature study, literature, poetry recitation, and picture (art)/composer study. Jenny has participated and spoken at Charlotte Mason conferences throughout the years, which included representing the Charlotte Mason Institute at the Ontario Great Homeschool Convention in 2019.
Jenny's second oldest child joined IvyTech in the 2017-18 school year. Since then, two of her children have graduated from the school, two are still in attendance, and her youngest is poised to join when he is ready. Jenny's children have benefitted from the flexibility of the programs at IvyTech and have taken advantage of dual enrollment and early graduation opportunities. Jenny is extremely passionate about education and ensuring that everyone is provided with a quality learning experience that is tailored to their needs. Jenny strongly believes in the Mission and Vision that IvyTech promotes because she's seen the benefits in her own family. Jenny is excited to be on the IvyTech Board and help the school provide a unique and supportive learning environment to the community.