JCS CEDAR COVE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- TK Assistant Teacher / Academy Support Team Lead
Ms. Angela grew up in San Diego and then spent 20 years in L.A. and New York working in Musical Theatre and Television. She enjoyed many performances through the professional unions, Actors Equity Association, and The Screen Actors Guild.
The last decade started a new chapter working with kids which included seven years as the Group Activities Lead and interactive performer at LEGOLAND California. She also spent time coaching acting, running entertainment for kids parties, and volunteering and eventually working for JCS Cedar Cove.
Angela knows first-had that Cedar Cove is a "hidden gem" as her son has been at Cedar Cove since Kindergarten. She has also been an active board member on the PTO and is thrilled to be on staff with such amazing people in a school community she loves so much!
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Human Resources
Ms. Garcia joined Julian Charter School in October of 2014. She was hired as the Human Resource Generalist and has recently moved to the position of Human Resource Manager. As Human Resource Manager, she maintains and enhances JCS's HR programs and policies as they apply to employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance, and staffing levels. She also serves as a member of the Administrative Leadership Team and assists in the support of the Executive Director. Ms. Garcia has a military background, serving 14 years in the United States Navy. She earned her Master's Degree in Human Resource Management and is currently working on her certificate for Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
For over 15 years Brittany Celiberti has been teaching in various capacities, and is excited that her next adventure has brought her to JCS! Born and raised in Minnesota, she graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul where she received her teaching credential in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Science. After graduation, she taught in both private and public schools for 5 years before staying home with her littles and then embarking on their homeschooling journey. At the end of 2019, she, her husband and two children (who both attend JCS Mountain Oaks) moved from Minnesota to San Diego. She was happily surprised with all of the choices in education that California has to offer!
When she is not teaching, you can probably find her out in nature with family and friends enjoying the beach, exploring tide pools, hiking, traveling, camping, or reading.
Job Titles:
- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE / PAYABLE
- Associate Director of Finance
Job Titles:
- Principal
- School Principal
With nearly 25 years of experience teaching and leading in various educational settings, Mrs. G's career launched at SCORE! Learning Inc. where she opened and operated five learning centers in Orange County. Realizing she wanted to impact students from within rather than outside the school setting, she pursued her teaching credential and then taught 6 th grade at Ocean Knoll, where served on the EUSD's committee to enhance and renovate its GATE program.
Prior to joining JCS, she was Executive Director of a small, private, accelerated preschool-8th grade school in Orange County. In 2012, Cari joined the JCS/PLC Mountain Oaks team and taught 6th-8th grade math and Spanish, while co-leading the academy and helping develop the middle school program. After adopting her first child, RJ, she spent a year working at his Montessori preschool before returning "home" to JCS as a middle school math teacher and home study facilitator. She home schooled her son during the pandemic and couldn't be more thrilled to be back in her ideal role as a school leader at Cedar Cove Academy.
In addition to a multi-subject and bilingual teaching credential, she holds a masters degree in School Leadership and Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego.
When not working, Mrs. G can be found spending time with her family camping, swimming, traveling & hiking. She is a Southern California native (Camarillo) and lives in Carlsbad with her husband, Fred, a Sage Creek high school math teacher and New Yorker (Brooklyn and Schenectady). They have an active 8 year old son (RJ), a spunky 5 year old daughter (Sadie), and an 11 year old 3 legged poodle mix dog named Lucie.
In her pre-mom life, Cari had the opportunity to visit 30 countries and once lived in Santiago, Chile and San Sebastian, Spain. She dabbled in taekwondo, hiked Machu Picchu in Peru, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, and ran the Chicago marathon in a heat wave (which she will never do again!). As a life-long learner and educator, she pours this same adventurous spirit into her work with students and families!
What she loves most about JCS is watching scholars and families grow over time throughout their journey in our programs.
Ms. Roush holds a Bachelor's Degree in History (1997) from University of California San Diego, teaching credentials in Social Studies (1999) from San Diego State University (SDSU) and Special Education (2003) from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Ms. Roush obtained her Master's Degrees in Special Education (2004) from CSUSM and Educational Technology (2006) from SDSU. She began her career in education as a teacher's assistant in special education, which led to teaching, peer coaching, and administration in special education at the high school level in a large school district for 7 years. Ms. Roush received her Administrative Services credential in 2007, and in 2008 she joined Julian Charter School as the Assistant Director of Special Education. Over the course of nine years Ms. Roush has worked in various administrative roles at JCS to best serve students, parents and staff using her varied skills and interests.
Job Titles:
- Director of Special Education
Derek Wiback is a Chicago native who grew up loving to ride his bike and play sports. His college education started in Illinois and finished at San Diego State where he earned a bachelor's degree in International Business and Japanese language. He stayed on for a master's in business and that's when he met his wife, Sharon. Derek and Sharon were both cyclists in college and would see each other at bike races on the weekends.
Derek lives in Encinitas with his wife and high school age daughter. He has another daughter in college. The family has a dog named Louie and they also foster puppies from time to time. Derek earned his credentials in elementary and special education from CSU San Marcos and has a passion for teaching phonics (Orton-Gillingham style) and word problems.
Derek loves to help his students push beyond barriers and achieve new skills in reading and math. Being a kid at heart, Derek likes to use play and games as part of his instruction and believes that learning from peers is key to a student's success. He is trained in various reading and math teaching techniques and is educated to support students with behavioral and emotional needs as well. Derek loves his Cedar Cover team and families.
Dessa Nockels attended school in Stockton, CA and received her degree at the University of the Pacific. After completing student teaching in Mexico City at the American School Foundation, she moved back to California and taught elementary school in Manteca. She also worked in Incline Village, Nevada as a middle school teacher and a ski instructor before joining One to One in 1998. One to One became Julian Charter School in 2000 and Dessa moved to San Diego to support k-12th grade home study students.
Educating children has been a lifelong passion that began with teaching her younger sister and brother and all the neighborhood children by offering summer school in her backyard schoolhouse, much to the joy of the parents on the block. She learned of personalized learning during her college years and has always been a proponent of individualized instruction.
She has worked for JCS as an Educational Facilitator since 1999 and has enjoyed serving students in Orange, Riverside and San Diego county's during that time. She currently enjoys working with TK-12th grade home schooled students at Cedar Cove.
Ellen Ludwig has been teaching elementary school for over twenty years, and she continues to be passionate about making every student's learning journey meaningful, engaging, and fun! Ellen believes that every child can learn, and it is her job to determine the best paths to reach each student. In addition, she believes that each child has the right to a high-quality education throughout the school year. Ellen understands the value and importance of teaching and reinforcing social-emotional skills everyday in her classroom, and as a result, her students participate in character lessons, circle time opportunities, and her students take time to acknowledge and appreciate one another. Ellen received her B.S. Ed. and M.S. Ed. degrees from Northern Illinois University. She is a Chicago native who moved to southern California in 2005. She currently resides in Encinitas with her husband, Scott, and two sons, Evan and Lucas. Ellen feels blessed to have the chance to raise her sons in a beautiful part of the country. She is a huge animal lover, and she loves to read, write, and create art.
Mrs. Burke is passionate about supporting, encouraging, and educating students and parents and has been doing what she loves for 16 years. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature/Writing from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Mrs. Burke decided she wanted to share her love of reading and writing with the next generation and went to San Diego State University to receive her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She began teaching kindergarten in El Cajon in 2007 and then joined the JCS family in 2009 as a kindergarten teacher at Phoenix Learning Center/ now JCS Mountain Oaks. She loves sharing in the joy and wonder of learning new things and strives to motivate each student and parent to be a life-long learner. Through various organizations, Mrs. Burke has provided resources for parents and their children, connecting them with materials that help them reach their full potential and continue in their personal growth. As an Educational Facilitator, Mrs. Burke is excited to continue to provide support, encouragement and resources to help each student and family reach their goals.
Mrs. Burke lives in Fullerton in Orange County with her wonderful husband and four awesome kids who are 4, 6, 9 and 11 years old. Mrs. Burke loves spending time with her family and friends at the beach or in the mountains, having family game and movie nights, and watching her kids play sports. Mrs. Burke loves being a life-long learner and is excited to come alongside families as they continue on their journey as life-long learners too!
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director / MEDIA INQUIRIES
Job Titles:
- School Principal, JCS - Mountain Oaks
Job Titles:
- Lead Principal and School Principal, JCS - Pine Hills
Mr. Ogden holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Educational Administration, both from Point Loma Nazarene University. His professional career includes being an elementary teacher from 1978 through 1982. Mr. Ogden served as Vice Principal for the Julian Union Elementary School District (JUSD) from 1982 through 1985. At the time he also served in the position of Superintendent for the Julian Union Elementary School District. In 1990, Mr. Ogden moved to a Principal position at Painted Rock Elementary School in the Poway Unified School District. In 1995, he returned to JUSD where he served the rest of his career as Superintendent, earning the honor of longest sitting Superintendent in San Diego County. He brings years of educational experience to the Julian Charter School Governing board. Mr. Ogden is also an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University in the field of administrative leadership.
Kim Zielinski (Ms. Kim) started working at Cedar Cove Academy in 2017. She grew up in Encinitas with her identical twin, 2 more sisters, and a brother! After studying photography and family counseling, she facilitated Life Skills classes to adults to help them manage their feelings while healing childhood wounds. She enjoys riding her bike in her free time as well as hiking and backpacking. She backpacks a section of Pacific Crest Trail with two of her sisters every summer. She loves spending time with her two grown boys, Logan, 29, who lives in San Diego, and Nolan, 27, who lives in Massachusetts. Ms. Kim loves the closeness and community of working at Cedar Cove. Everyone really works as a team and it's fun to see the kids everyday and watch them grow throughout the years.
Job Titles:
- Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Lisa Vega holds a B.S. Degree in Liberal Studies along with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She also has 28 units in Child Development and experience as a preschool teacher and a director. Before deciding to become a teacher, she received an A.A degree in Marketing.
Lisa has worked for JCS since 2013 as an Academy Teacher, most recently in 4th grade, but this year she was extremely excited to help pilot our new TK program. She loves to instill a lifelong love of learning in her students and always creates a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive in. Lisa calls her students her "classroom kids" and spends time getting to know each one of them as individuals.
Lisa is a native of Southern California, having grown up in North County. She lives in Encinitas with her husband and their two teenage children. Lisa loves animals and traveling with her family. She also loves Disneyland and all things Disney, and can often be found visiting the park on her days off.
Job Titles:
- School Director, JCS LIVE
Ms. Cummings has over 22 years of experience working as a teacher and director in independent study schools. She has a strong understanding of independent study laws and requirements, and is passionate about reaching all students and helping them achieve their potential. Ms. Cummings joined JCS as an educational facilitator in 2008. She then worked in our INSITE program and became our lead EF, then our associate director of home study. Ms. Cummings' experience includes curriculum writing and program development, as well as building a strong home study community at JCS. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business Administration from the United States International University, a K-12 Multiple Subject Credential with CLAD emphasis from CSU San Marcos, a supplemental credential in Business, and earned a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from San Diego State University.
Mr. Bryan Mills has been involved with JCS for over twelve years as a parent, spouse of an employee, and enrichment provider. Since 2013, Allison has worked at Pine Hills as an education facilitator. His eldest son, who attended JCS from kindergarten through high school, graduated in the Class of 2023. At JCS Pines Hills, four other sons are enrolled in the 11th, 9th, 7th, and 3rd grades. Mr. Mills runs a technological business that offers online services, development, and cybersecurity in his line of work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology Management. He served as an adjunct professor at Crafton Hills College (Yucaipa, CA) for six years, teaching information systems and computer science. Mr. Mills provides to the JCS Governing board years of business, technological, and academic experience.
Nancy Sah is originally from Los Angeles, California. She moved to San Diego to attend the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and graduated with a Masters in Education, CLAD infused Multiple Subject Credential, B.A. in Human Development and a minor in Education Studies. Nancy also holds a GATE Tier 1 certification, which she obtained through San Diego State University (SDSU). She is a life-long learner and is always looking for professional development as an educator. Nancy firmly believes in providing a positive learning environment where students feel safe, challenged and understand that mistakes are essential to learning. Nancy taught for 7 years in the classroom before becoming an Educational Facilitator for home study families.
Nancy has been married to her husband Brian since 2010. When she isn't at work, you can find her playing with her children Grace, Sydney, and Tyler. She and her family love to go camping and visit as many National Parks as they can! She is also an avid sports fan and loves to watch football and basketball. She is a die hard 49ers and Lakers fan!
Ms. Rebecca Van Cleave lives in La Mesa in San Diego County and represents parents in the JCS Manzanita charter. Ms. Van Cleave has had her children enrolled in JCS for over seven years utilizing both the home study and academy programs. Rebecca holds a degree in Biology from USD. In her past, Ms. Van Cleave has worked for the San Diego County Parks Society and has been an active member in her children's' PTO organizations. She comes to JCS with a good balance of knowledge between personalizing learning for students struggling academically as well as recognizing a teacher's passion in the classroom.
Job Titles:
- School Principal, JCS - Pine Valley
Job Titles:
- School Principal, JCS Manzanita
- School Principal, JCS Manzanita / Special Education
Ms. McKay has worked with students since 1985 when she first received a Multiple Subjects teaching credential and a supplemental authorization in mathematics. She also holds a preliminary administrative services credential. She has taught in both private and public schools, working with elementary, middle and high school students. Ms. McKay has worked for Julian Charter School since its inception in 2000, as an educational facilitator, classroom teacher, learning center and academy coordinator, and assistant director. Her passion for learning and belief in personalized education led her to home school her three sons through Julian Charter School. Her goal is to inspire and empower students to embrace a growth mindset, particularly in the area of math. In the past two years, Ms. McKay spearheaded a partnership between JCS and Summit Learning. She recently became a Summit Teaching Fellow.
Job Titles:
- PRESIDENT
- Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Springs Charter Schools
Ms. Rogers is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Springs Charter Schools, a nonclassroom based charter very similar to JCS, Inc. She has worked both in accounting and the hotel business prior to joining Springs in 2015. She was a partner for an audit firm specializing in audits of educational agencies along with being certified as a fraud Examiner. Ms. Rogers earned her BA at CSU San Marcos and her MBA from the University of Phoenix. Seated on September 13, 2019.
Ms. Palafox is thrilled to be the 2nd grade teacher at Cedar Cove Academy. Ms. Palafox grew up in Rowland Heights, California with her 8 siblings. She attended California State University, Los Angeles where she majored in Urban Learning and received her CLAD infused Multiple Subject teaching credential. Ms. Palafox has been educating little citizens of humanity for over 15 years. She taught kindergarten Bakersfield and Oceanside and was the 2nd grade teacher 2nd grade teacher for 8 years at JCS Phoenix Learning Center.
Ms. Palafox's teaching philosophy is to provide a positive learning environment where students feel safe, challenged, and most importantly understand that mistakes are essential to learning. She is committed to developing a connection with her students to find their individual academic interests, gifts, talents and learning styles.
When Ms. Palafox is not helping to educate little scholars, she is hanging out with her five kids. Carlos (20), Ismael (17), Angelica (14), Alessandra (11), and Sergio (11). In their free time she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, seeking out the best tacos in SD, having family game nights, and just hanging out at home together.