Meet Our Teachers and Staff

Mrs. Banker Beyond the Stars Coordinator
debanker@ocasa.org

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Diane Banker and I am the BTS Site Coordinator at OCASA. I am so honored and delighted to be part of this school community. Professionally, I have been in the education field for the past 31 years. My educational background is in Early Childhood Development. I have directed programs, from infant through school age. My focus for the past 11 years has been school-age afterschool, and camp programming. I believe in building solid relationships with the students, families and staff. Supporting children and parents to create a safe, loving, fun and positive environment for all.

Mr. Corrigan Yellow Band Lead Teacher
rjcorrigan@ocasa.org

Ryan Corrigan has worked in education for 6 years, gaining experience in classroom management, building strong relationships with children, and delivering curriculum to students in various ways. He has a multiple subject credential from Cal State Fullerton and a business degree in marketing from Northern Arizona University. As a seasoned classroom teacher, he is passionate about advancing critical thinking skills in his students. In addition to teaching, he has also been involved in coaching youth basketball and educating remote learners about current events. Outside of school, Ryan enjoys playing basketball, snowboarding, and attending Angels games.

Mr. Coss Arts Quest / Music Teacher
secoss@ocasa.org

Musician at Heart - A renowned University of Pacific music program graduate, Stephen Coss possesses a B.A. in Jazz Studies and an M.A. in Music Education. His body of musical work includes complete orchestral pieces, solo piano works, and compositions that encompass a variety of styles, from Jazz to Electronic. In addition, Stephen is a skilled live musician and has performed with many renowned Jazz artists. Stephen is also a passionate private and public school teacher with over 16 years of professional teaching experience.

Ms. Cronic Red Band Lead Teacher
avcronic@ocasa.org

Ms. Cronic has dedicated her life and career to caring for and educating children of all ages, abilities, and needs. Her main focus and love have been with primary age students and is living out a lifelong dream of being an elementary school teacher. As an educator, Ms. Cronic is passionate about teaching a child as a whole, not only helping them grow academically but also promoting positive relationships and mental health. She possesses a cleared Multi-Subject Teaching Credential and has earned a degree in Liberal Studies from California State University Fullerton.

Ms. Demari Orange Band Lead Teacher
kldemari@ocasa.org

Ms. Kayla Demari is entering her third year at OCASA, where she is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the College of Charleston, Ms. Demari is committed to providing students with the tools and opportunities to thrive academically and socially while addressing their specific needs and goals. Ms. Demari completed her teaching credential last year at OCASA as a Resident Teacher. Outside the classroom, she loves experiencing new restaurants, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Mrs. Groeniger Orange Band Lead Teacher
tegroeniger@ocasa.org

Ms. Groeniger has been with OCASA for three years. She is a dedicated educator that has worked in the field of education for five years. She obtained her Multiple-Subject teaching credential and Master's degree in Education from Chapman University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from CSULB in Criminal Justice and a Masters degree from ASU in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, hiking, and running.

Mrs. Holt Orange Band Lead Teacher
kjholt@ocasa.org

Katie Holt pursued her childhood dream of becoming a teacher by attending San Diego State University, where she earned her BA in Liberal Studies and continued to Cal State Fullerton for her multiple-subject teaching credential. Mrs. Holt taught for 10 years in Newport Mesa Unified, where she cleared her credentials and gained experience with a range of learners in grades 1-6, while also earning her master's and preliminary credential in Educational Administration at Concordia University. She is starting her second year as an Orange Band teacher at OCASA. When not at school, you will find her at the beach reading a book while her husband and two girls surf.

Mrs. Kredo Spanish Language & Culture Teacher
smkredo@ocasa.org

Sheila Kredo is the Spanish teacher at OCASA Elementary and loves helping students learn about the diversity, traditions, and culture of the Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. She has spent the majority of her career in the education industry, gaining experience in areas such as child development and curriculum differentiation. While teaching Spanish is her primary job function by day, Sheila also enjoys traveling to new places and crafting.

Ms. L'amour Visual Arts Teacher
gllamour@ocasa.org

Gina has been inspiring students as a visual arts teacher for over 28 years. A proud graduate of Cal State Long Beach with a B.A. in Art, she began her career as a professional graphic designer, working with Bullocks, MD Systems, and various independent stores. Her creative talents have been recognized, with her art published and exhibited at the South Pasadena Art Gallery.

Gina later pursued postgraduate studies at Cal State Northridge, where she earned her teaching credential and discovered her true passion for education. She began her teaching journey at Garden Grove Unified School District, where she taught middle school art and photography. Throughout her career, she has taught students of all ages, from kindergarten to adult classes, in both the public and private sectors.

As a visual arts teacher, Gina is dedicated to providing her students with countless opportunities for success, offering praise and encouragement, and helping them build self-confidence. Outside the classroom, she loves spending time with her three sons, family, friends, and her dog, Callie. Gina also enjoys exploring nature, painting, drawing, crafting, and various forms of art. Additionally, she volunteers as a make-up artist at the Pageant of the Masters, where her artistic skills shine in a unique and exciting way.

Mr. Lamee Orange Band Instructional Assistant
brlamee@ocasa.org

Mr. Braedon Lamee has worked in education for 8 years now in a variety of classroom settings. His first job out of high school was working as an Instructional Assistant and has loved working with children ever since! Mr. Lamee is new to OCASA, but enjoys teaching children and helping them grow to be the best they can be! Mr. Lamee also has a background in video production, so outside of work he is video editing or catching up on the latest movies.

Mrs. Lihme Yellow Band Lead Teacher
allihme@ocasa.org

Mrs. Amee Lihme has worked in education for 24 years, gaining experience in reading intervention, Writers' Workshops, and curriculum differentiation. As a seasoned teacher, she is passionate about helping students find books they love to read and facilitating students' choice in learning. In addition to classroom teaching, Amee has also worked as a reading intervention teacher, and as a director of curriculum and instruction. Outside school, Amee enjoys yoga, wildlife, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Mason Red Band Lead Teacher
nlmason@ocasa.org

Mrs. Mason is a Red Band Lead Teacher at OCASA. Her passion is getting to know students’ specific needs and what it takes for them to be successful. Her professional background includes educating children of all abilities. Mrs. Mason earned her degree in Liberal Studies at San Diego State University and then went on to receive her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Cal State Long Beach. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and being outdoors.

Mrs. McClain Administrative Assistant
hrmcclain@ocasa.org

Hobi McClain is the Office Administrator at Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts. She has been with OCASA since day one, opening the school in 2016. Hobi loves working with children. She admires their honesty, creativity, and curiosity for learning. She has spent the majority of her career working with Nordstrom as a retail buyer, gaining unparalleled experiences in areas such as customer relations, leadership, interpersonal skills and attention to detail. While Office Administrator is her primary job function by day, she also enjoys spending time with her family, making people laugh, curling up with a good book, and traveling.

Mrs. Robertson STEM Master Teacher
varobertson@ocasa.org

Vanessa Robertson has worked in education for 20 years, gaining experience in languages, technology, and child development. As a seasoned educator, she is passionate about advancing inquiry-based learning and a love for STEM education. In addition to maintaining her school’s maker space, she is also involved in her school’s garden and supporting innovation on her campus. Outside of school, Mrs. Robertson enjoys hiking with her husband and dog, paddle boarding, and being an international student host parent.

Ms. Taylor Red Band Lead Teacher
jgtaylor@ocasa.org

Jillian Taylor joined the OCASA team during the 2022-2023 school year as an Orange Band instructional aid and is now a Red Band Lead Teacher. She has worked in education for over 25 years with students from preschool through elementary age. She is passionate about developing positive connections with students and being active in their daily emotional and academic growth. Jillian obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Menlo College in Atherton, CA. She then continued her studies in Early Childhood and Human Development at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA. While there, she obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She has worked as a preschool teacher and an Instructional Aid at a local private school as well as in Capistrano Unified School District. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and three dogs. She also loves nature, gardening, walking, yoga, skiing, cooking, and baking.

Ms. Willey Red Band, TK Lead Teacher
jvwilley@ocasa.org

Jenna Willey is a Red Band teacher at OCASA. Ms. Willey began her educational career in 2016. She has a Montessori background with a credential earned through the University of California-Irvine. Ms. Willey also has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Cal State-Fullerton and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Willey is an enthusiastic educator striving for all of her students to fall in love with learning and believing in themselves! She has a creative, innovative & hands on approach. On a personal level, she enjoys live music, taking her dog to the beach and hiking in her free time!

Mr. Williams Orange Band Instructional Assistant
btwilliams@ocasa.org

Mr. Blake Williams is an experienced educator, student, and coach. Driven by the desire to better the students inside and outside the classroom, he takes pride in providing the best opportunities to make success possible. As an Instructional Assistant, his goals include providing support for teachers, children, and other staff. In addition to his primary job functions, Blake has been recognized by positivity for his extraordinary commitment to the development of the students. One day he wants to take over as lead teacher of his own class. Outside of work, he loves to go to the movies, coach his high school basketball team, play basketball, as well as watching sports!

Ms. Mora Beyond the Stars, Assistant Coordinator
smora@ocasa.org

Mr. Medrano Porter
hjmedrano@ocasa.org

Ms. Singh Red Band Instructional Assistant
kdsingh@ocasa.org

Ms. Phouayvongsa Red Band Instructional Assistant
dphouayvongsa@ocasa.org

Mr. Hilliado Yellow Band Lead Teacher
jphilliado@ocasa.org

Mr. Hilliado is a passionate and dedicated elementary school teacher with over 8 years of experience in creating an engaging learning environment. He believes in fostering a love for learning and strives to support each student’s individual needs, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside the classroom, he enjoys sports, surfing, snorkeling, traveling, and more.

Ms. Underwood Beyond the Stars Leader
jrunderwood@ocasa.org

Ms. Muck Beyond the Stars Leader
jamuck@ocasa.org

Ms. Benson MTSS TOSA
ambenson@ocasa.org

Anne has over 3 decades of teaching experience in a variety of high school and elementary settings. Besides her teaching degree, she has a BA in Theatre Arts, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and is a certified Life Coach. In her role as OCASA's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Coordinator, she coordinates classroom intervention programs, provides curriculum and instructional support to teachers, and implements specialized services to meet the needs of every student. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, playing Pickleball, and spending time with her family.

Mr. Gonzalez Yellow Band Education Specialist
rcgonzalez@ocasa.org

Ramon Gonzalez is joining OCASA this year as a Yellow Band teacher. Ramon is an Certified Education Specialist, which includes Autism and Cross Cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD). Mr. Gonzalez has a BA in Journalism from Temple University, MS Ed in Education from Long Island University and MA in Media Studies from The New School. With over 6 years teaching students across elementary, middle and secondary, Mr. Gonzalez has specialized in differentiating curriculum and restorative practices to support all learners, across various school communities. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Gonzalez spends time with his family, while supporting the community of San Clemente with sports- as a little league coach, umpire and board liaison. Previous to teaching Mr. Gonzalez spent over 15 years in advertising, creating brand campaigns for various Fortune 500 companies.

Ms. Boyd Red Band Instructional Assistant
kmboyd@ocasa.org

Kaitlyn Boyd is a Red Band Instructional Assistant at OCASA. She got her Bachelors in Drama from the University of California, Irvine. Her background in education started in the Special Education field. She has a love for helping kids grow not only academically, but socially as well. When she isn't at work Kaitlyn loves musical theater. She has performed, professionally, in several musicals all over the Inland Empire.

Mrs. Riddell Orange Band Instructional Assistant
aariddell@ocasa.org

Andrea Riddell is originally from Brazil, she speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish. She recently moved from Florida to OC, holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture and a Teaching certification. She loves to teach, read, exercise, travel, and spend time with her family and friends.

Ms. Curtis Red Band Instructional Assistant
lacurtis@ocasa.org

Leslie Curtis is a Red Band instructional assistant at OCASA. Leslie started her educational career in 2014. Leslie has gained experience in the early childhood field by teaching at preschools around Orange County and being a nanny for kids birth to age 6. Leslie obtained her bachelor’s degree in child development from Cal State Fullerton. Leslie also has a master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Canyon University. Leslie is currently working towards completing her teaching credential. Leslie believes in a student-driven approach in the classroom as it focuses on the child's social, physical, intellectual, and emotional needs. Leslie enjoys incorporating learning in the classroom through movement, hands-on activities, active listening, and ways to foster independence. Outside of school, Leslie loves cooking, baking, hiking, taking nature walks around her neighborhood and spending quality time with her family and friends on the weekends.

Ms. Yee Orange Band Education Specialist
cpyee@ocasa.org

Ms. Clarabelle Yee is the education specialist for the orange band and this is her first year at OCASA. She has been in the education field for over twenty years ranging from 6 weeks all the way to middle school. She received her multiple subject credential from Cal State LA and special education credential from Concordia University. She also received her Masters in education from Cal State Long Beach. According to Mr. Rogers, Ms Yee, also, believes that the key to success is to just be kind. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her children, trying new foods, and reading.

Ms. Casarrubias-Diaz Office Manager
macassarrubias@ocasa.org

Martha Casarrubias is a Lunch Service Support who manages our school lunch program. She holds an AA degree in foods and nutrition. She began her journey at OCASA in November of 2020 She loves connecting with and serving the students and teaching them customer service skills at the same time. Martha Casarrubias lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with her husband, three children, and her dog Rio. Together they enjoy going to the beach, family time together.

Mrs. Jaeckel School Counselor
sjjaeckel@ocasa.org

Mrs. Jaeckel has provided mental health support to students in the school setting for 10 years. She received her BA in Sociology with a Social Work emphasis from Chapman University and her Masters in Education in School Counseling and Pupil Services Credential from USC (Fight On!). She is excited to be part of the OCASA family and bring my passion and creativity when supporting students. Outside of school, she loves spending time with my husband, daughter, and two pugs while traveling, hiking, reading, and enjoying musical theater.

Ms. Ornelas SPED Instructional Assistant
lrornelas@ocasa.org

Mr. Fajardo SPED Instructional Assistant
jafajardo@ocasa.org

Mrs. Gonzalez SPED Instructional Assistant
ngonzalez@ocasa.org

Natalie has worked in the educational industry for 4 years, gaining experience in early childhood education and Sped. As a seasoned Sped Aide she is passionate about advancing Special Education. Outside of the office, Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and loves to travel.

Mr. Kawaguchi SPED Instructional Assistant
ikkawaguchi@ocasa.org