Staff Listing

The 2022-2023 Staff at Canyon Charter

NICOLE SHEARD: SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

When I was selected to be Principal of Canyon in 2015, I felt like I won the lottery! Growing up in Pacific Palisades and spending my entire career working at schools within the Palisades Complex, I had always admired Canyon from the outside. When I joined the Canyon community, I knew that I was “home.” Being part of a true community school where collaboration and community are strongly valued is important to me. From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be in education. I spent much of my childhood in my mother’s classroom and enjoyed playing “teacher.” After graduating from Loyola Marymount, in 1995 I began teaching at Palisades Elementary and remained there for 10 years teaching various grades. My principal inspired me to go into administration and in 2006 I became an Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist (APEIS).

As an APEIS, I traveled between 3 high performing westside charter schools where I supported the special education programs. I learned so much about special education laws and policies and supporting the individual needs of students became a true mission of mine. Since then, I have made it my goal to ensure that every child at my school gets what they need, whether additional intensive support, or further challenge.

After serving as APEIS for four years, I was fortunate to be selected as the principal of Topanga Elementary Charter School. It was at Topanga that I truly discovered the importance of a school community. In my four years at Topanga I thoroughly enjoyed the culture of collaboration and shared decision making. My passion for meeting the academic as well as social and emotional needs of students grew even more deeply as I strived to address the needs of the “whole child.”

On a more personal note, I currently live in Pacific Palisades with my partner, son, and 2 dogs. When not working I enjoy hiking, gardening, spinning, yoga, cooking, traveling and home improvement projects. I am a born busy body and rarely find time to sit still. I feel blessed to be at Canyon every day, carrying out the school vision to ensure that all students receive the best education possible. Canyon has made exceptional achievements and I am proud to be able to serve as this school’s Principal.

CANYON STAFF:

Margarita Contreras: Administrative Assistant

Jackie Arabia: Office Assistant

Luz Cruz: Office Assistant

Greg Herd: Plant Manager

Sheena Washington: Cafeteria Manager

Mona Huizar: AEPIS

Barbara Blake: Library Aide

Nirit Levy: School Psychologist

Courtenay Pfau: Resource Teacher

Scott LaFavre: Speech Therapy

Sharlene Natan: Occupational Therapy

TBD: Nurse

Joseph Velado: Science Instruction

Susan Haskell: Art Instruction

Joey Medaglia: Physical Education

Mike Wendland: Vocal Music Instruction

Rachel Galper: Drama Instruction

Anne Flanagan: Drama Instruction

Nicole Currie: Dance Instruction

Carlos Velado: Digital Learning Instruction

Lily Velado: S.T.A.R. Director

Yvette Carpenter: Reading Academy

TBD: Adapted PE

TBD: Beyond the Bell

FACULTY: