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:
Grade | Room | Teacher |
TK/Kindergarten | K1 | Jamie Fyfe |
Kindergarten | 1 | |
Kindergarten | K2 | Kellie Howard |
1st Grade | 16 | April Walker |
1st Grade | 15 | Olivia Lim |
1st Grade | 18 | Erica Lamb |
2nd Grade | 11 | Maisha Harris |
2nd Grade | 17 | Sherry Ikebe |
2nd Grade | 12 | Katje Davis |
3rd Grade | 6 | Akimi Sujishi-Watson |
3rd Grade | 7 | Steve Butts |
3rd Grade | 8 | Stephanie Radulovich |
4th Grade | 3 | Simone Spenner |
4th Grade | 5 | Laura Goldstein |
4th Grade | 9 | Charlena TerVeer |
5th Grade | 4 | Doug Stoll |
5th Grade | 2 | Travis Cantero |