REDWOOD PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL
MEET THE REDWOOD PREP STAFF...
Administrative Staff
Karissa Feierabend, Director
Hi! My name is Karissa, and I am the new Director at Redwood Prep. I have been a part of the Redwood Prep community for eight years. Prior to becoming the Director, I worked as the school's special education teacher. I received my BA in Psychology and my teaching credential from Cal Poly Humboldt. I graduated from Concordia University Irvine with my Master's in Educational Administration. I was born and raised in Fortuna and love our small community. I enjoy cooking, running, and biking when I am not working. On the weekends, my husband Dylan and I can be found fishing on the beach.
Cyndi Nixon, Business Manager
I was born here in Fortuna and grew up in a small town in eastern Humboldt. In 2017 my husband, William and I moved to Fortuna with our two kids, Wesley and Riley. Wesley will be starting 5th grade and Riley 3rd grade here at Redwood Prep. I started working as a Business Manager in 2010 and have been with Redwood Prep since 2021.
Monica Holt (Moe), Operations Manager, Afterschool Director
Moe was born and raised in the Eel River Valley. After graduating form Ferndale High School she attended College of the Redwoods for her ECE certificate. Her career in education started as a one-on-one aide at Ferndale Elementary, which lasted for 12 years. Moe became part of the Redwood Prep family in 2011 as an Afterschool Leader. Realizing her passion for Afterschool she soon became the Afterschool Coordinator. Taking on many other tasks in the school Moe has now stepped into the roll of Operations Manager. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and new puppy Winnie. Moe also enjoys being outdoors and spending time at her childhood cabin.
Becky Scales, Secretary
Becky was born and raised in Ferndale. She graduated from Ferndale Schools and College of the Redwoods. Becky worked as a banker for many years and spent 16 years at Ferndale Elementary School working in the office. She has two daughters. Shannon is a teacher at Cuddeback and Sadie works on the staff at Youth With a Mission in Honolulu. Becky enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves her job as secretary at Redwood Prep, supporting the students, staff and parents.
Teaching Staff
Krista Croteau, TK
Krista Croteau is an educator with over twenty years of experience as a teacher and administration. As one of the founders of Redwood Prep, Krista is deeply committed to the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. She embraces the philosophy that positive relationships serve as the foundation for all learning and are essential to developing and maintaining a strong and healthy school environment. Krista has had the opportunity to work in several schools across the state with diverse settings and student populations. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and an Administrative Credential from Humboldt State University and a Multiple Subjects Credential from Californian State University, Fresno.
Morgan Drake, Kindergarten
Morgan was born and raised in Humboldt County. She is a graduate of Fortuna Union High School and earned her degree/credential through Western Governor's University. She has extensive training in early childhood education and is passionate about teaching our youngest Timberwolves. Morgan strives to bring creativity and ingenuity to all areas o the classroom. She can often be found designing and making, with the help of her husband, Adam. Morgan lives in Fortuna with her husband and two very spoiled dogs, Norman and Lola. Norman and Lola visit kindergarten regularly and are always happy to meet new people. Morgan is proud to be a part of the Redwood Prep family and is excited about the future of education here.
Dawn Carroll, 1st Grade
It's amazing to be starting another year at Redwood Prep! When I think back on where we started 9 years ago and what we have accomplished through all of our love, sweat and tears. I am beyond proud and grateful to be a part of the Redwood Prep family. I teach 1st grade and am also the athletic director...Go Timberwolves! I have been teaching for over 20 years and am thankful every day that I get to work at a school filled with staff, students and families that I love and who inspire me to be the best educator possible. I grew up in Arnold, a small town in the mountains outside of Sacramento. I moved to Humboldt County to play basketball and study at Humboldt State University. I graduated from HSU with a degree in liberal studies and Spanish and then received my teaching credentials from Sac State (multiple subjects) and (special education).
My family and I live in Fortuna. My husband Chris is a forester ad we have two daughters, Kate and Charlotte. Kate and Charlotte started Redwood Prep as 4th and 5th graders when Redwood Prep opened in 2011. They are both now off to college. They are very active in sports and other activities which keep us very busy. My family and I enjoy spending time together camping, snowboarding/skiing, sports and travel.
Miranda Head, 2nd Grade
This is Miranda's 11th year teaching at Redwood Prep and in 5th grade. She grew up in Humboldt County, but left for 5 years to get her Teaching Credential at Sonoma State University. She is a mom to 3 young children ( Hudson:6, Bennett: 3, Quinn: 6 months) and has been married to her husband, Brandon, for 9 years. All of her teaching experience is at Redwood Prep and sees it as her 2nd family. Miranda is also a small business owner and during her free time loves to read, craft and work in her yard.
Michelle Burger, 3rd Grade
Michelle grew up in Simi Valley, CA, moving north in 1998 to attend HSU, where she graduated with a BA in Sociology. Michelle began her journey at RPC in the Afterschool Program, and soon after became an instructional aide. She was a substitute teacher for several years before jumping in as a classroom teacher. This will be her sixth year teaching 3rd grade, and she couldn't be more excited. Michelle has created a classroom environment where independence and curiosity are encouraged and fostered in a way that supports each student's needs, and is passionate about creating a classroom that is safe and inclusive for all students. When not teaching Michelle enjoys crochet, reading, and scary movies. She and her husband Nathan have two sons, Jackson and Jeremiah, and two dogs-Mika and Baloo.
Amy Eastman, 4th Grade
Amy Eastman is the fourth grade teacher at Redwood Prep. She is a graduate of Humboldt State University and grew up in Ferndale. Amy knew from the time she was in 2nd grade that she wanted to be a teacher. Her passion for education and children shine through as she works with her students. She has been teaching since 2007 and has taught in many different grade levels from Kindergarten to Jr. High School. Amy began teaching 4th grade at Redwood Prep in the fall of 2014 and loves the close-knit community of our wonderful school. Amy provides an educational environment and promotes student growth and success and focuses on each individual child. She loves music and has a strong musical background, and enjoys incorporating it whenever she can in her classroom! Amy loves spending time with her friends and family and vacationing to new places when she is not at school.
Sarah Scarfone, 5th Grade
Sarah was born and raised in Humboldt County, and feels extremely fortunate to live on the beautiful North Coast with her wonderful husband Kai and 3 amazing children, Mahayla, Alexander and Isabella. She attended College of the Redwoods with a focus on Early Childhood Education and Sociology, earning her A.A. in Behavioral and Social Sciences. Sarah subsequently attended Cal Poly Humboldt where she earned her B.A. in Child Development and Family Relationships. She has been a part of the Redwood Prep community as a parent since 2016 and is overjoyed to begin teaching at RPC, as she resonates deeply with the school’s core values. Sarah’s goal as an educator is to create a classroom environment that is inclusive, safe, enriching and equitable. Her hobbies include baking, gardening, creating art & music and playing basketball with her kids.
Melanie Downing, 6th Grade
Melanie Downing is a mother, teacher, and a small business owner. As co-founder of Redwood Prep Charter School, she is passionate about building classroom communities that nurture the whole child though real-world experiences, mindfulness, and academic rigor. Melanie has been an educator since 2002 and taught nearly every grade K through 8th. She is actively involved in educational leadership and has served on a wide variety of school committees. Melanie loves being part of a forward thinking and compassionate team that embraces the unique gifts of every child.
Katie Dore, 7th Grade
Katie is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and her teaching credential. Katie grew up in the Fortuna area and has been working in Fortuna schools since 2010. She and her husband Frank, have a full house with their two energetic kids, Avery and Amelia, and their pets Riley, Daisy, and Poppy. Katie enjoys reading, soaking up the sun, chasing her kiddos, and solving math problems (yes, that last part is true!) Katie's goal as an educator is to create lifelong learners through encouraging the excitement and enjoyment of learning and experiencing new concepts and ideas.
Kim Kendall, 8th Grade
Kim was invited to be part of the founding team of Redwood Prep in 2010 and she was so excited that she did! She started her time at Redwood Prep in the office and running the after school program. She started teaching 3rd grade in 2013 and moved to 7th/8th grade language arts and history in 2018. She loves watching kids learn and grow throughout their time at Redwood Prep. She has 3 amazing kiddos that have gone through or are currently attending Redwood Prep.
Laura Noel, Resource Specialist/Special Education
Hello! My name is Laura Noel. I am the new Resource Specialist here at Redwood Prep! I am so happy to join the team. I have lived in the Humboldt County area my whole life and absolutely love it here! I graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt where I received a BA in Psychology and completed the Education Specialist program. I am so excited to help support students in our small community. In my free time, I enjoy taking nature photographs and spending time with my animals. I have 3 dogs and 4 ducks.
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Lori Head, STEAM
Lori Head is the STEAM teacher at Redwood Prep, She is passionate about hands-on learning and the elements of STEAM education. Her classroom is filled with color, collaboration, and critical thinking. She graduated with her credential from Humboldt State University. Lori has been teaching since 2004 and has taught at many grade levels. She has been with Redwood Prep since the beginning and enjoys working in a place that matched her educational philosophies. Lori lives in Fortuna with her husband, Tom. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren. Lori also enjoys gardening, reading, and baking,
Faith Gittins, Reading Intervention
Faith is beginning her seventh year of teaching at Redwood Prep and she is excited about being the 2nd grade teacher. She grew up in Eureka and attended Humboldt State University where she received her degree in Elementary Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Faith's teaching focuses around creating a classroom environment where all students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow. She lives in Fortuna with her husband, two children and beloved dog. When she is not teaching, she enjoys going for walks, getting coffee with friends, and spending time with her children.
Classroom Support Staff
Alan Agnone-Enrichment Coordinator
I am so excited to be a new member of the Redwood Prep team! I was born and raised in Southern California, but quickly moved to Humboldt in 2007 to attend College of the Redwoods. Upon graduating, I found myself unable to leave the wonderful community of Humboldt. I found home. Through working various odd end jobs I found my passion lies with helping my community. That has driven me to become an EMT and volunteer firefighter for Fortuna Fire dept. I have more recently found my other passion in life and that is starting a family with my most wonderful partner Kataryna. Although my background is not in education, I have spent most of my life in school to learn, grow, and benefit myself and those around me. I hope to incorporate all my experiences in a way that will create a fun, safe, and healthy learning environment at Redwood Prep!
Heather Maynard
I started working at Redwood Prep to be involved in my children's education. Once there, I realized what a special school we were all going to everyday! I am happy to be a part of the RPC team and work with our wonderful and silly kids!
Cassie Naset
Cassie is an instructional aide at Redwood Prep, working primarily in the Kindergarten. This is her 5th year working at RPC. She grew up in Minnesota and attended the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. Cassie moved to Humboldt County in 2005. Cassie and her husband, Kevin have to kids-Avery and Olive who both attend RPC. She loves being a mom, enjoys cooking, nature and true-crime documentaries.
Jill Petricca, Music Teacher
Jill Petricca ——————————————-
has brought music education and experiences to RPC learners since 2014; she possesses a growing desire to expand the impact of music making for every person.. Jill was born and raised in Eureka receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Music from HSU. A main driver that informs her teaching is her performing and directing experience which spans the region for thirty years, animating venues from Garberville to Trinidad through concerts and theatrical programs. RPC Band and Choir have both performed at local NCCMEA festivals in past years receiving Excellent marks. Jill is principal flutist in local classical woodwind quintet Wind Energy and Eureka Symphony . . Jill teaches general music in TK - 6 classes, Band, and values her role as a Speech Aide.
Paige Morris
My name is Paige Morris. I'm 25, born and raised in Humboldt, and an Academy of the Redwoods alumni with an AA in FineArt. This is my second year working at RPC, last year I helped in the 7th grade classroom and was happy to move along with them to the 8th grade. I also started working in after school this year! My younger brother is a RPC alumni and I spent vacations during highschool volunteering here. I love hiking, camping, going to the beach, and playing with my dogs Ipo and Kaika! I also have two cats Ozzy & Lucy, as well as a snake!
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Michele Thomson
Hi! My name is Michele Thomson and I am the Third Grade Aid. I have seven children, 5 adult and 2 at home who are a Freshman and a Senior at Fortuna High this year. This is my second year at RPC and my first working in Third Grade. I look forward to helping your Students and their Teacher. Let them know if ever they need a hug for any reason I am their person!
Dawn Dokweiler
Dawn was born and raised in Fortuna and is a Fortuna High graduate. Dawn spent her career and most of her life with the Fortuna Police Department. She took an early retirement 3 years ago and decided to pursue her interest in education. Dawn has been with Redwood Prep going on 3 years and loves being an instructional aide for second grade. Dawn has coached girls volleyball and girls basketball for Redwood Prep for the past 2 years. Dawn has also been the gym supervisor for all of Redwood Prep sports. Dawn is married to her husband Todd and they have 2 children. They have a son who is in his senior year at Fortuna High and is planning on enlisting in the Navy after graduation. He is an 8th grade graduate from Redwood Prep. Their daughter is in her 8th grade year at Redwood Prep and will be attending Fortuna High in the fall. Dawn enjoys crafting, hiking, photography and spending time at their vacation home with family and friends.
Meghan Richardson
Meghan was born and raised in the Eel River Valley. After graduation from Fortuna high. She attended college of the redwoods. While attending CR she worked at the after school program at Rio Dell school district. Even doing a 2 year stint as the director. When she was pregnant with her third child she decided to stop working and focus on being a mom. In 2019 with all her kids in school she decided to go back to work. She became the Social and Emotional Tech. She loves her job! She loves spending time with all the kids and having the freedom to see lots of kiddos each day!
When not in school she loves spending time with her family, traveling, swimming at the river and spending time at the beach!
Sidney Melendy
Hello everyone! My name is Sidney Melendy and this is my second year at Redwood Prep as a CGT Aide. I love being able to see all of the kiddos and getting to hear snippets about their days. I also work in the after-school program which is always a blast. When I am not at work, you can find me with my nose in a book or typing up an essay for college!
Cindy Miesner
Ms. Cindy lives in Fortuna with her husband, daughter and dog. She love to bike, hike and run. She especially loves to read. Cindy has been working at Redwood Prep for almost ten years. She is looking forward to another great year. We are going to have so much fun!
Stephanie Chipman
Hi, My name is Stephanie Chipman. I'm looking forward to being the TK aide this year. I have worked with children for many years and truly have a passion for child development and education. I have been with the school for 2 years. I live in Fortuna with my husband Bob and our 3 amazing boys. Our two oldest are RPC alumni and our youngest will be in 5th grade this year. In my spare time I enjoy boating, fishing, caring for our menagerie of critters and spending time with my family. I'm super excited for the new school year and can't wait to meet you!
Karina Matias
Hello! My name is Karina Matias. I’m the 5th grade aide, this is my 4th year at RPC! I previously worked for the Fortuna School District for 10 years. Born & raised in beautiful Humboldt County. I have two beautiful dogs who mean the world to me. Kyroh is a Chocolate Lab and Bruiser is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. I enjoy spending my time with friends and family. I love to cook, get creative with woodwork and travel. I am so thankful to be a part of this incredible team and super excited for this new school year!
Angeles Lopez
Hi I’m Angeles Lopez, this is my second year at Redwood prep. Last year I worked with the fifth grade class and this year I will be working the the sixth grade class. I’m very exited to work with such a supporting group of people and look forward to what this year has for us. I live in Hydesville with my boyfriend, we have one cat (Shy) and one dog (Benny) and have our first baby on the way, it’s going to be a baby boy due on December 24!