Renaissance Staff
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Candy Backes |
Registrar |
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Candy is an integral part of our office staff. Her duties include, among other things, attendance and registrar duties. She is a people person who will greet you with a smile and a “not a problem” attitude. Candy came to us from San Diego where she was an honor graduate with an Accounting/English major. While in San Diego she worked in the Accounting Dept. of a school district for more than 11 years. Before becoming RA’s Secretary II, she worked in Crater’s Production Room. She also took over District 6 Print Shop duties the last 6 years. |
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Deirdre Barber |
Student Services |
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Our Student Services Coordinator, Deirdre’s duties include discipline, academic advising, college admissions prep, student support services and assessment. Deirdre was one of the founding teachers of the Oregon Online School (O2) and spent three years as a leader of the Oregon Writing Project. She has taught at Crater for 15 years, and was instrumental in helping build the Renaissance Academy’s structure and offerings while serving as the leader of the Renaissance design team and as the Teaching and Learning Facilitator for two years. |
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Katie Barber |
Art/Humanities |
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A true Renaissance woman, Katie loves to infuse the visual arts, social sciences, history, philosophy, performing arts, music, language and literature throughout her curriculum. Katie is a world traveler who has led several student groups abroad. Her passion for working with teenagers began in college when she took a summer internship to work with the children of American service men and women at Aviano Airforce Base in Aviano, Italy. When she returned, she changed her career path from Lawyer to Educator, and has since made it her personal mission to find multiple ways of engaging young people and helping them build character and find voice. Katie graduated near the top of her class from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s degree in English, and again with a Master’s degree in Education and is one class shy of a second bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Southern Oregon University which she plans to finish this summer. Katie is nationally certified to teach both AP Literature and AP Studio Art, which she currently teaches. Before returning home to her native Rogue Valley to help build Crater Renaissance, Katie began her teaching career in Las Vegas, Nevada. She currently teaches all levels of both 2-D and 3-D art, as well as English, art and social studies with Jacqui Larson in a combined sophomore/junior world studies small learning community. Katie is a working artist in the Ashland arts community and has exhibited her oil paintings in several venues.
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Bryan Burkett |
Band/Music/Film |
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Bryan Burkett is originally from Gresham, Oregon where he graduated from Centennial High School in 1984. Bryan earned a BA in Music (trumpet performance) from Portland State University in 1990 and a Masters of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995. Prior to accepting a teaching assignment at Crater High School in the Fall of 1997 Bryan was the Director of Bands at Central High School in Independence, Oregon from 1990-1997. Bryan resides in Medford, Oregon with his wife Kristi, daughter Lydia and son Adam.
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Heidi Ellerson |
Art/Humanities |
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Ms. Ellerson brings to teaching a professional background of fifteen years working in the arts, design and technology fields. In 1993, she began her career publishing software at Apple Computer. She has assisted both Adobe Systems and Microsoft in their marketing efforts, including the highly successful launch of the Microsoft Network. Her art direction talents can be seen in the advertising and design of Fortune 500 as well as non-profit companies. She is the founder of Free Design offering free marketing services to non-profit organizations, and Very Special Arts which supports arts education for the disabled. As a small business owner, she has received grants and awards for her work educating at-risk youth. An avid painter, Ms. Ellerson is also an exhibited fine artist. Ms. Ellerson has honored degrees in Humanities from San Jose University, Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Seattle, and a Masters in Teaching from Southern Oregon University.
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David Epperson |
Humanities |
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New to Renaissance this year, David loves history and brings his interests and experiences in social studies, art, world travel and technology to RA students. Welcome David!
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Anastasia Gratsinopoulos |
Spanish/Health/Math |
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Anastasia T. Gratsinopoulos (Health, Spanish, & Math): Ms. Gratsinopoulos was born in Athens, Greece and was raised in California and Oregon. She graduated from Southern Oregon University in 1999 with a Master’s of Arts in Teaching. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Promotions with a Minor in Spanish. She has traveled into Mexico and Central America, further extending her studies of Spanish and Latin culture. Anastasia added to her studies by completing graduate math courses so that she could obtain an endorsement in mathematics. Along with teaching multiple subjects throughout the last nine years, she also enjoys teaching fitness classes and has done so for over 20 years.
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Adrienne Hillman |
Humanities |
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Adrienne Hillman began teaching fellow neighborhood children when she was only 9 years old, holding lessons in the attic of her parents’ garage (incidentally, all of those former students graduated and went on to college!). Later, Adrienne attended Willamette University on an acting scholarship and graduated early with a double-major in English and sociology. She earned her teaching certificate from Western Oregon and later earned a master’s degree from SOU. During her fifteen-year career, Hillman has taught AP Literature classes, advised Honor Society and a freshman mentoring program, developed a high school’s school-to-work program, and directed a high school drama program. Hillman’s greatest teaching strengths include teaching literary analysis, preparing students for the PSAT and SAT, providing students with formative feedback on essays, and entertaining kids with unbelievable (but true!) stories of her life.
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Angela Johnson |
Special Education |
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Angela Johnson joins the Renaissance staff this fall as an enthusiastic first year teacher. Raised right here in Southern Oregon, Angela grew-up enjoying the Rogue Valley’s year round outdoor diversions. An avid skier, she has been competitively racing and coaching since her childhood. Truly a product of our local community, Angela earned both her Bachelors of Arts in Human Communication and her Masters of Education in Special Education from Southern Oregon University. She is thrilled to be a part of this AMAZING school and is passionate about meeting the needs of all students. Angela will be introducing a student run coffee cart to Crater this October. Comet Perks Coffee Cart will provide a valuable work experience for Crater Renaissance’s young entrepreneurs. This project will integrate disabled and nondisabled students in all aspects of business applications and career skills.
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Bob King |
Principal |
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Bob has worked in the Central Point school system for over 25 years as a classroom teacher, district technology coordinator, library media specialist and then as the small schools coordinator. He received the Oregon Educational Excellence Award in 1993 for his work as a co-founder of the Crater School of Business. Bob is active in the community currently serving as past president of the Central Point Chamber of Commerce and as a Central Point Rotary board member. Bob regularly lets everyone around him know that his goal is to be a part of building one of the best high schools in the world and that he feels incredibly blessed to work with the talented people in Renaissance.
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Jacqui Larson |
Humanities |
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Mrs. Larson was born in San Diego, California, but spent many years overseas. She is delighted to bring her international perspective to the Renaissance Academy. As she was growing up, her family moved several times-from California to Pennsylvania, then to Rome, Italy and Antwerp, Belgium, and finally to Singapore in southeast Asia. Her first two years of college were in Europe-Leysin, Switzerland and Paris, France. She also did coursework in International Relations at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Currently in her twelfth year of teaching, Mrs. Larson has taught students in all grades from K-12 and subjects ranging from algebra and art to phonics and physics. Put simply, her passion is teaching and encouraging young people to become life-long learners. Mrs. Larson also enjoys reading, singing, theater, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband Don and their three children. Essential Facts: Master of Arts in Teaching: Concordia University Bachelor of Arts: Linfield College. Majored in English and Philosophy AP Certification: Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Teacher of the Year at Grace Christian Academy in Corona, California
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Lori Leedy |
E.S.L. |
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Lori is a new addition to our Renaissance team. She was recently married and she and her husband have decided to live and teach in Oregon after 3 years of living abroad. Lori taught English and learned Spanish in Costa Rica for just over a year and then took off for another experience in South Korea for a year. She has visited 14 countries in the last 4 years with her husband. Her experiences abroad both as a teacher and a second language learner have influenced her teaching philosophy and practices. A renaissance student in high school, Lori played softball, danced for the high school team, acted in musicals and plays, played the piano, and was part of the school choirs. She was the recipient of the ‘Scholarly Citizen’ scholarship and graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Elementary Education. She began her Master’s of Education degree at SOU one week later and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Multicultural Education with an emphasis in English Language Development with a 4.0 GPA. Her enthusiasm in the classroom is captivating and contagious!
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Matthew Paradela |
Science |
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Matthew Paradela comes to us from California. He has two degrees: the first from Biola University in Physical Science and the second from Humboldt State University in Wildlife Biology. He has been teaching science for six years, but even in that relatively short time much has been accomplished. He was selected by the Exploratorium in San Francisco from teachers across the nation to take part in a hands-on science training. His students have gone on to win multiple awards in the Bay Area Science Fair, including a prestigious award from Bio-Rad Corporation. Prior to teaching, Mr. Paradela was an adventure guide in Colorado.
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Robin Reames |
Office Manager |
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Robin is a lifelong resident of Central Point. She is a graduate of Crater High School, along with her daughter, husband, and parents. She graduated from SOU with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science. Her first job out of college was working as a counselor with chemically addicted women & their children. She spent 14 years working as a patient relations coordinator with a surgical facility. As office manager in the Renaissance Academy, Robin completes regular office duties including payroll, newsletters, correspondence, and general communication between school and parents. She teaches yoga part-time for Head Start . She is also a Crater Foundation board member.
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Matthew Reynolds |
Drama |
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Matthew Reynolds has over 19 years of experience as a performer & instructor in the Theater Arts. In the Seattle, Washington, area he has been a guest artist at the Jewel Box Theater, Freehold Theater, TRIP, On the Boards, the Bellevue Art Museum, and the Maureen Whiting Dance Company. Currently Matthew serves as the Instructor of Theatre Arts at Crater Renaissance Academy. Matthew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts & a Master of Arts in Teaching from Southern Oregon University.
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Darcy Rogers |
Spanish |
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Darcy is an energetic, dedicated Spanish teacher who is involved in the Latino community. She is a member of several Latino organizations and founded the International Club, a group whose accomplishments include a campaign to raise money for aid in Darfur. She has an inexhaustible passion for world culture & has traveled extensively throughout the world. Ms. Rogers received the Who’s Who of Teachers in America award, & numerous outstanding teacher awards throughout her career. She has a passion for advanced learning, not only completing her degree in Spanish & Education, but also a Master’s in Spanish literature. Darcy has a goal of helping all Renaissance students to become fluent Spanish speakers and plans to add an advanced Spanish course to the Renaissance offerings.
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Carol Robart |
Math |
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Carol Robart received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Portland State University. She has had the opportunity to live and teach in six Oregon communities from Central Oregon to the Coast. Before coming to Crater in 2007, she taught at one elementary school, two community colleges, and three high schools. Wherever she goes, teaching remains her passion. In 1998, she was selected as one of the five finalists for Oregon Small Schools Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Robart has served on various math and language arts committees for the Oregon Department of Education. She has written questions for and scored the state tests in math, reading, and writing and has trained teachers in various districts in using the scoring guides to assess student work. She is excited to be a part of the Renaissance Academy where students and teachers work and learn together.
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Ruth Ann Schwada |
Humanities |
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Mrs. Schwada has a Bachelor of Science degree from ASU with a major in psychology & a minor in English. She then completed a 5th year teaching program focusing on English. She taught at Hanby for 4 years. She has been a librarian at Sacred Heart & returned to the classroom in 1998 at NMHS. She has taught honors & AP English, social studies, & served as a small schools initiative coordinator, reading coach, & English department chair. She has completed over 90 hours of post-graduate work with Oregon Shakespeare Festival & Oregon Writing Project. She feels fortunate to be part of the Renaissance Academy & to be working with its excellent and dedicated staff.
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Sarah Swanson |
Science |
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Ms. Swanson came to us two years as a first year teacher and is already recognized as an outstanding classroom teacher. In 2006 she graduated from Southern Oregon University with a BS in Biology with honors, magna cum laude, and was the 2006 SOU commencement student speaker. In 2007, Ms. Swanson graduated with her MAT, and was chosen as the MAT Orientation keynote speaker. Ms. Swanson was the president of the SOU senate, member of the biology club, campus ambassador, and active in many other clubs at Southern Oregon University. In 2006 Ms. Swanson was the SOU Outstanding Graduate, AAUW Outstanding female biology student, and gave an undergraduate poster presentation at the American Society of Microbiology Northwest Regional Conference at the University of Washington and again at the SOU Outstanding Science Capstone Seminar. Ms. Swanson is also the director for SEA Camp, a residential summer camp on the Oregon coast, part of SOU Youth Programs.
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Chris Wagenet |
Math |
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Mr. Wagenet used to be a naval officer who sailed across the Pacific Ocean. He went to SOU & OSU where he earned his degrees in atmospheric, naval, mathematical, & computer sciences. Meteorology & the ability to play the piano are some of his many talents. He has been a TV weatherman. Not only can he navigate the longest road trips, but Mr. Wagenet can also navigate the education of the most difficult students.
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Jim Walley |
Music |
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Jim Walley is a 1987 graduate of SOSC. He was a classical guitar major with an emphasis on voice. He graduated with a 3.78 GPA and is a member of the PHI KAPPA PHI Honor Society. His senior year he was chosen as the Outstanding Music-Ed Student of the Year. He did his grad work at the U of O. Mr. Walley has been a musician his entire life, starting on accordion at 4 years old (his first big gig was show and tell in kindergarten). He played drums in rock bands throughout junior and senior high. Mr. Walley switched to guitar his senior year of high school and currently plays guitar, bass, banjo, hammer dulcimer, drums and a little keyboard. Mr. Walley has toured with a rock band, a professional choir and his own choirs. He’s been happily married for 28 years (to the same woman)!
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Merri Walters-Woo |
PE/Health |
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Merri grew up in Oregon and went to high school locally at Phoenix High School. She attended Oregon State University for her first three years of college where she studied Commercial and Industrial Fitness (combination of a physiology, kinesiology and business degree) . Merri played Division I, Pac -10 Volleyball at Oregon State for those 3 years as well and taught fitness classed at the OSU recreational center. She finished college at Southern Oregon University with one degree in Fitness Management and another degree in Psychology. She was a graduate assistant for the Athletic Director for 2 years at Southern Oregon University and earned her teacher’s certificate and Master’s in Heath Education while playing one year of volleyball for SOU. Merri has worked at Superior Athletic Club as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor and has attended many conferences over the years for personal training, strength training, speed and agility, sports and yoga.
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Cindy Yoak |
Ed Assistant |
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Cindy Yoak was raised in Southern California and attended Cypress College before moving to the Rogue Valley 32 years ago. Cindy has worked for our school district for 13 years. This is her first year in the Renaissance Academy’s academic lab. Cindy comes to us sharing her understanding and love of young people. She has high expectations and holds all students accountable for their actions.
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Jeff Zundel |
Humanities |
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Jeff brings a history of life in his social studies classes, building bridges from the past to the present. With a Master’s degree in Talented & Gifted education, he began teaching in 1986. Studying at Oxford during college gave Jeff a travel bug that has never gone away. In fact, for 2 years, he lived in Switzerland while teaching at an International School & has visited 25 countries. He recently completed a 4-month trip around the world with his family. An accomplished photographer, one of Jeff’s photo’s earned a prize in the United Airlines in-flight magazine. In addition to his sharp intellect & fine sense of humor, he’s a capable musician, having played guitar & bass in bands since college. Jeff often gives guitar lessons to students during his lunch & organizes the Renaissance Friday Happening talent shows. |
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