Meet Our Teachers & Staff

Mrs. Banker Beyond the Stars Coordinator

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 Early Childhood Development. I have directed programs, from infant thru 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.

Ms. Burgess Beyond the Stars Leader

Ms. Simone has a bachelors in social work and will soon be enrolling to get her masters. She works as a school behavioral technician during the day where she works with students on the spectrum as well as students with behavioral issues. Ms. Simone is excited to be apart of the program and strongly believes in using positive reinforcement to encourage students to reach their full potential. 

Mr. Corrigan Yellow Band Lead Teacher

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

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

Ms. Cronic has dedicated her career to caring for and educating children of all abilities and needs. As an educator, Ms. Cronic is passionate about teaching a child as a whole and incorporating hands-on learning. She possesses a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential and has earned a degree in Liberal Studies from California State University Fullerton.

Mr. D'Ambrosio Yellow Band Instructional Assistant

Mr. Paul D’Ambrosio (Mr. D), is new to OCASA, but has been teaching martial arts and life fundamentals to children and families for over 25 years. He holds the title of Master Instructor and the rank of 7th degree black belt. After closing his Taekwon-do business last year, Mr. D began substitute teaching at OCASA and found a new passion. Realizing that he could be of more service and could have more of an impact if he was in the classroom daily, he decided to take on the role of Instructional Assistant. He is a supportive and dedicated teacher who strives to help students learn and grow. He is very glad to be working at OCASA and looks forward to an exciting school year. Outside of school he enjoys practicing Taekwon-do, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

Ms. Demari Red Band Resident Teacher

Ms. Kayla Demari is going into her 2nd year at OCASA as a Teacher Resident.. As an educator, she enjoys having the ability to give students the experience of a creative, safe, and warm environment to flourish in their learning skills and social-emotional development. Ms. Demari received her undergraduate in Sociology from the College of Charleston and is in the process of attaining her teaching credential through the Marshall Residency Program partnership with OCASA. Outside the classroom, Ms. Demari loves being a foodie, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Filer Red Band Lead Teacher

Ms. Angie Filer has worked with children for almost 10 years in a variety of settings. She earned her Associate's Degree in Child Development & Early Education in Pittsburgh, PA and her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Hiram College in Ohio. She was a substitute teacher in Pennsylvania for 2 months before moving to California. Ms. Flier was a substitute teacher for Scoot Education for a year and a half, which included working at OCASA, before being brought on to the OCASA team full time as an Instructional Assistant.  Now, as a lead teacher at OCASA, she continues her teaching journey.. In addition to her classroom experience, Ms. Flier has been a swim instructor and swim coach for children 1 year old to collegiate athletes since 2016.

Mrs. Greenfield Beyond the Stars Leader

Ms. Groeniger Orange Band Lead Teacher

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.

Ms. Harris Yellow Band Instructional Assistant

Izzy Harris is an Instructional Assistant at OCASA. She obtained her BA in Language Science at the University of California-Irvine. Izzy has experience working closely with children in various educational settings, including volunteer work, after-school youth centers, substitute teaching, and teaching dance. Last year, she worked as a substitute teacher, where she discovered a passion for working with students, and is excited to continue working in education full time to become a Speech Pathologist. As an Instructional Assistant, Izzy hopes to contribute to a nurturing, stimulating, and supportive learning environment where every student can reach their full potential and develop lifelong skills to help them succeed. 

Ms. Hoffman Orange Band Lead Teacher

Ms. Hoffman has worked in education for 4 years, gaining experience in multiage instruction and individualized learning. She has spent a significant portion of her educational career in multi-age classrooms. She is passionate about catering instruction to the individual needs of each student and fostering a love of learning within her students. Outside of school, Ms. Hoffman enjoys camping, cooking, and dance.

Mrs. Holt Orange Band Lead Teacher

Katie Holt decided she wanted to be a teacher in the first grade.  To pursue that dream she attended SDSU majoring in Liberal Studies, received her credential at Cal State Fullerton and her Masters in Educational Administration from Concordia University.  Mrs. Holt began her teaching career in Newport-Mesa USD and spent ten years teaching various elementary grade levels mastering curriculum design, classroom management and fostering her passion for teaching a diverse population.  After the birth of her second daughter, (Jane and Annie both attend OCASA) she decided to stay home, while she continued to tutor and started her own homeschool business during the pandemic. She is excited to get back into the classroom and share her love of reading and the outdoors with her students. 

Mrs. Kredo Spanish Language & Culture Teacher

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 experiences 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.

Mrs. L'amour Visual Arts Teacher

Gina has worked as a Visual Arts teacher for over 25 years. She is a graduate from C.S.U.L.B. with a BA in Art. After graduating she worked as a professional artist having her art published and exhibited at an art gallery in Pasadena. Gina went back to school to get her teaching credential and found teaching to be much more gratifying. She began her teaching experience at Garden Grove Unified as a middle school art teacher and then taught at a private school teaching kindergarten through 8th grade. As a visual arts teacher her goals include giving her students encouragement, praise and confidence in their abilities. Outside of teaching, Gina enjoys spending time with her three sons, family, friends and dog. She also enjoys drawing, painting, and crafting, as well as, volunteering as a make-up artist at the Pageant of the Masters.

Mr. Lamee Orange Band Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Lihme Yellow Band Lead Teacher

Mrs. Amee Lihme has worked in education for 23 years, gaining experience in reading intervention, Writers Workshop, 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 bird watching and spending time with her family.

Ms. Mason Red Band Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Mason is a Red Band Instructional Aid 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 with 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 Office Administrator

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.

Ms. Ramirez Orange Band Resident Teacher

Nancy Ramirez is an Instructional Assistant at OCASA and has been working in education since 2019. She has worked with students of various ages and found her passion in working with the elementary ages. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She has an aspiration to be a future educator. She intends to assist students in flourishing their learning skills and overcoming obstacles. Outside of being an Instructional Assistant, Ms. Ramirez enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, and visiting new places.

Mr. Rios-Benitez Porter

Mrs. Robertson STEM Master Teacher

Vanessa Robertson has worked in education for 19 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 baking, hanging out with her husband, playing with her dog, and recently began playing the handbells at her church.

Ms. Taylor Red Band Lead Teacher

Jillian Taylor joined the OCASA team during the 2022-2023 school year and will now serve as a Red Band Instructional Assistant.  She has worked in education for 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.  Most recently she has worked as an Instructional Aid 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, pilates, cooking, and baking.

Ms. Willey Red Band Lead Teacher

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 Bachelors 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 also enjoys live music and hiking in her free time!

Mr. Williams Orange Band Instructional Assistant

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!

Mr. Yackley Yellow Band Instructional Assistant

Jared Yackley is a graduate of philosophy from the University of California-Berkeley. While this is his second year at OCASA, he has been involved in education since he was 13 years old, when he began to tutor friends and classmates in mathematics. Paired with many childhood experiences of helping his mother with her classroom, as she was an elementary school teacher before retirement, Jared has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to quality education and assisting students and peers in achieving their goals.