Meet Our Teachers & Staff

OCASA is guided by an experienced and caring team of educators who put the needs of students and their families first.

OCASA Administration

Dr. Baillie Principal, OCASA College Prep

Dr. Alicia Baillie has been an educator for over 17 years and is bringing that experience to her role as the Principal at OCASA College Prep. Prior to coming to OCASA College Prep, Dr. Baillie has led nationally ranked secondary schools and won numerous awards. These recognitions include a National Blue Ribbon, a California Distinguished School Award, a California Exemplary CTE program distinction, and recognition from the Walt Disney Motif Awards. 

Dr. Beddow-Schubert Principal, OCASA Elementary

Dr. Beddow-Schubert, a Smithsonian Institute Laurette and Apple Distinguished Educator, comes from a long line of educators and has been in education since 1989. She has multiple teaching experiences including-elementary classroom teacher, Title I reading teacher, technology integration specialist, secondary business teacher, principal, Director of Instructional Technology, Director of Teaching and Learning-Equity Services as well as a Director of Research and Evaluation for Educational Innovation non-profit. Dr. Beddow-Schubert joined OCASA in 2020 and believes she has found her dream job! She is passionate about meeting the whole child on a learning continuum and supporting their growth along that journey.

Mrs. Blanchi Director of Operations

Dot Blanchi is the Director of Operations at OCASA and loves helping people solve problems, learning new systems, and working with data. She has spent the majority of her career in a corporate environment, gaining experiences in areas such as technology, software, organization, and training. While operations in her primary job function by day, Dot enjoys spending time with her three kids and husband, entertaining friends, and traveling the world.

Mr. Mathur Founder & Executive Director

Mr. Mathur has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry & Biology from Chapman University and a Masters of Business Administration from UCLA Anderson. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Charter School Administration. Mr. Mathur believes that applying classroom learning to real-world projects is the best way for students to master concepts.

OCASA Elementary (Kindergarten to 5th Grade)

Ms. Aguilera Red Band Lead Teacher

Ms. Aguilera has dedicated her career to helping students grow as learners with a sense of independence. As an educator, Ms. Aguilera is passionate about building lifelong readers and curious minds. She earned her Multi-Subject credential and Masters degree in Education from the University of Southern California.

Mrs. Cipolla Red Band Lead Teacher

Mrs. Cipolla has worked in education for 4 years, specifically gaining experience in multiage instruction. As an educator, Mrs. Cipolla is passionate about meeting the needs of all students and helping them grow at their own pace. She earned a Liberal Studies Degree from California State University, Monterey Bay, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton. When she is not teaching, she enjoys baking for family and friends.

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.

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. Davis Performing Arts Teacher

Mr. Davis has his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education, an Associate of Science Degree in Recording Arts and is currently pursuing his Masters in Education. He has over 20 years of experience working in the entertainment business as a recording engineer, stage manager, composer, artist, songwriter, producer, and musician. As an educator, Mr. Davis has a passion and appreciation for all musical genres and forms. He believes anyone can learn music. His philosophy is to instill a lifelong love of music in each student and to produce an effective learning environment in which students will grow academically, personally, and professionally.

Ms. Dobosy Yellow Band Instructional Assistant

Danica Dobosy is an Instructional Assistant at OCASA and loves helping students build on their strengths, challenge themselves in all content areas, and pursue their passions. She has spent the majority of her career in the field of education and has experience coaching track & field at local universities. While teaching is her primary job function by day, Danica also enjoys photography, surfing, and country line dancing.

Ms. Downey Orange Band Lead Teacher

Mrs. Downey has worked in education for 11 years, gaining experience in STEAM education, project-based learning, and individualized reading instruction. As a seasoned classroom teacher, she is passionate about making learning hands-on, interactive, and fun. Outside of school, Mrs. Downey enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach.

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. Guzman Lunch Service Support

Ms. Daisy loves being OCASA’s office assistant and lunch coordinator. This is her third year at OCASA, and her job brings her joy because she loves providing a meal for students and seeing them happy at lunch. She was born and raised in Orange County and loves the weather here. Living close to the beach is an added bonus! Ms. Daisy enjoys spending time with her nephews and nieces when I’m not working.

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. Kredo Red Band Lead 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.

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.

Mr. Paik Day Porter

Ms. Ramirez Red Band Instructional Assistant

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.

Ms. Reyes Orange Band Instructional Assistant

Ms. Reyes is an Instructional Assistant at OCASA. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology and through her education and experience she has a vast knowledge of child development and has worked closely with parents and children. For the past 2 years she has been supporting students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder to thrive in and outside of the classroom. Outside of school Ms. Reyes enjoys traveling, hiking and creating jewelry.

Mrs. Robertson STEM 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. Sanabria Yellow Band Lead Teacher

Mari Sanabria is a Lead Teacher at OCASA and loves helping students build on their knowledge, take responsible risks, and explore their natural gifts. She has spent the majority of her career in the field of education, gaining experiences in areas such as English Language Learners, social-emotional learning, and cultural diversity. While teaching is her primary job function by day, Mari also enjoys thrilling adventures and creating new paintings.

Ms. Stuart Yellow Band Instructional Assistant

Ms. Stuart is an Instructional Assistant at OCASA who loves helping students grow and learn. She graduated from Northern Arizona University and has spent the majority of her early career substitute teaching. While Molly hopes to become a lead teacher with her own class, her passion for teaching compliments her love for photography, playing sports and traveling.

Ms. Vogel Spanish Culture & Language Teacher

Ms. Vogel is the interim Spanish teacher at OCASA. She holds teaching credentials in Spanish and English. She earned her degree in Secondary Education from Temple University. She is enthusiastic about language learning and literacy. Outside of school, Ms. Vogel enjoys film photography and surfing.

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. Once day he want to take over as lead teacher of his own class some day. Outside of work, he love to go to the movies, coach his high school basketball team, playing basketball and watching sports as well!

OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade)

Ms. Ajakwe Math Teacher

Shawn Ajakwe has worked in education since 2012.  She joined OCASA as a math 6 and 7 teacher at the start of the 20/21 school year.  With experience in virtual, hybrid and in-person educational settings, Mrs. Ajakwe is skillful in creating a safe, supportive classroom environment by eliminating diverse barriers to learning as well as engaging students in a fun, rich culture of learning that combines math with real-world scenarios. Mrs. A is on a mission to help each of her students recognize his/her/their mathlete potential through promoting an enduring understanding of math language, consistent practice and full.  When she isn’t teaching, Shawn Ajakwe enjoys fitness activities, family gatherings and relaxing excursions in natural settings with her husband of many delightful years.

Mr. Bisaillon Social Studies Teacher

Alexander Bisaillon is in his first year as a history teacher, utilizing the knowledge he acquired during his undergraduate education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and his master's degree from Alliant University. Along with teaching history, Alex is in his fourth year as a basketball coach at Trabuco Hills High School. In addition to thoroughly enjoying the work he does as an educator, Alex loves traveling, exercising, and watching sports in his free time.

Ms. Casarrubias Lunch Service Support

Martha Casarrubias is a Lunch Service Support who manages our school lunch program. She holds an AA degree in foods and nutrition. She began her journey at OCASA in November of 2020 She loves connecting with and serving the students and teaching them customer service skills at the same time. Martha Casarrubias lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with her husband,  three children, and her dog Rio. Together they enjoy going to the beach, family time together.

Ms. Garcia Office Administrator

Sindy Garcia is in her second year as Office Administrator at OCASA College Prep. She has spent the majority of her career in the childcare industry. Sindy takes pride in always having a positive attitude when assisting staff, students, and families. When Sindy is not behind her desk, she enjoys traveling and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Mrs. Miller Math Teacher

Since graduating from BYU-Idaho in Mathematics Education, Sydney Miller has dedicated her life to teaching Mathematics. She has worked helping students understand mathematical concepts in both an individual and group setting. Her passion for mathematics focuses on showing students how problem-solving skills are used throughout their lives. 

Mr. Reid Science Teacher

Drew Reid is in his first year at OCASA teaching science. He completed his Single Subject Science Teaching Credential at California State University Fullerton. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Pre-physical Therapy at California State University Long Beach and decided to continue his passion for Science in education. In his free time, he enjoys being active by surfing, playing beach volleyball, hiking, and going to the gym.

Mrs. Corrigan English & PLTW Teacher

Emily Windham has worked in education for 15 years, gaining experience in English education, STEAM education, and Project Lead The Way. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, and National University, Ms. Windham is passionate about advancing her students’ literacy skills and problem-solving abilities. Outside of school, Ms. Windham enjoys hiking, cooking, and reading.

Student Services

Ms. Casas Education Specialist

Christina is joining the OCASA team with 17 years of credentialed experience in education. She graduated from Chapman University with Master's Degrees in both Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education. Throughout her career, she has been a classroom teacher, inclusion specialist, and special education coordinator for various schools throughout Orange County. She strives to build positive relationships with her students and encourages them to become life-long learners and critical thinkers. Outside of school, Christina is a mom of 3 plus a step-mom to 2 and enjoys traveling and camping with her family. She is also a professional portrait photographer and loves listening to live music.

Mrs. Foster School Psychologist

Mrs. Foster graduated from Azusa Pacific with a master's degree in school psychology and an education specialist degree. She has since gained experience in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Capturing Kids’ Hearts (team and relationship building with kids), bullying prevention, risk assessments, threat assessments, implicit bias, Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), PREPaRE crisis training, and PSW (Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses), among other things. As a seasoned school psychologist, she is passionate about helping students be successful socially, emotionally, and behaviorally, to support academic success. Outside of school, Dee enjoys hiking, the beach, and the mountains.

Mr. Holt Para Educator

Mike Holt is an experienced educator and childcare worker. Driven by learning, he takes pride in providing the best environment for learning possible. As the Assistant Coordinator of our After-School program, his goals include providing a safe environment for our students to learn, create and grow. Outside of school, Mike enjoys painting and surfing.

Ms. Kaplan Education Specialist

Ms. Kaplan is an Education Specialist in her fourth year of teaching. She has earned a Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Miami and a Masters of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State University, both with an emphasis in Special Education. Ms. Kaplan strives to build the confidence and enhance the overall academic and social skills of students with unique needs. She is passionate about helping students develop a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Kaplan has two pet rabbits and enjoys crafting in her spare time.

Ms. Lee School Counselor

A Southern California native, Ms. Lee earned her B.A. in public relations from San Diego State University, and her Masters in school counseling from USC Rossier School of Education in 2020 (fight on!). As her third year in counseling, Ms. Lee has worked with all levels of students - elementary, middle, and primarily high. Her vocation in life is assisting students in reaching their goals and helping them discover their potential. When she isn’t working, Ms. Lee loves working out, traveling, thrifting, and trying new recipes. As she starts her first year with OCASA, she wants to remind students to forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it WILL!

OCASA Support Team

Mrs. Boyne Accounting Assistant

Jessie Boyne grew up in Laguna Niguel where she presently resides. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman University in Communications and Studied Abroad in Spain her senior year. Jessie has been an Office Manager for a Laguna Beach law firm for the last 17 years and has been with OCASA for the last 4 years as an Accounting Assistant. In her free time, she is kept busy with her children's various athletic events and tournaments.  

Mr. Patella Information Technology Support

Mr. Patella is an experienced school IT support tech. Driven by his passion for education, he takes pride in providing the best experience possible to teachers, students and their families. Muzi has a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Computer Science and Mathematics from Midlands State University in addition to Apple, Cisco, CompTIA, and VMware certifications. Prior to OCASA, Muzi worked in several educational organizations including Irvine Valley College. Outside of work, Muzi enjoys spending time with his family.

Therapy Dogs

Aurora Borealis OCASA Elementary

Aurora Borealis is a beloved member of Team OCASA.  Affectionately known as Aurora, this Golden Doodle is generally found in the courtyard with students and staff enjoying a significant amount of petting from them as well as their morning greetings.  Aurora visits classrooms nearly every day to motivate students in their learning. When needed, Aurora provides companionship for students having a difficult time.  If she is not supporting the OCASA community, Aurora enjoys playing at dog parks with her family and other dog friends.