Meet Our Teachers & Staff

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. 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

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!