About

Administrators

Executive Director
Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings

Vice-Principal
Mrs. Jill Warner

Dean of Students
Mr. Mark Poncy

Faculty

Rachel Blazek

Art Teacher

Ryan Blevin

PE Teacher

My name is Ryan Blevin and I am in my first official year of teaching Physical Education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona in 2021 and a Master’s degree in Education from Azusa Pacific in 2023. I love sports and have played numerous different ones throughout my life, but I most enjoy baseball. My favorite teams are the Angels, Chargers, Kings and Clippers. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and playing video games. I have a four month old baby at home and a three year old German Shepherd named Tank. I am looking forward to a great school year and getting to know all of my new students and staff!

Cacey Bowen

Teacher – 7th Grade

Tiffany Bunn

Teacher – 1st Grade

Supply List

Hello families!

My name is Tiffany Bunn and I will be your child’s first grade teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. First grade is an exciting year — while students will continue to develop a strong foundation to continue to support their reading and math skills, they will also have lots of fun!

Here’s a little about myself: I have been in the field of education since 2014. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development in 2014. After working as a preschool teacher, I decided to return to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Early Child Curriculum and Instruction (2018). In 2020, I decided to continue my education and pursue a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (2023). This will be my first year at TVCS. Prior to my journey here, I was a long term substitute teacher in 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, and crafting.

Alyssa Christian

Teacher – 4th Grade

Supply List

Hi, I am Miss Christian and I will be teaching 4th grade this year at TVCS! I hold a Liberal Studies degree from California State University, San Marcos and obtained my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from there as well! I am committed to creating an engaging and inclusive classroom environment that fosters student growth and learning. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors and with my dog! I am looking forward to a wonderful year in 4th grade!

Brooke Cole

Teacher – 5th Grade

Supply List

The Basics: Hello, my name is Mrs. Cole! I will be your child’s 5rd Grade teacher for the 2024-2025 school year! This will be my 4th year teaching 5th Grade and 15th year as an educator. I can’t wait to make this year the best one yet!

Education: I am a graduate from Hemet High that first continued my education at MSJC. After completing undergraduate courses, I transferred to Cal State San Bernardino. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. Following this, I attended Azusa Pacific University to complete my multiple subject teaching credential and Master’s degree in Digital Teaching and Learning.

Lynne D'aleo

Science Lab Technician

Colleen Denbaugh

Teacher – 7th/8th Grade Math

 
About Me:
This will be my second year at TVCS and my 25th year teaching! I spent most of my tenure as a teacher in Hemet Unified School District where I taught 7th/8th grade Mathematics and Algebra 1.
 
I grew up in Hemet and graduated from Hemet High before going off to UC Irvine where I earned by Bachelor’s Degree. I married my high school sweetheart and started our family, then went back to get my teaching credential from Chapman University.
 
I have three amazing kids who are grown professionals, and three adorable grandchildren!  My hobbies include hiking, running, golfing, playing CATAN, solving Rubik’s Cubes and watching Marvel Movies.  I lead the Math Team at TVCS and look forward to expanding our team next year to include Rubik’s Cube Team competitions!
 
Welcome to 7th/8th Grade Math (including Algebra 1 and Accelerated 7th):
I’m so excited for next year! I love helping students grow in their ability and understanding of mathematical concepts. I’m very passionate about what I teach and about helping students learn.
 
I like to set high expectations to challenge my students.  In my classroom we will have homework everyday from a textbook, to be completed on lined paper using a pencil.  In addition, we will use other valuable resources to build our conceptual understanding and our procedural fluency such as IXL, Khan Academy, and Delta Math. 
 
My goal is to help students grow in math and look forward to teaming up with parents and students to provide the support they need to successfully master the content.  
 
I look forward to seeing you all next year and until then, have a wonderful summer break!
 
Yours Mathematically,
Mrs. Denbaugh

Ashley Francis Golden

Performing Arts

Ashley Francis Golden is thrilled to be the head of Performing Arts for Temecula Valley Charter School. Ms. Golden is a 2012 graduate of East Tennessee State University where she studied Music Education with a K-12 Vocal Concentration. During her time at ETSU she performed on scholarship with the Opera Theatre, the ETSU Chorale, and Jazz Singers, touring in Austria, Hungary, France, and Spain. For over a decade, Ms. Golden has been the Music Specialist and Choral Director at a large public school outside of Nashville, Tennessee where she produced, directed, choreographed, and acted as music director for 12 Musicals. A large number of her students have been asked to sing at the Tennessee Honors Chorus, ACDA National Convention, TN All-State Chorus. Many have gone on to receive numerous vocal scholarships at various performing arts schools across the country. Ms. Golden is an advocate for Music Education at all levels and received her Elementary Kodaly Certification in 2019. She has a love for all things Music Theatre and is a firm believer in the power of Music to create positive change in the world. She cannot wait to see what the future holds for Temecula Valley Performing Arts!

Jennifer Hauser

Teacher – 2nd Grade

 
My name is Jen Hauser! After teaching PE for 13 years, I am super excited to join the Second Grade Team this year!
 
     Let me share a little about myself. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential from Western Governors University. I am married with three boys who attended Temecula Valley Charter School. Over the years, I have had many roles at TVCS, including a parent, classroom volunteer, field trip coordinator, Athletic Director, and teacher. This is definitely a second home for the Hauser Family!
 
      In my free time, I love traveling and exploring new places. I am already planning my next trip! However, my favorite thing is spending time with my family and friends. 

Stephanie Henry

Education Specialist

Willie Laundrie

Teacher – 5th Grade

Debra McKechnie

Teacher – 4th Grade

Justine Miranda

Teacher – TK

Supply List

Hi, I’m Justine Miranda and I’m so excited to be your child’s teacher! This is my third year teaching TK at TVCS and I look forward to a great year together. Here’s a little bit about me… I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Vanguard University and Credential and Master’s from Alliant University. I am married to my high school sweetheart who is also a teacher. In my free time I enjoy traveling, running, riding bikes at the beach, shopping, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family.

Megan Morris

Teacher – 1st Grade

 
Hello!
 
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year in first grade! My name is Megan Morris and I am excited to see what this year has in store for us. I just started teaching during the 2023-2024 school year here at TVCS. I taught 6th grade Social Studies and Science where I learned so much during my first year of teacher, and I am excited to be teaching first grade this year! It’s quite a jump from 6th grade down to first, but I know we are going to have a wonderful year.
 
I grew up here in the Temecula/Murrieta and attended Chaparral High School. Throughout both my middle school and high school years, I volunteered in various ways that involved teaching young children. Ever since then, I realized that I had a passion for teaching! From there, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development at California Baptist University and then started teaching here and TVCS. I married my husband in November 2023, so some of my middle school students still call me by my former name, Miss Aleksak. Since then, I have moved to Poway and make the long commute here each day! Outside of teaching, I also enjoy riding my electric longboard with my husband, playing some video games, solving sudoku puzzles, creating different forms of art, and spending time with my friends and family.
 
My goal is to nurture the complete development of students within my classroom – socially, emotionally, and intellectually. I want to promote a comfortable classroom so it will transform our space into a nurturing environment where students feel safe to explore, take risks, and confront challenges, even if it means making mistakes along the way. Yet, it’s in these moments where they learn and grow the most.
 
I’m looking forward to getting to know all my students and their families throughout this school year. Let’s have a wonderful year full of knowledge, discovery, communication, and learning

Kellee Moris

Teacher – 3rd Grade

Suzanne Marker

Teacher – 1st Grade

Supply List

Hello!  I have been a teacher for 16 years! I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Riverside in 2000.  I then received my Teaching Credential for the University of Redlands in 2001.  In addition to 1st grade, I have taught 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades.  I take great joy in making school a fun and exciting place where all children feel welcome to learn!

      My husband and I are raising two beautiful, smart daughters. We love camping and hiking with our husky named Stormy.  In addition, I enjoy scrapbooking, photography and playing the flute. 

Jessica Messersmith

Teacher – 6th Grade

Supply List

Hello and welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I’m thrilled to return to Temecula Valley Charter for my third year teaching 6th grade math and science. Additionally, I’ve had the honor of coaching the football, baseball, and softball teams here at TVCS.

A bit about me: I hail from San Diego and pursued my college education at the University of California, Riverside, where I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in History/Law and Society. During my time at UCR, I balanced academics with being a student-athlete on the softball field. Following that, I continued my education in San Diego at Point Loma Nazarene University, where I obtained my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Education Specialist Instruction Credential.

Before joining TVCS, I coached softball at various levels, spanning from high school to junior college to NAIA. Over the past 15 years, I’ve co-run winter and summer softball camps for girls aged 8-17 with a close friend. I embrace the title Coach due to my background and the significant role of mentorship inherent in coaching, it is near and dear to my heart.

I’m happily married with two wonderful children: Carie, who is 7 years old and currently in 2nd grade here at TVCS, and Colton, who is 2 years old. My family and I love staying active and spending time together at the ball field. Personally, I aim to attend games at all MLB stadiums as a personal goal.

Lovelyn Norman

Teacher – 3rd Grade

 
Welcome to 3rd Grade! My name is Lovelyn Norman and this will be my 8th year of teaching experience. I have enjoyed every grade so far. This is my third year with TVCS – I love the experiences the school provides for every student! I am originally from San Diego, took up residency in the Bay Area for 6 years, and then decided to move back to Southern California in 2021. I’m so happy to be back!
 
When I’m not preparing curriculum and activities for work, you can find me reading, baking, crocheting, hand-lettering, and playing with my two labradoodles. I love the beach and all things nature. Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do!

Raquel Oriondo

Teacher – Kindergarten

Supply List

My Favorites

Anything Harry Potter! Food: Pizza, Chinese, Mexican Candy: M&Ms, Skittles, Kit Kats Color: Turquoise and blue Shopping: Amazon and Walmart Restaurants: Shogun, McDonalds

My Goal for the Year

This year I will work with students and their parents as a team to make kindergarten a wonderful and exciting year full of learning.

All About Mrs. Oriondo

I am very excited to be part of the Temecula Valley Charter School community! I have been teaching for 7 years. I have a cleared teaching credential along with an AA in Child Development. I have been married for 6 years and have a very active 4 year old boy named Royce. We enjoy going on walks and swimming in the pool.

Welcome Letter

Sarah Price

Education Specialist

Jorge rojas

Teacher – 7/8th Grade Math

Supply List

Hello TCVS Families!

My name is Jorge Rojas, and I am thrilled to be a part of this community. With eight years of teaching experience, I am deeply passionate about history and coaching sports. Additionally, I have two years of experience teaching computer science.

In my first year of teaching, I instructed 6th-grade math (CPM) and history for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. During my second year, I specialized in computer science and was actively involved in IT & ICT. I had the privilege of coaching a team that secured first place in the Middle School Cybersecurity competition for the Far North Region in 2019.

I am actively engaged with the community, participating in events and programs that support children’s education. I have served as a judge in the annual ACADECA event, providing students with feedback on public speaking and argument construction. I have also been involved in the yearly National History Day, where I evaluate projects and witness students exploring historical topics of their interest. Additionally, I regularly participate in cybersecurity competitions with the teams I coach, including CyberPatriot, the Cyber Innovation Challenge in San Luis Obispo, and the California Mayors Cup.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing classical guitar, graphic design, and hiking.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming school year!

Morgan Ross

Teacher – Kindergarten

Supply List

Welcome Letter

Dear Kindergarten Parents,

Welcome to Kindergarten! Instead of waiting until Back to School Night, I thought sending home some information about the “goings on” in Kindergarten would be helpful. It is a WHOLE NEW WORLD for all of us! I am hoping that this alleviates some questions and relieves some anxiety.

Be sure to bring your camera!

Lots of fun photos will be taken.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS ON WEDNESDAY 8/14

Drop Off: Gates open at 7:45. Class begins promptly at 8:10. Please bring them early so they can get their wiggles out and take pictures before we start our day.

Pick up: We will be dismissing students at 1:00. If your child uses a booster or car seat please put it behind the passenger seat so students can easily get in the car and teachers can assist with buckling them in if needed. This is for safety reasons and will help the car line move faster. Please do not exit the car.

First Day and Beyond Suggestions and Information:

Please send your child with …

1.      A backpack, snack, lunch with an ice pack, and a water bottle. Please ensure they can independently open snacks and lunch items. Keep in mind that they have a 15 minute snack and 40 minute lunch. Their snack should be separated from their lunch in a labeled bag or written on the snack itself with their name. This will help prevent them from eating their snack at lunch.

2.     Please remind them at drop off how Make sure they know to raise their hand for lunch and breakfast orders if they will be getting school food that day.

3.      First-day supplies and donations

4.      A change of clothes that I will keep in class in case of an emergency.

5.    A family picture. It will go on our family wall that students will have access to if they are missing their family.

Lastly, label all belongings so your child’s personal items can be easily located.

Please feel free to email me at mross@tvcscougars.com if you have any questions. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child at our meet and greet. See you at Back to School Night on 8/22 for more information about classroom procedures and routines.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ross

Skylar Sorensen

Teacher – 7th/8th Grade Science

Supply List

Hi, I’m Skylar Sorensen. With 11 years of teaching experience, I’ve spent my career nurturing a love for science in my students. My background includes teaching high school biology, chemistry, and physics. For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching 7th and 8th graders at Temecula Valley Charter School, where I enjoy sharing my passion for science with a younger audience.

I graduated from Biola University, and my enthusiasm for science doesn’t stop at the classroom door. I’m an avid backpacker and camper, especially fond of exploring the beautiful Mineral King area. My fascination with the natural world complements my interests in physics, astrophysics, physiology, and biochemistry. I’m dedicated to inspiring and motivating the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers.

Kelli Sousa

Teacher – Kindergarten

 
Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Kelly Sousa and I am thrilled to be your teacher! It’s going to be a fun year full of learning and making memories!
 
Education:
I’m excited to be part of the team here at Temecula Valley Charter School!
This will be my 4th year teaching!
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Linguistics at CSUSM and in June of 2021, I graduated with my Master’s and teaching credential from the University of San Diego. I have taught Kindergarten and 1st grade and I am super excited to be back as a Kindergarten teacher.
 
About me:
When I am not at school, I enjoy going to the beach, cooking, gardening, reading, working out, and spending time with family and friends!

Janet Terlouw

Education Specialist

Jeannette Wilkinson

Teacher – 7/8th Grade ELA

Supply List

Welcome to 7th/8th Grade Language Arts! 

My name is Jeannette Wilkinson, and this will be my 4th year here at TVCS, but I have been teaching for 15 years.   I am excited for the next part of this journey and look forward to seeing many of the students I have already had.  

I love to read and have many various hobbies, including crochet.  

Our year together will be filled with rigorous, engaging, and rich content-based material. I am  confident that each student will grow to their own potential. Communication, commitment, and effort will be essential as we work through important concepts and skills. Students will be encouraged and supported in setting goals this year while keeping a growth mindset.

7th and 8th grade ELA consists of a variety of components.  Each week, we will focus on a different Comprehension Strategy and Vocabulary Strategy in a variety of Genres.  Our units of discussion will stem from Big Ideas and Essential Questions introduced at the beginning of each unit.  In addition, we will apply these skills and address standards through  novel studies.  Students will practice deeper thinking skills through reading and writing all year long. 

Again I look forward to working with each and every student this next school year.

Charis White

Teacher – 6th Grade

Rian Wise

PE Teacher

Hello Cougars! I’m excited to be a part of the TVCS family teaching PE. 
 
I grew up in Temecula and graduated from Chaparral High School. I attended UC Irvine as a scholarship athlete in Women’s Swimming and graduated with a B.A. in Social Science with an emphasis in secondary education. I later received my graduate degree from Concordia University Irvine in Coaching and Athletic Administration. To finish up my post graduate career at Concordia, I received my single subject teaching credential in Physical Education. 
 
My 3 favorite things are food, sports, and fun! 

Eboni Vincent

Teacher – 2nd Grade

Supply List

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am so excited to teach 2nd grade at Temecula Valley Charter School.  A little bit about me…I am a San Diego native. I received my multiple-subject Teaching Credential in 2007. I am married to an amazing, retired Coast Guard veteran, I have a son, daughter, and two loveable French Bulldogs named Koa and Rocco. I have taught multiple grades over the years and learned so much from them.

Staff

Carmen Arce

Instructional Aide

Daniel Beall

Instructional Aide

Emma Casey

Instructional Aide

Suzanne Feldhut

Office Manager

My name is Suzanne Feldhut and I am the Office Manager at Temecula Valley Charter School. If you are new to TVCS, Welcome!
I first came to call TVCS home during the 2003-2004 school year.  I was also a parent here from 2003 – 2009. I have seen many of our students make the journey from Kindergarten through eighth grade, and watched as they have grown both emotionally and academically. I am privileged to be a part of their educational experience. 
951-294-6775
 
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Anonymous

Heather Fretz

Data & Media Specialist

Anthony Gabriel

Campus Security

My name is Anthony Gabriel and I am the Security & Safety manager for Temecula Valley Charter School. I am a retired Marine Corps Veteran w/ 20 years of active duty service. I have a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and I enjoy using my skills & expertise to contribute to the safety and security of TVCS. I am headed into my 10th year of working in a school setting. I am married to Dr. Leila R. Gabriel and have 2 beautiful daughters… Reinna is 20 and Reichel is 18. Both athletes, Reinna will be a senior at Cornell University & Reichel will be attending Villanova University in the fall. I enjoy all things sports ( Go Niners ) working out, cars, food, naps & Netflix. Go Cougars!

Suzanne Gates

Instructional Aide

Marc Escobedo-Comer

Custodian

Carrie Fitzpatrick

Office Specialist

Andrew Hardy

Maintenance Lead

Tina Jasso

Attendance

Chelsea Kenton

Instructional Aide

D'ona Mendez

Office Assistant

Hello and welcome to TVCS! ❤️💛🖤
I came to TVCS when we enrolled our first of 3 daughters into 7th grade. I was searching for a school with an outstanding academic program supported with field trips at a time when funding was being cut statewide. I immediately found that the small size campus and welcoming environment for family volunteer participation fit all of my hopes. I enrolled my other two daughters the very next year and have been grateful for it ever since – each of them were well prepared academically and socially here at their TVCS launch pad to their high school years and on to college. I credit this to the excellent, caring, supportive and professional teachers and the supportive and responsive staff. I am happy to say that my wonderful parent volunteer years later turned into an offer for a Clerical Substitute/Office Assistant position which I have loved and appreciated for a long time now. ❤️💛🖤
Go Cougars!

Aimee Nuneviller

Intervention Instructor

Tanisha Penick

School Psychologist

Hello TVCS Community,

I am thrilled to continue my journey at Temecula Valley Charter School (TVCS) as one of your school psychologists. This marks my eighth year at TVCS, and I am excited to meet and work with our wonderful students and families.

As your school psychologist, I am committed to collaborating with our team of professionals to foster our students’ social-emotional and academic development. My role will encompass a variety of responsibilities, including:

  • Social Skills Training: Helping students develop crucial interpersonal skills.
  • Counseling: Providing individual and group support to address emotional and behavioral needs.
  • Assessments for Special Education Services: Conducting evaluations to ensure students receive the appropriate support and resources.
  • And More: Engaging in various activities and programs to support our students’ well-being and success.

 

Now, a bit about me on a personal and professional level: I am a wife and proud mother of two children. I have earned my doctoral degree in Educational Psychology and bring over twenty-three years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. My background includes extensive work with individuals with various disabilities, including students with severe emotional and behavioral challenges.

 

I look forward to a fantastic year working together to support the growth and development of our students.

Carolina McMahon

Food Service

Jennifer McMahon

Health Clerk

Porsche riley

Instructional Aide

Tonia Safford-McClure

Psychologist/504 Coordinator

Vaneza Sanchez

Instructional Aide

Livinia Silva

Occupational Therapist

Jamie Strachan

Food Service

Ashley Stuppy

Speech and Language Pathologist

Hello there TVCS community, My name is Ashley and I will be joining the team as the school’s Speech and Language Pathologist. This will be my seventh year as a school-based SLP and I can confidently say that each day I continue to be passionate about and love the world of speech and language. I grew up in Upstate New York, which is where I completed my undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology, as well as my Graduate degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences. My favorite vacation is at the beach, I love to explore and discover new music, and I am an exclusive Buffalo Bills football fan. I look forward to working with you and your students!

Carolina Tamayo

Instructional Aide

Kari Van den Eikhof

Counselor

Lisa Wilson

Intervention Instructor