Our Staff
Administration
Herbert W. Cooley
Superintendent/Principal
Herbert W. Cooley has been teaching since 2001 and has taught middle school through high school classes in mathematics, science, English language arts, and career technical education. Along with his administrative duties, he advises the Associated Student Body, teaches the Leadership class, and co-advises the FFA and 4-H.
Mr. Cooley is a graduate of the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering and holds a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Agriculture, Agricultural Specialist Credential, and a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
Student Support Services
Chrissy Thao
Student Counselor
This is my 6th year working as the school counselor at YCCS. I was born and raised in the Yuba-Sutter area. Right out of high school, I pursued higher education for my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and later my master’s degree in school counseling from Sonoma State University. As a first-generation college student, and a child of two hard working refugee parents, education have always been an aspiration of mine because it was the key to success. I hope to help all of my students recognize the importance of education and help pave their way towards creating their own success story.
Carolyn Roberts
Dean of Student Success/SPED
Carolyn Roberts began working at YCCS in 2010 and has taught since 2004. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hope International University, Fullerton, CA, and a teaching credential from Brandman University, Yuba City, CA.
3rd grade has a strong focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic. It is vital for a child’s future that they spend 20 minutes per day in a session of reading. Reading builds vocabulary, fluency, knowledge, comprehension, and academic success, and studies have shown that it will also give students a significant advantage on their end-of-the-year state test scores. Students will keep a journal to practice writing complete, thoughtful sentences that catch the reader’s attention, even if that reader is themselves.
In math, students will become proficient in all multiplication and division facts. Other math-related skills include telling how much time has elapsed, place value, fractions, perimeter and area, real-life word problems, and greater than and less than values.
Parents can contact Mrs. Roberts before or after school at (530) 822-9667, ext. 109, with any questions or concerns about their child.
Kathy Potoski
SPED Teacher
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Credentialed Staff
Alyssa DeNeef
1st Grade
My name is Alyssa DeNeef. I am a first-grade teacher. I graduated Chico state with my Bachelors in Liberal studies and obtained my teaching credential in Multiple subjects through National University.
I have worked in the education field for 12 years making special education my craft. I am excited to have joined the world of general education and I am really enjoying it!
I enjoy working with children and watching them grow. The field of education runs in my family and I had always dreamed of being a teacher one day. August of 2023 marked my first official year of teaching.
When I am not in my classroom I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy going on short trips to the ocean and to the mountains. We also enjoy playing board games and watching movies.
Ben Stathis
3rd Grade
Pooja is the third-grade teacher at Yuba City Charter School. Pooja believes in an equitable approach to education where every student has access to a high standard of education. Pooja holds a BA in accounting and business from New Delhi University. Her advanced studies are preparing her in the field of education as a multisubject credentialed teacher. When Pooja is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family. You can often spot her on a bike trail, a hiking trail, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee at any local café.
Elise Curteman
4th Grade
My name is Elise Curteman, and I am the 4th-grade teacher. I have a BS in Social Science and am currently earning my credential through the Cal State Teach program. I have 15+ years experience working with children from preschool through 6th grade in a variety of settings from afterschool programs, STEM summer camps, preschools, and teaching dance. I absolutely love working with children! I have always enjoyed watching and helping them grow as people. In my spare time I enjoy dancing, baking, and spending time with my children outdoors or doing crafts.
Jason Williams
5th Grade Teacher
My Name is Jason Williams
With over two decades of teaching experience, this is my first year at Yuba City Charter School. My background includes teaching grades 4/5, 7/8 ELA and Social Studies, and Computer Science, as well as earning credentials in Diversified Liberal Arts, History, Assistive Technology, and Computer Science. Growing up in San Carlos, CA, I’ve always valued determination and the “fun of learning,” which I strive to bring into my technology-rich and engaging classroom. My students have earned awards like the Biz World Challenge and the J. Russell Kent Award for innovative programs, reflecting my mission to challenge each student to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy sports, technology, and traveling with family and friends. Having moved to Chico to join my family, I am excited to contribute to the vibrant culture at YCCS. I invite you to stay connected and follow our classroom updates on my website, www.schooldaystoday.com, which is being refreshed for the new school year. Please take a moment to browse and discover what to expect in our class!
Vanessa Gandy
ELD Coordinator/Teacher
My name is Mrs. Gandy, formerly Ms. Lezcano. I taught 3rd grade for 4 years at YCCS prior to transitioning into the role as ELD Coordinator. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, & I am second-generation Latina, as my parents were born in Nicaragua. I am the first in my family to go to college and achieve a B.A. in Literature, and an M.A. in English Literature. This is my 16th teaching year! I previously taught Kindergarten, 3rd and 5th grades in Burlingame and Atherton. I have prior experience in ELD as I taught ELL students from K-6th in Daly City.
My husband, Billy and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary in May 2024! We share the responsibility of raising 2 sons. Tristan, the oldest, will be turning 15, and recently began high school. John, the youngest, turned 2 in July. I have 4 dogs named Romeo, Juliette, Paris and Piper. Romeo, Juliette and Paris were so named for my love of reading. Piper was named after the NATO phonetic alphabet for Billy’s love for flying. From surfing at the beach, camping, traveling to view solar eclipses, playing in the snow, hiking mountains and much more, we enjoy spending time outdoors during every season!
I am so happy to have the opportunity to share my love for learning with our YCCS students!
Matt Coats
Middle School Drama and Arts
My name is Matt Coats, and I have been teaching at Yuba City Charter School since 2016. I have been working in the field of Education in Northern California since the mid 1990s. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English from CSU Sacramento, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from National University, and a CTE credential in Visual and Performing Arts. I currently teach Middle School English, Social Studies, and Math, as well as High School Art, Drama, and ELD at YCCS. I have always had a love of education, and feel that teaching is my true calling. When I am not at school, you can find me performing on stage with my wife at renaissance fairs and other outdoor events throughout California, as 1/2 of the Shakespearean acting troupe, “Shrewed and Knavishe.” I also am involved in various art and theatre endeavors in the Yuba-Sutter community and throughout Northern California. I am the proud father of 2 YCCS graduates, and love working at this fine school.
Magdalena Oregel teaches second grade. Her previous teaching experience includes working as an after-school coordinator for K-8th grade, long-term Spanish substitute, pre-K teacher, tutor, and K-12th grade substitute teacher. She graduated from Chico State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Spanish and earned her bilingual teaching credential.
Mrs. Oregel is happily married to an amazing husband. They have a four-year-old daughter. They enjoy the outdoors and spending time together as a family.
Mrs. Oregel enjoys working with children and helping them reach for their dreams through their education. She believes that every child should be valued and treated with respect. An education should empower a child and help them positively contribute to our world.
Toni Cole
Social Studies
My name is Toni Cole. I love the subjects I teach: Geography, World History, US History, Government, Economics, The World Through Film, and Psychology. I currently advise CSF and am Prom Planning advisor. As an educator I can be described as intellect and character focused, as integrity and work ethic are two traits I hope to see all students graduate having learned to value. I have worked at YCCS for 11 years.
Most of my students know that in my spare time my favorite thing to do is explore the world. I try to impress upon students that there is no better way to learn about this planet- its people, cultures, history, and beauty- and there is no better way to gain new perspectives in understanding and empathy than to see it all for yourself! My travels have taken me to forty countries and as of last year, all fifty states! In this life my goals are not to buy big houses or nice cars; rather my ambitions involve adventuring to all seven continents and making memories. Apart from travel, a few of my favorite things are running, reading, writing, theater, road trips, football, whales, golden retrievers, yoga, and, of course, family.
Rene Villegas
Physical Education
Mr. Villegas received his Bachelor of Arts at Chico State in Kinesiology with an option in Physical Education. He also has a Masters of Arts in Kinesiology with an option in Coaching. He is certified as a Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). He is also a certified life coach. Mr. Villegas has been active since he was a kid and played competitive soccer, which helped him develop a passion for fitness. With his athletic background and impressive education he has been a valuable asset as a head coach for the Men’s soccer team at Yuba College. Mr. Villegas is also an instructor at Yuba College. He teaches weight training, soccer, health, nutrition and does sport conditioning for the athletes.
Mireya Raya
High School English
I’m a recent Chico State alumna and I have always wanted to be an English teacher. I’m a local to the area and I am happy to be working with YCCS the last 2 years. On my spare time I enjoy reading, watching movies, traveling, trying new food and spending time with loved ones.
Breanna Bridge
High School Animal Sciences
My name is Breanna Bridge, I am an Agriculture Science Teacher and FFA Advisor. I am a new teacher here at Yuba City Charter School, however, I am not new to teaching. I took a few years off to stay home with my babies and now I am happy and excited to be back in the classroom! I have a passion for agriculture and hope to share that passion with our students and inspire them to get involved in our agriculture & FFA community. In my free time I enjoy being with my friends and family whether we are showing livestock, riding dirt bikes, or just enjoying the outdoors.
Secretarial Staff
Donna Ivie
HR/Business Manager
I was born and raised in Yuba City. I began working as the Business Manager at YCCS in 2013 and brought 25 years of administrative experience with me. It is so rewarding working in the office with my work family. I am happily married to a wonderful man and I have 1 daughter, 2 step daughters and 1 step son. In my spare time I love to fish with my husband, and I make sure that I vacation with my sisters at least once a year.
Atara Adams
CalPads
I have been part of the Wildcat family since 2003 when my first child enrolled at YCCS. I currently have 2 children attending the school and I was on the YCCS School Board for 6 years before becoming an employee. I enjoy reading, camping and spending time with my family. I enjoy dedicating time to organizations in the community such as Pink October and Scouting for food.
Yuri Tapia
SEIS
Hola!
My name is Yuri Tapia, I am the SELPA Coordinator/Homeless Liaison for the Special Education Department. This is my second year working here at Yuba City Charter School. I love seeing the students grow and evolve each year. In my free time, I enjoy taking family trips, interior decorating, dancing, and trying new restaurants.
Elena Guerrero
VP Assistant
I have in Yuba Sutter for 23 years. I’ve been w/the school for 1yr I love my job working with the kids. Health aid/ campus monitor all around team player.
Classified Staff
Laurie Jackson
Food Services
Dawn Downs is the food services coordinator. She has been with the school since 2006, first as a yard duty supervisor and then as a class aide. In 2016, she received her ServSafe certification and is now proud to be called the “lunch lady.” She thoroughly enjoys working with children on a daily basis and finds it can be very entertaining at times.
Cyndi Balderas
Kindergarten Assistant
Hello I’m Cindy Balderas, Kindergarten Aide, I have been working with Kindergarteners for 16 years. I enjoy watching the kindergarteners learn so much from the beginning to the end of the school year. I am married, have three sons ages 45,35, and 26. I also have 3 granddaughters ages 24, 4, 1 and one more on the way in December this year.
Susan Matthews
Student Support
I help students, one on one, who need extra help with reading. They are from 1st grade to 3rd grade.
I live in Yuba City. I am married, and we have 3 grandchildren. We have a Jack Russell, who loves to go for walks.
I love what I do, at YCCS.
Helen Jackson
Voco Vision
My name is Helen Jackson, I was born and raised in Yuba City. I started my career here 3 years ago and fell in love with working in the elementary grades. In my spare time I like to read, bake, and spend time with my animals.
Ouida Wakefield
Public Relations
Marketing Specialist
Hi!
My name is Ouida. I teach Rosetta Stone, and I’m the Marketing Specialist here at YCCS. You will also see me at the gate in the morning to greet students or answer any questions the parents may have.
I have lived in the Yuba-Sutter area for 40 years and have one daughter.
I have worked with children for 20 years and I enjoy my job, especially here at YCCS.
I enjoy traveling, walking, swimming, & cooking!
Melissa Soto
Cafeteria
Aloha, I am the elementary P.E. teacher for grades K through 6. I’ve been proudly working at YCCS for two years and enjoy making exercise fun for the kids. In my spare time, I love to play basketball and spend time with my family.
Amy Keng
Student Opportunity
My name is Amy Keng and I work in the Opportunity Class. I have been a teacher’s aide in the YCCS special education class for five years and I enjoy supporting students. I have more than 30 years of business and operations managerial experience in Taiwan; three of those years were in China. Outside of work, health is of great importance to me. Therefore, I like to exercise, cook, and travel around the world to expand my knowledge.
Independent Studies
Lynn Arp
Independent Teacher
(530) 822-9667
Mrs. Arp earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California State University, Stanislaus. She went on to earn her Single Subject Credential in English from Chapman University. Mrs. Arp taught English at Yuba City High School for fifteen years. Since 2010 she has been enjoying giving individualized instruction through independent study and home hospital programs. Mrs. Arp joined the Yuba City Charter team in 2015 where she has worked diligently to improve our Independent Study program.
