Nancy Branchaud began her career at Springs in 2000 as a homeschooling mom. Both of her daughters are Springs graduates and her oldest was a teacher and a principal at Springs, prior to moving out of state. Nancy became an Education Specialist in 2001 and has been beyond blessed by our awesome Homeschool community! She believes that teaching is a vital calling, and the privilege of collaborating with dedicated Home Educators makes “ESing” the best job ever! As Homeschool Director, she now oversees more than 20 ESes/HCTs and loves being part of the Homeschool leadership team. Her passion is homeschooling and she appreciates the opportunity to chat about the interesting and exciting ideas that our families come up with, so look for her at our events to share your adventures!  

Nicole Collins (formerly Haynes) is the K-8 Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator at Springs Charter School. She has worked at Springs for the past 13 years as both an Educational and a Curriculum Specialist and has been in education teaching since 1994. Her years as a Kindergarten teacher have allowed her to have hands-on experience in how children learn how to read and dive deeper into the foundational reading skills. 

Janel Cozzitarto has worked for Springs for 14 years. She spent 5 years in the classroom with Springs teaching 4-6th grade, 7 years as the Vice Principal of the Magnolia Student Center, and 2 years as the K-8 Curriculum Specialist with Instructional Support. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science and Criminal Justice as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Her teaching credential is a multiple subject credential.

She has been married for 18 years and has three boys, ages 17, 15, and 10.  All of her boys keep her very busy with a chaotic baseball schedule so, when not working, she is probably at the baseball field.

"I love working with teachers and parents to help strengthen our instructional practices and I can't wait for our time together!"

Kelly Harrel is an educational specialist with Springs and a retired homeschool mom (both her kids homeschooled from K-12th grade with Springs). With over thirty years of educational experience, she loves being able to assist and inspire parents in their homeschool journey. 

Kim Hein has been teaching since 1997 and started with Springs in 2004. She is a dedicated Educational Specialist that is committed to the grass roots beginnings of Springs. Her passion to meet the individual needs of all students has led her into the world of Unique Learning. She is an out-of-the-box thinker and has worked closely, as a liaison, with the Special Education department for the last 6 years. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time at the beach and family game nights.  

Anna Ornelas earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix. She holds a CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and has 20 years of experience in education. Anna has worked for Springs Charter Schools since 2010 and is currently the EL Coordinator.

Philip Parks is a former teacher/principal from Springs Charter Schools. He retired four years ago from Otay Ranch Academy for the Arts.  

"I am happy to be working with Springs to help develop policies and perspective around our LGBTQ+ students and staff for the Greatest School in the Universe!"

Isaac Piercy is the Academic Technology Specialist for Springs Charter School, and the primary manager for student-facing online programs including Canvas and Clever. Isaac has been with Springs since 2014 and previously taught technology and math for grades 6-8. Isaac's favorite hobbies include playing and listening to music (guitar) and hiking in nature.  

Tamara Rose started her career teaching in Jurupa Unified School District as a 5th and 6th-grade looping teacher. She served on the Student Study Team and School Site Council. She taught in a highly differentiated classroom with two ELD clusters, an RSP, and a GATE cluster. Once she had her son, she made the move to Springs Charter School. She served in the Homeschool Program as an Education Specialist, GATE Mentor, and AIMM Mentor. She homeschooled her two children, now 18 and 16 from TK-4th grade. She now works as the Director of Professional Learning and Development. Tamara is most happy when she is learning and growing, building relationships, and enjoying recreational activities in the great outdoors. 

Amy Straus is an MTSS Coordinator and ILP Intervention Specialist. Amy believes in the MTSS process and the impact it can have on student success. Amy is a homeschool Education Specialist and homeschool parent, having also taught at a Springs Academy. 

Michelle Sullivan has been homeschooling her four children since 2004 and has been an ES since 2006. She firmly believes parents are the best teachers for their children, and her goal is to help parents feel confident and encouraged in their homeschool journey. 

Leanne Windmiller has been with Springs Charter Schools since 2016. She has a Masters in Education with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. Leanne is currently the Director of Student Services. 

Jacki York has been an educator for over 25 years and has a background in traditional public schools, charter schools and homeschooled her own children. She has a multiple-subject teaching credential, Masters of Ed and her PhD work is specialized in Mind Brain, and Education. She has experience teaching grades 2 through the University level both in the classroom and online, synchronous and asynchronous. She has been with Springs Charter School for 20 years. She even homeschooled her three children whom all graduated from Springs. She is currently a Director on Special Assignment working with online programs and overseeing our H.E.L.L.O. program.