Testing Coordinator
Melissa Hall began her career with CAVA in 2004. She holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Concordia University in Irvine, CA, and earned a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University at Monterey. Prior to accepting her position as a testing coordinator, she was a teacher, a lead teacher of training, and Community Day site coordinator. Melissa lives in Newark, CA with her family and loves working in online education.

Testing Coordinator
Dana Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts in music education from UCLA and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from California State University (CSUN), Northridge. She taught instrumental music in the Los Angeles Unified School District for eight years before returning to CSUN for a credential in computer education. She then started an Information Technology Academy program at Westlake High School and saw it grow significantly over the next four years. Dana came to CAVA in 2008 and enjoyed teaching the various computer electives before becoming testing coordinator in January 2011. Dana lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.

Director of Categorical Programs
Krista Mount graduated from the University California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in psychology with an emphasis in mathematics. She received her teaching credential from Saint Mary’s College of California and spent eight years teaching at a brick-and-mortar elementary school before joining CAVA as a teacher. Krista has also supported CAVA families in her role as a lead teacher of middle school mathematics and as curriculum specialist. As Director of Categorical Programs, she works to ensure that all students have the resources they need to reach their full academic potential.

Director of Special Education
Katelyn Carter is a graduate of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and credentials/authorizations as a Level II education specialist with a special emphasis in mild/moderate disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. She has been a resource teacher, English language coordinator, special education teacher, lead teacher, and master teacher/program specialist. She is well known for her team building and leadership skills, and her ability to identify problems and find solutions that bring people together. Her training includes the areas of alternative dispute resolution, due process, and non-violent crisis intervention. She is also well-versed in curriculum and instruction. She has an established network of special educators across the state with whom she collaborates for the benefit of staff, parents, and students.

Special Education Enrollment Coordinator
Noel Rojas oversees special education enrollment at CAVA. She has worked in special education enrollment since 2006 and is committed to helping families make a smooth transition into the virtual setting. She received her master’s degree in special education and holds an educational specialist credential from California State University, Northridge. She has held the position of special education placement teacher and lead teacher of special education enrollment prior to becoming special education enrollment coordinator. Noel lives in Southern California with her husband and is currently finishing her autism added authorization.

Program Specialist, Special Education K-8
Kameron Salo began working with adults with disabilities in 1998 while attending the University of Utah for her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She began teaching special education full-time in 2002 in Utah while working on her master’s degree and credential at the University of Utah. She returned to Southern California in 2003 and continued teaching special education RSP for many years in the Fullerton and Upland School Districts at both the middle and elementary school levels. She started working at CAVA in 2008 and became a Program Specialist three years later. Prior, Kameron was a special education teacher and a 504 coordinator at the high school level. She has sat on many interdisciplinary teams and enjoys collaborating with others. Kameron lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

Program Specialist, Special Education K-8
Rebecca Metoyer received her bachelor's degree, two master's degrees and a credential from California State University, Fullerton. Before coming to CAVA in 2008, she taught in brick-and-mortar schools as for eight years a resource specialist at the junior high and elementary levels. Additionally, she has supervised student teachers and taught credential classes to future teachers at community colleges and universities throughout Orange County. While at CAVA, she has worked as a teacher, lead teacher, and currently is a program specialist in the special education department. She lives in Southern California with her husband and five children.

Program Specialist, Special Education K-8
Amber Verdi is a program specialist with CAVA's special education department. She graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies. She expanded her education at the University of La Verne, completing a Masters of Education and a Master of Science in special education. Amber is a dually credentialed teacher with a multiple subject CLAD general education credential and a mild/moderate education specialist credential. Prior to her role as program specialist, she was a special education teacher and regional education specialist with CAVA. Before joining CAVA, Amber taught for 10 years in the brick-and-mortar setting as a general education teacher and special education teacher in various service models from full inclusion to special day class. She works closely with students and families, supporting them with their learning goals.

Program Specialist, Special Education High School
Symphony Baldwin completed her bachelor's degree and earned a general education and special education credential from California State University, Fresno. She also holds a master's degree in education. Mrs. Baldwin has been with CAVA since 2005, working as a special education teacher for three years prior to becoming an administrator. Before coming to California Virtual Academies, Mrs. Baldwin taught special education for four years. She lives on the Central Coast with her husband and four children.