Meet our Administrators
Trust the Dedication of California's Foremost Educational Leaders
CAVA's administrative staff is composed of professionals and specialists dedicated to making a virtual academy a very real learning experience. Here are some of the people who work behind the scenes to keep CAVA responsive to your needs:
Vice President, Western Region
James Konantz was formerly Assistant Superintendent for Secondary School Redesign and Charter School Development of the Los Angeles Unified School District. In his 35-year career with LAUSD, Mr. Konantz served in a variety of roles that included instruction, administration, career development, technology, and instructional materials. He was a teacher for seven years, an instructional advisor, and an assistant principal, and had leadership roles in curriculum development, special education, career development, and specialized programs for high-risk youth. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Konantz led the information and technology efforts of LAUSD, including the E-rate program. Mr. Konantz was the recipient of the 2002 "Shaper of the Future" award from “Converge Magazine” and the "Technology for Learning" award from the L.A. County Superintendent of Schools. He has also served as a consultant to numerous organizations, including the Japanese Ministry of Science, Technology, and Education.
Head of Schools
Katrina Abston is the Head of Schools for the California Virtual Academies. Having gained experience in traditional brick-and-mortar and independent study settings, she brings a broad scope of educational knowledge to her position. Serving on state committees, reviewing curriculum, teaching parenting classes, and designing home interventions for special education students are a few of the leadership roles Ms. Abston has performed during her years of charter school service. Her administrative experience includes working as a categorical projects manager, case manager, special education director, district-wide teacher coach, and various other school management positions. She holds a Multiple Subject Credential, a Mild to Moderate Education Specialist Credential, and a master's degree in special education. She has chosen public school and homeschool placements as educational options for her children.
Academic Administrator
Laura Terrazas is CAVA's Academic Administrator. She graduated from CSU, Fresno, with a bachelor's in English and nutrition, and received her multi-subject teaching credential from National University. Laura has a single-subject credential in English and a mild/moderate special education credential. She previously held the position of a general education teacher, where she gained expertise in the K12 curriculum. Laura also served as special education teacher and the special education coordinator with CAVA. In these positions she worked closely with families, supporting them with their learning. She also worked closely with the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), developing SELPA petitions and policies, and ensuring that all students receive services. Laura has experience in brick-and-mortar settings in the independent study/charter school field, and she works hard to ensure that all her students get the opportunity to be successful.
Special Education Coordinator
Maria Carr is the special education coordinator for the California Virtual Academies. She received her master's degree in special education from National University and is fully credentialed as a special education teacher as well as credentialed as a Multiple Subject teacher. She has a wide range of experience in the special education classroom, which allows her to support the special education students at the California Virtual Academies. She has also worked with ESL students and general education students. Ms. Carr has taken additional coursework through Southern Illinois University in behavior analysis and is preparing to become board certified in behavior analysis. Additionally, she is an Associate Educational Therapist certified through the Association of Educational Therapists. She has articles published in "Converge Magazine" and "T.H.E. Journal (Technology Horizons in Education)," and has an article to be published in "The Educational Therapist." Ms. Carr is fully committed to a successful partnership between parents and teachers to enable students to maximize their full academic and personal potential.
Vice President, Western Region
James Konantz was formerly Assistant Superintendent for Secondary School Redesign and Charter School Development of the Los Angeles Unified School District. In his 35-year career with LAUSD, Mr. Konantz served in a variety of roles that included instruction, administration, career development, technology, and instructional materials. He was a teacher for seven years, an instructional advisor, and an assistant principal, and had leadership roles in curriculum development, special education, career development, and specialized programs for high-risk youth. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Konantz led the information and technology efforts of LAUSD, including the E-rate program. Mr. Konantz was the recipient of the 2002 "Shaper of the Future" award from “Converge Magazine” and the "Technology for Learning" award from the L.A. County Superintendent of Schools. He has also served as a consultant to numerous organizations, including the Japanese Ministry of Science, Technology, and Education.
Head of Schools
Katrina Abston is the Head of Schools for the California Virtual Academies. Having gained experience in traditional brick-and-mortar and independent study settings, she brings a broad scope of educational knowledge to her position. Serving on state committees, reviewing curriculum, teaching parenting classes, and designing home interventions for special education students are a few of the leadership roles Ms. Abston has performed during her years of charter school service. Her administrative experience includes working as a categorical projects manager, case manager, special education director, district-wide teacher coach, and various other school management positions. She holds a Multiple Subject Credential, a Mild to Moderate Education Specialist Credential, and a master's degree in special education. She has chosen public school and homeschool placements as educational options for her children.
Academic Administrator
Laura Terrazas is CAVA's Academic Administrator. She graduated from CSU, Fresno, with a bachelor's in English and nutrition, and received her multi-subject teaching credential from National University. Laura has a single-subject credential in English and a mild/moderate special education credential. She previously held the position of a general education teacher, where she gained expertise in the K12 curriculum. Laura also served as special education teacher and the special education coordinator with CAVA. In these positions she worked closely with families, supporting them with their learning. She also worked closely with the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), developing SELPA petitions and policies, and ensuring that all students receive services. Laura has experience in brick-and-mortar settings in the independent study/charter school field, and she works hard to ensure that all her students get the opportunity to be successful.
Special Education Coordinator
Maria Carr is the special education coordinator for the California Virtual Academies. She received her master's degree in special education from National University and is fully credentialed as a special education teacher as well as credentialed as a Multiple Subject teacher. She has a wide range of experience in the special education classroom, which allows her to support the special education students at the California Virtual Academies. She has also worked with ESL students and general education students. Ms. Carr has taken additional coursework through Southern Illinois University in behavior analysis and is preparing to become board certified in behavior analysis. Additionally, she is an Associate Educational Therapist certified through the Association of Educational Therapists. She has articles published in "Converge Magazine" and "T.H.E. Journal (Technology Horizons in Education)," and has an article to be published in "The Educational Therapist." Ms. Carr is fully committed to a successful partnership between parents and teachers to enable students to maximize their full academic and personal potential.
