Meet our Teachers
Trust the Expertise of California's Best Teachers
Teachers at the California Virtual Academies are among the best in the state for virtual education. They consider themselves your partners in your children's education and are available every school day to help you and your children through any challenges you may face. Here are a few of the regular education, special education, and Title 1 teachers you'll get to know at the California Virtual Academies.
Miriah Kellison
Miriah Kellison holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Claremont McKenna College and a master's degree in education from Claremont Graduate University. She taught fourth and fifth grade in the Los Angeles area for four years before joining a small group of teachers hired to launch CAVA in August of 2002. During her six years with CAVA, she has been a teacher, a lead teacher, and a regional lead teacher and is now working as a compliancy coordinator. Ms. Kellison is known for developing strong relationships with her students, families, and teachers. These relationships allow her to provide a high level of support that ensures the success of all members of the learning community.
Joy Delgallego
Joy Delgallego received her bachelor's degree in elementary education, Multiple Subject (K-8) Teaching Credential, and CLAD certification from San Diego State University. She also holds a supplementary authorization to teach middle-school English. Ms. Delgallego has four years of teaching experience as a public school teacher in the primary grades and has worked as a CAVA teacher for two years. As a public school teacher, she had the unique opportunity to collaborate and co-create a program for English Language Learners.
Jennifer Falco
Jennifer Falco earned her bachelor's degree, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Language Development Specialist certificate from CSU Fresno. After teaching in Clovis Unified for seven years, she worked for the SRA textbook company as a consultant. The experience gave her the opportunity to instruct other teachers and observe several different classroom settings. The experience also provided her with opportunities such as writing California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon applications, applying for grants, and working as a master teacher for student teachers. Ms. Falco joined CAVA full-time in the fall of 2005.
Leah Fellows
Leah Fellows received her associate's degree in child growth and development and taught pre-kindergarten while working toward her bachelor's degree. She received her bachelor's degree, and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, from California State University San Bernardino. Ms. Fellows taught first and second grade for six years where she worked with English learners. Leah has been a CAVA teacher since 2002 and is currently working with the Community Day program as the Master Teacher of Community Day. She is working toward a master's degree in education at Chapman University and lives in Mission Viejo with her husband and their two daughters.
Stacy Smith
Stacy Smith has a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach. She began her teaching career in a public school in Los Angeles County while enrolled in the University of California, Los Angeles Urban Intern Program. After completing the two-year intern program, she received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with CLAD Emphasis. She taught kindergarten and grades 2-4, during her eight years of brick-and-mortar experience, and helped contribute to the school earning a 10 in the API's similar schools ranking during her last three years there. While teaching at the school, she participated as a member of the school site leadership team, as well as a district-wide compliancy team, and served one term as a master teacher. In 2002, Ms. Smith received her master's degree in educational management from the University of La Verne and completed the Certificate of Eligibility for the Administrative Services Credential. This is her third school year with CAVA and her first year as a Community Day Teacher.
Miriah Kellison
Miriah Kellison holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Claremont McKenna College and a master's degree in education from Claremont Graduate University. She taught fourth and fifth grade in the Los Angeles area for four years before joining a small group of teachers hired to launch CAVA in August of 2002. During her six years with CAVA, she has been a teacher, a lead teacher, and a regional lead teacher and is now working as a compliancy coordinator. Ms. Kellison is known for developing strong relationships with her students, families, and teachers. These relationships allow her to provide a high level of support that ensures the success of all members of the learning community.
Joy Delgallego
Joy Delgallego received her bachelor's degree in elementary education, Multiple Subject (K-8) Teaching Credential, and CLAD certification from San Diego State University. She also holds a supplementary authorization to teach middle-school English. Ms. Delgallego has four years of teaching experience as a public school teacher in the primary grades and has worked as a CAVA teacher for two years. As a public school teacher, she had the unique opportunity to collaborate and co-create a program for English Language Learners.
Jennifer Falco
Jennifer Falco earned her bachelor's degree, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Language Development Specialist certificate from CSU Fresno. After teaching in Clovis Unified for seven years, she worked for the SRA textbook company as a consultant. The experience gave her the opportunity to instruct other teachers and observe several different classroom settings. The experience also provided her with opportunities such as writing California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon applications, applying for grants, and working as a master teacher for student teachers. Ms. Falco joined CAVA full-time in the fall of 2005.
Leah Fellows
Leah Fellows received her associate's degree in child growth and development and taught pre-kindergarten while working toward her bachelor's degree. She received her bachelor's degree, and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, from California State University San Bernardino. Ms. Fellows taught first and second grade for six years where she worked with English learners. Leah has been a CAVA teacher since 2002 and is currently working with the Community Day program as the Master Teacher of Community Day. She is working toward a master's degree in education at Chapman University and lives in Mission Viejo with her husband and their two daughters.
Stacy Smith
Stacy Smith has a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach. She began her teaching career in a public school in Los Angeles County while enrolled in the University of California, Los Angeles Urban Intern Program. After completing the two-year intern program, she received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with CLAD Emphasis. She taught kindergarten and grades 2-4, during her eight years of brick-and-mortar experience, and helped contribute to the school earning a 10 in the API's similar schools ranking during her last three years there. While teaching at the school, she participated as a member of the school site leadership team, as well as a district-wide compliancy team, and served one term as a master teacher. In 2002, Ms. Smith received her master's degree in educational management from the University of La Verne and completed the Certificate of Eligibility for the Administrative Services Credential. This is her third school year with CAVA and her first year as a Community Day Teacher.
