FACULTY & STAFF
The Elite team is dedicated to our mission of transforming independent study in public education so ALL students graduate well prepared for the 21st century.
Highly qualified
Committed to providing a superior independent study program
Believe in their students’ ability to learn
Elite Academic Academy's Groundbreaking White Paper on the Future of Education
Elite Academic Academy has released its 2025 white paper, From Teaching to Empowering: Revolutionizing Education in the Age of AI, a visionary roadmap for transforming public education. Co-authored by Elite Co-Founder Meghan Freeman, M.Ed., and Anna Shildrick, the publication calls for a shift from outdated professional development to sustained coaching and educator empowerment through the innovative EliteX Fellowship Program. Rooted in Elite’s mission of personalized learning, EliteX equips teachers to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in students. Recognized as a California Distinguished School and placed on the California Honor Roll, Elite continues to redefine educational excellence. The white paper challenges educators nationwide to embrace agency, equity, and innovation—preparing students to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Read From Teaching to Empowering: Revolutionizing Education in the Age of AI, a white paper, below:
Academic Leaders
Dr. Laura Spencer
Chief Academic Officer
Directors
Mrs. Shirley Alvarez
Assistant Director of Flex Academy
Ms. Crystal Casey
Director of Virtual Academy
Mrs. Misty Cervantes
Associate Director of Special Education
Dr. Jennifer Edick
Director of Special Education
Mr. Evan Jorgensen
Director of Homeschool Academy
Mrs. Karen Makkai
Director of MTSS
Mrs. Kristine Mason
Associate Director of Academic Programs
Mrs. Lupe Rodriguez
CTE Associate Director
Ms. Teresa Schaffer
Director of Community Relations
Mrs. Ashly Steele
Director of Academic Innovation
Mr. Preston Stein
Associate Director of IT
Mrs. Marisa Thompson
Associate Director of Curriculum
Mrs. Monique Waithe
Senior Director of Student Development & Flex Academy
Mrs. Allison Watters
Associate Director of Virtual Academy
Ms. Chelsie Wright
Homeschool Assistant Director
Coordinators
Mr. Derik Nelson
Coordinator of Creative Music
Mrs. Amberlee Potrero
Compliance Coordinator | Teacher of Record - Virtual
Mrs. Antonette Sims
Coordinator of Assessments and Accountability
Mr. Nolan Smith
Marketing Coordinator
Mr. Christopher Waithe
IT - Technology Support Coordinator
