Melissa Krause
Antoinette Carter
PARENT. ABOLITIONIST. CURATOR. ACTIVIST. SCHOLAR. EDUCATOR. WRITER. LEADER. PORPHYROPHILE.
I am very excited to serve as the Vice Principal/Business Manager for Courtyard School. Prior to joining the Courtyard community, I was an educator, a youth counselor, a mental health advocate, a Girl Scout leader and, most importantly, a parent to five wonderful children. I understand deeply the importance of community in helping children to grow into strong, well-rounded individuals.
I hold a Juris Doctorate, a Master鈥檚 degree in Business Administration and Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees in Psychology and in African & Afro-American Studies. I worked for 13 years in the General Education Department at Carrington College California, and has served as an Administrator and Executive Director for several children鈥檚 therapeutic residential programs. I simultaneously led three Girl Scout troops for 20 years, helping foster resourcefulness, resilience, and community involvement for girls from kindergarten through high school.
Outside of school hours, I am is an enthusiastic patron of the arts, including visual, performing, and culinary. You can find me enjoying classic films at home or at Tower Theatre with my film club, being captivated by Broadway on Tour musicals with my eldest son, or, with a host of friends and family, finding the most delicious restaurants in Sacramento (and beyond).
Fatima Lewis
Fatima Lewis has been working in education for 15 years. She began teaching Kindergarten and eventually ended up in administration at a private school in Stockton,Ca. She has been at Courtyard since 2021 and enjoys being around the children and staff.
Fatima enjoys yoga, walking her dog & spending time with friends and family. When traveling, Fatima loves to go on adventures.
One of the best and most unique things about Courtyard is the teachers. They don鈥檛 just help their students because it is their job, they truly care about them. They do a fabulous job encouraging them and interacting with them.鈥�
Jennifer Mattson
Ms. Mattson has worked at Courtyard since 2004. During those years, she worked as an EDC leader, a middle school teacher, and started the Courtyard听 TK program in 2008. Ms. Mattson loves that the majority of her days are spent with students who make her laugh and are so honest with their thoughts and feelings. 鈥淲ith them, I get to be silly and dramatic, celebrate their many accomplishments, sing for a large part of the day, and assist in their character development,鈥� says Ms. Mattson.
Ms. Mattson loves working at Courtyard because we are a close-knit community with an emphasis on social-emotional skills. We have a wonderful staff, and she considers it an honor to work with such a supportive and collaborative group of people.
When not on campus, you can often find Ms. Mattson hiking, cooking, baking, crafting or collecting quirky houseplants.
Mariah Garcia
Hello, I am Ms. Mariah the aide in the TK class and also after school program. I am a parent to an awesome kiddo (age 9) and on my free time I love to stay active or get outside.
With my background as a Behavioral Interventionist, in many settings such as schools and summer camp, I have worked with students and families across all needs so I feel skilled and confident to help navigate, with our staff, the best solutions for serving our families and students.
I also have a performance background and so keeping the arts in education as a big passion of mine. If you see me on campus don鈥檛 be afraid to stop and say hi 馃檪
Caitlin Middaugh
Mrs. Caitlin Middaugh is a dedicated kindergarten teacher with over 16 years of experience. She has been a member of the Courtyard community for the past 11 years, teaching both first grade and kindergarten. She graduated with honors from UC Davis before earning her teaching credential and master鈥檚 degree from the University of San Francisco.
Mrs. Middaugh believes in the joy of discovery and values the wisdom she gains from her students. Mrs. Middaugh creates an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where children thrive.
With a deep understanding of kindergarteners’ unique needs, Mrs. Middaugh fosters a dynamic learning environment. She incorporates hands-on activities, interactive games, and creative projects to make learning come alive. Her classroom is filled with colorful displays and a diverse collection of books that caters to her students’ interests.
Mrs. Middaugh believes in building strong partnerships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication, and involving them in their children’s education.
Beyond teaching, Mrs. Middaugh enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with her family.
Kathy Cruz
Ms. Kathy currently works as a teacher鈥檚 aide in Mrs. Middaugh鈥檚 kindergarten classroom.听 She also teaches art to the kindergarten class each week. Ms. Kathy has worked at Courtyard for 27 years. Yes, that long! When working with kids, Ms Kathy says that, 鈥淚t puts a smile on my face when I see someone have that Aha! Moment, that moment when they realize they finally get it (reading, sounding out words, etc.).鈥� What makes Ms. Kathy鈥檚 job special? She says, 鈥淚 think the main reason I have stayed at Courtyard for so long is the family feel of the school. I love that it is a small school where everyone knows everyone. It has always been a joy coming in to work each day.鈥� Something that people may not know about Ms. Kathy is that she loves listening to a variety of music from 80鈥檚 pop, Motown, Disney songs, rock, and even heavy metal.
Mallary Heaton
Mrs. Mallary Heaton is a creative and caring 1st grade teacher with over 10 years of experience. She earned her BA from San Francisco State University with honors, and continued onto Graduate School at Mills College where she earned her multiple subject teaching certificate w/ an emphasis on social justice. She has been teaching at Courtyard for 4 years and feels like she finally found her 鈥渉ome鈥� as an educator.
Mallary creates a warm and enriching classroom environment. She believes that in order for children to learn and be successful, they need to feel safe, valued, and have their needs met. Additionally, Mallary honors the parents-teacher relationship as this is a major component to student success.
Having taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade, Mallary has a deep understanding and experience with teaching the foundations that are essential for later grades. She nurtures students with a social-emotional approach, and looks for ways to strengthen inclusion in the classroom. Integrating art & nature is also one of her strengths. When you step into her classroom, you will feel calm and curious.
When she is not in the classroom, Mallary loves to make art and learn new things. She loves traveling and spending time with her 2 daughters and husband.
Elena Oaks
I graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Special Education. I have been teaching since 2020 and am grateful to be working at Courtyard. I have two motos that guide my teaching 鈥� ‘Be The Light’ and ‘You Can Do Hard Things.’ I always make sure I have a smile on my face and that I’m the light for my students so that they feel safe, loved, and supported.听
I understand the importance of supporting students with their social and emotional well being and all their sensory needs. I make sure that my students have a safe and calming place in the classroom when big emotions are expressed as well as calming and sensory items such as soft pillows and blankets, fidgets, wobble chairs and cushions, wiggle bands and lots of open space for students to move around.
I’m understanding, kind-hearted and loving and very big on听communication with all the families. When I’m not in the classroom I love to travel – especially to Monterey, ride my stand-up jet ski, wake-surf, hike, and play with my crazy black lab, Gracie.
Debra Cole
Hello, I am proud to say that I鈥檝e been working for Courtyard Private School for four years. I started as an EDC staff for a year and was happily promoted to teacher鈥檚 assistant. It鈥檚 been a great experience being with all of the staff and students and I look forward to helping students achieve success.
Michael Panush
We are super excited to highlight Michael Panush (better known to the Courtyard community as Mr. P), as a 3rd/4th grade teacher. Formerly, Mr. P has taught writing, PE, and has been an EDC leader. Why does he love working at Courtyard so much? 鈥淭he sheer enthusiasm that kids have greatly inspires me. Their compassion, intelligence, and ability to find joy and be amazed in all things is what I like most about working with young people,鈥� says Mr. P. He utilizes students鈥� creativity whenever he can, whether that鈥檚 through innovative, creative assignments in the classroom or in role-playing adventures after school. Something that people may not know about Mr. P is that he鈥檚 a published author of several books. You can learn more about Mr. P and his creative writing at .
Stephanie Alonso
Hello there! I鈥檓 excited to be joining the team as a first-year teacher. I bring a strong foundation in education, with hands-on experience working with students from kindergarten through eighth grade, developed through various roles in my hometown of Visalia, California. I earned my associate degree from the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, my bachelor鈥檚 degree from Sacramento State University, and my master鈥檚 degree from the University of San Francisco. One of my greatest passions is music, and I enjoy incorporating it into my lessons to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment. I look forward to helping students thrive both academically and personally, nurturing curiosity and growth along the way.
Ezra Ranew
I hold a B.S. in Public Administration from St. Petersburg College, an M.A. in History from SNHU, and current Ph.D. candidate at Gratz College in Holocaust & Genocide Studies. I have been a teacher full or part-time since 2015 and taught across three counties in Florida and now two in California.
Ph.D. candidate; Navy veteran (2004-08)
I love foxes, they鈥檙e adorable and have so many different vocalizations.
Heather Dominguez
Ms. Heather Dominguez has been a most valuable member of our Courtyard staff for the past twelve years. She is currently our EDC director, middle school teacher, athletic director, snake trapper, and Health Ed teacher. She also coordinates graduation and the STEAM fair, as well as evaluates our history curriculum and helps with campus trainings.听 In the past, she has taught both science and drama, coached volleyball, taught percussion, and served as student council director. Ms.听 Heather loves working at Courtyard because it is her second home. It is an ever-growing family that loves and celebrates difference and teaches from a loving perspective. When asked what she likes most about working with kids, Ms. Heather says, 鈥淚t is a well of hope.听 Watching the student learn and grow into critical thinkers, explorers, artists, and above all else, kind human beings, fills me with hope for the future.鈥� Some fun facts about Ms. Heather is that she鈥檚 a fan of Batman, comic books, and anime.
Noelani Allison-Lavea
Talofa! My name is Noelani, and I proudly serve as the middle school sidekick.
As the eldest of many siblings, I naturally grew into the role of caring for our younger friends. Creating a safe space and making sure everyone feels supported truly brings me joy. While you鈥檒l often catch me laughing with the older kids, I鈥檓 just as likely to jump in and help wherever I鈥檓 needed (shout out 1st grade!) Beyond that, I help bring our memories to life by working on the yearbook. Working in this community has given me a sense of direction, and I鈥檒l soon be returning to school to pursue a career in education鈥攚hether that path leads me to teaching or counseling!
Outside of school, I鈥檓 a huge car enthusiast, I absolutely love video games, and I take pride in learning more about my Samoan heritage and Pacific Islander culture as a whole.
Matt Kramer
Matthew Kramer, better known as Chef Matt, has worked at Courtyard for the past eight years as our incredible chef. For the past eight years, Chef Matt has been an invaluable part of the Courtyard community. Chef Matt wears many different hats here at Courtyard. Not only does he serve and prepare delicious hot lunches to staff and students each day, but he also prepares food for our annual Crab Feed and other school events and helps with different jobs around campus. Chef Matt likes working at Courtyard because we offer a great education to all the students. Additionally, the staff is also super friendly and fun to work with. 鈥淚 like working with kids because they bring a smile to my face every day. I love to see how excited they get about the food and hearing their honest opinions on the food. They are all just amazing to be around overall, says Matt.鈥� Something that people may not know about Chef Matt is that he is a multi-instrumentalist and loves to make music.
Jesse Meade
Ms. Jesse Meade has worked at Courtyard Private School for seven years.
鈥淚 love helping kids overcome obstacles. I want to be present in the classroom the moment children discover intrigue for the world around them. I鈥檝e had tremendous joy watching kids grow into passionate driven human beings,鈥� says Ms. Jesse.
Ms. Jesse wears many hats at the Courtyard. She will help where she鈥檚 needed. She loves teaching students a love for sports and how to grow veggies and fruit.
A little known fact about Ms. Jesse is that she鈥檚 a certified yoga teacher 200 hr YTA. She incorporates Yoga and Mindfulness into our PE program.
Adriana Salda帽a
Sra. Salda帽a, our dedicated Spanish teacher at Courtyard for the past five years, embodies the essence of her Hispanic heritage. With over 30 years of her life spent in Mexico, she carries the rich tapestry of her roots as a badge of honor.
Her journey began in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico, and her academic foundation took root at the prestigious “Universidad Nacional Aut贸noma de M茅xico” (UNAM), one of Latin America’s largest and most esteemed universities. This foundation at UNAM not only equipped her with a strong academic background but also instilled in her a profound appreciation for the value of knowledge.
Having spent the majority of her life in Mexico, Sra. Salda帽a brings a wealth of cultural understanding and personal experiences to her role as an educator. Her Mexican heritage is not just a part of her identity; it significantly influences her teaching style, making her classroom a place where cultural exchange thrives.
Sra. Salda帽a finds immense joy and gratitude in the transformative power of education. She understands that her guidance and mentorship can shape the future of her students, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. She takes immense pride in empowering young minds with self-confidence, resilience, and an appreciation for their unique cultural identities.
Beyond her role as an educator, Sra. Salda帽a has a passion for exploring and understanding the world. Her hobbies include traveling to different parts of the globe, immersing herself in new cultures, and learning new languages. Her curiosity fuels her desire to create an environment where diverse backgrounds are appreciated and understood.
In addition to her teaching career, there’s a surprising facet to Sra. Saldana’s life. She is a licensed general practitioner with expertise in anesthesiology in Mexico and has further contributed to the field of medicine by teaching at a university in her hometown. Her diverse experiences and knowledge enrich her teaching, making her a truly remarkable and dedicated educator.
Anthony Tavianini
Anthony Tavianini just came on board as our new music teacher. Mr. Tavianini is a well-known name in the performing arts community of Sacramento. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Voice and Music Education at Sacramento State, and his Masters of Teaching through the University of San Francisco.
Previously, he spent seven years as the music director at St. Patrick Academy, teaching general music, instruments, voice, piano, and musical theater. He has been a regular performer with numerous ensembles and organizations in the area, including the Sacramento Master Singers, Light Opera Theater of Sacramento, the All Voices Choral Project, Runaway Stage Productions, Sacramento and Bay Area Opera, and many others.
His diverse experience also includes vocal jazz, acapella, and barbershop. He has worked as a vocalist and accompanist at numerous Catholic, Lutheran, and non-denominational churches in the greater Sacramento area. He currently teaches private voice and piano lessons through the Sacramento Preparatory Music Academy, and will soon be taking over the mantle of music director for the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento.
Mr. Tavianini is looking forward to working in an environment with diversity in beliefs and values and honing in on ways to serve and connect with his students. In his spare time, Mr. Tavianini likes to perform with different communities as well as in cabaret performances. He has taken up yoga since the beginning of COVID quarantine. He鈥檚 also left-handed and enjoys the outdoors.
Eva Monary
Brie BeGole
Bay Area born and raised, Ms. Brie graduated UC Davis with a BA in both history and linguistics, and has been working in after school care since 2016. Ms. Brie is passionate about providing an after-school environment where children not only feel supported but able to thrive in a holistic manner, succeeding not only in academics but in exploring their interests and identity. She also cares deeply about the creative arts, regardless of medium, and inspiring others to do the same. In her spare time, Ms. Brie is a digital artist for video games, but also enjoys books, tabletop games, and motorcycle riding.
Key Achievements: BA in history and linguistics | professional artist for tabletop and video games | first degree Taekwondo black belt
Fun Fact: Ms. Brie is quadrilingual and her first language is Dutch.
Kayla Cisco
Hello, my name is Kayla Cisco. My pronouns are she/her. I have been at Courtyard Private School for 5 years in October. I started here as an EDC leader, then shortly was offered to be Mrs. Heaton鈥檚 TA and gladly accepted. I am so grateful and happy to be here with all of the wonderful kids and staff!
Go cougars!听
听
Olivia Goodell
听I鈥檝e been at Courtyard since January of 2024 as the 3/4 EDC Leader and I鈥檓 currently going to Sierra College for my AA degree to then transfer to finish my BA degree to become an elementary teacher. I absolutely love seeing the kid鈥檚 personality come out in different types of activities and games that we do. I always strive to ensure that the kids are in a caring and loving environment and that they see me as a human who isn鈥檛 perfect so they feel more comfortable with making mistakes and not being perfect as well. My goal is to try and strengthen relationships between the kids with respect, boundaries, and grace.
With limited full adult responsibilities, I find it easy to help families I know with tutoring or babysitting when needed so I鈥檓 always open to helping Courtyard families when needed! Just talk to me on campus and I鈥檇 love to help if I can!
Outside of Courtyard you might catch me making some sourdough bread, playing piano, organ, or drums, taking pictures, or in church on Sundays 馃檪
Javier Jiminez
Javier is responsible for maintaining a clean campus, through a variety of tasks, which include mopping and vacuuming floors, cleaning surfaces with disinfectants, and emptying trash cans or recycling bins. He is among the unsung heroes around our halls, and we need him now more than ever to help our school remain safe and open.
Courtyard School is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications and competence. The School does not discriminate on the basis of an individual鈥檚 sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), age (40 and over), marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
