Administration
Annie Millar, MA
Executive Director
Annie Millar is a long-time educator who has worked in public schools as a classroom teacher, a charter school administrator and, in traditional public schools, as a site and district office administrator. Her most recent position was as the Executive Director of Ceiba Public Schools in Watsonville, a grades 6-12 charter school with a mission of supporting students in “getting to and through college”. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Healdsburg Unified School District in Sonoma County. She has worked previously in Sonoma, Contra Costa and San Francisco Counties. She is committed to a constructivist approach with the goals of integrating academic skills, building real-world connections and engaging students’ hearts and minds in their learning. Annie attended sixth grade in Mexico and became fluent in Spanish. She has a particular commitment to students who thrive in small, alternative environments and to students who are learning English as a second language. After school and on weekends, you can find Annie playing music, practicing yoga, and doing her homework. She is two thirds of the way through completing a Master of Social Work with an online program at the University of Montana. This second Master’s Degree has influenced her work as a school administrator in the areas of advocating for well-being, supporting students and families through challenges and working for a better world.
Lauren Ricker
Instructional Coordinator
Office Support Staff
Grisela Macias
Office Manager
Cathy Dozier
Administrative Assistant
Jocelyn Jacobo
Front Desk/Family Liaison
Kindergarten, First, & Second Grade Teachers
Teacher Jordan H., MA
Manta Ray Kindergarten
Hello! This is my second year teaching kindergarten at Oasis. I graduated from William Jewell College with a bachelors degree and continued my education at National University to earn my teaching credential and Masters in Inspired Teaching with emphasis in ELL Education. I am excited to get to know everyone and help my students learn in a hands on, safe, and inclusive environment.
Teacher Kelsey W.
Sea Horse, Kindergarten/First Grade Combo
Teacher Ms. Flores
Sea Star, First Grade
Ms. Flores has brought joy and smiles to our first grade class. She is highly proficient at teaching phonics and it shows in her students. She creates exciting learning opportunities for the first grade students in her classroom.
Teacher Ian
Manatee 2nd Grade
My name is Ian Cooper and I will be teaching your amazing students this year! I am so excited to be joining the Oasis community and I can not wait to get to know your students. This year we will be embarking on a learning journey where students work together to answer our essential questions and solve real life problems. Fun is one of the most important things for students to have at school and we have some exciting and fun projects that students will work on this year. Communication is valued and I will listen carefully to all students and parents concerns and I am willing to make any adjustment needed to ensure that students are having fun on their learning journey.
Third, Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Grade Teachers
Miss Erica
3rd Grade
I’m Miss Erica. This will be my 10th year teaching and my 1st at Oasis. I graduated Humboldt State in 2013 and attended CSU Stanislaus for my teaching credential. I have taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. When I am not in the classroom, I love to be at home cuddling with my 2 cats, Minnie and Mochie. I also enjoy reading, baking, crafting, journaling and exploring new places. I grew up in Santa Maria but moved to Salinas in 2005 where I attended North Salinas High School followed by Hartnell College. After living in Northern California for 5 years, I moved back to Salinas. I am looking forward to an amazing year getting to know everyone and am excited to be a part of the Oasis team.
Teacher Mrs. Clark
Sea Otter, 4th Grade
“Hi there! My name is Mrs. Clark. I’m so lucky to be able to teach at Oasis Charter Public School. I am going into my fourth year of teaching and I have a Master’s in Education. I absolutely love what I do! Building strong relationships with my students and helping them discover their unique potential is my passion. When I’m not in the classroom, I spend time with my amazing husband and our three wonderful sons. In my teaching, I focus on project-based learning, which allows for students to acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems. I’m excited to continue this journey and inspire my students to be themselves and learn in different, creative ways!”
Teacher Niecky
Dolphin 5th Grade
Hello, I’m Niecky Ovando and I have had the pleasure of teaching 5th Grade for many years. I love arts and crafts, reading and listening to books, sports, hiking and making learning fun. I am honored to be a part of the Oasis Charter School team.
Teacher Ms. O'Connor, MA
Sea Turtle, 6th Grade
Hello. My name is Ms. O’Connor and I’m excited to be a part of the Oasis family. I have been in education for over 10 years. I graduated Chico State with my B.A. and Brandman University with my master’s degree. During my undergrad program, I was an international student in Japan where I studied the language and culture. After graduation, I jumped into my career, where I’ve had the opportunity to teach many different grades and subjects.
I grew up in Reno, NV. After high school, I moved to Sacramento then finally moved to Salinas. My hobbies include SCUBA diving, paddle boarding, hiking, and traveling. I love the adventure of exploring the oceans and learning about new cultures. My goals for the future is to skydive and travel to Antarctica.
Specialty Staff
Maria Tavares
School Counselor
Mona Stardig
Whale Shark, ELD
My name is Mona and I teach English Language Development at Oasis, where I have been for seven years. Previously, I taught for many years in bilingual programs in North Monterey County. Originally from Minnesota, I attended Concordia College where I studied music and Spanish. After graduation, I moved to Spain for several years to practice my Spanish, and began teaching English as a Foreign Language. I discovered I loved teaching! When I returned to the U.S., I moved to California and began a credential program. I enjoy teaching ELD at Oasis, incorporating the arts and making learning fun. In my leisure time, I love traveling, walking by the ocean, reading, playing piano, and playing with my cat.
Chelsea Palmer
Nautilus, Reading Interventionist
Chelsea Palmer is the current ELA Interventionist at Oasis Charter School. Born and raised in Salinas, she is an alumnus of Hartnell College and California State University Monterey Bay with degrees in Elementary Education and Liberal Studies and a minor in the Performing Arts. Chelsea’s love for literacy began at an early age and is excited to share the joys of reading and writing with her students. When she is not in the classroom, Chelsea enjoys her involvement in local theatre, as well as art, writing, sewing, and baking.
Paraprofessionals
Nayeli Salinas
Paraprofessional Kinder
Christine Fernandez
Paraprofessional for Kindergarten/First Grade Combo
Claudia Murillo
Paraprofessional for 1st & 2nd Grade
Olivia Escobar
ELD Paraprofessional/ELPAC Proctor
Berenise Bonilla
Special Education Paraprofessional
Cherie Onitsuka
Special Education Paraprofessional
Recess & Lunch Assistants
Angela Gietzen
Recess & Lunch Assistant
Mariana Amador
Recess & Lunch Assistant
Danelle Newman
Recess & Lunch Assistant
Nutrition & Maintenance Staff
Yessica Xirum
Nutritional Coordinator
Salvador Guerra
Lead Custodian
Life After School
Zyla Castaneda
LAS Co-Coordinator
Mariana Amador
LAS Co-Coordinator
Katie Oviedo
LAS Assistant
Alicia Manzo
LAS Assistant
Daniela Tidwell
LAS Assistant
Frogh Pioan
LAS Assistant