TEACHERS
Peter Abboud is NVUSD's Director of Data & Assessment Services. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant principal at Vintage High School and as a math/science teacher and instructional coach at New Technology High School. He holds a bachelors degree from UC Davis, masters degree from Touro University, and a doctorate from Brandman University. Peter is a Google Certified trainer and teaches the Google Apps course for Napa Valley Adult Education.
Education:
- Ed.D. Organizational Leadership from Brandman University
- M.A. Educational Technology,Touro University
- B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UC Davis
Tava is a Napa native with nearly a decade of teaching experience ranging from K-12 to Adult Education. She began studying languages at a young age, and later pursued advanced studies in Spanish, French and English linguistics both in the US and France. She enjoys traveling (40 countries and counting!) and working with students from all cultures.
Education:
- M.A. TESOL, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
I have worked for NVAE for over 20 years teaching parenting classes, acting as Lead Teacher for ASK12, and was formerly a Coordinator for the Older Adults and Community Education programs. I am currently co-coordinator of the First Step summer pre-kindergarten program and Lead Teacher for ASK12. I worked for 23 years at Vintage High School as a counselor in the Peer Support Program.
Education:
- BA. Psychology, California State University, Northridge
- M.P.H. Behavioral Sciences, UCLA
- PhD. Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda, CA
Former Silicon Valley Systems Engineer. In 2001, destiny brought me to the field of education, where I found my profession of life.
Education:
- M.S. Computer Information Systems, University of Phoenix, Pleasanton, CA.
Maureen loves working with students, staff and local businesses to insure Napa Valley Adult Education provides continuing education to all.
Education:
- B.S. Recreation Administration, Business Minor, California State University, East Bay
- Training and Human Resources Certificate, University of California, Berkeley
- Full-Time Adult School Teaching Credential
I graduated from Diablo Valley College with my certificate in culinary arts. I have worked in the industry for nearly 20 yrs and I'm currently the Chef/director of the Salvation Army Culinary training academy. I have my teaching credential and I over-see our entire program. We have partnered with Napa Valley Adult Education to bring some structure and teacher support to the program. We are currently in our 5th year of the Culinary program.
Education:
- Culinary graduate, CTE certified
I have taught English at Napa High School for the last 25 plus years. I have taught English Learners throughout my career. I live in Napa with my wife and two daughters. I have been a staff member at Adult Education for the past three years and enjoy working with the adult English Learners in our community.
Education:
- BA English, University Of California, Davis
- Teaching Credential Sonoma State University, Sonoma, CA
Kathryn has lived and traveled in many different places in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She has taught all levels of ESL in San Francisco, her native Napa, and Dallas, Texas. She loves to learn about cultures through language, food, and traditions. Her interests include theatre, British history, and cooking. Her goal is to make the classroom a fun and safe community of discovery for everyone.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts (English), Sonoma State University
- Master of Arts (TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages),California State University Sacramento
I was born and raised in the state of Maine, where I began my career teaching elementary classes ranging from Kindergarten to Third grades. My family and I moved to California for warmer and more inviting weather. I continued my career in elementary education, and retired after 20 years of teaching. However, I missed teaching so much, I returned to the profession to teach adult education.
Education:
- BS Health Education, University of Maine
- Masters, English and Language Arts Education
I have worked as an educator in the classroom as well as in educational publishing. I also have a business as an artist: I am a bookbinder, paper- and print-maker, seamstress, knitter, and quilter. Other interests include yoga and music.
Education:
- M.A. Latin American Studies, UCLA
- B.A. Spanish, California State University, San Diego
Chef Eric Magnani is a graduate of the esteemed CIA in Hyde Park, NY and is a Certified Master Taster. His work history boasts a who’s who of Luxury resorts, Restaurants, Wineries and Private Clubs. His passion for the culinary arts paired with his 30 years experience has led him to teaching. He enjoys giving back to the industry by working with students overcoming trans-formative life challenges to become aspiring cooks.
Education:
- A.O.S. Restaurant Management, Clark College, Vancouver, Washington
- A.O.S. Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York
I'm a 1st grade teacher by day & during the summer/evening I enjoy switching gears to teach parents in the 1st & 2nd Step Programs. I am lucky to live locally with my family (cats and dog included!)
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies & Minor in Spanish Cal State East Bay
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis in Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language Academic Development
I have been working for NVAE for over 15 years. I taught for eight years at a residential care facility in American Canyon in the Older Adults Program. Then, I joined the ESL department to teach multi-level English classes to second language learners. Prior to NVAE, I was a substitute teacher in the Vallejo school district for junior high, high school and adult school (adult with disabilities; GED; presently in ESL classes). I am committed to my students' success daily.
Education:
- San Francisco State University
- Sonoma State University
- U.C. Berkeley Extension
Liz McAdams is a native Spanish speaker who enjoys teaching all levels of Spanish. Liz has been teaching for 15 years for Parent Education. She was selected as Napa Valley Adult Education Teacher of the year in 2009. She also received an award in Excellence in Teaching in 2016 by the California Council for Adult Education. Her greatest pleasure is teaching. She has been doing this for 24 years.
Education:
- AA Solanco Commuinty College
- University of Guadalajara, Mexico
Kimberly Olson has spent a lifetime teaching and learning, but only began her career as a formal educator in 2013. She teaches Special Education, ESL, Academic Skill Building, and CTE Instructional Assistant courses. She is working on her doctoral dissertation on the topic of EMF and student behaviors, and lives in Napa with her dog, cats, chickens, bearded dragon, boa constrictor, and about 2,597 hummingbirds.
Education:
- B.A. English/Creative Writing, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
- M.S. Special Education, National University, La Jolla, CA
- Ph.D. (ABD) General Education, Northcentral University, San Diego, CA.
NVAE since 2015 in evening Adult Secondary Education Program. I also work for Napa COE teaching in the Court Community School Program teaching Napa County's most at-risk youth. World Traveler, Golfer.
Education:
- B.S. Political Science/German Studies, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
- Single Subject Teaching Credential, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Registered Nurse with over 15 years of management experience within nursing administration.
Education:
- BS
- RN
- MPA
- DSD
I'm a proud Napa native who enjoyed working in the wine industry before being inspired to go back to graduate school to become a teacher. It was a great decision! I love watching and playing sports with my son, especially when followed by post-game burgers.
Education:
- Multiple Subject Credential, Dominican University, San Rafael, CA
- Education Specialist Credential, Dominican University, San Rafael, CA
- MBA, Sonoma State University, Cotati, CA
- B.S. Management, Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA
I have been educating young children and creating curriculum for 25 years. I love the energy, curiosity, and joy little ones bring to the learning environment. It is truly inspiring to witness the laughter and the freedom young children find thorough play as they advance toward autonomy and learn to make sense of the world around them.
Education:
- Bachelor of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
- Multiple Subject Credential, California State University, Sacramento
As an adult education instructor, I am very proud to help younger members of society start to achieve real goals. This applies to both those wishing to earn a high school diploma and those seeking a general education development certificate. Throughout my adult education career, I have seen the determination and commitment of those who truly want to improve their lives. It is very inspiring and reaffirms my own dedication to helping others become more.
Education:
- B.A. Liberal Arts, University of California, Irvine
