STAFF

Napa Valley Adult Education Counselor

	Natacha Matute natacha_matute@nvusd.org B.S. International Business, California State University, Los Angeles M.A. Counseling , Loyola Marymount University Credential: Pupil Personnel Service Adult Education Teaching Credentials: Business Management Social Sciences Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills I empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Natacha Matute

natacha_matute@nvusd.org

B.S. International Business, California State University, Los Angeles

M.A. Counseling , Loyola Marymount University

Credential:

Pupil Personnel Service

Adult Education Teaching Credentials:

Business Management

Social Sciences

Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills

I empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Napa Valley Adult Education Teachers

	Madri Bienenfeld Madri Bienenfeld is the Lead Teacher for Parent Education and has been teaching for 15 years. She also advises teens at Vintage High School and coordinates FIRST STEP (a summer kindergarten readiness program). She was selected as Napa Valley Adult Education Teacher of the Year in 2010. In 2008, First Step was awarded the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association.
	Sheila Culver Born in Liverpool, England, I studied Spanish Language and Literature at Sheffield University, England. After graduation, I moved to Seville, Spain and began teaching ESL at a private language school. After living and teaching in Spain for about 8 years, I moved to the United States and obtained my MA in TESOL from San Francisco State University. I then taught ESL at City College of San Francisco for more than 17 years. My husband and I recently moved to Sonoma and I am now very excited to have the opportunity to work with all of you at Napa Valley Adult Education.
	Teresa Durham I've lived in Napa for the past 18 years (minus one cold year in Minnesota). I've been working as a teacher for the past 10 years. I have one son who graduated from Adult School (yahoo!) I have one dog and a puppy. The puppy thinks everything is a chew toy. She loves to bite the back of people's knees. Ouch! I have a cat who rules the house and a beta fish. I am looking forward to broadening my experiences by teaching ESL and working with a whole new group of people!
	Maureen Eckert Maureen Eckert has managed the Napa Valley Adult Education Workplace Training Institute Program for more than twelve years and co-created our Career Academy Workshop Program. She has a BS in Recreation Administration along with a minor in Business from California State University, East Bay and a certificate in Training and Human Resources from U.C. Berkeley. She also holds an Adult School Teaching Credential. Maureen loves working with students, staff and businesses to insure Napa Valley Adult Education provides continuing education to all.
	Amy Elliot Amy Elliot is a lifelong artist and Napa Valley Open Studios Participant, with a primary focus in mosaic art, for the past five years. She has instructed both children and adults in mosaic and is currently the owner/operator of the “Dive into Color” Art Studio where she teaches ceramic, pottery, painting, and mosaic art in Napa, California.
	Paul Fields Paul Fields has spent the last 25 years in the Napa Valley, where he has developed a deep appreciation for quality food and wine. His experience includes an eight year tour with the Pebble Beach Company (including Pebble Beach Food and Wine, Silverado Country Club, Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco while acting as personal Chef to several local Napa Wineries). Mr Fields continued honing his culinary skills at Oenotri, recognized as one of the Bay Area's top 100 restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle. As the Executive Chef at the prestigious Inn on Randolph, he was able to produce some of the freshest and most inspired local cuisine in the Bay Area. Most recently Paul was named the Culinary Director-Instructor for the Napa Valley Training Academy offered in conjunction with Napa Valley Adult Education and located at The Salvation Army, Napa.
	Randy Fitt Randy Fitt is retired from both law enforcement and the private security fields. He teaches forensic science and crime scene investigation at Napa High School.
	Susan Gai Susan Gai has been teaching Ballroom Dance in the Napa Valley since 2002. She was trained in San Francisco at the Metronome Ballroom Teacher’s College and also in a comprehensive program at Brigham Young University. She has done choreography for the Napa Valley College Theater. Currently Susan teaches classes at Meadowood Napa Valley and Yountville Community Center as well as for private instruction at her own Studio, Susan’s Studio in Napa.
	David Gonzalez Under the direction of Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, David Gonzalez has been performing and teaching Taiko for over 15 years— throughout the Bay Area, and beyond. His career highlights have included performances on primetime television in “Life with Bonnie”; in movies such as “Star Wars”; a special performance at Carnegie Hall, and at Professional Sports Events as well as contributions to several film soundtracks.
	Jane Graff Jane Graff has taught Basic ASL for 10 years at NV Adult School. Jane has a BS in Deaf Education from Augustana College and a MA in Counseling the Deaf from Galludet University. She has an additional MA in Social /Clinical Psychology from New College of California. Other than teaching ASL, Jane works as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and has a private practice as a LMFT in Sacramento. Jane resides in Vallejo with her cats and her Doxie.
	Sarah Gutierrez Sarah is an instructor in the Computer and Business Applications program. She has extensive experience in retail industry doing inventory management, sales forecasting and strategic analysis. Her experience with Microsoft Office programs in the workplace enables her to provide students with practical, real world examples. Sarah has a B.S. in Business Administration from San Diego State University.
	Maridee Hays Maridee Hays is an artist and art teacher in the Napa Valley for over thirty years. She is a member of many contemporary art organizations and was honored with a one-woman show of her drawings at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.
	Allen Isidro Instructor, Allen Isidro was a student of the Jim McDonald School of Line Dancing and the Rudy Paquette School of Ballroom Line Dancing. Later, his keen interest developed into a passion. He has been teaching American Line Dancing in Napa Valley and in the Bay Area since 2006.
	Karla Jensen Karla has taught various undergraduate and graduate business classes at both Sonoma State University and Brandman University. She also has extensive experience as a Human Resources professional working for both private and public sector employers. Karla has a full professional Adult School Teaching Credential. She graduate from Sonoma State University with a BA in History and a Masters in Business Administration. Karla earned her Doctor of Education from Brandman University. She loves imparting knowledge, exploring opportunities and sharing experiences with adult learners.
	David Kirby David Kirby, MBA, is a commissioned Notary Public and is co-owner and founder of the California Notary Training Center. He has been teaching notary training courses since 2009 and is a seasoned course instructor, having taught various training courses for 20 years.
	Kate MacPherson Southern Californian Kate MacPherson has been teaching for NVAE for over 20 years and has led the Senior Chorus for over ten. She earned a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree with emphasis in Voice from the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific. Kate has performed in choruses and musical theater productions, sometimes as a soloist, throughout the Bay Area.
	Liz McAdams Liz Sanchez McAdams is a native Spanish speaker who enjoys teaching all levels of Spanish. Liz emphasizes having fun while learning the language. In her class the student will also study Spanish culture, songs and more. Bienvenidos! Liz Sanchez - McAdams ha enseñado clases de educación para los padres de habla hispana durante 16 años. Ella enseña actualmente las clases de Técnicas Efectivas en centros escolares y comunitarios y también enseña español para el programa de “Older Adults” y ha enseñado nutrición/cocina y clases de alfabetización familiar. Liz fue nombrada como Maestra del Año en el 2009 para la Escuela de Adultos.
	Jean Stancliff-Murphy With 25 years as a clinical medical assistant and instructor Jean comes to our staff with a variety of skills to share with our students to be successful in a medical career. Engaging with each student to develop professional administrative and clinical skills. She brings a unique enthusiasm to the classroom experience and encourages each student to apply themselves to the best of their abilities.
	Joa Rhorer Joa Rhorer has been an instructor for Napa Valley Adult Education for over 15 years in the Computer and Business Applications training program. She holds a California Vocational Education credential, is certificated as a Microcomputer Specialist, and is certified in Microsoft Office. She received the Napa Valley Adult Education Teacher of the Year Award in 2001 and the California State Teacher of Excellence Award in 2002. As a graduate from the program herself, Joa understands the importance of lifelong learning and not only identifies with the obstacles her students face everyday but helps each student effectively achieve his/her career goals.
	Valerie Saribalis-Cole Valerie is part of the Science and Special Ed teams at Napa High where she has been teaching Life Science and Physical/Earth Sciences since 2009. She has an MA in Education from San Francisco State University, an Education Specialist Credential from Sonoma State, and Teaching Credentials and a BA from UC Davis. Valerie has a passion for photography and has owned and operated a small business in the Community since 2000. She has been involved with local youth groups including Napa area Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts serving as a leader and Service Unit member, and enjoys working with young adults and guiding them in their career explorations!
	Rhonda Slota Rhonda Slota, MA, earned her "Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Counselor Diploma" in 2009 and her "Ayurvedic Practitioner Certification with Honors" in 2010 at Mount Madonna Institute’s College of Ayurveda where she studied with world renowned Ayurvedic masters including Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. R. H. Singh, Dr. Sarita Shrestha, and Dr. John Douillard. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher, registered with Yoga Alliance, having studied with numerous master teachers. She currently teaches Yoga at Vallejo Yoga and provides private Ayurveda & Yoga consultations and workshops in Vallejo and Napa.
	Peggy Squires Peggy Squires has worked for Napa Valley Adult Education as an ESL teacher since 2004. She holds a Multiple Subject CLAD teaching credential from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelors Degree from Sonoma State University Hutchins School, Liberal Studies, an Associate of Arts in, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, from Napa Valley College. She is currently an ESL Lead teacher and has taught in the APEX (high school credit recovery) program. Peggy believes in lifelong learning and enjoys the companionship of her Irish Wolfhound.
	Carolyn Staats Carolyn received her degree for Psychiatric Technician in 1981, and her Registered Nursing Degree from Napa Valley College in 1989. She worked for the State of CA for 33 years working as a floor nurse, then received her Full Time Teaching Credential, teaching 16 years as the lead instructor in the CNA program, as well as staff instructor in the Psychiatric Technician program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Public Health Nurse though the University of Phoenix. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being with family, and playing bassoon in the orchestra.
	Shawna Tronconi Shawna Tronconi studied, lived and worked in Florence, Italy for almost nine years. She has a strong background in Italian language, art, history, literature and gender studies within her education— a BA in Comparative Literature with emphasis in Italian, and a MA in Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She has worked and lectured for several study abroad programs in Italy, including the California State University Program in Florence and the CUNY System of New York, in Florence and Rome.
	Diane Wilson Diane's work experience includes being a Landman for the oil and gas exploration industry, IT support at UC Davis and an instructor in Adult Education. She has taught Adult Education for 11 years, including CTE (Career Technical Eduation) and High School Diploma, in addition to developing online classes for High School. Diane has taught MS Office suite applications for 2007, 2010, 2013 and Office 365; MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Google Docs, Calendaring, and Job Search Preparation. She is excited to work with students and teachers at NVAE and to continue to help individuals reach their goals.

Madri Bienenfeld

Madri Bienenfeld is the Lead Teacher for Parent Education and has been teaching for 15 years. She also advises teens at Vintage High School and coordinates FIRST STEP (a summer kindergarten readiness program). She was selected as Napa Valley Adult Education Teacher of the Year in 2010. In 2008, First Step was awarded the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association.

Sheila Culver

Born in Liverpool, England, I studied Spanish Language and Literature at Sheffield University, England. After graduation, I moved to Seville, Spain and began teaching ESL at a private language school. After living and teaching in Spain for about 8 years, I moved to the United States and obtained my MA in TESOL from San Francisco State University. I then taught ESL at City College of San Francisco for more than 17 years. My husband and I recently moved to Sonoma and I am now very excited to have the opportunity to work with all of you at Napa Valley Adult Education.

Teresa Durham

I've lived in Napa for the past 18 years (minus one cold year in Minnesota). I've been working as a teacher for the past 10 years. I have one son who graduated from Adult School (yahoo!) I have one dog and a puppy. The puppy thinks everything is a chew toy. She loves to bite the back of people's knees. Ouch! I have a cat who rules the house and a beta fish. I am looking forward to broadening my experiences by teaching ESL and working with a whole new group of people!

Maureen Eckert

Maureen Eckert has managed the Napa Valley Adult Education Workplace Training Institute Program for more than twelve years and co-created our Career Academy Workshop Program. She has a BS in Recreation Administration along with a minor in Business from California State University, East Bay and a certificate in Training and Human Resources from U.C. Berkeley. She also holds an Adult School Teaching Credential. Maureen loves working with students, staff and businesses to insure Napa Valley Adult Education provides continuing education to all.

Amy Elliot

Amy Elliot is a lifelong artist and Napa Valley Open Studios Participant, with a primary focus in mosaic art, for the past five years. She has instructed both children and adults in mosaic and is currently the owner/operator of the “Dive into Color” Art Studio where she teaches ceramic, pottery, painting, and mosaic art in Napa, California.

Paul Fields Image

Paul Fields

Paul Fields has spent the last 25 years in the Napa Valley, where he has developed a deep appreciation for quality food and wine. His experience includes an eight year tour with the Pebble Beach Company (including Pebble Beach Food and Wine, Silverado Country Club, Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco while acting as personal Chef to several local Napa Wineries). Mr Fields continued honing his culinary skills at Oenotri, recognized as one of the Bay Area's top 100 restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle. As the Executive Chef at the prestigious Inn on Randolph, he was able to produce some of the freshest and most inspired local cuisine in the Bay Area. Most recently Paul was named the Culinary Director-Instructor for the Napa Valley Training Academy offered in conjunction with Napa Valley Adult Education and located at The Salvation Army, Napa.

Randy Fitt

Randy Fitt is retired from both law enforcement and the private security fields. He teaches forensic science and crime scene investigation at Napa High School.

Susan Gai

Susan Gai has been teaching Ballroom Dance in the Napa Valley since 2002. She was trained in San Francisco at the Metronome Ballroom Teacher’s College and also in a comprehensive program at Brigham Young University. She has done choreography for the Napa Valley College Theater. Currently Susan teaches classes at Meadowood Napa Valley and Yountville Community Center as well as for private instruction at her own Studio, Susan’s Studio in Napa.

David Gonzalez

Under the direction of Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, David Gonzalez has been performing and teaching Taiko for over 15 years— throughout the Bay Area, and beyond. His career highlights have included performances on primetime television in “Life with Bonnie”; in movies such as “Star Wars”; a special performance at Carnegie Hall, and at Professional Sports Events as well as contributions to several film soundtracks.

Jane Graff

Jane Graff has taught Basic ASL for 10 years at NV Adult School. Jane has a BS in Deaf Education from Augustana College and a MA in Counseling the Deaf from Galludet University. She has an additional MA in Social /Clinical Psychology from New College of California. Other than teaching ASL, Jane works as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and has a private practice as a LMFT in Sacramento. Jane resides in Vallejo with her cats and her Doxie.

Sarah Gutierrez

Sarah is an instructor in the Computer and Business Applications program. She has extensive experience in retail industry doing inventory management, sales forecasting and strategic analysis. Her experience with Microsoft Office programs in the workplace enables her to provide students with practical, real world examples. Sarah has a B.S. in Business Administration from San Diego State University.

Maridee Hays

Maridee Hays is an artist and art teacher in the Napa Valley for over thirty years. She is a member of many contemporary art organizations and was honored with a one-woman show of her drawings at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.

Allen Isidro

Instructor, Allen Isidro was a student of the Jim McDonald School of Line Dancing and the Rudy Paquette School of Ballroom Line Dancing. Later, his keen interest developed into a passion. He has been teaching American Line Dancing in Napa Valley and in the Bay Area since 2006.

Karla Jenson Image

Karla Jensen

Karla has taught various undergraduate and graduate business classes at both Sonoma State University and Brandman University. She also has extensive experience as a Human Resources professional working for both private and public sector employers. Karla has a full professional Adult School Teaching Credential. She graduate from Sonoma State University with a BA in History and a Masters in Business Administration. Karla earned her Doctor of Education from Brandman University. She loves imparting knowledge, exploring opportunities and sharing experiences with adult learners.

David Kirby

David Kirby, MBA, is a commissioned Notary Public and is co-owner and founder of the California Notary Training Center. He has been teaching notary training courses since 2009 and is a seasoned course instructor, having taught various training courses for 20 years.

Kate MacPherson

Southern Californian Kate MacPherson has been teaching for NVAE for over 20 years and has led the Senior Chorus for over ten. She earned a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree with emphasis in Voice from the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific. Kate has performed in choruses and musical theater productions, sometimes as a soloist, throughout the Bay Area.

Liz McAdams Image

Liz McAdams

Liz Sanchez McAdams is a native Spanish speaker who enjoys teaching all levels of Spanish. Liz emphasizes having fun while learning the language. In her class the student will also study Spanish culture, songs and more. Bienvenidos!

Liz Sanchez - McAdams ha enseñado clases de educación para los padres de habla hispana durante 16 años. Ella enseña actualmente las clases de Técnicas Efectivas en centros escolares y comunitarios y también enseña español para el programa de “Older Adults” y ha enseñado nutrición/cocina y clases de alfabetización familiar. Liz fue nombrada como Maestra del Año en el 2009 para la Escuela de Adultos.

Jean Stancliff-Murphy

With 25 years as a clinical medical assistant and instructor Jean comes to our staff with a variety of skills to share with our students to be successful in a medical career. Engaging with each student to develop professional administrative and clinical skills. She brings a unique enthusiasm to the classroom experience and encourages each student to apply themselves to the best of their abilities.

Joa Rhorer

Joa Rhorer has been an instructor for Napa Valley Adult Education for over 15 years in the Computer and Business Applications training program. She holds a California Vocational Education credential, is certificated as a Microcomputer Specialist, and is certified in Microsoft Office. She received the Napa Valley Adult Education Teacher of the Year Award in 2001 and the California State Teacher of Excellence Award in 2002. As a graduate from the program herself, Joa understands the importance of lifelong learning and not only identifies with the obstacles her students face everyday but helps each student effectively achieve his/her career goals.

Valerie Saribalis-Cole Image

Valerie Saribalis-Cole

Valerie is part of the Science and Special Ed teams at Napa High where she has been teaching Life Science and Physical/Earth Sciences since 2009. She has an MA in Education from San Francisco State University, an Education Specialist Credential from Sonoma State, and Teaching Credentials and a BA from UC Davis. Valerie has a passion for photography and has owned and operated a small business in the Community since 2000. She has been involved with local youth groups including Napa area Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts serving as a leader and Service Unit member, and enjoys working with young adults and guiding them in their career explorations!

Rhonda Slota

Rhonda Slota, MA, earned her "Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Counselor Diploma" in 2009 and her "Ayurvedic Practitioner Certification with Honors" in 2010 at Mount Madonna Institute’s College of Ayurveda where she studied with world renowned Ayurvedic masters including Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. R. H. Singh, Dr. Sarita Shrestha, and Dr. John Douillard. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher, registered with Yoga Alliance, having studied with numerous master teachers. She currently teaches Yoga at Vallejo Yoga and provides private Ayurveda & Yoga consultations and workshops in Vallejo and Napa.

Peggy Squires

Peggy Squires has worked for Napa Valley Adult Education as an ESL teacher since 2004. She holds a Multiple Subject CLAD teaching credential from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelors Degree from Sonoma State University Hutchins School, Liberal Studies, an Associate of Arts in, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, from Napa Valley College. She is currently an ESL Lead teacher and has taught in the APEX (high school credit recovery) program. Peggy believes in lifelong learning and enjoys the companionship of her Irish Wolfhound.

Carolyn Staats

Carolyn received her degree for Psychiatric Technician in 1981, and her Registered Nursing Degree from Napa Valley College in 1989. She worked for the State of CA for 33 years working as a floor nurse, then received her Full Time Teaching Credential, teaching 16 years as the lead instructor in the CNA program, as well as staff instructor in the Psychiatric Technician program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Public Health Nurse though the University of Phoenix. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being with family, and playing bassoon in the orchestra.

Shawna Tronconi

Shawna Tronconi studied, lived and worked in Florence, Italy for almost nine years. She has a strong background in Italian language, art, history, literature and gender studies within her education— a BA in Comparative Literature with emphasis in Italian, and a MA in Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She has worked and lectured for several study abroad programs in Italy, including the California State University Program in Florence and the CUNY System of New York, in Florence and Rome.

Diane Wilson

Diane's work experience includes being a Landman for the oil and gas exploration industry, IT support at UC Davis and an instructor in Adult Education. She has taught Adult Education for 11 years, including CTE (Career Technical Eduation) and High School Diploma, in addition to developing online classes for High School. Diane has taught MS Office suite applications for 2007, 2010, 2013 and Office 365; MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Google Docs, Calendaring, and Job Search Preparation. She is excited to work with students and teachers at NVAE and to continue to help individuals reach their goals.

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