Staff Directory

I’ve been at CCDS since the first year. I ran the After School Program while attending college and obtaining my teaching credential. I knew right away that this school was where I wanted to teach. Since then, I've taught a year of 3rd grade, a year of 4th grade and 17 years of Kindergarten. This is my 4th year of teaching TK and I absolutely love it! It's been so fun creating this program for the youngest students at CCDS!

My favorite teacher was my Kindergarten teacher. I remember her kind smile, playing in the wooden play kitchen and eating graham crackers and milk for snack. As an adult, I ran into her at the grocery store. I was so excited to tell her that she inspired me to become a teacher and that I was teaching Kindergarten as well! My favorite field trip was going to environmental camp in 6th grade. I loved being outside enjoying nature, building forts and participating in the fun team building activities.

I was born and raised in Chico! I love crafting, scrapbooking, and especially, spending time with my family, friends and my two dogs!

My favorite teacher was my very first teacher, Mrs. Weiderhold.  She was my kindergarten teacher and her kind, fun-loving spirit is what inspired me to become a teacher.  I will always remember the time she came over to my house for dinner!

I love being a teacher and I feel blessed that I get to come to work and spend each day with such a dedicated staff and terrific group of students here at CCDS.  After school I enjoy spending my free time riding my cruiser bike, doing Pilates, cooking yummy food and going to 49er games with my family every season.

Hello CCDS Families! My name is Annie Finney and I love the awesome community at Chico Country Day! I am thrilled to teach kindergarten with the best team in town. It is truly an honor to foster a love of learning in young scholars. Kindergarten is a time of great exploration and fantastic growth, there is nowhere I would rather be! 

I grew up on the beach in Southern CA and came to Chico to get my teaching credential. I have a minor in special education with a focus on child development. My favorite teachers were Mrs. Resor and Mrs. Munce. They were kind, patient, and caring. To this day I am still inspired by these excellent educators and remember how they made me feel cared for.

I met my husband while in college and have been married for 22 years. We have three lovely children and a sweet mutt. We all love adventure and the great outdoors. I'm looking forward to the next adventure with my kinder kits in Mrs. Finney's Fox Den!

After high school, I attended Trinity Western University in British Columbia.  I taught preschool for a couple years before receiving my RDA licence to work in the dental field. My husband and I have 3 wonderful children, two daughters and a son.  In 2008, when our youngest was in the first grade,  I joined the CCDS team.  After working with the RTI team for the past 15 years, I'm filled with joy and excitement to begin my new role at TK Assistant Teacher. I feel so honored to work with Christine Stedman and the littlest learners of our community.

During my elementary school years, I grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Looking back, I see the many opportunities I had living close to a big city. My favorite field trip memories were taking chartered bus rides to Chicago to see the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum of Natural History.

My cousin, Payne Stewart, was a 2-time US Open Golf Champion. Naturally, my son’s middle name is Payne.

"Aloha!  I've been teaching since 2011 when I first began teaching kindergarten in Kapaa, Kauai.  I moved back to Chico to teach kindergarten at Notre Dame and met my husband while playing for the same softball team. Fun fact: we were both in the same fifth grade class! I had a lot of favorite teachers growing up and they all had one thing in common: reminded me of Mary Poppins.  “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.”

I've always wanted to have a career in education and was lucky enough to work at a wonderful school called Chico Country Day School in 2003! Yep, that’s right, I worked in the After School Program at CCDS while going to Chico State to obtain my teaching credential.  I am excited to be back with Team CCDS as a Kindergarten teacher along with my two kids. Talk about full circle!

After college I had the incredible opportunity to teach English in China.  I also published a children’s book, which helped fund more travels to Australia.  My family and I continue to have adventures in traveling.  My husband and I were able to fulfill my childhood dream of swimming with one of my favorite animals, dolphins!  (My other favorite is a platypus…haven’t had the chance to swim with one….yet.) Aside from teaching, my joys include my family, friends, running, and reading a good book with a strong, delicious cup of coffee!  I also enjoy anything that consists of lots of love, laughter and fun!"

I am from Santa Cruz CA, and received my undergraduate degree as well as my Multiple Subject Credential from CSU, Chico. I’m proud to join the Chico Country Day staff, as this school represents and brings to life my personal teaching philosophy. Teaching builds upon my passions of creating community, learning and helping others. I also love learning from and with young children, as they bring such a unique view to life. 

In my free time I enjoy walking, reading and spending time with the people I love. Some of my favorite things are giraffes, lattes, dancing and the color yellow. I look forward to meeting you and your children- it is going to be a very fun year!

My husband and I moved to Chico in 1994 and have 4 daughters, all of whom attended CCDS!

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Kiss, my 4th grade teacher!  Who wouldn’t love that name?  I loved that she read to our class every single day! My favorite field trip, as a student, was going to the Wonder Bread factory!  It was delicious!

I love animals, big and small!  One of my favorite experiences was swimming with Beluga Whales!

I joined the CCDS family in 2001.  I got my BA and my teaching credential at Chico State, but I taught for 10 years on Bainbridge Island, Washington before finally coming back to Chico with my family. I love Chico and CCDS!

Mrs. Filiponi, my first grade teacher, and Ms. Rassmussen, my fourth grade teacher, were my favorite teachers growing up.  They both encouraged me to read and introduced me to great books.  I still LOVE to read!!  It’s probably not a coincidence that my favorite grades to teach have been first and fourth grade, and my favorite thing to do is read with children!  I got to grow up and be just like them!  How cool is that?

Most people I meet are surprised to find out that I have nine kids of my own, and think that is the coolest thing about me.  Believe me, I love my kids and am never bored. I can’t wait to see where life takes them all!  But… I think the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me was meeting my celebrity crush!  I met Morgan Freeman at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.  He approached me! We chatted about soft pretzels, traveling alone, and summers in France. He was charming, lovely and kind. He kissed me on the cheek when he left.  I’m pretty sure we’re best friends now.

Hi! I am a born and raised Chicoan and proud CCDS alumni! I attended Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA to play volleyball. I spent two years there, but ultimately missed home and moved back to be close to family. I attended Chico State, where I received both my undergraduate degree and teaching credential. I also had the pleasure of completing my student teaching at CCDS and am now very happy to be a part of this community. This is my second year teaching first grade and I am so looking forward to it. I absolutely love being a teacher!  It is so meaningful to me to experience new learning with my students. Kids are the best. And now I have my own!

This spring I had a baby boy, Briggs. I absolutely love being a mom and spend all my free time with him and my husband. Family is everything to me so most weekends are filled  with my little family and my siblings, nieces, nephews, and mom. Volleyball is another passion of mine, I have coaching the JV team at PVHS for 5 years, but I took some time off this year to be with my little one. I would love to make it back sometime but for now I'll be cheering in the crowd!

I can't wait to meet you all! Looking forward to a fantastic year!

I absolutely love teaching at CCDS and feel incredibly privileged to spend my time doing something I am so passionate about.  Our school is a magical place -the kiddos, the families, the staff, the philosophy and vision of education that is shared all adds to the sparkle and shine of CCDS.  This will be my 15th year teaching, and while the majority of my career has been in the upper elementary grades, I am overjoyed to be teaching 2nd grade.

In addition to being a teacher, I am a mama to a curious and kind-hearted 2nd grader who attends CCDS alongside me, which couldn’t be anymore perfect.  His older brother is attending college and excelling at being a wonderful human being. Beyond teaching and mom’n, I love creating new memories with those I hold close to my heart,  travel near and far, be awestruck by the beauty of the natural world, channel my inner fish in crystal clear ocean waters, and hit the trails on my bike.  

I am thrilled to make so many new memories and share new experiences with my new crew of 2nd graders and their grownups.  Cheers to our adventurous journey through learning in 2nd grade.

I am so excited to continue my teaching career at Chico Country Day. I’ve been involved at the school as a parent since 2008 and many students may remember me from teaching Hacky Sack for PE, doing the Kindergarten murals around campus, and singing at All School Sing. I love the teaching philosophy at CCDS and I’m so excited to be a part of it!

My favorite teacher was Mr. Emery from 10th grade because he brought books to life and his enthusiasm encouraged the class to get excited and to ask lots of questions. I love teaching because I enjoy inspiring others to learn something new and he was someone who really instilled that in me!

My family and I really enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities in our area and we love to camp, mountain bike, hike and travel as much as possible.  Upper Bidwell Park is one of my favorite places to explore and play!

My husband and I have 3 children who all went to CCDS from preschool to 8th grade and I am so excited to continue my involvement with such an incredible group!

I am excited to begin another year at CCDS! I earned by BA in psychology in 2003 and then taught preschool. I went back to college in 2020 to earn my Education Specialist and Multiple Subject credentials. This is my second year in 2nd grade.

My favorite teacher was my high school biology teacher, Mrs Hassey. She was tough and pushed us to our limits but I learned so much and found new passions for both science and biology. She taught me to work and study hard and with intention and that I could do difficult things.

I'm looking forward to another school year with my amazing 2nd grade team!

Hello CCDS families! I am Shannon Lawson, and I’m excited to begin another year at Chico Country Day School. 

I am originally from the Bay Area, but I have called Chico my home for over twenty years. My husband and I have three amazing children - all of whom attended CCDS! 

After receiving my undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies at Chico State, I took a few years to stay at home with my children. My son began Kindergarten at CCDS in 2004, and I’ve been happy to be a part of this wonderful community ever since. I then returned to Chico State, earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and began my teaching career here at Chico Country Day. Prior to teaching Third grade, I worked in Special Education and taught Fifth grade. Third grade is my happy place! 

I was lucky to have had some wonderful teachers throughout my childhood. One was my seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Ragano. She recognized my love of reading, and took the time to recommend some of her favorite books. To this day, I love sitting down and enjoying a good book with a cup (or two!) of coffee. 

Besides reading, I love spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, hiking, camping, and playing with my two dogs.

I was lucky enough to join CCDS in 2000. Prior to that I taught for 12 years in Pleasant Hill and 4 years in Antioch. My children attended CCDS which reinforced what we wanted our kids to learn: respect and responsibility. My husband and I are so proud of them because they still live by those values today as young adults.

My all-time favorite teacher was my American Studies teacher my junior year of high school. We had an exchange program where a group of small-town students from Susanville stayed with us. Because of that we took them to San Francisco and Santa Cruz to experience “big city life” together. We also had a blast performing a musical that spanned the years 1492-1960. My friends and I still break out in song when we're together!

Hi there! This will be my first year teaching third grade, but my fourth year in the classroom. I have taught 5th grade for the last three years. I was born and raised in Merced, California. I received both my undergraduate degree and teaching credential from California State University, Chico. 

My personal teaching philosophy aligns with the CCDS values. I truly love being a teacher, it is one of my biggest passions in life. I enjoy watching students learn and learning from them - student voices matter greatly! I value the connections I make with my students and love creating engaging and exciting experiences within the classroom.I come from a family of teachers, and have always had a passion for working with children. 

I enjoy traveling, and have been to 9 different countries so far! During the summer, you can find me at a Petco Park watching a Padres game or hanging out on the beach in San Diego. Outside of school I enjoy reading, pilates, and spending time with my daughter Harper and my husband. I became a mom this year, it is has been such a special journey so far. I love the color pink, iced vanilla lattes, and Golden Retrievers! I am so excited to meet you and your children. This year is going to be awesome!

I'm so happy to be part of the CCDS community!  I remember wanting to be a teacher since I was young, and have many teachers in my family. I began my teaching career in Santa Cruz, where I received my credential and Master’s in Education at UC Santa Cruz. My first eight years of teaching were at an elementary school in Watsonville. Over the last six years I’ve taught in Yuba City, Oroville, and Chico. In over 16 years of teaching I have taught students from TK to 5th, with most of that time spent in 2nd-5th grade.

I've had many teachers inspire me while growing up in Sacramento and Truckee. One that stands out to me was my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Deason. He was kind, funny, and really shared his excitement about learning.

I love to spend time with my husband and two boys, having home dance parties, listening to music, hiking, reading, and cooking. I also love to travel around the world and learn about other cultures. So far I've traveled to 6 different countries and 11 states. At the top of my travel list is to go to Greece, as that is part of my heritage and culture.

I am thrilled to join the CCDS community! This will be my sixth year teaching fourth grade. Previously, I taught 4th and 4/5th grade in San Leandro, CA. I earned my undergraduate degree and teaching credential from California State University, Chico. I was lucky to serve as a student-teacher at CCDS and fell in love with the strong values and the amazing community of families, students, and staff here! My teaching philosophy aligns perfectly with CCDS, and I'm passionate about fostering a joyful and learner-centered environment. I absolutely love being a teacher and strongly value my connections with my students and the community.

My favorite teacher in elementary school was my fourth grade teacher, Ms. Cupani, who inspired me with her ability to make learning meaningful, treating all of us with compassion and respect, and creating a space where student voices were valued. These are values I continue to hold dear.

I recently moved back to Chico after a few years in the Bay Area, and I am excited to be home again! I love cats and have two adorable furballs, Pumpkin and Rosemary. Outside of school, I enjoy being out in nature, visiting beaches, and exploring Bidwell Park. I also love spending time with family and friends! I'm excited to embark on this journey with you. This year is going to be amazing!

I feel so blessed everyday that I step foot on our amazing campus. We have the BEST students, families and staff. I have been a part of our community since 2012, starting as a parent and now as a teacher.  My experience being in the classroom as a volunteer and room parent reminded me of my love for working with children and teaching, which eventually led to me going back to school and getting my teaching credential at Chico State in 2019.  I am so excited to be entering my 2nd year in 5th grade at CCDS, and my 5th year teaching. 

Along with being a teacher I am a mama to two amazing girls that have both been through Chico Country Day School. Outside of work in my free time I love to be outdoors, travel, and backpack with my family.  My favorite travel experience so far has been hiking the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu with my husband. One thing I hope to pass on to my students is my love of reading, "There is no adventure too large to experience through the pages of a good book!"  I cannot wait to spend the next year with your amazing 5th grader.

Hello CCDS! After going to Chico State to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business, I spent a year substitute teaching around my hometown area of Lockwood, CA. I then made the decision to come back to Chico state in order to get my teaching credential. I was lucky enough to do a semester of student teaching at Durham elementary and then joined CCDS in 2019 as a 3rd grade student teacher.

My favorite teacher growing up was first grade with Miss Pence. She was an innovative, kind, and caring teacher who spent her days singing through the curriculum to keep us engaged and while pushing us to be our best. She not only taught me how to read, but fostered a love a reading that I carry with me today!

I enjoy spending my time hiking, gardening, or relaxing in Bidwell Park. My family is very important to me so I spend as much time as possible with them.

I started teaching my teaching career in  fourth grade at Saint Matthew’s Catholic school in San Mateo.  I also taught in the middle school and the resource program there.  I started at CCDS in 2006 teaching sixth and seventh grade history and language arts.  I moved back to fourth grade in 2015.

My favorite teacher in elementary school was Ms. Russell.  She was my fifth grade teacher, and she helped me understand math, read aloud some great books and took us on super fun field trips!

My best times are found travelling; whether by airplane, boat, car, on foot, or through the pages of a good book!

I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher. I spent 22 years teaching grades 4-8 in Cupertino, CA. My husband and I moved to Chico in 2021 to be closer to my sister and her family and enjoy everything Chico and the surrounding area has to offer. When given the opportunity to teach at Chico Country Day School, I couldn't pass it up. I love teaching middle school and am very excited to teach 6th grade again.

My favorite teacher was Mr. Geer. He was my 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher. I was new to the area and didn't know anyone in my classes, but he made learning fun with interesting projects and class activities which allowed me to make friends easily. I still remember the Lewis and Clark journal I made for his class. Fun fact: I met my best friend in Mr. Geer's class, and we have remained best friends for over 30 years!

During my free time, I enjoy working in my garden, baking and cooking for my friends and family, exploring new places, watching movies, traveling, and scuba diving. One scuba diving highlight was on the Big Island of Hawaii- a night dive with manta rays, which was amazing!

I've loved being a teacher at CCDS since I started teaching here in 2017. I'm passionate about mathematics education and computer science and love my job.

My favorite teacher was my 11th grade math teacher. He was very flexible in what he considered an answer to a math problem and allowed me to develop an appreciation for math that led to me earning my degree in mathematics. I try to bring this same flexibility to my classroom.

In the classroom you'll find me making terrible dad jokes and puns. You might also find me talking up our CCDS esports program.

Having graduated from Chico State with a single subject credential in English and a multiple subject credential, I began teaching at CCDS in 2006.  When I first began working here I was struck by the strong sense of community and the emphasis on educating the child as a whole person, not just academically.  These two qualities are what has kept me here for so many years.

I grew up in a small community and went to school with the same students from kindergarten until I graduated from high school.  Those classmates were like family to me and I know many people feel the same way about their classmates here at Chico Country Day. I have taught 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th grade during my years at CCDS and though each group is unique and different one thing remains the same: all students can be bribed with candy and they are all willing to work hard if you give them a task they care about.  

My favorite teacher in school was my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Mac.  She cared so much about her student’s lives and never made our problems feel like “just kid stuff”.  If we cared about something, she cared about it. If we were upset, she never brushed us off, but showed true concern.  She also would not put up with ANYONE being mean to someone in our class. Even outside of our room, if she heard about us teasing someone after school, on the playground, anywhere, you better believe she would call you out on it.   She was tough and had high expectations, but she was also loving and nurturing. These are the ideals I strive for now as a teacher, all these years later.

I am the mother of four amazing, active, young children and that absolutely shapes who I am as a teacher. Being a mother is a huge part of my identity and it comes out in many things I do in the classroom.  I try to treat my students how I treat my own kids, with love, tenderness and respect. I like to work hard at home and at school and don’t like dull or lazy days. I am an extreme extrovert so I have found the perfect life for me: surrounded by energetic kids at home and teaching 124 teenagers everyday at work.  

My path to becoming an educator has been a unique one! I began my education in the Master's Program at CSU, Chico in Biological Psychology. From there, I started a small tech company, then ended up as a commercial finance officer. After a long career, I decided I hadn't enjoyed anything I was doing, so I adjusted my priorities and began working on my teaching credential. I love being a middle school science teacher, and especially love geology and astronomy. My students often make fun of me because one of my sayings in class is, "I mean, how cool are rocks?!? Totally cool, right!?" 

One of the most influential teachers in my life was Mr. Leija. His door was always open and students would meet in his class to eat lunch together. He had a special way of letting students know he cared, and I use his example in my own teaching.

My wife and I believe that travel is the best education, and we have taken our children with us all over the world. Some of our favorite countries have been Italy, Norway, Spain, and Mexico, and we're hoping to visit Iceland next year. When I'm not geeking out over science, I often spend my time mountain biking, hiking, or teaching technology and AI to small businesses.

I began teaching at Chico Country Day School in 2020. I graduated from Chico State with a degree in International Relations in 2012 and moved with my wife down to Los Angeles. I worked as an EMT and Field Training Officer for four years and eventually earned my single subject credential and masters degree at National University.

My favorite teacher was my own 8th grade history teacher, Mr. Kohlmeier. He was the first history teacher I had who focused on learning the lessons of history without wasting time on the name and date memorization that frustrates so many students. In his class, American history was made relevant for us through real world applications as we learned about our local government and ways we could actually get involved.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel all over the globe as a young adult and can’t wait to continue to travel to new places, learn new things, and most importantly, eat new food! When I am not running after my three awesome kids I like to unwind by watching movies, playing baseball, throwing hatchets, and enjoying the outdoors as often as possible. I look forward to another great year at CCDS!

I’m thrilled to embark on my first year of teaching at CCDS! As a Chico native, I feel a deep connection to the educational system that shaped me into the person I am today. My journey into teaching started unexpectedly. Seeking advice from a coach, it never occurred to me that most of my coaches in school were PE teachers. Since then, I ran full speed ahead to become a PE teacher, pushing myself to learn all that it means to be a great educator.

I believe that physical activity is a key to happiness that everyone can enjoy no matter who you are or what you like. I want to make sure that my students will know how to be physically active for life.

Beyond the classroom, my family plays a central role in my life. They’ve instilled in me the values of respect and kindness. Outside of school hours, you’ll find me playing pickleball, lifting weights, and playing video games. I love spending quality time with my girlfriend, friends, and family. And when I unwind, I love diving into documentaries and podcasts, always eager to learn something new!

Hello CCDS! My name is Mr. Derrick. I am extremely excited to join the CCDS team as the physical education aide. I'll also coach the girls basketball team - GO EAGLES!

I’m from Moreno Valley in Southern California. I graduated from Chico State with my Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology Movement Studies.

When I have free time, I enjoy playing basketball, watching sports, spending time with my dog, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. Fun fact: I love to play video games!

I love the arts and have been working with different mediums my whole life, from pen, pencils and crayons, to watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, to spray paint and mural work. Pretty much whatever was in front of me. I remember learning new ways to draw from Mark Kistler’s ‘Draw Squad’ and to this day I have a copy of his book in all my classrooms. Helping students create is something I enjoy and something I strive to empower. Making art has been my passion for many years. I love being of service to all creators. I am a Chico State alum with a Master’s from the University of San Francisco. I am also a teaching consultant for the Northern California Writing Project out of Chico State as well as a Graphic Recorder and Facilitator from the Grove Academy. Creating and helping others to create brings me joy.

In middle school, my favorite teacher was my science teacher, Mr. L. He pushed me to ask more questions about why things are the way they are. He was also the student council liaison who empowered me to run for student council, which helped me build self-confidence and get comfortable speaking in front of large groups…in junior high of all places. He is without a doubt, the ‘why I became a teacher’ answer.

When I have time to myself, I read, draw, write, go to the movies, and play games with my friends and family.

I joined the CCDS community as a parent in 2001, (teaching music and voice lessons in a studio when the kids were at school), started up the choir and theater programs in 2007, and then joined the staff as the full-time music teacher in 2013. I also direct community choirs, record and perform locally, but I am most thankful that I can remain a part of the CCDS family even after my kids are grown.

Corbin Scott, my 4th grade teacher at Citrus Elementary, was doing project based learning with us when the other teachers were still running dittos. We turned our cloak room into Stellar Cartography (yes, like in Star Trek), we climbed through all the Native American caves he could find in the park and Butte Meadows, we caught our own insect collections at the river with nets we built ourselves, and we sang Beatles and Elvis songs every Friday. Somehow, he also had us convinced that he was not really human, but a being from a planet circling Alpha Centauri….

Did you know…? Uncle Rocco (our All School Sing eagle mascot) is named after the post-punk-indie-rock band I sang in (well, screamed) for four years with my husband: Uncle Rosco.

Bio to come.

Greetings CCDS! I received my Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Humboldt State University, and worked in the field for a couple seasons studying Northern spotted owls and field botany before I began to lean into my natural affinity for teaching. I received my multiple subject teaching credential concurrently with my Master of Education with an emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning from National University in 2022. As someone who has committed themselves to a lifelong path in education, I consider it an honor and a privilege to share learning experiences of this big, bright, beautiful world with those around me.

My favorite teacher growing up was my high school zoology teacher, coach Kneisel. He encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a scientist. While most others saw my love of reptiles, amphibians, and insects as "quirky," he challenged me to see these affinities as a strength. He wrote in my high school yearbook "Katie, you are fearless!" I had never thought of myself in that way, but he helped me to see just how confident and dedicated I was. These words inspired me to make my dreams a reality!

I would describe myself as an animal lover and life-long learner. As a child I moved around quite a bit, and I spent my early years in Massachusetts, Georgia, and California. Moving was always difficult, but in hindsight these experiences have provided me with invaluable insight into a wide range of cultural and social perspectives. The one thing that kept me grounded throughout my childhood was my deep and unwavering connection to animals and nature. I can confidently say that I spent the majority of my time outside as a child, and even today I find solace and comfort in the out-of-doors. My other interests include reading, writing, hiking, swimming, crafting, homesteading, playing violin, traveling, baking, and spending time with my husband and two amazing children.