Mrs. Helen Suhr is the Principal of California Republic Leadership Academy, Capistrano. She holds a Bachelor of Science from UC Irvine and a Master of Science from Columbia University. After completing her graduate studies, Mrs. Suhr embarked on her professional journey as a social worker, dedicating her efforts to supporting the young children in East Brooklyn. Subsequently, she made a career transition into the field of education, embarking on a new path as an educator within independent schools. She worked at The Collegiate School in Manhattan, which is an all-boys private school. She then returned to her home state of California to work at La Jolla Country Day School. Following a hiatus from the classroom to focus on raising her three children, Mrs. Suhr resumed her teaching career at Grace Classical Academy. It was within this esteemed institution that she had the unique privilege of serving as her own children's third-grade teacher. For the next several years, she grew in her understanding and appreciation for classical education. When Mrs. Suhr joined Orange County Classical Academy as a founding administrator, she was prepared to create a classical school culture from its foundation. As the Assistant Headmaster, her passion was to provide a robust curriculum, coach teachers, and inspire a love for classical education. Mrs. Suhr wrote the school chant and established the mascot for the school. She was the coordinator for SSTs, 504 Plans, and ELPAC/CAASPP assessments. She also had the privilege of going back into the classroom to teach first-year Latin to sixth-grade students. Mrs. Suhr loves children and has a deep commitment to educating them with excellence. Her goal is to inspire children to be curious and find wonder in learning. She is committed to providing an education that inspires students to seek the truth, and to love the good and beautiful.

Mrs. Suhr’s favorite book is The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien!

Mrs. Suhr loves this book because of its beautiful writing, its ability to transport the reader to an exquisitely detailed and imaginary world, and its timeless ability to confront the reader with unchanging truths about the world, the human heart, and good and evil.

Gary Davis is the Executive Director of the California Republic Leadership Academy. He has been part of the California charter school movement for the better part of twenty years. During that time, he has fulfilled numerous roles relating to education policy, advocacy, and operations. Mr. Davis has served in the elected positions of School Board Member, City Council Member, and Mayor. Additionally, he has started and consulted with numerous community-based nonprofit organizations and also led the launch of two small businesses. Most recently, he led the startup of the Orange County Classical Academy (“OCCA”). Mr. Davis’ responsibilities encompassed a wide range of tasks, such as petition drafting, securing facilities, hiring over 30 staff members, outfitting the school, policy development, and student recruitment. He also handled various aspects of school systems and operations, among many other duties. OCCA successfully launched in the midst of the pandemic and developed a waiting list of over 1000 students. It is his vision to rebuild the California Dream by educating the next generation of California’s leaders that lead to the founding of the California Republic Leadership Academy. Gary loves California.

Mr. Davis’ favorite book is The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey!

Mr. Davis loves this book because, after reading it in college, The Seven Habits has guided much of Gary’s personal and professional life. It also led to the use of Franklin Covey’s “Leader in Me” curriculum at CRLA as the major leadership development aspect of the school.

Carrie Wyckoff is the Office Manager at the California Republic Leadership Academy. She joins our team with extensive management and supervisory experience. She began her career as a General Manager for The Old Spaghetti Factory, where she managed over 200 employees. Most recently, she was the Office Manager for a world-renowned physical therapy clinic. She recently decided to make the jump to the California Republic Leadership Academy because she is driven by a deep conviction that our children deserve an education grounded in truth Carrie is a California native and she raised her two children within the Capistrano Valley Unified School District. She is excited to work on our team because she believes in our Vision and Mission statements and finds them refreshing and pertinent.

Mrs. Wyckoff’s favorite book is Animal Farm by George Orwell!

Mrs. Wyckoff loves this book because the parallels that it draws between the animals and the human world is astounding to her. We learn lessons that we can and should apply to our own society. For instance, we learn that all power can contain an element of corruption and that rewriting history can lead to our own downfall. The book is both frightening and entertaining at the same time.”

Chris Zeif is the Campus Operations Manager at the California Republic Leadership Academy. He began his career in Los Angeles by working for the Boys & Girls Club of America as an Athletic Director, teaching young children how to have fun while playing sports and work together as a team. Mr. Zeif then pursued an Associates degree in Criminal Justice and was a volunteer police officer for the EL Monte Police Department for over 8 years. After graduating from college, he moved to Orange County where he took a job as a Security Agent for Ikea. He was quickly promoted to Safety and Security Manager. As the Safety and Security Manager, Mr. Zeif oversaw the safety and security of 300 employees and all of the customers who entered the store. He has also conducted several safety trainings for all staff, from active shooter, fire/evacuation drills, and accident prevention. Once Mr. Zeif’s eldest child started school, he started researching what safety protocols were in place at his school, and he began volunteering. He soon realized how much he enjoyed working with school staff to help them maintain safety protocols on the school campus. He knew that this is what he loved to do and wanted to keep going. Mr. Zeif is a father of two, who enjoys coaching his son's little league baseball team. He is a huge basketball fan, and plays basketball in his free time.

Mr. Zeif’s favorite book is Kobe Bryant the Mamba Mentality.

Mr. Zeif loves this book becuase it talks about how important it is to practice your craft to become a master at it. This is something he has carried with him everywhere he goes.

Kelly Keefe is a TK teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. Being a proud American and Californian, Ms. Keefe holds utmost reverence for freedom and those who protect it. The California Republic Leadership Academy resonates with her beliefs. With five years of experience in teaching Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten, Ms. Keefe finds joy in shaping the next generation into positive and productive global citizens. She eagerly anticipates teaching Transitional Kindergarten and collaborating with both students and their families at California Leadership Academy.

Ms. Keefe’s favorite book is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White!

Ms. Keefe loves this book because it beautifully conveys life lessons through the friendship between a pig and a spider. E.B. White's quote, "Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder," resonates with Ms. Keefe, as she witnesses it daily in her classroom as a teacher.

Kimberly Prowten is a kindergarten teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy, and has always found fulfillment in working with students. Ms. Prowten pursued a teaching credential at Biola University and furthered her education by enrolling in a Master of Education program at Concordia University. In the previous year, Ms. Prowten served as an Instructional Aid in a Transitional Kindergarten classroom, supporting the lead teacher with various responsibilities such as lesson preparation, classroom management, social-emotional learning, and occasionally substituting when required. Thrilled to be part of CRLA, Ms. Prowten is enthusiastic about nurturing the next generation of leaders, emphasizing truth, virtue, and wisdom.

Ms. Prowten’s favorite book is You Are Special by Max Lucado!

Ms. Prowten loves this book because it resonates with her. It instills in students the notion that each person is unique and worthy of celebration.

Emma Nordstrom is a 1st Grade Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. A native of Orange County, she holds a deep affection for her hometown. With two years of experience as a substitute teacher in public schools within Orange County, Ms. Nordstrom successfully completed her credential and student teaching program at CSULB. During her undergraduate studies at Westmont College, Mrs. Nordstrom actively participated in the Augustinian Honors Program, providing her with firsthand exposure to the advantages of classical education. Mrs. Nordstrom firmly believes in instilling a love for learning for learning's sake among students and finds a true sense of belonging at CRLA. Mrs. Nordstrom eagerly anticipates guiding the next generation of servant leaders and catalysts for positive change within their classroom, united in the pursuit of truth and wisdom.

Mrs. Nordstrom’s favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck!

Mrs. Nordstorm loves this book because she appreciates its exquisite allegorical portrayal of life's intricacies as it traces a family's journey across multiple generations in California's Central Valley.

Jerrin Hilliado is a 2nd Grade Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy, and has worked in the education field for several years as a childcare teacher, instructional assistant, substitute teacher, behavior interventionist, and youth basketball coach. During this time, Mr. Hilliado has completed academic degrees and programs in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, and Education along with attaining his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Mr. Hilliado was born and raised in South Orange County, and he enjoys the beach, sports, traveling, and time with his friends and family. Mr. Hilliado believes in the importance of role models and teachers in order to promote the overall well-being of students and future generations. He believes that through engaging curriculum, students will love coming to school, and also the process of learning and growth.

Mr. Hilliado’s favorite book is The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant.

Mr. Hilliado loves this book because it provides, in full detail, the legendary mindset of Kobe Bryant, who was known for his sharp focus, preparation, attention to details, and high level of competitiveness. As a result, he became one of the most accomplished and celebrated athletes of all time.

Colette Anderson is the 3rd Grade Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. Having personally experienced the benefits of classical education in her own upbringing, Ms. Anderson firmly believes in its ability to nurture curiosity, develop logical thinking and communication skills, foster a love for reading, and equip individuals to become responsible and educated adults. While this marks her first year as a formal teacher, Ms. Anderson brings a wealth of experience working with students. Her background includes serving as a YMCA leader, a summer camp counselor at Forest Home, an instructor for Junior Lifeguards, student-teaching in multiple grades, and substitute teaching in the Capistrano Valley and Laguna Beach districts. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Education Sciences with a minor in Spanish from the University of California Irvine, as well as a Master’s Degree of Education from California State Fullerton. Ms. Anderson’s college years were further enriched by her immersive experiences living abroad in Costa Rica and Malawi, Africa, each for four months, which broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of the world. Driven by a passionate desire to make learning engaging and meaningful across all subjects, Ms. Anderson eagerly looks forward to meeting her class in the upcoming fall.

Ms. Anderson’s Favorite book is Les Misérables by Eugène-François Vidocq!

Ms. Anderson loves this book because it captivates her with its rich and beautifully crafted narrative, leaving her longing for an even lengthier journey within its pages

Isabel Hans is the 4th Grade Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. She holds a deep appreciation for the classical approach to education and recognizes its potential to nurture students into future leaders, innovators, and independent thinkers. Ms. Hans completed her educational training at Grand Canyon University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Throughout her journey, she has had the privilege of teaching lessons across various classrooms, primarily in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as a student teacher in a 1st-grade classroom at Sierra Madre Elementary School. As a dedicated educator, Ms. Hans’s goal is to empower her students by equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive academically and develop strong character.

Ms. Hans’ favorite book is Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield!

Ms. Hans loves this book because it holds a special place in her heart. Its captivating narrative, intriguing characters, riveting adventures, and unexpected twists leave Ms. Hans yearning for more, making it her all-time favorite.

Taylor Hadley is a 5th Grade Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. Her life motto was instilled by her grandmother: “Always be honest, fair, loving, and kind.” This philosophy resonates deeply with the principles of classical education, which prioritize truth, goodness, and beauty. Having grown up attending a school rooted in classical education, Mrs. Hadley feels grateful for the opportunity to impart this approach as a teacher. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a teaching credential from Cal Poly Pomona. Mrs. Hadley’s teaching journey commenced at Temecula Preparatory School, a classical charter school in Temecula, where she passionately taught third grade during their first year. In addition to her classroom experience, Mrs. Hadley has coached track, field, and volleyball for high school students at Ontario Christian High School and Capistrano Valley Christian School, engaging freshmen through seniors.

Mrs. Hadley’s favorite piece of writing is Our Town, a play by Thornton Wilder!

Mrs. Hadley loves this play because it instilled in her a value of gratitude for life's small joys, an appreciation for the essence of existence, and the significance of meaningful connections with others.

Sara Feliciano is the PE Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. She is driven to empower the next generation of sincere and dedicated learners. She firmly believes in instilling the principles of moral virtue, truth, and wisdom in her students, fostering their holistic character development. In 2020, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Professions. Recently, in May 2023, she completed her master's degree and Single Subject Credential in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University. Ms. Feliciano has gained valuable experience working as an instructional assistant for 3rd and 4th grade students for one year. During the Fall of 2022, she served as an itinerant PE student-teacher, engaging with Kindergarteners through 5th graders across three schools within the Capistrano Unified School District. Additionally, Ms. Feliciano possesses significant experience substituting for PE classes, catering to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. With eager anticipation, she looks forward to personal and professional growth while serving at the California Republic Leadership Academy in the upcoming school year.

Ms. Feliciano’s favorite book is Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe!

Ms. Feliciano loves this book because it holds a special place in her heart! It is a classic and nostalgic childhood favorite that highlights the themes of repentance, overcoming challenges, and thrilling adventures.

Jill Glover is the Education Specialist at the California Republic Leadership Academy. Shehas been a teacher and interventionist for students in Kindergarten through Middle School for 13 years. She earned her Master of Education degree at George Washington University in 2010 and holds an Education Specialist credential. Mrs. Glover taught Elementary and Middle School Students in the clinical and classroom settings in Northern California before relocating to Orange County in 2018. Mrs. Glover took a short leave from teaching to care for her three young kids before returning as an Educational Therapist for a private K-8 school and now as an Education Specialist for the California Republic Leadership Academy. Mrs. Glover is excited to integrate the core values of Classical Education into the CRLA classroom environment to holistically teach and develop each student. Mrs. Glover is certified in Wilson Reading System and is particularly passionate about working with students faced with dyslexia and related language-based and processing disorders. She loves seeing her students’ progress academically using a structured literacy program and works to integrate best practices for reading into all areas of instruction for all students.

Mrs. Glover’s favorite book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak!

Mrs. Glover loves this book because it has many great messages for kids and adults alike. Professionally, she also loves Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz and Smart but Scattered by Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. She enjoys these books because they provide wonderful statistics and information, as well as helpful tools for neurodivergent learners.

Shanaye Sherman is the TOSA at the California Republic Leadership Academy. As a passionate advocate for education, she has traversed various roles in the academic sphere. Her journey began as a dedicated para-educator, where she cultivated a profound understanding of student needs and honed her skills in providing targeted support. Transitioning to the dynamic realm of substitute teaching, Ms. Sherman embraced diverse classroom environments, adapting swiftly to ensure continuity in learning and fostering an atmosphere of growth and curiosity among students. Ms. Sherman’s aspiration to make a more profound impact led her to pursue a teaching credential at Concordia University, Irvine. There, she immersed herself in pedagogical theories and practical methodologies, harnessing the knowledge necessary to empower future generations. Now, standing at the threshold of a new chapter, Ms. Sherman is thrilled to be a part of the esteemed team at CRLA Capistrano. Ms. Sherman is eager to support and guide the next generation of servant leaders to wisdom, truth, and friendship.

Ms. Sherman’s favorite book is If You Take A Mouse To School by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Sherman loves this book because it reminds her of her childhood and the numerous tools she would stuff her backpack with. This captivating story brings alive the world of education and reminds young individuals how exciting learning can be, especially with a buddy.

Sarai Gonzalez is the School Psychologist at the California Republic Leadership Academy. She plays a crucial role in supporting special education and promoting student well-being. Her genuine dedication to fostering character development and nurturing well-rounded individuals makes her an asset to the CRLA community. With nine years of experience as a School Psychologist, Sarai has effectively aided students and staff members across various grade levels, ranging from Preschool to 12th grade. Her extensive interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and personalities have enabled her to cultivate a high level of comfort and understanding in her work. Sarai's professional expertise, combined with her educational background, has laid a strong foundation in the field of School Psychology.

Ms. Gonzalez’s favorite book is Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Suess!

Ms. Gonzalez loves this book because it resonates with her love for travel and exploration.