Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Plattsburgh State University in New York.For more than 10 years, Michelle has lead product development efforts at leading Silicon Valley computer hardware companies (Acer America, NEC and Packard Bell) and software companies (The Learning Company/Mattel Interactive). Most recently, Michelle was a Director of Marketing at Emeryville, CA-based LeapFrog Enterprises. During her five years at LeapFrog, she led the development and marketing efforts of several award-winning educational products including the Leapster Educational Game System and family of learning software. In addition to her teaching credential from Cal State East Bay, Michelle also holds a Masters of Business degree from Cal State East Bay and a Michelle enjoys digital photography and video editing in her spare time, mostly starring her two daughters and husband. The Fitts family lives in Hayward, CA.
mfitts@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Biography not available at this time.
alemoine@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Regina Leyva is an avid supporter of the Visual Arts. Her education, field experience and single subject teaching credential has provided her the experience and knowledge to design and direct an innovative Jr. High Visual Art program for the charter school. Regina studied Fashion Illustration and Design at the Traphagen School of Design in NYC. She later transferred to the School of Visual Arts located in NYC’s Grammarcy Park Area. In 1993, she completed her degree at Bethany College, in Scotts Valley, CA. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, with an Applied Professional Studies Degree. Her credentials include a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as well as a Single Subject Credential in Art. Regina has enjoyed many unique opportunities to work in the field of art as well as study with many notable artists such as: Marvin Bileck, illustrator for the Caldecott Medal winning children's book, Rain Makes Applesauce, and George Fernandez, Photorealistic artist of Long Island, New York. In addition to teaching, she continues to select motivating freelance opportunities in the private and corporate sectors. Regina has owned her own jewelry business, The Artists Collection, and designed and sold jewelry as a street vendor in NYC. Regina also enjoyed the opportunity to work with Monterey County as a Mural Supervisor. She is currently working on her Masters Degree.
rleyva@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

I am a 1999 graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.  I moved to San jose california in August of 2000 for a teaching job in San Jose.  I have been in california ever since.  This school year will be my 10th year teaching and my 3rd at LVCS.  I have a master in Educational Leadership from San Jose State.  I have been married since July 2004. I have two sons, Quinn and Connor. Quinn will be in kindergarten at LVCS this school year.  In my spare time I enjoy camping, traveling, and playing soccer. 
Biography not available at this time.
kmathis@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Biography not available at this time.
brittmann@lvcs.org

Heather Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Chico. She is credentialed by the state of California to teach k-6th grade and has supplemental authorization in Health Science. She believes that everyone is a life-long learner and hopes to foster a love of learning in her students. Heather joined the LVCS staff in the fall of 2008.
hsmith@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

 
Mr. Asa Stern has recently returned to California after completing a Master of Music in Composition at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Having previously completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Music Education from the University of the Pacific, he taught instrumental and vocal music in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Prior to moving to Florida he taught vocal music to grades 6 through 12 at two secondary schools in the San Jose Unified School District. Asa works as a pianist, woodwind performer, and conductor. He has conducted ensembles such as the Sunnyvale Singers, the UC Davis theater productions, Davis Musical Theatre Company, and choirs at St. Timothy's Episcopal and St. Catherine's Episcopal Church. Asa enjoys performing and recording with the Choral Project. He is currently working on the final stages of a PhD in Music Education through the University of South Florida.
astern@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Keith Switzer earned a batchelor degree in Mass Communications in 1992 at Cal State Hayward. After college Keith realized that he wanted to be a teacher and coach so he went back to school to earn teaching degrees in physical education, math, and elementary multiple subject. Keith still uses his Mass Communications degree as he runs DJK Professionals, a professional deejay company that specializes in weddings and company parties. He also is a professional soccer trainer in the Livermore Youth Soccer League's high comp program. Married with two sons, Keith enjoys living here in Livermore.
kswitzer@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Judy Watkins is one of our grade English Language Arts and Social Studies core teachers this year. She comes to us with 12 years of teaching experience. This will be her 13 year of teaching and her 1^styear of teaching 6^thgrade. Mrs. Watkins earned her BA in Psychology as well as her Teaching Credential from California State University, San Bernardino. She also earned her MBA through the University of Phoenix. She has a strong background in teaching writing and believes that all students have an “inner writer”. Mrs. Watkins creates a nurturing environment in her classroom which lends itself to students opening up and taking chances in their writing pieces.

She has lead a variety of student activities and projects and would like to continue some of these here at LVCS. These activities and projects include; writing a district-wide math curriculum, site and district leader, student safety patrol, school-wide recycling program, student council sponsor, directing grade level musicals that align with the curriculum, publication of student authored books and the budding reading program. She has a passion for teaching children and has expressed her belief that she feels blessed to be here at LVCS working with your children.

Mrs. Watkins is married to Dr. Watkins, the principal LVCP. They have three children that also attend LVCS.
jwatkins@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Misty Wilkins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University at Hayward, and is credentialed by the state of California to teach multiple subjects K-8. She has lived in Livermore for the last fifteen years with her husband and four children.  Misty happily joined the LVCS staff in the fall of 2005. mwilkins@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Mrs. Winter began her association with LVCS as a founding family member and helped draft our school’s original charter petition.  In 2006 she started teaching 4th grade at LVCS, moving to 5th grade for three years and most recently 8th grade last year. Mrs. Winter holds an undergraduate degree in Social Science with emphasis in economics and sociology, along with a master’s degree in American history.  Prior to teaching elementary school Mrs. Winter spent a number of years teaching history at the university level, while her and her husband, lived in Washington, DC.  The Winter’s moved to Livermore in 2000 and are very active in their children, Nick & Victoria’s, sports activities. Mrs. Winter is excited to be part of the middle school team and enjoys sharing her passion for history and learning with all the students she encounters. jwinter@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Lindsay Abbott earned a Bachelor's degree in Entomology (that's insects!) from the University of Florida and earned a Master's degree from Slippery Rock University in Park Resource Management with an emphasis in Environmental Education.  She has always loved the outdoors and seeing how the world works.  Lindsay worked as an environmental educator all over the eastern US before finally heading west to California.  When she is not exploring the outdoors, you kind find Lindsay knitting, reading, and gardening. labbott@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

My name is Heather Wenzler and I am long-time resident of East contra Costa County. I have been married for 13 years and have 3 wonderful children: Tyler, age 12, Jordan, age 10, and Bryn, age 8. We have 2 dogs, Marley and Mojo, and 2 birds Scout and Callie. I love camping, computers, and reading. I became a teacher 8 years ago and have spent the past 4 years teaching in Discovery Bay California. I love middle school and am excited to bring my talents to LVCS. I have a deep passion for history, especially ancient cultures and I happily share this with my students. As a parent of middle school-aged children, I know how talented and creative students are today; and I believe that by setting high standards for behavior and academics, we are able to see them stretch their abilities and develop into young adults with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in all areas of their lives. I look forward to a fun and fabulous year! hwenzler@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

Jennifer Horn grew up in Pleasanton, CA.  She attended the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!) where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.  She then received her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of the Pacific.  Jennifer has almost two decades of teaching experience at the middle school and high school levels.   While most of her experience has been teaching middle school “core” classes (History, English, Literature), Jennifer has also taught other subjects such as special education and reading intervention.  She spends her leisure time reading mystery novels, solving crossword puzzles, and picking up after her family.  Jennifer is married and has two young boys and a puppy.  She now knows more about trucks, dirt, cars, karate, bikes, tools, mud, diggers, superheroes, and removing stains than she ever thought she would.  She dreams of someday traveling the world and/or sleeping in.  jhorn@lvcs.org | Teacher Website

I am thrilled to be teaching in the Livermore district. My name is Mrs. Winter and I will be teaching eighth grade science, geometry and algebra 1 this school year. I was born and raised in Argentina where I studied chemistry and taught English. I moved to Chicago in 1983 where I got my Bachelors in Science and my Masters in Math Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I taught math to several age groups ranging from Kindergarten to college students. I have found that every age group has their particularities which I enjoyed very much.

We moved to Indianapolis due to my husband’s job, where we stayed for six years. In this beautiful city, I was fortunate to teach at a school with an International Baccalaureate program, where I taught higher level math to high school and sixth and seventh grade mathematics.

Three years ago, my husband was offered an opportunity to move to the Bay area and here we are, enjoying this part of the United States. Students and families have made us feel very welcome and we are fortunate to have this chance to live here and make new friends.

My teaching style is varied: there is a time for theoretical knowledge, a time to explore, a time to demonstrate your knowledge and a time to practice your knowledge. Above all, I wish that you all enjoy the subject matter and that you learn as much as I am learning from you.

I have an open door policy, which means that you can come in to ask me any questions.

Good luck to you.

Mrs. Winter

 
mwinter@lvcs.org | Teacher Website