Meet the Staff
The staff at Chicago Park School is made up of caring, open-minded, and committed individuals. We have a long history, shaped by dedicated people enriching the minds of future generations.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”
– Benjamin Franklin
A Word From Our Principal
Learning is Fun.
So is Teaching!
Katie Kohler
Superintendent/Principal
Email: Mrs. Kohler
Phone: Ext. 202
Why Chicago Park: I think Chicago Park is the best! It makes me happy to come to work everyday!
Where you grew up: Grass Valley
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Camping, gardening, traveling, and cooking
Favorite food: Pizza
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Lake Tahoe because it is so beautiful and there is so much to do up there
Jennifer Pappas
1st Grade Teacher
Email: Mrs. Pappas
Phone Ext: 205
Why Chicago Park:
When I was job searching, I was really looking for a school that had the same values as myself. I wanted to teach somewhere that understood that kids need to play, the importance of being in the garden, and had a small family like atmosphere. Most of
all, I wanted a place where my family could find community, and where my kids felt safe. I found all of that at Chicago Park.
Where you grew up:
I grew up in the Northwest. I mainly spent time in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. During college I got a job at a summer camp near Placerville, CA. There I met my husband, and I’ve lived in California ever since.
Hobbies/Activities outside of work:
I like to spend time with my family and friends doing a number of different activities. I enjoy spending time in the wilderness, the garden, cooking, baking, and trying my hand at various crafting type projects.
Favorite food:
There is so much good food in the world. Who can choose a favorite?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why:
Honestly, home is my most favorite place in the world to be. However, on my bucket list is visiting National Parks with my family.
Sean Kadera
4th Grade Teacher
Email: Mr. Kadera
Phone Ext: 214
I chose Chicago Park because I love small schools, this allows me to have a personal connection with all of my students. I grew up in grass Valley and attended Forest Lake from kindergarten all the way through high school. When not at school, I enjoy being outside, usually you can find me mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or camping! My favorite food is Mexican food. If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be Machu Picchu. I really want to go here because of the history, culture, and sadly there’s talks of shutting it down to the rest of the world, and I want to go before that happens!
Bonnie Bellefontaine
2nd Grade Teacher
Email: Mrs. Bellefontaine
Phone Ext: 208
Why Chicago Park: I love Chicago Park School’s strong sense of community and that it is located in the beautiful countryside!
Where you grew up: Colfax, CA
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: In my free time I enjoy anything outdoorsy! Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, boating, biking and traveling are among my favorite activities.
Favorite food: Any type of seafood!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Alaska’s amazing scenery and wildlife definitely make it a place that I would love to visit someday.
Dana Winquest
Administrative Secretary
Homeless Liaison
Email: Mrs. Winquest
Phone: Ext. 215
Why Chicago Park: I love kids and the Chicago Park School Community
Where you grew up: Chicago Park. Yep, I attended Chicago Park School
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Hiking, reading, spending time with family, roller coasters, volunteer work
Favorite food: Indian and other spicy foods
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Africa. To volunteer and they have really cool animals!
Kelli Auld
I am Arizona bred, Southern California raised, and now a happy Grass Valley resident for the past three years. The lakes and mountains were calling my family as we decided to return to my husband’s hometown and raise our two girls (Breckyn 11 and Austyn 8) in the beauty of the forest surrounded by boatloads of family and friends. Our whole family is so excited about joining the Chicago Park Community!
I graduated from the USC (Fight on!) with my BS in Education, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Masters in Education-Instructional Leadership from Pepperdine University, and my Early Childhood Teaching Certification. This is my 24th year in teaching which has brought me through adventures with 3 year olds up to 5th grade. However, it has been my years spent within these powerful early childhood years where I found my ultimate love and calling. There is no better job than one that lets you see the beauty and wonder of the world through a child’s lens everyday!
I love being outdoors and active so our whole family can be found swimming, skiing, wake surfing, or having a good ol’ dance party. However, you will have a piece of my heart with a good Mexican food meal- I could die happy eating cheese enchiladas everyday. I am always up for adventures between weekend trips to Tahoe or even some of our most memorable past adventures to Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia!
Bob Schmitt
Maintenance
Why Chicago Park: The kids, the grounds, the teachers and the administrators
Where you grew up: Marin County
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: Hiking, traveling with wife, and dogs.
Favorite food: Chips, hamburgers, banana ice cream
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: Australia because I want to pick up their accent mate!
Lindsay Martinez
3rd Grade Teacher
Phone Ext: 209
Andy Brooding
5th Grade Teacher / Basketball Coach
Why Chicago Park: I love how connected the community is at Chicago Park. The students, families, and staff make this school amazing!
Where you grew up: My family moved to Grass Valley from Fairfield when I was just two years old. I have grown up in Grass Valley and I went through the Pleasant Ridge School District as a child. I can’t imagine myself leaving Nevada County.
Hobbies/Activities outside of work: I love playing bass in my band Elevation, playing basketball, and taking care of my tree frog.
Favorite food: Italian and Mexican food are my two favorites.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why: I would like to visit Sweden. My family immigrated from Sweden and I would love to experience the country firsthand.
Robin Fields
Instructional Aide
Where I grew up- I grew up where the sun spends the winter, the Imperial Valley
Hobbies/Activities- I enjoy quilting, sewing, reading, traveling and time with my family.
Favorite food-Orange Peel Shrimp and Lettuce wraps
Where would I travel- I would like to revisit Israel, if it has to be someplace new either, Egypt or Greece
Jennifer Riccio
TK Teacher
Hello! My name is Jennifer Riccio, and I have taught in the field of early childhood education for about 10 years. I have a B.A. degree in early childhood education with a focus in elementary education from Pacific Oaks College and I hold a multiple subject teaching credential. I also have an A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology from Carrington College and am a Registered Veterinary Technician in California. I have a special place in my heart for children and my favorite thing to do is teach them how to be loving and respectful individuals with growth mindsets. I strive to develop strong bonds with my students and their families and honor their various cultures. The early years are a very magical time in childhood when a lot of growth and exploration happen, and I couldn’t be any more excited to witness it!
I was raised in the Bay Area and have been living in Colfax with my family for about 4 years. I am a wife and mom to two amazing boys who will be attending Chicago Park. We currently share our home with 3 dogs, 2 cats and one dwarf rabbit. Every other weekend and in the summer, I will be working at a veterinary clinic within the Grass Valley community. I love to stay busy working, gardening, hiking, and adventuring with my family. In my down time I enjoy reading a good book and learning new skills. My goal is to inspire a love for learning in each one of my students.
William Omer
Academy Teacher
Robin Johnston
Special Education Director
Jad Funk
IT Guy
Lisa Foss
Art Teacher
Kaelah De Mello
Instructional Aide
Why Chicago Park? – Growing up in a small town, I’ve always been drawn to the smaller schools and the tight-knit community. When I heard about Chicago Park I wanted nothing more than to start my first year at only this school! The children are friendly, kind, and caring. The staff become your closest friends and the families become your family too.
Where you grew up? – I was born and raised in Applegate/Meadow Vista, California. I lived in the same house from birth until I was old enough to go out into the world on my own and landed in Colfax.
Hobbies/Activities outside of work? – I love anything that has to do with the outdoors especially if there’s a body of water nearby. I also like to fish whether that be by foot, kayak, or boat. When I’m not outside you can always find me with my 2 miniature dachshunds cuddled up on the couch reading a good book or watching the newest TV series.
Favorite food? – Sushi, I will eat sushi every day and for every meal.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? – I would go to Portugal to see where my family originated from and to see its true beauty. Also, to eat all of the delicious food!
Meredith Regan
K-8th PE teacher & 3rd grade
I am excited to be teaching K-8th grade PE and team teaching with Mrs. Martinez in 3rd grade one day a week. I love Chicago Park for the small school feel where everyone knows and supports each other.
I grew up in Southern California. I received BA degrees in Theatre Arts and Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University and a Masters degree in Humanities from Dominican University. I hold a multiple subject teaching credential with a dance authorization, a PE credential, and a CTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. This is my 13th year in education.
In my free time I love traveling with my husband and our 3 boys, hiking, baking, and practicing yoga. I love Italian food and Thai food and anything with chocolate and peanut butter together.
During college, I studied abroad in Europe. London holds a special place in my heart, so I would definitely like to travel there again soon!
Michael Klingensmith
Academy Teacher
I spent the first part of my career teaching at a small country school down on the Central Coast. After leaving that area and teaching for a long time in the big city of Roseville, I realized that I wanted to get back to a small school where I would get to know all the students as they made their way up through the grades. Chicago Park seems to be just what I’ve been looking for.
Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from North Carolina, but I’ve lived in California for most of my life. I attended high school in Willits, California, a small town in Mendocino County, and I went to college at Humboldt State University.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like to play music—in a band, whenever possible—and I love to read books about history.
What is your favorite food?
If I had to eat just one food for the rest of my life, it would be pepperoni pizza. Chocolate-chip cookies are up there on the “best foods” list, too, but I’m not really supposed to eat cookies these days.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I’d love to visit Italy, for a lot of reasons. It’s the home of pizza, for one thing; for another, I want to see some ancient Roman artifacts and explore Florence, the home of the Renaissance.
Michael Boyle
Teacher Aide
Why Chicago park: I absolutely fell in love with this small town and the people. Jaxson my grandson started kindergarten at Chicago park school so every year I always volunteered for field trips and events at the school. Katie Kohler talked me into becoming a staff member saying “you’re always here might as well be on the payroll”. I couldn’t be happier with that decision, the staff and the kids fill my heart with love..
where you grew up: Milpitas Ca.
Hobby/activities outside of work: It seems like I’m always busy outside doing something on the tractor or mower and helping neighbors. This year I’m going to make time for the things I enjoy like camping going to community gatherings and maybe some concerts… I also dabble in making wine..
Favorite food: Mexican for sure
If I can go anywhere in the world: definitely Ireland. My father was born there and sadly I have never visited. Would love to stay with relatives, visit some castles and cemeteries.. Maybe a pub or three also..
Gabby Terrasi
Garden Educator
I was born in Palo Alto, California, but my family moved to Portland, Oregon when I was a child. My mother always said I threatened to return to California as soon as I could—and that’s exactly what I did. After high school, I moved to San Diego, but soon realized I couldn’t live without the seasons. I eventually settled in Northern California.
I earned a BA in Photography and another in Fine Arts from Sacramento State University. Shortly after, I met my husband, and we settled in Roseville. Though he is from Boston and I’m from the Pacific Northwest, so we both craved the mountains, lakes, and rivers. We found home in Colfax, where we had our daughter, Maxine, and our son, Matteo, four years after her.
When Maxine was ready for TK, we fell in love with Chicago Park Elementary. It checked all the boxes for what we were looking for in a school, and it truly made us feel like part of the community. I was the lead volunteer for the garden program during our first two and a half years there and am now proud to serve as the school’s primary Garden Educator and Farm to School Liaison.
I have a deep passion for all things homestead and nature-related. I bake and cook from scratch, grow a garden, and wish I had more farm animals than I already do. In my free time, I enjoy photography, hiking, camping, yoga, and indulging in sushi. Travel is another passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate enough to explore different countries from a young age. Currently, I’m focused on completing my hike through all five towns of Cinque Terre and visiting as many National Parks as possible with my children.