FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DR. SCHROEDER
Dr. Schroeder
The Founding Executive Director for Vibrant Minds Charter School (formerly GOALS Academy) is Dr. Debra J. Schroeder. Debbie has been an educator for more than 38 years as a teacher, curriculum specialist, vice principal, principal, and director. Debbie retired from the Anaheim Elementary School District in 2014 and was excited to apply her skills and talents to the co-creation of a strength-based public charter school in Anaheim, California. She has a Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Educational Psychology, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, and an Administrative Credential. As a life-long learner, Debbie is excited to explore innovative practices that help the scholars of VMCS identify their interests and talents and transform them into strengths. Her visionary leadership has positively impacted the three schools where she has served as the principal -- Edison Elementary School, Gauer Elementary School, and now Vibrant Minds Charter School.
“This is a dream come true! I enjoy serving scholars in a small school setting in which everyone knows and cares about each other. Working with scholars, staff, and parents to co-create a uniquely positive and powerfully effective elementary school is highly motivating. This is a wonderful place for scholars. I know the families that enroll their children in Vibrant Minds Charter School love this school.” -- Debbie Schroeder
“This is a dream come true! I enjoy serving scholars in a small school setting in which everyone knows and cares about each other. Working with scholars, staff, and parents to co-create a uniquely positive and powerfully effective elementary school is highly motivating. This is a wonderful place for scholars. I know the families that enroll their children in Vibrant Minds Charter School love this school.” -- Debbie Schroeder
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, CHAMMARRA NGUYEN
Chammarra Nguyen is the Assistant Director at Vibrant Minds Charter School. She joined the faculty in August 2016. Chammarra is responsible for overseeing programs that provide educational assistance to children with mental, psychological, learning, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities. She works closely with teachers, parents, service providers, and scholars to maximize the growth potential of all scholars, including those with exceptional learning needs. She facilitates all aspects of the school’s special education program, including direct and indirect services, initial and triennial assessments, IEP creation, and in-class supports, accommodations, and modifications.
After studying English and Sociology at the University of California, Irvine, Chammarra began as an educator in 2009 as a Teach for America Corp Member. While teaching high school English and reading intervention to scholars with special needs, she attended night school at Loyola Marymount and received her Educational Specialist Credential and Masters in Special Education. Following three years working with scholars in Grades 9 to 12, Chammarra helped to open a new charter school as the founding resource specialist. She supported scholars in Grades 5 to 7 in the areas of mathematics, English, and reading intervention.
After studying English and Sociology at the University of California, Irvine, Chammarra began as an educator in 2009 as a Teach for America Corp Member. While teaching high school English and reading intervention to scholars with special needs, she attended night school at Loyola Marymount and received her Educational Specialist Credential and Masters in Special Education. Following three years working with scholars in Grades 9 to 12, Chammarra helped to open a new charter school as the founding resource specialist. She supported scholars in Grades 5 to 7 in the areas of mathematics, English, and reading intervention.
COORDINATOR, YVETTE LAVALLE
Yvette LaValle is the Coordinator of Special Programs and Events at Vibrant Minds Charter School. Yvette is a founding parent and has been an active contributor to the school since its inception. She took a role on staff beginning in 2019. She is very proud of the contributions she has made in the areas of GATE, Project-Based Learning, Cultural Events, Field Trips, Health Screenings, Grant Proposals, and Community Service.
Yvette received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at California State University at Long Beach and pursued education soon after. Yvette taught for a local school district for 15 years before staying home to care for her two children. Yvette has called Anaheim her home for over 35 years.
"Every morning I wake up with a sense of joy and expectation for great things to happen. This is attributed to doing work that is not a job, but a life's purpose." -- Yvette LaValle
Yvette received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at California State University at Long Beach and pursued education soon after. Yvette taught for a local school district for 15 years before staying home to care for her two children. Yvette has called Anaheim her home for over 35 years.
"Every morning I wake up with a sense of joy and expectation for great things to happen. This is attributed to doing work that is not a job, but a life's purpose." -- Yvette LaValle
COORDINATOR, KLA COOK
Kla Cook is the Coordinator of Technology and Enrichment at Vibrant Minds Charter School. She has been on staff since the school's first days as GOALS Academy, working in a variety of roles including as an instructional assistant and after-school program coordinator. Ms. Cook is responsible for assisting our scholars, staff, and families with technological support, including training and implementation of online platforms and on-site device maintenance. Additionally, Ms. Cook works closely with our VAPA and P.E. specialists, community members, and volunteers to provide our scholars with enrichment opportunities to introduce new skills and enhance scholars' strengths and abilities.
"As an Anaheim native, it is important to me to pour my energy into the lives of the young members of our community. Vibrant Minds Charter School's philosophy of a strength-based approach to a scholar/mentor relationship is a great fit for my approach to serving and enhancing the lives of our youth." -- Kla Cook
"As an Anaheim native, it is important to me to pour my energy into the lives of the young members of our community. Vibrant Minds Charter School's philosophy of a strength-based approach to a scholar/mentor relationship is a great fit for my approach to serving and enhancing the lives of our youth." -- Kla Cook
