MEET OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
JENNY ELIAS
Chairperson- Parent Member
CATHERINE CROWLEY
Community Member
Kyle Myers
Alumni Member
CASEY NIELSEN
Staff Member
Steven Collazo
Local Business Member
Jenny Elias is a mother of six and a dedicated educator who has been homeschooling since 2007, guided by the philosophy of Charlotte Mason (CM), a pioneering educator and reformer of the late 19th century. Jenny’s enthusiasm for Mason’s holistic, literature-rich approach to learning inspired her to share it with others in her community. In 2015, she founded Learning Charlotte Mason in Conejo and Simi Valleys, a discussion group for homeschooling parents that soon evolved into a thriving weekly co-op known as The Large Room. As a moderator, Jenny helped organize and facilitate lessons in history, nature study, literature, poetry recitation, and art and composer appreciation. Over the years, Jenny has also spoken at and participated in numerous Charlotte Mason conferences, including representing the Charlotte Mason Institute at the Ontario Great Homeschool Convention in 2019. Her leadership and commitment to community-based education have made her a respected voice among homeschooling families. Jenny’s connection to IvyTech began when her second-oldest child enrolled during the 2017–18 school year. Since then, four of her children have graduated from IvyTech. Her family has benefited greatly from IvyTech’s flexible programs, including dual enrollment and early graduation opportunities. Deeply passionate about education, Jenny is committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality, individualized learning experience. She strongly believes in IvyTech’s mission and vision, having witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has had on her own children. As a member of the IvyTech Board, Jenny is excited to contribute her experience and insight to help the school continue providing a unique, supportive, and enriching environment for all learners.
Catherine Crowley currently resides in Simi Valley, California, and has been involved in education for more than forty-five years. Her career began at just seventeen years old, when she worked as a substitute teacher in her hometown of Montreal, Canada; a natural path given that both of her parents were educators. Catherine earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Concordia University in Montreal and later obtained her California teaching credential from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. She began teaching in the Simi Valley Unified School District in 1994, primarily in sixth and third grades, where she was known for her dedication to student engagement and academic growth. A lifelong advocate for world languages, Catherine speaks five languages and first learned English and French as a young student. In 2017, she developed and taught the FLAGS program (Foreign Language and Global Studies), introducing elementary students—from Pre-K through sixth grade—to four world languages, one per quarter. To refine her instructional approach, she attended summer institutes in Canada and participated in online professional development focused on multi-modal language teaching strategies. Her method, which emphasizes listening and speaking supported by gestures and movement, is particularly effective for young learners. Since retiring five years ago, Catherine has continued to nurture her love of learning through travel and by spending time with her grandchildren. As a member of the IvyTech Board, she brings decades of classroom experience, linguistic expertise, and a deep passion for education. Her commitment to fostering curiosity and global awareness in students makes her a valued asset to the IvyTech community.
Kyle Myers is a proud graduate of IvyTech Charter School, having completed the program in 2016. Raised in Moorpark, Kyle has been deeply connected to his community from an early age. He has volunteered for two city political campaigns, participated in local Little League, and proudly represented the Moorpark Packers. After graduating from IvyTech, Kyle continued his academic journey at Moorpark College, where he earned an associate degree in philosophy. He then transferred to California State University, Northridge, completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2022. Kyle plans to pursue a career in teaching philosophy or theology, driven by his passion for critical thinking and inquiry. As a member of the IvyTech Board, he brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to decision-making and a commitment to examining issues from multiple perspectives. Drawing on his academic background, Kyle strives to contribute both critical insight and creative solutions to the board’s work. As an IvyTech alumnus, Kyle considers it a true privilege and honor to serve on the Board, giving back to the school community that helped shape his educational foundation and personal growth.
Casey Nielsen currently resides in Castaic and commutes to IvyTech, where he is now in his seventh year as both an educator and member of the instructional team. He teaches students across grades seven through twelve, blending creativity and technology in the classroom. Casey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television, and Film from California State University, Fullerton, as well as both a Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from California State University, Northridge, where he also earned his English teaching credential. His professional background includes extensive training and experience in video and film production, screenwriting, and media technology, which he actively integrates into his teaching and leadership at IvyTech. Since joining the IvyTech Board in September 2023, Casey has contributed a valuable perspective rooted in industry practice and digital media innovation. As the instructor for courses in 3D printing and podcasting, he continually seeks to expand opportunities for students to engage with emerging technologies and authentic production workflows. His work helps students bridge classroom learning with real-world creative and technical applications, equipping them with skills that prepare them for future study and success in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Steven Collazo is the Retail Operations Manager at Sideshow Collectibles, a company with over 100 employees, where he leads multiple teams across sales, customer retention, fraud prevention, and quality assurance. In this role, Steven combines strategic leadership with operational expertise, fostering team performance and driving results. A proud alumnus of IvyTech, Class of 2012, and a former staff member, Steven offers a unique perspective on the school’s programs and student experiences. He began at IvyTech at its original High Street location as a student and later helped design and operate the school’s recording studio. Drawing on his professional background as a recording engineer, he provided students with hands-on, real-world learning opportunities, demonstrating the transformative impact of applied skills in education. As a member of the IvyTech Board, Steven is committed to supporting innovative learning experiences, nurturing student growth, and ensuring the school continues to provide excellence and opportunity for generations of students and educators.
ADMIN TEAM
ADREANNA DIAZ
Principal
GEOFFREY FRANKL
Director of Operations
Adreanna Diaz is a Ventura County native, who grew up in the Conejo Valley. She discovered her passion for education and supporting students at an early age, starting with volunteer work and tutoring in 8th grade. She pursued a Bachelor's degree at the University of California, Irvine, where her passions, purpose, and plans aligned, solidifying her decision to dedicate her career to education. Adreanna returned to Ventura County after graduating to complete her teaching credential, driven by the desire to serve the community in which she grew up.
Adreanna was one of the founding faculty who welcomed students and families on IvyTech's inaugural day of school in 2010. Over the years, she has held various roles at IvyTech, including History and English teacher, school counselor, and Assistant Director of Education and Student Services. Today, Adreanna is honored to serve as principal and has a deep admiration for IvyTech, its students, alumni, and families. She strives to work collaboratively with the IvyTech team and educational partners to cultivate an encouraging, enriching, and safe community of learning, all in pursuit of the school's vision "to produce learners and leaders who are brave enough to think outside the box."
Adreanna received her teaching credential, Master's, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, and Administrative Services Credential from California Lutheran University. She lives in Moorpark with her husband and children. They enjoy weekend adventures, especially up the CA 1, all things Disney, and spending time with family and friends.
Geoffrey Frankl grew up in Southern California and bounced between Los Angeles County and
Ventura County schools. Geoffrey first got a taste of being an educator when his high school
band class volunteered to teach elementary students how to play musical instruments. Well, that experience lit a passion in Geoff’s heart that followed him through high school, college, and then into adulthood.
Geoffrey worked in a plethora of industries as he completed his Bachelors's in Business
Management from the University of Phoenix. These professional experiences in retail,
manufacturing, the food industry, the video game industry, and entertainment all helped to
shape him into a well-rounded educator. Geoffrey completed his Master’s degree from UoP in
Secondary Education with an emphasis on Instruction and Curriculum Design.
Geoffrey joined the IvyTech staff as a math teacher in the spring semester of the school’s first
year of operation. During his years at the school, Geoffrey has taken on administrative duties
starting off with technology and IT infrastructure. This role grew to include him being named as
the school’s administrative designee in 2018. In the 2021-22 school year, Geoffrey officially
stepped out of the classroom completely and utilized his Administrative credential as the
school’s Assistant Director of Operations. Now as the Director of Operations, Geoffrey is excited to continue IvyTech’s mission and achieve its vision of making education accessible to all by doing school just a little bit differently.