K-12 Tuition Free Public School
Student Support
Katie Peterson, School Counselor and 9th and 10th Grade Graphic and Web Design Facilitator
Katie joins SCVi as school counselor where she will have the opportunity to work with learners individually, in small groups, and in the classroom when the situation calls for it. She has an open-door policy and encourages students to drop by and see what she’s all about. She believes the skills she has gained from past experiences will benefit learners, staff, and parents alike.
Katie will work closely with learners in other regards, too, including facilitating the 9th and 10th grade graphic and web design elective class.
She is excited to be a part of SCVi and its educational vision because she believes a person learns something new every day. In this spirit, she cannot wait to learn from her colleagues, and most of all, from the learners.
Outside of SCVi, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, including her niece and nephew, working on any kind of art project and being with friends. She is also an avid movie watcher and music listener, but nothing beats a good book. She can be reached at katie.peterson@scvcharterschool.org.
Tom Renaud, Upper Grade Education Specialist
Tom is looking forward to his first year at SCVi as the Resource Specialist for upper grades. He has taught physically impaired students for eight years. After discovering SCVi, he is excited to work in an environment that so clearly encourages creativity, individual growth, and global awareness. He is eager to apply his skills toward helping learners make the most of their potential.
Tom's background includes 25 years as a monk, living in Colorado, Nova Scotia, and Ireland. He lived in beautiful wilderness areas, developing a great love for nature’s beauty. He had the opportunity to work with his hands, learning construction, carpentry, and woodcarving. The monasteries he lived in are also retreat centers, and Tom spoke with people from all walks of life, hearing their stories and counseling many of them. He traveled to churches and conference centers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to give talks and conduct retreats.
In 2005, Tom left the monastery. He married in 2008, and has the privilege of living with a wonderful wife and stepson. Throughout his life, Tom has been fascinated with music. He is an avid guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and has performed in a wide variety of settings. He is very much looking forward to using this gift at SCVi! He can be reached at tom.renaud@scvcharterschool.org.
Jody Kirby, Education Specialist K-5
Jody is excited to be joining the staff at SCVi as an Education Specialist K-5. She has two children attending the school and is proud to be a Founding Family.
Jody earned a BA from University of Colorado in English Literature and a Teaching Credential from UCLA. She is currently attending Cal Lutheran University pursuing her Master’s in Special Education, mild to moderate.
Jody has been in education on and off for 21 years as a classroom teacher, but most of her years have been spent substitute teaching and as a private reading tutor for 15 years. She is thrilled to be joining such an amazing team of teachers and staff at SCVi.
Outside the classroom, Jody is interested in health and nutrition, including sharing Juice Plus with friends and family. If you haven’t heard of it, ask her about it!
Her kids keep her busy as well, and she is supported on all fronts by her wonderful husband of 15 years. She can be reached at jody.kirby@scvcharterschool.org.
Theresa D'Ambrosio, Special Education Counselor
Theresa has been a school counselor for four years, working previously with Castaic Union School District as their DIS Counselor. She is excited about working at SCVi three days a week this year.
Theresa will work with DIS students at SCVi, assisting those with special needs, as well as students who just need additional support. She will also be part of the 7 th grade student advisory team and looks forward to connecting with both students and parents
Theresa is a graduate of Long Beach University. She received a master’s degree in Educational Counseling from La Verne with a credential to counselor K-12
Theresa is married and has a 10-year-old daughter. She enjoys hiking, watching movies, biking riding, and walks on the beach. Theresa can be reached at theresa.dambrosio@scvcharterschool.org