Administration
Mercedes Kirk, Principal
UC Davis alumni & University of San Francisco, Spanish Bilingual Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
I started my educational career in San Francisco USD and then moved to the Sacramento area to teach at Folsom Cordova USD. I have enjoyed teaching 1st - 4th graders for the past many years and now I feel honored to be the Principal of our amazing homeschool and to work with the most talented and caring staff.
I am married with three adult children and lots of pets. I enjoy spending time with my family, creating pottery, hiking, and exploring different regions of our beautiful state and country.
Melanie Whitney, Administrative Assistant
I have been with the Folsom Cordova School District for 24 years. I started at Riverview Elementary and then Navigator Elementary. I have to say the Homeschool has my heart! It is a wonderful place to be.
I am Married with two grown children and 2 spoiled Akitas that keep me walking everyday. I enjoy being outdoors, listening to music and hanging out with family and friends.
Kelley Wells, Health Assistant
I am a Health assistant for 3 schools in FCUSD.
I am married with 2 adult children and one puppy.
My favorite place to go is “home” to Hawaii to see family and friends as often as I can.
Kristin O'Rourke, Teacher / Consultant
BA - Human Development from Long Beach State University, Multiple Subjects Credential from Sacramento State University, and Masters in Curriculum Design and Instructional Leadership from National University
I have been with Folsom Cordova Unified for 28 years. I started off at Riverview Elementary, where I taught 4th and 6th grade. Then I became a second grade teacher at Natoma Station for 8 years. Finally, I joined the developing team for our district’s first charter school. Once we got things up and running, I never looked back. I have been with our charter for 19 years now as an educational consultant for grades kindergarten through 4th grade. My favorite aspect of the job is working alongside my families not only on their educational journey, but often on their personal journeys as well.
I have been married for 26 years and have two adult children. I have 2 really spoiled dogs who I love to walk every morning. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, boating, photography, and hope to work with rescue animals in the near future.
Laura Cataldo, Teacher / Consultant
California State University, Chico with a BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
I have had the privilege of working with kindergarten through 5th grade students at Folsom Cordova Community Charter (FCCC) since 2008. My teaching experience includes roles at the Santa Clara Unified School District and FCUSD before I transitioned to homeschooling my twins. I am grateful for the valuable, seven years of experience I gained while educating my own children through FCCC.
When I’m not working, I love hiking, spending time on the lake, gardening, and hanging out with my cat, Angel. Traveling with my husband (we've been married over 30 years!) and adult children is also a favorite activity.
Kerry Oh, Teacher / Consultant
B.A.-Communication Studies, Minor- Anthropology, Sacramento State University; Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CSU East Bay
After teaching in EGUSD and FCUSD, I homeschooled my oldest three children with FCCC and later became an educational consultant/teacher in 2007. I’m married, have five adult children and three dogs and enjoy running, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer Salter, Teacher / Consultant
UC Davis– Anthropology
I have been teaching for 27 years including 6th grade at Natoma Station and Williamson Elementary. The best part is that I have been with the Charter School since it started in 2004! I am married and we have two daughters. I love to read and hike, but traveling is my absolute favorite.
Brittany Ban, Teacher / Consultant
CSUS, Sacramento- BA in Child Development & Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
I graduated from Sac State in 2017 and earned my teaching credential there as well, in 2019. My first teaching job was here at the Charter School in Fall 2020, and I have been here ever since! It has been an amazing experience working with all of the wonderful teachers, staff, and homeschooling families. I couldn’t have asked for a better first job in my career.
I am married and have two sweet children that also go to school in the Folsom Cordova District. I am lucky enough to work part-time so I can still stay home with them. I absolutely love dancing! I coach high school cheer at a local high school in the Carmichael area. My family loves to travel to new places, but my all-time favorite vacation spot is always Disneyland or the beach- with an iced coffee in my hand.
Erin Morck, Teacher / Consultant
CSU Sacramento- BA Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Credential
I started my teaching career as a P.E. Teacher at White Rock Elementary & Blanche Sprentz Elementary. I taught kindergarten at Empire Oaks Elementary and then took a hiatus to raise my three children. I homeschooled the younger ones for 7 years, 5 years at FCCC. I am passionate about homeschooling! I’ve been teaching at FCCC since 2017.
I am blessed to be married to my best friend. In my spare time I love to workout and spend time with friends and family.
Heather Hennessy, Teacher/Consultant
Dana Bayless, Teacher/Consultant
Kelly Vander Hamm Teacher/Consultant
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, BS in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
After teaching 2nd- 4th grade for five years on the Central Coast, I stayed home with my five children until about five years ago when I began subbing in FCUSD. I taught on a one-year assignment in 4th grade last year with FCUSD and began my journey as an Educational Consultant with FCCC this past August.
My husband and I have been married for 21 years, and we have five children ages 10-16. In my free time I love to bake pies, read, play pickleball, and explore outdoors with my family especially in National Parks.
Bailey Stark/Resource Teacher
CSU Chico – BA History, Single Subject Credential
SCOE – Education Specialist Mild / Moderate Credential
UMass Global – Masters in Special Education Teaching and Learning
I grew up in FCUSD – attending Theodore Judah, Oak Chan, Folsom Middle, and BOTH Folsom Highs schools (old campus on Riley St and “new” campus on Prairie City.)
I went back to school to earn my Ed Specialist Credential after substitute teaching in RSP classrooms and loving it! I have been with the district for 5 years now. I am married and trying to keep up with my two teenage boys. We love to camp and travel. My happy place is on the shores of Lake Tahoe with a Starbucks, followed by a long nap.