• Certificated Application
• Classified Application

Erin Stuart - Superintendent/Principal

Erin Stuart taught high school for the Shasta Union High School District 27 years prior to becoming Superintendent/Principal at U-Prep; she and rest of the Leadership Team conceived, developed and opened University Preparatory School.

Mrs. Stuart holds a bachelor's degree in English, Speech and Drama Education (University of Maryland) an English credential (CSU, Chico) and an administrative credential (Simpson University). For several years she was the principal and a teacher for the College Connection program at Shasta College where she also taught Interpersonal Communications as an adjunct professor.

In the 1980s Mrs. Stuart was involved with Riverfront Playhouse where she was a board member, director, actress, technician, and Artistic Director. In the 1990's she left theater, married Mike Stuart, concentrated on raising her son Max, and began her career in educational leadership. Mrs. Stuart’s favorite pastimes are attending U-Prep events, spending time with her family, and reading mysteries; she hopes someday to publish a mystery whose setting is a school in Northern California…

Kathy Malain - Assistant Principal

Kathy Malain is excited to be working at University Prep School. She obtained a Bachelor of  Science degree from Rutgers University and a dual Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology and School Psychology/ Counseling from Chico State University. Since 1978 she’s been teaching and counseling in California from Gridley to French Gulch. 

When Mrs. Malain is not working, she can be found hiking, biking, camping and attending sports events with her two sons, Eric and Scott, husband, Guy, and Pomeranian, Shadow. She also enjoys her alone time and fills it with scrap booking or curled up with a good book. 

Professionally, Mrs. Malain has recently received her Administrative credential and holds the position of Program Committee Chairperson with California League of Middle Schools, a national organization. 

Tammy Gatlin - Counselor

Tammy Gatlin moved to Redding in 2004 and is University Preparatory School's Guidance and Support Counselor. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology/Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. Mrs. Gatlin is a California Certificated School Counselor and holds a Professional Counselor’s License from the state of Oregon as well as a California Marriage and Family Therapy Intern license.

Among the many counseling activities of supporting students, Mrs. Gatlin also teaches an Advisory class and assists students and parents with college preparation. Mrs. Gatlin is delighted to be working at U-Prep, providing collaboration and leadership with her colleagues and feels thankful to be part of building the Counseling Program.

Mrs. Gatlin loves outdoor activities, including boating on Shasta County’s beautiful lakes, gardening, traveling, reading, and most of all, spending time with her husband, Michael, daughters' Melissa and Lacey, and Beagle, Tater.

Michele O’Leary - Administrative Intern

Mrs. O’Leary was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Psychology. She also has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Master of Arts in Education from San Jose State University. Mrs. O’Leary is currently working on her Administrative Credential. She is looking forward to her new administrative position at University Preparatory School. This year she will serve as an Administrative Intern assisting in a variety of duties that support the administration, teachers, and students of U-Prep.

Mrs. O’Leary has worked in education since 1982 and has had a wide variety of teaching and administrative experiences. Some of these include assistant director of a community college preschool, Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator for two school districts, and teaching experiences in almost every grade from kindergarten through 8th grade, as well as community college classes at Shasta College. Mrs. O’Leary began her career at U-Prep as a sixth grade Math and Earth Science teacher in the fall of 2004. She has enjoyed watching her very first U-Prep sixth grade class grow and mature into the freshman they are today. For the past two years she was also the Lead Teacher and “administrator in charge” in the event that Mrs. Stuart and Mrs. Malain were both off campus.

As much as she enjoys working with the students and staff at U-Prep, she has another life too! She is on the board of the Odyssey of the Mind organization for the North State Shasta area. She is married to Michael O’Leary, who is a counselor for the Shasta Union High School district, and has three terrific children and too many pets at her house to list. In her free time (ha, ha) she enjoys running, reading, photography, and is an avid Bruce Springsteen fan.

Molly Schlange - Administrative Assistant

Molly grew up in Redding and is a graduate of Liberty Christian High School. After spending a few years going to school and working as a Registrar and RD at a private camp in Central California love brought her back to Redding. Molly began working for SUHSD in 2000 doing accounting and later moved to FHS as an ASB Clerk. Molly joined the U-Prep staff in 2005 as Administrative Assistant.

Mrs. Schlange and her husband Josh were married in 2001 and have two boys. Trey (4) and Spencer (2) keep their mom hopping all the time. Mrs. Schlange recently cleaned 124 Lego’s out of the fish tank (the fish were ok) and often claims to “start” her day after she leaves school. 

You can find Mrs. Schlange most every Saturday running with her kids at the Sundial Bridge and drinking Starbucks Coffee. In her free time Mrs. Schlange enjoys Scrapbooking, baking, decorating her home, and traveling.

Sandi Lanzi - Registrar/ Counseling Secretary

Sandi Lanzi moved to Redding in 1997. She married her husband, Mark, in 2000. They have four children, Erin and Austin (both 13), Ashley (6), and Colby (4). Sandi joined University Preparatory School in 2006 as the registrar/counseling secretary. Sandy enjoys working with the staff and students at U-Prep. 

Sandi is a very proud soccer mom. She enjoys watching and cheering on her kids at all their games. She assists her husband with raising sheep at home and being the 4-H Sheep Project Leader for Palo Cedro 4-H. Sandy also enjoys working side-by-side with her husband and kids on landscaping and gardening projects and house decoration projects. Mostly, Sandy enjoys entertaining family and friends on weekends. When time and family allow, Sandy enjoys a relaxing day playing golf

Debbie Horner - Attendance Clerk

Debbie was raised in Redding and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1972. She moved to California’s North Coast in 1975 where she raised her two sons, John and Mark. After returning to Redding in 1999 she worked for a local financial institution until she joined the UPREP staff in August of 2006.

Caroline Shufelberger - Office Assistant

Caroline grew up in Redding and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1996. She continued on to Shasta College where she participated in both basketball and softball, and graduated in 1998. Last year she married her best friend of 15 years, Bobby Shufelberger, who teaches and coaches at U-Prep. In her spare time Caroline can be found working in the yard, creatively expressing herself through journal writing or through art. She also enjoys playing her guitar and discovering new music. They have two cats and a Pug named Martin.

Andy Hedman - Leadership Team, English

Andy Hedman is the Athletic Administrator at University Preparatory School and has taught for over twenty-five years. Mr. Hedman grew up in Redding and attended Shasta College where he played basketball and water polo. He graduated from Chico State with a Bachelor of Arts in English. After college he spent a year and a half in Australia playing semi-professional basketball, coaching and teaching. He moved back to Redding and taught English and coached basketball at Shasta High School.

Mr. Hedman earned his Masters in English through Middlebury College and graduated at Lincoln College, Oxford in 1990. He is excited about the wide range of opportunities University Preparatory brings to the students in the Redding area in academics, athletics, the arts, and a host of other extra-curricular activities.

Sally vonDachenhausen - Leadership Team, English, Yearbook

Sally vonDachenhausen was born and raised in Shasta County, and has a love of the area and a loyalty to the school system. She received her bachelor’s degree and credential in English at CSU, Chico, and has been teaching since 1977. During her career, Sally has taught yearbook/journalism and every grade and level of high school English including Advanced Placement. 

Putting her leadership and motivation skills to work, she has served as English Department Chair for her school and district, organized the annual District Student Writing Assessment, acted as a consulting teacher and mentor, and trained other teachers in methods of teaching writing and classroom management. 

Mrs. vonDachenhausen spends her time outside the classroom with her husband (Alex), traveling, and reading great books.

Julie Adams - English

Social StudiesJulie Adams has been teaching since 1997.  Mrs. Adams earned a Liberal Studies bachelor's degree with an emphasis in English and Social Science from CSU Chico. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Spanish BCLAD supplement in addition to a Masters Degree in Teaching, both earned through Simpson University. She earned her National Board Certification in Early Adolescent English Language Arts in 2004, the highest and most prestigious accreditation a teacher can achieve.  

Mrs. Adams has been involved in the California Literacy Project as well as the California Social Science/History Project and is a member of the International Reading Association, Washington Organization of Reading, National Council of Teachers of English, California Reading Association and is the president of Region 2 for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.  She is a content area literacy specialist and owns her own business, Adams Educational Consulting, traveling nationwide conducting in-services for teachers in effective non-fiction reading and writing strategies. 

In addition to teaching at U-Prep, Julie served as an adjunct professor in the graduate program at Simpson University for four years and was featured in both the 2004 and 2005 editions of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." Mrs. Adams was honored as U-Prep’s Educator of the Year in 2005 for the California League of Middle Schools. Julie is married to fellow educator, Chris Adams and has two daughters, Madeline and Grace.

Rochelle Angley - Language Arts, Social Studies, Rota & Athletic Director

Rochelle Angley is began her teaching career in 2002. In 1997 she graduated from Walla Walla High School in Washington and received a scholarship to play softball at Minnesota State University. She finished her college career at Simpson earning a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies. She is also the volleyball and basketball coach for University Prep. She has coached volleyball, basketball and softball in the Shasta Union High School district for three years. Ms. Angley spends her time (outside of the classroom and gym) with her son (Taylor) and supporting her younger brother (Brody) at Santa Clara and her sister (Robyn) at Enterprise High School.

Corinne Bourne - Modern World Languages

The training Corinne Bourne received at university, (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland) was in French and Russian interpreting and translating. It included semesters in the State Pedagogical Institute of Moscow, and the School of Languages of the University of Geneva. She earned her BA with honors and anticipated a career in translation. However, the depth of training required for interpreting is in fact a superb preparation for teaching language proficiency.  She finds it exciting to see students widen their horizons through discovering different cultures as they master a second world language. Mrs. Bourne moved to the US in 2003. She earned her California Teaching Credential at CSU Chico, and is delighted to be in her third year as part of the University Preparatory School team, teaching French, Russian and Spanish in 2007-08.

John Cabral - American Government/Economics

John Cabral has lived in the Redding area all of his life. He worked in industry for 13 years prior to becoming a teacher. Mr. Cabral enjoys snowboarding, playing golf and being with his kids (Dylan 6 and Kaitlyn 2), wife of 7 years, Monica, and watching the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mr. Cabral graduated from CSU Chico with a degree in Social Science in 2004 and received his teaching credential in 2005. At U-Prep he heads up the Link Crew and is the assistant coach for the 8th grade volleyball team.

Lane Carlson - Physics & Physical Science

Lane Carlson began his teaching career at the beginning of U-Prep in 2003, he currently teaches 8th grade physical science as well as CP and AP physics. He also coaches the J.V. girls basketball team.

Mr. Carlson grew up in Redding and was a Panther at this campus when it was Nova High, in 1990-1991. He graduated from Enterprise High in 1994 and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources in 1998 from the University of Idaho. Lane worked as a forester locally for several years before delving into self-employment doing minor construction and home repairs. He brings a broad array of practical experience into the classroom.

Romney Clements - Drama, English & Social Studies

Romney Clements grew up in Redding and graced the halls of "Nova" in 1981. After high school Miss Clements moved to Chico where she attended CSUC as a Vocal Performance major. With a close circle of friends she founded Chico City Light Opera at the Eaton Road Opera House in Chico. She was lucky enough to be a part of more than fifty shows with CCLO, including: Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Guys and Dolls and Grease.

After moving to New York, where she lived for two years, Miss Clements moved back to Redding to finish school at Simpson College. Miss Clements is thrilled to be a part of the U-Prep family, and to give students the opportunity to perform on the same stage she first performed on.

Over the past 3 years at U Prep she has directed three successful musicals, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “School House Rock Live Junior”, “Grease” and “Little Shop of Horrors”. Romney teaches four Drama classes and one 8th grade Core class.

Biao Cheng - Chinese, Mathematics

Biao Cheng has never left schools. Mr. Cheng received his bachelor degree in English language and literature from a teachers’ university in China. After he had taught at the same university for several years, Mr. Cheng came to the United States and earned his Master degree of Education from Brigham Young University (BYU), Provo, UT. Inspired by the belief that “The only difference between good and bad is a matter of degree”, Mr. Cheng continued his studies at BYU and concurrently worked on a doctoral degree in education and a Master in Statistics. He was awarded a Ph.D in Educational Leadership in 2006 and hypothesized (p-value > 0.5) that his second master degree would be completed by year 2345. 

Mr. Cheng began teaching at University Preparatory School in 2006. He loves teaching and wishes to, with his expertise and loving heart, make a difference in his students’ teenage school experience and hopefully their career in the future. Nothing makes him happier than seeing his students enjoy school and make solid progress towards their goals in life.

Chris Combs - Physical Education/Health

Chris Combs began teaching PE at U-Prep in 2003. He is the U-Prep high school boy’s basketball coach, golf coach and assistant football coach. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology (CSU Sacramento) and a California teaching credential (Simpson College). Before coming to U-Prep Chris was the assistant men’s basketball coach at Shasta College for the 2002-2004 seasons. Along with teaching Physical Education he has also coached volleyball, cross country, baseball, football, golf and basketball at U-Prep. 

Mr. Combs married his wife Shelley in July 2004 and they have a beautiful daughter named Riley. His hobbies are coaching and playing basketball, camping, snowboarding, fishing and playing Frisbee with his dogs Smokey and Bandit. Mr. Combs is also a big Sacramento Kings fan.

Jason Dell - Social Studies

Jason Dell is the Varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer coach. He is a U. S. Army Veteran and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Dell is a graduate of West Valley High School and received his Bachelors degree, Credential and Masters degree from Simpson University. Mr. Dell has worked as a peer counselor for veterans and as a continuing education grant writer at Shasta College through Career Pathways Express.

He is excited to be a part of creating a unique 9th grade social science curriculum that is offered at U-Prep. His semester course in Ethics, along with Cultural Geography taught by Mr. Shufelberger, is a great platform for the 9th grader heading into the 10th grade Honors and A.P. World History also taught by Mr. Dell.

Elaine Elliott - Science

Elaine Elliott attended Merced High School in Merced CA and attended the University of Oregon where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. After graduation she moved to Chico, CA and returned to school to obtain her teaching credential. Her first teaching job was in Chester CA where Ms. Elliott taught math and science.

Nancy Erickson - Latin

Nancy Erickson grew up in the Chicago suburb of La Grange, Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin with teacher certification from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and a Master of Arts degree in Latin from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Mrs. Erickson has taught Latin at the high school level in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as well as at the middle school level in Aliso Viejo, California. She has also used her organizational and editing skills in private industry assisting executives with corporate communications. 

Mrs. Erickson has been active as a mentor and newsletter editor for a church sponsored outreach group, Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry. She loves travel and talking on the phone, especially to her son, Steven, who is now doing graduate work in counseling at Trinity University in Chicago, and her daughter, Ellen, who taught a year of English in a French high school and is now doing her graduate work at the University of Virginia in French literature. Mrs. Erickson loves mysteries and classic movies. She is a special fan of PBS and the History Channel and enjoys taping programs of historical or dramatic interest in order to add them to her video library.

John Fitzgerald - Art

John Fitzgerald graduated from San Francisco State in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in art and a desire to visually express his ideas. From 1976 to 1986 he taught as an adjunct instructor at Cerro Coso College, offering a variety of art classes. During this time he also competed in juried exhibits and started showing his work in galleries on the East and West coasts. From 1990-93 he taught art as an adjunct instructor for Shasta College. In 1995 Mr. Fitzgerald received his teaching credential from Simpson College and from 1998-2004 was an art instructor at Cascade School, a small private boarding school in Whitmore.

Brad Fowers - Music

Brad Fowers has been teaching music at University Preparatory School since 2004 where he has continued to expand both instrumental and choral components of the music department. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and is currently working on a Masters of Music Education degree through Boston University.

Mr. Fowers is a native of the Redding area and former student of Shasta High School where his love of music was given the opportunity to grow. He looks forward to expanding the program with the help of Elizabeth Johnson until University Preparatory can satisfy every musical aspiration.

Jaspal Gaddy - English, Social Studies, Jr. High Student Government

Jaspal Gaddy was born and raised in the small town of Gridley, CA. She went on to California State University, Chico where she earned her BA and teaching credential in Liberal Studies in 2000. She has been teaching ever since. She taught four years in Oroville before moving to her husband’s hometown of Redding, where she has been teaching the past four years. Mrs. Gaddy is the 6th grade Language Arts/History Core teacher, the Junior High Student Government Advisor, and is the Junior High Cross Country Coach at U-Prep.

Jaspal has been married to Nathan, an awesome husband and father, for six years. They have two adorable daughters, Grace and Emma, with a third little one due Christmas 2007! She enjoys running, hiking, biking, traveling, taking pictures, scrap booking, and above all spending time with her family. Mrs. Gaddy is enjoying her first year at U-Prep and all the excitement and energy that go along with junior high.

Michael Garcia - Mathematics

Michael Garcia is in his first year with University Prep. He taught in New Mexico for nine years before moving to the Redding area in 2004. Michael has a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and a Masters in Secondary Education from Western New Mexico University. He married his high school sweetheart, Joy, who works with Shasta County Public Health. They have one daughter named Mychal Joy. Michael has coached several sports including basketball, golf, cross country, and volleyball.

Michael enjoys running, road biking, and playing golf. He has competed in several marathons, half-marathons, and sprint distance triathlons. This past summer he did three century rides in four weekends. In 2004 he qualified for and ran in the Boston Marathon. He enjoys watching college and pro sports and has quickly learned that being a huge fan of the LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and Dallas Cowboys isn’t necessarily a good idea in this part of the country.

Sarah Harris-Jepsen - English, Newspaper

Although not a California native, Sarah has been a member of Shasta County’s community since her family moved from Wisconsin in 1978. She was raised in the southern portion of Redding attending Anderson High School and Shasta College. While caring for her two daughters, Sarah completed her Bachelor’s degree in English at National University graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2005. Outside of being a perpetual college student, Sarah is a developing mosaic artist and enjoys any outdoor activity.  She spends her free time with her husband, children, and three dogs. Teaching is a career tradition in Sarah’s family and she is excited to join the U-Prep team as she begins her first professional year.

Elizabeth Johnson - Music

Elizabeth started violin in fourth grade after being inspired by a concert of fifth graders. “I want to do THAT.” She played all the way through high school, picked up the flute for marching band and then singing in college. Of course, music had no practical value so she set it all down at the end of college and commenced on her “real” career as a physical therapist.

Years later, that same musical inspiration hit her during a family pilgrimage to Disneyland where she saw “Billy Hill and the Hillbillies”. There were fiddles. As a child, fiddle was taboo. She said, “I want to do THAT.” The musical slumber was over.

The planets magically aligned and with a tour through National University for her music teaching credential, she jumped from physical therapist to violin teacher for Redding School District where she taught for seven years. More planet machinations and now she teaches band, music appreciation, guitar I and orchestra plus a bit of fiddle at U Prep.

She still does physical therapy on the side and marvels at how loud drums are.

Michelle Johnson - Physical Education, Health

Michelle Johnson moved from Connecticut to the Bay Area when she was three years old. Mrs. Johnson graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s in Science: Kinesiology with a Minor in Health and Wellness. She received her teaching credential in Physical Education and Health Science as well as her Master's degree in Education from National Univesity. Mrs. Johnson moved back to the Bay Area after graduation where she met her husband, Sean and they were married May 24, 2003.

The Johnsons moved up to Redding in October 2003, so that he could attend the Fire Academy. He currently works for the California Department of Forestry (CDF) as a Seasonal Fire Fighter. They had their first child, Keira LaSalle Johnson on February 9, 2006. Mrs. Johnson enjoys coaching the Junior High Volleyball, Basketball and helping out with Softball teams.

Paul Kaukonen - English

Paul Kaukonen grew up in the Redding area. After attending Liberty Christian High School, he accepted a basketball scholarship to play at The Master’s College. While attending school in the Los Angeles area, Mr. Kaukonen and his future bride spent many Saturdays at Disneyland. Mr. Kaukonen’s favorite ride is the Jungle Cruise, with Star Tours a close second. Sarah Baldwin, now Kaukonen, preferred It’s A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean. Some would credit the strength of their relationship to the constant exposure to the “magic” Disneyland claims to have. Now back at home in Redding, the couple is no longer distracted by Walt Disney’s magical kingdom. In his free time Mr. Kaukonen enjoys playing the guitar and watching athletic contests.

Marissa Kinneavy - Dance

Marissa grew up in Redding, graduating from Shasta High School in 1995. She then attended the University of California at Irvine, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Sociology. Marissa moved back to Redding and immediately began teaching dance and choreographing for Kids Unlimited, Shasta College, and a traveling competitive dance team. During this time, she earned a teaching credential from Simpson University. Marissa taught fourth grade for 5 years, and is very excited to now be teaching dance at U-Prep. She spends her free time with her husband Kip, and two boys, Cayden and Colton.

Alan Lefler - Special Ed

Mr. Lefler is the resource teacher at University Preparatory School. He moved to Redding when he was a toddler and has lived in the area ever since, save for the time period he attended Chico State University. He graduated from CSU with a degree in Geography and received his teaching credential from Simpson University.

Mr. Lefler has officiated numerous basketball and football games over the years. In his free time, he enjoys seeing the sights that the state of California has to offer, especially backpacking throughout the Sierra Nevadas. He plays an inconsistent game of golf, likes to get outdoors to hike or run, and is an anomaly in Northern California for cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers. 

Brian Murphy - Science, Mathematics

Brian Murphy has been the classroom since 1992. He has taught a variety of grade levels from middle school science to high school science and math classes. He earned his bachelor’s of science from Fresno State and has his physical science credential as well as a math credential. In 1995 he was on the team that opened a new high school in Salinas which is where he was until moving to the Redding area in 2001. After moving, he worked in the environmental science field for three years but is glad to be able to return to the classroom.

He has two daughters and his wife works for the Department of Justice. They love to travel, attend concerts, the theater and to camp. Be careful asking Mr. Murphy about guitars.

Rochelle Nalley - Mathematics

Rochelle Nalley is a Redding native and is began teaching at U-Prep in 2004. She received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Simpson College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Subsequently, Rochelle received her teaching credential through Simpson University and did her student teaching in the Shasta Union High School District.

She loves mathematics and its connection throughout history to real people and their experiences. When she is not at school, she loves camping, road trips, and reading books.

Brian Nichols - Mathematics

Brian Nichols began teaching at University Preparatory School in 2004 after having taught for half a year at Parsons Jr. High. Brian teaches 6th grade math, as well as Pre-Algebra (a nice change up from the 6 different classes he had last year). He has also been involved with Jr. High soccer, basketball and track for 4 years, as well as with the Varsity Girls basketball last season.

A local boy, he attended Liberty Christian High School, and received a bachelor’s in both Math and Social Science from Simpson (then college). Known as the “kid on campus,” Brian is constantly tying to have a good time. Be it a crazy math project, the DJ at the Jr. High Dance, or the occasional prank on Miss Angley. In his little spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife (Katie Nichols) in her art studio or working with technology.

Michelle Oberlander - Mathematics, Computer Applications

Michelle Oberlander was born and raised in Shasta County, graduating from Anderson Union High School with a healthy interest in mathematics. She moved to San Jose to work for a major transportation company. Her two sons were born while she lived in the Bay Area; they moved back to Redding in 1998. Ms. Oberlander wanted the boys to be brought up in the same environment where she was raised. She began attending Shasta College in 2001 and continued on to Simpson University where she earned her degree in Mathematics for Teachers. Ms. Oberlander did her student teaching at U-Prep while completing her single subject credential. During this time she grew to love the staff and students; she was thrilled to start her teaching career in such a wonderful atmosphere.

Cindy Pion - Special Education Paraprofessional

Mrs. Pion graduated from Shasta High school in 1971. In 1974, she graduated from Shasta College with a degree in Nursing. She worked in the operating room for many years, and also as a Dialysis nurse. She joined the field of education in 1996, working as a Paraprofessional for both the Enterprise and the Redding School districts, before becoming a staff member of University Preparatory. In her free time she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and most snow sports.

Cory Reagan - English. Social Studies, Athletic Director

Cory Reagan started his teaching career in 1999 at Vista Middle School in Red Bluff, CA. His move to U-Prep in 2006, where he teaches 7th grade, has brought back to the same halls he roamed while in ninth grade at “Nova” in 1988. Cory graduated from Chico State, University in 1998 with a Multiple Subjects credential and CLAD (Crosscultural, Language AND Academic Development) certification.

When not in the classroom you can find Cory coaching either on the baseball or football field. His love of the great outdoors allows him to lead many adventures throughout the year. Whether it is swimming, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, or hunting, Cory can be found taking in all the great sights and sounds of the outdoors during his free time. As a lifetime Redding resident, Cory lives with his lovely wife Kristen and there two dogs Rookie and Kai. They can always be found rooting for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Raiders and the Sacramento Kings.

David Rickey - Science

David Rickey has taught at University Preparatory School since 2004. He teaches freshman biology, anatomy and physiology, and seventh grade life science. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from California State University, Chico and his credential at Simpson University. Prior to coming to U-Prep Mr. Rickey taught for four years at Cascade School, a college prep boarding school in Whitmore, CA, where he also coached boy’s soccer, girl’s volleyball, and boy’s baseball.

He has been the U-Prep soccer coach for the middle school and is currently the director for both the middle and high school tennis program. His favorite sports are tennis, soccer, and baseball. His hobbies include birding and camping at the ocean.

James Santos - Dance

James Santos is a native to Redding, California. James’ career has given him the opportunity to work with professionals from all over the world; he has been a member of three unions. Actor’s Equity Association, A.G.V.A. and A.G.M.A. James returned from New York City late 2003 where he had the pleasure of performing with The Metropolitan Opera for 3 seasons, and New York City Opera. James began his intensive study at Oregon School of Ballet at age 17. Some of James’ professional credits include: Radio City Xmas Spectacular, Dance Captain of the International Tour of Meet Me in St Louis, Brigadoon at Goodspeed Opera house, “Mark” in an original production of A Chorus Line: “Frank” in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Follies at A.M.T.S.J. SONY Industrial.

Some of James’ directing/choreography and teaching credits include, Swing The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Fiddler on the Roof Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Hair, Godspell, The Fantisticks, Gaite Parisian, Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet for the Asheville Civic Ballet, Bye Bye Birdie, John Flynn at Don’t Tell Mammas in NYC,The Vacaville Ballet School and Side by Side by Sondheim for the Jefferson Repertory in the summer 2005. James also conceived the Original Production, A Cascade Christmas currently in it’s fourth year.

James is the Founder of The Dance Project at the Cascade Theatre and Artistic Director. The Company includes an Apprenticeship program with University Preparatory School.

Debbie Shipman - Spanish

Debbie Shipman, a graduate of Shasta High School and Shasta College, joined the staff at U-Prep in 2004. She taught for 16 years at Quincy High School in Quincy, California. Mrs. Shipman has a bachelor's degree in Spanish from CSU, Chico, and a master's from the University of San Francisco. At QHS Mrs. Shipman initiated an elementary school articulation program for the advanced Spanish students and was a mentor teacher. Mrs. Shipman was also a PAR Consulting Teacher and a BTSA Coach. She was a professor at Feather River College, creating the texts for her classes. 

In Redding she teaches a large adult beginning Spanish class during the academic year and four weeks of classes during the summer. Mrs. Shipman enjoys traveling throughout the Spanish-speaking world when her schedule permits. She and her husband, Mike, have three sons and one grandson. Mrs. Shipman is excited about the strong language acquisition program at U Prep and about sharing her passion for Spanish with U-Prep students.

Bobby Shufelberger - Social Studies, High School Student Government

Bobby Shufelberger teaches 11th grade AP U.S. History and 9th grade Geography & Culture.  Mr. Shufelberger began teaching in 2001 and came to U-Prep in 2004.  He is also the high school student government advisor.  Other duties include the head coach of the U-Prep Football Program as well as Varsity Baseball. 

Mr. Shufelberger was born and raised in Shasta County and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1996.  In 2000, he earned his B.A. degree from California State University, Chico. He enjoys kayaking, yard work, and road trips. You can always find Mr. Shufelberger cheering on the 49ers, Kings, and Giants!