Staff / Teachers

We’re experienced educators.

The proposed executive staff for Community Roots has nearly 35 years of combined leadership experience in public and private schools. We hold secondary degrees from some of the nation’s top schools for pedagogy and educational leadership.

Co-Founder Jeremy Cavallaro

Mr. Cavallaro will serve as Executive Director of Education of Community Roots Academy. He was the principal of Morasha Jewish Day School in Rancho Santa Margarita from 2006-2009, and served as its vice-principal from 2005-2006, where, in addition to his administrative duties, he coordinated the teachers’ professional development program. He also acted as assistant to the principal at the Earth School, a public school of choice in New York City. Mr. Cavallaro has been a teacher at both public and private schools in California, New York, New Jersey, and Vermont for students in grades 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

In addition to his work in schools, Mr. Cavallaro has developed educational programs, written grants and coordinated special events as a museum educator. In 2008, Mr. Cavallaro completed Harvard University’s Principal’s Institute. Mr. Cavallaro earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Bank Street College, a prestigious graduate school dedicated exclusively to education. Mr. Cavallaro is certified to teach and serve as an administrator in New York and California. Mr. Cavallaro is a lifetime learner who is dedicated to education and committed to enhancing the public education opportunities for Orange County students.

About the Teachers

Ms. Jaspers

Ms. Jaspers is a kindergarten teacher for Community Roots Academy. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education at UCLA in 2011, with a focus on Project-Based Learning. Ms. Jaspers is eager to continue her career as a Kindergarten Teacher this year at
Community Roots Academy. Through her experience as a Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard Instructor and literacy coach for a non-profit organization based in urban communities of Los Angeles, Ms. Jaspers became proficient at creating dynamic and stimulating lessons that
encourage critical thinking and bring a collaborative and hands-on approach to learning that recognizes the whole child. As an educator, her purpose is to inspire her student’s academic, social and emotional journey by creating a safe, supportive and inclusive learning community that encourages an appreciation for diversity and collaboration. She is looking forward to working with the families of Community Roots Academy and the community to empower her students and guide them to understanding the importance and joy of becoming a lifelong
learner. Ms. Jaspers enjoys surfing and bodysurfing in her hometown of Huntington Beach and retreating to the yoga studio for both exercise and relaxation. She also has a passion for traveling, and hopes to make it to each of the seven continents. (She is half way there!) Ms. Jaspers cannot wait to continue her journey as an educator at Community Roots Academy!

Ms. Nellett

Mrs. Nellett is excited to be a kindergarten teacher for Community Roots Academy.! She studied elementary education at Central Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Education. Upon completion of her degree she was recruited to teach science in Alvord Unified School District and packed her bags to move to California. After teaching four years at the middle school level, she wanted to get back to her passion of working with younger children. Mrs. Nellett then moved to Newport-Mesa Unified School District to teach
elementary science for the next three years. During this time she discovered her desire to encourage personal inquiry by guiding students through problem solving processes and having them take ownership of their discovery. Mrs. Nellett enjoys discovery of her own. She is an
avid reader; challenging herself to read at least 100 books each year. She believes regular reading exercises the mind allowing it to bend, flex, focus, and learn. Therefore, she reads to learn and for pleasure on a daily basis. Mrs. Nellett also considers herself to be a lifelong learner. She obtained her Master’s of the Arts in Teaching and Learning with a Technology Emphasis to satiate her growing interest in including innovate techniques in the classroom. Little did she know, it would just be the beginning of a long journey of ongoing professional development.

Mrs. Hsu

Mrs. Hsu is a kindergarten teacher for Community Roots Academy. When asked in fourth grade “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Ms. Hsu knew right away that she wanted to work with children and share her passion for learning. Her pursuit towards this dream started with her first job in high school as an instructional assistant at a K-8 after school program. During that time she discovered her passion for child development and entered the University of California, Riverside to study psychology and philosophy to prepare her towards the path of becoming a child psychologist. Prior to choosing her graduate program she began her professional career with two teaching positions: one working closely with students struggling with reading and math and the other with academically high achieving students accustomed to programs such as Gate or APAAS. While working with these students she realized that all of her students share a need of belongingness and acceptance of their voice. It was through this discovery that she decided to become a teacher so that she may have the daily opportunity to help nurture and guide these voices. She continued her work at both schools while attending and receiving her Master of Arts in Teaching and Elementary Education Credential from Chapman University. Mrs. Hsu’s passion for learning is what drives her to create a stable, nurturing environment that balances the individual voice within a community of belongingness and understanding. She envisions students waking up hungry for knowledge and ending the day with the love and passion of learning radiating through their expressions. It is within this environment that she believes anything is possible.

Ms. Johnston

Ms. Johnston is a first grade teacher at Community Roots Academy. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from CSUF, and her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Chapman University. Ms. Johnston has a diverse experience working with children and families
in both the educational and human services fields. Her primary focus is elementary education, reading and math intervention, and child develop. She has worked as a classroom teacher in Capistrano Unified School District, and with children and families in a community clinic setting. Ms. Johnston is committed to creating a classroom environment where children thrive, by providing a safe place for children to learn. Her goal is to inspire children to develop of love for learning, and empower them to take risks in their learning.

Ms. Johnston grew up in South Orange County, and has strong ties to her community. She currently lives in San Clemente with her two children. Along with teaching, she values time spent with her family, which usually consists attending soccer games, school activities, and
many days at the beach.

Mrs. Beaty

Mrs. Beaty is the first grade lead teacher for Community Roots Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction through Cal State University of Fullerton. Mrs. Beaty has a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, as well as, Supplemental
Credentials in English and the Social Sciences. In addition to her experience teaching the primary grades in the Capistrano Unified School District, she has taught Early Childhood Preschool, Art, and Music and Movement classes. She is passionate about contributing her
time to be an active member of the school community and sharing her knowledge in regards to differentiated learning, the concepts of depth and complexity, and technology integration. Outside of the classroom she has served on school Leadership, Community Outreach, and
Staff Development planning teams, where she has lead professional development trainings, developed and taught interventions for at-risk and high-achieving students, and assisted various grade levels with developing engaging curriculum units and authentic assessments.
Mrs. Beaty strongly believes that the purpose of education is to develop the skills necessary for individuals to become successful, self-motivated, life-long learners in order for them to lead a productive, self-fulfilled life and participate as effective, proactive citizens in a global society. She strives to recognize and respect individual differences and provide choices that encourage students to discover and develop their talents.

Mrs. Beaty lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with her husband and two daughters. In addition to teaching, she is very passionate about her family and her animals. When she is not cheering her family on at soccer games, choir concerts, piano recitals, and swim meets she enjoys spending time walking the dogs, cooking, gardening, reading, and hiking.

Ms. Kadziauskas

Ms. Kadziauskas, “Mrs. K,” is a second grade teacher for Community Roots Academy. She is a passionate and dedicated teacher who loves bringing excitement and joy to learning. Ms. Kadziauskas creates a warm and welcoming learning environment in which students can develop a life-long love of learning, treat one another with respect, feel safe to take risks, appreciate differences, and be the best they can be. She taught 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6 th grade in both private and public schools. Ms. Kadziauskas has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business and
a teaching credential for K-8. Prior to teaching, she was immersed in technology as a network manager for a financial institution. She loves technology and is always looking for ways to incorporate technology into her teaching.