Staff

Jennifer Hoover serves as Executive Director of Golden Valley Charter Schools. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara and later completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at CSU Stanislaus. She also completed Waldorf teacher training and postgraduate coursework through Antioch University.

Jennifer began her career teaching fifth and sixth grades in San Joaquin and Sacramento counties. At Golden Valley, she has served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles, including intervention specialist, middle school mathematics and technology teacher, Assessment Coordinator, Interim Principal, and Accountability & Compliance Manager. She has worked at both the River and Orchard schools and later transitioned to Central Office leadership, where her responsibilities have included oversight of the LCAP, Title I, assessment, and categorical programs.

Jennifer values thoughtful, collaborative leadership and is committed to creating learning environments where students, families, faculty, and staff can thrive. She is deeply dedicated to Golden Valley’s Waldorf-inspired educational mission and to strengthening the community that supports it.

Mindy Kiel serves as the Director of Special Education at Golden Valley Charter, where she is dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs and partnering with families to help every child thrive. 

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and brings extensive professional experience in behavior modification and special education laws, Mindy values building trusting relationships with students and families, celebrating each child’s strengths, and ensuring students feel understood, supported, and empowered.

 Outside of school, she treasures time with her four children, attending church and serving others in her community.

Nikki Freitas serves as the Human Resources Manager at Golden Valley Charter Schools. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management and a minor in Psychology from Sacramento State University. Her professional background includes full-cycle recruitment and supporting internal staff with day-to-day HR needs. She especially values supporting Golden Valley’s employees and admires the care and passion they bring to helping students grow academically, socially, and as individuals. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, summer activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Jessica Zwane holds her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Certification as a food safety Manager. She has been part of the Golden Valley community since 2020, starting as a parent then as a staff member in 2021. Jessica started here in 2021 as an Eagle's Nest assistant, Supervisor and now oversees both schools as well as both schools' meal programs. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys the outdoors, traveling, baking, and spending time with friends and family. 

Marlene holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Communications from UCLA and a Master’s in Education in Waldorf Grades Education from Rudolf Steiner College. She has been part of the Golden Valley community since 2012, with experience as an assistant teacher in private Waldorf schools and six years in Golden Valley’s Cherry Blossom Outdoor Kindergarten. Since 2014, she has also worked with the Golden Valley Educational Foundation, supporting fundraising efforts that benefit the school community.

In addition to her work in education, Marlene brings experience in marketing and community relations from Whole Foods Market and Rudolf Steiner College. As both a Golden Valley parent and a parent of a Golden Valley alum, she has a deep connection to the school community. Outside of work, Marlene loves traveling, baking, and spending time with family and friends, and she is always looking forward to her next adventure.

Ashley Laney attended California State University, Chico, where she earned her B.A. in Liberal Arts, driven by her passion for education. She began her career in early childhood education as a preschool teacher at Little Treasures in Chico and later became an Assistant Director. After moving to Rocklin, California, Ashley joined Merryhill Preschool. A few years later, she transitioned to Merryhill’s Preschool–6th grade campus in Roseville, where she worked as a substitute teacher while also gaining experience on the administrative side of education.

Ashley began her journey with Golden Valley Orchard School as an Administrative Assistant in the front office at the start of the 2021–2022 school year. After just a few months, she transitioned to the Central Office as the Student Services Coordinator. In this role, Ashley oversaw the registration process for new families and worked closely with the Enrollment Coordinator to help ensure a smooth transition for incoming students and their families.

When the Enrollment Coordinator and Student Services Coordinator positions were combined, Ashley stepped into her current role as the Enrollment & Student Services Coordinator for the 2025–2026 school year. She continues to support families throughout the enrollment and registration process while helping ensure students and families have a positive experience as they join the Golden Valley community.

Outside of Golden Valley, Ashley enjoys spending time with her boys and family, attending sporting events, and spending time outdoors. She especially loves visiting Lake Tahoe and Lake Almanor.