Introducing Our Team of School Experts

When Jessica first became an independent study teacher in 1999, she was inspired by the modality’s ability to meet students on an individualized level. Enhancing the modality and its reach to students in need of an education less traditional has since become the mission of her career. As CEO and Co-Founder of Method Schools, she has developed a passion for change management and supporting others through change. She holds deep origins from a Southern California working class family of seven upbringing. Her experience includes working for small and large charter schools and in K-12 curriculum sales. She is also one of the founders of SmartFox, a fully-integrated SIS, LMS, and online K-12 curriculum platform.

Throughout her career in the independent space, Jessica has encountered change, and resistance to change and has made breaking down barriers to change a primary focus in her career. She is currently working on her second book on developing an accountable independent study program within a change resistance industry. Jessica holds a BA degree from Cal State Northridge, both her single and multiple subject teaching credentials, a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Cal State San Marcos, and a PhD in Curriculum from New Mexico State University.

Mark is the co-founder of Method Schools and SmartFox. He has been working in the marketing and finance areas of K-12 education for two decades, including experience leading teams at charter schools, a school district, and a K-12 industry corporation. Finding new ways to solve age-old K-12 problems is one of his work passions. He holds a B.S. in Business from Utah Valley University and an MBA from Brigham Young University.

Mark resides in Southern California, where he’s happily married and has two adult children and one teenager. In his spare time he’s often enjoying the California sun on his mountain bike or is out with his black lab Apollo.

I am a veteran teacher with several years of experience in both traditional and charter schools. I have experience working with students at all grade levels and finds the greatest satisfaction from helping struggling students succeed. I studied English Literature at UCSD before pursuing my teaching credential and I have a Masters Degree in Teaching and Education.

I believe all students should receive a rigorous but flexible education that provides and creates valuable opportunities, impacting them during their primary education and well after graduation. I am thrilled to put into use, daily, the knowledge and expertise that I acquired from earning my Bachelor of Science in business management and master’s in special education. I have been blessed for the past 5 years, to invest my educational training in K-12th education, including all realms of Special Education, Educational Purchasing, and Athletics. For me, playing collegiate baseball was the platform that unlocked the life-changing opportunity of receiving an education. All of these experiences allowed me to find my passion for serving and empowering youth in the field of education.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Gerric was exposed to a lot of wonderful things in the County. Baseball, however, made the biggest impression on Gerric from a young age. He was introduced to the sport by his father and other members of his family who played and worked for Major League Baseball.

As a kid growing up Gerric’s father joined a unique partnership that formed the San Diego School of Baseball. This group was composed of talented and influential baseball figures from the Amateur and Professional arenas serving baseball communities locally, nationally, and internationally while enhancing the development of many players.

Individuals like Hall of Famers Tony Gwynn and Alan Trammell, and Tom House (considered to be a highly influential and respected throwing instructor of MLB, NFL, and amateur talent) amongst others assisted in Gerric’s development.

After college, Gerric participated in Spring Training with the San Diego Padres as a player in their Minor League farm system, followed by stints in various leagues. He then decided to focus on a career in MLB Baseball Operations serving positions as a scout (Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers), and Co-Director of Baseball Operations of the Arizona Fall League (A league owned and operated by Major League Baseball). He currently serves as the Director of Operations for Tony Gwynn Baseball travel ball organization and has spent over 37 years in youth athletics in roles as a coach, hitting instructor and consultant assisting the development of young men and women.

Following his career in MLB, Gerric obtained his B.A. in Business Administration.

DMSA has provided Gerric a unique opportunity in which he looks forward to sharing his experiences and network to assist in the development of DMSA student athletes.

I received my Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Performance Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. I am passionate about helping students build confidence and achieve their goals. I've worked with students and athletes for several years and enjoy watching their growth as individuals. In addition to working with students, I enjoy reading, hiking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends and family.

Michael grew up in the San Diego area and attended San Diego State University where he studied psychology and education. Not long after graduating he started a career overseas working with international schools and coaching high school basketball. He took his teams to international tournaments throughout Asia and developed both middle and high school science curricula for schools, and digital education providers as well. He is excited to be back in the San Diego area, dedicated to serving students so that they can reach their potential in academics and athletics.

Lauren is an educator and fitness professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Cal Poly, SLO. She holds Single Subject Teaching Credentials in both English and Physical Education. In these roles, Lauren strives to connect curriculum content to real-world applications, promote fluency and student engagement through innovative teaching methods.

Beyond the classroom, Lauren is certified in various fitness disciplines, including Pilates (both mat and reformer). She taught and worked at numerous Pilates studios around San Diego, as well as at the Cameron YMCA as a trainer. She enjoys helping clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals through personalized instruction and positive reinforcement.

Lauren is dedicated to fostering academic growth, physical literacy, and encouraging holistic development through both educational and fitness-focused initiatives. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, painting, cooking, coaching soccer, and stockpiling sleep whenever possible.