Regional Team

Christie WIlks

Chief of Flex-Based Learning

(714) 880-4558
christie.wilks@granitemountainschool.com

I have had the privilege to work in the educational field for over 25 years. In college, I worked as a preschool teacher and have since taught in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and homeschool settings educating several different grade levels and students of all needs. It has been an honor to also serve in many different leadership positions, including Teacher Trainer, Induction Coach, Testing Coordinator, Regional Coordinator, Regional Director, and now as Senior Director Team Lead. I have fallen in love with the homeschool community and truly believe any student could excel in an environment where his/her interests are considered, personal encouragement is given, and individual personalities and learning styles are honored. I feel so fortunate to be a member of such a “trailblazing” school and I am excited to share my knowledge of the many different educational resources here at Granite Mountain. When I am not working with our wonderful Granite Mountain community, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading, listening to podcasts, and long hikes with my dog Kona.

Lisa Salazar

Senior Director - Riverside Corridor

(213) 336-5398
lisa.salazar@granitemountainschool.com

I have been working in education for more than 20 years and have had the opportunity to support students, families, and educators in a variety of roles. My experience includes serving as a Foster and Homeless Liaison, Regional Administrator, and homeschool teacher. Each of these roles has given me valuable insight into the different needs of students and families, and I bring that experience with me to my work today. I am passionate about building relationships, providing support, and helping students and families navigate their educational journey.  

I truly love working with students and their families and supporting them in all aspects of learning. I believe that every student is unique, and I take a student-centered approach to education. I strive to listen, understand each student’s needs, and work with families to find solutions that help everyone feel supported. I always try to find a win-win solution with the student at the heart of every decision.

My passion for teaching began with two very special people in my own life: my aunt and my first-grade teacher. They made a lasting impact on me by sharing their own love of learning, and they inspired me to want to make that same kind of difference for others.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three grown children. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love: building relationships, supporting families, and helping students find success.

Kristin Buller

Senior Director - Inland Empire West

(909) 460-8716
kristin.buller@granitemountainschool.com

As a student I had the privilege of learning from passionate teachers who inspired me to pursue a career in education. I received my degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in History and Broadfield Social Sciences, and then my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. I believe that all students have unique interests and skills, and just need the opportunity to grow, and I consider it a joy to be a part of each student's educational journey.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, four children, and two dogs. We love to play board games, go on hikes, head out to the beach, or attend sporting events.

Betsy West

Senior Director - Inland Empire East

(760) 662-1830
betsy.west@granitemountainschool.com

I am so grateful to be part of the Granite Mountain Family! I have had the honor of working as an educator for 25 years. During this time, I have served as a Regional Director, Regional Coordinator, Home School Teacher, and many years in a brick-and-mortar setting as a classroom teacher. In my current position, my goal is to provide a supportive climate and culture that is conducive to learning. By doing so, each student, learning coach and teacher can experience growth to their highest potential. I am blessed to be a wife and a mother to our 3 beautiful children who bring immense joy to my life. During my free time, I love to attend sporting events, travel, and spend time with my family.

Michelle Wendell

Senior Director - LA & Surrounding Areas

(562) 916-6823
michelle.wendell@granitemountainschool.com

Michelle Wendell is a professional educator with more than 20 years of experience across a number of educational platforms. She began her career as a K-2 classroom teacher in Southern California before gaining additional teaching experience overseas in Latin America and Europe. As her children reached school age, Michelle embarked on a homeschooling journey that continues today with each of her four children. She counts it a great privilege to help her children develop a love for learning and confidence in themselves as they grow and mature. Michelle began working with independent study Charter Schools in 2016, helping other families to find success in their personalized homeschool journeys. She joined the staff of Granite Mountain Charter School in 2020, serving as a Homeschool Coach and later, as a Regional Coordinator. Michelle currently serves as a Regional Director with responsibility for the Los Angele and Surrounding Areas. Michelle has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education and Curriculum Development, both from Biola University. She is married to her husband, Dan, and along with their kids and their dog, they love to explore the outdoors, whether at the ocean or in the mountains.

Steph Cronshaw

Senior Director - High Desert

(760) 659-7991
stephanie.cronshaw@granitemountainschool.com

I knew I wanted to be an educator from a very young age. I was raised in a family of teachers who instilled a love of learning through the natural world, and so it only seemed fitting to follow in my parent's and grandparent’s footsteps. My love of nature took me to pursue teaching credentials in biology and health science, along with my Master’s in Education from Pepperdine University. From there, I jumped into the world of independent study charter schools. After a few years of teaching students in all grade levels in independent study, I moved into leadership.

Working with the staff, families and students at Granite Mountain Charter School brings me joy each and every day. Our school offers so many ways in which students from different backgrounds can thrive and be successful in today’s ever-changing world.

When I’m not working you can find me running trails or climbing rocks in the high desert where I live with my husband, dog and cat.