KLAHS Administration
 James Buescher
KLAHS Principal
|
James was born and raised in the Bay Area and began his career in education in 2008 in Vacaville. He earned his degree from UC Davis, majoring in Philosophy with minors in History and Education, and later completed his teaching credential program there. He began teaching Social Studies at Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy, where he also served on the leadership team.
James later became an Assistant Principal while completing his Master’s degree in Innovative Educational Leadership from Touro University. He is committed to collaborative, student-centered leadership and values building strong relationships with staff, students, and families.
Since becoming principal during the launch of Kairos’s flex-based high school, James has worked with the Kairos community to help develop an innovative program grounded in flexibility, community, and shared purpose. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on the 49ers.
|
|
|
|
 Leslie Shebley
Co-Founder and Chief Development & Operations Officer
|
Leslie is a Co-Founder of Kairos Public Schools with over 12 years of experience in public charter schools, specifically in Flex-Based Learning programs. Prior to working at Kairos Public Schools, Leslie worked as an Instructional Manager at Buckingham Charter Magnet High School (BCMHS), supporting students through their BCOL independent study program. Leslie is actively involved in the APLUS Network, advocating for the personalized learning needs of flex-based learning students across the State of California. In previous years, Leslie has led trainings on learning and teaching styles with an emphasis on supporting individuals at all levels. As a result of being homeschooled herself (from K-12), she has a passion for helping families succeed by providing a quality education that fits the specific needs of each scholar. |
|
|
|
 Betsy Madigan
Director of Student Services
|
Betsy obtained a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development from UC Davis, then went on to obtain her teaching credential and earn her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. She is also in pursuit of a Master’s degree in School Psychology with Alliant International University. She started her career in education at The Center for Child and Family Studies at UC Davis. She then went on to work at St. HOPE Public Schools, where she again worked in Early Childhood Education. She then made the gigantic leap across the country, and in age, to teach middle school English Language Learners in Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS). While working for KCPS, she was appointed as the middle school Behavior Intervention Support Team Coordinator. She then returned to California and worked at Capitol Collegiate Academy (CCA) in Sacramento, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade. As a Founding Teacher, she developed a 3rd-grade Common Core-aligned reading, writing, and math curriculum. That same year, on the first Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) in 2015, Mrs. Madigan’s students outscored the Sacramento City Unified School District in both ELA and Math. In that class, each of her students with a disability scored proficient. Mrs. Madigan was then appointed to be the Director of Student Services at CCA. As the Director of Student Services, she oversaw the Special Education Program, managed the Mental Health and Restorative Justice programs, was the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) Coordinator, and coached teachers. In her time in this role, she developed an inclusive Special Education program that helped ALL learners achieve in the academic setting. Mrs. Madigan joined the Kairos family in the Summer of 2019 as the Special Education Coordinator. |
|
|
|
 Jared Austin
Co-Founder and Superintendent/CEO
|
Jared has worked in public charter schools for over 19 years as a Teacher, Principal, and Co-Founder & Superintendent/CEO. Mr. Austin is the Superintendent/CEO and a Co-Founder of Kairos Public Schools in Vacaville, California. Jared has served public charter schools in a variety of ways, including being appointed to the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (ACCS) by the California State Board of Education in 2017, 2020, and 2021. Jared serves on the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) Member Council representing Solano County & Contra County. Lastly, Mr. Austin serves as an adjunct professor at Touro University’s Educational Leadership department. |
|
|
|
 Alexis Granzella
Special Education Coordinator
|
Growing up in a military family, Alexis attended schools in a variety of places, including Germany! She earned her degree in Child Development with a minor in Psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2014. In 2015, she began working toward her Master’s at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. She quickly returned to California in 2016 and began concurrent work on her Education Specialist credential through National University. That same year, she began her teaching career at Kairos as an Education Specialist and Case Manager. She completed her Master’s in Education Administration in 2021, and after several years as the SpEd Team Lead, she now serves as the Special Education Coordinator. She is a mom of five, with two children currently in the KISP program at Kairos. Alexis is committed to partnering with families and supporting all scholars in an environment where they can thrive. |
|
|
|
 Christina Patterson
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
|
Currently serving as the CFO, Christina has leveraged over 25 years of hands-on experience in the private sector as a financial controller. Her extensive finance background equips her with a strategic understanding of fiscal management, budgeting, and financial planning. This, coupled with her role as a founding parent and volunteer, positions her uniquely to contribute a comprehensive perspective to our administration team. Christina's commitment to financial excellence aligns seamlessly with the organization's goals, fostering sound financial practices and contributing to overall success. |