Cottonwood’s Community Coordinators provide opportunities for students and parents to gather for unique events that build community. They host field trips to local farms and businesses, outdoor adventures, theater events, IMAX movies, and other educational destinations. They also coordinate schoolwide events such as the Makers’ Market, spelling bee, and science fair. Each coordinator focuses on one area of Cottonwood’s community so you can attend events close to your home and get to know other homeschoolers in your area. Meet your Coordinators below and see the areas they cover!
Meet Your Community Coordinators
Lauren Amsden (lauren.amsden@cottonwoodk12.org)
I am lucky enough to be part of the amazing Community Connections team and I put on events in the Tahoe area. I focus on creating once-in-a-lifetime opportunites for families and hope to provide the school with events that showcase the amazing, Tahoe area.
Kindel Bedore (kindel.bedore@cottonwoodk12.org)
I plan trips primarily for the Elk Grove/South Sacramento area. I plan events focused on creating connections between our homeschooling families and the community in educational and enriching ways. I enjoy theater, nature, sports, and so much more! You will see a wide variety of events offered. I love learning as a community. It is my goal to create and provide opportunities for students and families to learn together.
Traci Callanan (traci.callanan@cottonwoodk12.org)
It’s my privilege to serve The Cottonwood School as both an HST and a Community Coordinator. My area typically includes Orangevale, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and the 50 corridor, but it’s not uncommon to see me out and about in the downtown Sacramento area, too. I love planning field trips and events that are educational extensions of what students and families are learning at home. I love everything history, anything relating to fish, cars, live theater, books, books, more books, science, engineering, art, music, entrepreneurship…….and well, the list could go on and on. The best part about being a Coordinator though, is that I get to spend so much time with so many Cottonwood families, and being out and about in the community with you all fills my bucket to the brim. If we haven’t met already, then I look forward to hopefully crossing paths with you and your family at one of my Community Connections events soon.
Katie Doak (katie.doak@cottonwoodk12.org)
Hi. I am Katie Doak, Community Coordinator for trips and events in Auburn and the surrounding areas. I am also The Cottonwood School’s Educational Resource Specialist which means I get to find all kinds of fun materials and activities to go with many of our field trips. You can find these on the Parent’s Hawk’s Nest under the Events tab in the Field Trip Resources page. I have been a homeschool teacher going on nine years now and I love working for The Cottonwood School. When I am not working, you will find me altering costumes for my daughter’s next theater or film project, cheering on my son at a track or cross country meet, reading books for one of my book clubs, getting coffee with friends, traveling, or hiking with my husband. I hope to see you soon at one of our events.
Kristin Harris (kristin.harris@cottonwoodk12.org)
I am the Community Coordinator for teens in the greater Sacramento area. I am passionate about providing events where teens can have a great time and connect with their peers. It is my goal to create a thriving teen community at Cottonwood by hosting events that teens want to attend and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Stephanie Hodgson (stephanie.hodgson@cottonwoodk12.org)
I am blessed to serve as a Community Coordinator for the Cottonwood School covering the Rocklin/Auburn area. However, you may also see me traipsing about in other surrounding communities. I have been a teacher for 32 years and a homeschool educator for 26 years. I love, love, love kids and the opportunity to plan field trips and events to get out and play with our wonderful students. I enjoy reading, baking, the theater, science, and spending time with my own family. It is my passion to help you get out and meet other homeschool families and create wonderful, educational, and lasting memories.
Jessica Klemp (jessica.klemp@cottonwoodk12.org)
Hi! My name is Jessica, and I love that I have the chance to serve your homeschooling family and provide educational opportunities within the Roseville/Sacramento area. The field trips are amazing and meeting you is wonderful, but I especially enjoy watching homeschooling families connect with each other during these community trips and events. As homeschoolers, we are not alone and we have each other. I am bridging that gap for you in hopes that you will connect with others within the Cottonwood homeschool community all while learning, having fun, and making new friends. I enjoy all things outdoors and being active. I am finding history more and more interesting. I can be competitive with sports, but I will be the first to cheer you on! I can’t wait to see you at one of my events!
Laura Quezada (laura.quezada@cottonwoodk12.org)
Hi! I am a Community Coordinator and HST for The Cottonwood School. My trips and events focus on the Rancho Cordova/Citrus Heights area. I love getting outside, being active, and learning through hands-on experiences. I LOVE field trips and meeting our homeschool families! I hope to see you on a trip soon!