Engaging Educational Partners

Brenda Olshever has been the Executive Director of MATES (Meadows Arts and Technology Elementary School) since 2010. Mrs. Olshever was a teacher at the former district school, Meadows, when the district voted to close it. She became an active part of the conversion charter petition, and ultimately a founding teacher. The success of MATES is near and dear to her heart. She believes in the school’s educational philosophy of an environment that promotes academic excellence within the research-supported framework of the arts and technology, Project-Based Learning opportunities, strong teacher collaboration, high expectations of achievement, and community involvement.

Dr. Kristen Walker graduated Summa Cum Laude from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA, where she earned her B.A. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, an Administrative Services Credential, and a Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) from Azusa Pacific University. She later earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University. After over a decade working as an elementary classroom teacher, she now serves as the Assistant Director of Meadows Arts and Technology Elementary School.