NCS Leadership
Dr. Joe Wood, Executive Director/Superintendent
Dr. Joe Wood is the Executive Director for Natomas Charter School. In this role he works with all five NCS academies. He started his career at NCS in 2012 as the school’s Technology and Assessment Director. Prior to working at NCS he was a middle school science teacher, technology and literacy coach in school districts in Sacramento and the Central Valley. Joe attended UC Davis where he earned a degree in Biological Sciences, along with an Masters in Education and elementary and secondary science teaching credentials at CSU Stanislaus. He recently completed his doctorate at UC Davis with a research focus on the experience of LGBTQ+ students in the school selection and evaluation process. Joe and his husband are parents of a son who attended Star Academy, graduated from PFAA, and is now in college.
Cindy M. Tao, Finance and Budget Director/CFO
Cindy Tao serves as the Finance and Budget Director/CFO for Natomas Charter School (NCS), driving fiscal strategy and operational excellence across all five NCS academies and Central Services. In this pivotal role, she directs the Business Services division, safeguarding financial integrity across Budget, Accounting, Payroll, Purchasing, Human Resources, and Risk Management. She brings over 20 years of high impact leadership spanning K to 12 education, municipal government, and the private sector. Cindy launched her career in corporate finance, mastering rigorous financial analysis, accounting, and investment banking. Translating this expertise into public service, she supported financial operations for over 30 Bay Area school districts and Early Learning programs (such as State Preschool and Head Start) at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and subsequently spearheaded fiscal operations for the cities of West Sacramento and Galt. In her previous executive role before joining NCS, she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Sacramento City Unified School District, where she oversaw fiscal operations serving over 40,000 students across more than 80 school sites and programs. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from San José State University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. Outside of work, Cindy and her husband are proud parents of three children, and she treasures family time, cooking, and actively supporting her children at their various activities.
Laura Bariel, Teaching and Learning Director
Laura Bariel is the Teaching & Learning Director at Natomas Charter School. In this role she works with all five academies. She started her career at NCS in 2000 as an English teacher at PFAA after teaching in Sacramento City Unified for several years. While at NCS she has taught at the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), was a principal for PACT & VLA, and the Student Support Coordinator. Laura attended UC Davis for undergraduate work, UC Santa Barbara for her credential and Masters in Education. Laura has focused her career on supporting struggling students with a major focus on literacy and English Learners. The spirit of innovation and high expectations at NCS in combination with the caring and accepting NCS community is why NCS has been her home for over 20 years. Laura is also the parent of a former Star Academy student and PFAA graduate who is currently in college.
Amy Kahler, Special Education Director
Amy Kahler is the Special Education Director. In this role, she oversees a department of over sixty people and the services offered to students at all NCS academies. She started her career at NCS in 2013 as a kindergarten teacher. Prior to working at NCS, she was a kindergarten, 1st grade and 5th grade teacher at a Title 1 Program Improvement school in Southern California, serving a very diverse population. Amy attended CA Polytechnic State University, Pomona, where she earned a degree in Business Administration in the area of Finance, Real Estate, Law and a multiple subject teaching credential. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from National University. She is married and a military wife who enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs and nieces.
Petra Luhrsen, Student Services Director
Petra Luhrsen is the Student Services Director. In this role, she works with all academies. She started her career with Natomas Charter School as a teacher at Star Academy and served in this position for several years before shifting into administration. Before her return to Natomas Charter School, she served as an administrator for NUSD, San Juan Unified, as a Principal Coach through Sacramento County Office of Education, Principal Coach for the Cultivating Leaders Program in SJUSD, and has supported K-12 teachers in Northern California as an Area 3 Writing Project Teacher Coach. Petra attended University of Northern Colorado where she earned a degree in Public Relations & Advertising, along with an MA in Elementary Education. Petra is passionate about providing equitable outcomes for all students by collaboratively developing predictable systems and supports for all.
Franchesca Donato, Special Education Program Specialist
Franchesca Donato is the Special Education Program Specialist. In this role, she works with all five academies. She started her career at NCS in 2012 as an academic advisor at PACT after teaching in Florida for over a decade. Her teaching experience spans from kindergarten through high school. While at NCS she taught at Star Academy, was an associate principal for Star, and the TOSA for Special Education supporting all academies as an Educational Specialist. Franchesca attended the University of Central Florida for undergraduate work in Exceptional Student Education, Concordia University for a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and completed her national board certification in Inclusive Education. Franchesca has focused her career on supporting students in an inclusive learning environment. Franchesca and her husband have four adult children, one a former ECA and PFAA student, and six grandchildren.
Alicia Carter, Principal - PACT Academy
Alicia Carter is the PACT Academy principal. Her educational journey with NCS began in 2009 as a middle school math teacher at PFAA. She has also served at PACT Academy as an educational adviser. Prior to working at NCS, Alicia worked at Joe Serna, Jr. Charter School in Lodi as a classroom teacher and as an Educational Consultant with Project GLAD. Alicia attended University of the Pacific in Stockton with a degree in Liberal Arts and a math minor. Alicia and her husband have three daughters who are also NCS students.
Gareth Love, Principal - Performing & Fine Arts Academy
Gareth Love is the Principal of PFAA. In this role, he assists in overseeing all operations at PFAA. He started his career at NCS in 2014 and spent 7 years teaching French and Spanish as well as serving as the World Languages Department Head. He arrived at NCS with 12 years of experience teaching languages at both high school and college levels. Gareth attended the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in the U.K. where he received his BA in Foreign Languages. He then earned a Masters in International Business from the University of Avignon, France, and a Masters in French Literature from UC Davis. Gareth currently resides in Natomas with his wife and 3 children. He is also an NCS parent with two sons at Star Academy and one at PFAA.
Elsa Prettol, Associate Principal - Performing & Fine Arts Academy
Elsa Prettol is the Associate Principal for PFAA, after 13 years as the Library and Media Instructor for the entire Natomas Charter School, especially developing library services at the Blackrock and Gloster campuses. As Associate Principal, she assists in overseeing all operations at PFAA. Elsa earned a BA in English and a Masters in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from her home university in Angers (France), and taught French to preschoolers and K-14 students in various institutions in Minnesota, North Carolina, and the Bay Area. Elsa is also a NCS parent, with a stepchild who graduated from PFAA in 2018 and a daughter currently at PFAA.
Stephanie Archibald, Principal - Early College Academy
Stephanie Archibald serves as the Principal of Early College Academy, where she leads a personalized high school program focused on preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond. Prior to joining Early College Academy, Stephanie served as Principal of Leading Edge Academy at Natomas Charter School. Her experience includes classroom teaching, charter school leadership, independent study education, and district administration, including serving as Curriculum Coordinator at Visions in Education. As a high school student, Stephanie participated in college coursework herself, inspiring her passion for expanding opportunities that help students discover their potential and achieve their goals. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento, teaching credentials in Multiple Subjects and Biology, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education at Walden University and lives in Woodland with her husband and three children.
Caroline Hines, Principal - Leading Edge Academy
Caroline Hines is the Principal of Leading Edge Academy, where she leads the instructional program and oversees daily operations. Caroline has served the Natomas Charter Community since 2013, working in the Student Services Department as a Social-Emotional Counselor and then serving as the Star Academy Associate Principal from 2023-2026. She has served all five academies and worked exclusively with Star Academy students since 2016. Prior to Natomas Charter School, Caroline worked in the Mental Health field, supporting students with Disabilities. Caroline holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology and Communications, and a Master’s of Science in Counseling (School Specialization). She currently holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential and Preliminary Administrative Service Credential. Caroline is married and has three children - two are currently students at NCS. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and exploring the outdoors.
Diana Wilson, Principal - Star Academy
Diana Wilson is the Principal of Star Academy. In this role, she oversees the instructional program and operations of Star Academy. Mrs. Wilson is new to Natomas Charter School but brings with her 17 years of experience in K-12 education, working at highly successful charter schools and school districts similar to Natomas Charter. She has spent the last 6 years working in school administration as a vice principal and principal. Previously, Mrs. Wilson taught kindergarten, second grade, fourth grade, and sixth grade, bringing extensive leadership and teaching experience to Star Academy. Mrs. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis on Teaching and Learning. Mrs. Wilson is married and has three grown children. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Jacqui Sjol, Associate Principal - Star Academy
Jacqui Sjol is the Associate Principal of Star Academy, where she supports instructional programs, student achievement, and school operations. She has served the Natomas Charter School community for over 10 years and brings more than 21 years of experience in education. During her career, she has worked as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and school leader, with a focus on supporting teachers and creating inclusive learning environments for all students. Jacqui earned a Master of Arts in Education and an Administrative Services Credential from National University and also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She enjoys spending time with her son, paddleboarding, traveling, and lifelong learning.