Erika Melton 

 

7/1/2022 - 6/30/2026

Email: emelton@cwcharter.org

 

Board Chair 

 

Erika Melton is excited to continue her journey as a member of the Board of Directors for Connecting Waters Charter Schools. As a parent at CWCV for 8 years, she has watched her two children excel and grow while utilizing the many resources CWCV has to offer. With an early interest in and love of education, Erika earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a Minor in Exceptional Youth from CSU, Stanislaus and began her career working in and later managing children’s centers. Following the birth of her first child, she opened her own family day care, so she could continue to teach and work with children while prioritizing the individual needs of her growing family.

 

Erika is currently a proud mom to a pre-teen and a teenager who are entering the 6th and 9th grade. In addition to homeschooling her children, Erika leads her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop and also runs a small business from home that allows her to create passion projects that utilize her creativity and love of educating.  As her children have grown, she has continued to seek out roles for herself that allow her to teach, including those with a focus on one of her dearest passions, sewing! When not behind an embroidery machine, Erika can be found enjoying time with her family and friends, snuggling with her 5 (that’s right FIVE!) guinea pigs, sipping on her favorite chai tea latte, and engaging in her local community. Beginning her new role as Board Co-Chair, Erika is excited and committed to ensuring the continuing success of the school and its amazing community of stakeholders—from students, parents, faculty, and staff.

 

 

 

Jennifer Louie-Monzon

 

12/1/2018 - 6/30/2027

Email: jlouie-monzon@cwcharter.org

 

Board Co-chair

 

Jennifer Louie-Monzon is a dedicated parent at Connecting Waters East Bay (CWEB) and a seasoned homeschooling advocate. A Bay Area native, her family's educational path evolved when her son, a gifted child with impulsive-type ADHD, found his ideal learning environment through homeschooling. After careful research and his decision to embrace it, he began with Connecting Waters Charter Schools (CWCS), where he's now happily in his eighth year. While her daughter initially joined her brother at CWEB, she's recently chosen to return to their local middle school, a decision that truly reflects Jennifer's belief in students taking equal ownership in their educational journey.

Professionally, Jennifer holds a degree in biomedical engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and has built a career in the life sciences industry, focusing on healthcare innovation and technology. Beyond her professional life, her commitment to education and community is evident through extensive volunteer work. Before becoming a CWEB parent, she held various PTA officer positions at her children's public school, including an impactful two-year term as PTA President. During her presidency, she championed three core principles: fostering stronger relations with school leadership, sponsoring programs that fairly benefited all students, and modernizing PTA operations for greater efficiency. She also co-leads her daughter's Girl Scouts troop, an experience that's given her hands-on insight into managing a "small non-profit."

Jennifer is enthusiastic about sharing her professional and volunteering experiences, along with her deep dedication to supporting students and their parents, with the CWCS Board.

 

 

 

 

 

Kristen Corrales

7/1/2025 - 6/30/2027

Email: kcorrales@cwcharter.org

Board Secretary

I was raised in California’s Central Valley, surrounded by a family deeply rooted in education. Both of my parents were high school science teachers, and on my dad’s side, teaching truly runs in the family—he’s one of five siblings, all of whom are educators, along with their spouses, my siblings, and most of my cousins. You could say teaching is our family business.

Growing up in this environment, I witnessed firsthand what it takes to be a great teacher, as well as the importance of a strong, supportive community for both educators and students. That foundation shaped not only the way I approach learning and leadership, but also how I show up as a parent, mentor, and professional.

Professionally, I’ve built a dynamic career in the retail fashion industry, working for major brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Bebe, and Gap throughout the Bay Area. I studied Visual Merchandising at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where I developed a strong sense of design, brand strategy, and customer psychology.

While I loved the fast pace and challenges of corporate retail, becoming a mother brought a deeper sense of purpose. When my son started first grade, I enrolled him in Connecting Waters Charter School—and we’ve never looked back. He’s now entering fourth grade, and choosing to homeschool him has been the most important and rewarding decision I’ve ever made.

I have the amazing privilege of homeschooling my son, and I am so incredibly grateful. It’s not without sacrifice—it requires time, intention, and a constant balancing act—but it is without a doubt the best investment I have ever made. It has allowed me to be fully present for his growth, guide his learning in a meaningful way, and build a bond that is rooted in shared curiosity, discovery, and trust.

What I’ve learned through this journey is that homeschooling isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s something that any parent can do if they prioritize it and invest the time. I’m passionate about helping other families understand that this path is possible. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being committed, flexible, and willing to learn alongside your child. Watching my son grow not only academically but also emotionally and creatively has been an absolute gift.

As a full-time working mom, balancing life’s demands isn’t always easy—but I approach each challenge with dedication and grace. I’m excited to serve on the school board and contribute to keeping our community strong and supportive for all families.

 

 

 

 

 

Lydia Addipah

 

7/1/2025 - 6/30/2027

Email: laddipah@cwcharter.org

 

Board Assistant Secretary

 

Born, raised, and educated in the United Kingdom, I bring a unique blend of international perspectives to my life in the United States. After becoming a naturalized American I pursued a successful career in law leveraging my expertise to make a positive impact.
In due course, I made one of the best decisions to start a family and become a stay-at-home mum dedicating myself to nurture my first child’s growth and development. As my child began to grow I did too, and I knew that I wanted to be an integral part of her entire learning.
I wasn’t familiar with the terms nonclassroom-based learning/parent-led learning/homeschooling or even knew that there was such a thing, at least not in England.
It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child and I’m thankful that I learned about nonclassroom-based learning/parent-led learning/homeschooling through my village. Needless to say, Connecting Waters is now part of my village. Chosen because of their commitment to learning, accreditation, and promoting an environment that supports and enhances educational learning opportunities for all learners.
When my second child was added to our family I was asked if I was sure that I wanted to begin the homeschool structure with a newborn and a 5-year-old. There was no doubt that the answer was yes because I wouldn’t be doing it alone - I would have the guidance and oversight of Connecting Waters.
As a Board Member, I am committed to excellence and will leverage my expertise in problem-solving, strategic planning, and empowerment to advance the school’s mission, support innovative educational initiatives, and advocate for the needs of families.
Outside of my work in education. I enjoy reading, home decorating, and finding ways to help others, driven by a desire to make a difference within the community.
Guided by the motto 'Growing Together, Learning Forever’, let us not despise wisdom and instruction with all the knowledge we are acquiring.
I am dedicated to making a positive impact within the community, one child at a time. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaneez Fatima 

7/1/2022 - 6/30/2026

Email: kfatima@cwcharter.org

Board Member 

Kaneez Fatima is a dedicated mother of two incredible kids, one of whom has graduated from high school with Connecting Waters Charter School. Her educational journey led her to earn a Bachelor's degree in Finance, and she successfully cleared her CPA exam. Kaneez then embarked on an exciting six-year adventure as a Senior Financial Auditor at Deloitte, where she sharpened her skills and gathered invaluable experiences auditing across various industry sectors.

Kaneez chose to step away from her career to focus on her family, a decision that reflects her deep commitment and love for her loved ones. She wanted her children to have a choice and say in their own education, so they could drive their own learning with their own interests. While exploring many education options, she found Connecting Waters Charter Schools and immediately liked their Personalized Learning approach. Her family has since been with CWCS for more than ten years.

Today, Kaneez channels her expertise and passion into working for a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering local communities, especially youth and women, to become active and contributing members of society. This work brings her immense joy and fulfillment as she witnesses the positive impact they make together.

Outside of her professional life, Kaneez is an avid reader who loves getting lost in a good book. Traveling and exploring new places is another passion of hers – there's nothing like the thrill of discovering a new destination! She is also a true foodie at heart, always excited to try new cuisines and savor different flavors. Gardening brings her peace and satisfaction as she nurtures life from the soil up.

Kaneez lives by the motto, "Life is like art. You have to work hard to keep it simple and still have meaning," a beautiful quote by Charles de Lint. This philosophy inspires her to find joy in simplicity and seek meaningful moments in everyday life.

 

 

 

 

Keith Martin

 

9/25/2025 - 6/30/2026

[email protected]

 

Board Member

The Central Valley of California has been home for most of my life. I grew up in Stockton, attended college and married in Sacramento, and then moved with my wife to Germany to study, learn German, and teach. Cindi had received a Fulbright Fellowship to research employer sponsored childcare, so I found work teaching business English at IBM Germany, the Robert Bosch Corporation, and Daimler-Benz. We loved living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe, but after three years, we returned home to start our family. Our precious daughter Amanda lives in Sacramento. I retired from Turlock Unified in 2021 after teaching English and German for thirty years. Cindi is a somewhat-retired psychotherapist. We have lived in Oakdale since 2002 and now grow fresh vegetables, fruit, and herbs for families, local restaurants, and nearby schools. Cindi established Wellspring Charitable Gardens as a farm to family CSA in 2016. Today we manage the garden together at KCMartin Farms.

I wasn't a serious student until college. I graduated from Edison High with a 2.99 GPA and enrolled at Delta Junior College to study accounting. Since I was paying for school ($5 a semester!), I was determined to work hard. That first semester I realized I was just an average reader and writer, so I took extra English and humanities classes alongside the required business classes. I graduated in 1980 with an A. A. and a certificate in accounting.

I transferred to Cal State Sacramento in the fall of 1980 but declared as a humanities and psychology double major. Reading that summer, I realized my limited knowledge of cultures, ideas, and worldviews. I had work to do. I took classes in art, history, religion, literature, and writing to better understand human nature and human behavior. I started learning German and studying philosophy. In my first upper division writing class, I received a D- on the first essay. Stung by the poor mark, I went directly to Dr. Bell after class for help. He reviewed the essay and discussed elements I needed to clarify, develop, refine, or revise. I told him I knew what I wanted to say but couldn't get it out of my mind and onto paper. Dr. Bell looked intently at me and said, “Keith, I don’t think you know what you want to say.” His candor and clarity hurt, but he was right. I had work to do.

I took every class I could from Dr. Bell, Dr. Bertonasco, and professors like them. They were classicists who trained students how to think. They taught them to reason clearly, write effectively, and read widely and deeply. They laid the foundation for the ideas on education, learning, and best practices for teaching that I hold dear, as I do these educators: John Milton (Of Education), C. S. Lewis (The Abolition of Man), E. B. White (The Elements of Style), P. J. Corbett (Classical Rhetoric), Allan Bloom (The Closing of the American Mind), E. D. Hirsch (Cultural Literacy and The Knowledge Deficit), Sister Miriam Joseph (The Trivium), Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer (The Well-Trained Mind), and Robert Alter (The Art of Biblical Narrative).

Thank you all at Connecting Waters Charter School for the warm, encouraging welcome and the invitation to join the board. Serving at CWCS will restore what I most dearly miss since retiring from teaching: Engaging with students, faculty, staff, and parents in the most serious and satisfying work imaginable - learning.

 

 

 

 

Stuart Welch

 

9/25/2025 - 6/30/2026

[email protected]

 

Board Member

 

Stuart Welch currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Life Connection Church in Modesto, CA. 95355. Stuart also serves his Conference Superintendent as an Assistant Superintendent, overseeing denominational churches from Oakdale, Turlock, Ripon, over to the Bay Area and up to Corralitos, CA. He also serves on the Conference

Ministerial Education and Guidance Board, sharing responsibility for the selection, training and oversight of all promising leaders in the Conference. Prior to his assignment in Modesto, he has served as an Adjunct Professor and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Yuba College in Marysville, CA. Stuart is a retired Bay Area Police Officer, in which he has served in multiple roles; including patrol, field training officer, SWAT officer and an investigator. After retiring from the department, Stuart founded and operated a private security firm, the third largest Black owned firm in Northern California.

Stuart serves his community by engaging in a diverse range of roles, Board member for a women & children’s homeless shelter, Advocate for Foster Children in Elk Grove, CA., Boys & Girls Club volunteer, a member of the StanCo Health Coalition as well as participating with Modesto City Schools and the Sylvan Union School Districts.

Stuart is married to Chrystal and they have five adult children and are currently empty-nesters.