Pathway Staff
Lisa Corley M.A.
School Director
Lisa Corley has been the office administrator at Pathway since 2013 and became Pathway School’s new School Director in 2020. She received her Bachelor’s degree in liberal studies at CSU San Marcos and her Masters of Education from University of Phoenix. She holds a CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Prior to Pathway, Lisa worked for Capistrano Unified School District in various positions for twelve years, including three years as an elementary teacher. She served as a member of the curriculum development team for the children’s ministry at Hope Crossing church where she still attends today. Lisa’s priority as the School Director is to lead Pathway School in the direction of its vision and mission. Lisa is happily married to John, and they have two children; an adult daughter and a son in college.
Claire Zysman M.S.
Learning Center Director
Prior to teaching at Pathway, Claire served as a Special Day teacher and a Reading Specialist in the Corona-Norco Unified School District. She was the facilitator of her school’s Student Study Team and Tutoring Programs. Claire also served on the CNUSD Elementary Leadership Team and IEP Writing Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from University of Delaware. While at Delaware, she served in the AmeriCorps mentoring service and completed a semester of student teaching abroad in Pretoria, South Africa. Claire earned a Master of Science in Reading and Education Specialist Instruction from California State University. She currently holds California teaching credentials in Multiple Subject, Reading and Language Arts Specialist, Education Specialist Instruction, and Specialist Instruction in Special Education. Claire was a classroom teacher at Pathway prior to becoming the Learning Center Director.
David Anderson B.A.
Drama Teacher
David earned a B.A. in Speech Communications at CSU Long Beach and a M.A. in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacemaking at CSU, Dominguez Hills. Prior to teaching Drama at Pathway, David retired from Saddleback College as the Director of Audience Development for Fine Arts & Media Technology and as the Executive Director for the Angels for the Arts. He previously served as the Director of the Emeritus Institute at Saddleback College, the Director of Extended Education at Irvine Valley College, and as a Community Services Supervisor for the City Of Irvine. David has served on the State Board of the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS), and is a Past President of the Association of Community & Continuing Education Professionals (ACCE), District X of CPRS, and the Exchange Club of Irvine. David enjoys performing, having appeared in nearly 40 local productions.
Mallory Beane B.A.
Lead Teacher
Mallory Beane graduated from Whitworth University in 2019 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has fallen in love with teaching the next generation of lifelong learners and is passionate about making learning fun and exciting. Her passion for teaching comes from her love of supporting students and celebrating their success. After a friend shared her wonderful experience at Pathway School, Mallory was eager to join the school family as the teachers love and support each student on their journey. She is an active member at her church and has a passion to share Christ’s love to each student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach and participating in her church life group.
Christy Beckwitt B.A.
Instructional Assistant & Intervention Support Teacher
Christy received her Bachelor of Arts from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing and went on to work for a publishing firm as a graphic designer in Marketing and Sales Support. Despite ample job satisfaction, her passion was to be a full-time mom alongside her loving and supportive husband. Christy has spent the last two decades as a career mom to two wonderful book-loving children, managing a home filled with love, hugs and plenty of home cooked meals, and diving head first into public school volunteer work. Prior to joining Pathway as a teacher’s aide, Christy has dabbled in several creative outlets: creating/designing handmade quilts and baby products for an Etsy site and working as a seamstress for a local purse designer. As both her children are now in college, she is presented with an opportunity to put her skills and passions to good use at Pathway to promote a love for education and uncovering children’s God given talents.
Debbie Brogdon B.A., M.A.
Office Manager
Debbie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from Texas Tech and a Masters Degree in human resources from National University. Debbie has raised two children, served as vice-president, human resources for a large corporation, and is currently devoted to her grandchildren. Debbie has a special place in her heart for children that struggle in school. She joined Pathway School in 2018.
Hannah Cole B.A.
Instructional Assistant
Hannah Cole received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Delaware and is currently pursuing her M.A. in School Psychology at Chapman University. She previously worked as an Extended Learning Teacher and Paraeducator in the Capistrano Unified School District, and as a math and reading tutor with Family Focused Tutors. Hannah is dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging environment to set students up for success. She loves to spend her free time teaching dance classes and serving in the Kids and First Impressions ministries at church. She is truly blessed to be working with such inspiring staff and students at Pathway School.
Pam Cole M.S.
Occupational Therapist
Pam has been part of the Pathway family since 2009. Pam has worked for many of the OC school districts, as well as in private practice and hospital-based clinics. Her passions in the field include neurology, pediatrics and sensory integration. Pam earned her degree in occupational therapy from USC and is a proud Trojan fan! Her joy at Pathway comes from helping staff and students understand the students’ learning styles and particular sensory needs, and to develop strategies to enhance their learning with that knowledge. She loves seeing students grow and understand how to use their God-given talents to help lift up their weakness to become successful students. Pam is also the Advisor for the Yearbook Club at Pathway and guides the students as they create the school yearbook each year, including taking photos, planning and page design. She is so proud of the yearbook staff and their hard work each year!
Brittny Knauf B.A., M.S.
Resource Teacher
Brittny Knauf is so excited to be joining the Pathway team. She is an accomplished educator with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Teaching from Biola University. For the past seven years, she has passionately taught elementary school, creating vibrant and inclusive classrooms that foster creativity and critical thinking. Brittny’s compassionate approach ensures every student feels valued and supported, promoting both academic excellence and emotional growth. In her free time, Brittny loves to spend quality moments with her two young children and husband, enjoying the beach and embracing the outdoors.
Megan Matteson B.A., M.S.
Lead Teacher
Megan Matteson received her B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Washington State University. Megan continued her education, graduating from Lesley University with a Master of Education. Megan Began her teaching career in Washington in the Kent School District as a Resource Specialist for grades 4-6. She then taught 4th grade before moving home to California. In California she taught in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District as a Resource Specialist K-5, the Redondo Beach Unified School District 3rd grade, and San Diego Unified Home Hospital Program K-12th grade.
In the Home Hospital Program, she traveled to children’s homes who were undergoing chemotherapy, waiting for transplants, or too medically fragile to attend school. Megan then took time off work to raise her son Brody (freshman in high school and twins, Jack and Abby in 8th grade. Once her twins went off to first grade, Megan worked for seven years as an Instructional Assistant for the Capistrano Unified School District. Megan enjoys the many rewarding experiences as a teacher and is looking forward to many more rewarding experiences with the children at Pathway. Megan believes there is no greater gift than the smile of a child.
Noe Ornelas
Instructional Assistant & PE Teacher
Noe Ornelas joined the Pathway family in 2022. He recently received his AA in Liberal Arts and is currently attending Arizona State University where he is working on earning his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, Noe plans on pursuing his PhD in philosophy to become a professor. Prior to Pathway, Noe has worked for Los Angeles Unified District as an afterschool S.T.E.M teacher in elementary school. During Noe’s free time he enjoys reading up on the newest technologies, traveling with his fiancé, and spending time with his dog.
Lauren Rundles B.A.
Instructional Assistant & PE Teacher
Lauren pursued her Bachelor of Arts at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. She entered the business world at Cal Fed in Los Angeles. She then took time off to be a full-time mother. She reentered the workforce at her children’s school, Aliso Viejo Christian School, as a Playground Supervisor. Over the years, she was promoted to obtain the title of Director of Supervision until 2016 when she left to spend time with her children. Her son had just been discharged from the Army on a medical disability. He had served for five years. Lauren had heard about Pathway School from a friend. She was very interested in what Pathway had to offer students. Lauren’s son struggled throughout his school life, so she appreciates what Pathway brings to its school community.
Tamye Vereeke
Instructional Assistant & Art Teacher
Tamye Vereeke is proud to be part of the Pathway staff and is passionate about equipping and empowering children to learn. She has worked with children in some capacity for over 25 years with her focus being early childhood education. Tamye was a lead preschool teacher for SVUSD for over 15 years and worked at the after-school childcare program TLC in the summer. In addition, she has served in the children’s ministry at her church and been on several mission trips with a focus on helping the children and area schools. Tamye is a proud mother of three adult children, two of which are now special education teachers and one still attending college. She enjoys snowboarding in the winter and paddleboarding in the summer with her husband. Tamye is excited to come alongside the Pathway teachers as an instructional assistant and looks forward to helping them foster their creativity as an art teacher.
Chloe Visca B.A.
Middle School Teacher
Chloe received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, from California University, Fullerton. After reevaluating her career path due to Covid, God presented her with the opportunity to be a part of Pathway School. She has gained helpful tools and knowledge to use with students through her time she spent as a Behavior Therapist. Chloe has the privilege of working alongside her mother, Kelley Visca, who she is blessed to have as a role model that embodies Pathway School. She loves connecting with the students to ensure that they are valued, no matter their circumstances. In her free time, Chloe enjoys making memories through attending concerts, traveling the world, and spending time down at the beach.
KATE VANDECAR B.A., B.S., M.S., LVNPT
Middle School Teacher
Kate VanDeCar is a dedicated educator and healthcare professional with a diverse and accomplished background. She pursued her education journey at Long Beach State, University of Mankato, and BYU, all while traversing the country alongside her husband, a retired US ARMY veteran, and raising their two beautiful children. Kate’s career began as a senior shift lead nurse at Fairview Developmental Center and later in labor and delivery at Hoag Hospital. Driven by her passion for learning and public health, she returned to school to earn a degree in epidemiology. For the past nine years, Kate has shared her knowledge as a science educator, spending the last five years at Pathway School, where she continues to inspire and shape young minds.
Kelley Visca B.S., M.S.
Middle School Teacher
Kelley is delighted to teach middle school at Pathway. She has taught at the school since 2003. Subjects in which she has provided instruction include science, language arts, history, and math (from sixth grade through geometry). Kelley graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science degree, where she worked towards a major in Child Development and a minor in English. Following that, she received her teaching credential and Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National University. Kelley worked in Capistrano Unified School District for over five years, teaching first through fifth grades and also serving as the District Science Coordinator and liaison to San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, creating a curriculum to provide hands-on projects that addressed some of the challenges they experienced. The biggest educational blessing in her life continues to be Pathway School. In this environment, Kelley is able to use her God-given abilities and gifts to ultimately honor the Lord, while encouraging and cheering on each of her students. She believes in celebrating every victory and lovingly guiding each student to realize, if not exceed, their academic, social, and spiritual goals. There’s no other place she’d rather work!
Ji Won "Katie" Yoo B.S.
Lead Teacher
After graduating from New York University, Katie Yoo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood and Special Education, with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. She holds a CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and two NY Initial Teaching Certificates in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities. Prior to joining Pathway, Katie worked as an after-school elementary teacher in Fullerton, teaching English Language Arts and Mathematics. Additionally, she worked as a student teacher across multiple elementary schools in New York City. For the past decade, Katie has been actively involved in serving in various ministries in her church, catering to individuals from elementary to college level. Her passion lies in mentoring the younger generation and guiding them toward knowing and loving God. As a member of the Pathway team, Katie is committed to ensuring that every student under her care achieves their full academic potential. In her free time, she enjoys playing the guitar, visiting new coffee shops in OC and LA, and listening to audiobooks.