Student Support Services
Dir Student Support Services
I joined the CCDS team in 2010 as school psychologist and transitioned into my current role in 2016. Prior to working at CCDS, I worked as a school psychologist for 9 years and have been lucky enough to work with students from preschool through high school!
One of my favorite teachers wasn’t actually a teacher... but my high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Crichton. She was our class advisor and was a great support through the ups and downs of high school. When I started graduate school my initial plan was to become a high school counselor, like Mrs. Crichton...although my job is slightly different, I try to be supportive and encouraging like she was everyday!
I love spending time with my family in the outdoors; hiking, camping and exploring new places. I love to watch my kids participate sports and dance. I also love to bake and read!
Education Specialist
I joined CCDS part-time as the Middle School Education Specialist in August of 2015. Prior to my hire at CCDS, I worked for two years for Corning Union Elementary School District teaching special education and running the RtI program for Olive View School. I then spent three years working for the Tehama County Department of Education writing a general education reading intervention curriculum called CLIP.
I had several favorite teachers in school. The thing they all had in common was that I believed that they believed in my abilities and they challenged me to do my best. They also all had a good sense of humor that I connected with.
I love to cook and bake and I love to sing!
Education Specialist
Speech & Lang. Therapist
Hello! My name is Deonna Collier. This is my first year at CCDS and I am super excited to get to know you! I recently got married and moved (back) to Chico. I am originally from Oakdale, California and grew up on a dairy. I attended Chico State for college and fell in love with this town! I’ve been very connected to my church in Chico since college, but am excited to meet new friends, too.
I love decorating and making things beautiful. It’s been so fun to get to pick out things for my first home with my husband. I also enjoy exercising and going to coffee shops with friends. Speech Pathology is something I’m very passionate about, and it will be such a joy getting to work with students and families at CCDS. If you see me on campus, please say hi!
Occupational Therapist
Hello CCDS! Our family joined this school in 2016 when my oldest started kindergarten. The CCDS community is very special to us and has been so good to our daughters. Joining the staff in 2023 to provide occupational therapy services has been a perfect fit for me.
I grew up in the Bay Area swimming and playing water polo. I received my B.S. in psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and my M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Samuel Merritt College in Oakland. Over the years I have been fortunate to work with people of all ages and backgrounds in early intervention, pediatric clinics, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and home care.
My favorite part of supporting students at CCDS is helping them to meet their goals through creative therapeutic activities. I love watching the pride on their faces as they improve and accomplish skills many of us take for granted. Being a positive person in their corner is an honor and a joy!
Outside of school my husband, daughters and I enjoy spending time with friends and family, our many animals, and hiking and swimming in Bidwell Park. Other things to know about me are that I like foods that are activities like fondue, cherries, berry picking, sushi, and s’mores. I love kid art and reading historical fiction. I’ve lived in Maine and Switzerland and I once tied shoelaces with my toes for a bet.
Looking forward to meeting you and your children. It’s going to be a great year!
Social Worker
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and moved to Chico in the fall of 2006. I graduated Chico State with my BSW in 2010 and MSW in 2016. I started my social work career working with the Butte County Independent Living Program (ILP) as a caseworker and worked my way to the program coordinator position. I was with ILP for 12 years and worked with countless youth and their families. A large part of my work included helping youth make the transition out of foster care, and education was always a huge component of that. I look forward to starting my new role as School Social Worker and supporting my fellow colleagues, students, and their families. I am excited to start this journey with Chico Country Day School!
Academic Coach/Yearbook
Hello CCDS family,
My name is Miss Mary! You might recognize me as a yearbook or photography teacher, a yard duty, or most frequently as a Special Education Paraprofessional ( a fancy word for aid.)
I’m originally from Sacramento California, but moved to Chico to play softball at Butte College. Go, Roadrunners! After I received my AA from Butte, I transferred to Chico State and obtained a Bachelors in Liberal studies. I love working in education.
My family consists of my mom, dad, older sister, and two younger brothers. I also have a pug Harvey, and a pitbull labrador named Lucy. I thrive in chaos!
In my free time, I love to go on hikes and play pickleball or slowpitch. When the weather is too cold or hot to do outside activities, I love to crochet, sew, and most of all thrift shop!
An interesting fact about me is that I can do a fairly convincing British accent!