GVCS Leadership & Support Staff
Deanna Downs, Executive Director
Deanna is excited about joining the amazing GVCS team! She is a dedicated, resourceful education professional with a proven ability to lead, develop, and support a strong educational program. Deanna has been in education for 25+ years with the past 16 years working as an Educational Facilitator, Principal, and Director at an independent study/homeschool charter school. She believes in cultivating an environment where all administrators, teachers, staff members, parents, and students can be successful, while fostering relationships with community partners. In her free time Deanna loves spending time with her family, taking hikes surrounded by nature, and traveling with friends.
Monica Romero, Director of Support & Development
I began teaching in a general ed classroom in 2001 and have worked with children from grades K-12 throughout my teaching career. I graduated from Cal State University Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and completed a K-12 teaching credential. Following that, I continued my education and earned a masters degree in educational leadership and an administrative credential. My two passions in life are my family and education! I am pleased to have worked at GVCS since 2013.
Lori Llorence, Personnel Administrator
Lori has been with Golden Valley Charter School since 2005 in many different roles. She lives in sunny, small town Fillmore, CA with her husband and dog Cane. She is most happy when spending time with her son and family in Colorado, and enjoys traveling to new places in the Caribbean.

Katie Reyes-Saucedo, Director of Curriculum and Assessment
Katie is excited to join the Golden Valley Charter School community. Katie began her teaching career in the Bay Area teaching high school English. Over the years, Katie has taught middle and high school English and History, developed UC approved a-g courses, taught college prep and honors level courses. Katie has also worked as Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal for grades 6-12.
Stephanie Janes, Student Affairs Administrator
Stephanie graduated with a BS in Business Administration and minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, she took a position in the corporate world where she remained for 8 years. Seeking a better work/life balance, Stephanie joined GVCS in 2009. She lives in Ventura with her husband and two young children. Stephanie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and teaching Pilates. She also loves anything related to USC football!