Meet our Admin Team

Monica Castañeda

Director 

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Ms. Monica Castañeda is a dedicated and passionate educational leader whose career has been rooted in a deep commitment to student learning and teacher empowerment. She began her academic journey at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Education and her teaching credential from Pepperdine University.

In 2007, Ms. Castañeda began her career in education as a middle school teacher. After five years in the classroom, she felt called to expand her impact by moving into school administration. During this time, she returned to CSUN to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and her administrative credential. In 2017, she joined Fenton Charter Public Schools, beginning her administrative work at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School. Her leadership journey continued as she transitioned to Fenton Avenue Charter School, where she is now in her fifth year as Director and her 14th year in school administration. At Fenton Avenue, Ms. Castañeda has been a strong proponent of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) process, championing a focus on student learning, building a collaborative staff culture, and using data and outcomes to drive improvement. Under her leadership, the staff has come together to co-create a mission statement that embodies the spirit of the school: “Together we can, together we will, ensure all students learn at high levels.”

From an early age, Ms. Castañeda knew she wanted to be a teacher, and she takes great pride in having fulfilled that dream — first as a classroom educator and now as a school leader committed to creating the conditions where students and teachers thrive.

Nicole Langlois

Assistant Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Mrs. Langlois first began her career in education in 2012 as a 4th grade teacher at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School (SMBCCS). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge and her Master of Arts degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Mrs. Langlois also has a background in Behavior Therapy, which allows her to provide behavior support and resources to teachers and students whenever needed. 

After three years at Santa Monica, Mrs. Langlois transitioned to 2nd grade as a founding lead teacher at Fenton Charter Leadership Academy in Sun Valley. In 2021, Nicole has served as an Administrative Coordinator. at Santa Monica Blvd. Community Charter School and Assistant Director at Fenton Primary Center.  Nicole's experience and passion for education, along with her deep-rooted desire to make a difference in the various communities served by the Fenton Charter Public Schools, has brought her to her latest role:  Assistant Director at Fenton Avenue Charter School. She loves the vibrant school community and is excited to be part of the administrative team.

Alejandra Muñoz

Assistant Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Mrs. Muñoz is a San Fernando Valley native who has had a love of learning and education since she was a little girl.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Minor in Italian from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2009. She worked as a Behavioral Therapist for children with autism for several years, which has provided her with unique insights into providing behavioral supports. In 2016, she received her Masters Degree in Education and teaching credential from Mount Saint Mary’s University. She was fortunate to complete her student teaching at Fenton STEM Academy and she has been with Fenton ever since. Throughout her time at the Fenton Academies, she has served as a grade level Lead Teacher, Secretary of the Parent Advocacy Committee, Secretary of the Instruction Committee, Chair of the Instruction Committee, and participated in a variety of after school clubs such as: Robotics Club, Drama Club, Environmental Club, and Journalism Club.

After several years in the classroom, Mrs. Muñoz became the first Expanded Learning Coordinator at Fenton Academies in 2022. She enjoyed creating learning opportunities that extended beyond the classroom and inspired students' creativity. She now looks forward to serving as Assistant Director at Fenton Avenue Charter School, where she can continue building a welcoming school community.

Kelley Christenson

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton Avenue Charter School

This is Ms. Christenson's tenth year at Fenton Charter Public Schools and 14th year in education. She is passionate about providing learning experiences for the students of FACS that extend beyond the classroom and is excited to be able to do that in her role as Expanded Learning Coordinator. She holds a BA in Liberal Studies and International Economics, and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She also earned a Master's in Educational Leadership and a California Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).

Throughout her career, Ms. Christenson has been privileged to serve in various leadership roles, including as a Lead Teacher, TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment), Faculty Representative, Distance Learning Lead, and Chair/Secretary of several committees, including the Foundation Board. She also serves as a Visiting Committee Chair for WASC and mentors new teachers through the Los Angeles County Office of Education.