Gary Davis is the Executive Director of the California Republic Leadership Academy. He has been part of the California charter school movement for the better part of twenty years. During that time, he has fulfilled numerous roles relating to education policy, advocacy, and operations. Mr. Davis has served in the elected positions of School Board Member, City Council Member, and Mayor. Additionally, he has started and consulted with numerous community-based nonprofit organizations and also led the launch of two small businesses. Most recently, he led the startup of the Orange County Classical Academy (“OCCA”). Mr. Davis’ responsibilities encompassed a wide range of tasks, such as petition drafting, securing facilities, hiring over 30 staff members, outfitting the school, policy development, and student recruitment. He also handled various aspects of school systems and operations, among many other duties. OCCA successfully launched in the midst of the pandemic and developed a waiting list of over 1000 students. It is his vision to rebuild the California Dream by educating the next generation of California’s leaders that lead to the founding of the California Republic Leadership Academy. Gary loves California.

Mr. Davis’ favorite book is The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey!

Mr. Davis loves this book because, after reading it in college, The Seven Habits has guided much of Gary’s personal and professional life. It also led to the use of Franklin Covey’s “Leader in Me” curriculum at CRLA as the major leadership development aspect of the school.

Mrs. Brittany Rineer is the Principal of California Republic Leadership Academy Yorba Linda. She has been teaching in the classroom for 15 years in various grades ranging from Preschool to High school. In her early career she studied early childhood development, then continued on to complete both a bachelors and masters in education from Hope International University in Fullerton. After teaching Kindergarten for several years she followed her passion of helping students, who were unsuccessful in their current schools. She opened a thriving TK-12th private school which accepted students regardless of ability to pay. As administrator she developed a unique curriculum plan of individualized education and leadership skills which inspired learning and led to countless success stories and strong leaders. Mrs. Rineer simultaneously worked alongside charter schools for the past 8 years where she developed 504 plans, was a part of SST’s, and administered ELPAC/CAASPP assessments. She strongly believes that inspiring students to serve, learn, and lead through virtue, critical thinking, and wisdom is key to the success of future generations .

Mrs. Rineer’s favorite book is The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.

Mrs. Rineer loves this heartwarming story about a class who learns to speak with compassion and understanding, after teasing a girl for wearing the same dress every day. She loves this story because it teaches us to stand up for others using grace and kindness instead of following a crowd.

Dr. Sagui Doering is the Director of Compliance and Outreach at California Republic Leadership Academy. She is a twenty-four year seasoned educator who has taught students of all ages and has led schools in traditional and non-traditional private, public and charter school settings. She holds a doctorate degree and a master’s degree from Pepperdine University, California administrative services and teaching credentials, and a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona. 

Of those twenty-four years as an educator, fifteen have been dedicated to serving as a school leader and administrator in various positions including assistant principal at Acaciawood Preparatory Academy, dean of students/student development coordinator at Samueli Academy, founding principal at Palm Lane Elementary Charter, head of academics at Port View Preparatory and most recently as head of school/campus director at Fusion Academy Aliso Viejo. Her knowledge and experience has been enriched through her endeavors which include opening a new charter elementary school, serving in various founding leadership positions, and in leading schools to obtain the highest levels of WASC accreditations.She is trained in policy development, regulatory compliance, educational research, data analysis, curriculum development, teacher mentoring, pedagogical differentiation, special education, standardized assessments, charter development, community outreach, and educational business practices.  

Dr. Doering loves empowering children and adults through effective teaching and mentoring practices which nurture and unleash the incredible potential hidden within the soul, mind and body. As one who also loves the United States of America, she is excited to be a part of the CRLA team working towards preparing “the next generation of California’s leaders to excel academically, to be proud Americans, proud Californians, and to impact the world with excellence derived from an education like that which produced the inspired servant leaders who founded our great nation.”

Dr. Doering’s favorite book is the Fred Factor by Marc Sanborn

Dr. Doering loves this book because it tells the story of an ordinary postal worker who genuinely cared about the people he served and always went the extra mile to serve them in an extraordinary way. This book serves as a reminder that we all have daily opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those whom we serve. 

Karenna Nelson is a TK and Kindergarten teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. Her career began with an educational pursuit at Biola University, where she earned an elementary teaching credential and a Master of Arts in Education. With years of experience in a variety of classroom settings, Ms. Nelson has developed both the skill and heart of a successful teacher.

Ms. Nelson is passionate about creating academic environments where every student is free and safe to learn. During her free time, Ms. Nelson enjoys reflecting on ways that she can improve her educational practice and researching teaching methods that attend to the individual needs of her students. Ms. Nelson challenges herself to be a life-long learner, and encourages her students to do the same!

She deeply resonates with the educational philosophy of the California Republic Leadership Academy, particularly its emphasis on a classical model of learning, leadership, and the development of virtue. Ms. Nelson is excited to equip the next generation of leaders in TK and Kindergarten!

Ms. Nelson’s favorite book is All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot!

This book recounts the experiences of a young veterinarian in rural Yorkshire, who encounters many challenges in his work. This was Ms. Nelson’s favorite book as a child, because it is both heartwarming and tear-jerking. This story is especially profound for animal lovers, as it displays that all creatures, whether great or small, are important.

Joanna Young is a First Grade Teacher at the California Republic Leadership Academy. She is a native Californian of North Orange County, and has been an Elementary Teacher for three years.

Mrs. Young is excited to join the CRLA team because she shares the values that Classical Education offers, and the practices that support a student’s independence, resourcefulness, and positive character development.

She earned her Elementary Teaching Credential and Bachelor’s of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State Fullerton.

Mrs. Young is married, and loves traveling, hiking, and swimming with her husband during school breaks. In her free time, Mrs. Young loves to read, garden, sing and play guitar and piano. She also enjoys family time with her 18 year old, African Grey, girl bird, Sunny, and her nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Young’s favorite book is, “The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles,” by Julie Andrews.

Mrs. Young loves this adventurous book because it teaches us many beautiful and noble lessons on persevering in the face of challenges, and doing it all with courage, dignity, grace, kindness, and teamwork.

Mrs. Bass is the 2nd and third grade combo class teacher at California Republic Leadership Academy. She has a heart for students that shines through in every aspect of her teaching. Growing up on the mission field, she learned the values of compassion, service, and dedication from an early age. Her unique upbringing instilled in her a deep understanding of diverse cultures and the importance of empathy, which she brings into her classroom every day.

With her BA in Liberal Studies from Hope International University, 4 years of teaching TK-2nd Grade, and a background enriched by her experiences abroad, Mrs. Bass is committed to creating a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and inspired. Through her nurturing approach and genuine care for her students, Mrs. Bass strives to make a positive impact on their lives, encouraging them to reach their full potential and become compassionate global citizens.

Mrs. Bass’ favorite book is, “You are Special,” by Max Lucado.

Mrs. Bass loves this book because it reminds her of her childhood home. Her parents would read this book to her as a child. She loves the message that everyone is different and unique and those differences should be celebrated.