Special Education

Barbara attended Santa Rosa JC before transferring to UC Davis to complete a BA in International Relations. With the aim of working in developing countries, she completed a Master of Public Health  at Tulane University. Barbara then spent three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala and worked hard to become fluent in Spanish. A subsequent career in international disaster management took her to many countries and several continents but the time came to return to Sonoma County. Barbara then pursued a teaching credential in Spanish and a few years later earned a credential in Special Education. She enjoys working with students who keep her on her toes! Outside of teaching, Barbara loves her 3 cats, enjoys hiking and is really enjoying putting miles on her new bicycle. 

Email: bgay@srcs.k12.ca.us | Extension: 23228

Email: cklauenburch@srcs.k12.ca.us | Extension: 23230

Parajon received her Bachelor's from Sonoma State University, Hutchins School of Liberal Studies and is currently enrolled in the North Coast Office of Education working on her Special Education Teaching Credential.  She has previously worked at Santa Rosa Middle, Ridgway High School, and Hidden Valley as a special education assistant and family engagement.  

Parajon is first generation and also first to pursue her university education her my family.  She grew up in Mendocino County and after her time in the military, she relocated to Sonoma County.  Parajon is a proud daughter of immigrants.   In her free time, her family enjoys camping and checking out our national parks throughout the country.  Parajon is also  part of the non profit organization Common Ground Society, which promotes inclusion in school and community for our children with disabilities. 

When Parajon was in high school, she volunteered in the transition program and knew she belonged in special education. She has been continuously learning American Sign Language since 2007, when one of her children became hard of hearing.  

Estoy muy emocionada de formar parte de César Chávez Language Academy.

Melissa Shain was born in Santa Rosa, California, but grew up on an army base in Washington State. She moved back to Sonoma County at 10 years of age and has lived here since. She attended Rincon Valley Middle School and graduated from Santa Rosa High School. She attended college for several years at Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to California State University, Chico where she received her degree in Recreation Administration. Before becoming a teacher, Melissa worked for 20 years for Sonoma County Regional Parks as a Park Ranger Assistant, as well as Santa Rosa City Schools as a Yard Duty at Brook Hill Elementary. In 2019, she started her journey to become a teacher, first substitute teaching and then enrolling into the “Become a Teacher” Intern program at North Coast School of Education. Melissa has been working at LCMS, now CCLA for 2 years now working with both 7th and 8th graders, and is almost finished with her Intern Program to receive her teaching credential in the field of Special Education. In her free time, Melissa enjoys hiking, reading and spending time with family. 

Email: mshain@srcs.k12.ca.us | Extension: 23220