MTCHS Staff
Quick Contacts
Principal
Secretary/Nurse
Administration
Mr. Miller
Ms. Richtsmeier
Front Office Staff
Mrs. Claflin
Mrs. Clay
Ms. Holmes
Mrs. Misner
Teachers
Mrs. Bradford
Mr. Bushard
Mr. Erickson
Mr. Garey
Mrs. Grell
Mrs. Heesch
Mr. Holbrook
Mrs. Jensen
Mr. Kitzerow
Ms. Leyva
Mr. Mathie
Mr. Pence
Mr. Porper
Mr. Saccomando
Mr. Stoddard
Mr. Taylor
Mr. Von der Ehe
Ms. Wiese
Custodian
Mr. Dembi
Mr. Yadon has been a classroom teacher and school administrator for thirty years. His experience in private, West Ada School District and charter schools offers a rich perspective for leadership and learning. He is passionate about engaged student learning and empowering individuals to be their best. Purpose, Passion and Partnerships are the fuels that feed the engines of MTCHS!!
Please contact Mr. Yadon with any questions here.
My name is Craig Miller, and I am excited to join you for the 2024-25 school year as your Charter Administrator. I have served the students of Idaho for 27 years with 22 of those in administration. Throughout my career I have worked from middle school, high school, career and technical schools and in the district office. It has been a dream of mine for years to work at Meridian Technical. It is an amazing place that does great things for students. I know I have big shoes to fill and will do all I can to continue the tradition of graduating amazing students.
My wife is a school librarian in the Nampa School District, and we have been married for 27 years. She likes to keep me grounded when decisions for school are made by giving me the teacher’s viewpoint of ideas. My daughter, Kirsi, is in college at CWI and will be working as the box office manager at The Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone this summer. My son, Kyle, will be attending and playing football at The College of Idaho this fall. In my spare time I love to fish, garden, and work on my small business making wooden rings and pens. Please reach out to me if I can help your student in any way.
Please contact Mr. Miller with any questions here.
Contact Ms. Richtsmeier
Hours: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ms. Richtsmeier attended University of North Dakota where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in math and minors in business education and statistics. She completed her M.ED. in Professional Technical and Technology Education from the University of Idaho and Professional Technical Administrative Certificate in December 2008 and her K-12 Administrative Credential in September 2014. Prior to joining the administrative team, Ms. Richtsmeier taught math, computer science and networking. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, traveling, and playing the piano.
Please contact Ms. Richtsmeier with any questions here.
Mrs. Misner is excited to work with the students at MTCHS this year! She truly enjoys helping students navigate their way through school and aid them in their preparation for life after school. She received her master’s degree in school counseling at Northwest Nazarene University and has been a school counselor since 2017. Before counseling, Mrs. Misner was a middle school teacher for 7 years. Outside of school, her passions include spending time with her family, working in the yard, dancing, and going on bike rides.
Please contact Ms. Misner with any questions here.
Mrs. Claflin is an Idaho native and mother of two MTCHS graduates. She is an ardent fan of MTCHS for many reasons, the foremost being the wonderful high school experience and the quality of education her kids received. She loves her job: supporting the staff, meeting the parents, and chatting with any student who wanders into the office. Mrs. Claflin received a Technical Degree in Advanced Illustration and Design from Phoenix Institute of Technology. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, cycling, camping, hiking, listening to 80’s tunes, picking huckleberries, and cheering on the Boise State Broncos!
Please contact Mrs. Claflin with any questions here.
Mrs. Clay is excited to join the team, bringing a wealth of diverse experience to our office! Originally from Utah, she spent eight years working as a Paralegal, where she honed her eye for detail and organizational skills. Her early professional journey also includes time as a CNA, giving her a unique blend of administrative expertise and a heart for serving others. After moving to Idaho and spending the last seven years as a stay-at-home mom to her two children, she is thrilled to be back in a professional setting. Outside of work, Mrs. Clay is an avid reader and watercolor painter who finds her greatest inspiration in the mountains with her husband and family.
Please contact Mrs. Clay with any questions here.
Hi, I‘m Mary Helen Green, the counselor. I received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Accounting from Bellarmine College. I obtained my Master of Arts degree in community counseling in 1995 at Eastern Kentucky University. I received my school counselor certification for the State of Idaho via Northwest Nazerene University in 1996. I have worked as a school counselor since the fall of 1995. I started working at MTCHS in the fall of 1999 when we first opened. I am married and my husband is Bart Green. I like the outdoors and enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, reading, skiing, and visiting with friends. My hours at school are 7:15 am – 3:15 pm.
Please contact Mrs. Green with any questions here.
Ms. Holmes has two decades of dedicated service as a bookkeeper and accounting technician in the West Ada School District. Beyond the numbers, she finds joy in spending quality time with her husband, two sons, and their wonderful wives.
Ms. Holmes nurtures a love for gardening and seeks adventure in tropical travels, camping trips, and paddleboarding excursions. At home, she finds constant companionship in Pippa and Norman, her beloved mini dachshunds.
Ms. Holmes embodies the perfect blend of professional commitment and a passion for family and leisure, finding fulfillment in every aspect of life’s journey.
Please contact Ms. Holmes with any questions here.
Mrs. Biggs graduated from the University of Idaho in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education-Mathematics. She teaches everything from Math 2 to Calculus 2 and loves to share her passion for mathematics with her students. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Biggs enjoys reading, gardening, yoga, mountain biking, camping, and spending time with her husband and two boys.
Please contact Mrs. Biggs with any questions here.
Mr. Bodell has been an instructor with the Meridian Charter School since opening in 1999 and has been part of the West Ada School District for over 30 years as a teacher. He earned his BS in Science Education from the University of Idaho and his Masters in Educational Technology from Boise State University.
His hobbies include 80’s music, SciFi Movies and technology.
Mr. Bodell teaches: Earth Science, Physics, Online Biology, and Technology Tools.
Building hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 – 3:00
Please contact Mr. Bodell with any questions here.
Mrs. Bradford joined MTCHS in 2024, bringing a passion for career development alongside her extensive background in program management, school counseling, and teaching. With an Education Specialist in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Master of Counseling in School Counseling, both from Idaho State University, Mrs. Bradford is thrilled to serve students as a career counselor and as part of the work-based learning team at MTCHS! Hailing from southeast Idaho, she enjoys time with family, travel, thrifting, and home improvement projects.
Please contact Mrs. Bradford with any questions here.
After over 12 years of industry experience repairing and supporting electronic devices, Mr. Bushard joined Meridian Technical Charter High School in 2018. In addition to teaching electronics, he serves as the Technology Director and Dean of Students. He is enthusiastic about problem-solving and enjoys fostering that same mindset in his students. Outside of the classroom, he is an avid sports fan, with a particular love for baseball, as well as Boise State University football and basketball. Mr. Bushard and his wife, Michelle, are proud parents of five children.
Please contact Mr. Bushard with any questions here.
Mr. McGinnis has been teaching History, Archaeology, Philosophy, and the Constitution for over twenty years. His degrees are in Education and Greco-Roman Archaeology. When he’s not teaching, he enjoys baseball, fishing, reading historical biographies, gardening, and spending time with his family.
Please contact Mr. McGinnis with any questions here.
Ms. Deitchler has been a teacher and STOR (SkillsUSA) Advisor at MTCHS since 2003. She has earned a Master of Education in Occupational Training Management from Idaho State University and a Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Secondary Education at the University of Wyoming. She supports & promotes career & technical education as a board member of the SkillsUSA Idaho State Board, Career & Technical Educators Of Idaho and the Idaho Career & Technical Education Foundation.
MTCHS Classes: Employment Preparation (Juniors), Senior Seminar & Senior Internship
Building Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Please contact Ms. Deitchler with any questions here.
Mr. Erickson started at MTCHS in 2008. He has a Bachelor‘s Degree in Computer Science Education and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science/Technology, both from Eastern Washington University.
Please contact Mr. Erickson with any questions here.
Mr. Garey has an educational background in mathematics and education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Idaho State University and began his teaching career in 1997. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Garey has taught middle and high school mathematics courses ranging from Algebra and Geometry to Trigonometry and advanced math. He is enthusiastic about helping students build confidence, think critically, and apply mathematics to real-world situations. Outside of teaching, he enjoys coaching basketball, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Please contact Mr. Garey with any questions here.
Mrs. Grainger obtained her BBA in Accounting from Boise State University and her MA from George Fox University with a focus on Business Technology, Economics and Math. She worked in finance and industry for over 20 years in various companies including: Hewlett-Packard, Cooper Norman, Simplot, and Cradlepoint. She developed a passion for teaching through volunteering and substituting in various schools. After completing her Masters in Teaching in 2012, she began her second career. Her favorite hobbies include: hiking, travel, gardening, walking, cooking, playing with her dog Lewis, and spending time with her family and friends. She is teaching Highschool Math 1, 2, 3. Her office hours are 7:15 to 3:00 Monday through Friday.
Please contact Mrs. Grainger with any questions here.
Welcome to my class page! My name is Erica Grell, and I am thrilled to be a Special Education teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience. My goal every single day is to create an inclusive, empowering space where every student can discover a love for learning and build a happy, healthy life. My door is always open—whether a student needs extra support, a sounding board, or just a friendly chat.
When I am not in the classroom, my heart belongs to my wonderful family, which includes my husband, two amazing kids, and our beloved dog. You will usually find us spending time together outdoors or creating something new. I am an avid DIY’er who loves gardening, art, crafting, and exploring new technology—and I love bringing that same spark of creativity and tech innovation into my teaching!
Degrees & Credentials:
• Master of Science: Special Education (Mild/Moderate) – National University
• Bachelor of Arts: Video Technology – California State University, Northridge
• Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts – Pierce Community College
• CTE Certificate in Technology (many areas)
Please contact Mrs. Grell with any questions here.
Mrs. Heesch began teaching in 2008 after completing her teacher certification at Cal State Long Beach. Prior to that she worked in HR and corporate recruiting in the Los Angeles area. She has a BA in Business Administration and Graphic Design as well as an MA in Education from the University of Redlands. Mrs. Heesch loves to travel and experience different cultures, languages and food and she has been lucky enough to visit 40 countries over the past 22 years. She lived in Taiwan for four years teaching English and trying to learn as much Mandarin as she could. Mrs. Heesch enjoys camping, kayaking, and watching movies with her husband, ten year old son Porter and yellow lab Growler.
Please contact Ms. Heesch with any questions here.
Howdy! My name is Kimberly Jensen and I teach Biology/Health. I completed my Undergrad at Brigham Young University Idaho and my Masters at Boise State University. Outside of teaching I enjoy walking, kayaking, and theater. Looking forward to a great school year!
Please contact Ms. Jensen with any questions here.
Josh Kitzerow is a Career Technical Education (CTE) instructor with more than a decade of teaching experience and a strong background in technology and industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information and Decision Systems and an MBA, and has taught programming, video game design, computer science, robotics, and other technology-focused courses. Mr. Kitzerow enjoys creating hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to problem-solve, collaborate, and build real-world skills. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, fishing, 3D printing, technology, and exploring Idaho.
Please contact Mr. Kitzerow with any questions here.
Mr. Mathie obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Boise State University. He has 5 years of experience in the industry as a Software Engineer. He is also a professional classical musician and has played cello with the Boise Philharmonic for over 20 years now. Outside of the classroom he enjoys making custom mechanical keyboards from scratch, playing video games, and spending time with his wife and two children.
Please contact Mr. Mathie with any questions here.
Welcome to the beginning of a wonderful school year at Meridian Technical Charter High School! I am Andrew Pence, Sr. Pence to my students, and I have the privilege of working with your son or daughter in Spanish 1/2, or Spanish 3/4, As a teacher, I share your concern for your children. Having learned Spanish myself, I remember what it was like to learn the language. Through my experiences abroad as well as in the University, I have discovered some materials and teaching techniques for language learning that I consider especially useful in the Spanish classroom that I hope to implement. In return, I hope you will share with me your thoughts and concerns regarding your daughter or son’s education.
You can reach me by phone at (208) 288-2928 ex. 211
Please contact Mr. Pence with any questions here.
James Giacomo Saccomando III graduated from MTCHS in 2016, and went on to major in Information Technology Management, graduating from Boise State University in Fall 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. He enjoys the finer things in life, including fighting games, watching live music, virtual reality, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Please contact Mr. Saccomando with any questions here.
Before joining Meridian Technical Charter School, Wes Stoddard spent 15 years as a UPS delivery driver. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Debra, and welcoming two daughters, he decided to pursue a career in education. His first teaching position was at Mountain Cove High School in the Boise School District. Wes initially retired in 2020, but retirement did not last long. His passion for teaching led him back to the classroom at Nampa High School, where he taught for another two and a half years before retiring again in 2026.
Wes and Debra met during their senior year of high school and have been together for 51 years, including 45 years of marriage. Their two daughters are both teachers at Meridian High School, and their eldest, Katie, was named West Ada Teacher of the Year. Outside the classroom, Wes enjoys golfing, playing senior softball, and spending time with his family. He especially loves relaxing at his cabin, where he can often be found fishing or riding his four-wheeler.
Please contact Mr. Stoddard with any questions here.
Hello! My name is Brant Smith and I will be teaching a wide range of math courses this coming year. I graduated from the University of Colorado in 2022 with a bachelor’s in computer science, and have worked for the last 2 years as an honor’s level precalculus and AP calculus teacher in Cascade, ID. I have a deep love for mathematics (especially nonlinear dynamics and abstract algebra) and am currently working on completing bachelor’s in mathematics through Louisiana State University Alexandria during my free time. In addition to teaching math, I have worked as a software engineer for UCAR, as an outdoor educator/ instructor for 8 years, and as the program coordinator for the University of Colorado Outdoor Program.
During my free time, I can usually be found on the river. I am entering my 6th season of raft guiding (I currently guide on the Wild and Scenic section of the Salmon), but I have guided in Colorado, California, and all around Idaho. I am also an avid kayaker who averages around 150 days on the water every year. When not on the water, I can be found working on my dirt bike, taking pictures, spending time with my dog Obi, playing DnD, or engaging in any of my other assorted hobbies. I’m looking forward to a great year!
Please contact Mr. Smith with any questions here.
Mr. Taylor graduated from ORU receiving a Bachelor of Science in Communications with an Emphasis in Multimedia Production, and from University of Idaho with a Masters in CTE Education. He has worked in the industry for over a decade doing commercial, television, web design/development, motion design, advertising, and training. He does freelance work in multimedia as well as online course design. He and his wife recently bought a small acreage, and they use their free time doing hobby farming. Hobbies include building, app development, writing, game design, and 3D animation.
Please contact Mr. Taylor with any questions here.
Mr. von der Ehe is originally from Springfield, Oregon, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in English and a Master’s in Teaching and Learning. He has taught at MTCHS since 2010 and is currently an adjunct instructor at the College of Western Idaho. His passions include everything to do with the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Mr. von der Ehe is married to Jenna, and they have four children- Lacyn, Finley, John and Luke.
Please contact Mr. von der Ehe with any questions here.
Ms. Wiese holds a BA in English from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA and an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. For nearly 20 years, she worked in locally owned small businesses, most recently as a hiring manager for a Boise-based SEO content marketing firm. A lover of all things that require critical, persuasive, and creative use of language, she is currently focused on earning her English as a New Language and Career Technical Education teaching endorsements. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys needle felting and mountain biking with her partner and their springer spaniel.
Please contact Ms. Wiese with any questions here.
Mr. French has been working here at MTCHS, as the head custodian, since it’s opening back in 1999, and has been a huge help to the staff and students alike. He enjoys hiking in the mountains and hunting. He is also a huge fan of John Wayne and his movies.
Please contact Mr. French with any questions here.
My name is Vanessa Leyva, after high school I completed my undergraduate studies at California State University Monterey Bay where I earned my Psychology degree. After that I moved to Idaho where I attended Boise State University and earned my Masters in Special Education K-12. Some of my hobbies are crafting beaded pens, planning, and spending time with my husband and two cats.
Please contact Ms. Leyva with any questions here.