Mr. Takemoto has spent 25 years working with “at-risk” high school students, and 9 summers as a k-8 administrator. He believes that a blending of a rigorous academic curriculum with vocational/career-tech skills in a personalized, smaller-school setting is the key to raising the academic achievement of many students that haven’t found success in a large comprehensive program.

Email: leland_takemoto@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 728-6225 x4965

Ms. Falcone began her teaching career in the State of Rhode Island where she received both her Bachelor's of Science and Master's of Education degrees. Her areas of specialty were Special Education, Neurologically Impaired, K - Adult, Multiple subject K - 8, and Psychology. Her teaching experiences included a variety of academic subject areas, spanning grades six through 12. She also implemented a state-funded, vocational-education program, entitled Life Skills, for 11th and 12th graders.

Ms. Falcone traveled extensively, and after visiting California seventeen years ago, decided it was much too beautiful a State to leave. Since then, she has taught solely in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Her first teaching assignment was at Aptos Junior High; From there she moved to Watsonville High and then on to the Academic Vocational Charter Institute, her favorite. During her first years in CA, Ms. Falcone became interested in teaching History and pursuing her Psychology interests. As such, she received a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and is pursuing Single-Subject certification for the Social Science classes she loves and currently teaches.

Ms. Falcone's focus is on her students' emotional and academic growth. She believes the two results in well-rounded, more aware individuals eager to learn and prepared for our global community. She thoroughly enjoys the wonderful and unique students as AVCI, not to mention the exceptionally talented staff. Students here have made AVCI their own and continue to prove their allegiance to themselves and their school as witnessed by their ever-increasing commitment to learning and improved test scores. This is a very exciting time for AVCI and its students. We're all moving forward!

Email: christine_falcone@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 728-6225 x4907

Heading the English and Art Department at AVCI is Erin Hall. Erin is a graduate of Boise State University in Idaho. Erin’s passion for creativity led him to his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Photography, sculpture and printmaking are among his elevated interests as a life long learner. He is also a known world traveler, who enjoys wrestling, snow boarding, and fishing in his down time. Erin not only teaches but he is also a wrestling coach for Aptos High School. He is a hard working, team player who cares deeply about the future of our youth.

Email: erin_hall@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 728-6225 x4906

“Be the Creator of Your Own Reality!” -Erin Hall (2006)

Mr. Liu is a highly-qualified teacher of mathematics, physics, and biology.  A former mechanical engineer and an entrepreneur from San Jose State University, Mr. Liu holds a master's degree in education from UC Santa Cruz.  As a member of the California Math and Science Project, Mr. Liu enjoys developing and refining reform methods of teaching in the areas of engineering, science, and mathematics.

Email: gary_liu@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 728-6225 x4905

"Simplicity is beauty, and form follows function."

Ms. Morillo has worked 19 years with the PVUSD in various capacities. She enjoys working with high school age students and is honored to be working with such highly dedicated staff.

Email: esther_morillo@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 728-6225 x4962

Mr. Patino graduated from Fresno State in 1972 with a major in Industrial Arts. This is his 34th year at PVUSD. He enjoys being at AVCI because of the small classes. He likes the challenge of developing new classes which expose students to hands-on projects.

Email: victor_patino@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 761-6659

"Gee Whiz, get to work!"

Mr. Tennant has over 35 years of teaching experience and expertise in many fields of study. While in college, he taught scene design, stage lighting, computer networking and computer repair. As an executive director for the Boy Scouts of America, he taught small group leadership, finance, and executive skills. He also oversaw a school photography company, where he taught studio photography and photo lab production. Since credentialed by the California Board of Education, Mr. Tennant has taught sixth grade social studies, world civilization, business and entrepreneurship and computer skills. Mr. Tennant holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences and an associate's degree in both computer networking and database design. To his credit, he also holds three single single subject teaching credentials in the areas of social sciences, business, and industrial technology. He is currently working on a master's degree.

Email: michael_tennant@pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 728-6225 x4908