Staff

Mindy Kiel serves as the Director of Special Education at Golden Valley Charter, where she is dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs and partnering with families to help every child thrive. 

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and brings extensive professional experience in behavior modification and special education laws, Mindy values building trusting relationships with students and families, celebrating each child’s strengths, and ensuring students feel understood, supported, and empowered.

 Outside of school, she treasures time with her four children, attending church and serving others in her community.

Nikki Freitas serves as the Human Resources Manager at Golden Valley Charter Schools. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management and a minor in Psychology from Sacramento State University. Her professional background includes full-cycle recruitment and supporting internal staff with day-to-day HR needs. She especially values supporting Golden Valley’s employees and admires the care and passion they bring to helping students grow academically, socially, and as individuals. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, summer activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Marlene holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Communications from UCLA and a Master’s in Education in Waldorf Grades Education from Rudolf Steiner College. She has been part of the Golden Valley community since 2012, with experience as an assistant teacher in private Waldorf schools and six years in Golden Valley’s Cherry Blossom Outdoor Kindergarten. Since 2014, she has also worked with the Golden Valley Educational Foundation, supporting fundraising efforts that benefit the school community.

In addition to her work in education, Marlene brings experience in marketing and community relations from Whole Foods Market and Rudolf Steiner College. As both a Golden Valley parent and a parent of a Golden Valley alum, she has a deep connection to the school community. Outside of work, Marlene loves traveling, baking, and spending time with family and friends, and she is always looking forward to her next adventure.