Meet the ASA Fontana TeamNetworkFamily
Central Office
Sebastian Cognetta holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from the USC Rossier School of Education. He began his teaching career in 1999 teaching middle school math and science in Fontana, CA. After teaching, Dr. Cognetta supported schools and districts across the country in several initiatives to improve student outcomes. The initiatives ranged from School Leadership, Response to Intervention, Evidence-based Instruction, Inclusion and Co-teaching, Instructional Technology, Supporting English Learners and Innovation and Design Thinking.
Dr. Cognetta then helped design and lead Aveson Charter Schools, two charter schools, in Altadena, CA. Blending evidence-based practices with innovative solutions, Dr. Cognetta has helped Aveson become a national pioneer in learner-centered and personalized education.
He was also instrumental in shifting professional development for teachers from traditional models of trainings and workshops to teacher-driven, collaborative and personalized models.
As the father of two school-age children, Dr. Cognetta knows firsthand the importance of taking an active role in the education of our children and the responsibility placed on school leaders. At a January board meeting Dr. Cognetta stated, “How I approach working in education is I am humbled by the gravity of this responsibility. You are entrusting us with your most valued possession, your children.”
Callie Moreno holds a Educational Doctorate from UCLA’s Educational Leadership Program. She began her career in education at Aveson Charter Schools during its founding year. She has taught math in third through eighth grades as well as upper elementary science and social studies using a project-based learning approach. After teaching, Dr. Moreno held a position as K-8 math coordinator and instructional coach, developing and overseeing the implementation of an elementary math intervention program and working closely with teachers to develop K-8 alignment in the math department.
Dr. Moreno has worked closely with Dr. Cognetta for several years to articulate timely and relevant professional development for teachers related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She has collaborated with Special Educators to adapt and modify curriculum, and to identify and select appropriate instructional strategies and accommodations to meet students’ individual needs.
Outside of her work experience and formal education, the greatest experience that has prepared Dr. Moreno to lead ASA Thrive is parenthood. Observing first hand the curiosity, discovery, and development of one’s own child brings to life the importance and obligation of the school community to know and see each child as an individual.
