Teachers
Meet Our Teachers
Tim Benedick | Special Education
Tim received his degree from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. He has spent several years teaching in both traditional and online schools and enjoys working with ITCA’s wonderful students and families to encourage and support their success. Tim lives in Caldwell with his wife and kids. He enjoys traveling, sports, music, and anything Disney-related.
Rozanne Clark | English and Lead Teacher
Rozanne earned her degree at Weber State University in Utah and is currently working on a master’s degree in online education. Mrs. Clark is an experienced Learning Coach for virtual education, as she worked with her own two children in Stride K12-powered schools for 14 years. She has worked for ITCA for 7 years. Rozanne lives with her husband and children in Nampa.
Sharinda Coltrin | Science
Sharinda graduated from Utah State University in 1993 with a BS in physics and a BS in biology with a minor in chemistry. Ms. Coltrin taught at BSU in the JET program and then taught ESL and GED classes in Caldwell for about 10 years before getting her teaching certification. She taught math and science for three years at Meridian Academy before joining ITCA. She lives near Payette on a small farm with her kids, as well as numerous chickens and goats. She loves learning and enjoys reading and researching genealogy. She is currently working on her Master’s in Online Education through Southern New Hampshire University.
Mindy Comstock | Student Support Advisor
Mindy has a degree in graphic design from College of Southern Idaho. Her career changed as she merged into the K–12 education field as a secretary at a brick-and-mortar school. Mrs. Comstock has a love for education and helping students pursue their academic goals. She is excited to combine her background in K–12 and her love for technical programs at ITCA. In her time away from the office, she and her family spend time on the family dairy, fishing, and with family and friends. She has two daughters who love sports, friends, and keeping busy.
Erika Cowman | Agriculture
Erika grew up on a small dairy farm outside of Fruitland, Idaho. While at Fruitland HS, Ms. Cowman quickly fell in love with student leadership through the FFA program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture education at the University of Idaho and taught high school agriculture in Meridian for five years. She lives with her husband and children in Meridian. She spends her time teaching her own children, teaching and leading in volunteer settings, and playing in her yard landscaping and gardening.
Shelly Edmunson | Business
Shelly received her BA in Secondary Business Education from Idaho State University and her Master’s in Educational Technology from Boise State University. She has over 25 years’ experience in education and aspires to instill the love of learning in her students. She lives in Council with her husband and has three grown children and eight amazing grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, camping, hiking, skiing and paddle boarding.
Pablo Garcia | Mathematics
Pablo earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mathematics at California State University, Fullerton. He has taught Math in a traditional setting for 19 years and is going on his 4th year teaching at ITCA. Mr. Garcia has also coached wrestling at the varsity level for many years. He currently enjoys yoga and mountain biking.
Jena Herriott | History
Jena attended CSU Sacramento and earned her BA in history and is credential in social studies. Ms. Herriott received her MA degree in education, curriculum and instruction from Boise State University. Jena enjoys speaking with students about their future college and career plans. Outside of teaching, she enjoys watching movies, crafting, swimming, and spending time with family. Jena lives in Meridian.
Staci Leavitt | Business
Staci received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Idaho State University and has been an educator for over 20 years. Ms. Leavitt enjoys when a student has learned something new and is willing to share their knowledge with others. Staci’s hobbies include quilting, sewing, reading, cooking, and traveling. In her travels she has walked along the Great Wall of China and has traveled to New Zealand to explore the glow worm caves. Staci also likes to try new recipes and compare ingredients in recipes. Some of her favorite time spent is hanging out with her nieces and nephews.
Erin Lee | English
Erin is from Blackfoot, Idaho and is the proud graduate of The College of Southern Idaho, and Idaho State University. She has an AA in Secondary Education and a BA in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in English and minor in History. Mrs. Lee is currently in her sixth year of teaching. Outside of teaching, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and the arts. Her true joy is her husband, three rambunctious boys, and one sweet-tempered little girl.
Eric Olsen | Math
Erica joined ITCA in 2020. He has been teaching high school math since 2011. He is passionate about teaching students how to take ownership of their own learning. Mr. Olsen loves hanging out with his wife and kids. Some of his interests include trail running, reading science fiction, performing traditional Irish music, playing in the garden, and trying new things.
Amanda Peterson | English
Amanda earned a BA in English education from Brigham Young University–Idaho. Ms. Peterson has taught English in three different states: Arizona, Idaho, and Missouri. She currently teaches 11th grade English class. She loves to be outdoors hiking, ATV-ing, and fishing, but also appreciates staying in and snuggling up with a good book.
Lisa Washburn | Science
Lisa lives in Northern Idaho and received both her B.S. and M.Ed. from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The 2020/2021 academic year is her 6th year teaching science in the Idaho public schools. Some of her accomplishments include being one of 18 science teachers in the U.S. to win the NSTA Shell Lab Challenge in 2018 and the 2016 Cubes in Space experimental competition with her science students. She also has 5 years of experience as an FTC and FLL robotics coach. Previous to teaching, Lisa worked in research labs at Washington State University, and is a published scientific author.
Ariel Wood | Health
Ariel was born and raised in Idaho and has been teaching courses in Pharmacy Technician since 2017. She started working in the pharmacy world in 2007, and then received her National Certified Pharmacy Technician License through the PTCB in August of 2010. Ms. Wood received her Specialized Occupational Teaching License through Idaho State University. Ms. Wood firmly believes technicians play a critical role in a healthcare setting and enjoys getting to share her passion with students.
Kristi Granier | Counselor
Kristi graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science and a Master’s in Education for School Counseling. Mrs. Granier worked at North Idaho College as a College and Career Advisor and has been a high school counselor for the past 7 years. She lives in Coeur d’Alene with her husband, son and daughter. She enjoys sunshine, traveling, and spending time with her family.
