Dedicated and Caring Staff

Innovations Academy staff is committed to supporting our families and our teachers. We continually strive daily to fulfill on our mission and make the most optimal learning environment for our community.

Christine Kuglen — Founder and Staff Director

I taught in the public schools until my first child was born. I continued to love education and worked as a Lactation Educator and La Leche League Leader. I homeschooled my own children and ran a cooperative, a website and homeschooling fairs until they asked for a school. Innovations Academy was the inspiration of my children and born from a desire to discover how an institution might inspire and ignite instead of extinguish the innate desire of all human beings to learn. I continue on this daily journey to push the limits of my own imagination and I would love to see you join me in that endeavor.

Danielle Strachman — Founder and Director of Student Growth.

As one of the founders of Innovations Academy, it is my primary goal to keep the mission and vision burning bright. My day largely consists of supporting students and teachers in their daily happenings to promote the best educational environment possible.

  Michelle Anderson — Program Coordinator

My journey with Innovations Academy began last year when my students enrolled at this amazing school.  I was so impressed that I volunteered as much as possible.  Later in the year I was approached for a position as the Program Coordinator.  I bring the MAPS (Music, the Arts, PE, and Science) program to life on Mondays and Fridays.  When I'm not looking for creative programs for IA I'm planning fieldtrips and fundraisers for our community.

Donna Napier — Administrative Coordinator

My love of children is what brought me to Innovations Academy. Prior to joining IA in January 2009, I was a stay-at-home mom for the last 16 years. I have two daughters: Elise, a junior at Coronado High School and is in the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), Musical Theater program, and Lauren, who is an 8th grader at Joan MacQueen Middle School in Alpine.

I am a native San Diegan. I received my BA in Psychology from San Diego State University and I have been married to my high school sweetheart for the past twenty years.

As Administrative Coordinator, I have the wonderful opportunity to interact with all the IA students and their families (above, I'm getting a makeover from the girls). I look forward to an exciting year!