Heather Kristensen

Principal

707-657-5585

Heather Kristensen is the principal for Big Picture Learning Windsor and was a founding faculty member for North Bay Met Academy, BPL Windsor’s predecessor. Kristensen taught Social Sciences and English in Sonoma County for thirteen years, and she served as an Advisor and English teacher for six years at NBMA prior to taking over the top job in 2023. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She is a firm believer in Big Picture Learning and works to keep BPL Windsor at the forefront of educational reform and to grow our program. Heather’s focus is on three of the ten BPL distinguishers: school culture, authentic assessment, and building parent and family engagement. She is inspired by watching students grow through their real world learning experiences. When she is not at school, Heather enjoys hiking, camping, and going to baseball games. She is an avid reader of historical fiction, and also enjoys bird watching and pollinator-friendly gardening.

Diana Rudesill is the academic counselor for BPL Windsor and a founding member of Big Picture Learning in the Windsor Unified School District.  Diana is dedicated to providing the social, emotional and mental support for all of her students. She works hard to create a culture of kindness, creativity and connection within the school community. With over 30 years of experience in education, Diana teams up with the other BPL educators to help find the unique learner in every student, and helps students find their passion and purpose. 

Diana Rudesill

Counselor

(707) 687-7535

Dana Jones

LTI/Internship Coordinator

707-687-7537 (office)

Dana Jones has been in the Windsor Unified School District since 2003. She is one of the founding teachers of Big Picture Learning at Windsor. As a Learning Through Interest Coordinator, she digs into students' desires and helps connect them to real-world mentors to enhance their educational experience. 

Jeremiah Kahmoson, BPL Windsor’s Education Specialist, has been a champion of Alternative Education in WUSD since 2010. He is a founding member of the Windsor Big Picture Learning community, and  leads the BPL Windsor Riding For Focus Program. He  is an avid believer in activity based learning and real world experience as a foundation for student growth. 

Jeremiah Kahmoson

Education Specialist

707-687-7537 (office)

Shannan Johnson

Advisor

707-687-7537 (office)

Shannan Johnson began teaching Independent Study in Windsor in the fall of 2006, and is one of the founding staff of Big Picture Learning in Windsor.  She believes in the transformative power of having students create lives of their own design and make real decisions about their education. She was born and attended high school in Palo Alto, California and earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies at U.C. Santa Barbara, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and completed her teaching credential through Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1988.  She moved to Windsor in 1991 and has three adult children.  She enjoys learning, being outside, gardening, foraging, cooking, hanging out with friends and family, reading, swimming, hiking, yoga, and watching sunrises and sunsets.

Tara Falkenberg is a dedicated teacher and advisor at Big Picture Learning Windsor, where she is passionate about fostering student growth through a personalized, interest-based education. She is committed to integrating Big Picture Learning philosophies into the classroom, emphasizing real-world learning, personal growth, and active engagement. Together Tara works with her students to discover their passions and pursue meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. She believes in empowering students to live a life of health and happiness! 

Tara Falkenberg

Advisor

707-687-7537 (office)