Teachers & Staff

Mr. Travis Prendergast

Principal/Superintendent

Travis grew up in Riverside, Southern California and graduated from CSU Chico in 2018  with a degree in Social Sciences. He completed his Credential program in Paradise, California, during the Camp Fire, which gave him first hand experience in natural disaster response. His main goal within education is to turn students into self-sufficient, competent and confident young adults, equipped with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in whatever venture they choose.  When he is not at PCMS, Travis enjoys fishing in new waters and hiking unfamiliar territory.

MRS. amy behlke

6th English & history 

Mrs. Behlke has been an educator since 2000 after receiving her degree at CSU Chico. She has had various teaching positions and began her career at Paradise Unified. She was in Magalia for 2 years and Paradise Intermediate School for 11 years & has been at PCMS ever since. She enjoys reading, hiking, and teaching. Amy was recognized at the 2020 CUE North State Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Behlke and her husband and two sons live in Chico, but enjoy visiting their hometowns of Sierra mountains.

MS. CHLOE PATTON

7th & 8th SCIENCE

Ms. Patton has been an educator since 2017. She received her Science and Health Science degree and teaching credentials at Chico State. At PCMS, Ms. Patton teaches 7th and 8th grade Science. She is all about sharing her passion for science with her students through interactive learning materials and hands-on lessons. Ms. Patton encourages her students to think like scientists. “Be curious, patient, persistent, and open-minded to the world around you.” 

Beyond working at PCMS, Ms. Patton loves to spend time gardening, painting, trying out new recipes, and hiking around in Upper Bidwell Park in Chico. 

MR. Jimmy Alderson

7th history & 8th history

Mr. Alderson is a lifelong Paradise resident and proud graduate of Paradise Charter Middle School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from California State University, Chico, in 2015 and later received his teaching credential from the University of Massachusetts.

Before joining the PCMS team, Mr. Alderson taught English and history at Achieve Charter School for eight years. He is excited to bring his experience and passion for history to his 7th and 8th grade students.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Alderson enjoys playing racquetball, cheering on the Los Angeles Angels, playing music, fishing, and spending quality time with his wife and two children.

Mr. Todd Lanam

7th & 8th MATH

Mr. Lanam has been teaching at PCMS since its inception in the fall of 1995. In addition to teaching  7th grade Mathematics, 8th grade Science, and Physical Education, Mr. Lanam is the Athletic Director and has coached all the sports offered at PCMS at one time or another. 

Currently the 8th grade Boys Basketball Coach. He received his degree from CSU Chico and his teaching credential from Chapman University. Mr. Lanam enjoys numerous hobbies including competitive softball, fishing, biking, kayaking, cooking, fitness, and DIY projects.

MS. Hunter Casperson

7th & 8th English

Ms. Casperson grew up in Chico, CA and earned her B.A. in Journalism from CSU, Chico in 2023. She went on to complete an interdisciplinary M.A. in 2024, focusing on journalism, English, and Political Science. Ms. Casperson now teaches 7th and 8th grade English at PCMS, where she brings her passion for writing and language to the classroom each day.

During her time in college, Ms. Casperson competed as a dual-sport athlete in soccer and track and field. Now, she enjoys playing recreational soccer, crafting, and reading in her free time. 

MR. Dustin Miller

6th, 7th, & 8th PE

Mr. Miller received a bachelors degree in Kinesiology PETE (Physical Education Teacher Education). In 2024 Mr. Miller completed his Credentialing program at Chico State. 

His hobbies include swimming, playing pickleball, fishing & hunting,  and spending time with his friends. He is always interested in spending time outside and getting moving. However, his passion is to teach the students why physical activity is important to help their physical, mental, and emotional health. His goal is to get every student to find activities they find enjoyable and would want to continue to do outside of school.

Miss. Emily Hawks

6th Math & Science

Miss. Taylor Hovey

REsource Teacher

Jennifer Duran

office manager

Jennifer joined PCMS staff as the part-time Assistant Office Manager in January 2022. In August 2022, she became the School Office Manager.

She has previously served as Chair of PCMS’s Governing Board from 2017-2020, and then again in 2021.  She has many years of experience in Paradise Schools volunteering and leading other volunteers in many programs for the last 13 years. Her love for children has kept her active in many youth related programs throughout those years. 

Jennifer enjoys spending time with her 4 children and husband. She loves to travel, outdoor activities, and especially anything Disney.