CTE Teachers

Culinary Arts - Food Service & Hospitality
Fort Bragg High School

Chef Amy Valla--a 1992 graduate of Lane Community College’s Culinary, Food Service & Hospitality Program in Eugene, Oregon--is proud to be teaching at Fort Bragg High School.  Chef Valla spent several years cooking in Eugene before moving to the Mendocino Coast in 1999. After four successful years managing the Ravens Restaurant at the Stanford Inn by the Sea, she chose to take a few years off in order to focus on her greatest accomplishment to date – her son.   She then worked for local caterers focused on weddings and owned a small catering business for several years. Chef Valla taught for the Culinary Arts Management department at Mendocino College for 3 years. Her years working in the restaurant industry adds another beneficial layer to her students' learning experience.  Chef Valla is always available to both her current and former students. She loves mentoring and encouraging them as they begin or advance in their careers. 

Business Marketing & Technology
Fort Bragg High School

Digital Media
Fort Bragg Middle School

Angela Ballatore is the CTE Business Marketing & Technology teacher at Fort Bragg High School and the Digital Media teacher at Fort Bragg Middle School.  Angela moved to Fort Bragg in 2022 from Fresno where she taught as a CTE Business and Finance teacher at alternative education schools through Fresno Unified School District.  She graduated from California State University-Fresno with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Accountancy option.   Angela brings over twenty years of industry experience in both the housing and automotive sectors, as well as owning and operating a small business in the swimming pool and maintenance industry.   Angela has a passion for helping students gain and strengthen employability skills to prepare them for their future college and/or career success.   Go Timberwolves! 

Agriscience/Sustainable Ag
Fort Bragg High School

Malia Telles is an Agriculture Science educator dedicated to inspiring students through hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world application of agricultural concepts. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science from Chico State University, specializing in animal science. Malia has taught a wide variety of courses such as Agricultural Biology, Ag Chemistry, Floral Design, and Introduction to Agriculture Science. In these classes she tries to create interactive labs, foster creativity, and full class engagement. Out of the classroom Malia has coached students in numerous FFA Leadership, public speaking teams and Career Development Event teams. Beyond the classroom, she has practical experience in livestock and crop production, including swine management and organic vegetable production. Passionate, hardworking, and enthusiastic, Malia strives to empower students to succeed academically, professionally, and personally in agriculture.