SIERRA NEVADA REGION
California, Nevada, Hawaii
Welcome to the Sierra Nevada Renaissance Region page! We are so excited to have YOU here! This is where passion meets purpose, and where educators come together to connect, celebrate, inspire, and grow together as part of the Jostens Renaissance family. Our region is filled with passionate educators who believe in the power of building relationships, recognizing achievement, and creating unforgettable school culture where every student and staffulty member feels seen, heard, and loved.
Why get involved?
Being part of the Sierra Nevada Ren Fam means you’re never in this work alone. You’ll connect with other rockstar educators, swap powerful ideas, and fuel each other’s energy. Involvement can be as simple as:
- Attending regional events, virtual Happy Rs, and conferences.
- Collaborating with other schools to share best practices.
- Celebrating the big and small wins in your classrooms, on your campuses, and in your communities.
- Cheering each other on as we all rise together!
This is YOUR space.
This region is your space to celebrate successes, find inspiration, and connect with others who share your commitment to students, staffulty, and school culture. Whether you’re a longtime Renaissance leader or brand new to the movement, YOU belong here—and your contributions matter.
Welcome to the Sierra Nevada Region Renaissance Family—we can’t wait to see the incredible impact we’ll create together!
MEET YOUR RENAISSANCE CHAMPION
Renaissance Champions lead their region with a philosophy fueled by passion, positivity, and the belief that culture and climate change everything. In addition to supporting their Renaissance Ambassadors and other educators in their region, they spark joy, recognize greatness, and create environments where teachers love their jobs and students thrive in school.
Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate is a motivational speaker and Author who also is a current educator at La Quinta Middle School in Southern California. In addition to being the Jostens Renaissance Champion for the Sierra Nevada Ren Region, she sits in the CADA Area F Council, and is a Board Member and Associate Director for the Inland Empire Future Leaders Program. She works hard on improving her school’s culture and climate, developing student leaders, and creating lasting memories for the students on her campus. Her goal is to inspire, educate, empower and celebrate students and Staffulty to become change agents and make a difference in the school, community, and world! Dr. Farah has been recognized as a Jostens Renaissance National Staffulty of the Month and CADA Master Activities Director. In 2023, she was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame.
Want to talk to Farah? She can answer all your questions about using Renaissance. Email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you.
MEET YOUR RENAISSANCE AMBASSADORS
Renaissance ambassadors build a vibrant local network of educators who believe culture and climate support school success. As volunteers, Ambassadors form and maintain a sense community in their local area.
MELANIE LINDSEY
VENTURA, CA
Melanie Lindsey is a dedicated educator and leader whose Renaissance spirit shines through every aspect of her life. With 25 years of experience inspiring students and colleagues in Southern California, she brings energy, creativity, and vision to her leadership, always seeking to create community and celebrate others. Known for her ability to balance high expectations with compassion, Melanie approaches challenges with resilience and authenticity. She lives and breathes the 6 Rs.
Outside of her professional life, she finds joy in her family, who ground and inspire her daily, and in the unconditional love of her dogs, who remind her of life’s simple pleasures. A passionate fan of Manchester City, she follows the team with unwavering enthusiasm, and her love of P!nk reflects her bold, unapologetic outlook on life. Whether at school, at home, or cheering from the stands, Melanie leads with heart, humor, and an unshakable belief in the power of people to grow and thrive together.
Get in touch with Melanie! If you live near Ventura and want to connect with Melanie or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!