Community Leader Spotlight: Dr. Christine Montanez
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Aspen Valley Principal, (559) 225-7737, christine.montanez@aspenps.org
What gives you excitement?
The most exciting part of my day is seeing the smiles, excitement, and joy students display as they demonstrate their learning. Whether it’s on the playground, in the classroom, during field trips, at schoolwide rallies, performances, celebrations, or community events, witnessing their growth and confidence is the most rewarding part of my work.
What keeps you up at night?
What keeps me up at night is finding ways to help students overcome significant challenges through trauma-informed practices, reducing chronic absenteeism, strengthening the home-to-school partnership so families can better support their children’s academic growth, and ensuring that both struggling learners and gifted students receive the support they need. Through it all, I remain committed to our mission of Building Leaders from Day One and creating opportunities for every student to thrive.
What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is knowing that, together, we remain committed to ensuring every student feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential. As a school community, we are deeply dedicated to educational equity and firmly believe in empowering today’s learners, fostering curiosity, and creating meaningful pathways for future success. By working collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community partners, we can help every child thrive and become a leader in their own unique way.
If you could wave your magic wand, what is the first thing you would change or add?
If I could wave a magic wand, I would ensure that every family in Fresno County had access to meaningful school choice and the freedom to enroll their child in the school that best meets their unique needs, interests, and goals. At Aspen Valley, we believe that every student possesses genius and unlimited potential. Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity, encouragement, and support to ignite that spark and help students soar.
More about Dr. Christine’s journey
Dr. Christine Montanez is a recognized educational leader in California’s Central Valley and was named one of Business Street’s 40 Under 40 Outstanding Business Professionals in 2011. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for at-risk students and has dedicated her work to serving Title I communities. Dr. Montanez began her career at KIPP Academy Elementary and Middle School as Music Director, where she launched the school’s comprehensive music program. She later served at Big Picture Middle and High School as a teacher and Vice Principal, championing expanded access to visual and performing arts for students. Her leadership journey continued as CEO and Founding Principal of Kepler Neighborhood School (K–8), Principal of Carter G. Woodson Charter School of Multimedia and Arts (7–12), and Principal of Big Picture Elementary (TK–8). These experiences as both an educator and administrator have shaped her student-centered approach to innovation, curriculum, and educational leadership. Dr. Montanez also had the privilege of serving as Education Department Director for Table Mountain Rancheria, where she developed a deep appreciation for the community and the meaningful relationships she built during her tenure. She earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from California State University, Fresno and credits the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies as a major influence on her educational philosophy. Her research on flow experiences and the use of music as culturally responsive pedagogy has been presented at conferences across the United States and internationally. As Principal of Aspen Valley Prep Academy, Dr. Montanez remains committed to ensuring every student feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential. She believes strongly in educational equity, student leadership, and creating learning environments where every child can thrive. She has also valued the partnership with GO Public Schools Fresno and the positive impact it has had on Aspen Valley families and the broader school community. Her work continues to be guided by a simple but powerful belief: every student has genius, and with the right opportunities and support, that potential can be ignited to help them soar.