Our Team's Record of Success
1
Community
Our founders brought together a growing coalition of parents, educators, businesses, and nonprofits. They share a vision for diverse, inclusive, and comprehensive schools that promote student excellence by changing the systems that perpetuate underperformance.
2
Experience
The Caat is led by educators and charter school leaders with decades of experience in high performing charter schools. They are experts at creating a culture of excellence, developing great teachers, and managing the business of running a high-quality charter school.
3
Leading Change
Caat's founders are Kern County natives committed to closing the opportunity gap. Families know and trust them. We know that families and educators in our community are hungry for change. We are working with families to give more children access to an education that meets their needs.
Meet Joanna Kendrick
Co-Founder
Superintendent
Joanna is a Bakersfield native, deeply rooted in California’s Central Valley, where she is raising her two daughters. As the first in her family to graduate from college, she earned her degrees from UC Irvine and Loyola Marymount, and her Ed.D. from USC.
For over 15 years, Joanna has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for underserved students. She has played a key role in opening and expanding multiple charter schools across California, growing from a classroom teacher to a principal and system leader, always focused on building schools that truly serve students and families. She is the founding leader of The Central Academy of Arts and Technology (CAAT), Bakersfield’s first independent public charter school. Joanna is a strong advocate for parent rights and school choice, working to ensure every family has access to a high-quality education that meets their child’s needs. At Caat, her commitment is simple and personal: every student, regardless of background, will be prepared for college, career, and a meaningful future, just like she worked to create for herself and now for her own daughters.
Meet Greg West
Co-Founder
Chief Executive Officer
Greg brings over 20 years of experience in education right here in Kern County, with a focus on creating real opportunities for students. He began his career as the Director of School Counseling at Garces Memorial High School, where he helped students navigate their academic paths and plan for life after high school. He later helped launch early college and dual enrollment programs, giving students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school. Greg has served as a principal and supported the growth of charter schools, building systems that drive both excellence and innovation. Most recently, he led the Kern Integrated Data System (KIDS) at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, working alongside all 46 district superintendents to use data to improve outcomes for students across the county.
Greg holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and school counseling and has trained at the Harvard Principals Institute. At Caat he is helping build a school where students are supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.