Board Member Biographies

Karen Costanza, Board President, Community Member

• Karen Costanza's career path has been primarily in education. She was employed in the Los Molinos School District as a special education resource aide, district printing supervisor, and various administrative service roles before working for Butte College. Karen recently retired from the position of Administrative Secretary for the Administration of Justice Department, which she held for 21 years. Her primary role was working with the Law Enforcement Academy and the California Department of Fish and Game Academy. She worked closely with the state agency, Peace Officers Standards and Training, to implement and monitor testing criteria for potential law enforcement officers. Currently, she volunteers for the Jesus Center, working in the office and in the Free Store. Karen is very interested in and supports CORE's unique combination of independent study and classroom instruction as a cutting-edge model for education. She serves as a Community Member on the board.

Angie Dilg, Board Secretary/Tresurer, Community Member

• Angie Dilg received her bachelors degree in Public Administration in 2006, and has been working as a grant writer while raising her two daughters. She worked for CORE @ The Camptonville Academy Chico center from 2001-2003 as an administrative assistant, and was able to see firsthand the exceptional environment for learning that CORE provides to its students. Her nephew was a student at CORE, and thrived under CORE’s leadership.

Lori Hansen, Parent Member

• Lori Hansen has a BS in Psychology from CSU, Chico.  She minored in Conflict Resolution, and is a certified mediator.  She is the proud mother of three sons, all of whom attend CORE@TCA.  The Hansen’s are entering their 6th year with CORE, and enjoy being actively involved in the school community.  Lori works as a tutor in her free time, and enjoys reading and traveling with her family.

Carrie Pilakowski, Parent Member


• I am a stay-at-home mom of 4 daughters, ranging in age from 11 down to almost 4, and all of whom I school at home.  I have a background in biology and chemistry.  My husband and I chose to homeschool because we both felt that with our backgrounds we could not only provide a great education for our children, but also get to enjoy the process of their growing and changing first hand.  Being a part of C.O.R.E.'s personalized learning program however has made a great experience even more wonderful.  My daughter's have really appreciated being a part of a school where they can take supplementary classes and get to see and make new friends.
• As a parent I have appreciated all of the wonderful staff and the resources that C.O.R.E. has to offer my children and me. With all that C.O.R.E. has given my family, I hope that I am able to give back at least a small portion.

Doug LaMalfa, Community Member

• A member of the California State Assembly and a lifelong resident of Butte County, Doug LaMalfa is a 4th generation rice farmer, and is married with 4 children. Assemblyman LaMalfa serves as Whip on the Republican Leadership Team, in addition to his duties as Vice Chair of the Natural Resources Committee and membership on Governmental Organization, Utilities and Commerce, State Mandates, Arts, Entertainment, Tourism, Sports and Internet Media, and Joint Legislative Audit Committees.Mr. LaMalfa’s oldest children, who are 11 and 9, are in the personalized learning program at CORE@TCA. His wife Jill is a teacher by trade, and has schooled their children through CORE@TCA since kindergarten. The LaMalfa’s also have 2-year-old twins.