SMUSD Employees of the Year

Congratulations to our 2021-22 Employees of the Year!
Posted on 06/27/2022
Throughout the year, each and every one of our employees serves our students and families with excellence - and never more than in these unique times.

Each year SMUSD recognizes Employees of the Year at school sites and district departments, nominated by their peers. From that group, three District Employees of the Year are selected to receive Classified Employee of the Year, Certificated Employee of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards.

Congratulations to our three SMUSD 2021-22 District Employees of the Year:


Classified Employee of the Year: Ivy Keim, Occupational Therapist, Early Education Center

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 As an Occupational Therapist, Ivy brings her expertise to the youngest learners at SMUSD, providing meaningful interventions to develop their skills. Bringing a deep passion to her work, Ivy is known for always striving to do better which is only rivaled by her calming demeanor, kindness, and love for students. 

 

Certificated Employee of the Year: Kristen Engler, School Counselor, Richland Elementary

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 Returning to in-person learning posed some social emotional challenges and adjustments this year, and school counselor Kristen Engler never wavered in her support of students and staff alike. Throughout the process of guiding students through the transition, Kristen remained steadfast, always ready to help with kindness and empathy.

 

 

Administrator of the Year: Nathan Baker, Assistant Principal, Mission Hills High School

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A dedicated and compassionate leader, Nathan is always ready and willing to do whatever is needed to create a safe, caring, and supportive environment for students and staff. An educator at heart, Nathan’s passion to see all students thrive has created lasting relationships and a culture of mutual respect on the Mission Hills campus.
(pictured from left to right: Cliff Mitchell, Superintendent Johnsen, Deputy Superintendent Campbell, Nathan Baker)

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Congratulations to ALL of our 2021-22 Employees of the Year & SMUSD Retirees!
We are grateful for your dedication and impact on the San Marcos Unified community. 



Employees of the Year:



Elementary Schools



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Carrillo Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Mona Patel, Classified Employee of the Year;  Amanda Keaton, Assistant Principal; Martha Rotramel, Certificated Employee of the Year; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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Discovery Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Heather Hartzell, Assistant Principal;  Daphne Eby, Principal; Eddie Jenkins, Classified Employee of the Year;  Holly Hartzell, Certificated Employee of the Year and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.

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Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Lindsey Sparacino, Certificated Employee of the Year; Linda Heinrich, Principal; Lindsey Ward, Classified Employee of the Year; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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Knob Hill Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Amy Sannella, Assistant Principal; Michael Todisco, Certificated Employee of the Year; Karla Wilderotter, Classified Employee of the Year; Dan Trujillo, Principal; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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La Costa Meadows Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Mandy Bedard, Principal; Jade Machado, Certificated Employee of the Year; Stacy Rossman, Classified Employee of the Year; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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Paloma Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Dana Spencer, Principal;  Melissa Hogg, Certificated Employee of the Year; Anetta Sidawi, Classified Employee of the Year; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources.


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Richland Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Kristen Engler, Certificated Employee of the Year; Gaby Dellamary, Classified Employee of the Year; Julie Barbara, Principal; Lena Martinez, Assistant Principal; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources.


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San Elijo Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Suzanne Aaknes, Classified Employee of the Year; Joseph McCormick, Certificated Employee of the Year; and Mara McLeod, Assistant Principal.


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San Marcos Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Silvia Ventura-Jacobsen, Principal; Tyler Eytchison, Certificated Employee of the Year; Christine Griley, Assistant Principal; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development. Not pictured: Isaias Escamilla, Classified Employee of the Year.


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Twin Oaks Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Dr. Carmen Madrigal, Principal; Abel Gonzalez, Classified Employee of the Year; Sau Ying Skerl, Certificated Employee of the Year; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources.


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La Mirada Academy: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Jennifer Carter, Principal; Megan Hernandez, Certificated Employee of the Year; Brett Benware, Classified Employee of the Year; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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Double Peak School: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Charity Shepard, Certificated Employee of the Year; Erica Obrist, Principal; Natsuko Doyle, Classified Employee of the Year; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources.



Middle Schools


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San Elijo Middle School: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Hurvie Milner, Classified Employee of the Year; Anette Dale, Certificated Employee of the Year; and Barry Zeait, Principal.


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San Marcos Middle School: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Ramon Torres, Classified Employee of the Year; Nicole Scott, Principal; Valery Harris, Certificated Employee of the Year; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.



Woodland Park Middle School: Not pictured: Debra Weaver, Classified Employee of the Year; Monique Del Pego, Certificated Employee of the Year.



High Schools


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Mission Hills High School: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Erendira (Erie) Unutoa, Classified Employee of the Year; Nathan Baker, Assistant Principal; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources. Not pictured: Jillian Ryan, Certificated Employee of the Year.


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San Marcos High School: Pictured from left to right are: Adam Dawson, Principal;  Geoffrey Radant, Certificated Employee of the Year; Dr. Tiffany Campbell, Deputy Superintendent; Gabriel Ortiz Flores, Classified Employee of the Year; Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources. Not pictured: Geoffrey Radant, Certificated Employee of the Year.


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Twin Oaks High School/Foothills High School: Pictured from left to right are: Assistant Principal, Claudia Hernandez; Johanna Bonfiglio, Classified Employee of the Year; Veronica De La Torre, Certificated Employee of the Year; Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; and Garth Phillips, Principal.



Departments



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Adult Transition Program: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Peggy Zapata, Program Specialist for ATP; Pamela Simpson, Classified Employee of the Year; Karen Lee-Mimaki, Certificated Employee of the Year; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources.



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Child Nutrition Services: Pictured from left to right are: Marni Shelton, CNS Employee of the Year; and Naomi Shadwell, Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services.

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Early Education Center: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Tricia Green, Certificated Employee of the Year; Lori Cummins, Director of Special Education; Ivy Keim, Classified Employee of the Year; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources.


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Kids On Campus: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources; Sarah Fruzyna, Classified Employee of the Year; and Janneth Torres Cabello, Kids on Campus Supervisor I.


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Facilities: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources;  Nathan Wullf, Facilities Coordinator; Diane deBruyn, Classified Employee of the Year;  Ashley Rondeau, Administrative Secretary II; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


Maintenance & Operations: Not pictured: Alfonso Luna, Classified Employee of the Year. 


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Special Education: Pictured from left to right are: Shannon Goan, Classified Employee of the Year; Lori Cummins, Director of Special Education.


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Transportation: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Andrea Mancino, Classified Employee of the Year; and Micheal Sawyer, Executive Director of Transportation. 


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Technology: Pictured from left to right are: Adam Dawson, Principal of San Marcos High School (the employee's home site); Stephanie Casperson, Director of Technology Department; Tony Cabral, Coordinator of the Technology Department; Sameh Grais, Classified Employee of the Year; Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; and Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources.



Retirees:


Elementary Schools


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Carrillo Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Betty Whitley-Estrada, Teacher; Amanda Keaton, Assistant Principal;  Victoria Stewart, Teacher; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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Discovery Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Heather Hartzell, Assistant Principal; Daphne Eby, Principal; Karen Whiteley, Teacher; Eddie Jenkins, Head Custodian; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.



District Office: Not pictured: Lourdes Montes, Custodian I; William Nelson, Warehouse/Driver I; Gabriella Gomez, Director, Elementary Education.


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Double Peak School: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Lisa Des Lauriers, Teacher;  Erica Obrist, Principal; and Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources.


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Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Jeanine Huebner, Teacher; Linda Heinrich, Principal; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development. Not pictured: Sigifredo Rosales, Custodian I.


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Knob Hill Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Amy Sannella, Assistant Principal; Martha Saunders, Teacher; Cheryl Krukowski, Teacher; Dan Trujillo, Principal; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development. Not pictured: Constance Elwell, Teacher; Amy Fritzenkotter, Speech Language Pathologist; Cheryl Ryan, Teacher; Martha Saunders, Teacher.


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La Costa Meadows Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Mandy Bedard, Principal; Judy Tague, Teacher; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.


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Paloma Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Dana Spencer, Principal; Eileen Ogden, Teacher; Kathleen McGinnis, Library Media Tech; Marjorie Goodman, Teacher; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development.

 

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Richland Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Kathryn Joyce, Teacher; Lynn Sochowski-Layman, Teacher; David Clay, Teacher; Dawn Bieraugel, Teacher; Julie Barbara, Principal; Lena Martinez, Assistant Principal; and Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources.


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San Elijo Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Valerie Mequet, Teacher; and Mara McLeod, Assistant Principal.


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San Marcos Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Silvia Ventura-Jacobsen, Principal; Leah Fisher, Teacher; Christine Thompson, Teacher; Christine Griley, Assistant Principal; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development. Not pictured: Fernando Baquero, Teacher.


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Twin Oaks Elementary: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Dr. Carmen Madrigal, Principal; Abel Gonzalez, Head Custodian; Sau Ying Skerl, Teacher; and Gary DeBora, Director of Human Resources. Not pictured: Norma Broadbent, Typist Clerk III.



Middle School



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San Elijo Middle School: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Jami Phillips, Teacher; Karen Warner, Teacher; Mary Freeland, Teacher;  Andy Cole, Teacher; and Barry Zeait, Principal.


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San Marcos Middle School: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Valery Harris, Teacher; Nicole Scott, Principal; Debra Brice, Teacher; and Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development. Not pictured: Keeta Thompson, Health Aide; David Castro, Teacher.



Woodland Park Middle School: Not pictured: George Gregoroff, Campus Supervisor; Susana Cruz, Teacher; Kathleen Siegel, Speech Language Pathologist; James Tremayne, Teacher.



High Schools



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Mission Hills High School: Pictured from left to right are: Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources; Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Craig Getman, Teacher; Nathan Baker, Assistant Principal; and Patricia Rodriguez-Myers, Office Manager III/School Secretary. Not pictured: Elva Cisneros, Data Tech; Catherine Davis, Account Clerk I; Barry Williams, Campus Supervisor.


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San Marcos High School: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Adam Dawson, Principal;  Stephanie Vasconcellos, Teacher; Betty Cendro, Typist Clerk II; Robert Cendro, Teacher; Barbara Tollison, Teacher; Victoria Tarnovetchi, Teacher; Dr. Tiffany Campbell, Deputy Superintendent; and Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources. Not pictured: Kim Fitzgerald, Instructional Aide/SH; Bonnie Miller, CNS.



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Twin Oaks High School: Pictured from left to right are: Assistant Principal, Claudia Hernandez; Sarah Lira, Instructional Aide/SH; Janice Ohno, Teacher; Barbara Zamora, Teacher; Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Garth Phillips, Principal.


 

Departments

 

 

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Adult Transition Program: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Peggy Zapata, Program Specialist for ATP; Angela Castro, Teacher; Bonnie Harrison, Typist Clerk III; and Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources.

 

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Purchasing: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Lynne Kotas, Executive Director of Purchasing;  and Gary DeBora, Director Human Resources.

 

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Special Education: Pictured from left to right are: Terance Smyth, Teacher; and Lori Cummins, Director of Special Education.

 

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Transportation: Pictured from left to right are: Henry Voros, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Development; Joseph Shelton, Bus Driver Aide, Micheal Sawyer. Not pictured: Julia Flynt, Bus Driver, Pamela Light, Bus Driver Aide, Sherry Moedano-Villar, Bus Driver/Trainer, Aileen Panzera, Bus Driver. 

 

 

 

THANK YOU for all you do!!!