2024 ACSA Leadership Summit

Kristen Henry, Ed.D. is Elevo’s VP of Curriculum and Training. She is a leader in the field of social emotional learning and wellbeing with over two decades of experience fostering skill development and intervention relevant to disabilities and specifically the continuum of mental health and wellbeing. Her focus has always been relationships
and quality of life. In addition to her advanced degrees, she has found her post graduate work in neuropsychology, her involvement in Trainer of Trainers in MindUp & Restorative Practices, and Yoga Teacher Training as some of the most impactful professional experiences. Most recently she was selected as a participant in the CASEL Fellowship Program as a result of her work in advancing the efforts to support the development of the whole child... Read more

Forthcoming

Dr. Amy Alzina is currently the Superintendent/Principal of the Cold Spring School District in Montecito, CA, a position she has held for the past seven years.

Dr. Amy Alzina’s approach to leadership is centered on creating a collaborative student-centered team focused on ensuring the academic and social emotional support of every child.

As Superintendent/Principal for Cold Spring School District, Dr. Amy Alzina has achieved the top District ranking in the State in ELA, Math, and Science for the past six years. Most recently, the District has been recognized as a 2023 California Distinguished... Read more

Dr. Arzumanian is the long-time Director of the USC College Advising Corps for the Center for Enrollment Research, Policy and Practice (CERPP) at the USC Rossier School of Education. For twenty years he has been a youth worker in the areas of mentoring, college  access, after school, juvenile justice and street outreach. At USC, he has overseen the growth of the program to directly serve over 10,000 students annually in multiple school districts across Los Angeles county. In its ten years of existence, USC CAC has directly assisted over 70,000 students to enroll in college. During that time Ara... Read more

Over the past 19 years in education, my unwavering commitment has been to positively impact students, families, and the wider educational community. I strive to be a reflective practitioner, always eager to enhance my leadership skills through continuous learning and growth. My experience in fostering a positive school culture, instructional leadership, collective teacher efficacy, and family and community engagement has been instrumental in my roles as Principal, Program Specialist, and currently, Assistant Director for the Cotsen Foundation.

My educational journey began in 2005 as an elementary school teacher in the Rowland Unified School District, where I had the privilege of participating in the ART of TEACHING program. In 2007, becoming a Cotsen fellow at Blandford Elementary School marked a pivotal moment in my career. As the only math fellow in my cohort, I embraced the challenge of acquiring new skills, forging lifelong connections with colleagues, and recognizing the importance of reflection and continuous learning. This experience ignited my passion for creating learning environments where all students can reach their fullest... Read more

Heidi is a people connector. She believes that your network is your net-worth. With over 30 years of experience as a business and marketing strategist, Heidi leverages her expertise to connect K-12 education leaders with the most reliable and innovative education solution providers. As a coach and consultant, she has a proven track record of success in helping these providers secure impactful partnerships. Heidi is passionate about creating happy and empowered learning environments for all students.  Her heart-centered leadership style and love for people are the cornerstones of her success. A

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Come talk to me about employment opportunities with the Palmdale School District.

Matthew La Belle has been in education for 30 years, primarily at the high school level. He received his B.A. from the University of San Diego and was also a Division I athlete. He continued his education at Fort Hays State University, where he received his M.S. in Instructional Technology, and most recently, he received a School Business Management Certificate from the University of Southern California.  Over his time in education, he has been a proven leader by winning multiple C.I.F. championships as a coach and was named the California State Baseball Coach of the Year in 2008.  Following

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Nancy Bui is currently one of the youngest AAPI female Superintendents in the nation.  Her inspiring journey began as a 10-year-old refugee in the United States.  Despite facing language barriers, Nancy pursued her education relentlessly, earning degrees from UCLA and Stanford University.  A published author and insightful commentator on educational matters, she was named the 2020-2021 Elementary Principal of the Year by ACSA and has received three nominations for ACSA’s Exemplary Woman in Education award.  In her current role as Superintendent of the Brisbane School District, Nancy is deeply... Read more

Amy proudly serves as the school and community advocacy director for California and Hawai’i at the Cook Center for Human Connection to lead and foster the foundation’s mission to eradicate suicide by serving and assisting with mental health professional learnings and coaching support for parents, caregivers, healers, helpers and their staff. https://parentguidance.org/school-coaching/

Additional background information about Amy:
Mother. Wife. Education consultant. Equity advocate. Former teacher and administrator. First Asian American Board Trustee for Ventura USD. Dr. Amy Cranston’s SEL4CA Steering Committee Leader. Inaugural Renaissance DEI Inclusion Council and Employee Resource Group Leader. Inaugural McKinsey Asian Executive Leader Member. Dr. Ken Magdaleno’s CLEAR Advisory Board Member. 2023 American Heart Association Leaders of Impact and Women of Impact Awardee for “Rallying for Awareness.” Experience as a high-performing Business Executive and Leader with a private-equity-held (Blackstone/Francisco Partners)... Read more

Dr. Ben Churchill began serving as superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District in 2016. He was recently appointed by the Board of Education as the new superintendent in the Poway Unified School District, and will start in the new role on December 2.

Dr. Churchill previously worked in Illinois, serving as chief academic officer for the sixth-largest school district in the state. He also served as an assistant superintendent, high school principal, and high school teacher. Dr. Churchill began his 28-year career in education teaching English in China.

Dr. Churchill’s leadership has bee... Read more

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, a 30-year educator who has championed educational equity, will become the next San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. She will be the first female county superintendent in the San Diego County Office of Education’s (SDCOE) 76-year history.

Appointed by the San Diego County Board of Education, the county superintendent of schools is the head of SDCOE, which operates programs and services that allow districts and schools to focus on providing a high-quality learning experience for children and families while leveraging economies of scale to enhance effectiveness and s... Read more

Tanya De La Cruz is the Public Information & Engagement Officer for the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD). In her one year with the district, Tanya has written 7 winning award nominations, has led the effort to promote the district with positive media stories 37 times, and has modernized the district and school websites for increased engagement. 

Prior to joining LGSUHSD, Tanya initially served as the Assistant to the Superintendent for the Moreland School District, later developing the Public Information Officer role, which would go on to grow community engagement through regular newsletters, social media growth by 90-125% year over year, and several successful content messaging and marketing strategies. She is a published author, most recently writing an article for ACSA on Imposter Syndrome that is featured on their Leadership/Professional Development section of their website. Always ready to be a thought partner, Tanya is passionate

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Dr. David Diehl is the Director of Student and Community Services for the Selma Unified School District and was previously a vice principal for a Model Continuation High School. Prior to entering education, he spent 24 years in law enforcement, retiring as a police sergeant. His research was inspired by the 23 students he lost to gang related homicides while a teacher in a detention facility in Central California. He has worked extensively with system involved youth in court schools, community day schools, and other alternative educational settings. He is a proponent of data informed interventions... Read more

Purposeful, motivated, resourceful

Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research

Jeff Friedenberg is an experienced elementary school principal in San Diego County. His experience and successful leadership working with students and families in historically marginalized populations is grounded in social-emotional learning, trauma-informed and restorative practices, and community engagement. Under his leadership, a site he served, Fletcher Elementary, won awards for student/staff health and wellness, reducing chronic absenteeism, and was the first elementary school in San Diego County to be a Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP). Jeff is currently... Read more

As a public-school educator for nearly 25 years, Dr. Roxane Fuentes has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, principal, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, and Interim Superintendent, before becoming the first Latina Superintendent of the Berryessa Union School District in 2017.

Throughout her career, Dr. Fuentes has worked to close the achievement gap by nurturing strong parent and community engagement, providing innovative learning experiences for students, all while promoting a culture of equity, collaboration, and support. She is passionately committed to the... Read more

Dr. Marcus Funchess, is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the San Bernardino City School District (SBCUSD). Dr. Funchess graduated from California State University San Bernardino in 1996 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. Learning about the inequitable social structures of our society gave him motivation to become an educator. Teaching for 10 years in San Bernardino City Unified, Dr. Funchess discovered how his intentional words and actions positively impacted the lives of his students and their families. Thus, the determination to become a leader in education began. He earned... Read more

I’m incredibly proud to be part of a company that's making such an impact on the future of education. The energy and passion our team brings is truly inspiring. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, and I’m so grateful to work alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues. Teaching children to learn, play and grow is our mission.

Dr. Alana Hughes-Hunter proudly serves as the Assistant Superintendent, SELPA & Equity in Ontario-Montclair School District. Dr. Hughes-Hunter earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University, which was part of Chapman University System. She has played an integral role and pioneer for the district’s inclusion initiative to support MTSS and inclusive practices. Dr. Hughes-Hunter prides herself on building partnerships, programs and utilizing evidence-based strategies to support two of the most underserved populations; students of color and/or exceptional... Read more

Dr. Eveline Huh’s professional career has spanned over 25 years in education at ABC USD, as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and now the Director of Special Programs. Dr. Huh’s personal mission is rooted in her commitment to pursuing excellence and equity for all students. She is a board member for the California Association of Asian and Pacific Leaders in Education (CAAPLE) and is also an executive board member for ACSA Region 14. Dr. Huh has also been president of ACSA’s Elementary Education Council and ACSA’s state representative/liaison to the National Association of Elementary... Read more

Dr. Joseph Hyde is an innovative and highly-effective Human Resources Leader with an extensive and diverse background in public education. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Dr. Hyde has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering educational environments that prioritize relationships, rigor, and relevance.

Dr. Hyde holds Multiple Subjects and Secondary (English) teaching credentials, and he earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Redlands. He further advanced his expertise with an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a conce... Read more

Dr. April Jacobsen is the director of expanded learning at Simi Valley USD.

TBD

When not spending time with family and friends, Antonio Romayor Jr., is employed as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the Imperial County Office of Education. Antonio has over 25 years of experience working in Information Technology (IT) and leadership roles, most of those years working in K-12 Education. Antonio is the President of California IT in Education (CITE), Chair of the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF), and State President of the Classified Educational Leaders (CEL) Council for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), and President of the ACSA Imperial... Read more

Derrick Lawson is currently serving in his 9th year as Principal of his Alma Mater – Indio High School in Desert Sands USD and 31st year as a K -12 principal at all three levels. Aside from being a K-12 student in the district, he returned his third year of teaching to the district and after teaching, served as a principal at all 3 levels and opened 2 new campuses. He has spent the majority of his career working in high poverty schools as well as with large populations of long term English Learners and special needs students. During his 9 years in the classroom, he taught all levels K-12 as well... Read more

Annora Lee is currently the principal of Palo Verde Elementary School in Palo Alto, California. In her 23 years in education, she has served as an assistant principal, Title 1 Specialist, Teacher On Special Assignment, and classroom teacher.

Angela Lin is Executive Director of TK-8 schools in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District located in City of Industry, CA. Her over 27 years of experience in K-12 Education includes service as Elementary and Middle School Teacher, Teacher on Special Assigmment supporting beginning teachers, Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, and Executive Director. As Principal, Angela proudly led her schools to receive the CA Distinguished School Award, Gold Ribbon School Award, Title 1 Achieving School Award, and the first National Blue Ribbon School Award in the district. In her current... Read more

Victor Lupian is an educator with over 20 years of experience working with students in the Central Valley. As a School Counselor and site administrator, he has worked with multiple sites/districts always keeping his focus on the students and their families. Victor is a former migrant student who has never forgotten his roots and the struggles. Equity and access were the main reason he chose to become a school counselor and the reason he continues to work in the field of education. His background as a US Marine, high school counselor, and K-12 administrator in alternative education allows him to... Read more

Experienced educator with a demonstrated history of advocating for equity and creating safe spaces for all learners including students of color, multi-lingual learners, and at-promise youth. Skilled in professional development, student leadership, relationship building, lesson planning, instructional technology, assessment, and student engagement. Graduated from University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education. Active volunteer with American Legion Auxiliary Girls State leadership program, various leadership networks, Pancreatic Cancer Network, Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, and the... Read more

Lauren Mawson is the principal of Del Rio Elementary in the Rosedale School District in Bakersfield, where she leads with passion and dedication since 2022. She has held many roles in her 18 years as an educator from classroom teacher, coach, curriculum leader, and now site leader. She knows the importance of networking and support amongst professionals in the field.

Cherise G. Moore, Ph.D., is a principal TA consultant in the Human Services Division at American Institutes for Research (AIR). Her primary responsibilities include a focus on equity, access, leadership and continuous improvement efforts in adult learning and career pathways. Dr. Moore has led several national projects, and is currently serving as the Project Director for OCTAE’s LINCS (lincs.ed.gov) and Teaching Skills That Matter in Adult Education (TSTM). She also works on the CALPRO project, where she coordinates the Leadership Institute, a professional development opportunity for new and... Read more

Nicole Newman, Ed.D., is an accomplished educational leader with over 25 years of experience, including 22 years in district leadership roles. Since 2018, she has served as the Superintendent of Schools for Wheatland Union High School District, where she has driven significant academic and financial success, positioning the district as a "Destination of Choice." Nicole has a strong background in transforming educational environments, increasing enrollment, expanding Career and Technical Education pathways, and implementing early college programs that empower students to earn college credits before... Read more

Dr. Hong Nguyen is the Director of Educational Equity for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. She started her career as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Dr. Nguyen has been in the field of education for the past 20 years. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership for Change from Fielding Graduate University, a Master’s/Credential from Santa Clara University, a Master’s/Credential from UC Davis, and a Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley. Dr. Nguyen has many years of experience and demonstrated passion for equity work in public educa...

Dr. Julie Olesniewicz has worked in public education for 30 years serving as a teacher, coach, site administrator and district level administrator. Dr. Olesniewicz currently serves on the Association of California School Administrators Board of Directors. She is the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Claremont Unified School District in Claremont, California where she has spent the last thirteen years. She previously served as director of educational services and principal in Claremont. Prior to joining CUSD, she served as principal in the Chino Valley Unified School dist... Read more

Dr. Irella Perez exemplifies dedication and leadership in the field of education, from her early roles as an instructional aide and teacher to her current positions as an Education Consultant, Superintendent in Residency for Steam On Demand. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for equitable access to quality education and opportunities for all students.Her extensive experience as a principal and superintendent, combined with her role as a professor in university Master's and Doctoral programs, underscores her deep commitment to advancing educational practices and empowering... Read more

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I am ACSA State President and the Director of Personnel for Tustin Unified School District. As ACSA President, how can ACSA and I support you and your role?

Silvia Rivas is the Federal Programs / Title I Director at Rowland USD.

Attended California State University of Long Beach and I have been in the field of Education for 24 years with 19 years of experience working in the Superintendent's Office with multiple Superintendents, Boards, Cabinet Members.

ESS partners with school districts to help them implement culturally inclusive mental health and behavioral support programs that improve care, strengthen outcomes, address trauma, and maintain students in their home district.

Because every child deserves to reach their full potential.

An accomplished and award-winning educator with over twenty years of successful leadership, teaching, and athletic coaching experience at the secondary level, Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum serves as the Superintendent of San Benito HSD. A passionate champion for children, Dr. Tennenbaum was selected as Human Resources Administrator of the Year by the State of California in 2016 as well as awarded the 2013-14 ACSA- Region 10 – “Human Resources - Administrator of the Year.

Nine year veteran principal of an arts charter school in Watsonville, California. Educator since 2000. Mother of two teenage boys! Ready to change the world!

ACSA Board of Directors Region 15 Representative
ACSA Region 15 Past-President (2016)
ACSA New & Aspiring Principals Institute at UCLA Team Leader (2011 - Present)
ACSA Leadership Summit Chair 2021
Doctoral Student, American College of Education
Director of Student Services, Equity, Access, Outreach and Innovation
Director of Student Services, Child Welfare & Attendance
Principal, Royal Oak Middle School, Charter Oak USD 2009 - 2019
Assistant Principal/Dean of Students, Royal Oak MS 2006 - 2009
Teacher/Coordinator/Dean of Students, Los Angeles Unified School District 1987 - 2006
Wife, mother, fur-baby r... Read more

http://compromisepaccup2008.blogspot.com/

Dr. Helen Wang is the founder of 6crickets Expanded Learning Management Solutions which has been awarded by the prestigious National Science Foundation and served hundreds of districts throughout the nation. Helen is a renowned computer scientist who founded and led the security and privacy research group at Microsoft Research for 14 years. Helen had served on the steering committee of top security and privacy international research conferences, such as the Oakland conference, CCS, NDSS, and Usenix Security. She has also mentored 30+ Ph.D. students. Helen received her Ph.D. in Computer Science... Read more

Dr. Carolyn Zachry is currently the State Director and Education Administrator for the Adult Education Office in the Career and College Transition Division (CCTD) at the California Department of Education (CDE). Her office is responsible for the administration and management of the federal WIOA Title II grant as well as co-administration of the state-funded Adult Education Program. Prior to her time in the Adult Education Office, Dr. Zachry was the administrator for the office with the federal Perkins and state CTE Incentive Grants. She is currently a representative on the National Association... Read more

I am the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Santa Rosa City Schools. I have been in Northern California for the last 9+ years. Before that I was a teacher and administrator in San Diego, CA. I possess a doctorate in education with a focus on co-teaching.