Over the past 4 years, we have hired a significant number of new staff members. We have a stringent hiring process and only the most talented individuals are offered opportunities to be on our team. This year is no different. I am so very excited to introduce our newest staff members:
I am pleased to welcome Mrs. Ashley Courtney, Math Teacher. Mrs. Courtney earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies, teaching credential and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She taught in Northern California for the past ten years and loves teaching students how math applies to the real-world through engaging strategies and technology.
I am also excited to share that Mrs. Andrea Crammer will be our new Librarian/Media Specialist. Mrs. Crammer holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies - Teaching, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Librarian Service Credential from CSU Long Beach. Mrs. Crammer loves the charisma that middle school students bring to the library. She is thrilled to be a part of the Venado team.
The newest addition to our Counseling Team is Ms. Nicole Epres. Ms. Epres holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC Riverside and a M.A. in Educational and Clinical Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University. She is also currently a part-time School Counselor at Portola High School. Ms. Epres is eager to meet staff, parents and students.
Mr. Hector Gamboa will be joining our Social Science Department. Mr. Gamboa received his B.A. in History and his teaching credential from UC Irvine. He is currently entering his 4th year in the profession having initially taught at Santa Ana Valley High School and University High School in Irvine. While serving different communities, Mr. Gamboa has enjoyed the opportunity of working with communities of different backgrounds. Mr. Gamboa is ecstatic about the opportunity of working with middle school students and developing critical thinking and informed citizens at an early age.
We are also pleased to announce that Ms. Lindsay Kearns will be our newest Education Specialist. Lindsay earned her B.S. in Communicative Disorders from CSU Fullerton and her M.S. in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She worked for IUSD as an Instructional Assistant for the last 5 years and did her student teaching at Beacon Park Elementary School. Teaching and helping others has always been a lifelong passion of hers. She is honored to be a part of the Venado family.
Last, but not least, Mr. Donavin Le Beau is our new Technology Support Specialist. Mr. Le Beau received his B.S. at National University in Information Technology Management. He also received his M.A. at National University in Educational Technology. He’s a huge sports fan which is why he also coaches football at Portola High School.
~Luis Torres, Principal