Over the past five 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.
First, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Karen Clevenger, school psychologist. Mrs. Clevenger earned her B.A. in Psychology from CSU, Long Beach and her M.A. in Psychology (Marriage & Family Therapy) from Chapman University. She also earned her M.A. in Psychology. Ms. Clevenger has been employed in the educational field, with the last twelve years as a school psychologist in IUSD at various sites. She is excited to be part of the Venado team!
Mrs. Aling Bógosh, one of our former Spanish teachers, will also be rejoining our team. Mrs. Bógosh earned her B.A. in Spanish Literature from UC Irvine, and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University. She also spent three years studying Spanish Philology in Barcelona and Madrid. Before coming to IUSD, Mrs. Bógosh taught various levels of high school Spanish courses in Laguna Beach. She has also taught Spanish at Venado, Sierra Vista and Woodbridge. Mrs. Bógosh is ecstatic to be back at Venado again.
I am excited to introduce our newest staff member, Mr. Noel Galang. Mr. Galang comes to us from John Burroughs in LAUSD where he taught math for the last five years. Mr. Galang graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Mathematics in Teaching and received his M.A. in Teaching from USC. In his free time, Mr. Galang likes hiking, playing video games, and watching Lakers’ games.
Ms. Emily Bacopulos is looking forward to joining our Venado team as an Education Specialist. Ms. Bacopulos received her B.S. in Child Development at Texas Christian University and went on to complete her M.Ed. in Special Education at the University of North Texas. Emily was born and raised in Southern California, so she is excited to be back in her home state. She’s looking forward to enjoying the beach with her family. She will be a great addition to Venado as she values creativity and communication, and she understands the importance of a rich learning environment for her students.
Mrs. Anna Morley, who previously worked at Venado as an ERHMS specialist, is returning to Venado as our Wellness Coordinator. Mrs. Morley holds a B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been working with children and their families for the past ten years. Mrs. Morley enjoys spending her free time hiking, and boating with her husband and two puppies.
Mr. Fernando Estrada will be joining our custodial team. Mr. Estrada is currently working towards his A.A. degree and planning to transfer to a four-year university. Over the past year, Mr. Estrada served IUSD as a substitute and part-time custodian. During his free time, he enjoys staying active by hiking, going to the gym, and playing basketball.
Mrs. Maria Cabrera will be our new health clerk. Mrs. Cabrera has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of the East, Philippines. Prior to joining the IUSD family in October 2018 as a health clerk substitute, she previously worked in various capacities at the San Ramon Unified School District. Mrs. Cabrera has two sons: one attends high school and the other is a college student. She loves reading and taking walks. Mrs. Cabrera looks forward to working with middle school kids again, and to helping out wherever she can.
Ms. Kathryn Morwood will be working one day a week as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). She graduated from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at Orange Coast College in 2015, and has been working as a SLPA in Irvine Unified since then. She’s been assigned a number of elementary schools in the district and is excited to be working with middle school students this year. Ms. Moorwood enjoys spending time at the pool or beach with her three children. She’s always on the hunt for new coffee places and restaurants, and loves having a good book to read.
~ Luis Torres, Principal