Linda Vista Teachers & Staff

Welcome to the new school year! We are so excited to be your administrative team and support system here at school. As many of you know there have been several staff changes this school year with new staff members on campus and other staff shifting into new roles. We truly feel our hiring committees have found wonderful individuals who match our philosophy and cannot wait to meet all of you. As this is a transition year, we are embracing the changes and committed to holding firm to everything that makes SDCCS the warm and wonderful community we are.

 

We have an open door policy, and welcome your input. Please do not hesitate to contact either of us if you have a concern, or if you would like us to celebrate something with you. As a school community we know by working together we can accomplish our goals.

 

Our children are our greatest treasure and our goal is to provide each child with the tools they need to grow academically, emotionally, artistically, physically and socially. We thank you so much for sharing your children with us and we welcome the opportunity to be educational partners with each of you.

 

Warmly,

Sarah Saluta, Executive Director
Kathy Osterhout, Principal
Bernie McFarland, Vice Principal

Admin

Ms. Sarah Saluta

Ms. Sarah Saluta

Executive Director

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I am honored to be the Executive Director of San Diego Cooperative Charter School! I have been working at this school since 2005. Over the years, I have seen the school grow just as I have. My teaching career brought me from Michigan to California via Arizona. I have taught in schools with 4,000 students (I called them student factories) to our small, close-knit community where I have taught kids from 2nd to 8th grade. I am in constant amazement at the work that teachers do. I began my journey as an administrator in 2013 and began working as an Executive Director in 2019 my goal as an educator and leader is to innovate, support and inspire. I want to know every student and parent in our school so that I can support you in your family’ s educational path. I believe in having some fun while educating kids. I will continue the work of creating amazing innovative, educational programs and I plan to continue to build on what I believe to be the best school community ever created.

I believe in our educational philosophy, the focus is on academic excellence but it is through collaboration and critical thinking. Our focus on the whole child is developed through relationships, social-emotional teaching and amazing courses like art, PE, music and dance at all grade levels. I believe strongly in what we do and know that we are innovators in education.

I have four kids and a loving husband who have supported me in my journey here at The San Diego Cooperative Charter Schools. All four of my children have graduated from SDCCS. This school has been a wonderful place to assist in teaching my kids the love of learning that they will have with them for a lifetime.

Ms. Kathy Osterhout

Ms. Kathy Osterhout

Principal

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I love being a part of the community at SDCCS, and to be your Principal. I have worked at SDCCS since 2010, when I joined the team as a school counselor. I began my career as a counselor in my hometown, just off the Navajo Reservation. My husband and I moved to North County in 2000, and I have worked in a variety of settings from traditional schools K-12, to a school devoted to students with special needs ages 9-22.

Throughout my career, I have never seen a school as amazing as this one. SDCCS truly supports growth of the whole child. Our staff members have a genuine love for kids, and this shines through with authentic learning experiences, meaningful projects, and challenges to think critically. Curriculum is adjusted to the students being served, and social emotional learning is emphasized. 

When I am not working, I am with my family. My husband, Vaughn, and I have 4 children, Collin, Brenna, Shaughn, and Kairi. We love watching our kids pursue their passions. As a family, we love to go snow skiing/boarding every winter, and visiting Lake Powell in the summer.

I am excited to continue the work of supporting the mission at SDCCS, and providing a world class education to every child and family who joins our family.

Ms. Bernie McFarland

Ms. Bernie McFarland

Vice Principal

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The SDCCS mission statement is what brought me to this community and the teachers, leaders, and parents who work to keep the mission statement front and center, has kept me here for 11 years. I feel so fortunate to be part of a team of educators who are passionate about providing a progressive education that is focused on developing self-aware people, lifelong learners, and critical thinkers.

During my time at SDCCS, I have had the joy of teaching kindergarten through fourth grade as a general education teacher and as an education specialist. Children begin school curious, and eager to learn. My goal is to create a community of empathetic students who develop the skills to collaborate while maintaining a love of learning. I believe empathy and love for others is the highest form of knowledge and helping students to develop these qualities will create the citizens and leaders we need to make a better future for all of us.

It has been an honor to collaborate with innovative educators to develop an equitable, responsive, and relevant curriculum that supports all students with a wide range of abilities and experiences. It has been a great opportunity for me to continue using my knowledge and love of teaching in my new role as Vice-Principal. My new role has given me the privilege of getting to work with so many more wonderful teachers, students, and families. I continue to be inspired by how the members of our community work to make a wonderful place for students to thrive.

When I am not at the school I love spending time with my husband, my 16-year-old son, and my fur babies. We love any reason to get outside including camping, hiking, and spending time on the beach, and in the ocean. My daughter Maddison, will graduate from Law School at the University of  Wisconsin this year and spend several years in Washington D.C.

Teachers

Ms. Deb Schabel

Ms. Deb Schabel

TK (Transitional Kindergarten)

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This is my 29th year as a teacher.  I was born and raised in Montana and graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in December 1992.  In 1993, I began my career as a 1st grade teacher in Waco, Texas.  The following year I spent in Connecticut as a nanny caring for a four-year-old and a one-year-old.  In 1995, my husband, Erik, and I moved to Concord, California.  I worked for a year at Canyon School District as a K-1-2 classroom aide, district secretary, and K-8 substitute teacher.  In 1996, I began teaching at Byron Union School District; one year as a 1st – 2nd multi-age teacher and two years as a Kindergarten and Reading Recovery teacher.  In 1999, we moved to Modesto, California and I began teaching at Sylvan Union School District; one year as a 1st grade teacher, fourteen years as a Kindergarten teacher, and one year as a Transitional Kindergarten teacher.  In 2015, we moved to San Diego.  This will be my 9th year at SDCCS; the 6 years as one of our multi-age TK/K teachers, one year as our half-day TK teacher and half-day support teacher, and this will be my second year as our full-day TK teacher.  In 2018, Erik and I bought a house in Santee where we live with our cat, Jack, and my dad, Dick.  We lost my mom to Alzheimer’s in October of 2021, so we are now full time care givers to my dad.  

My greatest goal is to help your child become the best that he or she can be.  I know that as a parent this is a goal we share.  In planning for your child’s learning, I will take into consideration his or her special strengths and interests.  Our learning environment will be one that encourages active participation on the part of each child.  Children will learn as they explore, observe and interact with each other.  They will be encouraged to express themselves through art, writing, music and movement.

I truly feel it takes a team approach for students to be successful in the challenging world in which they are growing up.  Parents and guardians are an integral part of this team.  I value your participation in the education of your child.  I am looking forward to knowing and working with you and your child during the 2023-2024 school year. 

 

Ms. Savonia Guy

Ms. Savonia Guy

Kindergarten

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My name is Savonia Guy, and I am one of SDCCS’s Kindergarten Teachers. I have been teaching all ages of early childhood since 2012 and have been a Kindergarten teacher at our incredible school since 2019. I am a Reggio-inspired educator and have been teaching for many years. I began my career with preschool-aged children after receiving my Child Development Certificate. I continued my education while raising our three children and working at a private Reggio-inspired preschool, and obtaining my bachelor’s in Human Development. As I continued to research best practices and reflect and grow in my pedagogical journey, I obtained my Masters in Education and Elementary Teaching Credential. I am now a Master Teacher and Adjunct Professor guiding aspiring educators from our local San Diego Universities.

My heart and soul are dedicated to the development of young children. As Loris Malaguzzi states, “Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.” Through observation and documentation of the children’s interests, we together in Kindergarten facilitate and create a rigorous academic experience for children as they pursue their interests, discover new ideas, construct knowledge of the world around them, build a strong sense of community, all while making the individual discovery of who they are as a student embarking on their elementary educational journey.

Ms. Jocelyn Calica

Ms. Jocelyn Calica

Kindergarten

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Ms. Abby Stephenson

Ms. Abby Stephenson

1st Grade

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I studied Elementary Education at Purdue University and graduated in May of 2001. My husband and I moved to beautiful San Diego in 2002 where I soon began teaching at a small private school. I completed my Master’s Degree at Loyola Marymount University in 2007. After becoming a mom a couple years later, I decided to step away from teaching in the classroom and went on to complete a yoga teacher training before my twins were born in 2011. I taught kid, family, and adult yoga while raising my three young children. I joined the SDCCS community as a parent when my oldest son began first grade in 2015. My twins followed as part of the TK program the following year. I began volunteering and substituting and was soon in awe of the classroom communities at the CoOP, the differentiated academics, and the important role cooperation takes during project work. I joined the SDCCS staff in the spring of 2018 on the primary team. I love our amazing community of students, families, and staff at the CoOP. I work with my students to create a kind, supportive, and creative environment where mistakes are welcomed and growth flourishes. In my free time, I hang out with my family, drive my children to practices and games, practice yoga, and enjoy spending time in nature.

Ms. Jaki Henry

Ms. Jaki Henry

1st Grade

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My name is Jacqueline (Jaki) Henry. I am one of the first grade teachers at SDCCS. I graduated from San Francisco State in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Teaching. In 2021 I moved to San Diego to attend the University of San Diego. I obtained my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and Multiple Subject credential in 2023. 

I believe in the constructivist teaching approach which allows students to facilitate their own learning through inquiry and exploration of their environment. My educational philosophy includes providing equitable resources to every student and creating a safe, diversified classroom where every child’s voice is celebrated. By sustaining a loving and nurturing environment for students to prosper socially and educationally, I believe that we can all learn from our community and grow together.

 

MS. Chloe Chandler

MS. Chloe Chandler

2nd Grade

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Hello!

My name is Chloe Chandler. I have been teaching for almost a decade. I started my teaching journey in 2015 when I looked into the ESL world and decided to pursue a teaching job in southern China. While there, I taught teenagers ages 13-18. I instantly felt a connection with teaching and knew that I wanted to explore it further. After a year there, I decided to seek teaching positions in different countries. I was extremely fortunate to land a teaching job in beautiful Guanajuato, Mexico. I spent a year there teaching people of all ages, gaining further experience and skills in my newfound career. 

After two years teaching abroad, I moved back to San Diego and began teaching at a private language school downtown. It was during that time that I decided to enter the public teaching world and work exclusively with kids as that was where my passion in teaching truly lied. I entered a credentialing program and Master’s program at Alliant University. While subbing and working towards my credential, COVID hit. New roles in the education world opened up which allowed me to work as instructional support for at-risk middle schoolers in small cohorts who were struggling academically and emotionally during the pandemic. In the summer of 2022, I finally earned my credential and my Master’s degree.

I was fortunate to serve as a 4th grade teacher for almost two years and now I am transitioning into second. I am grateful to be a part of an already exceptional school! 

When I am not teaching I am spending time with my partner Eli and my dog Tulip, playing video games, going to concerts, making arts and crafts, and cooking! I am passionate about veganism and animal rights!

Ms. Jessie Witt

Ms. Jessie Witt

2nd Grade

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Jessie Witt is a first grade teacher who recently received her Masters of Education degree from the University of San Diego. She is passionate about applying learner-centered teaching practices in the classroom. Jessie brings research in educational neuroscience into her teaching, using brain-friendly strategies to maximize engagement and retention of information. She believes in the value of cooperative learning, and providing students with meaningful, relevant, and enjoyable learning experiences. This will be Jessie’s first year as a teacher at SDCCS. Previously, Jessie was a student teacher in first grade at SDCCS, and has substitute taught in a variety of grade levels and districts. 

Jessie enjoys the outdoors, and is an avid camper, backpacker, and hiker. Jessie is also a DIY enthusiast and likes to make things.

Ms. Maggie Dygola

Ms. Maggie Dygola

3rd Grade

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Ms. Anu Hazzan

Ms. Anu Hazzan

3rd Grade

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Hello there, everyone! I am Anu Hazzan. Back in 2020, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and for the past couple of years, I have taught Financial Literacy and Algebra I at a therapeutic boarding school in Connecticut. The summer of 2022 brought a new chapter in my life as I made the decision to move all the way from my hometown of Shelton, Connecticut to sunny San Diego, California. Here, I decided to further my teaching knowledge by pursuing a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of San Diego.

Before becoming part of the wonderful SDCCS community, I was a substitute teacher at various charter schools. As the 2022-2023 academic year drew to a close, I found myself in the role of an Upper Elementary Special Education Teacher.

I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach 3rd grade here at SDCCS! I strongly believe that building strong connections with my students and nurturing a warm, cooperative learning space are the keys to successful teaching. When I’m not busy completing academic course work, you can often find me exploring new places through travel, taking leisurely strolls with my dog, Kenya, or reading a good book.

Ms. Danika Hochberger

Ms. Danika Hochberger

4th Grade

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Hi! I’m Danika Hochberger and I am so excited to be a third grade teacher here at SDCCS! I feel so lucky to be a part of such a beautiful community. I am a recent SDSU graduate and love to explore the world around me! I love working with kids and getting to know them not just as students, but as little people that are going to change the world!

Ms. Ana Bedoy Medina

Ms. Ana Bedoy Medina

4th Grade

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Hello Everyone. I am Ana Medina and go by Ms.Ana. I graduated from SDSU with a B.A. in Chicana/o Studies and have a California teaching credential. I have been teaching elementary for the past 15 years. My husband Bob and I decided to give international teaching a try in 2009. During our 13 years abroad we loved learning Arabic, traveling, and getting to students from all over the world. We taught at private American schools in Egypt, Ethiopia, and most recently the UAE. Bob will also be teaching art here and our daughter, Ximena will attend 2nd grade here at SDCCS. 

As a teacher, I look forward to getting to know your child and helping them thrive academically and socially. I focus on getting to know the child as a whole and developing life-long learners. Your child’s success in learning and sense of belonging at school is very important to me and I believe it takes a strong commitment from the teacher, student, and parents to achieve this. I am very happy to be joining SDCCS.

In my spare time, I love all things related to the mail. I really enjoy sending and receiving mail from friends, family, and Postcrossing. My appreciation for stamps increased exponentially when I first moved to Egypt and they had Tutankamun on their stamps.

Ms. Whitney Schulze

Ms. Whitney Schulze

5th Grade

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I am a native San Diegan, who left home to explore the world after graduating from Point Loma High School. I received a degree in International Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and pursued a career in Human Resources in Washington, D.C. After 4 years of training adults I decided to make the switch to teaching your nation’s youth. I moved to San Francisco where I received my Master’s in International and Multicultural Education and spent some time teaching English in Ecuador.

In 2016 I moved back to San Diego and had the pleasure of joining the SDCCS and Bridging community. I began my education career here, starting as an Instructional Assistant, then becoming a Substitute and Student Teacher, and finally being hired as the 5th grade teacher. I am incredibly passionate about math and science and enjoy sharing this love with my students. When I am not busy teaching and planning, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time in nature with my husband and our beloved pets. And if you’re ever interested in discussing environmental conservation and finding low waste alternatives, I am your girl!

Ms. Nicolette Stebbin

Ms. Nicolette Stebbin

5th Grade

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I grew up in Orange County, California, before moving to San Diego for college. Once here, I never left. San Diego is my home, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I studied Communication and Social Psychology in my undergraduate before pursuing a Master’s in Education at UCSD. I have worked in a variety of classrooms from kindergarten all the way to sixth grade. I work as a reading specialist with Horizons National Nonprofit during the summer months. Teaching is my passion and every day brings me immeasurable joy.

I believe in building relationships with my students and their families from the beginning, so I am so lucky to join the SDCCS family. I enjoy many hobbies, including horseback riding, cooking, baking, gardening, gaming, writing, painting, and reading. I love to start new hobbies and share them with the class when I can. On my weekends, I enjoy curling up with my cat to read a good book. I look forward to meeting my students and creating a love for the humanities in their hearts.

“I believe that education is all about being excited about something.” Steve Irwin

“It’s so important to do something every day that will make you happy.” Bob Ross

“Listening is where love begins, listening to ourselves, and then to our neighbors.” Mister Rogers

Ms. Sophia Flores

Ms. Sophia Flores

Middle School (Humanities 6)

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Sophia Flores is a San Diego Native with deep roots to the Chicano and San Diego Arts community. After studying Sociology, Chicana/o Studies, and Education at UC Davis Sophia began her teaching career in Watts, Los Angeles. Sophia ventured back to San Diego to explore project-based teaching practices in her own 6th grade Humanities classroom as she attended High Tech High’s Graduate School of Education. She is now in her 6th year of teaching and is excited to be a part of SDCCS’ Middle School team.

Ms. Taylor Davis

Ms. Taylor Davis

Middle School (STEM 6)

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After graduating with a BA in International Relations and Human Rights from UC Davis, I began a career in university development. I planned events and raised money to support research and education in energy efficiency and sustainable transportation. After about four years I realized that though I loved supporting the world-class research happening at UC Davis, fundraising was not the career path I wanted to be on. So, I joined Teach for America. I earned my teaching credential and taught 5th and 6th grade in rural New Mexico. 
After 12 years elsewhere, I’m excited to be returning to San Diego, where I grew up. 
I’m passionate about teaching inquiry-based STEM, and love helping students explore their curiosities and to think deeply about the way the things around them work. I believe in productive struggle and meaning-making through collaboration. 
When I’m not teaching, I’m sure to be reading something, trying new recipes, hiking with my dogs, or swimming in the ocean.
Mr. Jeff Plapp

Mr. Jeff Plapp

Middle School (Humanities 7)

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2020-2021 marks Jeff Plapp’s 17th year with SDCCS and his sixteenth total as a teacher. Jeff graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art. He continues to paint and sculpt as time allows.

Jeff earned his teaching credential and Masters Degree through National University after a long career in the coffee industry. Jeff has always enjoyed being active, whether in his career or his pastime. He enjoys hiking, yoga, rock-climbing and even took part in a Tuff Mudder Run with fellow SDCCS staff. He hopes one day to climb Mt. Whitney.

Mr. Plapp lives in South Park with the super-talented, beautiful, love of his life, Tara Gasparian. Jeff is at the mercy of the extreme cuteness of his two cats, Willow and Ivy and the adorable dog Frankie.
He loves nothing more than to see his students work hard and challenge themselves while learning and having fun; well, that is, except for pie.

Mr. Jared Gualtieri

Mr. Jared Gualtieri

Middle School (STEM 7)

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I have been teaching 7th Grade Math and Science since 2019, after doing my student teaching here at SDCCS. I love being a teacher and encouraging students to embrace their curiosity to explore the world around us.
I enjoy exploring nature, playing and listening to music, reading, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
Mr. Julian Rico

Mr. Julian Rico

Middle School (Humanities 8)

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This is Julian’s eighth year teaching Humanities at SDCCS. Before he became a part of the SDCCS family he taught English at San Diego High School. On his journey to become a teacher he taught in a number of different settings: from in-home tutor, to ESL teacher and long term substitute where he taught Engineering at Pershing Middle school and History at Wilson Middle School.

Julian is a native San Diegan and is no longer a Charger fan since they moved to LA. He attended San Diego State University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in English, his Teaching Credential and his Masters Degree in Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in an Urban Environment. Julian is also a fellow of the San Diego Area Writing Project Summer Institute.

In his free time he can be found working out in his garage, driving his car through the mountains, or taking a couch nap.

Ms. Jean Dugan

Ms. Jean Dugan

Middle School (STEM 8)

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Hello and welcome. I am the 8th grade Math and Science teacher and SDCCS Math Lead, K-8.  I joined the SDCCS family in 2010 when my son entered kindergarten. In 2015, I became a classroom  teacher and loved teaching Math and History to Bridging (5th Grade).  In 2020, I transitioned to 8th grade and have been happy to work with many wonderful and familiar students.  I received my B.A. degree in History from UCSD in 1994. I earned my Masters of Education with a specialization in Teaching Mathematics in 2019.  I was a dance instructor for over twenty years (shout out to my beloved Creative Dance Theatre) and continue to use movement as a vehicle for academic learning.  I am an Illustrative Mathematics Certified Facilitator, K-5.  

I believe in constructivist, student-centered learning that addresses the whole child. I want to guide my students to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, reflective learners, good communicators, and supportive friends.  I am passionate about providing the space and experiences for all students to ask questions and construct a deep understanding of mathematics and science  through hands-on experiences and problem-solving.  I want students to develop positive academic mindsets, to embrace risks and failure as the way to grow, and to be lifelong learners. Learning is rewarding and fun!

Speacials Team

Ms. Mayra De Alba

Ms. Mayra De Alba

Dance

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Ms. Lizeth Rincon Corzo

Ms. Lizeth Rincon Corzo

Music

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Hi, SDCCS community. I am Lizeth Rincon and I recently joined this beautiful team to be the music teacher K-8. I studied my bachelors degree in music education in Colombia, which is where I am from. Last year I came to the United States to continue developing my professional career.

In regards to education, a few months ago I was able to get my California Teaching Credential, and I am very eager to continue keeping up my studies to bring the best of my knowledge to the learning environment of our SDCCS community.

As for my artistic side, I’ve participated in different choirs and musical groups in my country for many years, and now, I am happy to be an active member of the San Diego Master Chorale. I have a big passion for music and I am very excited to share my knowledge and love for music with the students, parents, staff members and the community in general.

Ms. Janel Kerr

Ms. Janel Kerr

Art

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Hello SDCCS Families! My name is Janel Kerr, and I am so excited to be your child’s art teacher. I have been a teacher from preschool through college over the past 20 years, but I have only lived in California since 2015.

I am originally from Idaho, and earned a BFA in Studio Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology and a PhD in Career-Technical Education at the University of Idaho.

I am very passionate about all kinds of art, and helping students find their voice through a medium that works for them. I am an avid Star Wars fan, a voracious reader, and I play the clarinet in the San Diego Concert Band.  I live with my husband and we have three daughters.

 

Mr. Anthony Destino

Mr. Anthony Destino

PE

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My name is Anthony “Tony” Destino and this will be my first year teaching Physical Education at SDCCS. Previously I worked at a private Montessori school in San Diego where I taught P.E. for the last 11 years for students from 2 years old through 6th grade.

A native of Western New York, I grew up a lifelong New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan. While living in NY I taught Adapted Physical Education for students with developmental disabilities for many years. After a trip West in 2012 I never looked back and have resided in San Diego ever since.

I received my Masters of Science in Physical Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY and my Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from the University at Buffalo.

I am elated to begin the next chapter of my career at SDCCS where my daughter will also be starting 2nd grade.

In my spare time enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter and vacationing in Hawaii!

 

 

SPED Team

Ms. Amy Spitler

Ms. Amy Spitler

Director of Special Programs

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Amy Spitler joined SDCCS in 2018 after working in Non-public Schools for 20 years. She enjoys the creative aspect of Special Education that allows her to work collaboratively with staff, faculty, students and parents to find solutions for students’ unique learning needs. She has a degree in Comparative Literature from UC San Diego and completed her Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credentials through CSU San Marcos. She has worked with students with learning differences since 1998 in a variety of subjects from elementary art to high school physics. In addition, she has been trained in the Orton-Gillingham methodology to support students with reading challenges. Her goal is to support both the academic and personal growth of her students and to cultivate and nurture passions for learning.

Mr. Ben Werner

Mr. Ben Werner

Education Specialist & Adapted PE

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My name is Ben Werner and I moved to San Diego from Boston in 2015 (Though I grew up in the DC area). I joined the SDCCS family in 2016 after earning my dual credential in teaching Multiple Subjects and Special Education and have been working here as an Ed Specialist ever since.  I am also SDCCS’s Adapted PE Teacher and love helping students stay active and healthy.

Ms. Evelyn Ingraham

Ms. Evelyn Ingraham

Education Specialist

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My name is Evelyn and I am an Education Specialist/Case Manager here at SDCCS. This will be my 3rd year teaching here and I truly love this community! This is my 5th year teaching special education. My practices really align with our mission here at SDCCS and working with students holistically. In my free time I love time outdoors spent with my dog, Ella, and close friends. Whether it is surfing, skating or just being a lizard in the sun; I love all that SoCal has to offer.

Support Staff

Ms. Nahomi Rosas

Ms. Nahomi Rosas

Psychologist

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Hello, I am Nahomi, the School Psychologist at SDCCS. I joined the SDCCS family in 2019. I received my B.A. degree in Liberal Studies from SDSU in 2013, and earned my Masters of Special Education with a specialization in Autism in 2015. I was a Special Education teacher for five years before finding my true passion in School Psychology which led me to earn my Masters of School Psychology from Alliant International University in 2019.

I love to travel and have a special place in my heart for Australia where I studied abroad twice throughout my education career and where I got engaged! My husband and I love to go to Mexico during the weekends to visit our families and hope to build a family of our own sometime soon.

Ms. Jocelyn McCullough, PhD

Ms. Jocelyn McCullough, PhD

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructor

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Welcome! My name is Jocelyn McCullough but most of the students know me as Mrs Jo. We are a relatively new family, joining SDCCS in October of 2020, amid Covid and virtual learning. We have a third grader at the school and a fifth grader who attends Children’s Workshop, a non-public school for students in need of high support and specialized accommodations. We are a neurodiverse family, many of us, including myself are autistic and/or ADHDers. We are a family who enjoys new adventures and exploring our passions whether it be a falconry lesson or a new hiking trail. But we also love our tried and true spots where we are free to be ourselves, such as enjoying the calming sights and sounds of a quiet beach or visiting our happy place, Disneyland. We are avid animal lovers, having two dogs, Ahsoka and Rexie and have been enjoying our newest addition to our family over the summer, a pastel ball python named Anakin. If our youngest and I had our way, our house might look something like Dr Dolittle’s. 

After our first year at SDCCS, I had the privilege of being able to give back to our community, by joining the PSA and will continue on in the role of Treasurer again this year. Last year, I was offered the opportunity to rejoin the workforce as an Instructional Aide at SDCCS, after motherhood had put my career on a bit of a hiatus. Being able to support students in their academic endeavors while also helping to address their social and emotional needs, allowed me to once again tap into my area of expertise and in an incredibly meaningful way. As the SEL Instructor this year, I look forward to the opportunity of working with the entire student body to assist in the understanding of the interplay between the brain, emotions, ability to learn, and what factors can hinder and assist this process so that each student may be able to thrive, not just academically.

A little about my professional training and background. I received my undergraduate training in psychology at UCSD and went on to receive my doctorate at California School of Professional Psychology. Serving as school counselor at St Gregory the Great, a private elementary school in Scripps Poway, and also at San Diego State University, instilled in me the importance of addressing students’ social-emotional needs for their overall mental health and academic success. When one’s emotional mind has taken over, we are unable to access the parts of our brain that allow for growth and learning. I look forward to fostering collaborative relationships with staff, students, and families alike to help support the social, emotional and in turn academic success for our life-time learners.

Ms. Betsy Mousavi

Ms. Betsy Mousavi

Dean of Students

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This will be my fifth year as a Counselor at SDCCS and I am also the SST / 504 Coordinator on campus. I enjoy working with students, teachers, and families as a team to support student needs.  I received my Masters of Science and PPS Credential from SDSU as a part of the CBB Program (Community Based Block) with a concentration in multicultural community counseling.  In addition to my role as School Counselor, I have also been actively involved on campus as a parent for over 10 years working in classrooms, volunteering with the PSA and starting an after school Chess Club.  I currently have a 2nd and 7th grader attending the Co-op as well as a recent SDCCS graduate now attending CHS.  During my “free time” I enjoy spending time in nature, reading and listening to music.

Ms. Rebecca Greenhouse

Ms. Rebecca Greenhouse

Counselor

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I moved to San Diego from Colorado in 2006 to attend the University of San Diego (USD). After graduating and realizing my passion for working with students I returned to USD, receiving my Masters in School Counseling and PPS Credential in 2015. In the Spring of 2021, I started as an On-Site Substitute at SDCCS and quickly learned I wanted to make it my long term home. In the Fall of 2021, I joined the Counseling team and I am currently the primary Middle School Counselor, and I couldn’t be happier. I am extremely passionate about building rapport and genuinely connecting with students and families to best support them.

In August 2022, I became a mom for the first time to a beautiful daughter named Ocean. She is my pride and joy!

Ms. Andrea Sandoval

Ms. Andrea Sandoval

Counselor

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Hello, all! I am so excited to start this new school year as a counselor! It brings me immense joy to work with kids, as I believe in the power of guidance, empathy, and encouragement to help them thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. With a genuine passion for helping young minds grow, I bring my experience as a parent of two wonderful kids to the table. I understand the challenges and joys that come with growing up, and I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students can freely express themselves and explore their potential. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from San Jose State University, and a Master’s degree in Education, Counseling and Guidance with a PPS credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Previous to working at SDCCS, I worked in many higher education institutions but find myself loving working with younger students. When I’m not busy at school, you’ll often find me enjoying the great outdoors, exploring new food places, attending sporting events, playing soccer, practicing yoga or drinking an iced coffee. As your school counselor, I am here to support you wholeheartedly. Whether you need help with academic challenges, navigating friendships, managing emotions, or setting goals, I am your ally. My goal is to help students develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Ms. Clancy Slater

Ms. Clancy Slater

MTSS

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ClanSea is my nickname, I love all things ocean and I love to be in nature. I have been with SDCCS for 8 years and I have been teaching for 28 years in various grade levels and states. I am a passionate reader and writer. I love to hike, swim in the ocean, and travel the world.

Ms. Ellen Berg

Ms. Ellen Berg

MTSS

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Ellen Berg has taught English and history at SDCCS since 2005 and is currently Lead Humanities Teacher. Prior to that, she taught sixth grade for nine years in St. Louis, Missouri. Ellen has been published in several professional journals including Middle Ground and Education Week and was a longtime teacher diarist at Middleweb back before blogs were popular.

Ellen believes whoever is doing the work is doing the learning, so she strives to put students in problem-solving situations that are developmentally responsive and support students’ growth as readers, writers and citizens of our world. She believes her job is to help every child become the greatest, truest expression of themselves and to nurture their talents, spirits and academic growth.

At home, Ellen is owned by two cats and has yet to leave the house without their fur stuck to her clothing. She’s enjoys writing, traveling and reading. She may or may not turn naughty children into boots. Dark chocolate and good coffee make her day infinitely better, so if you’re feeling like spreading some joy around, that’s the way to her happy place.

Ms. Maddie Marusarz M.S. CCC-SLP

Ms. Maddie Marusarz M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

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My name is Maddie Marusarz and I am a speech-language pathologist. I grew up in Illinois and Wisconsin and have since lived in Colorado, Germany, and Oregon. I earned my B.S in Communicative Disorders and Sciences at San Jose State University and then earned my M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Portland State University. This year I completed my training to earn certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. 

As a speech-language therapist, my number one priority is making sure my students feel safe, understood and appreciated for who they are. Everyone deserves a voice (whether that’s speaking or AAC!) and I love being able to help my students develop their communication skills.

When I’m not at work I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, sewing and everything to do with Halloween. I’m very excited to join SDCCS this year!

Office Staff

Ms. Janna Roper

Ms. Janna Roper

Business

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