Admins, Teachers & Staffs

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.

I love being a part of the community at SDCCS and serving as 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 San Diego County in 2000, and I have worked in a variety of settings, from traditional K-12 schools 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 is evident in the authentic learning experiences, meaningful projects, and challenges to think critically. Social emotional learning is embedded in our program.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and enjoying nature. Our family particularly loves our trips to Lake Powell, where I was raised. 

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

I am excited to step into the role of Co-Vice Principal after supporting our learning community as Dean of Students. My work with students spans all ages from preschool age to high school students and I enjoyed being a Counselor here at SDCCS for 5 years prior to taking on the role of Dean of Students for the last two years. My work experience includes various positions since graduating from SDSU with a MS Degree which included training in cross-cultural counseling and a focus on supporting immigrant and refugee populations. Outside of school, my time is spent with my family, including my 3 children, ages 19, 15, and 10 who have all attended (and currently attend) SDCCS from K-8. We can often be found in the Clairmont area where we live participating in sports, going to the beach, or hiking.

Hello!
My name is Anh Luc, and I’m so excited to be teaching Transitional Kindergarten (TK) this year! While this will be my second year as a TK teacher, I bring over 20 years of experience in education, working with children from preschool through middle school.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2018 and my Master’s Degree in Education in 2021, both from National University.

My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that every child is unique and deserves a nurturing, engaging environment where they can grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. I aim to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to share their ideas and take risks as they learn and explore.

When I’m not in the classroom, I love traveling, hiking, and spending time in nature. I also enjoy being with family, friends, and my adorable corgi, Atticus.
This year will be filled with learning, laughter, and lots of adventure—I can’t wait to get started! Let’s make it a great year together!

Hi! I am beyond excited to be joining the SDCCS teaching team as a kindergarten teacher after six years as a paraprofessional, five years serving on the PSA, and nine years as a parent in the community. I bring with me years of experience in behavior support, as a parent of two neurodivergent children, as a 1:1 aide to some truly incredible students, and from my own lived experience as an autistic person with ADHD and OCD. Teaching has been a dream of mine since I was a child. After spending 26 years as a hair and makeup artist, I’m now thrilled to be fulfilling the other half of that dream. I recently earned my BA in Early Childhood Education and am honored to begin this next chapter. In my free time, I love oil painting, skateboarding, napping, and spending time with my amazing husband and children.

“I’m not saying I speak fluent five-year-old, but I do know how to have a full conversation using only giggles and dinosaur impressions.”

My name is Jessie Witt and I am a first grade teacher at SDCCS. I began my career teaching at SDCCS in 2022 after receiving my Masters of Education degree from the University of San Diego. I am passionate about the Coop’s purpose and invested in and inspired by the community we have. I am focused on applying learner-centered teaching practices in my classroom, and using teaching practices rooted in educational neuroscience. My role is to provide students with meaningful, relevant and enjoyable learning experiences. It is important to me that students learn to work with others effectively and collaborate. I am here to support students’ social, emotional and academic growth, and do so using a constructivist and cooperative approach. This will be my third year teaching at SDCCS and have taught first and second grades. Previously, I was a student teacher in first grade at SDCCS, and I have substitute taught in a variety of grade levels and districts.

I enjoy spending time and having adventures outdoors. I am an avid camper, backpacker, and hiker. I also love to swim, read, sew, bake and make things. I am originally from Napa and the Bay Area, and I return there to visit often.

Hello, my name is Ana Medina. I graduated from SDSU with a B.A. in Chicana/o Studies and have a California teaching credential. I have been teaching elementary school for the past 18 years and this is my fourth year at SDCCS. 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 teaches art at HTHCV and our daughter, Ximena will be in 5th 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 being part of our SDCCS community.

In my spare time, I love all things related to 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.

My name is Sophia Rippner, and I’m thrilled to be teaching 3rd grade this year! I look forward to meeting each of my students and their families, and to creating a collaborative, fun learning environment. I emphasize social-emotional learning and building independence to help students become lifelong learners. I’m so excited to collaborate with all of you.

I’m originally from the East Coast and grew up in a small city in Vermont. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 2021 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. Most recently, I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching – TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in May 2025. I’m passionate about linguistics and love exploring new teaching strategies that support all types of learners. I have taught 2nd through 4th grade since 2021!

Outside the classroom, I enjoy all that San Diego has to offer—especially beaches, hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, and visiting farmers’ markets. In the winter, I enjoy snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain.

I’m so excited to continue (or begin!) being a part of your child’s learning journey!

I’m honored and privileged to be a part of our cooperative community. I am enthusiastic to begin my 12th year of teaching. Originally from the midwest, I grew up in South Carolina and graduated with honors from the College of Charleston with degrees in Education and Psychology. I have taught in district, private, and charter schools, and I can’t imagine a better place than SDCCS to teach and to send my kids. I moved to San Diego in 2008 and have been a part of the Co-op community in a variety of roles including teacher, parent, board member, and PSA (Parent Staff Association) president. 

When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my husband, kids, and dogs. I love to read, hike, write, camp, and travel. I feel grateful to live in San Diego and enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer. I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

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!

Hi! I’m Ms. Taylor. I’m excited to be the 8th grade math and science teacher this year. 

I joined Teach for America in 2019 after a couple of years working in research fundraising at UC Davis (my alma mater.) I earned my teaching credential and taught 5th and 6th grade in rural New Mexico, and then taught 4th grade in east Los Angeles.

After 12 years elsewhere, I’m excited to be back in San Diego, where I grew up. 

This will be my fourth year teaching middle school STEM at SDCCS. I’m passionate about teaching inquiry-based STEM, and love helping students explore their curiosities and think deeply about the way the things around them work. I believe in productive struggle and meaning-making through collaboration. Creating a class culture that promotes academic risk-taking and emotional safety is always my first priority at the start of each school year. 

When I’m not teaching, I’m sure to be running around after my 1 year old, or possibly reading something, trying a new recipe, wandering around the zoo, or swimming in the ocean.

2025 – 2026 marks Jeff Plapp’s 22nd year with SDCCS. 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 Master’s Degree through National University after a long career in the coffee industry. Jeff has always enjoyed being active, whether in his career or in his free time. He enjoys hiking, yoga, and rock-climbing.  He hopes to climb Mt. Whitney one day.

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 seeing his students work hard and challenge themselves while learning and having fun, except for pie.

This is Julian’s ninth 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.

Hi, my name is Siena Welch and I am so excited to be back at SDCCS where I first worked as a student teacher! I graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in History, followed by a teaching credential, and Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education.

For the past two years I have been teaching 7th grade history at Gompers Preparatory Academy. While it is a great school and I enjoyed my time there, I jumped at the opportunity to return to SDCCS. During my time as a student teacher here I fell in love with the school culture and community and hoped someday I would return.

I am excited to teach both social studies and English. I value the development of effective writing so students can communicate their ideas and express their creativity. I strive to create an environment where students can use what they learn in humanities to help them understand the world around them and their place in it.

In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially near the water. I also enjoy reading, spending time with loved ones, and watching sports. My favorite team is the San Francisco 49ers, but as a San Diego native I love to go to Padres games. I look forward to having a wonderful school year at SDCCS!

Mayra Alejandra De Alba grew up in Chula Vista, where she began her dance journey at a very young age, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Her education at the Chula Vista School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Diego State University, and the California Ballet Company allowed her to refine her skills and explore various dance styles across the nation. Participating in prestigious programs such as The Walt Disney Performing Arts programs, the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, and the Juilliard Dance Experience helped her develop a strong stage presence and professionalism. Her time as a dancer and character performer at Disney not only honed her craft but also instilled a love for storytelling through movement.
Transitioning from performer to choreographer, Ms. Mayra uses her extensive experience to create engaging and innovative dance routines. Her teaching style emphasizes not just technical skills but also the joy of movement and expression, encouraging students to explore their creativity and find their unique voices. By incorporating elements of theater, world music, cultural dance, and creative movement, she fosters an environment of fearless exploration through the magic of music and dance. With her commitment to nurturing young talent, Ms. Mayra is dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring atmosphere for her students, believing in the transformative power of dance to connect and uplift lives.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a school community that values creativity, student voice, and the arts. I bring hands-on experience teaching guitar ensemble, preparing them for public performances while fostering a positive, student-centered learning environment. My teaching approach emphasizes collaboration, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive practices that reflect students’ musical identities.

I have experience working in after-school programs and as a substitute teacher. My goal is to create an inclusive music classroom where students feel safe to express themselves and are motivated to grow both as musicians and as people.

My name is Anthony “Tony” Destino and this will be my 3rd 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 happy to continue teaching at SDCCS where my daughter will also be starting 4th  grade.

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

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.

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.

My name is Jessica Lopez and I graduated from Metropolitan State University in Denver CO. I have recently moved to the beautiful San Diego from Denver and am so excited to start my journey at SDCCS! 

I am entering my fourth year teaching special education for grades K-5. I truly believe in making direct and explicit instruction individualized to all of my students! 

My hobbies include hiking, trying new craft projects, and hanging with my dog Jax!

Cesar Vigil-Ruiz is an education specialist, and this is his third year here at SDCCS. 

He has a BA in Philosophy from UCSD, and is in process of completing a Masters in Special Education for Mild/Moderate students at National University.

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.

Hi, I’m Ms. Rebecca! I’m so excited to be back supporting our youngest students in TK through 1st grade as the Primary School Counselor again this year.

I first joined SDCCS in March 2021 as the on-site substitute and quickly fell in love with the school’s mission and vision. I knew I wanted to be a permanent part of this special community, and in the following school year, I was lucky enough to be hired as a School Counselor, and lovingly nicknamed the “Covid Lady” as I also helped support students and families navigating Covid-related needs and protocols during that unique time.

As a counselor, I believe in meeting students and families where they are. I genuinely care about helping children grow into their best selves, and I strive to create a safe, patient, and nurturing environment for our youngest learners. Supporting the early stages of social and emotional development is something I’m truly passionate about, and I feel honored to be a part of these important first steps in each child’s school journey.

Hello! I am from the Imperial Valley, a small community located about 2 hours east of San Diego. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology at SDSU and my Master’s in Educational Counseling and PPS Credential at National University. I have had the pleasure of working in education for the past 6 years in a variety of roles such as student outreach, special education, and as a school counseling intern. I am so excited to be part of the SDCCS community as a school counselor and exercise my passion for working with students and contributing to their supportive and inclusive learning environment! In my free time I enjoy exploring San Diego with my friends, playing volleyball, and riding dirt bikes in the desert back home with my family.

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.

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.

I am originally from Northern California and moved to San Diego in 2018 to study at the University of San Diego. My child joined SDCCS as a 1st grader in 2021 and since arriving that first day, I knew this was our community and our San Diego home! I have over 20 years of youth development and educational experience ranging from facilitating summer camps and after school programs at elementary, middle and high schools, to teaching leadership, college and career, basketball, volleyball and music courses to middle school and high school students. I have worked as a trainer and manager in adult and staff education in both higher education and non profit sectors along with my k-12 educational experience. Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, nature, singing and gathering with family and friends.