Rachel Chaltry

7/8 Social Studies Teacher - Bethune Elementary

Rachel is an educational exemplar. She not only leads the 7/8 Team with her amazing organizational skills and foresight, but she also dedicates herself to every single learner in her classroom, elevating them to levels they didn’t even imagine. The three words used to describe Rachel are dedicated, harmonious, and organized.

Vanessa Gonzalez

Instructional Assistant - Bethune Elementary

Vanessa is a dedicated and caring Instructional Assistant for our English Language students. She is always willing to help anyone on campus and does whatever needs to be done. She takes initiative and is a dedicated and hard worker. The three words used to describe Vanessa are caring, dedicated, and thoughtful.

Manisha Gupta

Kindergarten Teacher - Dunbar Elementary

Mrs. Gupta goes above and beyond each day and does whatever it takes to ensure her students are learning. She has strong relationships with parents, students, and staff.  She is collaborative and a mentor to others. She works tirelessly to meet the needs of students who need extra help after school and demonstrates amazing instructional practices and evidence of student achievement. Some of the many words used to describe Mrs. Gupta are consistent, determined, caring, collaborative, and efficient.

Erika Vargas

Instructional Assistant - Dunbar Elementary

Erika is hardworking, creative, and dedicated to student learning and making a positive impact. She is a team player who goes above and beyond to help when needed and is always on time for duties and assists with Walk to Read for K-3 students. She is patient, has a great sense of humor, and cares a lot about our students and staff. Some of the words used to describe Erika are detail-oriented, adaptable, committed, cheerful, and caring.

Jennifer Buchanan

Reading Interventionist - Lowell Elementary

Jennifer is a wonderful teacher and interventionist. She steps in wherever needed, works exceptionally well with students, and is dedicated to the school community. This year she has taken on the added role of co-coordinating our afterschool 21st Century programs.  She also serves on our leadership team helping to implement our school improvement plan through her expertise and dedicated work. She is a joy to work with and we love having her here at Lowell! Some of the words used to describe Jennifer are organized, hard-working, and student-focused.

Michelle Hernandez

Assistant Office Manager - Lowell Elementary

Michelle is a dedicated member of the Lowell Family and the entire community loves and adores her. She consistently goes above and beyond to do her job and to support the school. She has worked diligently to learn the duties of the office manager in the event she ever has to fill in, and even goes as far as to support students by being a student coach to support them with their behavior. We could not run as smoothly as we run at Lowell without her. The three words used to describe Michelle are dependable, caring, and hard-working.

Monica Ramos

Resource/Inclusion Teacher - Heard Elementary

Ms. Ramos is a joy to all around campus. She puts her heart and soul into her teaching and connecting real-life experiences to the interests of her students. Ms. Ramos is seen as a safe adult to all students on campus and always has an ear to listen. She is the embodiment of school spirit and is always participating and going above and beyond with spirit days and encouraging our students. The three words used to describe Monica are joyful, passionate, and prepared.

Maria Sanchez

Child Nutrition Manager I - Interim - Heard Elementary

Maria is extremely attentive to the needs of our students.  From the moment our students walk onto campus, their breakfast is ready to take to the classroom.  If she notices a pattern, for example, a student who does not eat, or seeks extra food, she speaks with the front office to let us know what more she can do to help.  Maria does not respond with, “What are you going to do about the situation?” Rather she always puts herself and the team first as a potential solution to support our students’ needs. With all the paperwork, counting, and ordering, Maria still finds time to scrub dishes, the walls, the floor, or trash cans because she takes great pride that our kitchen and its items are thoroughly cleaned before and after use. The three words used to describe Maria are empathic, attentive, and punctual.

Ana Deary

1st Grade Teacher - Heard Elementary

Ms. Deary was nominated to recognize her extraordinary perseverance, unwavering dedication, and remarkable compassion. Over the past 2 years, Ana has faced some of the most challenging situations, yet never gave up. Her ability to stay positive and resilient in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. Some of the many words used to describe Ana are caring, kind, resilient, compassionate, and dependable.

Veronica Marin

Instructional Assistant - Garfield Elementary

Veronica shows up every day with a positive mindset and is always willing to step up to the plate no matter the situation. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities, providing invaluable support to students both inside and outside the classroom. She creates a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student feels empowered to succeed. Her commitment to their academic growth, coupled with her innovative strategies and one-on-one support has played a pivotal role in helping students overcome challenges and achieve significant progress. Some of the words used to describe Veronica are proactive, compassionate, authentic, and considerate.

Erika Gagnon

2nd Grade Teacher - Magnet Traditional

Mrs. Gagnon is an exceptional teacher for her 2nd grade classroom and works tirelessly to assist her class to be great students and be Kids at Hope. She frequently stays late to ensure she is set up for the next day and gives the best to her students. In addition, she has been a great support to her colleagues. She is always willing to help and share her expertise in arts and crafts, instruction, and more! In short, she is an exceptional teacher who approaches her job and role with enthusiasm for students and herself. The three words used to describe Erika are exceptional, caring, and sharing.

Genesis De Loera

Instructional Assistant - Magnet Traditional

Genesis is an outstanding employee who consistently makes a positive impact on our students and aligns her work with the school's mission and vision. She provides vital support to the teacher and assists students who need additional academic and social-emotional guidance. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom as she is actively involved and school-wide activities, volunteers at events, and steps in wherever help is needed. Her contributions demonstrate her dedication not just to the success of her students, but to the school community as a whole. The three words used to describe Genesis are dedicated, compassionate, and devoted.

Leslie Pozo

Music Teacher - Shaw Montessori

Mr. Pozo always shows unfailing dedication, support, passion, and persistence. He goes above and beyond every day for his students. He holds his students accountable, and they consistently rise to his high standards. Some of the words used to describe Mr. Pozo are kind, caring, and exceptional.

Patricia Karnes

Media Clerk - Shaw Montessori

Ms. Karnes cares deeply about exposing children to quality literature and makes the media center a place they look forward to coming to. She consistently crafts wonderful opportunities for the children by creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment. She helps out whenever and wherever she is needed and is the go-to person for technology support and all things digital. She wears many hats and does each job flawlessly. Some of the many words used to describe Patti are creative, reliable, knowledgeable, and organized.

Kelly Adler

Self-contained Autism Teacher - Emerson

Kelly always goes above and beyond for her students, and she provides them with a safe, comfortable, and happy environment. Her planning and organizing have a positive impact on the lives of her students and help them grow in ways that will help them reach their full potential. She is an active member of the PTO, Student Council, and life-skills S.U.N. store. Some of the words used to describe Kelly are caring, supportive, responsible, and amazing!

Cristina Rivera-Contreras

Lead Custodian - Emerson

Cristina goes above and beyond each day and is always willing to help where needed. She is very responsible and supportive and you will always find her with a smile on her face. Some of the many words used to describe Cristina are dedicated, generous, kind, caring, and collaborative. 

Rosa Vargas

Preschool Teacher - Kenilworth (former Kenilworth student working at Kenilworth since 2007)

Ms. Vargas is a dedicated and passionate teacher who shapes the minds of our youngest learners – preschool! She provides a high-quality experience for our students, empowers each family, and ensures they are deeply connected to the preschool classroom community. We are proud to celebrate all Ms. Vargas does to build strong foundations for our students! The three words used to describe Rosa are dedicated, passionate, and exceptional.

Victoria Lazo

1st Grade Teacher - Kenilworth (former Kenilworth student working at Kenilworth since 2023)

Ms. Lazo is doing an incredible job with her 1st-grade class. As a second-year teacher, the growth she has shown in all areas of her instruction is remarkable. Her willingness to ask questions, seek help, request feedback, and reflect on her practice is truly paying off—and it shows in the amazing work she is doing with her students. The relationships she has built with both parents and students are fantastic, and we all just love having her as part of our team! The three words used to describe Victoria are courageous, dedicated, and reflective.

Cindy Garcia

ESS Instructional Assistant - Kenilworth (former Kenilworth student working at Kenilworth since 2021)

Cindy is a calm, compassionate, and nurturing support to our young students. She gently guides and supports them in academics, life skills, and social-emotional regulation. She seeks out and magnifies the best in every child and graciously and patiently meets each one where they are. Always joyful and kind, we are lucky to have her brightly shining light on our campus! The three words used to describe Cindy are compassionate, nurturing, and exemplary.

Karen Galindo

Preschool Instructional Assistant - Kenilworth (former Kenilworth student working at Kenilworth since 2024)

Ms. Galindo is not only a former student of Kenilworth School and a current team member, but she is also the mother to one of our Kinder students and a sister to one of our 7th-grade students. Every day Ms. Galindo welcomes the preschool students and their families into the building. Many families have made comments about her smile each day as being what they needed to see as they leave their 4-year-old inside the school. The range of flexibility to offer help to everyone is large. Our school benefits from having Ms. Galindo as part of it with us. The three words used to describe Karen are inspiring, friendly, and helpful.

Gerardo Romo

1st Grade Teacher - Herrera School for the Arts

If you know Mr. Romo you know he is a person who goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome at Herrera. He has a cheerful outlook, a big friendly smile, and is always willing to help in any way he can. He also does an excellent job communicating with our parents. He has a genuine connection with all of his students and his former students go by his classroom just to say hello. Mr. Romo is an excellent coworker! Some of the many words used to describe Gerardo are team player, positive, community-focused, joyful, and welcoming.

Angelica Marquez

Instructional Assistant - Herrera School for the Arts

Angelica is a team player who goes above and beyond and is always willing to help others in any way that she can. Students love working with Ms. Marquez because she is a helpful, kind, and warm-hearted person. Some of the many words used to describe Angelica are motivated, empathetic, fair, organized, and team-player.

Manuel Penunuri, Plumber - Plant Services ST.A.R. Award August

Manuel is a hardworking and dedicated member of the Phoenix #1 family. His efficiency and positive attitude shine through in every task he takes on, and he’s always ready to help when needed. Known for being dedicated, hard-working, and pleasant, Manuel's commitment is deeply valued across the district.

Agustin Machuca, Warehouse Clerk - Plant Services S.T.A.R. Award August

Agustin consistently puts his team first, offering help wherever it’s needed. He takes joy in solving problems and is all about teamwork. His colleagues admire him for being humble, generous, and a true team player. With his dependable and friendly approach, Agustin makes a lasting impact in Plant Services.

Irene Andrade, CN Worker II - Child Nutrition S.T.A.R. Award August

Irene’s commitment to her role in the Child Nutrition Department and to Phoenix #1 is unwavering. Whether preparing meals or assisting a coworker, she brings a friendly and hardworking spirit to every task. She is appreciated for being friendly, hard-working, and brilliant, always ensuring the job gets done with care and excellence.