RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLSJudy D. White, Ed.D.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wendel W. Tucker, Ph.D., PresidentElizabeth F. Romero, Vice President

Jeanie B. Corral, MemberRay “Coach” Curtis, Member

Barbara Hale, MemberBruce N. Dennis, Member

Susan J. Rainey, Ed.D., Member

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT’S CABINET

Sharon Baskett, Assistant SuperintendentDivision of Early Childhood Education Services

Eric Calderon, Chief Technology OfficerDivision of Information Technology Services

Ana Farfan, Executive DirectorOffice of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools

Cynthia Glover Woods, Chief Academic OfficerDivision of Educational Services

Steven Hovey, Chief Personnel OfficerDivision of Personnel Services

Teresa Hyden, Chief Business OfficialDivision of Administration and Business Services

Paul C. JessupRiverside County Deputy Superintendent of Schools

Jeffrey Vaca, Chief Governmental Relations OfficerDivision of Governmental Relations

Diana Walsh-Reuss, Ed.D., Associate SuperintendentDivision of Student Programs and Services

MASTER OF CEREMONIES Steven Hovey

REMARKSJudy D. White, Ed.D.

DINNER

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS

2017 RCOE EMPLOYEES OF THE YEARCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Angelica BasquezDivision of Student Programs and Services

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Rose Ann GasserDivision of Student Programs and Services

CLASSIFIED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Sharon LaValley-SwopeDivision of Educational Services

CERTIFICATED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Diana CejaDivision of Educational Services

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Gillian SchneiderDivision of Student Programs and Services

MILO P. JOHNSON AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Janice DelagrammatikasDivision of Student Programs and Services

Barbara MooreDivision of Student Programs and Services

DANCING WITH MUSIC PROVIDED BY EVENTZ BY SOL

Years of Service Recipients10 YEARS OF SERVICE

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

25 YEARS OF SERVICE

30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Juana Aguilar, ABSYesenia Aguilera, SPSFabian Almaraz, Jr., ITSMichelle Armenta, ESPatricia Asevedo, ECESGrace Aviles, ESElizabeth Bagwell, SPSCatherine Belcher, SPSWindy Benson, ITSShabana Berket, ABSCharlene Brown, ECESSandra Campbell, ESDiego Carrillo, ABSLaura Castillo, ECESWalter Castillo, ECESArriane Chandler, SPSRosa Committee, ABSMona Cortes, SPSCynthia Cuccio, ESShirley Curry, SPSAwit Dalusong, SPSEsther Delgadillo, SPSTeri-Rae Diaz, ECESAngelina Dominquez, SPSDaphne Dudrey, ESLoraine Estrada, ABS

Lynn Figurate, Jr., ESMaria Garcia-Cortes, ESSylvia Gardner, PSRamona Godfrey, ESAbel Gonzalez, ESSandra Guerrero, DSCathy Harper, SPSJohn Hatt, ITSGina Hernandez, SPSRobert Hernandez, SPSMaria Huerta, ECESTeresa Hyden, ABSInez Jarrett, ECESErica Jimenez, ECESCharlotte Jones, ESAmber Kraus, ESCynthia Ledesma, SPSAnna Lepe, PSHector Leyva, ABSYadhira Lomax, SPSDorothy Lorenz, SPSDebra Lovely-Gagnon, SPSBarbara Lujan, ECESJessica Majeske, SPSJohn Mariano, Jr., ABSJames Meeks, ABS

Raul Molina Madrigal, ABSLaurie Moore, SPSLatoya Morton, SPSAshwin Nair, ITSChristina Nava, ECESJohn Nwoye, ABSSilas Okereke, SPSRaquel Pabst, ESJimmy Palacios, ABSJoseph Patridge, II, SPSSusan Petrich, SPSLatasha Porter, ESElvira Ramirez, ABSEdna Reid, SPSTheola Renfroe, ECESJorge Rincon, ABSRosalma Rocha, ECESEileen Rodriguez, SPSBelinda Rogers, SPSGillian Schneider, SPSTamara Smith, SPSNicolle Solorio, SPSGabriela Toledo, SPSAngel Torres, ABSLouis Vega, SPSIvette Zavala, ECES

John Maurer, SPSVianey Romero, SPS

Maria Villanueva, ECES

Marita Carson, ABSLorraine Cornejo, SPS

Mary Beth Fitzgerald, SPSAntoinette Gauger, SPS

Sharon House, SPSJoy Sanders, SPS

Dianna Simental, SPSClaire Spence, ESDawn Taylor, PS

Kim Trampus, SO

Sandra Adolph, SPSSandra Amaral, ECESMatthew Avila, ABSPhyllis Banks, SPSSusan Barkley, ESMichael Barney, ESAdriana Castaneda, SPSDeborah Clark, SPSDennis Committee, Jr., ITSJoann Cosio, ECESCatherine Covey-Jordan, SPSCarol Curtiss, ECESGary Czech, SPSNinavieve Decoud, SPSSurjeet Dhir, SPSDavid Eskins, SPSMaria Estrada, ECESDelilah Franklin, SPSJodi Gahre, ESCrystal Garcia, SPS

Rosa Garduno, ECESAlbert Gonzalez, ABSCarlos Gonzalez, ABSLanelle Gordin, ESSharon Henderson, SPSMaria Jimenez, SPSKimberley Kearney, SPSDonna Klementz, ABSVictoria Kukuruda, ESSharon LaValley-Swope, ESTheresa Layton, SPSDebra Leeper, SPSJustin Lockhart, SPSThomas Machingo, ABSArlene Michalovitz, SPSNoe Montes, SPSMark Mullion, ESAna Navarro, ABSCaesar Nieto, SPSCecilia Ochoa, SPS

Elva Pacheco, ECESTeresa Pallesen, SPSMaria Partida, SPSEnrique Perez, ESThomas Philp, III, ITSDemetria Porter, SPSPaula Prieto, ITSRebecca Reber, ECESAnna Roccaforte, ECESJenny Rodriguez, ECESLinda Rodriguez, ECESTina Rondilone, SPSEric Rujiraviriyapinyo, ITSMaria Salazar, ABSPeter Smith, SPSNora Vaetoe, SPSSharon Vance, PSJanet Vargas, SPSLora Wheel, ECES

15 YEARS OF SERVICE

Years of Service Recipients10 YEARS OF SERVICE

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

25 YEARS OF SERVICE

30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Lori Bartie, SPSMichelle Bondora, SPSElizabeth Bunuan, SPSAngela Calloway, SPS

Sanjuanita Castillo, SPSJanice Delagrammatikas, SPS

Alma Flores, ECESLynel Graham, SPS

Paula Hathaway, ECESRebecca Kuglics, SPS

Teresita Larios-Ortega, ECESDebra Lawlor, SPS

Rennea Ludwig, ABSSheryl Martin, ECES

Kasey McCall, ESYesenia Medina, SPSMitchell Minnerly, SPSElly Mogharrabi, ECESMoises Montejano, ES

Arturo Paz, SPSCrystal Pope, SPS

Victoria Richmond, SPSSonia Soto, SPS

Theresa Swickla, SPSBesrat Tesfatsion, SPSDavid Thornton, ESDenise White, SPS

John Maurer, SPSVianey Romero, SPS

Maria Villanueva, ECES

Marita Carson, ABSLorraine Cornejo, SPS

Mary Beth Fitzgerald, SPSAntoinette Gauger, SPS

Sharon House, SPSJoy Sanders, SPS

Dianna Simental, SPSClaire Spence, ESDawn Taylor, PS

Kim Trampus, SO

Award Recipients

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Angelica BasquezCommunity Assistant, Migrant EducationDivision of Student Programs and Services

Angelica Basquez refuses to let geographic distance prevent her from connecting migrant students and families with educational opportunities. Her primary service area includes the Palo Verde Unified School District and the Palm Springs Unified School District. Her time on Interstate 10 often includes driving the Bookmobile—a converted RV that serves as a library-on-wheels for students living in the furthest corners of Riverside County. As a former migrant student herself, Angelica’s passion is to demonstrate the opportunity that education can provide for all students—regardless of their situation. Angelica has built trust within the migrant community—a vital necessity for spreading the word about the value of the program. Her colleagues describe her as “a one of a kind employee” who steps up as a team player to fill any need.

Message from Angelica:

I am pleased, honored, and humbled to receive this award. I truly admire this program and thank RCOE for giving me the opportunity to work for them. As a migrant student myself, the program inspired me along with Dr. Eliseo Davalos who guided me to have the passion to end up working for Migrant Education.

Thank you to Myra Sanchez, Director; Maria Ponce, Coordinator; Deborah Ramirez, SEA Reviewer; Sandra Adolph, Community Assistant; Irma Flores, Secretary; Michelle Bondora, Secretary and Lorraine Cornejo, Office Representative, for your support and having the privilege to work to fulfill every student’s life.

Thank you to my husband Ruben, and my children, David, Vanessa, Atalee, Daisy, and Dora, for their encouragement and support.

Thank you to the rest of my family, especially my parents Jesus and Raquel Fernandez, for showing me values and how to work with integrity.

Award Recipients

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Rose Ann GasserPrincipal, Alternative EducationDivision of Student Programs and Services

A typical week for Rose Ann Gasser finds her regularly traversing Perris Boulevard between the two RCOE regional learning centers where she serves as principal. Despite the back-and-forth nature of her position, Rose makes it a priority to foster a cooperative team spirit at both locations between staff, students, and parents. She has implemented two career/technical education pathways in digital photography and engineering/robotics, while coordinating the schools’ self-studies that led to an additional three years of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. She can always be counted on to deftly resolve difficult student discipline issues, while fostering cooperative relationships with parents. Her colleagues describe her as “adept at motivating students and holding them accountable for their learning and behavior through encouragement, praise, and positive interactions.”

Message from Rose Ann:

I would like to thank Dr. Chuck Fischer for nominating me for the Principal of the Year award. I began my teaching experience when I was 15, teaching a few students how to play the piano. When I saw how their confidence grew along with their ability, I knew that teaching was my passion. I am thankful for the students I had early in my life who set me on this path as an educational leader. I am thankful for my wife and her support. She gives me encouragement to keep a positive attitude and reminds me to be the best I can be every day. I also would like to thank my team at Val Verde and Moreno Valley Regional Learning Centers. My current team is the best group of people I have ever worked with, and for that, I am very thankful, as they have supported me to earn this award.

CLASSIFIED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR CERTIFICATED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Sharon LaValley-SwopeAdministrator, Center for Teacher InnovationDivision of Educational Services

For more than 15 years, Sharon LaValley-Swope has exhibited professionalism and leadership in working with all aspects of the teacher credentialing process—a subject upon which she has become an expert as recognized by educators around the state. When the need to replace a data system and online learning management system was critical, she stepped forward to lead the development of a program that is still in use today. Her collaborative approach included working with outside vendors and numerous RCOE units to deliver a 21st century system that is helping drive the continued growth of the Center for Teacher Innovation. Her colleagues describe her as “the finest model of integrity and expertise.” She has fully embraced her new assignment of retirement and enjoys spending time with her husband and grandchildren in the San Bernardino mountains.

Message from Sharon:

Fifteen years ago, five unfamiliar faces greeted me as I entered a crowded room for a job interview at RCOE. After answering a barrage of questions, I left that room with a smile on my face and pep in my step because I knew this would be the start of a new phase in my career. Those five people, and many more that followed, became my friends, colleagues, and mentors. I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude for inviting me to join them in creating RCOE’s new teacher induction program for BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment), which is now part of the Center for Teacher Innovation. I am forever indebted to my respected mentor, Linda Childress; supportive teammates, Latasha Porter and Grace Aviles; tech savvy Linda Sanada from UCR; and colleague Kevin Tibbetts for his daily humor. You are all very special in so many ways!

Award Recipients

CLASSIFIED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR CERTIFICATED ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Diana CejaAdministrator, Instructional ServicesDivision of Educational Services

It takes a diverse range of talents to lead a fourth-year math program, expand the Seal of Multiliteracy program, and support English learners across the entire county. The multi-talented Diana Ceja is a challenger of the status quo when it comes to supporting students in her efforts to eliminate the achievement gap among special populations. Her collaborative nature is regularly on display, whether she is working with local universities, state education officials, staff from other county offices, district administrators, teachers, or students. During the holidays, she steps up for students in need by coordinating departmental participation and donations. Her colleagues describe her as an example of commitment and passion whose energy and dedication is contagious.

Message from Diana:

Thank you! I am delighted to be able to say thank you to the three ladies that collaborate with me so intensely as we work together with the larger math community to change the view of mathematics as a gate-keeper to a gateway for children. Thank you, to the Instructional Services Unit, the managers, and the classified staff, whose commitment to children and quality of work is an inspiration. I am grateful to have been able to join the RCOE team and for the opportunities it has afforded. I am beholden to my family who is celebrating this recognition with me and who always support and guide me. I find myself appreciating God’s blessing. Thank you for this lovely honor.

Award Recipients

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Gillian SchneiderTeacher, Special EducationDivision of Student Programs and Services

Gillian earned her bachelor’s degree in education from University College Chichester in England, and taught in the United Kingdom before coming to RCOE in 2005. Since that time, she has served as a substitute teacher, a beginning teacher coach, and a lead teacher for students with intellectual disabilities. She has nearly completed her educational doctorate in organizational leadership from Brandman University. Her humility and grace under pressure have led to building bridges with families, communities, cultures, and within the educational system itself. Gillian’s most enthusiastic fans are the parents of her students who witness the impact of her relentless pursuit to see beyond her students’ disabilities. Colleagues describe her as someone who “believes in the academic and developmental potential of her students” and “willingly throws herself wholeheartedly into any project.”

Message from Gillian:

Almost twenty years ago I said, “I do” to an incredible and amazing human being; my soulmate, my best friend, and husband, Tim. Your enduring love, encouragement, wisdom, humor, and belief in me, has enabled me to be the proud wife, mother, and educator I am today. I am lucky to be able to journey through this life with you. I love you. To Benjamin, Heather, and Isaac, thank you for making me see life through different lenses and for your endless cheerleading! Special appreciation goes to the special education administrators for nurturing my potential as a transformational leader, and to my colleagues, especially Melanie, for giving me opportunities to refine my craft. I am truly appreciative to my instructional assistants, students, and families, who I have had the honor to work with and learn from. I am truly humbled to be recognized as Teacher of the Year. Thank you!

Award Recipients

MILO P. JOHNSON AWARD OF DISTINCTION

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Award Recipients

MILO P. JOHNSON AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Janice DelagrammatikasPrincipal, Alternative EducationDivision of Student Programs and Services

As the principal of multiple sites across the county, Janice has embraced the power of technology in order to empower her staff to provide a top-notch education to students returning to school to earn their diploma in the Come Back Kids program. She has been known to start or end meetings with new ideas for teachers to incorporate into their classroom offerings—showcasing her desire to model lifelong learning. Her approach to students and staff is to be a strong listener who welcomes all ideas to solving challenges, while being unafraid to exhibit teamwork by taking on tasks herself if the situation calls for it. A colleague described her impact by stating how “we are stronger, wiser, and better because of her leadership, because she creates more leaders, not more followers.”

Message from Janice:

I am so honored to receive the 2017 Milo P. Johnson Award. Leading the Come Back Kids (CBK) Charter School is the most rewarding work I can think of, and am truly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. I want to thank all of RCOE for their dedication and service to students, but particularly the Alternative Education Unit. I want to especially thank our CBK team starting with the other CBK Principal, Theresa Swickla. CBK changes lives every day and I am proud of the work we do. I also want to thank the many people who have mentored me and helped me develop as an educator—especially Dr. Debra Sacks and Dr. Diana Walsh-Reuss. Because of them, I took risks and grew in ways I did not expect. Lastly, I want to thank my family; you know you are my joy.

MILO P. JOHNSON AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Barbara MooreBraille Transcriber, Special EducationDivision of Student Programs and Services

Barbara Moore plays a pivotal role in helping students succeed every single day. Her mastery over the ever-changing aspects of the Braille language unlocks the doors of learning for students who are blind or live with other visual impairment. Tests, textbooks, and even homework assignments are transcribed for students across the county, and her expertise has provided Braille materials for New Employee Orientation and Personnel Services. She introduced the office staff to a system called “Bmail” that allows for email Braille to be opened, downloaded, and embossed without being corrupted. This innovation allows for a greatly-reduced turn-around time for teachers and students needing her transcribed materials. Her dedication is most recognized when she greets urgent assignments with a smile—fully aware of the instant impact her work will have on the ability of students to learn.

Message from Barbara:

I was so thrilled and surprised to receive this award. It is so gratifying to know that my hard work and efforts have been noticed and appreciated. This could not have been possible without the encouragement from my many former mentors and support from my current co-workers in the Vision Department. Thank you for such an important recognition. Happy Brailling.

Award RecipientsPatricia Abbott, SPSConnie Ayer, SPSSusan Barkley, ES

Nancy Brownell, PSSusan Bruder, SPS

Yolanda Candelaria, ESCharlotte Carmichael, ABS

John Crittenden, SPSElizabeth Deal, SPSTimothy Downey, ESAlma Flores, ECES

Antoinette Gauger, SPSAlbert Gonzalez, ABS

Lynel Graham, SPSJeanie Hedden, SPS

Mikaleen Hicks-Klepper, SPSJinx Jennings-Costanza, SPS

Penny Kubly, ESTheresa Lake, ES

Sharon LaValley-Swope, ESDebra Lawlor, SPSRose Leach, SPS

Francisca Lee, ECESMichael Leivas, SPSSusan Loria, ECES

Thomas Marason, ESDeborah McGrath, ABS

Mary Mebane, SPSMaria Reynoso, ECESDonald Robinson, ESNancy Sheets, ABSDebora Smith, ECES

Arthur Verkouteren, ESGeorge Ynda, ABS

MILO P. JOHNSON AWARD OF DISTINCTION Patricia Abbott, SPSConnie Ayer, SPSSusan Barkley, ES

Nancy Brownell, PSSusan Bruder, SPS

Yolanda Candelaria, ESCharlotte Carmichael, ABS

John Crittenden, SPSElizabeth Deal, SPSTimothy Downey, ESAlma Flores, ECES

Antoinette Gauger, SPSAlbert Gonzalez, ABS

Lynel Graham, SPSJeanie Hedden, SPS

Mikaleen Hicks-Klepper, SPSJinx Jennings-Costanza, SPS

Penny Kubly, ESTheresa Lake, ES

Sharon LaValley-Swope, ESDebra Lawlor, SPSRose Leach, SPS

Francisca Lee, ECESMichael Leivas, SPSSusan Loria, ECES

Thomas Marason, ESDeborah McGrath, ABS

Mary Mebane, SPSMaria Reynoso, ECESDonald Robinson, ESNancy Sheets, ABSDebora Smith, ECES

Arthur Verkouteren, ESGeorge Ynda, ABS

Retirees

Dr. Milo P. JohnsonJune 17, 1914 - December 25, 2004

The Milo P. Johnson Award of Distinction was created in 1999 in honor of long-time Riverside County Board of Education Member, Dr. Milo P. Johnson. The recipient is selected by the Riverside County Board of Education. The award honors employees

who continually exhibit extraordinary service and support in all they do. The recipients demonstrate and possess traits and characteristics such as continuously seeking opportunities to innovate, improve, and expand their services, understand

their role in contributing to student success, and provide service that is prompt, courteous, honest, and accurate in anticipating and responding to the needs of those

we serve. Previous recipients include:

Gary Taylor 1999Gerri Israelson 2000Marilyn Warner 2001Clara Rodriguez 2002 Ginger Andrews 2003

Rick Strom 2004Moana Hendricks 2005

Vicki Sauceda 2006Theresa Swickla 2007

Karen Radtke 2008Mary Liette 2009

Kelly Londenberg 2010Adriana Marshall 2011

June Miller 2012Sylvia Gonzalez 2013Lanelle Gordin 2014Joan Patrick 2015

Chun-Wu Li, Ph.D. 2016

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