Patricia Garcia
Aliso Viejo, School Bus Driver
Known for her work ethic, smile and positive attitude, Patricia Garcia has served CUSD for nearly 30 years as a school bus driver. She cares deeply for the students and coworkers she transports, valuing their safety and spreading joy. Garcia’s great attendance record and her eagerness to help train new employees and welcome them to the community reflect her professionalism and heart. Garcia is always is the first person willing to step up and contribute in whatever ways she can. Beyond CUSD, she is incredibly involved in her community. She works as a substitute teacher at the Mission Basilica School, serves as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for the city of San Juan Capistrano and volunteers at Casa De Ama with autistic adults.
Yolanda Gascon
San Clemente, Office Clerk
Yolanda Gascon is the first face most families see when entering the Las Palmas Elementary front office. Bilingual and a former Las Palmas parent, Gascon is an understanding and essential resource to the community and her kind, calm demeanor creates a welcoming environment. Going above and beyond, Gascon orchestrates a seamless flow in school function. Gascon efficiently organizes field trips, coordinates events for over 900 students, and fills in for other staff members when necessary. With a compassionate heart and complete commitment, Gascon’s knowledge and initiative are a huge asset for Capistrano Unified. After hours, Gascon serves as a tutor to Las Palmas students who need extra practice with their Spanish reading.
Safia Hoquq
Dana Hills, Independence Facilitator
For 20 years, Safia Hoquq has shown immense initiative and heart in her work with CUSD students with social, physical and mental disabilities. Hoquq often works with the most challenging students due to her skills as an observer and her commitment to knowing everything about her students. Typically, after working with Hoquq, students experience increased involvement with their peers and decreased behavioral issues. Hoquq is always on top of her work and always a step ahead, anticipating needs and addressing issues before being asked. The first to arrive and the last to leave, Hoquq is an unsung hero serving her students and coworkers while never seeking the spotlight. Working with her students in the community, Hoquq always aims to give back and set a positive example for those around her. On top of her work and lightening the load for those around her, Hoquq’s diligent work and giving heart make her a standout.
Carrie Koch
San Juan Capistrano, Lead Food Service Professional
Articulate, creative and professional, Carrie Koch is a leader within Food and Nutrition Services and strives to innovate. Her out-of-the-box thinking and ability to run with new ideas has helped grow the department and has cultivated elementary school breakfast startups and catering for special school functions like classroom parties. Koch imagines new goals and effectively accomplishes them through thorough and compassionate leadership. Taking the time to get to know others and energizing those around her, Koch empowers her team and leads with grace. She trains new workers patiently and methodically, and allows space for growth. The staff respects and appreciates Koch’s compassion and fresh ideas. Over the last five years Koch has dedicated her time and resources to raising money for a local family in need.
Arnie Smith
Vista del Mar, Custodian
A beloved member of the Vista del Mar community, Arnie Smith has served CUSD for 30 years, establishing himself as a legacy custodian. Smith single-handedly maintains a clean and safe campus for 1,600 students and 150 employees as Vista del Mar’s only daytime custodian. Committed and hardworking, Smith’s “I can” attitude and eagerness to address problems and help his community make him an essential part of the Vista del Mar community. Smith participates in school events frequently and students covet the annual opportunity drawing to be “Arnie for the Day.” Smith has trained five of the current lead custodians now working on other CUSD campuses and his work has been integral in shaping the future of the district. Smith embodies the core values of Vista del Mar — respect, responsible, and ready — consistently leading by example for students and coworkers. Retiring this year, Smith will be deeply missed and leaves behind a legacy.
Tracy Vargas
Mission Viejo, Licensed Vocational Nurse
Tracy Vargas is masterful in prioritizing the health and well-being of students at Castille Elementary. As a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), Vargas works in the health office, providing professional care and showing empathy for students. Over her five and a half years at Castille, Vargas has developed an intricate understanding of each child’s needs. Her attention and dedication are best exemplified through her work with Castille’s special needs community. Vargas knows each student and advocates on their behalf. Always calm, Vargas soothes and reassures students. Parents have come to trust her judgement and recognize that she genuinely cares for their children. A valued member of the Castille community, Vargas participates in school functions and helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Vargas is always looking to enhance operations in the health office and has advocated for new technology and critical improvements. Bilingual, Vargas serves as a bridge for Spanish-speaking students and families.
The nominees for the 2020 Classified Employee of the Year are:
Child Nutrition
- Jorge Enciso, Food Service Worker, District Office, 15 years of service
- Rachelle Flores, Food Service Worker, Central Worker, 4 years of service
- Lyla Haralson, Food Service Worker, Aliso Viejo Middle School, 15 years of service
- Wendy Justesen, Food Service Worker, District Office, 11 years of service
- Carrie Koch, Lead Food Service Professional, Central Worker, 12 years of service
- Lorenzo Romero-Mendoza, Storekeeper/Delivery Driver, Central Worker, 8 years of service
Maintenance and Operations
- Kevin Marron, Custodian I, Dana Hills High School, 2 years of service
- Osvaldo Florentino, Custodian III, Don Juan Avila Middle School, 6 years of service
- Rigoberto Umana-Choto, Custodian I, Capistrano valley High School, 18 years of service
- Gerardo Escobedo, Custodian I, Tesoro High School 15 years of service
- Rafael Guitierrez, Custodian I, Shorecliffs Middle School, 6 years of service
- Jose Muratalla, Irrigation Specialist, District Office, 18 years of service
- Jonathan Portillo Quintanar, Custodian III, Esencia K-8, 5 years of service
- Norma Rodriguez, Custodian I, Del Obispo Elementary School, 4 years of service
- Arnie Smith, Custodian III, Vista Del Mar Elementary School, 29 years of service
- Jerry Valencia, Custodian I, John Malcom Elementary School, 4 years of service
- Victor Garcia, Custodian II, Moulton Elementary School, 21 years of service
- Rafael Roman, Locksmith, District Office, 32 years of service
- Jesus Jose Garcia, Jr., HVAC and Refrigeration Technician, District Office, 15 years of service
- Juan Carillo, Custodian III, Aliso Niguel High School, 25 years of service
Office and Technical
- Yolanda Gascon, Bilingual Elementary School Clerk, Las Palmas Elementary School, 9 years of service
- Kathryn Havard, Office Manager, Bernice Ayer Middle School, 5 years of service
- Kelly Hart, School Secretary II, Dana Hills High School, 12 years of service
- Kelley Thomas, Office Manager, Las Flores Elementary School, 19 years of service
- Sandra Wilbur, School Secretary I, Capistrano Home/Virtual School, 21 years of service
- Denice Summers, Office Manager, Fred Newhart Middle School, 6 years of service
- Fernando Martinez, Technology Support Specialist I, District Office, 8 years of service
- Cathy Boon, School Clerk Elementary, Wagon Wheel Elementary, 11 years of service
- Kathy Douglas, School Secretary II, Las Flores Middle School, 6 years of service
- Felix Hernandez, Academic Advisor, Serra High School, 19 years of service
- Lynne Bell, Academic Advisor, Capistrano valley High School, 19 years of service
- Laurie Adams, Elementary School Clerk, Hidden Hills Elementary School, 18 years of service
- Terri Boardman, School Secretary II, Tesoro High School, 22 years of service
- Guadalupe Brady, School Clerk II, Niguel Hills Middle School, 17 years of service
- Stephanie Brizeno, Head Academic Advisor, San Clemente High School, 5 years of service
- Wendy Buhrmaster, Office Manager, Moulton Elementary School, 5 years of service
- Lisa Cassarino, Academic Advisor, San Juan Hills High School, 13 years of service
- Michele Del Toro, Elementary School Clerk, Don Juan Avila Elementary School, 4 years of service
- Nathan Dwyer, Technology Support Specialist II, District Office, 1 years of service
- Jane Egertson, Office Manager, Bathgate Elementary School, 17 years of service
- Rosalva Flores, Elementary School Clerk, George White Elementary School, 7 years of service
- Jennifer Fojas, Elementary School Clerk, Arroyo Vista K-8, 5 years of service
- Sharon Gibby, Office Manager, Dana Hills High School, 16 years of service
- Douglas Hanson, Technology Support Specialist I, District Office 1, years of service
- Marie Huffman, Activities Accounts Clerk, Capistrano Valley High School, 6 years of service
- Lori Kosky, School Clerk II, Tesoro High School, 17 years of service
- Kerri Maxwell, School Secretary II, Arroyo Vista K-8, 14 years of service
- Deborah Miller, Academic Advisor, Las Flores Middle School, 7 years of service
- Nancy Neyra-Reyes, Bilingual Community Services Liaison, Marblehead Elementary School, 9 years of service
- Amanda Stayberg, Office Manager, Vista Del Mar Elementary School, 20 years of service
- Sheryl Williams, Office Manager, Arroyo Vista K-8, 5 years of service
- Travis Wyatt, Technology Support Specialist III, District Office, 3 years of service
- Sian Young, Staff Secretary, Human Resource Services, 21 years of service
- Tammy Wilson, Account Clerk II, Transportation, 18 years of service
- Stephanie Monarrez, Bilingual Staff Secretary, Transportation, 4 years of service
- Linda Dearinger, Senior Staff Secretary, Safety and Student Services, 7 years of service
- Patti Grant, Office Manager, Palisades Elementary School, 7 years of service
- Rebecca Evenson, Senior Staff Secretary, Human Resource Services, 5 years of service
- Dan Kim, Programmer/Analyst, District Office, 3 years of service
- Judy Ester, Information Systems Specialist III, District Office, 22 years of service
Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance
- Jody Bridwell, Paraeducator, R.H. Dana, ENF, 20 years of service
- Emily Engelson, Senior IBI Tutor, Las Flores Elementary School, 10 years of service
- Suzanne Hart, Paraeducator, John Malcom Elementary School, 15 years of service
- Melinda Harwood, Paraeducator, Vista Del Mar Middle School, 23 years of service
- Jana Hertz, Braille Transcriber, George White Elementary School, 29 years of service
- Safia Hoqoq, Paraeducator IV, Dana Hills High School, 19 years of service
- Judy Anthony, Independence Facilitator, Las Flores Middle School, 13 years of service
- Rachael Miranda, Paraeducator, Wagon Wheel Elementary, 14 years of service
- Connie Norland, Paraeducator, Vista Del Mar Elementary School, 7 years of service
- Jodi Appelgate, Independent Facilitator, Del Obispo Elementary School, 29 years of service
- Salina Ayers, Independence Facilitator, Palisades Elementary School, 9 years of service
- Mary Beck, Paraeducator, R.H. Dana ENF, 15 years of service
- Sandra Lynn Berg, Paraeducator, Wagon Wheel Elementary, 18 years of service
- Cindy Goodrich, SLPA, Oso Grande Elementary School, 9 years of service
- Angela Jent, Paraeducator, Adult Transition Program, 23 years of service
- Karen Keyte, Paraeducator, R.H. Dana ENF, 39 years of service
- Kendra Mebus, Paraeducator, Las Flores Middle School, 5 years of service
- Bridget Monge, Paraeducator IV, Lobo Elementary School, 5 years of service
- Bharti Patel, Paraeducator, Aliso Viejo Middle School, 19 years of service
- Amie Pekarek, Paraeducator, San Clemente High School, 3 years of service
- Susan Smith, Paraeducator, Adult Transition Program, 22 years of service
- Pamela Soltis, IBI Assistant Tutor, Castille Elementary School, 24 years of service
- Kimberly Velasquez, Paraeducator, Marco Forster Middle School, 20 years of service
- Jamie Warth, Paraeducator, John Malcom Elementary School, 6 years of service
- Patricia Wirtz, Paraeducator, Dana Hills High School, 11 years of service
- Debra Woolwine, Paraeducator, Adult Transition Program, 14 years of service
- Kimberly Doering, Independence Facilitator, Transportation, 16 years of service
- Mitravinda Burns, Paraeducator, Transportation, 17 years of service
- Tammy Moore, Paraeducator Adult Transition Program, 13 years of service
- Susan Korby, Paraeducator, Laguna Niguel Elementary School, 5 years of service
- Sonja Slye, Paraeducator, Phillip Reilly Elementary School, 19 years of service
- Gabrielle Keyte, Paraeducator IV, R. H. Dana ENF, 11 years of service
Support Services and Security
- Rebecca Mejia, Bilingual Community Liaison, District Office, 25 years of service
- Tanya Enslen, Library Media Technician, Multiple Sites/Oak Grove Elementary School, 3 years of service
- Cynthia Handajani, Campus Supervisor, Arroyo Vista K-8, 4 years of service
- Claudia Infante, Bilingual Community Services Liaison, San Juan Hills Elementary School, 9 years of service
- Tracey Morris, Library Media Technician, Tesoro High School, 10 years of service
- Patricia Novobilski, Campus Supervisor, Arroyo Vista K-8, 12 years of service
- Christine Rooth, LVN, Adult Transition Program, 3 years of service
- Carmen Tavernetti, Bilingual Community Liaison, Kinoshita Elementary School, 10 years of service
- Olivia Vannatta, Student Supervisor, Viejo Elementary School, 13 years of service
- Tracy Vargas, LVN, Castille Elementary School, 6 years of service
- Amy Wilson, Campus Supervisor, Arroyo Vista K-8, 6 years of service
Transportation
- Rhonda Corona, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 19 years of service
- Patricia Garcia, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 29 years of service
- Lisa Paris, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 4 years of service
- James Conti, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 19 years of service
- Janice Scott, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 4 years of service
- Ira Lewitter, State Certified Instructor, Transportation, 5 years of service
- Kathleen Hanley, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 3 years of service
- Lima Omar, Dispatcher, Transportation, 22 years of service
- Elizabeth Gustafson, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 5 years of service
- Pamela Devinci, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 23 years of service
- Brian Fultz, School Bus Driver Transportation, 23 years of service
- Nader Michael, Route Specialist, Transportation, 21 years of service
- Molly Thoman, Route Planner, Transportation, 17 years of service
- Bonnie Brandom, School Bus Driver, Transportation, 2 years of service