Capistrano USD Classified Employees Of The Year Celebrated

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — The Capistrano Unified School District shared their 2020 Classified Employees of the Year, this week. As with 2020 graduates, each winner was greeted at their home with a yard sign, plaques, and flowers.

A school bus driver, an office clerk, an Independence Facilitator, a Lead Food Service Professional, a custodian, and a school nurse each were celebrated for their individual work that makes the district a better place. Read more about them on the Capistrano Unified School District website.

Patricia Garcia, Aliso Viejo School Bus Driver, is known for her "work ethic, smile and positive attitude," the district wrote in a press release, Wednesday. "She cares deeply for the students and coworkers she transports, valuing their safety and spreading joy."

Yolanda Gascon, Capistrano USD Photo
Yolanda Gascon, Capistrano USD Photo

Yolanda Gascon, San Clemente, Office Clerk, is "the first face most families see when entering the Las Palmas Elementary front office," they wrote. She is bilingual and a former Las Palmas parent.

Safia Hoquq, Capistrano USD Photo
Safia Hoquq, Capistrano USD Photo


Safia Hoquq, Dana Hills, Independence Facilitator, has worked with CUSD students for 20 years. "She often works with the most challenging students due to her skills as an observer, and her commitment to knowing everything about her students," they said. Hoquq's students see "decreased behavioral issues" due to her involvement, they say.

Carrie Koch, Capistrano USD Photo
Carrie Koch, Capistrano USD Photo


Carrie Koch, San Juan Capistrano, Lead Food Service Professional is "articulate, creative and professional," the district says. "She is respected and appreciated for her compassion and fresh ideas," the district says. "She also has dedicated time and resources to raising money for a local family in need," they say.

Arnie Smith, Capistrano Unified School District Photo
Arnie Smith, Capistrano Unified School District Photo


Arnie Smith, Vista Del Mar, Custodian, is a beloved member of the Vista Del Mar community, they say. He has worked for CUSD for 30 years, and is a "legacy custodian." He is a frequent participant in school events, and students "covet the annual opportunity drawing to be 'Arnie for the Day.'" Smith plans to retire after the 2020/21 school year, and will be "deeply missed."

Tracy Vargas, Capistrano Unified School District Photo
Tracy Vargas, Capistrano Unified School District Photo


Tracy Vargas, Mission Viejo, Licensed Vocational Nurse is masterful in prioritizing the health and well-being of Castille Elementary students, the district says. She is bilingual, and a "bridge for Spanish-speaking students and families." Parents trust her, and children are reassured by her presence, they say.

The list of nominees in each category was long, and all deserved special praise, according to the district. Read more about them on the Capistrano Unified School District website.

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

Read more about them on the Capistrano Unified School District website.

This article originally appeared on the San Juan Capistrano Patch