Meet Your Ed Tech Team

Phone: 760-992-3200 ext. 2231

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

BA mathematics MS Information Technology

Mr. Mario Mendez

Mario Mendez is a Desert native. He attended Desert Sands for his primary and secondary education. Additionally he attended College of the Desert then transferred to the University of California Riverside, where he got his undergraduate degree in Mathematics. Afterwards Mario got his single subject credential in Mathematics and his Masters degree in Information Technology.  

Mr. Mendez began his teaching career at Coachella Valley Unified where he taught 8th grade then Algebra 1. After that experience he joined Palm Springs Unified School District where he taught Math, and Edgenuity at Rancho Mirage High School for 8 years. He now joins ETIS in the fall of 2022 as an Instructional Technology TOSA.  

Growing up in the Coachella Valley, Mario has a deep understanding of the obstacles students face here in the desert. He is passionate about connecting students with technology to increase student achievement and make a positive impact in their lives.

Click here to make an appointment with Mario or email him at mmendez1@psusd.us   

Phone: 760-992-3200 ext. 4802233

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

MS Educational Technology MyViewBoard Educator Certification Google Level 1 Certification

Mrs. Stacey Bonacci

Stacey Bonacci is originally from Wisconsin. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She taught 3rd grade and kindergarten in Wisconsin for 5 years before moving to La Quinta with her husband. She taught in Desert Sands for 8 years. In 2022, she earned her Master’s degree in educational technology from Cal State Fullerton.

Stacey taught at a private school in Wisconsin for 5 years before moving to California. After moving to California, she taught kindergarten at the Learning Tree and worked for an after-school program at Palm Desert Charter Middle School, assisting students with homework and providing enrichment activities. She then taught for 8 years at Kennedy elementary school in Desert Sands, where she taught kindergarten, 4th, and 3rd grade. She has now joined PSUSD, February 2023, as a tech TOSA.

Click here to make an appointment with Stacey or email her at sbonacci@psusd.us  
Bhavini Patel

Bhavini Patel

Coordinator of Educational Technology

  • Bhavini has received a Bachelors Degree in Child & Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton and a Master's degree in Education with an Emphasis on Reading/Language Arts from California State University, San Bernadino. She has completed the Teacher Leadership Certification Academy from RCOE.  

    She began her teaching career in 2006 at Two Bunch Palms Elementary in Palm Springs Unified. She has taught first grade for five years and 5th grade for four years. Bhavini has taught both Intervention and GATE classes. She has taught in a 1:1 environment with iPod Touches and iPads. She began her journey at ETIS in 2014 as an Instructional Technology TOSA. Bhavini has been serving as the Coordinator of Educational Technology since January of 2022.

    Bhavini has been one of the PSUSD iPad Trailblazer and an Appsinclass member. She has  planned and delivered professional development to colleagues, presented sessions at various tech fairs, Fall and Spring CUE, ISTE and helped plan and organize EdCamp Palm Springs and is a Coachella CUE Board Member.
     
    Bhavini is a Google Certified Trainer, an Apple Teacher, and Seesaw Certified Educator and Ambassador. Additionally, she  has completed the  National Education Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) certification, Online and Blended Teacher, and Professional Learning Leader Leading Edge Digital Educator and Administrator certifications as well.

    She loves to research and integrate the best educational technology practices. Bhavini is a life long learner that strives to gain experience and knowledge that will help her grow as an educator. She has served as an Informational Technology TOSA  and is currently the Coordinator of Educational Technology for PSUSD. She loves to bring opportunities for students via  innovative programs such as Esports and Drones Bootcamps and US Drone Soccer to  PSUSD.

    She is a contributor to this site as well as PSUSD Distance Learning Support and PSUSD Seesaw  website.

    To make an appointment with Bhavini either virtually or in person, please email at bpatel@psusd.us.