• Desert Learning Academy Administration and Staff

     

  • Administration

    Dr. Michael J. Grainger, Principal

    Office telephone phone: 760-778-0487 x1401

    Cell number: 949-702-4055

       

    Administrative Secretary (Bilingual) 

    Ms. Mariana Anguiano, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1402

       

    Counselor

    Ms. Rosalia Mendoza, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1420

    Cell number: 760-676-9375 

       

    Clinical Psychologist

    Joaquin Galeano, PsyD, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2304

    Desert Learning 

  • High School, Grades 9-12

    Ms. Borun, 760-778-0487  mborun@psusd.us

    • Core Classes: The Living Earth, Chemistry in the Earth System, Physics
    • Electives: Science of Health and Wellness, Forensic Science
    • Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Biology from University of San Diego, Master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Loyola University of Chicago
    • Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Life Science
    • Years in Education: 16
    • Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge 

    Mr. Escamilla, 760-778-0487  dbarriosescamilla@psusd.us

    • Core Classes: Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III
    • Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from San Carlos National University of Guatemala, Master in Education
    • Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Mathematics
    • Years in Education: 3
    • Additional Languages: Spanish

    Ms. Moreno-Nicholas, 760-778-0487   vnicholas@psusd.us

    • Core Classes: CTE Courses & Work Experience (Permits), Math Support
    • Degrees: BS in Mechanical Engineering, MA in Organizational Management
    • Teaching Credentials: Clear Single Subject Credential in Technology & Industrial Education; Clear Single Subject Credential in Business; Supplemental Credential in Mathematics
    • Years in Education: 23 (College & High School Levels)
    • Online Learning Certification: Learning Edge   
    • Professional Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) MEX
    • Additional Languages: Biliterated English/ Spanish 

    Ms. Colby, 760-778-0487  tcolby@psusd.us

    • Core Classes: English I, English II, English III, ERWC, AP English Language and Composition
    • Electives: Media Literacy
    • Degrees: Bachelor's degree in English from California State University, San Bernardino, Master's degree in Educational Technology from Azusa Pacific University.
    • Teaching Credentials: Single Subject English
    • Years in Education: 22
    • Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge 

    Ms. Valenzuela, 760-778-0487  mvalenzuela@psusd.us

    • Core Classes: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, AP Spanish Language and Culture
    • Electives: Success 101, Freshman Seminar
    • Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Spanish and ESL from Andrews University in Michigan, Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language from Azusa Pacific University
    • Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Spanish, Single Subject English
    • Years in Education: 20
    • Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge 
    • Additional Languages: Spanish, Serbian, Croatian

    Mr. Wheaton, 760-778-0487   rwheaton@psusd.us

    • Core Classes: Civics, Economics, World History, U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government
    • Electives: Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, Social Problems
    • Degrees: Dual Bachelor’s degrees in Earth Science and Social Science from University of Idaho, Master’s degree in Administration from California State University, San Bernardino
    • Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Geoscience, Single Subject Social Science
    • Years in Education: 36
    • Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge  

  • School Psychologist

     

     

    Paraeducator

    Ms. Andrea Rodriguez Vargas, Phone: 760-778-0487 

          

    Custodial

    Ms. Michelle Marquez, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1401 

       

     

  • Middle School, Grades 6-8

    Ms. Fabiano, 760-778-0487

    • Core Classes: ELA
    • Degrees: Bachelor’s Degree from Cal State San Bernardino, Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology
    • Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject 
    • Years in Education: 14 years
    • Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge

    Mr. Svoboda, 760-778-0487 

    • Core Classes: Language Arts, Math, Science, & Social Studies
    • Degrees: BS Elementary Education; MA Elementary Curriculum & Instruction; ABD: Organizational Leadership
    • Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
    • Years in Education: 26
    • Online Learning Certification: Edgenuity/Accelerate trained 

     

    Ms. Syfert, 760-778-0487 x2204

    • Core Classes: English, Social Science
    • Degrees: Bachelor's degree from Concordia University, Irvine, Master's degree in Education
    • Teaching Credentials: Multiple Subject, Specialist Instruction in Special Education
    • Years in Education: 28 
    • Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge

     

    Elementary School, Grades K-5

    Virtual Elementary School

    • Ms. Rabanova, Grades 1-2, 760-778-0487 x2207

     

    Special Programs

    Ms. Brennan, Special Education, 760-778-0487 x2509

    • Support Subjects: Mathematics, Reading, Writing
    • Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Special Education/General Education from Western Michigan University, Master's degree from Chapman University in Special Education, Maser's degree in Education (Middle Grades) from California State University, San Bernardino
    • Teaching Credentials: Multiple Subject, Resource Specialist, Specialist Instruction in Special Education
    • Years in Education: 28

    Mr. De La Cruz, Special Education, 760-778-0487 x2508

    • Support Subjects: ELA, Math, Science, & History
    • Degrees: Masters in Special Education
    • Teaching Credentials: Education Specialist
    • Years in Education: 10