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. Melanie Borun, 760-778-0487 x2506

• Core Classes: The Living Earth, Chemistry in the Earth System
• Electives: Science of Health and Wellness, Forensic Science, Business Leadership, Business Finance
• 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: 15
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge 

Mr. David Escamilla, 760-778-0487 x2512

• 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
• Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Mathematics
• Years in Education: 7
• Additional Languages: Spanish

Ms. Veronica Nicholas, 760-778-0487 x2505

• Core Classes: Physics in the Universe, Integrated Math (I,II,III)
• Degrees: BS in Mechanical Engineering, MA 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: 22 (College & High School Levels)
• Online Learning Certification: Learning Edge   
• Professional Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) MEX
• Additional Languages: Spanish-educated native speaker

Ms. Theresa Smith, 760-778-0487 x2506

• 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: 30
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge 

Ms. Mirta Valenzuela, 760-778-0487 x2511

• 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. Roberto Wheaton, 760-778-0487 x2512

• 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  

Paraeducators

Ms. Maria De La Fuente, Technology Support, Phone: 760-329-3330 (Press # to be connected to DLA)

Ms. Jazmin Rosario, Technology Support, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2515 

Ms. Christina Moore, Special Education, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2515

Security

Mr. Jack Manion, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1402

Custodial

Mr. Eduardo Teran, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1401 

Academy Teachers

Middle School, Grades 6-8

Ms. Maude Dabney, 760-778-0487 x2206

• Core Classes: Math, Science
• Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Point Loma Nazarene University, Master's degree in Teacher Leadership from National University, Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from University of Phoenix
• Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject 
• Years in Educations: 19 years
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge

Ms. Darci 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: 23 
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge

Elementary School, Grades K-5

Ms. Lynn Yada, Grades K-3, 760-778-0487 x2202

• Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University, Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
• Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
• Years in Education: 33
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
• Professional Licensure: Marriage and Family Therapist (California)

Ms. Jan Ligman, Grades 4-5, 760-778-0487 x2205

• Degrees: Dual Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies from College of the Desert, Bachelor's degree from Chapman University, Master's degree in Education from Chapman University
• Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
• Years in Education: 21
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge

Special Programs

Ms. Stacy Brennan, Special Education, 760-778-0487 x2508

• 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: 26

Ms. Jan Ligman, Rebound, 760-778-0487 x2205

• Degrees: Dual Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies from College of the Desert, Bachelor's degree from Chapman University, Master's degree in Education from Chapman University
• Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
• Years in Education: 21
• Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge