Why I Work Where I Work
Our video and written storytelling series 'Why I Work Where I Work' highlights staff members who are designated as classified employees. These are individuals who are dedicated to student success outside of teaching and instruction, including attendance clerks, nutrition services staff, custodians, and many more roles.
Here are our staff member highlights for the 2024-2025 school year:
More 2024-2025 School Year Staff Highlights
Maryela Gonzalez: 'That moment of connection is so important'
Chantelle Cafferata: 'I see myself as a connector'
Brenda Acosta: 'Building rapport with students is crucial'
Joseph Velasquez: 'It’s all hands on deck every day'
Carlos Fuentes: 'I put my heart into it'
Debora Ogarrio: 'Our goal is for students to feel safe'
Aykui Damaryan-Nordloff: 'Really helping students be their best version of themselves'
Hugo Solorzano: 'My role is to be a bridge and an advocate'
Priscilla Vazquez: 'I think it's important for students to know that they're seen'
Why I Work Where I Work - Classified Staff Highlights Archive
2023-2024
- Brian Schoenfelder: 'It's a great feeling knowing you've made a difference'
- Lindsay McCormick: 'It's an awesome thing to watch'
- Adan Muñoz: 'I am happy to be here'
- Maribel Estrada: 'I'm making a difference with the kids'
- Fleur Burke: 'If you want to grow a reader, pick up the book and spend time at the end of the day reading'
- Andrea Diaz: 'They instilled that work ethic in me'
- April Celestino: 'I'm absolutely having an impact on someone's life'
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Kim Lammie: 'At the end of the day we are making good decisions for kids'
- Allie Ceralde: 'MPUSD is a big piece of the heart in this whole community'
- Shelly Barr: 'This has to be your heart'
- Angelica Cabrera: 'We're building a safe environment'
- Robin Connery: 'The key lies in the real connections we are trying to make with families'
- Reggie Breland: 'Put down the phone and social media and pick up the book'
- Aaron Sanders: 'Students are the reason we're here'
- Isai-Ogarrio-Martinez: 'To see all the stories inspires and motivates you to do your best every day'
2022-2023
- Patty Gutierrez: 'We have great students'
- Felipe Oviedo Ramirez: 'You never know...one of our students could be the next superintendent'
- Sue Whitney: 'I just want to share my love of books and reading'
- Mindy Cano: 'It feels good to give back to the community that gave to me'
- Courtney Baldwin: 'I help them find that internal motivation to get their diploma'
- Jenelle Newman: 'Be the best support system we can for our students'
- Lilyanne Kelly: 'HR really is part of the building blocks of our district'
- Fatima Mejia: 'I just love being in the office helping kids'
- Jenn Gorman: 'When the kids light up that is the inspiration'
- Debbie Corliss: 'I enjoy seeing the students and just everything about what I do'
- Judy Kuwatani: 'I want to make it where kids want to come'
- Eddie Standifer Jr.: 'I think it's real important to give them something to shoot for'
- Angela Bolanos: 'We all have a common goal of helping students'
2021-2022
- Carmen Corpus: 'I have a lot of dedication to these kids'
- Tyrone Hall: 'The kids are loving, caring and they’re kids you know'
- Keith Perreira: 'I’ve always been a helper and I like to help'
- Deisi Teran: 'Whatever they need, we’re there 100 percent'
- Susie Kolonics: 'It’s the kids. It’s the community. It’s the parents.'
- Kayla Antes: ‘The work we do here is absolutely incredible and really is setting the standard statewide’
- Shannon Cavanaugh-Pareño: ‘Collaborating ensures students are being supported in the classroom’
- Nellie Marrero: 'I am making an impact on a student’s life on a daily basis'
- Rosemary Salazar: 'We really are your friend. We are here to help'
- Lloyd Tanseco: 'I love working here. I love what I do'
- Chris Donat: 'The best part of my job is knowing they are safe in the classroom'
- David Correia, Jr.: 'We can’t forget what it’s like to be a kid'
- Pam Aliotti: 'The kids and the camaraderie with the students keeps me excited and going in the job'
- Suman Chand: 'All these kids want is somebody to listen'
- Ellen Brown: 'MPUSD is such an important part of the community'
2020-2021