Ms. O'Grady

Ms. Fregoso

Mrs. Santana

Mrs. Stoopes

Mrs. Todd

Ms. Bateman

This is my 40th year teaching.  I have taught TK for the last 25 years. I love dogs very much.

Ms. Andersen

32nd year teaching...18th year at University Park...my second home!

Salinas native, lover of all things family (especially my big Italian family), daycations, anything outdoors, Starbucks runs, and long romantic walks through the aisles at Target.

Proud supporter of messy hair and sweatpants.

Humor and laughter everyday gets me through the day. Love my students! They make my heart smile!

Ms. Birch

This is my first year teaching at University Park. I love watching sports, especially baseball, and spending time with my family at sporting events.  I enjoy traveling, baking, jigsaw puzzles and teaching. I am a musician and play the trombone, baritone horn, and piano in multiple ensembles in the area.  I am from Las Vegas, Nevada but have been living in Santa Cruz for about 2 years. Alumni of the University of Arizona and WGU.

Ms. Claudia Cardenas

Ms. Melina Nobusada

Ms. Charles

I have a 7 year old daughter and twin 4 year olds (a boy and a girl). I enjoy running and all things outdoors. I received my bachelors degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and my teaching credential from Cal State Monterey Bay.

Ms.  Budenholzer

I’ve taught for 36 years …  mostly in first grade … 21 years at University Park!

Raised in Soledad - I love making the Salinas Valley my home.

I love Starbucks lattes, family reunions all over the country with my big extended family, singing and playing with my dog. 

What I tell my students everyday …

You are strong!

You are talented!

You are smart!

You work hard! 

You are so special!

You can achieve anything!

Ms. Bittner

I love to read, do jigsaw puzzles, and teach! I have been married for 33 years and have two adult children.  I found my calling in education 23 years ago.  I love traveling anywhere the weather is warm. 

Ms. Magdalena Trujillo

Salinas native proud to be serving the community that I grew up in. CSUMB graduate, go otters! I love to stay active by exercising or going on hikes. I find the most joy in teaching or spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Villanueva

Born and raised in the Salinas Valley.  I am the oldest of 5 siblings.  Married for 19 years and have 3 children.  Attended Hartnell College and earned my BA at CSUMB Monterey Bay go otters! I love to spend time with family, going to the beach, swimming, dancing and reading. 

Ms. Dean

Second/Third-Grade Combination Class

Mrs. Dean has been teaching since 2003 after graduating from UC Davis, and has taught almost all elementary grade levels. Third grade is her ABSOLUTE favorite grade to teach. She loves reading, especially third grade books. Mrs. Dean has 3 kids named Lucy, Nathan and Stella. She also has 1 dog named Dixie, and 2 cats named Pepper and Patches. She thinks U.P is the best school ever! Go Panthers!

Ms. Christensen

I’ve been teaching for 18 years and I love that I still remember my students from my first year of teaching until the present. I love Starbucks, puppy dogs, HUGS!!!, teaching 3rd grade with Mrs. Mandella and Mrs. Dean, traveling, and all of my friends at U.P. I’m from Southern California but I love my new home here in Seaside.

Ms. Ricigliano

Born and raised in Brazil. Funny, energetic, loves to cook, hike, and really enjoys hanging out with family, friends, and pets.

Ms. Penner

Fourth Grade Class

Teacher for 15 years. Cal Poly grad.  Loves hiking and riding bikes with my kids, exercising, and relaxing at the beach with a good book.  Ready for a great school year!  

Ms. Gonzalez

Fifth/Sixth SDC Class

Upper grade moderate/severe Special Education Teacher (Special Day Class). I am a mom of two wonderful children (Ethan and Aaliyah) & married for ten years. I enjoy working through challenges and accomplishing goals. In my free time I enjoy quality time with my family and visiting as many places as we can. Alumni of Cal State University, Monterey Bay. 

Ms. Denise Ramirez

Ms. Ruvalcaba

I was born and raised in Salinas.  I have been a teacher for 14 years.  I have a Bachelor’s from San Jose State University and a Master’s in Education from CSUMB. I have two children that attend University Park. On my free time, I enjoy taking trips with my husband, watching movies, baking, cycling, going to the beach, taking my children to their extracurricular activities and spending time with my family.  I love being a teacher!

Mr. Gonzalez

This is my fourth year teaching but 2nd year at UP! I am a Sacramento state graduate (STINGERS UP). I love my family and watching sports. I was born and raised in Salinas and I can’t wait to give back to the community I grew up in. 

Ms. Hayes
Speech Therapist

California native, born and raised in the Central Valley, graduate of UCSB (B.A.) and Fresno State (M.A.).  Married and mother of one lovely girl.  This is year 36 working as a Speech Pathologist and I'm very happy to be part of the team at UP!   In my non-work life I enjoy reading, gardening, sewing and quilting, cooking and baking, playing the piano, yoga, travel, and quirky British tv shows. 

Ms. Jerzey

Grew up on the East Coast. Went to school at University of Pittsburgh and East Carolina University. Played rugby in college. Loves to trail run, hike and roller skate. Favorite color: green. 

Mr. Costello

Born in raised on the Central Coast. Goal: to instill the ability for all children to thrive.  Degree in CSUMB in communications. Masters in counseling. I am a gamer success story.  I love the outdoors and being part of a team.  

Kim Van Nevel
Academic Coach

Kayla Ramirez-Turner

Tracy Russell

Rosa Fonseca