Consulting Teachers

My name is Alessandra Vecchia, and I am currently the Intervention Targeted Support Resource Teacher, Space Hub Tutoring Center Teacher, special education case manager, 504 Plan Coordinator, and study skills teacher at Launch Virtual Academy. I have been teaching for over twenty years—starting as an Italian instructor at UCSD and local community colleges before moving into special education at the high school level. In addition, I teach social skills to students on the autism spectrum through the district’s after-school PEERS program. I hold teaching credentials in English, Social Science, Italian, Multiple Subjects, and Mild/Moderate Special Education, and I have recently earned my Administrative Services Credential with an emphasis on Special Education. Although I am credentialed in Multiple Subjects, I have mostly taught math throughout my career.  As a coach in both the Induction and PAR programs, I bring honesty, flexibility, curiosity, and strong listening skills to my work. I enjoy supporting teachers and contributing to a collaborative professional learning community. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, practicing yoga, learning Spanish, and learning to dance salsa and bachata.

My name is Erika Avery. I am an educator in Special Education and the Department Head at Otay Ranch High School. I have 17 years of experience in education. I have 11 years of teaching experience and 6 years as an AVID tutor/Instructional Assistant. I have experience in content areas: Math, English, Social Science, and Vocational. My current content area is co-teaching in Integrated Math 1-3. I graduated from Eastlake High School. I went through Southwestern Community College and National University where I received a B.A., M.Ed., and SPED credential. I most recently earned an Administrative Services Credential with the SDCOE. 

I became a teacher because I found a passion for our students with disabilities while I was an Instructional Assistant in the Fundamental program. Ensuring that I could be a part of their journey became a goal to entering an educational career. I am honored to be a part of the PAR mentor program. Being able to support my colleagues gives me a new perspective where we can collaboratively learn to grow as professionals simultaneously. As teachers, we are always working toward professional learning and building a community of practice. Being a mentor is a great privilege. As a mentor I will be collaborative, supportive, and provide timely feedback. In my free time, I spend my time with my husband, 12-year-old son, and 6-year-old daughter. I love to see my kids play sports and support their extracurricular activities. I also love working out, watching TV shows, and traveling. 

My name is Jennifer Zark, and I have taught in the Independent Studies with the Alternative Education program since 2008. I teach multiple subjects at the high school level to help students earn their high school diploma. I see students with Fundamental SDC courses, RSP supports, and general education in grades 9th through 12th. I had the opportunity to be a Home Hospital Teacher in Alternative Education for 6 years serving the medically fragile population from general education to mild/moderate disabilities or moderate/severe disabilities. I enjoyed educating students in their home and coordinating consultations for speech, occupational therapy, assistive technology, adaptive PE, vision specialists, and California Children's services OT and PT. I have been teaching for 21 years. I became a teacher to help students with disabilities graduate from high school and to help them with post-secondary planning for career, community college, or vocational programs. I enjoy helping students feel success using their tools and accommodations to support their learning. It has been a rewarding career! 

I am excited to be a coach in the PAR program to assist fellow teachers with support and encouragement. My coaching style is nurturing, listening for understanding, and problem solving for solutions. In my free time, I enjoy skateboarding, roller skating, camping, surfing, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, spending time with friends and family, doing house projects, and gardening.

My name is Dalisay Quitilen, and I am an Education Specialist at Alternative Education, Independent Study (IS).  I graduated from Mar Vista High (go Mariners!), attended Southwestern Community College, and transferred to SDSU where I earned a degree in Psychology, an Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Disabilities credential, and a Masters in Special Education. 

I have been teaching for 23 years; 15 years at MVM/MVA before joining IS. I taught Fundamentals Math 7 and 8 and was a Co-Teacher in Math 7 and 8 using CPM Core Connections 2 and 3 during my time at MVM/MVA.  I have also taught Integrated Math IA and IB Fundamentals during summer school.  In my current position at IS, I teach all subject areas, both General Education and Fundamentals, and have students with and without disabilities on my caseload.   

Over the years, I have been lucky to have had a great mentor as well as work with great teachers who have helped me develop and enhance my teaching skills.  I am excited to be a mentor in the PAR program because I appreciate the experience and support I had as a new teacher and I hope to do the same for a colleague that may need support.  My goal as a mentor is to assist my mentees become more confident in their abilities so that they can achieve their goals.  My coaching style is empathetic, supportive, constructive, and timely. 

I am actively involved with SEA, I like to hike, cycle, travel, and play with my two foster dogs.  The best ideas come while you’re outside enjoying nature.

My name is Mari Portaro, I am in my 12th year teaching. I have taught middle school science, AVID, and ASB. Currently, I am a full-time ASB at MVA. I love working with kids and helping them grow into awesome young adults. I am a Google Certified Teacher, Innovator, and Trainer. I love to balance technology with analog tasks in my classroom to benefit all learners. 

I have worked as a Resident Coach, guide teacher for student teachers, and as a PAR mentor. As a coach and mentor, I provide detailed feedback, sprinkled with encouragement and reassurance. I enjoy the opportunity to be a PAR mentor because I believe that we all can learn to be better teachers. In my free time, I love going for walks with my husband and our dog, baking, reading, and crocheting. My fledgling hobby is birding! 

My name is Chandra Goodnough, and I am a Nationally Board Certified Teacher of Mathematics at Chula Vista High School. I am dedicated to student learning and closing the achievement gap.  I am a lifelong learner striving to find the perfect balance between nurturing student learning versus teaching students deadlines don't matter.   Teaching is very similar to parenting in that you rarely feel like you are doing it all right.  I chose to apply to be a  PAR mentor so I  can help others as others have helped me.  We are all in this together, and we owe it to the students to get it right.