Meet Our Induction Mentors

Hi, my name is Cheryl Bayley. I have taught different science classes for the past 20 years. I currently teach Anatomy and Physiology.  I have served as an Induction and also a BSTA (formally known as) mentor. I am grateful to be a science teacher and even more humbled to be a mentor for other science teachers during their induction process. In my free time, I cherish moments with my children, husband, family, and friends. 

Hi, my name is Michelle Beauchamp. I have been an Induction Mentor for more than 20 years. I have been teaching for 33 years; I spent 15 years in middle school at National City Middle and Eastlake Middle, 4 years as an elementary principal in Chula Vista, 4 years as a district TOSA, and 10 years in high school. I have taught English Language Arts and ELD at every grade level except 1th grade. I typically teach SEI, co-teach, and struggling students as I feel that is my teaching niche. I also helped coordinate a mentoring program at MOH called Operation Grit, where advanced juniors and seniors mentor struggling freshmen two days per week after school. What has kept me interested in this career all of this time is finding just the right key to getting a struggling student to start to care about their education and want to improve. I have two children, Ryan 26 years old, and Paige 18 years old who are my joy! I also have been married to my husband, Miles for 33 years. In my free time, I love to read, travel, go to the beach, and play with my dogs, Emma and Layla. This past summer, I fulfilled my lifelong dream of going to Paris, France. 

Hi, my name is Brittany Broas, and this is my second year serving as an Induction Mentor and my fourth year serving as a Resident Coach. I have been a special education teacher for 8 years. I teach all functional subjects (9th-12th grade). I am also the advisor for the Trojan Buddies club at my school site. I am very passionate about teaching and enjoy supporting new teachers on their journey toward becoming special education teachers. In my free time, I enjoy attending pug events, going to the gym, baking desserts, traveling the country, going to baseball games, playing the piano, creating t-shirt designs on my Cricut machine, and making iced lattes using my expresso machine. I have a 2-year-old pug named Frank. My pug and I try to attend every pug event in San Diego; we are members of the San Diego Pug Club! I also specialize in making homemade dog biscuits and dog-friendly cakes.

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Greetings, my name is Robert Carrillo and I'm a Special Education teacher at Rancho del Rey Middle School and Induction Mentor. Like most Special Ed teachers, I have taught nearly everything. I've taught Math, Study Skills, Read 180, and World Cultures throughout my career, but now have settled into co-teach English and Social Communications. Being a SPED teacher is a unique challenge, and it's a job I don't think you really ever master, so I'm still learning myself. But I love facing challenges and finding a way to solve it. Most of my free time is occupied by my two small children, and anything left is spent watching soccer or playing guitar. 

"Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." This quote represents for me many reasons I have been supporting new teachers since 2017. Even though it is about students, it is also about ALL OF US! The teaching profession is hard, and teachers are putting themselves out there daily- starting a classroom, figuring out their school sites, their students, and ALL THE ACRONYMS!! New teachers are learning 50 pieces at a time- shining one day, and barely surviving the next day. I have been there, and I know that journey. I am here for that journey with our new teachers. Being a science teacher is the best job in the world, but a challenging one. I was inspired by my HS science teachers who saw my curiosity, challenged me, and guided and supported me. When I first started teaching in SUHSD, my mentor was helpful and patient with me. This is my way of paying that forward, and I hope in any small way, that I can help our newest Sweetwater teachers. 

Hello, my name is Michelle Clark-Cadwell and I am excited to be an Induction Mentor again this year! I absolutely love words, reading, and literature, so it was a natural progression to earn my credential and become an English Language Arts teacher in 1995. I began my career teaching 7th and 8th grade English in the Bay Area, but feel so fortunate to have taught all levels of high school English, ELD, and AP Literature here in Sweetwater for the past 10 years. I recently moved from Olympian High to Launch Virtual Academy where I currently teach 11th grade English and CSU Expository Reading and Writing and am learning so many new skills incorporating educational technology to meet students’ needs. I love education and am myself a lifelong learner who remembers being a new teacher and all that it entails; I am eager to support and encourage our new teachers in their path forward as educators in our challenging profession. On a personal note, I love spending time with my adult daughters and am going to be a grandma for the first time! I also have a passion for travel and painting, and always have a novel with me at all times while I am on the lookout for people and cityscapes to photograph as inspiration to paint! 

Greetings! My name is Leticia Duprez-Ankers and this is my eighth year serving as an Induction Mentor. I have been teaching at my current site of ELM for 17.5 years and have been in the field of education for 20 years. I have taught every level of ELD over the years, including English 7, English 8, and even English 9 during summer school. In addition to mentoring, I often work with SDSU and UCSD as a Guide Teacher coaching student teachers. I enjoy working with our district's students and our beginning teachers very much. Through mentoring, I feel that all parties gain experience, knowledge, and expertise (even we veteran teachers continue to have a lot to learn). Of course, I love English literature but I like to promote biliteracy (even multi-literacy) as much as possible, especially for our EL populations. The better we all become at communicating through language, the better our discourse can be regardless of language barriers.

In my free time, I enjoy photography, art, attending concerts, collecting music, writing, traveling abroad, and taking long evening walks with my canine son, Shadow, and my husband. Our second home and family are in England, so we enjoy spending summers there when possible. We also have many friends and family in Japan and enjoy traveling there as well. Our goal is to explore more of the world especially more of Asia. 

Hi, my name is Kalie Espinoza, and this is third second year serving as an Induction Mentor. I have been teaching for 13 years, and I spent 10 of those at Bonita Vista High School. I have taught pretty much every level of English Language Arts from 7the grade Reading and Writing to IB English Literature HL as well as support classes like Literacy Workshop and electives like Peer Mediation and IB Theory of Knowledge. I find so much joy in facilitating students’ learning and helping them discover how they can contribute to the world. I have been coaching and mentoring teachers for seven years now and especially with the high demands placed on teachers, think it is so important that we find comradery and support in our fellow colleagues. Last year, I began serving part-time as the Teacher on Special Assignment for Induction, and this year I am serving full-time in this role. I am very passionate about the art of teaching and love working with our new teachers to support them as they begin their careers in education. 

In my free time, I enjoy taking my Goldendoodle Belle to swim at Dog Beach and going to concerts and musicals with my husband Sean. We’re also on a mission to visit every National Park in the United States together - at least one park per year. 

Hi, my name is Shiela Fernandez, and I am very excited to be a mentor this year! I was most recently teaching at Rancho del Rey Middle School. This is my 26th year teaching in SUHSD! I was also previously part of the SEAST team at Special Services and a BTSA support provider (currently Induction mentor) as well. In the past few years I have been co-teaching English and have taught Study Skills. I have experience teaching Fundamentals, Co-teach, and Collab. courses in all content areas. I have also taught the Social Communications class. I am currently a full-time release Teacher on Special Assignment for Induction. I would describe my coaching style as empathetic, compassionate, and supportive. I chose to become a mentor because I know first-hand how difficult the task of being a special educator truly is, and I want to help new teachers navigate their first years and offer support, advice, and insights. I also want to help develop our best teachers of students with disabilities. I became a teacher because I want to help our students with the most needs succeed, become lifelong learners, and have more opportunities in life. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and being in nature, whether it’s taking a hike in the mountains, enjoying time at the beach, or enjoying time on the bay.

My name is Estela Garza and this is my fourth year as a mentor in the Induction Program. I have been teaching for 27 years. During my first six years, I taught at Potter Jr. High in Fallbrook. While there I revamped their ELD Program. Since then I have been at Chula Vista Middle School for 21 years. In my 21 years, I have taught all four levels of ELD, English 7/8 Spanish for Spanish Speakers, and Spanish Foreign Language.

I love mentoring new teachers. They bring a fresh perspective to teaching.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, walking, reading, and spending time with my 2 sons, husband, and extended family. 

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Hi, my name is Marko Gutierrez and this is my fifth year serving as an Induction Mentor. I have been teaching for 18 years, all of which I have spent at San Ysidro High School. I currently teach AP English Language and Composition, AVID 12 Senior Seminar, and serve as the AVID Coordinator. I also coordinate a parent workshop series for our community. I have taught all levels of ELD, English 9 Accelerated, English 12 Honors, AVID 9, AVID 10, AVID 11, and AVID 12. Culturally responsive teaching informs my teaching philosophy. Teachers need to be empowered, and they need to believe in what they teach. My curriculum is not static but responds to issues and concerns students have. Collaboration and mentoring have been instrumental in my growth and development as a teacher. Collaboration is an experience that provides dimension, insight, and growth for teachers.  The alternative--thinking, planning, and working in isolation—is limiting and not an ideal condition for sustainable professional learning. Collaboration advances teacher learning helps to address issues fosters collegiality, reduces teacher isolation, and more importantly, improves student learning. I believe in supporting teachers and that is why I am an Induction mentor. We all have a responsibility to share our expertise and view students not as “My students” but as “Our students.” A teacher’s professional learning journey is an ongoing process. And I firmly believe the best teachers are excellent students. They are students of their craft, students of effective teaching practices, and students open and willing to try and implement new ideas that will enhance their practice and student learning. In my free time, I enjoy coaching baseball, playing sports, having barbecues, hanging out with friends, and watching my favorite shows. 

My name is Jorgina Hall, and this is my fifth year serving as an Induction Mentor. I have been teaching for 21 years, and I’m a proud founding teacher at Otay Ranch High School. I have taught A.P. Biology, Accelerated Biology, Biology, Biology SEI, and Life and Physical Science. I have also been serving as a Resource Teacher for my school’s science department since last year. I became a teacher because I had some phenomenal teachers growing up, and I’ve always loved helping others to understand the world around them. I enjoy mentoring other teachers because it gives me hope for the future, and I believe in giving back. Many times I learn just as much or more from being around other young and passionate beginning teachers. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating and traveling around the world, and exercising. 

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A graduate of Sweetwater High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD), I was the first in my family to go to college. 

I have experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school. My passion for history led me to start teaching Social Science at my alma mater for six years, where I taught using a blended approach, before starting at Launch Virtual Academy online school for its inaugural year. Currently, I am working as the SUHSD Teacher on Special Assignment for History/Social Science. My current focus is supporting district implementation of Ethnic Studies and intentional literacy practices in Social Science courses. 

I live by the motto “Never forget where you came from." I hope that students will become civic-minded and use their knowledge and skills to make positive changes in their communities. 

My name is Sharon Lavie and this is my second year serving as an induction mentor. I have both an English and a Special Education credential.  I have been teaching for 14 years, mostly at Olympian High school.  I teach and have taught English 9, English 12, CSU Expo co-teach, Study Skills, and Social Communications. I am also one of the coaches in the district after-school PEERs program, which serves students with autism in our district and helps them acquire the social skills needed to develop and maintain friendships.  Last year I started teaching at Launch Virtual Academy.  I was seeking a challenge and wanted to keep growing professionally in the area of using technology to teach online.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, doing yoga, hiking, and lately kayaking.  

I’m Adrienne Marriott and this is my second year as an Induction Mentor. I am looking forward to working with new teachers to support their entry into a challenging and rewarding profession. I remember how overwhelming it was to be a new teacher, and I hope to provide the reassurance and support that, “we’ve all been there, and you are not alone” to my mentees. I hope to help them to try on new ideas and approaches as they develop their individual identities as educators. I am an all around science nerd, teaching (or having taught) Biology (regular & accelerated), Earth Science, AP Environmental Science, and Botany & Zoology in Sweetwater. My sincere passion for the content drives me to teach. I’m excited about bugs and plant roots and alternative energy and genetics, and my excitement is contagious to my students. Outside of school I’m mom/stepmom in a blended family of 5 boys and 1 girl between 14 and 19 years old–safe to say I get my fill of teenagers on a daily basis!

I teach like a pirate. I strive to be dynamic, energetic, fierce, and formidable. I embolden students to grow and see themselves as powerful and able. The best teaching and learning occur when the material and delivery are synchronized through deliberate care, attention, strength, and desire. I bring this care and energy to my courses of AP Psychology and AP Research. Outside the realms of my campus and classroom, I adore my children and the experiences we create and enjoy together. Memories are made and space is also prioritized to rest and reflect. When life gets hard, we often ask if the problem or frustration is a big deal or a little deal. We then focus on the big deals. They're what really matters. 

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Hi, my name is Rachel Meisner, and this is my 19th year teaching. I have taught all of my years at Castle Park High school, starting with a focus on only Chemistry, but I now teach both Chemistry and Physics. I have been mentoring new teachers with induction the past 5 years. I have had many students teachers over my tenure and am currently part of SUHSD's Residency program. Along with my "day job" I am also a lecturer at SDSU where I teach science methods. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family (2 daughters and 2 cats), crafting, playing games, and running. 

Hello, team! My name is Jennifer Mojica, and I am thrilled to be part of the SUHSD Teacher Induction team. This is my first year as a mentor, but I have been in education for the past 24 years, serving in a variety of capacities. I worked for 15 years in the elementary school system and have been at Sweetwater Union High School District for the last 8 years. I have worked as a speech teacher, SDC teacher, RSP teacher, Peer Assistance Review Coach, and now as an Induction Mentor. I have taught most subjects either as a classroom teacher, as a co-teacher, and in collaboration (collab. model) with the general education teacher. I strongly believe in investing in people and in education to build a stronger and more cohesive community. Teachers should be encouraged, supported, and celebrated. Teachers have a tremendous responsibility. My goal is to empower new teachers by providing good teaching practices while ensuring that they feel supported and encouraged. During my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and four adult sons. 

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My name is Mari Portaro (formerly Venturino), I am in my 11th year teaching. I have taught middle school science, AVID, and ASB. I love working with kids and helping them grow into awesome young adults. As a coach, I provide detailed feedback, sprinkled with encouragement and reassurance. 

I, Cyndi Rettenmund (formerly Roncoroni), have been teaching, for what feels like ever.  Thankfully, I love my work.  I taught at Bonita Vista High for close to 14 years and did a quick 2-year stint at Chula Vista High.  Then I moved to Southwest High where I became a coach, club advisor, and journalism teacher.  All students can be great.  I have taught English 9, 10, 12, IB English 10, AP English Literature, Journalism, and Speech & Communication.  I won Teacher of the Year in 2017 for SUHSD.  I want to assist new teachers in settling into this vocation; those without support tend to quit after 5 years.  At home, I have two SUHSD graduates who went on to college. I love to travel, read, and socialize. 

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Hello, my name is Allie Sanders. This is my 28th year in education, 22 of those in SUHSD. This is my 13th year at Otay Ranch High School, where I teach AP Human Geography and World History. Throughout my career, I have taught all levels of History/Social Science from 7th-grade World Cultures to 12th-grade Economics and Government. This is my 8th year serving as an Induction Mentor for the Sweetwater District. Part of the reason I enjoy serving as an Induction Mentor is that it gives me the opportunity to work with new teachers and watch them grow and flourish as educators. I also serve as the Lead SEA rep at my site, as well as coaching the Quiz Bowl team. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks in our beautiful San Diego weather and spending time with my friends and family. 

Hi, My name is Karen Thompson. I have been an induction mentor for 17 years and experienced the many induction programs offered over the years by SUHSD. I have been teaching at Granger Junior High for 22 years, as an English teacher or ELD teacher. I have been a resource teacher for 6 of those years, working with ELs, parents, counselors, and administrators. I love to travel and have been to many countries, and to all of our states here in the US. I have a sheltie named Archie that I take everywhere I can. 

Hello, my name is Alexandria Toscano, but everyone calls me Lolly. I have been an induction mentor for 3, maybe 4 years and in the classroom for a total of 11 years (IA for 5 years). I am currently teaching math fundamentals at Castle Park High School! Go Trojans! 

When I'm not working, I love spending time with my husband, son, and daughter. 

I am from Rome, Italy, and I moved to the US after I graduated from college. I have been teaching for about twenty years: first, as an Italian instructor at UCSD and at local community colleges, and then as a special education teacher at the high school level. I have been a special education math teacher at Olympian High School for eight years, in co-teaching and fundamental classes. I have also been teaching credit recovery in all subjects during the school year and school breaks. I have teaching credentials in English, social science, Italian, multiple subjects, and mild/moderate special education. I truly enjoy supporting other teachers and I want to offer my contribution to the development of an effective professional learning community. Besides my teaching experience, my strengths as a coach are my availability, sincerity, directness, flexibility, open mildness, and curiosity. I spend a large part of my time at school since I also work during tutoring hours, Saturday School, and school breaks. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my two teenage sons and my friends, exercising, and making pizza.