About Our SDC Team

Specialized Academic Instruction 

Meet our Award-winning Staff

2023-24 School Year

Interesting facts: 

Mr. H has served on numerous municipal and non-profit organization boards and commissions. He serves on the Episcopal Community Services (ECS) board of directors and its behavioral health committee.  ECS provides health and human services in the areas of homelessness, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and early childhood education. He is also an active member of the 501st Legion, a group of “Star Wars” themed cosplayers making up a worldwide charitable organization who volunteer their time to brighten the lives of the less fortunate and to bring awareness to positive causes on both a local and global scale.  Mr. H is a State Delegate to the National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly and was recently elected to represent San Diego as a member of the California Teachers Association State Council of Education.

SDC Teacher: Hezekiah Herrera

Hello there! 

It brings me immense joy to introduce myself as your teacher. My passion for Special Education stems from my experiences with my children and foster-to-adopted siblings, who have all made tremendous progress. I feel privileged to bring the same love, patience, and encouragement they needed to our classroom and help each student achieve their full potential. 

Education has always held a special place in my heart. I am a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in education. My academic background and experience have given me a deep understanding of the importance of education and how it can transform lives. 

Middle school is an important time for our students as it allows us to assess their foundational skills and help them build upon them. Our goal is to empower them in their strengths and support them in their areas of need so that they have the necessary skills for their next transitional experience: high school. Our classroom environment is designed to act as a bridge between elementary and high school, with elements from both settings to provide a seamless and comfortable transition. 

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I couldn’t agree more. I am genuinely excited about helping each student achieve their fullest potential and make a positive impact on the world. With my sincere dedication and passion for education, I am confident that we will have a successful and fulfilling school year.

Warmest wishes, 

Mr. H

Favorite Things

Food: Pizza

Movie: Star Wars

Color: Blue

Drink: Root Beer

Season: Winter

Sports Team: Los Angeles Dodgers; Los Angeles Rams

Hobbies: Surfing, Camping,  Jiu-Jitsu, Hiking, Volunteering

Justin Capeau

Special Education Instructional Aide

Other service providers support our students. They include  but, are not limited to occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, and adapted physical education specialists.

Alexandra Wertz

Speech Language Pathologist

Michael Delamarter

Adapted P.E. Teacher

Devin Porter

Physical Therapist

Greg Mayen

Occupational Therapist