Meet Our Staff

David Cobian

My name is David Cobian and I will be your engineering and math teacher, robotics coach, and your Red Devils After Dark coordinator. Education has been a lifelong journey that has shaped my commitment to grit, honesty, integrity, respect, and mentorship. From studying mathematics, attending college, and ultimately becoming both a teacher and an administrator, every step has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education. There is value with gaining knowledge and sharing it with others to build community and capacity. 

My educational journey began at San Diego Mesa Community College, where I met a mathematics professor who became my mentor. His belief in my determination and potential gave me the confidence to pursue mathematics as my major. I later graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and began my teaching career at Sweetwater High School in July 2002.

Since then, I have been dedicated to helping students achieve their goals whether that path leads to college, the military, a trade school, or the workforce. Supporting students in discovering their strengths and reaching their full potential has always been at the heart of my educational philosophy.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy staying active through cycling, mountain biking, pickleball, paddle boarding, CrossFit, Hot Yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Maintaining a physical healthy lifestyle provides me the energy and balance for work, family and friends.

I also have a passion for reading and lifelong learning. I always have a book in progress and make it a goal to read at least a few books a year. I believe that continuous learning not only broadens our perspectives but also helps us become better educators, leaders, and role models for those we serve. After spending the past three years serving Sweetwater Union High District as an administrator, I look forward to engaging and working alongside my peers and students back at home, where Once a Devil, Always a Devil!!!!

Keren Salazar (she/her/hers) is a proud San Diego native and is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Child Development at Southwestern College. She has been working with children for about four years and is truly passionate about what she does. Keren loves creating fun, positive, and meaningful experiences where kids and youth can learn, grow, and feel supported.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, whether it's a day at the beach or a movie night at home. She also loves scrapbooking with an iced coffee, which is her favorite way to relax and be creative.

Keren's goal for the after-school program is to build strong connections with both the youth and staff. She wants everyone to feel welcomed, valued, and to have a great time. Seeing others succeed brings her so much joy and she is always happy to help in any way she can.

Nicky Ballow is a Chula Vista local who has had the privilege to live in unique places like Juarez, Mexico, and Johannesburg, South Africa. He's earned associates in both Literature and English at Southwestern College and is on the cusp of receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature at San Diego State University.

He's been present in the Chula Vista underground music scence since high school and plays in bands to this day. When he's not occupied with school work, he enjoys spending his time studying world religions, philosophical literature, and furthering his musical capabilities. He believes providing a safe space for the youth to explore their personalities through creative and artistic avenues is crucial for personal development and self discovery. 

Nicky's vision for his role in the after school program is to provide stability and reliability for both the youth and staff. His goal is to make sure individuals feel safe, heard, understood, and that all are able to partake in fun experiences.