(San Diego, CA) – The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is proud to announce its finalists for District Teacher of the Year and District Classified Employee of the Year. These outstanding members of Team PUSD exemplify the district’s commitment to empowering world-class learners.
District Classified Employees of the Year
Melissa Lathram – Instructional Assistant, Sunset Hills Elementary School
Melissa “Missy” Lathram, an Instructional Assistant in Special Education at Sunset Hills Elementary School, is known for the compassionate and steady support she provides to students with diverse learning needs. In the classroom, Missy helps adapt lessons, reinforce instruction, and guide students through challenges with patience and encouragement. Her calm presence helps students build confidence and stay engaged in learning. Beyond the classroom, Missy plays a key role in strengthening school culture. She helps welcome students each morning, manages the school’s social media to celebrate learning across campus, and brings energy to school events as “DJ Missy L.” Through her dedication to students, staff, and families, Missy helps create a school community where every child feels supported and valued.
Carlos Pantoja – Warehouse Specialist, Food and Nutrition
Carlos Pantoja, a Food and Nutrition Warehouse Specialist, plays a critical role in supporting the district’s school meal program. In just a short time in his position, Carlos has strengthened warehouse operations through careful inventory management, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to efficiency. He routinely arrives early to organize delivery routes, double-checks pick tickets to prevent errors, and ensures vendors’ deliveries meet quality and accuracy standards. His meticulous approach recently helped the department achieve a rare inventory result of zero discrepancies. Working behind the scenes, Carlos helps ensure school kitchens have the supplies they need to serve thousands of meals to students each day.
District Teachers of the Year
Josh Bess – Elementary Teacher, Willow Grove Elementary School
Josh Bess, an elementary teacher at Willow Grove Elementary School, is recognized for his deep commitment to the craft of teaching. Josh has a strong passion for pedagogy and proven instructional strategies that help students succeed in the classroom. His leadership extends beyond his own students, as he regularly contributes to the profession as a conference presenter and expert adviser, sharing effective practices with educators across the field. Colleagues and students alike appreciate Josh’s thoughtful approach, dedication to continuous improvement, and collaborative spirit. Despite this recognition, Josh remains characteristically humble, viewing the honor as an opportunity to represent and celebrate the work of his fellow teachers.
Cherene Askar – Science Teacher, Mesa Verde Middle School
Cherene Askar, a science teacher at Mesa Verde Middle School, believes deeply in the power of education to change lives. She describes her philosophy simply: “Education is liberation.” In her classroom, Cherene balances strong routines and expectations with the creativity and exploration that help students engage in meaningful learning. Beyond the classroom, she is an active leader on campus, contributing to the No Place for Hate Committee, leading student groups such as Cooking Club and GSA, and serving as a basketball coach to expand athletic opportunities for students. With nine years in education, Cherene demonstrates a clear commitment to elevating student voice and helping shape an educational experience that empowers every learner.
Jose Lucero – English/AVID Teacher, Westview High School
Jose Lucero, a high school teacher with more than 20 years of experience, continues to bring energy, passion, and purpose to the classroom. Jose is known for the intentional way he designs instruction, using thoughtful teaching practices that actively engage every learner in the classroom. A strong advocate for student opportunity, Jose has been instrumental in supporting the district’s implementation of AVID, helping expand college- and career-ready practices across classrooms. He is also a trusted mentor and coach to teachers new to the profession, sharing effective instructional strategies and helping colleagues strengthen their practice. Known for his passion for teaching, Jose remains deeply inspired by the potential he sees in his students. His commitment to both students and fellow educators reflects the lasting impact of a career dedicated to learning.
Site Employees of the Year*
Congratulations to the following employees recognized across district sites.
Elementary Schools
- Adobe Bluffs Elementary School
Rachel Dake, Teacher
Harini Anumula, Instructional Assistant I - Canyon View Elementary School
Crystal Jenkins, Instructional Assistant II - Chaparral Elementary School
Jonathan Ross, Teacher
Hien Luu, Instructional Assistant I - Creekside Elementary School
Heather Speer, Office Assistant II - Deer Canyon Elementary School
Kim Swalley, Teacher
Maha Elmeniawy, Office Assistant II - Del Sur Elementary School
Amy Bieri, Teacher
Claire Spelta, Health Services Technician - Garden Road Elementary School
Brooke Waller, Teacher
Teresa Scales, Noon Duty Supervisor - Highland Ranch Elementary School
Theresa Thomas, Teacher
Danny Nyugen, Instructional Assistant I - Los Peñasquitos Elementary School
Erik Fradsham, Teacher
Ginette Granados Jenkins, School Office Manager - Midland Elementary School
Rachel Hillenbrand, Teacher
Michele Ubando de Rosado, Noon Duty Supervisor - Monterey Ridge Elementary School
Rhonda Reed, Teacher
Erin Thompson, Instructional Assistant I - Morning Creek Elementary School
Tuongvi Tran, Teacher
Noelle Bergmans, Library Media Technician - Painted Rock Elementary School
Cherie O'Connor, Teacher
Kristina LaRose, Instructional Assistant I - Park Village Elementary School
Rachel Bruner, Teacher
Gigi Marquez, School Office Manager - Pomerado Elementary School
Alexandra Hober, Teacher
Sarah Brown, Office Assistant II - Rolling Hills Elementary School
Joan Grohman, Teacher
Marla Reyes, Behavioral Intervention Instructional Assistant - Shoal Creek Elementary School
Kristin McCandless, Teacher
Marcel De Wet, Instructional Assistant I - Stone Ranch Elementary School
Shelley Vincent, Teacher
Polina Sukhareva, Custodian - Sundance Elementary School
Brittany Pearson, Teacher
Iris Green, Student Services Assistant - Sunset Hills Elementary School
Gregory Kennedy, Teacher
Melissa Lathram, Instructional Assistant I - Tierra Bonita Elementary School
Angela Beffert, Teacher
Amber Walden, Instructional Assistant II - Turtleback Elementary School
Maria Carini, Teacher
Juli Dore, Instructional Assistant II - Valley Elementary School
Tristie Graetz, Teacher
Nicole Espinoza, Instructional Assistant I - Westwood Elementary School
Randi McCray, Teacher
Elyse Kojima, Instructional Assistant - Willow Grove Elementary School
Josh Bess, Teacher
James Fitzgerald, Custodian
*As of February 10, 2026
Middle Schools
- Bernardo Heights Middle School
Lisa Beagle, Teacher
Star Rose, Office Assistant II - Black Mountain Middle School
Linda Ha, Teacher
Jenifer Simmons, Library Media Technician - Meadowbrook Middle School
Sam Huynh, Teacher
Madhumathi Sakthivel, Student Data Technician I - Mesa Verde Middle School
Cherene Askar, Teacher
Isabella Mansouri, Student Data Technician II - Oak Valley Middle School
Mark Nowak, Teacher
Amanda Dingle, School Secretary - Twin Peaks Middle School
Megan Fenwick, Teacher
Ana Moreno, School Secretary
High Schools and Adult School
- Abraxas High School
Alyson Mustazza, Teacher
Tracy Hargrove, School Administrative Assistant - Del Norte High School
Kelly Paulson, Teacher
Lanette Poulin, Office Assistant II - Mt. Carmel High School
Kelly Davis, Teacher
Alkuds Jwayyed, Instructional Assistant I - Poway High School
Lauren Hall, Teacher
Brenda Chacon, Instructional Assistant I - Rancho Bernardo High School
Christy Millsap, Teacher
Peter Quammie, Campus Security - Westview High School
Jose Lucero, Teacher
Charlotte Isbister, Athletic Program Assistant - Poway Adult School
Michele "Miki" Blanchard, Teacher
District Offices
- Career Technical Education
Samantha Parrish, Teacher
Andre Urbano, Data and Assessment Technician - Alternative Programs
Katie Schmid, Teacher - Facilities, Maintenance & Operations
Robert Cicero, Maintenance Worker
Josue Barrera, Grounds Equipment Operator - Food & Nutrition
Carlos Pantoja, Food and Nutrition Warehouse Specialist - Transportation Department
Rick Kraft, School Bus Driver - Finance
Brenda Pyle, Accounting Assistant IV - Learning Support Services
Danielle Berman, Executive Assistant - Payroll
Brandi Saucedo, Payroll Technician - Personnel Support Services & Benefits
Christina Jordan, Office Assistant II - Purchasing
Grace Umbenhaur, Administrative Assistant II - Special Education
Gabby Ng, Senior Business Systems Analyst - Technology Support Services
Rocio Uriarte, Systems Engineer - Preschool and Before and After School Programs
Tracy Richardson, Office Specialist