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Katherine Acosta-VerprauskusMontalvin Manor Elementary PrincipalBorn and raised in Lima, Peru and moved to Kansas when she was 10 years old. Katherine is a first-generation college student and earned her master's and undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas. She is dedicated to serving youth and supporting them to reach their goals and dream. In the past she has served as a vice principal in a K-8th school in East Oakland and as a special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in WCCUSD. Ms. Acosta-Verprauskus values working in partnership with teachers, students, and families to maximize the learning and experience of ALL students get at Montalvin Elementary School. In her spare time she chases her 2 year old son and enjoys cooking in her Richmond home.
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Support Staff / Equipo de Apoyo
Donnell Bonini, Secretary
Nelda R. Welten
Position: Typist Clerk Bil./ Translator
Married to Dr. Kees Welten UCBerkeley. I have 3 daughters, and 1 grandson Nolan. Natasha Valasek 34 yrs. old, Broker in TX, Gabriella Welten19 yrs. old, US San Diego, Kasey Welten 16 yrs. old , De Anza High. I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers. My parents Blas & Aurora Rendon "deceased“. I attended Porter High School in TX. I worked for Space Center Houston NASA met very interesting people and Astronauts. I am a big Dallas Cowboys fan. My interests are meeting people getting to know them and learn about their culture. My hobbies: love shopping, gambling and wine tasting.
Position: Typist Clerk Bil./ Translator
Married to Dr. Kees Welten UCBerkeley. I have 3 daughters, and 1 grandson Nolan. Natasha Valasek 34 yrs. old, Broker in TX, Gabriella Welten19 yrs. old, US San Diego, Kasey Welten 16 yrs. old , De Anza High. I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers. My parents Blas & Aurora Rendon "deceased“. I attended Porter High School in TX. I worked for Space Center Houston NASA met very interesting people and Astronauts. I am a big Dallas Cowboys fan. My interests are meeting people getting to know them and learn about their culture. My hobbies: love shopping, gambling and wine tasting.
Karen Aiken
Position: School Psychologist
I am originally from the east coast, born and raised outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I went to college and got my Bachelor’s degree in Vermont. I moved to the Bay Area a few years after graduating college and received my Master's degree in school psychology from Cal State East Bay. I have two dogs and love taking them hiking every day. I also enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my nephews!
Position: School Psychologist
I am originally from the east coast, born and raised outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I went to college and got my Bachelor’s degree in Vermont. I moved to the Bay Area a few years after graduating college and received my Master's degree in school psychology from Cal State East Bay. I have two dogs and love taking them hiking every day. I also enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my nephews!
Andrea Morabito
Position: Learning Center- Education Specialist
I was born in France and my Parents were U.S. Citizens. I have dual citizenship. I came to the bay area by age 6 and have lived here since. I am married and have 2 adult sons and 1 adult daughter. I have my 1st grandchild. I work in the Learning Center grade 3-6th. I have always been interested in education.
Position: Learning Center- Education Specialist
I was born in France and my Parents were U.S. Citizens. I have dual citizenship. I came to the bay area by age 6 and have lived here since. I am married and have 2 adult sons and 1 adult daughter. I have my 1st grandchild. I work in the Learning Center grade 3-6th. I have always been interested in education.
Maria Nimfa Chambers
Position: School Speech Therapist
I grew up in the Philippines. I am a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and took my master's degree at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. I’ve been with the district for 11 years. I have 2 kids. We love traveling, outdoors and vacations as a family.
Position: School Speech Therapist
I grew up in the Philippines. I am a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and took my master's degree at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. I’ve been with the district for 11 years. I have 2 kids. We love traveling, outdoors and vacations as a family.
Crystal Merrill
Position: Read-Aloud Volunteer Program Coordinator
Reading Books have been a passion of mine since I attended an elementary school in WCCUSD. It gives me great pleasure to pass that along, which is why I do what I do. I sidestepped reading advocacy for a few years to earn my BS in Materials Science & Engineering at UC Davis and PhD in Materials at UC Santa Barbara, but now I am back to my first love. But science remains a interest; this summer I travelled to Oregon to see the total solar eclipse.
Position: Read-Aloud Volunteer Program Coordinator
Reading Books have been a passion of mine since I attended an elementary school in WCCUSD. It gives me great pleasure to pass that along, which is why I do what I do. I sidestepped reading advocacy for a few years to earn my BS in Materials Science & Engineering at UC Davis and PhD in Materials at UC Santa Barbara, but now I am back to my first love. But science remains a interest; this summer I travelled to Oregon to see the total solar eclipse.
Name: Marcos G. Vasquez
Position: LLS Site Director at Montalvin Elementary
I was born in San Fernando, Ca, but I moved to Mexico when I was 3 years old. I grew up in Apatzingan, Michoacan (Mexico). I went to Escuela Epitacio Huerta (Elementary) and Secundaria Technica No. 5 (Junior High/Middle School). I moved back to the U.S.A. at the age of 12 to Newark, Ca, where I attended Newark Junior High and Newark Memorial High School. For college, I graduated from California State University, East Bay with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration and minor in Youth Services Administration. As far as my hobbies, I enjoy hiking, reading manga, cooking and baking (I LOVE IT), drawing, water coloring, screen-printing, watching movie, traveling, and teaching. I am fluent in Spanish and English. I lived in San Diego, Florida, and Mexico, and I have worked with kids from different walks of life. While living in Florida, I learned how to sail, paddleboard, kayak, flying trapeze, stilt walk, act, and dance. I can teach students how to sail, paddleboard, kayak, and dance. Since college, I have been working with kids in afterschool and I have enjoyed it all. I want to make a positive impact to our youth of today in order to make a better future.
Position: LLS Site Director at Montalvin Elementary
I was born in San Fernando, Ca, but I moved to Mexico when I was 3 years old. I grew up in Apatzingan, Michoacan (Mexico). I went to Escuela Epitacio Huerta (Elementary) and Secundaria Technica No. 5 (Junior High/Middle School). I moved back to the U.S.A. at the age of 12 to Newark, Ca, where I attended Newark Junior High and Newark Memorial High School. For college, I graduated from California State University, East Bay with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration and minor in Youth Services Administration. As far as my hobbies, I enjoy hiking, reading manga, cooking and baking (I LOVE IT), drawing, water coloring, screen-printing, watching movie, traveling, and teaching. I am fluent in Spanish and English. I lived in San Diego, Florida, and Mexico, and I have worked with kids from different walks of life. While living in Florida, I learned how to sail, paddleboard, kayak, flying trapeze, stilt walk, act, and dance. I can teach students how to sail, paddleboard, kayak, and dance. Since college, I have been working with kids in afterschool and I have enjoyed it all. I want to make a positive impact to our youth of today in order to make a better future.
Tom Boonkeut
Position: Head Custodian
I grew up in Richmond and attended Grant Elementary. My interest are football, basketball, softball and bowling.
Position: Head Custodian
I grew up in Richmond and attended Grant Elementary. My interest are football, basketball, softball and bowling.
Jennifer Dorsey Browne, BACR Counselor
Fakhra Jawaid, K-6th Instructional Aide
Carmen Flores , Transitional Kindergarten Aide
Jason Williams, Night Custodian
Fakhra Jawaid, K-6th Instructional Aide
Carmen Flores , Transitional Kindergarten Aide
Jason Williams, Night Custodian
Teachers / Maestros
Vanessa Romero
Position: Preschool Teacher
I grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and attended Dominican University of California. I like to read and write poetry. My favorite subject is science. I enjoy watching and playing soccer, as well as boxing. I also love to dance, and I play indoor soccer Friday nights.
Position: Preschool Teacher
I grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and attended Dominican University of California. I like to read and write poetry. My favorite subject is science. I enjoy watching and playing soccer, as well as boxing. I also love to dance, and I play indoor soccer Friday nights.
Stephanie Lucero
Position: Transitional Kindergarten
I grew up in Los Angeles and attended California State University at Los Angeles where I received my BA and MA in sociology. I enjoy swimming and quilting.
Position: Transitional Kindergarten
I grew up in Los Angeles and attended California State University at Los Angeles where I received my BA and MA in sociology. I enjoy swimming and quilting.
Ana Maria Libunao
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved to Los Angeles, California in 2004 then moved to the Bay Area in 2015. I graduated from De La Salle University in the Philippines. I took my Masters in Education in National University last 2012 . I'm a foodie! I like trying food from different countries/cultures. I love watching movies and binge watching shows on Netflix.
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved to Los Angeles, California in 2004 then moved to the Bay Area in 2015. I graduated from De La Salle University in the Philippines. I took my Masters in Education in National University last 2012 . I'm a foodie! I like trying food from different countries/cultures. I love watching movies and binge watching shows on Netflix.
Erika Hix
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Erika Hix and I grew up here in West Contra Costa. I love teaching kinder her at Montalvin. Kindergarten in my opinion is the most important grade there is. When I am not teaching I enjoy cooking and eating good food with friends and dancing.
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Erika Hix and I grew up here in West Contra Costa. I love teaching kinder her at Montalvin. Kindergarten in my opinion is the most important grade there is. When I am not teaching I enjoy cooking and eating good food with friends and dancing.
Maria Gonzalez
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and I have one brother and one sister, both younger than me. I was the first person in my family to go to college and i got my BA from San Francisco State University. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and traveling to new places.
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and I have one brother and one sister, both younger than me. I was the first person in my family to go to college and i got my BA from San Francisco State University. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and traveling to new places.
Martinique Perry
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
I grew up all around California. I grew up mainly in Sacramento and Salinas/Monterey area. I attended Dominican University of California. I love to travel. I go visit my parents in Louisiana twice a year. I like creating things for other teachers and for my classroom. I love reading new books and working out. I really love staying home and catching up on my T.V. shows on the weekend. I commute from a small town in the north bay called Petaluma because I love my school, the families and the community I teach.
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
I grew up all around California. I grew up mainly in Sacramento and Salinas/Monterey area. I attended Dominican University of California. I love to travel. I go visit my parents in Louisiana twice a year. I like creating things for other teachers and for my classroom. I love reading new books and working out. I really love staying home and catching up on my T.V. shows on the weekend. I commute from a small town in the north bay called Petaluma because I love my school, the families and the community I teach.
Emlyn Berenguer
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
As a child, I still remember helping my mom decorate her classroom. My grandmother was also a teacher so naturally I love teaching, too! I was first raised in the Philippines with my grandparents and then later moved to Hercules. I actually went to Lupine HIlls Elementary. I am a UC Davis alumni-- Go Aggies! I have three children and I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy everything that is Disney, especially Disney movies. My favorite Disney princess is Mulan. I like to do martial arts just like her!
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
As a child, I still remember helping my mom decorate her classroom. My grandmother was also a teacher so naturally I love teaching, too! I was first raised in the Philippines with my grandparents and then later moved to Hercules. I actually went to Lupine HIlls Elementary. I am a UC Davis alumni-- Go Aggies! I have three children and I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy everything that is Disney, especially Disney movies. My favorite Disney princess is Mulan. I like to do martial arts just like her!
Laura Terry
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms.Terry and I am one of the fabulous first grade teachers at Montalvin. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University. Go Devils! I am a proud Teach for America teacher and am passionate about teaching. Outside of school, I enjoy hot yoga and singing. I have a little dog named Tucker who lives with me in Oakland. I also love to cook. Stop by Room 140 anytime to chat!
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Ms.Terry and I am one of the fabulous first grade teachers at Montalvin. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University. Go Devils! I am a proud Teach for America teacher and am passionate about teaching. Outside of school, I enjoy hot yoga and singing. I have a little dog named Tucker who lives with me in Oakland. I also love to cook. Stop by Room 140 anytime to chat!
Susan King
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
I was raised in Seattle, Washington. I attended Washington State Univ. and Cal State East Bay. I love Gardening, cooking, and book sales!!! And, my youngest daughter is teaching English in Japan.
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
I was raised in Seattle, Washington. I attended Washington State Univ. and Cal State East Bay. I love Gardening, cooking, and book sales!!! And, my youngest daughter is teaching English in Japan.
Zsarleen Posadas
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
I teach 2nd grade in Room 136. This is my 18th year of teaching with the WCCUSD. I've taught Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. I was born here and grew up in San Francisco for 11 years. Then, I moved to Hercules and spent my middle school and high school years here at Pinole Middle School and Pinole Valley. I attended DVC junior college, transferred to Hayward State (now known as California East Bay College) and graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis of Early Childhood Development. I LOVE spending time with my family, teaching, eating, cooking, staying active, and being outdoors. Most importantly I enjoy being a mom of 2 young daughters.
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
I teach 2nd grade in Room 136. This is my 18th year of teaching with the WCCUSD. I've taught Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. I was born here and grew up in San Francisco for 11 years. Then, I moved to Hercules and spent my middle school and high school years here at Pinole Middle School and Pinole Valley. I attended DVC junior college, transferred to Hayward State (now known as California East Bay College) and graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis of Early Childhood Development. I LOVE spending time with my family, teaching, eating, cooking, staying active, and being outdoors. Most importantly I enjoy being a mom of 2 young daughters.
Aaron Leonard
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
I am new to Montalvin and am so happy to start my first year teaching here. I just finished my first year at Mills College working towards a Masters in Education. Before returning to school I was a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teacher/coordinator for the YMCA of San Francisco and Y of the USA. My wife Megan and I have three sons, Ebb who just started first grade, Casey who is 2 years old and Wesley who turns 1 this November.
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
I am new to Montalvin and am so happy to start my first year teaching here. I just finished my first year at Mills College working towards a Masters in Education. Before returning to school I was a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teacher/coordinator for the YMCA of San Francisco and Y of the USA. My wife Megan and I have three sons, Ebb who just started first grade, Casey who is 2 years old and Wesley who turns 1 this November.
Ronald Serranzana
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
I grew up in the Bay Area and attended UC Berkeley. My hobbies are lifting weights, self-improvement, building electric skateboards and riding them fast. My favorite sport is MMA.
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
I grew up in the Bay Area and attended UC Berkeley. My hobbies are lifting weights, self-improvement, building electric skateboards and riding them fast. My favorite sport is MMA.
Gary Collins
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in Oakland California and attended Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley Class of 2008. I graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia in 2012 where I studied business administration with a concentration in marketing. I am currently enrolled as a graduate student at San Francisco State University where I am studying elementary education. Before I became a teacher, I worked for Kellogg’s as a sales representative. My hobbies include, cooking, hiking, sports, technology, reading and film. Although I have taught in the past, this is my first year taking on an entire classroom by myself and I am thrilled to be part of the Montalvin team!
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in Oakland California and attended Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley Class of 2008. I graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia in 2012 where I studied business administration with a concentration in marketing. I am currently enrolled as a graduate student at San Francisco State University where I am studying elementary education. Before I became a teacher, I worked for Kellogg’s as a sales representative. My hobbies include, cooking, hiking, sports, technology, reading and film. Although I have taught in the past, this is my first year taking on an entire classroom by myself and I am thrilled to be part of the Montalvin team!
Beth Levine
Position: 4th Grade Teacher- Reading and Writing
I grew up in California in San Mateo. I went to school at University of California at Santa Cruz for two years. I decided to study civil and environmental engineering, so I attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I worked for ten years as an engineer helping landfills and sewage treatment plants to not pollute the environment. I love hiking in the mountains and also taking my students hiking. I love to run and organize the Girls on the Run team at Montalvin. I also enjoy helping students to love reading and writing!
Position: 4th Grade Teacher- Reading and Writing
I grew up in California in San Mateo. I went to school at University of California at Santa Cruz for two years. I decided to study civil and environmental engineering, so I attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I worked for ten years as an engineer helping landfills and sewage treatment plants to not pollute the environment. I love hiking in the mountains and also taking my students hiking. I love to run and organize the Girls on the Run team at Montalvin. I also enjoy helping students to love reading and writing!
Erica Fisher
Position: 4th Grade Mathematics Teacher
I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended College/Grad. School: The Evergreen State College, University of San Francisco. I love gardening, dancing, baking.
Position: 4th Grade Mathematics Teacher
I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended College/Grad. School: The Evergreen State College, University of San Francisco. I love gardening, dancing, baking.
Jessie Welcomer
Position: 5th Grade Literacy
I was born in Alabama but grew up here in the Bay Area before attending Pomona College in Southern California. Last year I finished my Master's Degree through Loyola Marymount University. When I'm not teaching, my favorite thing to do is travel - I've been to 25 countries and lived abroad twice, in Ecuador and Spain. I also love hiking, reading, and spending time with my family and friends (and two dogs!). This is my third year teaching fifth grade at Montalvin!
Position: 5th Grade Literacy
I was born in Alabama but grew up here in the Bay Area before attending Pomona College in Southern California. Last year I finished my Master's Degree through Loyola Marymount University. When I'm not teaching, my favorite thing to do is travel - I've been to 25 countries and lived abroad twice, in Ecuador and Spain. I also love hiking, reading, and spending time with my family and friends (and two dogs!). This is my third year teaching fifth grade at Montalvin!
Shaundra Miller-Washington
Position: Middle School Science and Visual Performing Arts Teacher
My name is Shaundra Miller-Washington. I am the Middle school science and art teacher at Montalvin Manor. I have taught fifth and sixth grade in this district for 12 years. I graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. and from U.C.L.A. with a Master Degree in Public Policy. I enjoy making your kids learn, doing science experiments with them, as well a swimming and binge watching television shows.
Position: Middle School Science and Visual Performing Arts Teacher
My name is Shaundra Miller-Washington. I am the Middle school science and art teacher at Montalvin Manor. I have taught fifth and sixth grade in this district for 12 years. I graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. and from U.C.L.A. with a Master Degree in Public Policy. I enjoy making your kids learn, doing science experiments with them, as well a swimming and binge watching television shows.
Shelly Moore
Position: Middle School Math and History Teacher
Teaching is a second career for me. I have a degree in textiles from the University of North Carolina, and I spent many years in retail management. Teaching, however, is the best job anyone could ever have!
Position: Middle School Math and History Teacher
Teaching is a second career for me. I have a degree in textiles from the University of North Carolina, and I spent many years in retail management. Teaching, however, is the best job anyone could ever have!
Sandra Holloway
Position: Middle School Reading and Writing Teacher
I grew up in Central America & Sacramento CA. I graduated from the Universidad de Montemorelos in Nuevo Leon, Mexico with my degree in education. I enjoy spending time with my family. I love to see orchids in bloom & play words with friends.
Position: Middle School Reading and Writing Teacher
I grew up in Central America & Sacramento CA. I graduated from the Universidad de Montemorelos in Nuevo Leon, Mexico with my degree in education. I enjoy spending time with my family. I love to see orchids in bloom & play words with friends.
Maria Brown
Positions: Instructional Support Provider, Learning Center Teacher - TK-6th
I have an eight-year-old daughter, grew up in El Sobrante & Benicia and attended Murphy Elementary, Pinole Middle, Benicia High School, San Francisco State University, Sacramento State University. I love my family, traveling, cooking, eating, camping, reading, massages, beach days, learning and of course teaching! This year marks a decade for me as part of the Montalvin family! It has been a very rewarding experience to work with the students and families in this community.
Positions: Instructional Support Provider, Learning Center Teacher - TK-6th
I have an eight-year-old daughter, grew up in El Sobrante & Benicia and attended Murphy Elementary, Pinole Middle, Benicia High School, San Francisco State University, Sacramento State University. I love my family, traveling, cooking, eating, camping, reading, massages, beach days, learning and of course teaching! This year marks a decade for me as part of the Montalvin family! It has been a very rewarding experience to work with the students and families in this community.
Bridget Mudd
Position: Learning Center- Education Specialist
I grew up in Rockville, MD near Washington D.C.. I received my undergraduate degree from The New School for General Studies in New York City and am currently working on my MS in Education from Dominican University of California in San Rafael. I enjoy a lot of different things including dancing, Martial arts (Taijutsu) and hunting for waterfalls! My favorite thing might be finding the ways all people, but especially children shine. We all have so much to offer! I feel very lucky to be part of the Montalvin community with you.
Position: Learning Center- Education Specialist
I grew up in Rockville, MD near Washington D.C.. I received my undergraduate degree from The New School for General Studies in New York City and am currently working on my MS in Education from Dominican University of California in San Rafael. I enjoy a lot of different things including dancing, Martial arts (Taijutsu) and hunting for waterfalls! My favorite thing might be finding the ways all people, but especially children shine. We all have so much to offer! I feel very lucky to be part of the Montalvin community with you.
Jennifer Deaver
Position: Librarian
I am local, from Richmond. I attended Sonoma State University. When I was a kid, you could not get me to read a book. I absolutely hated it. Looking back, I realize that this had a lot to do with my lower reading skills but because I did not try often, I did not get better until later in life. Now, when I find a book that I enjoy, you cannot get me to put it down. I usually have the actual book and the ebook, so no matter where I am, I can continue to explore the world in my book. Sometimes I have the audio book too so I can do other things and listen. "Reading lets you go places, when you have to stay where you are." I do not know who said this, but it rings pretty true for me. I love being outdoors. The beach is my favorite. Hiking, swimming, having new experiences.
Position: Librarian
I am local, from Richmond. I attended Sonoma State University. When I was a kid, you could not get me to read a book. I absolutely hated it. Looking back, I realize that this had a lot to do with my lower reading skills but because I did not try often, I did not get better until later in life. Now, when I find a book that I enjoy, you cannot get me to put it down. I usually have the actual book and the ebook, so no matter where I am, I can continue to explore the world in my book. Sometimes I have the audio book too so I can do other things and listen. "Reading lets you go places, when you have to stay where you are." I do not know who said this, but it rings pretty true for me. I love being outdoors. The beach is my favorite. Hiking, swimming, having new experiences.
Patricia Lima, PreSchool NSH Teacher