TEP Current Students

Avalina is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject ELA credential and Masters in Education. She earned her B.A. at UCSB, where she studied English and Educational studies. As an undergraduate, she spent time working with students in her hometown, Santa Clarita, as well as students in Santa Barbara. She recalls how natural and fulfilling working in those classrooms felt. As the eldest daughter in a close-knit family, communication and care have always been important to Avalina, so it was easy to fall in love with education. She finds great purpose in storytelling and meaning-making. She loves writing and exploring literature with students, especially those who are building their identity and finding their path. With a passion for learning and a passion for people, Avalina aims to foster community in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys time with friends, camping, and crafting. You can reach Avalina at avalinaandrew@ucsb.edu!

Sofia Arias Zarate (she/her/ella) is a graduate student pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish and M.Ed. in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. As a first-generation Latina woman, she recently graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in Sociology with a Minor in Educational Studies and is grateful to be continuing her graduate education at her alma mater. Sofia was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, enjoying the weather, sunsets, and her community. One thing she always noticed in school growing up was the lack of representation, as she navigated predominantly white schools where English was the main form of communication. As a future teacher, she wants to make a difference by being a Latina teacher in the classroom and allow her students to embrace their ability to speak more than one language. As a native Spanish speaker, Sofia takes a lot of pride in her culture and wants her students to do the same. Having UCSB TEP student teacher candidates in her own classroom as an elementary school student, Sofia appealed to the education program here. Given her experiences as a volunteer, tutor, and after school program leader, Sofia’s passion for teaching grew and she would love to give back to her Santa Barbara community one day. A major part of her love for teaching is the relationship building she does with her students. Coming from a big family, creating a safe and inclusive environment in her classroom is a goal for her as well. Outside of the classroom, Sofia can be found trying new food spots in town! She enjoys dancing, painting, crafts, coloring, and driving around listening to music. Sofia can be reached at kariaszarate@ucsb.edu. 

Reilly Biedebach is a graduate student in the Teacher Education Program here at UCSB,
pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science and a Master’s in Education. She
grew up just down the coast in Ventura and went to Cal Poly SLO for undergrad. There, she
received her Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Biological Sciences, with a concentration in
Cellular and Molecular Biology, and minoring in Psychology. Reilly has had many different
experiences working with kids, but getting to be a tutor and substitute teacher confirmed
teaching was the right path for her. In her free time, she likes to read, spend time with friends and family, go to the beach, and travel. She is excited to be at UCSB and hopes to find a teaching position in the Santa Barbara/Ventura area in the future. You can reach her at reillybiedebach@ucsb.edu.

Lara Bloom (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and M.Ed. in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. After receiving her B.A. in Communication from UC Santa Barbara in 2024, she continued to serve her community, working as a paraeducator in local Goleta elementary schools. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Lara has enjoyed her time in Santa Barbara and hopes to continue her work in the community by becoming an elementary school teacher. In her free time she enjoys baking, sewing quilts, tending to her plants, and spending time with her friends at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market. Lara looks forward to growing her community and strengthening the bonds that tie us together through education. You can reach Lara at lbloom@ucsb.edu. 

This is Yasmin Briones, also known as Yaz, and she is part of the MMSN program. Her pronouns are she, her, hers, and ella. Yaz graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Applied Psychology. Through teaching, Yaz hopes to create opportunities to grow for her future students in a comfortable and safe environment where they can have a sense of belonging in order for them to reach their full potential. 

Angeline Calzada (she/her) is an M.Ed. candidate at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She graduated from UCSB in June 2024 and is over the moon to continue her academic journey at her alma mater. During her time at UCSB, Angeline was a member of the women’s club water polo team, worked at the university’s Children’s Center, and volunteered with SciTrek, a local science outreach program for elementary schools. These experiences deepened her passion for teaching and working with children. Angeline is dedicated to building meaningful connections, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and believes children can change the world with their bright minds, creative souls, and kind hearts. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking with sourdough, swimming in the ocean, and hosting dinner parties with loved ones. Angeline is committed to sparking curiosity, cultivating growth mindsets, and nurturing a love of learning in students from all backgrounds. She looks forward to growing as an educator and making a meaningful impact in the vibrant Santa Barbara community.

Mickey Cardona (They/Them) is a teacher candidate for the single subject science credential. They graduated with an undergraduate degree in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from UCSD and are an alumni of the PATHS Scholars Program. They are deeply interested in the way disability impacts educational access and quality, especially as it intersects with varied identities and life experiences. Their main goal as an educator is to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive and transformational education. In their free time they enjoy reading, drawing, and being in community with their loved ones. They are very excited to begin work in classrooms to make connections with students and assist them on their educational journeys. They can be reached at mcardona@ucsb.edu.

Kelly Castellon is a first-generation college graduate from Oxnard, California, who earned a full-ride scholarship to UC Santa Barbara, where she completed her B.S. in Biological Sciences. She discovered her passion for teaching while mentoring Upward Bound/TRIO students at California Lutheran University and has since been committed to supporting her community—especially first-generation students navigating the path to college. Outside of the classroom, Kelly enjoys traveling, staying active, creating content, and cooking with friends. She is honored to be part of the next generation of educators and looks forward to inspiring students through science and meaningful connection. Kelly can be reached at kcastellon@ucsb.edu. #trioworks

Katie Coduto (She/Her) is pursuing her M.Ed and multi-subject teaching credential at the University of California Santa Barbara. She graduated from UC Riverside in June of 2022, where she received a B.A. in Film, Theatre, and Digital Productions. After graduating, Katie worked as an Instructional Aide in a Kindergarten/TK classroom, followed by a year in a dedicated TK classroom. After falling in love with her work in the classroom, Katie decided that she wanted to go back to school, and currently, is ecstatic to join the profession as a member of UCSB’s teaching program. Katie is passionate about education, and is committed to working towards a more inclusive, empowering, and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.  Katie loves children, and sees the value in teaching every child that they are seen, valuable, and a vital member of their class and community. In her free time, Katie loves to write, sing, and be around water. She loves animals and nature, and is commonly found exploring different bookstores, cooking, or taking long drives. Katie can be reached at: kcoduto@ucsb.edu.

Chris Colborn completed his B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics at Cal Poly SLO in 2019 and worked in informal physical science education until he returned to graduate school in 2025. He conducted research on how students are applying their mathematical tools in a physics context to better understand students' reasoning and the connection between disciplines. Chris is interested in being part of a community of people that works to unlock the puzzle that is learning physics. He is from Ventura, California and loves to be able to spend time both on and under the ocean and competes(amateur) in triathlon and uses events as motivation to travel to new places. If you are interested in learning more about him or working with him please feel free to reach out or send an email at chriscolborn@ucsb.edu.

Samantha Courtright (she/her) was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA. She has an acute love for the outdoors and all things nature, so it is no coincidence that she chose UC Santa Barbara for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Samantha graduated with Highest Honors from UCSB in 2025 with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Applied Psychology. During her final two quarters of undergrad, she had the transformative opportunity to work in preschools as a Behavior Technician with students diagnosed with autism. This experience helped her to realize her love for early education. Holistic development is at the forefront of Samantha’s priorities for education; she believes that as individuals grow as humans, their capacity for academic learning deepens. In her free time, Samantha enjoys visiting state and national parks, hiking and nature walks, finding the perfect “sit spot” in the woods, jewelry making, and sea glass walks on the beach. She hopes to one day ignite in her students the same sense of curiosity and passion for the world’s past, present, and future that drives her own learning. Samantha can be reached at courtright@ucsb.edu

Lexi Dallas (she/her) is a current graduate student pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and M.Ed. in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. She graduated summa cum laude from California Polytechnic State University in 2025 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and an independent concentration in Spanish & Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Originally inspired by the monumental impact of her 6th grade teacher, Lexi decided to pursue a career in education, and has spent the past 10 years taking active steps towards that goal. Lexi will be a fourth generation educator, and is proud to carry on this family legacy. She hopes to cultivate an engaging, supportive, collaborative, and dynamic classroom environment that fosters the academic, emotional, and social growth of all of her students. Both her classroom and overall life motto is stay curious, and she hopes to instill that passion for learning and discovery in all of her students. Outside of the classroom, you will find Lexi out in nature, listening to live music, cooking, traveling, teaching yoga, or enjoying time with friends and family. Lexi can be reached at adallas@ucsb.edu.

Courtney Davis (she/her) graduated in 2025 from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. Originally from Ventura, California, she is proud to follow in the footsteps of her mother and both grandmothers as a future elementary school teacher. Her passion for education grew after high school when she worked for two years as a paraeducator supporting students in special education. That defining moment deepened her commitment to inclusive, relationship-based teaching. Courtney values connection and believes that strong relationships within the classroom and school are the foundation for helping all students succeed. Guided by the motto “the more, the merrier,” she aims to create welcoming, joyful environments where students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn. For her, teaching isn’t just about academics; it’s about community. Outside the classroom, she enjoys going to the beach, watching movies, catching sunsets with great sushi, and going to concerts whenever she can. She looks forward to gaining meaningful experience and continuing her growth through her time in TEP. Courtney can be reached at courtneydavis@ucsb.edu.

Mitzi De La Luz Vargas is a teacher candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Bilingual Authorization and Master’s Degree in Education. Mitzi was born and raised in Corral Falso, Guerrero, Mexico until she was 12 years old and moved to Santa Barbara, California in 2011. As a first generation student and to honor the love for her family, Mitzi’s main goal was to obtain a higher education degree and be the first in her family to graduate from college. In 2023 she achieved so and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with Teaching Emphasis from the California State University Channel Islands, graduating with honors. After 8 years of working for the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Mitzi found her true passion, working with students. She has learned that being surrounded by students is when she feels best and being in a school environment is where she feels happy and empowered. She wishes to become the greatest teacher she can possibly be and continue to support students to become the best version of themselves, especially those who are part of the minority groups. She wishes to become a good, active member of her community and be a pillar of support for those who need it the most.

Sofia DeCredico grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee where her education consisted of homeschool, public school and middle college depending on the year. After graduating high school she attended Chattanooga State Community College for two years to get an Associates of Math. She then moved up to Rochester, New York to attend Rochester Institute of Technology. In 2024 she graduated with a Bachelors in Applied Mathematics, a Masters in Applied and Computational Mathematics, and a double minor in Theatre Arts, and ASL and Deaf Culture. Sofia took a gap year, teaching mathematics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and is now pursuing a Masters of Education with Single Subject Mathematics Credential at UCSB. She hopes to create an environment where math is less of a fear subject and every student feels comfortable in their math ability. When she isn’t in the classroom you can find Sofia rock climbing, hanging out with her cats or friends, or crocheting while watching TV. Sofia can be reached at sdecredico@ucsb.edu.

Lauren Dingman (she/her) is a candidate in the Teacher Education Program at UCSB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education pursuing her M.Ed. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Lauren was born and raised in Ojai, California, right down the coast from Santa Barbara. She left home to attend the University of California, Berkeley and graduated in December 2024 with a B.A. in Psychology, a minor in Education, and a passion for teaching. Lauren is incredibly excited for the opportunity to be a part of this program, as she has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. Her time spent working as an Associate Teacher at a Child Development Center in Berkeley and as a TK-5 Teachers’ Aide in Ojai ensured that she was on the right path. She finds joy in connecting with students and is an advocate for the importance of early education. Her goal as a teacher is to create a safe, equitable, inclusive, and fun education space for all of her students. Outside of the classroom, you might find Lauren at the beach, reading, crafting, thrift shopping, or spending time with loved ones! Feel free to contact Lauren at laurendingman@ucsb.edu.

Jane Dormady (she/her) is pursuing her M.Ed and teaching credential at UCSB in the multiple subject cohort with TEP. Jane grew up in the heart of Silicon Valley, in Los Altos, and then moved to the Central Coast to begin her journey as a future educator at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She graduated with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Child Development in 2025. Jane believes in the power of a welcoming and honest class space that pushes learning as a process of growth. Her values of empathy and relationship building also guide her aspirations for her future classroom. Jane discovered her passion for working with children through her connection to exercise, teaching swim lessons at her local YMCA. As she embarked on her educational experiences, she continued her dedication to sports, joining the Cal Poly Women’s Water Polo Club and becoming an avid indoor rock climber. When not in the classroom or gym, you might find Jane painting, hammocking at a local beach, hunting for Jellycat stuffed animals, or thrifting. She is grateful to have the opportunity to continue her education at UCSB and is excitedly anticipating her future as an elementary teacher. Jane can be reached at janedormady@ucsb.edu.

Alea Dosty (she/her) is a graduate student at UC Santa Barbara pursuing her M.Ed. and Multiple Subject Credential. Originally from Elk Grove, California, she graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2025 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Child Development. During her time at Cal Poly, she served as a research assistant examining the effects of mutual support groups among aspiring educators of color, worked as an assistant preschool teacher, and volunteered in several elementary schools. These classroom experiences, along with the teachers who shaped and supported her throughout her K–12 journey, have affirmed her lifelong passion for teaching. Alea is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom environment by disrupting systemic injustices in education and empowering learners to be changemakers in their communities and world. Outside the classroom, she enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring new hikes, visiting family and friends, and cuddling with her cat, Hazel. Alea can be reached at adosty@ucsb.edu.

Ashley Duenas Rocha (she/her/ella) is a first generation graduate student pursuing her Single Subject English Credential, Master’s in Education and Bilingual Authorization in Spanish at UCSB’s Teacher Education Program. Ashley graduated from UCLA with a double major in English and Education & Social Transformation. Her love for literature and writing has always been within her since she was young. She remembers begging her mom to buy her all the books on the magazine sent home for the upcoming book fair back in elementary school. Literature and writing hold a special place in her heart and she hopes to showcase in her classroom the appreciation for writing and reading as more than just a daunting task. She hopes to help her students appreciate the power of literature and writing to create healing environments, to give voice and as a means of understanding themselves more and each other. As well as to empower them to share their unique stories through writing. She is excited to become an educator and build a classroom her students can thrive in. Aside from her passion for education and learning, Ashley loves going to concerts, expanding her jewelry collection, cooking and going on spontaneous adventures.

Kassandra Esquivel Vargas is a teacher candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree with a Bilingual Authorization. Born and raised in Santa Maria, she is a proud first generation college graduate who recently earned her B.A in Liberal Studies from California State University, Long Beach. As the eldest sibling of three she naturally stepped into a nurturing role- helping with homework, offering guidance and serving as a role model. Combined with the lasting impact of her third-grade teacher, whose inspiration and support guided her, these experiences have shaped her passionate path toward becoming an educator. Kassandra aims to teach in her hometown as she believes it would be a great accomplishment to give back to the community that provided her resources to get to where she is today. When not sitting at a desk, you can find Kassandra catching a sunset, watching movies, or spending time with family and her cat, Milo. Feel free to contact her at kesquivelvargas@ucsb.edu.

Kate Fahy is a teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Credential in Social Science. She graduated from San Diego State University with her B.A. in May of 2020. There, she majored in Comparative International Studies with an emphasis on Western Europe and Latin America, and minored in Spanish. Originally from Long Island, New York, Kate discovered her passion for education while living in Madrid, Spain, where she spent two years working in the public school system. During that time, she enjoyed traveling on weekends and immersing herself in local cultures. She also possesses a wide range of professional experiences, from working in restaurants to managing home loans in the mortgage industry. In her free time, you can find her exploring Santa Barbara or spending time at the beach with friends. She can be reached at katefahy98@gmail.com or kate_fahy@ucsb.edu.

Connie Fang (she/her) is pursuing her Master’s in Education and Multiple Subject Credential in the Teacher Education Program at UCSB. Connie was born in Philadelphia and spent most of her life there, earning her bachelor’s degree at Villanova University. After graduation, she moved to France to teach English in an elementary school, where she fell in love with teaching. Upon returning home to Pennsylvania, she worked as a barista and coffee roaster before deciding to pursue teaching. She is extremely excited to finally be here in Santa Barbara, and you might find her swimming at the beach, painting, reading, dancing, or enjoying music in her free time as she works towards becoming an educator.

Kimberly Farias (she/her/Ella) is a proud first-generation Mexican American from Madera County. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education, Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs, and Spanish Bilingual Authorization at UCSB. Kimberly earned her B.A. in Political Science and Psychology with minors in Community Research and Service and Writing Studies from UC Merced, graduating with departmental honors in both majors. At UC Merced, Kimberly completed two honors theses—one on the impact of metaphors on first-generation college students’ experiences of imposter syndrome, and another on the U.S. immigration policy and its psychological effects on migrant children. Her research contributions also include work in the Political Science and Health Communication & Intervention Labs, with two of her projects published in UC Merced’s Undergraduate Research Journal. During her undergraduate career, Kimberly served as Lead Resident Assistant, was a member of Psi Chi—the International Honor Society in Psychology—and held leadership roles in Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity as treasurer and community service chair. She also interned at the External Affairs Office of Governor Gavin Newsom and was selected as the 2023 Commencement Speaker for the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts. Following graduation, Kimberly worked as a Field Representative and Caseworker for the California State Assembly, where she supported constituents across Madera County and surrounding communities, addressing policy concerns and community needs with a focus on equity, public service, and government accessibility. Kimberly is passionate about supporting multilingual and neurodiverse students, advocating for educational equity, mental health awareness, and culturally responsive teaching. She is honored to be part of the TEP program and looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her future students.

Isabella Ferraro (she/her) is teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in History and Social Science as well as a M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. She received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Professional Writing for Civic Engagement from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2025. In her undergraduate education Isabella developed a passion for connecting the political history and theory she was learning about to real world issues, becoming deeply involved in local activism. In her future classroom she hopes to use social science education to inspire students to see themselves as agents of change, as both capable of shaping the world and ready to take on the world. When not in the classroom she enjoys knitting, reading, and listening to music. Isabella can be contacted at isabellaferraro@ucsb.edu.

Anthony Galvan (he/him) is an M.Ed. candidate at the Gervitz Graduate School of Education, where he is pursuing his Single Subject Teaching Credential in History and Social Science. Anthony graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2025, with two Bachelor's degrees in History and Sociology. During his time in Santa Barbara for undergrad, Anthony worked in various educational settings, including at the UCSB Children’s Center and as an after-school program leader for the Parks and Recreation department. Coming from the San Gabriel Valley, Anthony grew up aware of the inequalities that his community faces, stemming from inequality in education, environmental racism, and inequitable urban design. Upon receiving his teaching credential, Anthony aims to return to his community and bring awareness of these issues to his students. Outside of education, Anthony enjoys attending live music events, nature walks, and the general pursuit of happiness. 

Jazmín García (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish. In June of 2024, she received a B.A. in Spanish and Chicana/o Studies from the University of California, Davis. After graduating, Jazmín worked as a bilingual instructional assistant for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District for one year, further driving her commitment to supporting bilingual students. Coming from a bilingual and bicultural background, she recognizes the importance of creating an environment that allows different cultures to coexist and feel seen. When she is not in the classroom, she can be found hanging out with friends and family, playing card games, or trying out new coffee shops.

Hannah Janae Gomez is a proud first-generation teacher candidate from Cutler, California. She is pursuing her Single Subject Credential in History and Social Science and a Master's in Education. A recent 2025 graduate, Hannah attended the University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor's in history and a minor in educational studies. Working with local classrooms in the Santa Barbara Unified School District and tutoring students with East Bay Collaborative for Underserved Children (ECUC) were instrumental to Hannah's pursuit of becoming an educator. Throughout her undergraduate major, Hannah enjoyed the richness history holds, and loved to conduct research and explore its revenues. In her final undergraduate year with UCSB, Hannah was part of ÉXITO, which fostered her hope for the future of education while working with her through TEP programs. Coming from a small Title 1 school district, Hannah understands the many opportunities that districts like hers have to offer. She hopes to foster a welcoming environment in her classrooms, where her students can learn their histories while honing their academic skills.

Yazmin Grizzanti (she/her/hers) earned her Bachelor's in Liberal Studies, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, December 2023.
Fun fact: She has a minor in ethnic studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is a Central Coast native, born and raised in Santa Barbara County. Since childhood, she has always aspired to be a teacher. Along her journey, Yazmin's experiences working in ABA and as a paraeducator led her to decide to pursue a degree in special education.

This is Signe Rae Harvuot (she/her). Signe is from Oxnard, California and received her BA in Sociology and a minor in Clinical and School Psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara in 2021. She also has a certificate in Positive Psychology and Resiliency in response to trauma, anxiety, and depression. Something fun and unique about Signe is that she has a pet tortoise, Charlie, and last year she walked across Spain by herself. Signe was inspired by both her mom and dad who are successful public school educators in Southern California. Signe’s work as a behavior interventionist and para educator in Los Angeles and Ventura influenced her decision to get an Education Specialist Credential in mild/moderate support needs. She is passionate about inclusionary practices inside and outside the traditional classroom and creating an environment that encourages all students to come as they are. 

Jesse Herzog (he/him) is an M.Ed. candidate at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara, where he is pursuing his Single Subject Teaching Credential. Having grown up in Pacific Grove, CA, he felt drawn back to the California coast after spending 4 years at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, where he graduated with Honors in both Education Studies and Psychology. While at Wesleyan, Jesse was a member of the all-gender Ultimate Frisbee club team, learned American Sign Language through his pursuit of courses in ASL and Deaf Studies, and worked for 3 years in the Office of Admissions. He considers his status as a two-time Tour Guide of the Month one of the greatest honors of his life. His interest in education began during the summers he spent as a counselor at Camp Nebagamon, located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. There, he fell in love with the opportunity to encourage both skill development and trying new things, as well as that of inspiring youngsters to build communities based on mutual respect, acceptance,... and fun. Jesse can be reached at jherzog@ucsb.edu.

Serah Hodson is honored to be a candidate in the Teacher Education Program. She was born and grew up in Santa Barbara, where she was educated at home until she began her undergraduate program at Pepperdine University. After graduating with her B.A. in psychology in 2023, Serah spent two years exploring teaching as a substitute teacher and camp counselor, working with students in preschool through high school settings. As a substitute, she has taught in the Goleta Union and Santa Barbara Unified school districts, as well as at Laguna Blanca School. During school breaks, she has led day camps for elementary-age children at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Her work in education inspired her to pursue a multiple subject teaching credential with the intention of becoming an elementary school teacher, and she is excited and proud to be a part of TEP. In teaching, as in life, Serah strives to foster creativity, learn constantly, and promote authentic community. She can be reached at serah@ucsb.edu.

Robert Holzmann is a graduate student in the Teacher Education Program at UC Santa Barbara, where he is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics and a Master’s in Education. A proud alumnus of UCSB, Robert has always found joy in the energy of the classroom, from his earliest school days in Newbury Park to his time as an undergraduate. Teaching feels like a natural extension of his love of learning, and he’s excited to now make school his lifelong career. Robert comes to the classroom with a passion for helping students see their own potential and a belief in the transformative power of public education. He’s especially interested in building student confidence in math and creating a classroom where students feel both supported and challenged. Outside of school, Robert enjoys skateboarding, surfing, hiking, history, and comedy. He’s grateful to be part of the UCSB TEP community and looks forward to learning all he can from his mentors, students, and fellow future educators.

Andruw Householder (he/him) is an M.Ed. candidate at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where he is pursuing his Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, in 2025 with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Education. During this time, Andruw was involved in the UC Davis Math Club, CalTeach/Masters in Education Club, ICC Teaching Assistant, and Summer Camp Counselor. Through his experiences, he was able to develop a passion for equitable and engaging instruction. In particular, he highlights the importance of inclusive classroom environments that support all students and emphasizes critical thinking alongside real world applications of Mathematics. Aside from teaching, Andruw enjoys being active, cooking, and singing passionately, but also terribly, at karaoke. You are welcome to contact Andruw at andruw@ucsb.edu

SooMin Hwangbo (she/her) is a international graduate student at UC Santa Barbara pursuing her Masters of Education & Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in PA in 2023 with a BA in Spanish. SooMin was born in Chuncheon, South Korea and grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She moved to the US for the first time for college by herself. When she is not busy with school or work, SooMin makes music - you can find her and her songs on Spotify and Apple Music! She also enjoys baking, playing boardgames competitively, going to the beach, skateboarding, and so much more :) SooMin felt compelled to teach after working as a bilingual educational assistant at a hospital school program at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She worked with 4 special education teachers at the hospital to provide education supports to school-age patients. This experience forever changed her perspective on special education and motivates her to become a education specialist herself.  

Caleb Ingle (he/him) graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2023 with a B.A. in English. During his undergrad, he discovered his passion for teaching through the Educational Studies minor and his role as a teaching assistant for ENGL 106CW, a creative writing and graphic design course. He then worked as a substitute teacher in Santa Barbara schools for two years, including a year-long position at La Cumbre Junior High where he taught 7th and 8th grade English and Social Studies. Caleb was inspired to pursue teaching by his love of creative writing and his three grandparents who were teachers and administrators. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys riding his bike and camping in the Santa Ynez Mountains

Nicole Jimenez is a first-generation student in the Teacher Education Program in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She attended California Lutheran University for her undergraduate studies and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Liberal Studies in Education with Honors Distinction. Nicole was an officer on the competitive Dance Team and a Delight Ministries Leader at Cal Lutheran. Being a leader in both of these activities gave her the confidence to serve upcoming generations as an educator. When she is not in the classroom, Nicole loves cooking, volunteering in children’s ministry, and lifting weights. Nicole’s mission is to spread contagious love and joy in her classroom and community. She is highly dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment in which every student knows they belong. She can be reached at nicolejimenez@ucsb.edu

Sela Kay (she/her) is originally from Los Angeles, California. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Hispanic Studies from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine with a minor in Sexuality, Gender, and Women’s Studies. She has spent the past two years as a 4th grade homeroom teacher in Cali, Colombia and is excited to return to California to be closer to family. She will be pursuing the MST Credential and is particularly excited to teach in Dual Language Immersion classrooms through the Bilingual Authorization track. Sela loves connecting with others through language and feels passionate about uplifting the stories, backgrounds, and histories of her multilingual and multicultural students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, playing basketball, reading, and going to crafty art fairs and events. She is committed to equity in education and to fostering inclusive, brave spaces for students to explore their identities and the identities of others. Sela is looking forward to exploring the nature and beaches in Santa Barbara this year and cannot wait for this next adventure!

Hello! My name is Darius Kennedy, I use He/Him pronouns. I went to UCSB as an undergrad and recieved my Bachelors in Linguistics with a Speech Language Science and Disorders emphasis and a minor in Educational Studies. A fun fact about me is that I love houseplants and baking on the weekends! Something that called me into teaching was wanting to help out my community and also help inspire the next generation of students.

Sherlyn Khouvilay (she/her) is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education at her alma mater, UCSB. She acquired her B.S. in Microbiology from UCSB in 2022 and was accepted to UCSD’s pharmacy school. However, she withdrew from the program because she did not believe it was her heart’s calling. Sherlyn turned to substitute teaching and taught for 2.5 years in her hometown of Ventura before she applied to the TEP program to pursue her newfound love for teaching. When she is not involved in academics, she enjoys going out to eat delicious food, volunteering at the local dog rescue, working on a jigsaw puzzle, or reading her latest book club book. Although the TEP program is intensive and accelerated so she may have less time to pursue these hobbies, she can come to school at peace knowing that she is pursuing her future career in a field she enjoys. You can contact her at sherlyn@ucsb.edu if you have any questions, or just want to say hello!

Abigail Larnyo is a graduate student pursuing Masters in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at the UC-Santa Barbara Teacher Education Program. She was born in Accra, Ghana where she had her elementary, high school and college education. Here in the United States, Abigail has supported special needs children in general education classrooms across various levels in elementary school and also at the junior high. She is a member of the California School Employee Association. While in the classroom as a para, Abigail knew being an educator is something she would love to pursue as a lifetime profession. Abigail values friends and family and likes to spend quality time with them. For pleasure she likes to go to the beach, movies, listen to podcasts and go for walks. Abigail is excited to be in TEP and believes she would be a great educator. Feel free to contact Abigail at abigaillarnyo@ucsb.edu.

Emily Libal (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching credential for English Language Arts and a Masters in Education. She graduated from UCSB in 2025 with an English Degree and a Specialization in Environmental Literature. Emily’s desire to teach stems from various family members in education and a joy for the learning process. Her hometown is Pismo Beach, CA, where she worked for two summers as a paraeducator at various elementary schools. This experience alongside her personal experience with disability as a Type One Diabetic led her to work in disability advocacy at UCSB and she intends to bring equity for all students with her into the classroom. She believes equitable opportunity and access to education is integral and she is ecstatic to begin her teaching career. On weekends, you can find Emily at the beach or curled up with a book. She enjoys baking, crocheting, writing, spending time with loved ones, and going to Trader Joe’s. If you need a good book recommendation, email emilylibal@ucsb.edu

Lucy Light (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject teaching credentialand Master’s Degree in the Teacher Education Program at Gervitz Graduate School of Education. Lucy went to Santa Barbara City College for two years where she received four A.A. Degrees in Liberal Studies. Then she transferred and graduated from San Diego State University in 2024 with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in three departments: Counseling and School Psychology, Child and Family Development, and Elementary Education. Lucy has had a desire to teach for as long as she can remember, at first it was because both her parents were educators and being in a classroom felt like a second home. But, as Lucy went through school, she realized that it was mostly her negative experiences in education that were her “why.” She wanted to be the teacher that she never had for her future students. Lucy was lucky enough to be a long term substitute teacher for a third grade class in the Carpinteria School District for a majority of this past school year (2024-2025). In that school year, she realized that this career is exactly where she’s meant to be.

Mary Lindner is an M.Ed candidate at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing an Education Specialist credential for students with Extensive Support Needs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Southern California (USC) in May 2025, with a bachelors in Art History and a minor in Education and Society. After having a transformative experience with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County in high school, she has volunteered as an instructional aide, 1:1 tutor, and camp counselor for students with Down syndrome, Autism, severe intellectual disability, and other Extensive Support Needs. Mary believes in the power of a warm, joyful, and collaborative learning environment, whereby the sensitivities, passions, and identities of her students and families define learning opportunities, community engagement, and pathways to independence. 

Lissette Lopez (she/her/ella) is a first-generation Mexican American graduate student. She is pursuing her Masters in Education, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. Lissette was born and raised in South El Monte, California and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Sociology and a Minor in Educational Studies. She spent the past  year working as a Substitute Teacher in GUSD where she learned from different schools, grade levels, and teachers. Outside the classroom Lissette enjoys hanging out with family and friends while also thrifting and doing arts and crafts. She is excited to begin this journey alongside her peers at TEP. As a teacher candidate and future teacher, she hopes to create an environment where students of different backgrounds feel welcome, safe, and brave. Lastly, she’d like to thank her family for always supporting her and cannot wait to be the teacher who creates a positive impact on her students educational journey and makes a change in the world.

Alden Benjamin Lopez-Hernandez is a first-generation Guatemalan-American and a bilingual graduate student in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. Rooted in his experiences growing up in Inglewood, CA, and learning English as a second language, Ben is deeply committed to creating inclusive, culturally affirming classrooms where all students, especially emergent bilinguals, can thrive. Now living in Santa Barbara, CA, he is currently pursuing his Master’s in Education, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. Ben graduated in 2025 with his B.A. in Liberal Arts; Teaching Emphasis, Spanish Authorization and a minor in education from California State University Channel Islands. With a background as a paraeducator, English/math tutor and behavioral interventionist, Ben has supported students with diverse needs, including English learners and students with disabilities. His work reflects a strong belief in equity, access, and the power of relationships in education. Ben is passionate about literacy development, dual-language instruction, and designing learning experiences that honor students’ linguistic and cultural identities. Outside of the classroom, his two major passions are serving God and being a musician; he serves as the music director at his church, mentoring youth, children and fostering community through music and faith. His goal as an educator is to uplift and empower every student he serves, believing that schools should be places where students not only learn, but are truly seen, heard, and valued. Where students can learn to push past their own limits and achieve their heart’s greatest desires. Feel free to anytime reach out at ablopez@ucsb.edu

Rosslyn Lyell (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Credential in World Language, Spanish. She graduated from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo with the class of 2023 with a B.A. in Spanish and minors in French and German. She hopes to spread her passion and love for languages and wants to inspire a new generation of language learners. Rosslyn is very close with her family and was born and raised in Bellflower, CA. She knew from a young age that she would become a teacher, inspired from her own teachers from her youth. Outside of the classroom, you will find Rosslyn reading, hiking, travelling, and spending time with her amazing friends. Rosslyn loves connecting and spending time with her cohort of future educators and can't wait to see where the program will lead them. She can be reached at rosslynlyell@ucsb.edu.

Emily Main (she/her) is a teaching candidate pursuing a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics and a Masters in Education. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2023, earning her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Secondary Mathematics and Science Education. During this time, she also worked as a math tutor for Campus Learning Assistant Services (CLAS) at UCSB. She specialized in Calculus for Social Sciences. She continued to enjoy UCSB’s beautiful campus while working as a full-time math tutor for CLAS after completing her Bachelor’s degree. She has been passionate about math, and more specifically teaching math, for her entire life, starting with helping classmates in the small schools of Acton, CA and continuing to develop here in Santa Barbara over the last 6 years. She hopes to bring joy and excitement into math classrooms by empowering students to realize their strengths and capabilities. Outside of the classroom, Emily enjoys hiking, line dancing, gardening, reading, and cooking. 

Ana Martinez is a first-generation Mexican-American and was first in her family to earn a bachelor's degree. She attended California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) in Camarillo, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Liberal Studies. A fun fact about her: she had never been on an airplane before, and her very first flight was a solo trip, lasting approximately 13 hours, to Japan. During her visit, she had an unforgettable time exploring temples, visiting the Great Buddha, and enjoying the local food. Her passion for teaching began while working as a paraeducator at a school for students with special needs. This experience inspired her to pursue higher education. She saw the needs of the students and found deep gratification in knowing she could make a positive difference in their lives. Now, she is on track to become the first in her family to earn a master’s degree.

Jon Mastman (he/him) is a teacher candidate pursuing a single subject credential in history. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and most recently a masters degree in history from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His published masters thesis is entitled, “Suppression of National Identities- Ukrainian and Baltic Cultures in the Soviet Union”, and focuses on hegemonic suppression of cultures and ethno-states. He has worked as a paralegal for an estate planning law firm in Menlo Park, CA after earning his corresponding certificate from the University of California Berkley Extension and additionally has a Business Intensive certificate from his alma mater CU Boulder. After deciding to follow a career in education, Jon has served for one year as a short and long term substitute teacher and library technician for schools around the Santa Barbara Unified School District. You are welcome to contact Jon at his email, jmastman@ucsb.edu.

Daniel Materna (He/ Him) graduated from Temple University with a degree in Psychology. What called me to teaching was my time as a special education paraeducator. I worked under two teachers who showed me the importance of building strong relationships with students, families, and the entire team involved in implementing IEPs. They also taught me that a classroom is more than just a space for academics—it’s a space where people can share both the joys and challenges of life. I hope to carry those lessons forward in my own role as a special education teacher. Fun fact about Daniel is that he strongly believes that Jeannine’s Strawberry White Chocolate Cake is the greatest cake ever baked.

Maria McGlone is a teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at UCSB’s Gervitz School of Education. Born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Maria attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and graduated with BAs in Women’s and Gender Studies and Film, Television and Media Studies.  As an undergraduate, she worked part-time as a writing tutor for graduate and undergraduate students.  Following graduation, Maria began working as a math and English tutor for second grade students. She also served as a Tier II volunteer with LAUSD, regularly providing support to students and teachers in second and fifth grade classrooms. As she conducted lessons with students K-5, observed classroom dynamics, and received her certification to teach classes at Core Power Yoga, she fell deeply in love with teaching. Maria is dedicated to making her classroom a place where all students feel safe making mistakes, struggling with new ideas, and asking lots of questions! You can find Maria hiking, attending or teaching yoga classes, swimming in the ocean, and spending time with her three cats (all foster fails).

Josalyne Mejia (she/her) was an undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Sociology. She is passionate about equitable learning environments and is especially interested in special education. A fun fact about Josalyne is that she graduated in just three years at the age of 20. She was called to teaching after working closely with students in a required course and discovering the deep fulfillment that comes from helping learners thrive. Josalyne is currently part of the Extensive Support Needs credential cohort and is committed to fostering inclusive, person-centered classrooms where all students feel empowered.

Travis Melero (He/Him) is a graduate student pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science and a Masters of Education from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB, where he also received his Bachelors of Science in Physics. Stepping away from the restaurant industry, Travis has always aspired to be a teacher. His passion and drive for Physics brought him to UCSB where he found encouragement and opportunity as an educator, engaging with local schools as a pre-professional and tutor. He recognizes the importance of strong pedagogical content knowledge and seeks to create a classroom of belonging and justice, where the best of learning can take place. Making dreams come true, he is just happy to be here. Outside of the program, you will find him cooking, listening to music, relaxing wherever there is grass or sand, and going on adventures. His newest hobby has been taking naps outside, and if you ask travismelero@ucsb.edu, he’d be happy to share his favorite spots. 

Gustavo Montes (he/him) was born and raised in Guerrero Mexico, but moved to Santa Barbara at age 11. Gustavo attended SBCC and then transferred to UCSB where he graduated with a B.A. in Spanish and a Minor in French in 2013. Over the last 2 years Gustavo worked at La Cumbre Junior High School as a Bilingual Curriculum Specialist where he rediscovered his passion for teaching. Gustavo is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish as well as a Masters in Education. His goal is to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where his students can learn about the Spanish language and its diverse cultures. Outside of school Gustavo loves spending time with family and friends and also going to the movies. As a first generation graduate student, Gustavo is looking forward to learning from his instructors and peers at UCSB TEP.

Brandon Jair Morquecho (he/him) is a first-generation student in the Teacher Education Program at UCSB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. He is pursuing his M.Ed. with a Single Subject Credential in Biological Sciences and a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. In June of 2025, Brandon graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Conservation Biology and a minor in Science Education. At UCLA, Brandon served as the photo editor for the Daily Bruin and worked as a photographer for three years. He participated in various CalTeach internships throughout his undergrad, which fostered his love for teaching and empowering students to see themselves in higher education. His parents, who were educators in Mexico before coming to the U.S., and his older brother are his biggest inspirations; without them, he would not be where he is today. Growing up in Greenfield, a small agricultural town in the Salinas Valley, Brandon understands the importance of making science culturally relevant for his students, allowing them to connect lessons to their lives outside of the classroom. He hopes to share his love for science with his future students and serve as a resource for the community he is a part of. You can reach out to him at bmorquecho@ucsb.edu

Isabella Namuche (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject Credential at UCSB. One week before the start of the program, she graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Business Administration. Isabella grew up in Walnut Creek, a town located in the East Bay area, with her parents, two younger sisters, and their dogs, Ozzy and Axel. Though she was sad to move away from her family and friends, she found joy in the things that reminded her of home. She frequently FaceTimed her family to ask for authentic Mexican and Peruvian recipes—Eugene has slim pickings for Latin American food—she hiked multiple trails in the surrounding area, and she made her roommates rewatch Disney movies with her, just as she had done with her younger sisters. Overall, her experience at the University of Oregon was a wonderful period of growth, but she was happy to return to California for its sunny skies, sandy beaches, and proximity to home. She now lives with her partner and new cat in Santa Barbara, and she is excited to continue her teaching journey among like-minded peers.

Hayley Nelson (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Education and Single Subject Credential in Social Science. She grew up in Visalia, CA where she had many wonderful teachers who provided guidance and inspiration. She completed her undergraduate education in 2021 at Chapman University, where she received a BA in anthropology and a BFA in television writing and production, with a minor in honors. When she’s not daydreaming about future lesson plans, she’s reading, writing, or playing Dungeons and Dragons. Hayley is passionate about inclusivity, and hopes her future classroom is a place where every student feels welcome. She is excited to be apart of TEP and grateful for the opportunity to meet so many other people who are passionate about teaching. If you have any questions feel free to reach out hayleynelson@ucsb.edu

Tim Nguyen (he/him) is a first generation graduate student who is currently pursuing his M.Ed and SST credential for mathematics. He was a recent graduate from UCSB with a major in pure mathematics, and wants to follow his dream career focused on education. Falling in love with mathematics at a young age and learning to appreciate the educators in his life, he too wanted to help students learn and grow to become loving caretakers of each other. Although many perceive math to be a boring subject that’s inapplicable in their daily lives, Tim's goal is to hopefully shine light on how math can be fun or at least teach fundamental skills through math that would help his students flourish wherever they go. With great excitement and nervousness, Timothy Nguyen is elated to have the opportunity to teach and be taught in this Teacher Education Program, as he continues to grow and improve with the help of his fellow peers.

Sophia Nieves (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Credential in English. Sophia graduated from California State University Channel Islands in 2024 with a B.A. in English and an emphasis in education. From a young age, Sophia loved reading and writing. She was always engrossed in a book or furiously writing a story about faraway fantasy worlds. Thanks to a personality test for an in-class research assignment that matched students with career paths, Sophia found that teaching was her true calling. Having found her own liberation in writing and literature, Sophia strives to instill creative freedom in her classroom, make it a safe space for all students to express themselves, and to show that learning can be fun even if you’re hitting hard on the books. Sophia hopes to inspire her students to appreciate English Language Arts as more than just a subject, but an important pillar of life. Outside of the classroom, Sophia is usually spending time drawing, writing, reading, committing herself to her many crafts or hyper-analyzing her favorite TV shows, video games, and movies for their creative prowess in order to inspire her own writing. As a future teacher, Sophia aims for inclusivity, diversity, and kindness in her classroom and to live by one important quote in all she does: “be strong enough to be gentle.” Sophia can be reached at s_g_n@ucsb.edu.

Emily Olster (she/her) is a graduate student in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program pursuing her M.Ed. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She recently graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she studied Child Development and Dance. There, Emily worked as a preschool teacher as well as a teacher’s aide for 1st and 2nd grade classes and participated in research on anti-bullying curriculum creation for elementary school students. It was in these opportunities that she solidified her goals of becoming a teacher for young learners. Emily was heavily involved in the Cal Poly Dance Program as a member the Orchesis Dance Company for 4 years, serving as an Arts Administrative Intern for 2 years, choreographing for 7 shows, and co-directing the student run Spring Dance Concert this past May. Dance is something important to her and the values she has learned including resilience, hard work, discipline, passion, collaboration and more will be carried into her future as a graduate student and teacher. Emily is excited for the year of growth and challenge alongside her peers and mentors and looks forward to having her own elementary school classroom one day. She can be reached at eolster@ucsb.edu. 

Jessica Park is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program pursuing Single Subject Teaching credential in Science and a Masters in Education. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She grew up loving science and was always curious to learn more about how science works in everyday life. Her high school teachers, especially math and science teachers, inspired her to pursue her degree in chemistry. She hopes to do the same for her future students: encourage students and spark their curiosity and turn it into something they love. Outside of her education, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing musical instruments, taking photos, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Jessica can be reached at chanbipark@ucsb.edu 

Ruby Perez (she/her/ella) is a proud first-generation college graduate and current teacher candidate in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Education, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2025 with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Educational Studies. Ruby grew up in Moreno Valley, CA, in a tight-knit Mexican household, raised by her parents, Maria Guadalupe Perez Sanabia and Elias Perez. A fun fact about Ruby is that she has five older brothers and is the youngest, (and only girl) in her family. Her passion for education began during her undergraduate years at UCSB, when she started working as a teacher assistant. Since then, she has gained hands-on experience working with young children. These experiences sparked her commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive teaching, especially when supporting multilingual learners. If you'd like to connect or learn more about her journey, you can reach Ruby at rubyperez@ucsb.edu.

Jesus studied at UCLA for his undergraduate degree in History. After taking several education courses at UCLA Jesus became interested in teaching students with disabilities, which led him to joining TEP in the Special Education cohort. Hobbies Jesus loves are playing basketball, running, and going to the gym. Jesus is very excited to be joining the next generation of educators!

Karla Prado Ocampo (she/her/ella) is a first-generation graduate student at UC Santa Barbara, pursuing a Master’s in Education, and an Education Specialist Credential in Extensive Support Needs with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. She earned her B.A. in English Literature from California State University Northridge in 2022. Karla strongly believes in the power of literacy. Her dedication to education stems from years of volunteer work tutoring K–12 students. Additionally, she has served as an English tutor at Santa Barbara City College, a writing consultant at CSUN, and a summer facilitator at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. Karla is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments where all students feel curious, empowered, and supported in their learning and growth. In 2022, Karla returned to her hometown to begin her career as an instructional assistant at Carpinteria Middle School. At CMS, she was part of the Extensive Support Needs team and the after-school Expanded Learning Program. Her experience as an instructional assistant affirmed her passion for special education, and inspired her to pursue graduate studies at UCSB.

Jesus Ivan Real (he/him) attended California State University, Long Beach where he double majored in Philosophy and Business Administration. During this time, he tutored as a way to make ends meet and where he discovered his passion for education. After becoming a first-gen graduate, he quickly rose to be a manager at diverse businesses from e-commerce to a rock climbing gym. Throughout his time as a manager, he would also tutor on the side. Though he relished his time in management, his role as a Center Director for a learning center was the most rewarding because while managing he also served as an educator as one of the duties which was by far his favorite. Ivan decided to become a teacher because in addition to genuinely enjoying the field of education, he got along with the teachers and staff at the schools he worked in. The world is one big classroom where Ivan learned to sing in a band, write a book, and even how to make pizza from scratch in a woodfire oven. 

Matthew (he/him) is a graduate student pursuing an Education Specialist Credential in the Extensive Support Needs cohort, along with a M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from UCSB. He enjoys spending time in nature, at the beach, camping and hiking.

Emily Rokas is a current candidate in the UCSB teacher education program, pursuing a multiple subjects teaching credential and masters degree in education. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in Spanish from UCSB in 2022, and could not be more grateful to once again be surrounded by eucalyptus groves, the Pacific ocean, and the Santa Ynez mountains. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Emily worked for various outdoor education non-profits, guiding students on hiking and backpacking adventures in Marin county, British Columbia and Yosemite National Park. While she could never grow tired of the magic of connecting students with nature, she yearned for an opportunity to connect with students over the course of a whole year, and is excited to transition to working in a classroom. She hopes to continue to inspire her students through the wonders of the outdoors, and spend as much of her time outside as possible. In her free time you will likely find Emily in the kitchen, creating a colorful meal or baked good to share; running, hiking or biking somewhere beautiful; practicing yoga; in a body of water; or on the couch with a mug of tea and a good book. Emily can be reached at emilyrokas@ucsb.edu

Maribel Rubalcava is a first-generation Mexican-American graduate student at UC Santa Barbara, pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Master’s in Education, and a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. Her academic journey began at Cal State Northridge, where she earned a B.A. in Spanish Language and Culture. After graduation, she gained valuable fieldwork experience as a substitute teacher in the Ventura Unified School District, where she fostered connections with diverse student populations. Maribel embraces a balanced lifestyle, finding joy in listening to podcasts, reading, working on her fitness, exploring new experiences through topgolf, piano lessons, escape rooms, strolls at farmers' markets, creating delicious breakfasts, road trips, travel, and cherishing quality time with her family. Maribel's driving passion is to empower the next generation by encouraging them to follow their hearts, just as her own teachers inspired her. She is committed to creating a classroom environment where each student feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Amira is an MED candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. She graduated from San Jose State University in 2024 with a B.A in. Child and Adolescent Development with a Preparation of Teaching. Ever since she was little, Amira knew she wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, she would spend a lot of time volunteering in elementary schools, whether it was helping her mom in her classroom, or being a teacher assistant during her undergrad years. After earning her Bachelors and before starting the TEP Program, Amira had a semester off where she worked as an assistant guide at Guidepost Montessori in Palo Alto for 4 months and had an internship for 2 months in France where she helped teach English in the École Montessori Évolutive Palaiseau. Coming from a multi cultural background, Amira strives to work in a bilingual school setting. Her goal is to create a positive and safe environment in which all students feel excited to come to school! When she is not in the classroom, you can find Amira at the beach, spending time with friends and family, walking her dog, painting, dancing, and doing some yoga! Feel free to reach out to Amira at: amirasalama@ucsb.edu
 

Sergio Saucedo (he/him) is a first-generation, graduate student pursuing his Master’s in Education and Multiple Subjects Credential with Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. He was born and raised in Santa Paula, California and received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from UCSB in 2023. After graduation, he spent time working as a Special Education instructional assistant where he quickly realized that teaching at the elementary level was his calling. He credits the students and staff at Adelante Charter School for inspiring him to apply to UCSB TEP and is honored to have the opportunity to work with students in a dual immersion program some time soon. He hopes that his background working with students with disabilities and emergent multilingual learners allows him to develop the equitable learning environment that all of his students deserve and that he can advocate for those students that cannot advocate for themselves. In his free time he loves to spend time with his friends and family, gardening, and making pizzas. You can reach him at sergsaucedo2@gmail.com

Lily Sherwood (she/her) is a current teacher candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with UCSB’s Teacher Education Program. Born and raised in San Francisco, she attended public schools there from kindergarten through 12th grade. It was the experiences she had with quality educators in those schools that sparked her interest in pursuing a career in teaching, giving back to the public school system that raised her. This drive brought her to UCSB for her undergraduate coursework, where she graduated this past June with a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences and a minor in Applied Psychology. Not ready to say goodbye to the Santa Barbara community where she found herself as a college student, she is excited to be returning for one more year to join the 2025-26 TEP cohort. When not in the classroom, you can find Lily on long walks along the bluffs with friends, reading one of the books from her never-ending collection, or perfecting her matcha latte recipe. You can contact her at lilycsherwood@ucsb.edu. 

Elizabeth Sim (she/her) earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2025 from the University of California, Riverside, where she double majored in Education and Liberal Studies with a concentration in Education for Social Justice. She graduated Cum Laude and is currently pursuing her Master of Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her undergraduate studies, Elizabeth was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and was recognized on the Dean’s List by both UC Riverside and the American Campus Communities. A trilingual speaker of English, Spanish, and Korean, she began studying Spanish in elementary school and received the California State Seal of Biliteracy upon graduating from Cupertino High School. Her multilingual background has fueled a deep commitment to culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. She is dedicated to continuously expanding her linguistic and pedagogical knowledge to effectively serve diverse student populations. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Elizabeth enjoys swimming with sharks, creating ceramic art, and strolling with a matcha in hand. She can be reached at esim@ucsb.edu. 

Christopher Soriano De Jesus (He/Him) is a graduate student pursuing a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics and a Master’s of Education in UC Santa Barbara’s Teacher Education Program. He recently graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Education. His passion for mathematics and his instinct to help others drove him to teach, hoping to create an environment where students feel safe to share their ideas and to question the many rules and theories within mathematics. Additionally, he hopes to build connections with his students to gain gifts and sweet treats from them, not really, but he hopes these connections will last a lifetime. Outside the classroom and mathematics, you can find Christopher or Chris –he doesn’t mind either– glued to his computer playing games, watching videos/shows/movies, talking to his friends on Discord, or you might find him bothering his adorable Siamese cat Bino. He was born in Toluca, Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. to the small town of Ventura, a short drive from Santa Barbara. He’s the youngest child in his family of four; his older brother, Jonathan, is a big inspiration to him as he’s accomplished so much and is currently in a Ph.D. program at UCLA for Astrophysics. Ventura has always been home to him, but he wouldn’t mind going anywhere in California to teach. 

Pat Troy (they/them) is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English Language Arts and an M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, they received their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. As they’ve worked up from camp counselor, to youth mentor, to paraeducator, and finally to Intervention Specialist, their determination to make a positive impact on students’ lives has become a life-long passion. Pat is a storyteller. They believe that empowering students means empowering them to tell their own stories. Pat is committed to creating a classroom culture that centers justice and joy. 

Claire Walsh (she/her) is a current candidate in the Teacher Education Program where she is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She graduated from UC San Diego in June of 2025 earning a B.S. in Education Sciences. During her time in San Diego, she had the opportunity to volunteer in TK and Kindergarten classrooms in the San Diego Unified School District which solidified her long standing passion for education and her calling as a teacher. Claire has always felt most comfortable when surrounded by community and this is something that she hopes to foster in her classroom. Outside of work and school, Claire enjoys reading, gardening, game nights with friends, and all kinds of creative hobbies like photography, crochet, and other crafts!

Olivia Weber (she/her) is pursuing a Single Subject (Science) Credential and Masters of Education. She would like to be a middle school science teacher. She is from Santa Barbara County and would like to stay here forever. She received her Bachelors of Science from UCSB in 2020. She obtained an Earth Science degree with a geohydrology emphasis. Her time at Santa Barbara City College helped her find her love for geology. Her appreciation for science started when she was a child. It was her favorite class in school, and on the weekends she would go outside and run mini experiments to help understand the world. Many of her jobs have been working with kids, and when she started subbing she realized a career in the classroom could make her happy. 
 

Leia Zorba (she/her) is an M.Ed candidate with the Gevirtz Graduate School, and is pursuing single subject teaching credentials in English and Dance. Having received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Arts in Feminist Studies, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from UCSB in 2024, Leia is delighted to return to her alma mater this year! As a member of UCSB’s Senior Dance Company, Leia had the opportunity to perform in Norway, Poland, Latvia, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Her experiences dancing across the world have reaffirmed the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and finding common ground within creative spheres- principles that she hopes to carry into her own classroom. Leia’s goal as an educator is to create a space of collaboration and innovation where students feel safe to make mistakes and grow from them. Her ambition is to inspire and empower students, creating equitable learning opportunities that prepare them to be leaders of tomorrow. Leia can be reached at lzorba@ucsb.edu