TEP Current Students

Maycee Ballew (she/her) is a candidate in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program pursuing her Single Subject Teaching credential in Life Science and her Masters in Education. Originally from a small town near Fresno, California, she completed her undergraduate degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors of Science in Liberal Studies as well as a minor and concentration in Biology in 2021. Maycee has always known she wanted to be a teacher, and finds inspiration and pure joy from making positive connections with others and helping them reach their goals. She gained experience doing exactly that while working as an Instructional Aide for high school biology classes and as a Substitute Teacher at Atascadero High School in San Luis Obispo County, which reinforced her love for teaching science. Maycee’s main goal is to show her students that science is not a daunting subject, and is in fact all around us. She believes that science provides a unique avenue for self-discovery that she cannot wait for her students to explore. Aside from teaching, Maycee loves running, reading, cooking, and exploring local restaurants and vintage shops. Maycee looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for her in Santa Barbara, and is happy to answer questions and connect further at mayceeballew@ucsb.edu. 

Julian Barkley-Brinson (he/him) is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and an M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. He received his B.A. in English (Concentration in Education) and B.A. in Theatre Arts (Concentration in Musical Theatre Directing) from California State University, Chico. Julian is passionate about all education, but is an advocate for comprehensive performing arts education in California schools. He founded a nonprofit organization in Sutter County, offering affordable arts programming to kids in the community. Additionally, he has spent the last 5 years working at elementary schools in various capacities, though his favorite role was working as an administrator of an after school program designed for low-income students in Northern California. In his free time, Julian enjoys going to the beach, reading, and spending time with his amazing partner and their cat, Mocha. He is excited to take the next step toward a life-long career in education. 

Maddy Battista (she/her) is a graduate student at UC Santa Barbara pursuing her Masters of Education & Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. Maddy is originally from Toronto, Canada, where she also pursued her bachelor's degree in music at the University of Toronto. Maddy loves building connections in the classroom and helping students feel confident and secure in who they are, and hopes to continue doing so throughout her career as a teacher. 

Enrique Becerra (he/they) is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program at UC Santa Barbara where he is pursuing a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics and a Master’s in Education. He received his Associate’s in Mathematics from Ventura College in 2021, before transferring to UC Santa Cruz where he would graduate in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education. Born and raised in Oxnard, California, Enrique developed a love for math at an early age and is very passionate about making math education as inclusive and accessible as possible. His pre-professional experience through the CalTeach program at UCSC gave him valuable experience in both middle and high school classrooms throughout the Santa Cruz/Watsonville area. Here he developed a strong interest in supporting English language learners in math which he found to be most rewarding. Outside of the classroom Enrique enjoys photography and the outdoors. Enrique hopes to give back to his local community through teaching, as well as provide an example of more Latine educators in math.

Denise Cabrera (she/her) is a first-generation graduate student pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree at UCSB. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2023 where she earned her B.A. in Sociology along with a minor in Educational Studies. She enjoys watching the sunset by the beach, going on spontaneous adventures, and binge watching some of her favorite TV shows. Denise is excited to begin a new journey in her life that will bring new experiences, relationships, and passions. 

Rosa Carmona Vera is pursuing an Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. 

Cassandra Chawke (she/her) is a current candidate 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 the University of California, Los Angeles and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Social Transformation with a minor in Earth and Environmental Science in 2023. During her undergraduate studies, Cassie worked at her local Boys and Girls Club and facilitated a pod of students for three school years. In Los Angeles, Cassie was a teacher assistant at a private elementary school and a public charter school where she worked with kindergarten through eighth grade students. Cassie’s interests are environmental justice, dance, critical media literacy, and story creation, which she hopes to intertwine with the necessary tools to prepare her students to become compassionate, educated, community-oriented leaders.  Cassie hopes to encourage students to work passionately towards achieving their dreams by never giving up and being confident in their identities. She is excited to work with a new community and continue her lifelong career of learning as a teacher. You can reach Cassandra at cassandrachawke@ucsb.edu.

Leah Coffin (she/her)  is a current M.Ed. candidate pursuing her MST credential in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB. She graduated UCSB in winter of 2023 with a Sociology Degree and Education and Applied Psychology minors.  Leah has always wanted to become a teacher in hope to help as many students as she can and to make a small impact on the community around her. She wants to create a classroom that is inclusive for all and supports each student's individual needs. Leah has been helping out in classrooms since she was a junior in High School and has continued to love these experiences. Leah grew up in San Diego County which is why she has found herself here in Santa Barbara, a place very similar. She enjoys going to the beach, going on long walks, practicing yoga and swimming in her free time. Leah always will make time to see her family and connect with friends in order to keep a good work life balance. She is extremely grateful to be a part of UCSB TEP and is looking forward to the experiences and knowledge she will gain from this year. You can reach her at leahcoffin@ucsb.edu.

Emma Daniel (she/her)  is excited to be pursuing her M.Ed and Multiple Subject Credential (MST) at UCSB for the 2023-2024 year! Emma is originally from Orange County and graduated from Westmont College in 2022 with her Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Economics and Business. With her background in social policy and community development, Emma seeks to bring justice and care into her classroom. While Emma is not in school or the classroom she enjoys being outside, going on walks, listening to and playing music, as well as crocheting and reading. While she would not consider herself “outdoorsy” she loves to be in the sun and Santa Barbara is the perfect place to do that. Emma is ecstatic for the rest of the year and looks forward to all the joys and challenges!

Karina De La Mora is a proud first-generation Mexican-American currently pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters in Education. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara where she also attended UCSB for her Bachelor's degree in Sociology. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dogs, baking, and playing softball with her family. Karina is excited to become a bilingual educator through the Bilingual Authorization program at TEP and hopes to work in a Dual Immersion program after graduation. Education has always been important to Karina and she is excited to be a life-long learner and educator through teaching. Karina can be reached at karinadelamora@ucsb.edu. 

Martha De Santiago (she/her/ella) is a first-generation graduate student, born and raised in Oxnard, California. She is a Teacher Education Program candidate pursuing a Masters of Education, as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. She graduated in the Spring of 2023 from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Educational Studies. Martha’s passion for teaching and education stems from her parents and her community. She aspires to empower her students to recognize their potential and turn their educational goals into reality. Martha hopes to return to her community to create confident bilingual learners and is dedicated to establishing a welcoming environment where every student feels reassured, recognized and valued. 

Chase Evans is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in History and Social Science.

Yesenia Evaristo Rosales (she/her/ella) is pursuing her Multiple Subjects Credential and a Master’s Degree in Education at UCSB. She graduated with a B.A. in Feminist Studies at UCSB in 2023 and chose to stay to continue her education. She is from Escondido, California which is a city in northern San Diego, and hopes to go back around the area after finishing the program. She worked for the Santa Barbara Unified School District for 2 years prior to the program as an instructional aid in one of their bilingual schools and has thus chosen to pursue a bilingual authorization within the program as well. Yesenia is a first-generation Mexican-American college student and the oldest daughter of immigrant parents. She hopes to give back to underfunded communities to show that it is possible to come from nothing and become something big in the world.  Yesenia can be reached at yesenia497@ucsb.edu.

Nate Ewart believes in the power of an excellent education and its ability to positively influence the next generation. He completed his undergraduate degree as a History major at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is currently enrolled in the UCSB TEP Graduate program as a SST History student. He believes that a good understanding of our collective past can teach us to live humbly, lead confidently, and to understand others more fully. In his free time, he loves to play guitar, hang out at the beach with friends, or spend some time hiking through the mountains above Santa Barbara. He looks forward to serving his community as a teacher and enriching the lives of his future students.

Joshua Fang is a teacher candidate in the Multiple Subject 23-24 cohort. After graduating with a degree in elementary education, he aims to continue his teaching journey through TEP’s credential program. Joshua is interested in discovering the best education and development practices and matching those practices with students of diverse backgrounds. As a lifelong  learner, Joshua wants to participate in a school that focuses on maximizing student potential and promotes a culture of excellence. 

Rielynn Fiorenza (she/hers) is pursuing a Multiple Subject credential and M. Ed. She received her Bachelor’s degree in child development from Chico State in fall of 2022 and is excited to continue her educational journey at UCSB with TEP. Rielynn’s passion for teaching was found in various after school programs and continued as a paraeducator after graduating. She strives to create an environment where all students feel valued and able to grow. Outside of the classroom she enjoys reading, going to the beach, and going home to Paso Robles, CA to spend time with her family. 

Kirsten Fletcher joined the TEP program in pursuit of the Math SST credential. While she is not native to the Santa Barbara area, she loves the environment and atmosphere of the surrounding area. Kirsten enjoys outdoor activities, sports, poetry, and listening to music. She decided to dive into a career in education after working with students and children in San Diego and at home in Denair, California. She plans on traveling the world and experiencing new things after the program, but she is most excited to go back home to teach in the Central Valley. It is really important to her to start locally and make an impact in her hometown community. 

My name is Arthur Gladwill. I am a non-traditional student that did not succeed in my first attempt at college. I had a ten year gap where I worked and developed what I believe are important life skills and responsibilities. It was during this gap that made me truly realize that I wanted to go back to school to obtain my degree in mathematics. I now have my Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with an emphasis in High School Teaching and a Minor in Education with an emphasis in Science and Mathematics at UCSB. I am now in the Teachers Education Program pursuing my single subject credential in mathematics and my Masters in Education. While doing all of this I always keep a saying in mind, “One Day at a Time, One Foot in Front of the Other, and One Thing at a Time.”

Erika Gonzales (She/Her) is a first-generation, Chicana M.Ed. candidate in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Having just earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a minor in Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Erika is more than excited to be back and serving the Santa Barbara community! Being raised as the 7th out of 8 children in Orange, CA, Erika has always found a deep love and joy while working with children and aspires to cultivate a culturally relevant learning environment for her students. During the last 4 months of 2022, Erika studied French and Art History while living abroad in Paris, France which has developed and expanded her view on diverse, well-rounded educational practices. Erika is more than thrilled to dedicate her life to continual learning alongside her students through creating a classroom environment that is rooted in curiosity, diversity and community. Outside of school, you can find Erika in the local community spending time with her family or at a concert with friends! Erika can be reached at egonzales@ucsb.edu.

Aaron Gunning is pursuing his M.Ed, and Single Subject Credential in English Language Arts here at UCSB’s Teacher Education Program. He previously attained his B.A. in English at California State, Sacramento in the Spring of 2023. He is from Sacramento, specifically Elk Grove, CA where he spent almost all of his life before coming to Santa Barbara for graduate school. As someone who flourished in his primary education, he understands the values that come with teachers who genuinely care about their students. He hopes to achieve his M.Ed here to appropriately prepare himself for the challenges and thrills that accompany teaching. He is inspired by his mother’s and father’s differing educational histories, both which allow him to understand the complex nature that is learning through academia. With the experiences and lessons he gains from the program, he hopes to cultivate a learning environment where students can think critically and creatively for themselves. Allowing Aaron to fully prepare generations of students for what may follow. 

Drew Halvorson (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of the UCSB TEP, where she will be pursuing her Multiple Subject Credential and Masters Degree. She recently completed her undergraduate studies at UCSB, graduating in 2023 with a major in Sociology, a minor in Education, and a certificate in Exercise and Sports Studies. Throughout her time at UCSB, Drew dedicated five years to the UCSB Women’s Water Polo D1 Team and continues to actively participate while pursuing her graduate program. As a student athlete, she discovered her passion for coaching and teaching young athletes in water polo and swimming, both in Santa Barbara and her hometown in the Bay Area. Drew gained valuable pre-professional experience during her high school and college years, spending two years as a pre-professional at Isla Vista Elementary, working with 4th and 6th graders. Drew is excited to contribute to the growth and success of her students, both inside and outside the classroom.

Kayla Heflin (she/her/hers) is a MST candidate and UCSB Alumni who is grateful to be back at UCSB to pursue her master’s in education. Kayla believes that her experience as a biracial woman is extremely important in her teaching and plans on continuing to research the importance of teaching the non-dominant narrative as a way to combat injustices in the school system. With writing and art being two of her passions, she plans on writing a children's book and feels that this continued research is essential to creating a story students can connect to. Kayla is grateful to be in a career where she is continuously challenged as she believes the journey to your best self is never done. She is excited to create a classroom community in Santa Barbara where she hopes her students learn and grow with her while she takes on this challenging career. 

Marissa Maria Hernandez (she/her/hers) is a first-generation Latina graduate student pursuing her Masters in Education along with her Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. Marissa is a Santa Barbara local who attended Washington Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High school. She also graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2020 and received her Bachelor's degree in Global Studies with a minor in Feminist Studies. Post-grad, Marissa hopes to impact the school system in a different way, by bringing an open mind set and passionate personality to help educate, listen, and be an advocate for her future students. She is looking forward to her years as a teacher and hopes to one day like many make a difference in this world! (A few fun Facts: She loves to go hammocking with her friends, enjoys a nice strawberry and turkish ice cream from McConnells in the winter time and loves to eat dried mangos!!)

Victoria Hernandez (she/her) is an M.Ed candidate at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Victoria earned her Associate of Arts in Behavioral & Social Studies at Riverside City College and her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Arizona State University. Her passion for teaching grew immensely while teaching swim lessons at her local club swim team, alongside working with first and second-grade students. In her free time, she loves to go to the beach, bake, thrift, and binge-watch Gilmore Girls. Victoria hopes to bring her own experiences into the classroom and foster a respectful learning environment where uniqueness is celebrated and inclusivity is promoted. 

Paul Huang (he/they) is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. They are also a Noyce COASTAL Teacher Scholar. Paul is pursuing a M.Ed, SST Life Science, and ITE credentials. Graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a B.Sc in Zoology and a minor in Science and Math Education, during his time in undergrad, he discovered his passion for teaching. He has worked in various educational environments, including the REEF, Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, and as a substitute teacher in his home town of Sacramento. Paul hopes to engage students’ funds of knowledge to create meaningful connections between curriculum and real-world experiences. In their free time, they enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, designing their next tattoo, and cooking. Paul is happy to answer any questions at pkhuang@ucsb.edu.

Audrey Hughes (she/her) is fulfilling her dream of becoming an educator as a UCSB graduate student. She is currently in the Teacher Education Program pursuing her M.Ed and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. In 2023, Audrey graduated in three years from UCSB with a B.S.  in Psychological and Brain Sciences — her love for learning landed her in the TEP program directly following the end of her undergraduate career. Audrey grew up on the Central Coast and was raised with a deep desire to enjoy the outdoors, surf, and share the beauty of nature with youth. Audrey has felt compelled to teach young children since she was just a first-grade student herself, and this strong inclination of hers was supported by her family of teachers. Audrey has surrounded herself with children in nearly every professional avenue that she has taken, and its her ability to make strong, lasting relationships with youth that has cemented her in this field. She aspires to lead a classroom community where diversity is celebrated and universal mattering is felt deeply by students. Audrey looks forward to supporting students from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their special identities, interests, and personalities as they grow into lifelong learners. Audrey can be reached at audreyhughes@ucsb.edu.

Natalie Jacob is an M.Ed. candidate in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, pursuing her Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. She graduated from University of California, Davis in 2023 as a first-generation student with a B.A. in English and a minor in Education. Natalie has been working with children since she was sixteen, and with every passing job her passion and love for educating has deepened. She often credits her (incredibly supportive) family for molding her perception of education and its importance as a tool of success. She hopes to inspire people with the complexity and beauty of literature, especially those whose first language is not English, and show her students that there is a place for them in the written world (and especially in her classroom).

Spencer Jacobs is a TEP candidate pursuing a Master’s in Education and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential in History/Social-Science. Born in New Jersey, Spencer moved to Los Angeles at age seven where he grew up playing baseball and going to the beach, before transitioning to a full-time career being bad at video games. Spencer’s video game addiction caused him to fail classes and miss hundreds of school days. School didn’t “click” until an 11th grade American history class where he felt valued and enjoyed learning. Around that time, he also found surfing which he now does almost every day. Spencer spent five years at San Diego State University, where he became interested in social problems while earning bachelor’s degrees in sociology and history. Wanting to make a difference, Spencer started tutoring and eventually moved to Santa Barbara where he worked for the last two years as a paraeducator at Dos Pueblos High School. Spencer hopes to create a classroom where fun is prioritized and students challenge themselves and question their beliefs as they learn about the world. In his free time, he loves to surf, travel, read, watch sports with his dad, and maybe sometimes still play video games. His email is sjacobs@ucsb.edu. 

Rebecca Kovacs-Guerrero (she/her/ella) completed her undergrad here at UCSB in 2022 and received her BA in Art and minor in Education as a first-generation student. She just celebrated 16 years together with her partner, and they have 2 wonderful boys (3 if you include their dog Bolillo). After following her passion for Art, she realized her passion was more geared towards helping others, especially in education. Rebecca’s connections with school aged children, along with witnessing the struggles her younger brother with ADHD and ODD faced throughout his educational journey inspired her to become a special education teacher. Now she is here in the ESC mild/moderate TEP program pursuing her Special Education credential and Masters in Education. Rebecca says that it has been such an incredible experience so far, and that she knows that she made the right choice. It's not easy but she has a lot of love and support from her TEP team!

My name is Connor Laines(he/him/his). I graduated from Long Beach State undergrad with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Education. I want to be a teacher because I want people with extensive support needs to find belonging in their community and I want to help give my students the skills to do so.  A fun fact about me is that I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019.

Jess Lechon-Galdos (she/her) is a first generation masters student who is beyond excited to get her Masters in Education and Single Subject Credential in English Language Arts (ELA). She went to Sonoma State University for her undergrad where she majored in English and graduated Summa Cum Laude (Go Seawolves). She chose to go into English Education because of her former high school English teacher (a TEP alum) who opened the doors of creativity and learning to everyone with zero judgment. English has been a notoriously boring and exclusive subject in which students are expected to write and speak a certain way that leaves students of color and their language behind. Linguistic justice is a big part of why Jess thinks it is absolutely necessary to create English classrooms where students can express who they are no matter where they come from. She believes English is a creative art in which students can write about their own imaginations and life stories, while also finding media (books, film, etc.) that represents themselves and their communities. English Language Arts should be accessible to everyone, and she will make sure that when students walk through her classroom doors that they will feel included and loved. When she isn’t going on tangents about English Education, you can find Jess writing poetry, reading romance novels and memoirs, and/or swimming in the ocean (one of the many reasons she chose UCSB). She feels beyond honored to be here at the University of California, Santa Barbara and could not have been here without the amazing support system she calls her family, friends, colleagues, and teachers. 

Janelle Lopez (she/her) is a first-generation Mexican-American college student. She received her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara in the Spring of 2023 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Educational Studies. She is excited to be pursuing her Education Specialist Credential for Mild/Moderate support along with her Masters in Education and Bilingual Authorization. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and enjoys watching baseball, going on hikes, watching sunsets, and spending quality time with loved ones. As a bilingual educator, Janelle hopes to be an advocate to her students while also providing them with an environment where they feel supported, confident, and capable of learning. Not only is she excited to work with her students but she is also excited to learn and grow alongside them through their own perspectives and ideas. 

Guillermo Lopez Jr. (he/him) is a first-generation undergraduate and graduate student. He received his undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara in the Spring of 2020, majoring in History. He wants to empower his students to be able to advocate for themselves. Guillermo has worked in many different programs with students which range from his time at the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (4 years), United Boys and Girls Club - Westside Unit (7 years) to his time working as a Paraeducator with Santa Barbara Unified School District at Alta Vista High School’s Quetzal Program (2 years) It was by working in these different settings that helped to facilitate Guillermo’s decision to want to be a history/social science teacher. He wants to work with students in the alternative learning setting and help them to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Guillermo wants to continue to improve his skills and hopes to teach in a way that encourages his students to think critically about current events. He also wants to build empathy in his classroom so all students can feel welcomed and have a place to call a community. Outside the classroom, Guillermo could be found on State Street with his friends playing mobile games like Pokemon Go and FGO or TCG games at Metro Entertainment. Guillermo is also an uncle to Charlie who’s an Australian cattle dog/border collie mix. He has a found disposition for coffee and frequents many of the great coffee shops that Santa Barbara has to offer. Guillermo Lopez Jr. is happy to answer emails at guillermolopez@ucsb.edu.

Brendan Ly (he/him) is a proud Vietnamese-American from Santa Ana, California. He is a first-generation, low-income college student pursuing his Single Subject Teaching Credential in Chemistry. He attended California State University, Long Beach (Go Beach!) to study Biochemistry for his undergraduate degree. In his free time, he likes to hike and to go on walks to spend time outdoors and be active. He aspires to create an inclusive space in his classroom to ensure that students feel comfortable bringing all aspects of their intersections and identities to their learning. He wants his students to embrace their individuality and creativity because everyone is special and weird in their own right :)

Solé Machart (she/her) is a first-generation undergraduate and graduate student. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Educational Studies from UC Santa Barbara in the Spring of 2023. Solé is proud to say that she is a local of Santa Barbara and is excited to be back at UC Santa Barbara to pursue her M.Ed along with her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She is also excited to learn how to teach in the community she grew up in. She grew up in a single-parent, low-income household on the east side of Santa Barbara. Growing up in the Santa Barbara district, she had to decode the educational system for herself and three siblings. Often, she found herself being a mother figure to her siblings, resulting in characteristics she loves about herself: nurturing and patience. Solé has jumped around several elementary schools in the Santa Barbara district and was fond of schooling and the safeness if provided. Solé considers herself a student of life and wishes to share her knowledge with others. Solé decided to pursue teaching because she had little to no advocacy in elementary school, so she wanted to change that. She was inspired by her high school AVID teacher’s pedagogy and wishes to apply it to elementary education. Through her outside school experiences, she knows that students will have complex lives outside the classroom that will affect them, and she hopes to do anything to support them.

Nikki MacKenzie (she/her) is a current TEP candidate pursuing her M.Ed. and SST-ELA (Single Subject, English Language Arts) Credential. She is originally from Torrance, California, and graduated from UCSB in spring of 2023 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Educational Studies. Growing up, Nikki spent a lot of time volunteering with kids and was inspired by those experiences (and all of the teachers in her life) to pursue a career in education. She wants to teach students to use writing as a tool for authentic self knowledge and expression, as well as for interacting and engaging with the world around them. She believes that students learning how to critically read and engage with any type of text is more important now than ever before, because of the amount of content that gets thrown at them every day. Her hobbies include reading, embroidery, musical theater, and having long conversations with friends and family about pretty much anything. You can contact her at nicolemackenzie@ucsb.edu.

Mark Mader (He/Him) is an SST-Math TEP Candidate. Originally from Cupertino, CA, Mark transferred from De Anza college in fall 2021 to UCSB and graduated with an undergraduate degree in mathematics with a concentration in teaching and a minor in secondary education in winter 2023 before joining TEP. Mark has had a passion for teaching from a young age after seeing the lasting impact his teachers have had on him, and hopes to have a similar impact on his future students with skills learned in TEP. Outside of TEP, Mark is an animal lover, particularly of those with long faces, and you can frequently find him admiring nature on hikes in the area.

Emily Mar is pursuing an Education Specialist Credential with a concentration in Extensive Support Needs, as well as a Master’s degree in Education. She graduated from Chapman University in the Spring of 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology and Integrated Educational Studies. Emily found her passion for teaching while working with children with autism during undergrad. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, taking yoga classes, going to the beach, running, and baking.

Eloise McLeod (she/her) is a graduate student in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Sciences and History. She is originally from Antelope, California and graduated from UCSB this past year with a B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences and a minor in Educational Studies. Growing up, Ellie spent time volunteering and working with Girl Scouts. In undergrad, Ellie also spent time working at Harding Elementary as a research assistant and at Santa Barbara High School as an aid. With these experiences, and being influenced by her positive teachers growing up, Ellie became impassioned to pursue her career in education. She believes in using education as a tool for social justice and is motivated by being able to make a difference in a student’s life, no matter how small. In her free time, Ellie enjoys working out,  beach walks, reading, nighttime drives, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. She can be reached with any questions at eloisemcleod@ucsb.edu.

Savannah Medellin is a first-generation graduate student in TEP pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Masters of Education and Bilingual Authorization. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Savannah discovered her passion for education through her volunteer work and working in diverse schools in her local neighborhood. She hopes to use her credential and degree to provide support for bilingual students and be a resource for them in their academic journey. As a bilingual paraeducator she saw the need for bilingual staff and the need for representation within the classrooms. Savannah wants to be a teacher to inspire students to follow their dreams. In her free time she likes to read books, watch movies and go to the beach.

Katherine Melendez is a first-generation graduate student pursuing her Masters of Education, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Bilingual Authorization at UCSB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. She graduated from UCSB in 2022, where she received B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, as well as a minor in History. She is originally from South San Francisco, where she got a first glimpse at working in education during the COVID-19 pandemic. After returning to UCSB and finishing up her undergraduate studies, Katherine worked directly with newcomer Emergent Multilingual Learners as a Bilingual Curriculum Specialist for Santa Barbara Unified, where she grew a love for bilingual education and passion for linguistic justice. This ultimately led her to apply to UCSB’s Teacher Education Program, as she is very interested in working at school with a Dual Language Immersion program. As an educator, she is passionate about helping offset structural inequities that exist within education for marginalized students. She also strives to create a welcoming community in the classroom where she can foster student inquisitiveness and advocacy at an early age.

Jacquelin Meza Lerena (she/her) is a first-generation Latina graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Before transferring to UCSB, she graduated from Allan Hancock College in 2021. She then graduated from UCSB in 2023 and received her B.A in Sociology with a minor in Education. Growing up, education and schooling has always been very important and prioritized by her and her family. Teaching is something that she always saw herself doing. She says “the kids are the future, because they are the future we need them to have amazing educators who can guide them in the positive direction, in any way possible.” Jacquelin sees herself going back to her community of Santa Maria and becoming that change. That change in which the students can see her and think “yo tambien puedo”, I can do it too. As someone who wants to teach in bilingual education, she would love to make learning spaces inclusive, adaptive, and universal. During her free time, Jacquelin enjoys taking walks at the beach (or being at the beach in general), painting, cooking, and overall trying new experiences. Feel free to contact her at jmezalerena@ucsb.edu. 

Sarah Mia (she/her) is a Teacher Education Program candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject credential and Masters in Education. She is a Santa Barbara native and graduated from UCSB in 2020 with a bachelors in English. Initially Sarah thought her heart was set on teaching a high school level English course but because of her time as an Instructional Assistant and substitute teacher at Montecito Union School she shifted her trajectory to elementary school students. Their ideas, stories and jokes warmed her heart and helped her make the decision to join TEP. Sarah loves tattoos, film photography, listening to live music, shopping second hand, finding new restaurants around town to try, traveling and learning about different cultures, and spending time outside on a sunny day. She is excited to inspire her students everyday to be proud of themselves and confident in their abilities, just like Sarah’s previous students did for her. If you have any questions, you can contact Sarah at smia@ucsb.edu.

Payton Millar is a TEP candidate pursuing a Multiple Subject Credential and Masters in Education. Prior to the TEP program, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San José State University in 2022. Payton always knew she wanted to be a teacher and began working as a preschool TA and a substitute in elementary and middle schools throughout San José. She is passionate about teaching and hopes to create a classroom environment that empowers students to feel confident and capable of achieving their dreams.  Outside of the classroom you can likely find Payton spending time with friends and family, with a big cup of coffee and a smile (contingent on the coffee).

Paola Mojica-Meza (she/her) is a first generation Latinx graduate student from Salinas, CA. She earned her Bachelor’s in Spanish and Sociology as a double major at UCSB in 2023. She is pursuing an M.Ed in Education and single-subject credential in Spanish. She hopes to provide support for the future students and to make education more accessible for anyone who wants to keep learning.

Brittney Morettini is a M.Ed and MST teacher candidate. She grew up in Eureka California and obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in Business Administration from Cal Poly Humboldt. In her spare time, Brittney enjoys reading, hiking, yoga & pilates, and traveling. She is passionate about community building and has always felt called to the education profession - where a strong sense of community is critical to create a successful learning environment. She is excited to be in this TEP program, and even more ecstatic for the path on the other side of graduation, where she hopes to become the best teacher that she can be! Brittney can be reached at brittneymorettini@ucsb.edu.

Sutter Munizich (He/Him/His) graduated from the University of Oregon in 2021 as a history major with an ethnic studies minor. He first wanted to become a history teacher, but, after working as a para for two years at Dos Pueblos High School, he ultimately decided to apply to the ESC MM program at UCSB. He will graduate with a masters/credential in teaching mild-moderate special education in 2024. Sutter is a Santa Barbara native and hopes to provide an equitable experience to students in Special Education.

Vanessa Munoz (she/her/hers) is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education (M.Ed) with a Single-Subject Teaching Credential in English Language Arts. Vanessa graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Educational Studies in June 2023. Prior to transferring to UCSB, Vanessa attended SBCC and graduated with 5 Associate Degree’s (including one in Education). Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Vanessa is interested in becoming an educator so she can give back to her community. She recounts how supported she felt in her classes and remembers the teachers who made a difference in her life. As a future English teacher, she hopes to provide students the space to share their voice. In regards to her experience in the classroom, Vanessa has worked as a Summer Program Facilitator at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara. As a Program Facilitator, she worked with students and taught classes related to reading and literacy. Vanessa also volunteered at San Marcos High School in both an English and AVID classroom over the 2022-2023 school year. She also worked as an English tutor for the SBUnified PEAC Program. Working with these students allowed her to not only build connections with them, but support them in their learning. As an educator, Vanessa plans to lead with empathy and listen to her students with compassion. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, watching the sunset, and drinking iced matcha lattes. She loves reading and could talk about her favorite books for hours. You can contact her at vanessamunoz@ucsb.edu.

Robert Nava is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and Language Arts.

Priscilla Nolasco is a proud first-generation Mexican-American graduate student in the Teacher Education Program, pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching credential, Masters in Education, and Bilingual Authorization from UCSB. She completed her undergraduate education at San Francisco State University as a transfer student earning her Bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis in Early Childhood, and a minor in Special Education. Priscilla is excited to be part of the Teacher Education Program and is grateful to her family, who has been a huge support system in helping her get where she is today. Aside from her family, Priscilla holds a special place in her heart for two programs that inspired her to pursue a career in teaching: SBCC’s Orfalea Early Learning Center and SFSU’s PATH program. These programs helped her realize that she not only had the opportunity and  privilege of helping students learn, grow, and develop, but in turn they helped her learn, grow, and develop as an educator. Priscilla is from Santa Barbara, California and is excited to one day serve the population of students she was a part of growing up.

Hi, I am Jonathan Noriega, my pronouns are he/him/his. I am from Moreno Valley, CA. I have 4 brothers and I am in the very middle of them. I am pursuing an Educational Specialist Credential with an emphasis in Extensive Support Needs. I graduated from UCSB in 2019 as an English major with a double minor in Applied Psychology and Education. I am someone who loves learning about the world of disabilities and want to continue learning. I strive to be an advocate for students with disabilities and enhance the importance of inclusion and the need for belonging in general education classrooms. Fun fact, I love to ride my bike, write poetry, read, and watch horror films. Feel free to reach me at jonathannoriega@ucsb.edu. 

Jenna Pham is a first-generation undergraduate and graduate student from Sacramento, CA. She received her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara in the Spring of 2023, majoring in Ecology and Evolution with a minor in Science and Math Education. She is now a M.Ed. candidate pursuing her Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science. She recognizes that there is a lack of women and people of color in STEM and wants her students to know that they are more than capable of succeeding in STEM if they want to. She will encourage her students to believe in themselves as much as she does and will do everything she can to give them a joyful experience while learning about science and what it has to offer. Outside of school and education, Jenna enjoys relaxing with her cat, being outside, and spending time with her loved ones. She is extremely grateful to be a part of TEP as a Noyce COASTAL Teacher-Scholar and looks forward to the future! Jenna is happy to answer any emails at jennapham@ucsb.edu!  

Christine Plagmann is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics.

Jake Quercia (he/him) is a TEP candidate pursuing his Masters in Education and Multiple Subject Credential (K-6). He is originally from the great Garden State of New Jersey and graduated from UCSB with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in the Spring of 2021. Jake grew up with a deep interest in all branches of science, Greek history, and computer science and still loves to delve into these topics today. When Jake was tutoring and TA’ing at SBCC, he found his calling for teaching but did not seriously pursue it until after he graduated from college. After substituting just a handful of times, Jake knew that teaching was his calling. Inspired by teachers of his past, he hopes to live up to them by inspiring his students that they can all create a better world together. In his free time, you can find Jake on the beach surfing or sunbathing, looking for the next best Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara, at the East Beach Batting Cages having a few tacos and fastballs with friends, or even right here jakequercia@ucsb.edu if he can just remember what the new password was.

Amanda Reyes (she/her) is a Teacher Candidate pursuing an Education Specialist Credential for Students with Extensive Support Needs, as well as a Masters in Education. She received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Studies from CSU Channel Islands. Her previous teaching experiences include working as an Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Teacher. She also worked as a Special Education Paraeducator where she found her passion for Special Education. Amanda always knew she wanted to be a teacher and create supportive and inclusive environments for her students. She hopes to empower her students to advocate for themselves by promoting inclusivity and awareness. When not working with children, Amanda loves running, reading, singing, and all things Broadway! She is excited to be part of the Teacher Education Program and is happy to answer emails at amandanreyes@ucsb.edu.

Samuel Ricci (he/him) is thrilled to be pursuing his Single Subject Teaching Credential and Masters in History and Social Studies at UC Santa Barbara. He graduated from UCSB in 2023 with a double major in History and Italian Studies. School has always been his safe space, and he has loved learning ever since he was a child. He has a deep appreciation for world cultures, and wants to encourage the same curiosity and love in his students. In his free time, Sammy likes to read, watch movies, build Lego, and spend time with his friends.
Sammy is inspired by his mom, who is a first grade teacher, and seeks to bring her joy and humor into his own classroom one day. He hopes to turn his classroom into a community of trust and safety where all students feel welcome and seen.

Victoria Rivera (She/They) is a first-generation Mexican American student. They are pursuing their Master of Education, as well as a History/Social Studies credential with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies at UCSB’s Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Prior to entering the program, Victoria received her Bachelor of Arts in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Educational Studies from UCSB. From a young age her parents, Maria De Los Angeles Rivera Cisneros, and Rogelio Rivera Aguilera, taught her the value of education in all forms; she wants to share the love for learning and value with others. Black, Indigenous, and other students of color are marginalized in our society and many obstacles are put in their way to keep them from obtaining a higher education/living a sustainable life. She thinks it is important to show students they can take their future into their own hands and push back against the systems designed to keep them down. Victoria aspires to be like the educators that have helped them on their journey; they want to be a teacher that helps students grow into their full potential. She has worked in both traditional and non-traditional/alternative education schools which has given them the experience needed to support students of all backgrounds. Working with students that have been pushed out and left behind by the education system encourages them to finish their studies and work towards getting their masters/teaching credential. Victoria is excited to finish the year and begin their teaching career wherever the wind takes them.

Kennedy Rodrigues is a first generation student, pursuing her Multiple Subjects teaching credential and Masters in Education. She is passionate about education and child development, as she worked and volunteered in multiple positions in these fields prior to the TEP program.  This includes being a teacher’s aide,  behavioral therapist,  “playground specialist,”  ballet teacher, volleyball coach, and even an instructor for a children’s cooking class.  Kennedy also did her undergraduate degree at UCSB, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Education.  She is from Lemoore, California, a place which constantly inspires her to work hard and give back to the community in the form of teaching!

Rolando Ruvalcaba (he/him) is a teacher candidate pursuing his M.Ed, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Bilingual Authorization in the Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. He graduated from UCLA in 2022 with a Political Science Degree and a minor in Education. Driven to change and “fix” the current educational system, Rolando has decided to pursue his career as an Elementary teacher. During his undergraduate studies, he was able to become a tutor, serving under-resourced schools in the greater LA area. He was able to assist students ranging from 6th-12th grade. Upon graduation he served as a full time Teacher Assistant at a private school near UCLA. Here he was able to work countless hours with young children and develop a better understanding of the profession. After a year of working as a full time educator in the field, he aspires to have a classroom of his own and inspire the new generations to come.

Jenna Schramm (she/they) is part of the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (MST) cohort and is also pursuing her Masters of Education. Originally from Agoura Hills, California, Jenna attended Los Angeles Pierce College before transferring to UCSB where she received her BA in English in 2022. Jenna has a passion for writing and poetry which she hopes to be able to incorporate in her elementary classroom as a teacher. Prior to TEP she worked at Willow Elementary as an Instructional Assistant, aiding in a 4th/5th split class along with the site’s reading specialist. She looks forward to being a queer, teacher of color and providing representation and support for her future students. Feel free to contact her with any questions jennaschramm@ucsb.edu. 

Claire Selleck (she/her) is an ESC (with an emphasis in extensive support needs) teacher candidate. She received her undergraduate degree from UCLA in Spring of 2023, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Disability Studies. Claire says she is inspired by the athletes from her "Westside" Special Olympics family and feels that pursuing a life of teaching would allow her to cultivate more respectful, inclusive spaces for students of all abilities and backgrounds. She is very excited to be part of the TEP community and looks forward to exploring more of Santa Barbara's beautiful scenery throughout the academic year.

Kathryn Smolarski (she/her) graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology during which time she started working as instructional assistant for special education. After spending many years working in classrooms and in outdoor education she decided to pursue her passion and begin her journey to becoming a special education teacher herself. She is excited to make a positive difference in the lives of her students and community by being an advocate for students of all abilities and by bringing joy into the classroom! In her free time Kathryn loves to spend time in nature, paint, and spend time with family and friends. 

Isabella Sotelo is pursuing an Education Specialist Credential in Extensive Support Needs.

Taylor Stephens is currently pursuing a Masters in Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential in History/Social Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara and will graduate in 2024. He received his B.A. in History from Westmont College in Spring of 2023. Taylor competed on the Westmont Men's tennis team for three years and served as an academic Peer Coach on campus to his fellow students. Born and raised in Dana Point, California, he loves the ocean, surfing, playing sports, and fishing. Three of the most important things to him are his Faith, Family, and Friends. He has felt called to teaching from a young age, as he has loved learning and working with kids, and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of his students. Taylor hopes to instill in his students a deep sense of why history matters and make students excited about learning. He is looking forward to having his own classroom one day and coaching tennis.

Hi I'm Ellie Stewart (she/her) and I am pursuing an Education Specialist Credential with a Master's in Education! I graduated from UCSB in 2023 with a BA in Environmental Studies and an Education minor. The education minor opened up my eyes to the field of education and sparked my passion for becoming a Special Education teacher and interest in being a part of UCSB's TEP. I'm so excited for the year ahead and to learn from UCSB's faculty, fellow peers, teachers, and students! 

Giulianna Stoothoff (she/her) is a Teacher Education Program Candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching credential and Masters of Education. She grew up in a small town, Cambria, California, before moving to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB. She graduated from UCSB in 2021 with a bachelors in Sociology. Her love for teaching was inspired by her grandfather, who worked as an English Professor and provided her with supplemental learning as she grew. Before entering TEP, Giulianna partnered with the Children’s Creative Project and worked as a summer school art teacher for Lompoc Unified School District. In her spare time, Giulianna enjoys reading, drawing and playing volleyball at East Beach. You can contact her at g_stoothoff@ucsb.edu.

Kelly Stump is working to earn her M.Ed and SST Math credential. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the beautiful campus of UC Santa Barbara, she decided to stick around SB for grad school. She has worked with children since the age of 15, and is so excited to spend the rest of her life as a teacher. Outside of school you may find Kelly at home with her cat, Yoda, or on a walk with her partner Kevin and their dog, Kirby. She hopes to provide a classroom environment in which students feel comfortable in their own skin, while also challenged to do their best and reach their full potential.

Shannon Sullivan is a current graduate student from Upland, CA pursuing an M.Ed in Education and a Multiple Subject Credential in the UCSB TEP program. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2019 from Salem College where she majored in Teaching, Schools and Society: Concentration in Advocacy. She’s ecstatic to be back in her home state of California and to start teaching. Shannon aspires to create a loving classroom that promotes an appreciation of community and literacy. Her interests are fantasy fiction, puzzles, Disney, and spending time with family/friends. Outside of school, she enjoys curling up with a good book, talking to her family, and spending quality time with her TEP friends.

Nicholas Tassinari (he/him) is an M.Ed. candidate in the Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB, pursuing his Single Subject Teacher Credential in History/Social Science. Nicholas is originally from Palmdale, California, a medium-sized city right on the edge of the Mojave Desert, and about an hour north of Los Angeles. After graduating high school, Nicholas attended UCSB as a history major. However, Nicholas decided to add an Italian Studies major after his 2nd year, leading him to receive a Bachelor’s degree in both History and Italian Studies. Outside of school, Nicholas is an avid baker and chef. He learned how to bake/cook during the Covid lockdowns, and has since mastered various dishes. This includes pretzels, cinnamon rolls, challah, brioche, steaks, fried chicken, pasta aglio e olio, and many more. Nicholas also loves to stay active, which includes his favorite sport of Volleyball. Fun fact: As team captain, Nicholas helped lead his high school volleyball team to the Heritage League Championships in 2018! Unfortunately, they got knocked out in the second round of playoffs, but Nicholas still holds this accomplishment close to his heart. You can reach Nicholas at NTassinari@ucsb.edu. 

Kelly Timmerman (she/her) is a TEP candidate pursuing her M.Ed. and SST-WL Credential (Single Subject - World Languages). Kelly fell in love with language before starting college and chose to make Spanish her second major, along with Journalism. With a background and skills in multimedia, she has continued to incorporate technology with interactive education, paying special interest to languages and world cultures. In addition to being a world traveler, Kelly has a Master’s degree in Spanish (ELE) and has organized travel itineraries for groups abroad, including excursions to Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Cuba. Kelly is looking forward to inspiring students in their own unique quest of developing a thoughtful, global perspective. She can be reached at kellytimmerman@ucsb.edu. 

Elise Umetsu is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and Language Arts.

Laura Valdez is a current graduate student at UCSB’S Gervitz Graduate School of Education pursuing her Masters of Education and a Multiple Subject Credential. She wants to give back to her community and create a space of belonging for students. As well as allowing them to bring their identities and languages to our classroom. When Laura has free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, go on walks to the beach, and hear the beautiful background noises in nature. Without hesitation, feel free to contact Laura at l_valdezgutierrez@ucsb.edu. 

Evelyn Vargas (she/her) is first generation graduate student pursuing her Special Education Credential for Mild/Moderate support needs, Master of Education, and Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. Evelyn graduated from UC Riverside with a  B.A. in Education, Society, and Human Development with a concentration in Learning and Behavior Studies and Liberal Studies. She is excited to learn from and alongside her peers, mentors, and students. Evelyn wants to support all students by advocating for them and providing equal access to tools and educational opportunities. Evelyn wants to give back to her community and hopes to help students succeed in all areas of their lives. You can contact Evelyn at evelynvargas@ucsb.edu.

Steve Vasquez Valencia (He/Him/His) He is a first generation college student in his family. He's a proud Salvadoran-American. He received his associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College. He then transferred and attended California State University Channel Islands and earned his degree in Early Childhood Studies. He was interested in learning about the foundations of child development to better support the students that entered his classroom. He feels fortunate to have been a preschool teacher for the last 10 years in various schools around the Santa Barbara area before beginning his time in the TEP. He’s excited to be part of TEP and looks forward to continuing welcoming, celebrating and empowering students in the middle school and high school levels of education as he pursues his credential in History and Social Science.

Brooklyn Willis (she/her/hers) is pursuing her M.Ed. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Brooklyn grew up in Palo Alto, Ca, and began her college career at Foothill Community College. After transferring to UCSB she graduated in 2020 with a BA in Communication, and from there attended SJSU where she received an MA in Communication. Brooklyn has worked with students of all ages, from preschool through graduate school. Brooklyn loves working with “littles” and centers fun and playfulness in her life inside and outside the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time at the beach, especially watching sunsets, listening to music (especially Taylor Swift), and watching Formula 1. You can contact her at brooklynwillis@ucsb.edu to talk all things music, racing, communication, and most importantly, education.