Seth Britton
Red Hill Lutheran School
“I believe leadership and learning are integral to a life well-lived. To be recognized in this way affirms this truth, and serves as a reminder that true leadership is guiding others toward a greater understanding of what is right and true, all for the purpose of making this world a better place for all people.”
School Pastor Seth Britton truly epitomizes a leader who can calm the storms of life. For the past 24 years, Britton has supported Red Hill Lutheran School educators, but tides turned in 2020. He helped the school stay on an even keel, making tough decisions on school closures, reopenings, and ever-changing currents. Britton’s background in marriage and family therapy promotes the emotional wellbeing of 600 congregants, 500 school families, and 100 faculty and staff, helping people through rocky seasons of life. He proactively teaches an Emotional Health class, knowing that the social-emotional health of teachers has a direct impact on students. Additionally, he provides professional growth classes, giving teachers tools to best serve students, and is always willing to answer students’ tough questions. Britton’s leadership leads to an extremely strong church-school partnership. Actively involved in school accreditation, he charted a course to form a unified mission statement.
Helene Morris
Fullerton School District
“My leadership transformed when I discovered that I am an authentic leader. This means that critical events in my life have filled me with passion and purpose to support students, parents and staff, particularly in the areas of mental health social-emotional learning (SEL).”
Helene Morris, Ph.D., has been a leader at the Fullerton School District for 16 years serving over 12,000 K-8 students district-wide. She has created positive change and made a true impact in her various roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and recently director of Administrative Services providing a whole-child focus to encourage academic success and social-emotional development. She is a very detailed, organized and supportive educator who always provides excellent customer service to staff, families and community members. She recently received her doctorate degree in educational leadership to continue her passion as an inclusive educator. She has paved the way to launch a district-wide social-emotional learning team to provide programs that focus on student wellbeing and building positive relationships with teachers to increase school connectedness. Morris has been innovative by bringing a universal behavior screener for all students.
Debra Schroeder
Vibrant Minds Charter School
“In my work as an educator, I am rewarded when I observe a scholar grow academically and/or behaviorally, when staff members believe in our shared vision and make it the reality, and when parents express their love for our school.”
Debra Schroeder, Ph.D., has been involved in education for over 35 years. She has held the role of teacher, curriculum specialist, principal, and currently the executive director of Vibrant Minds Charter School. Schroeder’s vision to begin an independent charter school occurred during her retirement after spending 30 years in traditional elementary districts. Schroeder’s expertise, tenacity and respect in the community promoted the only LEA-approved elementary charter school in her city. Schroeder has always been motivated by giving a unique experience by developing a co-created school with input from parents, staff and scholars. This philosophy attracts educators that appreciate the freedom to lead their scholars to their individualized educational pathways. Schroeder supports new teachers, as a mentor, through the OCDE Induction Process. Being a leader of an independent charter school, she represents the school at all board meetings. Schroeder consistently participates in many educational think tanks that promote Project Based Learning, personalized instruction and STEAM-infused pedagogy.
Cindy Twomey
Heritage Oak Private Education
“My day is filled with so much joy thanks to these children and families and being recognized for being a part of their lives is an extraordinary feeling.”
A jacket found? Cindy Twomey will know to whom it belongs. A nervous new student? Twomey will calm them. A parent with questions? Twomey will guide them. For the last 15 years, Heritage Oak Preschool Director Cindy Twomey has been forming deep, long-lasting connections with her students, teachers and the families she serves. Twomey’s nature to get to know each child individually — from special interests to pertinent family information. She greets each of her 108 students at the door and spends time in classrooms daily. Her connection with students isn’t the only thing that sets her apart. She notices when parents seem overwhelmed and assists them. She is often asked for parenting advice and offers firsthand experience to help ease their anxieties. She lives near campus and parents know that she is almost always available to help. It is not uncommon for her to come to school in the evening to pick up their special blanket or doll that was left behind. Her ultimate goal? Great communication and happy families.
By Jessica Peralta, Madison Amirehteshami and Jeseny Escobar
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