Top Employee 2024

Tania Morales – Beyond Blindness

Top 10 Employees of Orange County 2024

Antonio Arenas
La Sierra High School

Antonio Arenas has been a custodian at La Sierra High School for 27 years. He truly understands how to support the needs of all the staff who are located both on the main campus and throughout the community. Arenas is a shining example of the positive impact a caring custodian can have on a school. He is a dedicated employee who takes pride in his work. He has an eye for detail that keeps the campus clean and orderly. His work is always completed in a timely, efficient manner and he is always willing to take on new challenges. He never leaves a setup or tear-down without asking if there is more to be done. Whenever a facility emergency happens outside of school hours, he is often the first person on the scene. He responds to requests throughout the day with an easy-going grace. He also has a big heart for the students at La Sierra — especially the students in the moderate to severe special education program. He greets them by name and treats them with kindness and respect.
“I am grateful and proud of the work I do every day to support student learning, even though it may not be in a direct way.”

Veronica Chino
Red Hill Lutheran School

Veronica Chino’s love for working with Red Hill Lutheran School’s students and teachers is undeniable. Not only a beloved paraeducator, she wears many hats, all with a smile on her face and a positive, can-do attitude. A master of time management and organization, Chino keeps a lot of plates spinning in the air. She manages three teacher’s aides, coordinating six teachers’ schedules to provide individual support. Simultaneously, she coaches a winning volleyball team, maximizing each of her players’ strengths. She positively relates with both elementary and middle school students. As a crossing guard, she is the first smiling face school families see in the morning, knowing and welcoming them with a kind smile. She has developed personal relationships that greatly benefit the flow of the car line. Highly supportive with strong communication skills, she clearly explains concepts, provides feedback and listens actively. She can handle difficult situations with patience and professionalism. Her great adaptability and quick feedback supports a variety of students with different learning needs. With students, Chino is empathic, compassionate and understanding.
“Working at Red Hill Lutheran School has been such a true blessing. Not only have the students learned from all the teachers I work with but so have I.”

Shehara Devendra
Little Scholars Academy of California

Shehara Devendra’s contributions as the education coordinator have been nothing short of extraordinary, elevating not only the lives of students and staff, but also the very essence of the Montessori educational institution. Devendra’s dedication to the school goes far beyond her job description. She has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the institution upholds the highest standards of Montessori education. Her tireless efforts have resulted in a significant upgrade of the educational programs, enriching the learning experiences of students. She has been an invaluable source of support and guidance for the administrative team, teachers and director. Her expertise and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in maintaining the school’s prestigious reputation as a Montessori center of excellence. She seamlessly juggles multiple responsibilities and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the smooth operation of the institution. Her dedication to student growth, well-being and education is unmatched. Devendra’s heart is deeply invested in the success of each child, and her relentless pursuit of resources and strategies to enhance their learning experience is a testament to her commitment.
“It endorses my dedication to fostering a positive learning environment at Little Scholars Academy of California and making a meaningful impact on the lives of my students and community.”

Elvia Franco
Robert C. Fisler School

Playground supervisors stand as unsung heroes in the educational landscape, serving as guardians of play and shaping environments where children not only engage in physical activities but also develop essential life skills. One such exemplary figure is Elvia Franco, whose passion and dedication as a playground supervisor have transcended her role, making Fisler School a safe and engaging haven for students. Over the past five years, Franco’s commitment to the safety of all students is unwavering. From the first recess of the day to the last lunch recess, her watchful eyes meticulously ensure that every piece of playground equipment is secure, surfaces are safe and every corner is monitored. This dedication creates a secure space where children can play freely, knowing that their well-being is Franco’s top priority. Franco is also a tireless advocate for providing students with access to high-quality playground equipment. Recognizing the pivotal role play has in a child’s development, she spearheads initiatives to upgrade and expand the school’s playground, ensuring the equipment is not only safe but also in good repair.
“The nomination means our administrator, staff and community recognize the importance of playground supervision. I’m honored to do the work that I do.”

Jamiely Hady

The Minaret Academy

Jamiely Hady is part of the “heart and soul” of the school administration and across the different schools at The Minaret Academy. While her desk is situated in the front office, her work spans across the campus including the Montessori, elementary and middle school grades. She demonstrates the three Ps of any educational institution, nonprofit organization, public or private school, or company — professionalism, passion and a personable approach to her work. Hady is professional at all times in dealing with students, parents, colleagues, and faculty and staff. She has earned the respect and admiration of all of the stakeholders on campus. Hady is passionate about the work she does. She comes in every morning with a smile on her face and addresses the challenges and problems of the students and teachers with that same smile. Hady is very personable and treats everyone on campus with dignity, honor and respect. She goes out of her way to help her colleagues and parents with everyday problems and sometimes special needs.
“I have been blessed to be part of an amazing team, surrounded by extraordinary teachers and staff that continually inspire me to grow personally and professionally.”

Rocio Mendez

Gilbert High School

In a world obsessed with test scores and standardized metrics, Rocio Mendez reminds us that the heart of education lies in human connection. She’s the invisible thread that binds families, teachers and the community into a unified force, ensuring that every student at Gilbert High feels seen, valued and supported. To call her a Family and Community Engagement specialist is to diminish her impact. She’s a weaver of dreams, a builder of bridges and a champion for every student who walks through the doors of Gilbert High. For her unwavering dedication, her boundless empathy and her tireless efforts to create a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment, Mendez truly embodies the spirit of a school hero. Some of Mendez’s accomplishments include establishing the district’s first permanent food pantry that now distributes food to over 200 families weekly. She helps immigrant families navigate through the school system and ensures that every student is connected to the resources they need to be successful in school. Mendez helped establish the school’s very first PTSA, ensuring parents have an organized voice on campus.
“I simply do it because I love helping our families and community. I can’t say I do it alone.”

Maria Oliva
Vibrant Minds Charter School

Maria Oliva serves as a custodian at Vibrant Minds Charter School and has consistently demonstrated exceptional qualities that make her an invaluable asset to the school community. Oliva’s conscientiousness to the details of cleaning the school is truly commendable. Her attention to cleanliness and order is evident in every corner of the school premises. She takes pride in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for both scholars and staff, ensuring that the school is a welcoming and conducive space for learning. One of her standout attributes is her unwavering dependability. She approaches her responsibilities with a strong sense of commitment and reliability. She can be counted on to complete her duties diligently and on time, contributing to the smooth functioning of school operations. Her flexibility is a testament to her dedication to the well-being of the school. Oliva has gone above and beyond by injecting creativity into her role. She has taken it upon herself to decorate the school office with beautifully home-sewn seasonal seat covers, adding a personal and welcoming touch to the administrative space.
“Thank you everybody for the support and opportunity to be here. I am a working mom who has been involved in my children’s school life since they were little.”

Betty Petersen
Fairmont Private Schools – San Juan Capistrano

Betty Petersen has worked for Fairmont Schools for 15 years. During this time she has worked at two of the five campuses — Fairmont Preparatory Academy and Fairmont San Juan Capistrano. In both of these settings, Petersen has demonstrated her true commitment and incredible contribution to Fairmont. As an admissions director, she provides students and their families with campus tours, curriculum overview, application information and so much more. She is a team player and is always willing to do more than expected. With her impressive knowledge and years of experience, she mentors new admissions directors so that they too can be successful. Petersen is gifted with genuine customer service and is incredibly hospitable. Petersen has networked and created lasting business partnerships for Fairmont. In addition, she is very creative and excels in the area of event planning, which benefits Fairmont with admissions events. In the two years that Petersen has been at the SJC campus, she has been a key component of the enrollment increase from 200-plus to almost 700 total.
“I consider myself very fortunate to work alongside such talented and motivated co-workers who inspire and support each other daily.”

Pamela Rinehart
Aliso Viejo Middle School

Pamela Rinehart is the front-desk superwoman, with exceptional dedication, warmth and efficiency. She goes above and beyond in creating a welcoming atmosphere for students, parents and staff. Her friendly demeanor and genuine interest in helping others contribute significantly to the positive culture of the school. Rinehart’s ability to handle a myriad of tasks simultaneously, from answering phone calls to assisting with inquiries, helping with student injuries and de-escalating students in distress showcases her outstanding multitasking skills. If she doesn’t know the answer to something, she will find out for you. If the copy machine breaks, she will fix it, all while apologizing for the delay. What sets Rinehart apart is her unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. She approaches each interaction with a genuine desire to assist and solve problems. Rinehart’s proactive approach to addressing issues and her ability to remain calm under pressure make her an invaluable asset to the school community. She goes above and beyond to assist students, parents and staff with genuine care and a friendly attitude.
“It gives me such gratification to see how students thrive and succeed when they are given the right tools in a school environment.”