We spotlight the Top Employees of Orange County.
Top Employee of Orange County 2026
Melissa L. Dunham
Heritage Oak Private Education, Yorba Linda
Anyone who’s stepped into Heritage Oak Private Education’s main office over the past two decades likely knows Melissa Dunham’s warmth and professionalism.
“As office manager, Melissa’s dedication, expertise and heart make Heritage Oak stronger, safer and more vibrant,” said Heritage Oak Head of School Latrese Jackson. “She leads her team with integrity, compassion, and her impact is felt by every member of our community. Melissa Dunham exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary employee and colleague.”
Dunham, who is Parenting OC’s Top Employee, has been at Heritage Oak for the past 20 years. She began as part-time support staff and part-time administrative assistant. She’s been office manager for the past 17 years.
“Each season at Heritage Oak has been a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for the trust, relationships and sense of family that have shaped my time here,” Dunham said. “Being part of this school for two decades has been a gift, and I feel truly thankful to serve a school community that feels like home.”
Dunham said that beyond managing the front office and serving as the first point of contact for parents, students and staff, her role at Heritage Oak allows her to wear many hats.
Some of her duties include managing school purchasing and streamlining orders, making sure all documentation is accurate and submitted on time, and maintaining student files. She manages the school database so that the information is accurate and up to date. She processes student transcripts, coordinates school events, oversees emergency preparedness and safety protocols, and manages student health and student services. She also manages maintenance requests and collects vendor compliance documentation.
Jackson, who nominated Dunham as Top Employee, said the office manager is a steady, trusted presence who takes genuine pride in knowing every child by name and working seamlessly with the office team and staff.
“One moment that truly reflects Melissa’s leadership occurred during a student medical emergency,” Jackson said. “Melissa immediately took charge, ensuring the student was comfortable, calling 911, communicating safety protocols to staff, notifying administration and contacting the family promptly. Her calm, clear communication and decisive action helped the situation unfold smoothly and safely. It was a powerful example of the care, competence and professionalism she brings to every aspect of her role.”
Dunham said that what she loves most about her work is being part of the steady rhythm that keeps the school running and the community connected.
“As an office manager, I’m often one of the first people families, students and staff interact with, and I value the trust that comes with that role,” she said. “I enjoy creating a welcoming, organized environment where people feel supported and heard, whether that means helping a nervous preschool parent, assisting a teacher or solving problems behind the scenes so the day can unfold smoothly. Being at a preschool-through-eighth-grade campus allows me to watch students grow over many years, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work, though often behind the scenes, plays a meaningful role in their experience and success.” — Jessica Peralta
Top 10 Employees
Miranda Baird
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
“I am surprised and deeply humbled to be selected as a finalist. Serving at CVCS since 2006 has never felt like just a job, it has been a calling. I am grateful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to be part of a community I love and am honored to serve each day.”
For nearly two decades, Miranda Baird has been an integral part of Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, faithfully serving since 2006 in a variety of leadership roles. Currently overseeing Enrollment, Marketing, Communications, Operations and the Front Office, Baird is the quiet force ensuring the CVCS experience runs smoothly — from a family’s first inquiry to the daily operations that keep the campus thriving. Her impact is seen everywhere. She leads with excellence, grace and humility, ensuring that every parent, student and visitor receives a warm welcome and the highest level of care. Whether supporting teachers and staff behind the scenes, leading the front office team or crafting communications that reflect the heart of CVCS, she models servant leadership and professionalism that embody the schools’ core values. Colleagues describe her as a collaborator and problem-solver — someone who listens well, bridges departments and approaches every challenge with integrity and purpose. Baird holds herself and others to high moral standards and exemplifies what it means to lead through character, diligence and dependability.
Hanna Chon
Sunset Lane Elementary School
“Each day, I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated professionals as we serve the students of our district together. Their passion and commitment to student success inspire me daily and make my work truly meaningful.”
Hanna Chon exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond, behind the scenes. As a Computer Tech II supporting multiple sites across the district, she has spent nearly 20 years serving students, families and staff with unwavering dedication, kindness and excellence. Her longevity in the district is a testament to her loyalty, her passion for her work and the deep trust she has built within every school community she touches. Chon’s perseverance is unmatched. She never stops working on a tech problem until it is fully resolved, no matter how complex it may be. One teacher shared that after struggling with a laptop display issue, Chon continued investigating the problem independently for weeks. She later returned, not because she was asked, but because she genuinely cared — with a solution that finally worked. This level of follow-through speaks to both her skill and her character.
Sindy Garcia
OCASA Middle School
“Being recognized in this way is humbling and serves as a reminder that the dedication we put into our staff and students truly makes a difference. I’m so grateful to work alongside such an amazing team.”
Sindy Garcia is truly the glue that holds OCASA Middle School together. Without Garcia’s amazing contributions to the school community, OCASA Middle School would not be as vibrant and organized as it is today. Garcia’s contributions are above and beyond her job description and she never shies away from new or challenging work. When something goes wrong in the day, Garcia is the go-to to understand and resolve the issue for students and staff, nine out of 10 times. Garcia doesn’t complain and always sees the silver lining in all things that she does. She shows up to work with a smile and positive attitude, always showing up early and staying past her scheduled work time when duty calls. As the front office employee, she greets all staff, students and families with warmth and understanding, which is crucial to creating a strong school culture and learning environment.
Ruben Gonzalez
Fairmont School — Historic Anaheim Campus
“I love coming to work every day knowing that my work supports all Fairmont Schools, especially the teachers. I make sure every job is done correctly, with the best quality possible.”
Ruben Gonzalez is an irreplaceable member of the school community whose dedication, reliability and behind-the-scenes contributions have supported students, teachers and staff for 26 years. For more than two decades, Gonzalez has been a steady and trusted presence, quietly ensuring that the daily work of teaching and learning happens smoothly across campus.
As the person who runs the school copy center and manages the Inter-Fairmont courier, his work touches every classroom and department. His support is felt in lesson preparation, school events, administrative work and countless day-to-day operations. By preparing materials with exceptional care, accuracy and timeliness, he allows teachers to focus fully on what they do best, teaching students and creating meaningful learning experiences. His consistency and attention to detail remove barriers, ease daily demands and provide dependable support to the entire school community. Through his role with the Inter-Fairmont courier, Gonzalez ensures that communication and collaboration extend beyond the campus.
Kylie Hammer
Red Hill Lutheran School
“This nomination is deeply meaningful to me because Red Hill Lutheran is the school where I grew up and where my faith, education and many of my most cherished memories were shaped.”
Every hero’s journey begins with a spark — and for Kylie Hammer, that spark ignited right here at Red Hill Lutheran School. As a curious preschooler, she explored the playgrounds with wonder, not knowing she would one day return to inspire others in the same halls where her journey began. Hammer returned not as a student, but as a creative force. As a teacher’s aide, she transformed classrooms with imaginative displays and contagious joy. Soon, she rose to lead the aide team, supporting staff with grace and organization. When the opportunity arose to become communications coordinator, she stepped seamlessly into the role. She now curates every facet of Red Hill’s communication, with artistry and heart. Her newsletters and social media posts radiate warmth and authenticity. Her designs capture the school’s vibrant spirit. Behind the scenes, she streamlines forms, manages drives and builds systems that make everyone’s work shine.
Chris Hernandez
Maple Elementary School
“I truly was taken back and had absolutely no idea. It was a very heartwarming moment and I just want to thank you and everyone at Maple Elementary for this amazing nomination.”
As a special education instructional assistant, Chris Hernandez is an unsung hero whose dedication and heart make an extraordinary impact every single day. His work is often quiet and behind the scenes, but its effects are profound — felt in the confidence of students, the camaraderie with staff and the reassurance of the families who know their children are supported by someone remarkable. What makes Hernandez exceptional is his unwavering patience. In a setting where every moment can present new challenges, he brings a steady presence that allows students to feel safe, understood and capable. Whether he is assisting a student who needs extra time to process, guiding a child through a moment of frustration or celebrating even the smallest victories, Hernandez approaches each interaction with genuine care and a deep respect for every learner. His patience is not passive — it is active, intentional and rooted in his belief that every student deserves the time and space to grow.
Manuel (Manny) Macias
La Habra High School
“I’m grateful for the recognition, and I see it as motivation to keep leading with care and collaboration every day.”
Assistant Principal of Instruction and Operations Manny Macias has consistently shown exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to students and transformative impact on the school community. Macias has overseen a broad and complex portfolio that includes instruction, interventions, attendance, special education, 504 plans, English learners, mental health supports, restorative practices, budgeting and master scheduling. His ability to manage these systems with precision while remaining deeply student-centered sets him apart. He is highly dependable, detail-oriented and routinely goes above and beyond to ensure systems function effectively for students, staff and families. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to engage stakeholders through thoughtful communication and data-informed decision-making. He gathers input from staff, analyzes outcomes and builds sustainable structures that support continuous improvement. His leadership reflects both micro-level attention to individual students and macro-level vision for school-wide success. Under Macias’ instructional leadership, La Habra High School has emerged as a district leader in Professional Learning Communities.
Nancy Nguyen
Fairmont Preparatory Academy
“I’m incredibly thankful to be part of this school. Being recognized for doing what I love every day, means more to me than I can express.”
With more than a decade of dedication to the Fairmont Preparatory Academy community, Nancy Nguyen has built a career rooted in both scholarship and heart. She began her career in education as an English teacher at Huntington Beach High School and San Clemente High School, where she gained a keen understanding of adolescent learning, growth and the power of language to transform a student’s sense of self. Nguyen joined Fairmont Prep in 2012 and transitioned into academic and college counseling in 2019 — an evolution that allowed her to combine classroom expertise with her passion for student development and college readiness. As a counselor, she is known for her rare ability to balance high expectations with genuine care. She guides students to take ownership of their choices, develop independence and pursue academic success with integrity. Her approach is student-centered, direct and deeply encouraging — exactly what young people need as they navigate the pressures and possibilities of high school.
Victor Ugalde
Godinez Fundamental High School
“It represents not only recognition of my work, but also the collective effort and support of the colleagues, students and families I have the privilege to serve every day.”
Victor Ugalde has been with the school district for 15 years and at the school for 10. He is an outstanding custodial lead for the night shift, and he always goes out of his way to help in any way possible. It’s the constant time he puts in that truly keeps the school running and looking the way it does. He is easy to talk with and knows how to work well with the administrators, teachers and students. Ugalde takes pride in every detail of the school and district events, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and anticipating what needs to be done before anyone asks. He walks through the school daily and addresses issues with administration and with his team, and has trained new custodians to do the same. In times of site emergencies, like flooded classrooms, he steps up and leads projects and shares updates regularly.
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