We spotlight the Top Employees of Orange County.
Top Leader of Orange County 2026
Christina June Carrera
Foothill Ranch Elementary School, Foothill Ranch
Comfortable shoes on and walkie-talkie in hand, Foothill Ranch Elementary School Principal Christina June Carrera is ready to conquer the day. The enthusiasm for the important work she does is clear as she makes her rounds across the campus.
โWhat I love most about being a principal is that every day brings something new and unexpected,โ said Carrera, who is Parenting OCโs Top Leader. โI might start out with a plan, but the day often takes a different direction. No matter what, I always make it a priority to connect with students, teachers, staff and parents. And, of course, there is always important behind-the-scenes work that keeps the school running smoothly.โ
Carreraโs love for learning and teaching began at a young age. During the summers, she would play school with younger children and she realized that teaching was her passion.
โAs a student, school was a place where I felt safe,โ she said. โEven though I was painfully shy, I found comfort in the classroom environment. My teachers ensured that I felt seen and supported, and I was continually inspired by their kindness and patience. From an early age, I wanted to be just like them.โ
After graduating from high school in 2000, she started her career in education as a playground supervisor. She then taught preschool and served as a classroom assistant while completing her undergraduate studies. Once she earned her teaching credential, she taught fourth grade, including at charter and private schools. She also directed several STEAM programs during the summer. Most recently, she served as the director of a private, independent third-to-eighth-grade campus before joining Foothill Ranch Elementary in 2021. In February 2023, she became principal.
โEvery principal brings unique strengths to their school community,โ she said. โFor me, it’s my energy and enthusiasm that truly make a difference. I am inspired by new ideas, approach each day with a positive attitude and lead with empathy. Of course, a strong cup of coffee, comfortable shoes and a dedicated team also make all the difference.โ
Carrera said students are her greatest motivation. She said that as an elementary principal, she has the unique opportunity to witness their transformation from a very young age.
โIt is a privilege to watch them grow, try new things, step outside their comfort zone, take on leadership roles and persevere through challenges,โ she said. โMy own background also inspires me โ school was a vital part of my childhood, and I feel honored to create the same sense of joy and safety for my students that I experienced in elementary school.โ
She said her greatest successes often come from the small moments and everyday wins.
โThis role continually humbles me, and the work of an elementary principal can feel overwhelming at times,โ she said. โThere are days when it seems impossible, but I keep showing up, tackling one challenge at a time. Over time, you realize that these little victories add up to make a big difference.โ
Foothill Ranch Elementary School Assistant Principal Cathy Rodriguez said Carrera is loved by staff, families and students.
โShe is hands-on with activities impacting the students: from reading aloud to students in the MPR to running on her weekend for the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation at the Angel Stadium, or dressing up in the โ90s [fashion] and singing on a stage for a PTA karaoke night,โ Rodriguez said. โ Jessica Peralta
Top 5 Leaders
Jennifer Gass
La Madera Elementary School
โSupporting children academically and emotionally is at the heart of my work and Iโm grateful to be part of a community that values connection, compassion and growth.โ
Jennifer Gass is a truly kind and compassionate leader. She takes the time to get to know every student at La Madera, greeting them, checking in and building the kind of relationships that make a school feel like family. Each day, she finds opportunities to engage with students โ celebrating their successes, encouraging their growth and letting them know they are seen. One of her favorite parts of the job is calling home for a Positive Office Referral. Whether itโs a student who has been working hard to overcome challenges or a quiet student who suddenly shines, she delights in recognizing the big and small moments that matter. Sometimes itโs a major breakthrough and sometimes itโs as simple โ but meaningful โ as mastering all their sight words in a week. Her leadership makes La Madera a place where students feel valued, supported and proud of themselves โ and that is the heart of her impact every single day.
Kimberly Slawson
De Portola Elementary School
โI feel fortunate to work alongside extraordinary staff, students and families who pour their hearts into making our school a place where everyone belongs.โ
With a wonderful blend of heart, skill and vision, Kimberly Slawson inspires her community and exemplifies what it means to be a truly exceptional principal. Her passion and personal involvement are evident each day as she visits classrooms, walking the playground and being fully present with students. She listens carefully to their ideas, celebrates their successes and holds them to high standards because she believes deeply in their potential. Her creativity and commitment to systems for success are evident in the schoolwide social-emotional programs she has cultivated, creating a positive, supportive culture where students feel safe, connected and ready to learn. From morning greetings to structured initiatives, she ensures that every child experiences encouragement and a sense of belonging. As an instructional leader, Slawson brings expertise in language arts and writing, guiding teachers with strategies that strengthen instruction and elevate student achievement. She encourages students to excel across all areas of the curriculum with her positivity, high standards and inclusivity.
Jennifer Tafolla
Heritage Oak Private School
โIโm grateful to be part of a community where we uplift one another and prioritize whatโs best for students.โ
Two words that best describe Jennifer Tafolla are solution oriented. She is widely known for her ability to streamline systems while maintaining high expectations grounded in equity, compassion and clarity. Tafolla fosters a culture where staff feels empowered to bring forward both concerns and solutions, confident that discussions will be handled with professionalism, confidentiality and respect. Her leadership builds trust, encourages collaboration and ensures decisions remain student-centered. Tafolla returned to Heritage Oak in 2022 as middle school principal after previously serving the school community for many years as a highly respected member of the administrative team. Prior to relocating to Nevada in 2015, she served as upper elementary director for three years and as an instructional program specialist for two years. Her return was welcomed with enthusiasm by staff and families alike, reflecting the lasting impact of her leadership and her deep connection to the school community. Tafolla sets a clear vision and consistently challenges everyone to โset the barโ and โbe the standard.โ
Agnes Vasquez
Arroyo Elementary School
โI am deeply grateful to be considered for this recognition, which I see as a reflection of the incredible staff, colleagues, students and families who guide and inspire my leadership each day.โ
Principal Agnes Vasquez brings warmth, vision and heart to every corner of the school community since stepping into her role in 2023. She isnโt just a principal โ sheโs the heart of Arroyo, the person who knows every childโs name, greets parents with a smile and makes sure that every teacher and staff member feels seen and supported.
From her very first day, Vasquez made it her mission to make Arroyo a place where every student could thrive academically, emotionally and socially. Sheโs the kind of leader who rolls up her sleeves and jumps right in โ whether that means greeting kids at drop-off in the pouring rain, helping a nervous kindergartner get to the classroom or staying late to cheer on the schoolโs robotics or volleyball team. She brings joy and positivity to everything she does, setting the tone for a community built on kindness, respect and connection.
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