Simi Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) is proud to sponsor the Teacher of the Month Program (TOTM), which gives 10 teachers in the Simi Valley Unified School District special recognition based on their excellence in educating and caring for the students in the district. The SVEF is composed of Simi Valley area business people, community members and representatives from the local school district who are dedicated to maintaining a supportive partnership, beneficial to both groups.
Recipients will be presented with certificates of appreciation, along with an award. Gifts of appreciation from local businesses are also given to the recipients and the award is publicized through the local media outlets.

Process of Selection

• Nominations: Once a year in June, the Simi Valley Unified Schools, along with parents and community members, are asked to submit nominations for applicant(s) to receive the TOTM award.
• Selection: Committee members from the SVEF and at least one district official, will review the qualifications of the individuals nominated and select ten recipients for the following year. Each nomination is confidential and the nominees are not informed of their nomination.
• Current Deadline: Nominations closed.

Criteria for Selection
Principals, colleagues, parents, organizations and community members are all eligible to nominate any Simi Valley Unified School District teacher(s). Nominees must be a credentialed teacher. Nominees should display one or more of the following qualities:

• Demonstrates an outstanding dedication to students.
• Serves on school or district committees and projects on their own time and/or participates in youth-focused activities in the community.
• Helps students learn the value of local community resources in furthering their education.
• Shows ongoing initiative for improving the quality of education or services to students
• Provides exceptional instruction and/or service, where learning becomes more attainable for students with learning difficulties.
• Stays current with new developments in their professional area of specialization by attending classes and workshops.
• Shows superb contributions in working with at-risk students as well as providing quality stimulation to the gifted or above average student.

Presentations
The principal whose staff member has been selected for the award is notified by phone and asked to schedule the award presentation at the recipient’s school during a regular or special meeting in the designated month of the award. The recipient’s name is kept confidential to everyone except for the Simi Valley Education Foundation and others involved with the award presentation until the time the award is presented.

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Thank You to our 2024 – 2025 donors:

Chick-fil-A

Elvira’s Mexican Restaurant

Grand Canyon University

Harley’s Bowl

Iverson Construction

Logix Federal Credit Union

Simi Valley YMCA

Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

State Farm Insurance – Eric Little

Ventura County Credit Union

Congratulations to our

2024-2025 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2024

Nicole Cameron – Knolls Elementary Schools

Pictured from the left at Knolls Elementary are: Hani Youssef, SVUSD Superintendent; Kathy Lettieri, Representative for Senator Henry Stern; Alisa Hensel, SVEF Board Member; Mike Kort, Representative for Supervisor Janice Parvin; Araceli Curiel, Field Representative for Jacqui Irwin; Maira Chicas, Logix Credit Union; Kendra Speights, Principal at Knolls Elementary; Nicole Cameron; Elaine Litster, TOTM Chair and Simi Valley City Councilwoman; Liz Hernandez, SVEF Board President;  Ryan Fowler, SVEF Board Member; Shere Grant from Grand Canyon University; and Eric Little, State Farm Insurance.

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Congratulations to our
2023-2024 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2023

Emily Doepking – Simi Valley High School

October 2023

Nancy Lachman – Santa Susana Elementary School

November 2023

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Congratulations to our
2022-2023 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2022 

Daniel Maye – Royal High School

October 2022 

Kylie Donlon – Garden Grove Elementary School

November 2022 

Leslie Arave – Apollo High School

December 2022 

Kelli Weiss – Crestview Elementary

Casey Baratone – Sinaloa Middle School

April 2023

Nannette Perez – Berylwood Elementary

May 2023

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Congratulations to our
2021-2022 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2021 Teachers of the Month

Kelli Salisbury – Sinaloa Middle School

Kendra Conte – Atherwood Elementary

October 2021 

Melissa Nickles – Simi Institute for Careers & Education

November 2021 Teachers of the Month

Cherise Bonsell – Justin Early Learners

Erik Temple – Monte Vista School

December 2021

Lisa Giacalone – Simi Valley High School

January 2022

Jennifer De Fazio Canter – Mountain View Elementary

February 2022 Teachers of the Month

Melissa Estrada – Berylwood Elementary

Nyla Schwieger – Valley View Middle School 

March 2022 

Carley Haines – Hollow Hills Elementary

April 2022

Tina Harris – Wood Ranch Elementary

May 2022

Candace Teal – Santa Susana Elementary

June 2022

Matthew Duda – Santa Susana High School

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Congratulations to our
2020-2021 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Cindy Madden – Monte Vista

October 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Eileen Nash – Big Springs Elementary

November 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Julie Busco – Berylwood Elementary School

November 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Mackenzie Mildram – Valley View MS

December 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Alicia Chavez – Park View Elementary School

January 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Deborah Merryman – Hollow Hills Elementary School

February 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Juliet Freeman – Sinaloa Middle School

March 2020-2021 Teacher of the Month

Jessica Rosales White Oak Elementary

Congratulations to our
2019-2020 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2019 Teacher of the Month

Bruce Nebens – Santa Susana High School

On hand to present Bruce Nebens with his award are, from the left: SVEF Board Members Kathy Roth and Suzy Jeffords; SVEF Board Member and SVUSD Board Trustee Kareem Jubran; Principal of Santa Susana High School Matt Guzzo; SVEF Past President Mike James; Bruce Nebens; SVEF Board President Kristin Tignac; Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn; Ryan Valencia, representing  Assemblywoman Christy Smith; Daniel McGreevy, representing Congresswoman Katie Hill; SVUSD Director of Secondary Education Dr. Deborah Salgado; and SVEF Board Member Liz Hernandez.

October 2019 Teacher of the Month

Katie Johnson – Sinaloa Middle School

On hand to present Katie Johnson with her Teacher of the Month award are: Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Jake Finch SVUSD Public Relations/Resource Development Coordinator; Kathy Hinkle; Liz Hernandez, SVEF Board Member and PTA/PTSA Council President; Brian Iverson, Iverson Construction; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Suzy Jeffords, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Principal of Sinaloa Middle School Brad Torti; Kristin Tignac, SVEF President of the Board; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilwoman and SVEF Board Member; and Ryan Valencia, representing Assemblywoman Christy Smith.

November 2019 Teacher of the Month

Ann Marie Ingram – Big Springs Elementary

On hand to present Ann Marie Ingram with her Teacher of the Month award are: Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services;  Sean Platt, Principal at Big Springs Elementary; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Ann Marie Ingram; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Kristin Tignac, SVEF President of the Board; Suzy Jeffords, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Ryan Valencia, representing Assemblywoman Christy Smith; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; and Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilwoman.

December 2019 Teacher of the Month

Rich Carrillo – Royal High School

On hand to present wrestling coach Rich Carrillo with his Teacher of the Month award are: Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilwoman and SVEF Board member;  Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board member; Keith Derrick, Principal at Royal HS; Carol Richards, SVEF Advisory Board member; Suzy Jeffords, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; and Ryan Valencia, representing Assemblywoman Christy Smith.

January 2020 Teacher of the Month

Tracy Spoor – Katherine Elementary

On hand to present Tracy Spoor with her Teacher of the Month award are: Kim Harvey, Chick-fil-A, Jake Finch, SVUSD Public Relations and Resource Development and Public Information Officer, Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilwoman and SVEF Board member;  Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board President, Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board member; Tracy Spoor, Cathy Carlson, SVEF Advisory Board member; Jennifer Goldman, Principal at Katherine Elementary; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education, Keith Mashburn, Simi Valley Mayor, Michael Navarro, STS Education, and Ryan Valencia, representing Assemblywoman Christy Smith.

February 2020 Teacher of the Month

Rachele White – Valley View Middle School

On hand to present Rachele White with her Teacher of the Month award are: Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; Suzy Jeffords, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board member; Michael Hall, Principal at Valley View Middle School; Rachele White; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board President; Brian Iverson, SVEF Community Advisory Member; Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilwoman and SVEF Board member; Ryan Valencia, representing Assemblywoman Christy Smith; and Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education.

March 2020 Teacher of the Month

Lauren Gallant – Simi Valley High School

Due to Covid-19, we were only able to surprise our teacher through a school Zoom meeting.  She was totally surprised and many of our SVEF Board members joined in that day too!

April 2020 Teacher of the Month

Brenda Alban – Sycamore Elementary

June 2020 Teacher of the Month

Brittany DuBois – Justin Early Learners Academy

Due to Covid-19, we were only able to surprise Brittany during a staff meeting at her school.  Many of our donors and board members joined in on the Zoom meeting to congratulate her!

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Congratulations to our
2018-2019 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2018 Teacher of the Month

Tifnee Leon – Berylwood Elementary

On hand to present Tifnee Leon with her Teacher of the Month award are: John Bagnall, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Denise Kniter, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Caitlyn Hughes, with Lazertag; Carla Lowe, TOTM Chair and SVEF Board Member; Carli Olson, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s; Tifnee Leon, TOTM recipient; Dr. Rob Hunter, Principal of Berylwood Elementary; Dawn Smollen SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, with Grand Canyon University; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Kathleen Roth, SVEF Board Member; and Jake Finch, SVUSD PR/Resource Development Coordinator.

October 2018 Teacher of the Month

Donna Adamski – Big Springs Elementary

On hand to present Donna Adamski with her Teacher of the Month award are: (First row): Kathy Roth, SVEF Board Member; Denise Kniter, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Donna Adamski; Sean Platt, Principal at Big Springs Elementary School; Caitlin Hughes, from Lazertag; John Bagnall, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; (Back row): Diana Janke, SVEF Board Member;  Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Carli Olson, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s; Brian Iverson, Iverson Construction; and Jake Finch, SVUSD PR/Resource Development Coordinator.

November 2018 Teacher of the Month

Michael Wozniak – Hillside Middle School

On hand to present Terri Ohler with her Teacher of the Month award are: Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board member; Caitlin Hughes, from Lazertag; Denise Kniter, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Advisory Board Member; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, from Grand Canyon University; Terri Ohler,;  Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Shawn Rumble, principal of Hollow Hills Elementary; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Dr. Hani Youseef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Mike James, SVEF President; Diana Janke, SVEF Board Member; and Jake Finch SVUSD Public Relations/Resource Development Coordinator.

December 2018 Teacher of the Month

Terri Ohler – Hollow Hills Elementary

On hand to present Terri Ohler with her Teacher of the Month award are: Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board member; Caitlin Hughes, from Lazertag; Denise Kniter, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Advisory Board Member; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, from Grand Canyon University; Terri Ohler,;  Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Shawn Rumble, principal of Hollow Hills Elementary; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Dr. Hani Youseef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Mike James, SVEF President; Diana Janke, SVEF Board Member; and Jake Finch SVUSD Public Relations/Resource Development Coordinator.

January 2019 Teacher of the Month

Lauri Affrunti – Justin Early Learners Academy

On hand to present Lauri Affrunti with her Teacher of the Month award are: (Front row from the left): Dr. Hani Youseef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Lauri Affrunti; Laurie Cariker, Principal of Justin; Caitlin Hughes, from Lazertag; Jake Finch SVUSD Public Relations/Resource Development Coordinator; Jake Valencia, Representative from Assemblywoman Christy Smith; and Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn. (Back row from the left); Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Kareem Jubran, SVEF Board Member and SVUSD Board Trustee; Sean Goldman, SVUSD Asst. Superintendent of Student Support Services; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; and Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza.

February 2019 Teacher of the Month

Ann Cogan – Madera Elementary

On hand to present Ann Cogen with her Teacher of the Month award were:From the left:  Elaine Lister, Simi Valley City Councilmember, Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; Kareem Jubran, SVEF Board Member and SVUSD Board Trustee; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member and TOTM Chair; Ann Cogan; Melody Dennert, Principal of Madera Elementary; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education;  Denise Kniter, with Senator Henry Stern’s office; Jake Finch SVUSD Public Relations/Resource Development Coordinator; Ryan Valencia, Representative from Assemblywoman Christy Smith; and Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn.

March 2019 Teacher of the Month

Heather Blakemore – Simi Institute for Careers and Education

On hand to present Heather Blakemore with her Teacher of the Month award were: From the left:  Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Ryan Valencia, Representative from Assemblywoman Christy Smith; Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilmember; Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn; Heather Blakemore; Mike James, SVEF President of the Board; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Mel Vines, Assistant Principal, Simi Institute; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; and Mark Sheinberg, Assistant Principal, Simi Institute.

April 2019 Teacher of the Month

Marge Batholomew – Vista Elementary

On hand to present Marge Bartholomew with her Teacher of the Month award were: From the left:  Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn, Ryan Valencia, Representative from Assemblywoman Christy Smith; Erin Taggert, Principal of Vista Elementary; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member, Denise Kniter, Representative from Senator Henry Stern; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Marge Bartholomew; Carla Lowe, SVUSD Board Member; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Lulu Means, SVEF Board Member; and Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilmember.

May 2019 Teacher of the Month

Denise Walgren – White Oak Elementary

On hand to present Denise Walgren with her Teacher of the Month award were: From the left: Denise Kniter, Representative from Senator Henry Stern;  Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Nicole Perryman, Principal of White Oak Elementary; Denise Walgren; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member; Simi Valley Mayor Pro Tem Dee Dee Cavanaugh; Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilmember and Brad Roseling, Harley’s Bowl.

June 2019 Teacher of the Month

Beth Kodish – Wood Ranch Elementary

On hand to present Beth Kodish with her Teacher of the Month award were: From the left: Ryan Valencia, Representative from Assemblywoman Christy Smith; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member;  Jake Finch, SVUSD Public Relations/Resource Development Coordinator; Elaine Litster, Simi Valley City Councilmember; Keith Mashburn, Simi Valley Mayor; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member; Bob LaBelle SVUSD Board Trustee; Beth Kodish; Julie Ellis, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Kate Snowden, Principal at Wood Ranch Elementary; and SVEF Board Member; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; and Kim Holden, SVEF Board Member.
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Congratulations to our
2017-2018 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

September 2017 Teacher of the Month

Gayle Pinkston – Arroyo Elementary

On hand to present Gayle Pinkston with her Teacher of the Month award are: (front row from the left:) Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education, John Bagnall, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member, Aldo Calcagno, Principal of Arroyo Elementary, Gayle Pinkston, TOTM recipient, Brian Miller, SVEF Past President and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education, Jake Finch, SVUSD PR/Resource Development Coordinator ; and Brad Roseling, Harley’s Bowl. (Back row from the left are): Jeremy Wolf, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, with Grand Canyon University; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Nancy Curiel and Caitlyn Hughes, with Lazertag; and Angelica Escobedo, with Massage as Art.

October 2017 Teacher of the Month

Alice Baker – Atherwood Elementary

On hand to present Alice Baker with her Teacher of the Month award are: (front row from the left:) Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Caitlin Hughes, Lazertag; Celina Zacarias, Cal State Channel islands; Alyssa Shycoff, Lazertag; Sean Platt, Principal at Atherwood Elementary; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board member; Alice Baker, October TOTM; Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board Member, Mike James, SVEF Board President; Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Angelica Escobedo, Massage as Art; John Bagnall, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; and Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member.

November 2017 Teacher of the Month

Brandye Crumine – Valley View Middle School

On hand to present Brandye Crumine with her Teacher of the Month award are: (Back row from the left): Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Kathi Van Etten, SVEF Board Member; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Kareem Jubran, SVEF Board Member; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Peter Foy’s office; Michael Hall, Principal at Valley View Middle School; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Board Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Carla Lowe and Lulu Mean, SVEF Board Members; Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; (Front row are from the left): Josie Sandi, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Nancy Curiel, Lazertag; Mike James, SVEF Board President, Brandye Crumine, November TOTM; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; and Angelica Escobedo, Massage as Art.

December 2017 Teacher of the Month

Karen Hart – Crestview Elementary

On hand to present Karen Hart with her Teacher of the Month award are: John Bagnall, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Carla Low, SVEF Board Member; Karen Hart; Scott Riggs, SVEF Board Member; Nora Kuntz, Principal at Crestview Elementary; Brad Roseling, Harley’s Bowl; Caitlin Hughes, Lazertag; Alyssa Shycoff, Lazertag; Brian Iverson, Iverson Construction and past SVEF Board Member; and Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office.

January 2018 Teacher of the Month

Julie Dietz – Garden Grove Elementary

On hand to present Julie Dietz with her Teacher of the Month award are: Dr. Deborah Salgado, Director of Secondary Education SVUSD; Brad Roseling, Harley’s Bowl; Angelica Escobedo, Massage as Art; Bob LaBelle, SVEF Board Member and SVUSD Board Trustee; Marty Feinstein, Principal at Garden Grove Elementary; Julie Dietz, TOTM; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Taylor Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Dr. Hani Youssef, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; and Kathleen Roth, Director of Elementary Education, SVUSD.

February 2018 Teacher of the Month

Shannon Reitz – Mountain View Elementary

On hand to present Shannon Reitz with her Teacher of the Month award are: John Bagnell, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board member; Jennifer Goldman, Principal at Mountain View Elementary; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Shannon Reitz, TOTM; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board member; Brian Iverson, Iverson Construction and SVEF Advisory Board member; Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Scott Rigg, SVEF Board member; Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Keith Mashburn, Simi Valley City Councilmen; and Taylor Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office.

March 2018 Teacher of the Month

 Jessica Fancett – Royal High School

On hand to present Jessica Fancett with her Teacher of the Month award are: Front Row: John Bagnell, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Keith Derrick, Principal of Royal High School; Jessica Fancett, TOTM recipient; Brian Miller, Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Second Row: Kathy Hinkle, SVEF Board Member and PTA/PTSA Council President; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member; Back Row: Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; and Brian Iverson, Iverson Construction and SVEF Advisory Board member.

April 2017 Teacher of the Month

Joy Barkyoumb – Parkview Elementary

On hand to present Joy Barkyoumb with her Teacher of the Month award are: Kathy Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; Jake Finch, SVUSD Public Relations and Resource Development Coordinator; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; John Bagnell, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member; Joy Barkyoumb, TOTM recipient; Erin Taggert, Principal of Park View Elementary School; Morgan Culbertson, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Nancy Curiel and Alyssa Shycoff, Lazertag Extreme; Brian Miller, Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; and Julia Seidel, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office.

May 2018 Teacher of the Month

Janet Payne – Sycamore Elementary

On hand to present Janet Payne with her Teacher of the Month award are: Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; Kathy Hinkle, SVEF Board Member; Jake Finch, SVUSD Public Relations and Resource Development; Michelle McManigal, Principal at Sycamore Elementary; Janet Payne; Brian Miller, SVEF Board member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Marissa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; Julia Seidel, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Kathy Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; and Dr. Hani Youssef, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

June 2018 Teacher of the Month

Nona Kissane – Township Elementary

On hand to present Nona Kissane with her Teacher of the Month award are: (Her entire class) and Scott Rigg, SVEF Board Member; Kathryn Stiles, SVEF Board Member, Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member; Julia Seidel, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Dawn Smollen, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board Member; Brian Miller, Representative from Supervisor Peter Foy’s office and SVEF Board Member; Nona Kissane; Lori Neiman, Principal at Township Elementary; Kathy Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member; Bob LaBelle, SVUSD Trustee and SVEF Board member; and Marissa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University.

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Congratulations to our
2016-2017 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

June 2017 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Sarah Gerfen!

On hand to present Sarah Gerfen with her Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Members;  Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Diana Janke, Principal at Sinaloa MS; Sarah Gerfen; Brian Miller, SVEF Past President and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board Member; Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education.

May 2017 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Ruby Vyes!

On hand to present Ruby Vyes with her Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board Member; John Bagnall, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board Member, Brian Miller, SVEF Past President and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Ruby Vyes; Melody Dennert, Principal of Madera Elementary School; Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Jake Finch, SVUSD; and Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education.

April 2017 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Jeramie Oliveira!

On hand to present Jeramie Oliveira with his Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Cathy Carlson, SVEF Board Member; Brian Miller, SVEF Past President and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Jeramie Oliveira; Dean May, Principal of Simi Valley High School; Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, Grand Canyon University; and Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education.

March 2017 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Wendy Erickson!

On hand to present Wendy Erickson with her Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education; Brian Miller, SVEF Past President and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Teacher of the Month recipient Wendy Erickson; Erin Taggart, principal at Parkview Elementary School; Bob LaBelle, SVEF Board Member and SVUSD School Board Trustee; Leroy Leyba, SVEF Board Member and Dr. Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

February 2017 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Carolyn Lantos!

On hand to present Carolyn Lantos with her Teacher of the Month award were from the left: (FRONT ROW) Tayler Criddle, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Henry Stern’s office; Jason O’Brien, representing Lazertag; Brian Miller, SVEF Past President and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Teacher of the Month recipient Carolyn Lantos; Shanna Sarris, principal at Apollo High School; and Leory Leyba, SVEF Board Member. (BACK ROW) Marisa Ronstadt-Mendoza, representing Grand Canyon University; Katie Varner, representing Congressman Steve Knight; Dawn Smollen, Brian Iverson and Mike James, all SVEF Board Members; and Dr. Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education.

January 2017 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Laura Hoffmann!

On hand to present the Laura Hofmann with her Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Susie Montoya, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; Dustin Ellis, SVUSD; Stacy Walker, Principal at Santa Susana Elementary; Laura Hofmann; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Bob LaBelle, SVEF Board Member and SVUSD Trustee; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member; Jason, representing Lazertag; and Taylor Criddle and Sharon Bronson, Representatives from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office.

December 2016 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Oygar Lindskog!

On hand to present the Oygar Lindskog with his Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Mel Vines, Assistant Principal at Simi Institute for Careers and Education; Brian Ring, SVEF Board President, Oygar Lindskog, Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board member; Bob LaBelle, SVEF Board Member and SVUSD Trustee; Sharon Bronson, Representative from Assemblyman Dante Acosta’s office; and Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

November 2016 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Kristen Riddick!

On hand to present  Kristen Riddick with her Teacher of the Month award were from the left: Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director of Elementary Education; Lazertag representatives Nancy Curiel and Jason O’Brien; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Marie Lakin – Representative from Senator Fran Pavely’s office; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Katherine Elementary Principal Jamie Snodgrass; Kristin Riddick, Teacher of the Month recipient; Bob LaBelle, SVEF Board Member; Tom West, Teacher of the Month recipient; Tim Bednar, Principal at Hillside Middle School; (Back row): Bob LaBelle, Dawn Smollen, Brian Iverson, Kristin Tignac, and Barbara Glodfelty, SVEF Board members; and Scott Blough, SVUSD Trustee.

October 2016 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Tom West!

On hand to present Tom West the October Teacher of the Month from Hillside Middle School with his award were from the left (front row): Brian Ring, SVEF President of the Board; Marty De Los Rio, SVEF Board Member; Tom West, Teacher of the Month recipient; Tim Bednar, Principal at Hillside Middle School; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; (Back row): Bob LaBelle, Kristin Tignac and Brian Iverson, SVEF Board members.

September 2016 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Caroline Hardeman!

On hand to present Caroline Hardeman with her September Teacher of the Month from Hollow Hills Elementary School with her award were from the left: Mary Bandini, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board Member; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; Shawn Rumble, Principal at Hollow Hills Elementary; Caroline Hardeman, Teacher of the Month recipient; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board member; Hani Youssef, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; and Simi Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Peplinski.

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Congratulations to our
2015-2016 Teacher of the Month Recipients!

Our 2015-2016 donors are:

Ali Baba Café – Cal State Channel Islands – Iverson Construction – Lazertag Extreme – Massage as Art – Simi Valley Auto Spa – Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center – Studio Movie Grill – Kevin Underwood – Ventura County Credit Union – YMCA

June 2016 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations April Hemphill!

On hand to present our June Teacher of the Month with her award were from the left top row: Theresa Niehoff, Lazertag Extreme; Kim Holden, Brian Iverson and Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Members; Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; and Leroy Leyba, SVEF Board Member. Front row: Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director, Elementary Education; Nancy Curiel , Lazertag Extreme; Brian Miller, SVEF President of the Board and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; April Hemphil, Teacher of the Month recipient; Kate Snowden, Principal of Wood Ranch Elementary; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board member; and Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director of Secondary Education.

February 2016 Teacher of the Month

January 2016 Teacher of the Month

December 2015 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Tracie Garfinkle!

On hand to present the December Teacher of the Month from Monte Vista School with her award were from the left: Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board member; Cathy Carlson, SVEF Board Member; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Member; Brian Miller, SVEF President of the Board and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Tracie Garfinkle, Teacher of the Month recipient; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Dr. Stephen Pietrolungo, Principal of Monte Vista School; Deborah Salgado, SVUSD Director, Secondary Education; and Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director, Elementary Education.

November 2015 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Denise Aiani!

On hand to present the November Teachers of the Month from Garden Grove Elementary with her award were from the left: Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; Kathleen Roth, SVUSD Director, Elementary Education; Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board Member; Patricia Saraceno, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; Brian Miller, SVEF President of the Board and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Denise Aiani, Teacher of the Month recipient; Martha Feinstein, Principal of Garden Grove Elementary; Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board Member; Leroy Leyba, SVEF Board Member; and Sue Tatangelo, Ventura County Credit Union.

 October 2015 Teachers of the Month

Congratulations Marcia Eearnest and Kyran Mallon!

On hand to present the October Teachers of the Month from Berylwood Elementary with their award were from the left: Jake Finch, SVUSD; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board member; Lori Fraschilla, Ventura County Credit Union; Dr. Robin Hunter, Principal of Berylwood Elementary; Kyran Mallon and Marcia Earnest Teacher of the Month recipients; Brian Miller, SVEF President of the Board and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Patricia Saraceno, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; and Kathi VanEtten, SVEF Board Member.

September 2015 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Elise Franklin!

On hand to present Elise Franklin — our September Teacher of the Month from Atherwood Elementary– with her award from the left are: Jake Finch – SVUSD; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; Jeannie Liss, SVEF Board Member; Amy Ginnever, SVEF Board member and representing Ventura County Credit Union; Brian Miller, SVEF President of the Board and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Elise Franklin, Teacher of the Month recipient; Sean Platt, Principal at Atherwood Elementary; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Patricia Saraceno, Representative from Congressman Steve Knight’s office; and Barbara Glodfelty, SVEF Board Member.
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2014-2015 Teacher of the Month Recipients

2015 June Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Tammy Maddigan!

On hand to present Tammy Maddigan — our June Teacher of the Month – with her award are, from the left: Brian Iverson, SVEF Board Member, Pam Campeau, Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office, Principal of Big Springs Elementary Lori Rangel, Tammy Maddigan, Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and also Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office, Mark Upson, SVEF Board President, Marie Lakin, Representative from Fran Pavley’s office, Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board Member,  Amy Ginnever, Ventura County Credit Union and Jake Finch, Simi Valley Unified School District.

 2015 May Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Karen Librandi!

On hand to present Karen Librandi — our May Teacher of the Month – with her award are, from the left: Jake Finch, Simi Valley Unified School District, Lulu Means, SVEF Board Member, Dawn Smollen, SVEF Board Member, Pam Campeau, Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office, Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and also Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office, recipient Karen Librandi, Principal of Township, Lori Neiman, Marie Lakin, Representative from Fran Pavley’s office, Mark Upson, SVEF Board President, Brian Iverson, SVEF Board Member, and Amy Ginnever, Ventura County Credit Union.

2015 April Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Linda Fowler!

On hand to present Linda Fowler — our April Teacher of the Month – with her award are, from the left: Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member, Marie Lakin, Representative from Fran Pavley’s office, Kim Holden, SVEF Board Member,  Hani Youssef, SVUSD Assistant Superintendent Educational Services, Mark Upson, SVEF Board President, Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and also Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office, Linda Fowler, our recipient, Jennifer Goldman, Principal of Mountain View Elementary, Brian Iverson, SVEF Board Member, Pam Campeau, Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office, and Carla Lowe, SVEF Board Member.

2015 March Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Jennifer Conmay!

On hand to present Jennifer Conmay — our March Teacher of the Month – with her award are, from the left: Jake Finch, SVUSD, Kim Holden, Kristin Tignac, and Brian Miller, all SVEF Board members, Michelle McManigal, principal of the school, Jennifer Conmay, Bob LaBelle, SVEF Board member, Pam Campeau, Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office, Allan C. Mann, SVEF Board member , and Marie Lakin, Representative from Fran Pavley’s office.

2015 February Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Rita Bennett!

On hand to present Rita Bennett — our February Teacher of the Month from Arroyo Elementary School — with her award are, from the left: Marie Lakin, Representative from Fran Pavley’s office, SVEF Board Member Brian Miller, also representing Supervisor Foy, Aldo Calcagno, Principal of Arroyo Elementary, and Jake Finch, SVUSD.

2015 January Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Karen Hazlewood!

On hand to present Karen Hazlewood — our January Teacher of the Month from Santa Susana High School — with her award are, from the left: SVEF Board Member, Kim Milstien,  Jake Finch, SVUSD, SVEF Board Member Brian Iverson, Karen Hazlewood, SVEF Board Member Brian Miller, also representing Supervisor Foy, Wendy Mayea, Principal of SSHS, and SVEF Board Member Carla Lowe.

2014 December Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Heather Gearhart!

On hand to present Heather Gearhart — our December Teacher of the Month from Katherine Elementary– with her award –are, from the left: Amy Ginnever, Ventura County Credit Union Simi Valley; Marie Lakin, Representative from Fran Pavley’s office, Pam Campeau, Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Katherine Elementary Principal Jamie Snodgrass; recipient Heather Gearhart; and SVEF Board Members Michelle Scharf, Cathy Carlson, Dawn Smollen and Brian Miller, also representing Supervisor Foy.

November 2014 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Terri Zahnow!

On hand to present Terri Zahnow — our November Teacher of the Month from Abraham Lincoln Elementary– with her award — were SVEF Board members, elected officials and SVUSD personnel. From the left are: Jake Finch, SVUSD; Amy Ginnever – Ventura County Credit Union; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Member and Representative from Supervisor Foy’s office; Terri Zahnow, Teacher of the Month recipient; Michelle Scharf, SVEF Board Member; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; and Nikki Perryman, Principal at Abraham Lincoln Elementary.

October 2014 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Brian Dennert!

On hand for the surprise presentation were Mayor Bob Huber; Councilman Mike Judge; Pam Campeau, representing Scott Wilk; Lori Fraschilla from the Ventura County Credit Union; SVEF Board President Mark Upson; business donor and SVEF Board member Brian Iverson; and SVEF Board members Cathy Carlson, Brian Miller, Brian Ring and Michelle Scharf.

September 2014 Teacher of the Month

Congratulations Maria Baro!

On hand to present Maria Baro — our September Teacher of the Month with her award — were SVEF Board members, sponsors and elected officials. From the left are: Pattie Braga – Ventura County Credit Union; Jake Finch – SVUSD; Pam Campeau – Representative from Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s office; Nora Kuntz, Principal at Crestview Elementary; Maria Baro, Teacher of the Month recipient; Brian Miller, SVEF Board Members and Representative from Supervisor FoUy’s office; Brian Iverson and Kristin Tignac, SVEF Board Members; Marie Lakin, Representative from Senator Fran Pavley’s office; and Amy Ginnever, Ventura County Credit Union Simi Valley.closed