By Ruby Jae Hudlow and Leah Martino
Kevin Roach – Special Education/RSP
Kevin Roach has been surfing since his mid 20s and enjoys the outdoors and taking care of his family. He attended Colorado State and got his master’s degree from Cambridge College., After originally aspiring to be a Hollywood writer, he followed his dad’s footsteps in teaching special education. Teaching is how he uses his passion for helping students and gets paid for something he loves to do.
Kari Robert – Special Education/RSP
Kari Robert uncovered her passion for special education through the artists and young people she worked with while working in a small gift shop in Marin that she owns. When not traveling with her two kids for soccer games, she’s outside in nature and embracing her passion for ecology. Robert attended Dominican University to study business, education, and ecology in her undergraduate studies.
Christine Ortiz – Math
Christine Ortiz wanted to become a teacher because she believes in the importance of making a positive impact on students’ lives by being supportive and helpful. From firsthand experience, she knows how hard it can be for young people to see their own true potential-and she wants to bring that out in her students; similar to how her teachers and mentors in her own life have done in the past. She attended Sonoma State and has her pilot’s license. She is passionate about continuous improvement in all aspects of life, as well as the balance between personal and professional success. She believes hobbies, athletics, and other interests are “essential components of a fulfilling life.”
Jennifer Johnson – Special Education/SDC
Jennifer Johnson was uncertain about her purpose until she had the opportunity at a summer job to work with kids who have special needs. She knew that there was a high burnout rate and that it didn’t pay much, but her love for working with kids overrode the negatives. She got both her special and general education degrees at Eastern Washington University. Johnson loves nature, especially in Marin County, as she grew up on a farm and was constantly outdoors with the animals. Other than animals and nature, Jennifer enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and building Legos.
Tate Dobbins – Counselor
Tate Dobbins, a Marin local, recently graduated from Sonoma State, earning her master’s degree in counseling and her Pupil Personnel Service Credential to official be a counselor. She was excited to see the strong counseling department that San Marin has. During her time in high school, she struggled with feeling alone and unseen, along with the fight with her own mental health. She felt like her counselor didn’t care about her, which drove her to become a counselor so that students can come to for resources and support- things she didn’t get during her high school years. Dobbins barely graduated high school, but now is back in the high school environment for work because of it. Other than helping students, she loves to hike and surf.
Cindy Negrete – Wellness Navigator
Cindy Negrete is kicking off her career in psychology at San Marin after getting her credits from Santa Rosa Junior College. She is a San Marin alumni who graduated in 2016 and has always been very passionate about mental health and helping others in the community, especially those of the English-language learning community. She herself is Mexican and Guatemalan and would love to eventually work in a high school or elementary school in San Francisco to help her community even more. As well as being passionate about helping others, she loves makeup, specifically special effects makeup and face art, fashion, and music. She lived in downtown Los Angeles after going to college, where she lived in a high-rise apartment for a year.
Nicole Katsulis – STEM
After studying marine fisheries in college, Nicole Katsulis realized she wanted to teach science after helping teach her friend’s class. Her passions include gardening, reading, and playing with her nine-year-old and four-year-old. She has previously taught at Sinaloa for six years.
Evan Massey – World History and Government
Evan Massey knew he wanted to teach after watching his mother teach and realizing how important the power of teaching and knowledge is. He is passionate about cars, music, drumming, movies, and exercise. He can walk on his hands.
Brad Smith – English
Brad Smith always loved English growing up, and after majoring in English in college, he knew he wanted to teach it so he could share his love of stories with students. His passions include experimenting with different art forms such as drawing, sculpting, and music. One fun fact about Smith is that he coached flying trapeze for around 13 years.
Lisa Sosa – Office Manager
Lisa Sosa has always been very organized and great with keeping things nice and neat, so she loves how these traits are valued in the office.. Her passions include cooking, reading, party planning, and spending time with her family. She always puts her left contact in before her right one.
Fabiola Leiva – Campus Supervisor
Fabiola Leiva volunteered at San Ramon Elementary School for 15 years until she was offered a job. After she started at San Ramon, she ended up working for four years at Novato High before coming to San Marin. She is very passionate about traveling.
