Dr. Deneen Guss, County Superintendent of Schools
Employees of the Month Recognition
MCOE greatly values employees who strive each day to provide high-quality services and programs, and continually work to fulfill the critical mission of public education.
Employees of the Month are selected through a nomination process presented to the Cabinet. Awardees and their colleagues are invited to speak at the monthly County Board Meetings. Employees of the month are selected for each of our three employment categories which are: Management, Classified, and Certificated employees.
Employees of the Month are honorably recognized and nominated by their teams for their outstanding job performances. Each month, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, the MCOE Communications team, and the awardee's managers and team surprise each individual awardee at their work locations with balloons, a certificate, and a bag of gifts.
This recognition page showcases our Employees of the Month for the past 12 months.
June 2025 Employees of the Month
Rachelle Eje, Special Education Teacher at ABI, has made an extraordinary impact since her very first day in the classroom. Affectionately known as Teacher Shey, she has quickly become a role model for both staff and students through her calm, confident presence and her ability to lead by example. From the start, Teacher Shey embraced her role with natural ease, stepping into the demands of special education with grace and professionalism. Her calm demeanor under pressure and positive attitude have helped create a supportive, welcoming learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. Colleagues often remark on how her presence alone brings a sense of stability and comfort to the entire classroom.
With over 20 years of experience in Special Education, those who have worked closely with her agree that few teachers have acclimated so seamlessly and effectively to a new environment as Teacher Shey. Her dedication, care, and instinctive understanding of her students’ needs shine through in everything she does. She fosters trust, connection, and joy in learning, making a lasting impression on those around her.
Teacher Shey’s commitment to her students, her peers, and the overall school community is nothing short of inspiring. Her daily actions reflect the heart of special education: Patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every student's potential. She is a true asset to the ABI team and a shining example of excellence in education. Teacher Shey’s outstanding contributions make her a valued member of our community.
Julia DeLaTorre, Administrative Assistant in the Special Education Department, is a standout team member whose dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit make her truly deserving of recognition as Employee of the Month. Julia consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that operations run efficiently and that both staff and families feel supported. Whether she is coordinating Extended School Year services, scheduling travel for conferences, or assisting parents and professionals, Julia approaches each task with a helpful attitude and a welcoming smile.
Julia’s exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail allow her to anticipate team needs before they arise. Her calm demeanor and proactive mindset create a sense of stability, even during the busiest times of the year. She is dependable, resourceful, and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed, which are qualities that have made her a cornerstone of the Special Education team.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Julia fosters a collaborative work environment where colleagues feel supported and valued. Her reliability is matched by her approachable and kind nature, making her not only a trusted teammate but also a pleasure to work alongside. Julia exemplifies the values of our organization through her steady growth, commitment to excellence, and dedication to serving students, staff, and families with care. Her contributions, both seen and behind the scenes, have a meaningful impact on the success of the department.
Maria Parker, Program Coordinator II, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) in the Educational Services Division, exemplifies dedication, creativity, and leadership in every aspect of her role. Among her many notable contributions, Maria leads the coordination of the Monterey County Science Fair. Her thoughtful planning ensures the events align with countywide goals and provided meaningful, hands-on experiences for students and educators alike.
Maria consistently goes above and beyond to support educators across Monterey County. She fosters safe, collaborative spaces for innovation in science and the arts, encouraging teachers to explore new approaches and creative solutions. Her optimism, patience, and sincere desire to uplift others are evident in every interaction, making her a trusted resource and respected colleague. Through her leadership, Maria has expanded access to arts and science education opportunities by building strong partnerships with community organizations and connecting students, educators, and local leaders. She actively seeks new resources and engagement strategies that elevate both classroom instruction and professional learning.
Maria’s consistent presence, tireless work ethic, and passion for service have made a lasting impact throughout the county. Her efforts not only enhance educational programs but also inspire those around her to strive for excellence and creativity in their own work. Maria is a remarkable leader and collaborator, and provides extraordinary contributions to Monterey County STEAM learning experiences.
May 2025 Employees of the Month
Dylan Holmes, Media Production Engineer, for MCOE’s Educational Services Division’s MCAET Department, is an exceptionally talented employee. Dylan began his journey with MCOE as an intern in the MCAET program, where he diligently developed the skills necessary to serve in the Media Center. Over the years, he has become a vital part of the team, providing exceptional service to MCOE’s educational partners and elevating the division’s media capabilities through his commitment and talent.
Dylan consistently demonstrates excellence in customer service and digital media production. His ability to communicate effectively through digital storytelling has helped establish MCOE as a recognized leader in various state-level educational initiatives. His work has been featured on state websites and in partner newsletters, reflecting the high quality of his productions. A committed learner, Dylan has intentionally expanded his skill set to meet the evolving needs of the organization, consistently bringing fresh, innovative ideas to enhance programs and services.
Recognized by educational leaders across Monterey County, Dylan is known for his reliability, creativity, and strong work ethic. He models collaboration and professionalism, setting a high standard for peers. His work not only reflects the excellence of MCAET but also amplifies the voices and stories of our schools, students, and communities, leaving a lasting impact on the educational landscape of our region.
Mr. Edgardo “Edgar” Catiis, Special Education Teacher, exemplifies compassion, dedication, and professionalism in every aspect of his work. Since joining MCOE from the Philippines in 2003, Mr. Catiis has committed himself to serving students with extensive needs, offering them the structure, support, and encouragement necessary to thrive. He creates a classroom environment where every student feels valued and respected, treating each child with the same care and attention as he would his own.
Highly regarded by families and colleagues alike, parents often say Mr. Catiis is the best teacher their child has ever had. His calm demeanor, flexibility, and sense of humor bring warmth and stability to a challenging role. Colleagues appreciate his reliability and willingness to support others, particularly during difficult situations. His excellent attendance reflects his deep commitment to the students and school communities he serves.
Beyond his own classroom, Mr. Catiis mentors new teachers across multiple sites, from Salinas to King City, sharing both expertise and encouragement. His lessons are thoughtfully designed, blending structure with creativity to engage and inspire. Mr. Catiis brings not only knowledge but also humility and a collaborative spirit, making him a valued team member. His lasting impact is felt across the broader school community.
Constantino “Costa” Silva, Senior Director for Migrant Education in the Student Services Division, is an exemplary leader whose integrity, vision, and deep personal commitment have elevated the Migrant Education Program to new heights. With a leadership style grounded in humility and collaboration, Costa fosters a culture of trust and shared purpose among his team. He is known for being hands-on and supportive, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves and engage in the work alongside staff, leading by example and inspiring those around him.
What distinguishes Costa is his lived experience as a former migrant student, which brings depth and authenticity to his leadership. His understanding of the unique challenges faced by migrant families allows him to guide program development that is culturally responsive, compassionate, and rooted in real-world needs. His personal journey strengthens his connection to the students and families the program serves and informs his unwavering focus on educational equity and student success.
Under Costa’s direction, the Migrant Education Program has earned recognition as one of the most effective in California. Recent accomplishments, including the highly successful regional Speech and Debate Tournament and annual Family Conference, reflect the excellence and collaboration he champions. Costa’s leadership continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact across the region.
April 2025 Employees of the Month
Evangelina “Eva” Perez, Identification and Recruitment Liaison II, is an outstanding contributor to the Migrant Education Program in MCOE’s Student Services Division. Since joining in 2021, Eva has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in her role, particularly in increasing the migratory student count for the Salinas Union High School District, where she is assigned. Student data shows that in the 2019 to 2020 school year, the district had 651 identified migratory students. Today, that number has risen to 1,229, reflecting an impressive 88.78 percent increase. This growth highlights Eva's commitment and skill in student identification and recruitment.
Beyond her recruitment efforts, Eva actively supports her peers by sharing effective practices and working with outstanding efficiency. Her contributions have strengthened the program's overall impact and reach. Eva is known for her commitment to excellent customer service. She has built strong relationships not only within the MCOE and Salinas Union High School District but also with staff from other districts. She ensures that migrant families are well-represented and receive the services they need.
Eva also maintains excellent attendance and productivity. She maximizes every work hour and communicates schedule changes proactively to minimize disruption. Eva’s dedication, professionalism, and team spirit make her a vital member of the team and a deserving recipient of the Employee of the Month recognition.
Rosie Sanchez, ERSEA & Family Service Coordinator for the Early Learning Program, is an exceptional Early Learning educator and leader whose dedication to the field spans over two decades. Throughout her career, she has excelled in every role, from teacher to site supervisor to coordinator, demonstrating unwavering commitment to students and staff. A standout quality is her role as a mentor and guide. Rosie has supported the professional growth of emerging teachers and administrators, offering guidance that has left a lasting impact.
Her expertise in compliance, student enrollment, licensing, and professional development makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Rosie is known for her humility, calm demeanor, and genuine care. These qualities help her build strong and lasting relationships with staff, families, and students. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the program operates smoothly and maintains high-quality instruction.
Recently, she stepped in to cover classrooms while continuing to fulfill her compliance responsibilities, an example of her dedication and willingness to support the program wherever needed. As a member of the management team, Rosie offers insight, institutional knowledge, and thoughtful advice that help guide program decisions. Her commitment to professional growth and her compassion for others truly sets her apart. Rosie’s leadership, service-oriented mindset, and passion for early learning make her a vital part of the team and a deserving recipient of the Employee of the Month recognition.
March 2025 Employees of the Month
MCOE’s Infrastructure Team, including Network Systems Engineers Francisco “Frank” Garcia, Jonathan Schneider, and Ugendra Raj from the Information Technology Services Department have demonstrated outstanding dedication and expertise, earning them each the well-deserved recognition as Employee of the Month. Their exceptional performance in the recent Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Cybersecurity Penetration Test placed the organization among the top 10% nationwide for cybersecurity resilience. This achievement is not just a reflection of the test results but a testament to the ongoing, proactive efforts dedicated to safeguarding data. Through continuous investment in security measures, rigorous monitoring, and a commitment to best practices, this team has set a benchmark for protecting our network.
Out of more than 60 tests conducted by the assigned CISA team, only three other organizations have successfully prevented full domain administration access. MCOE is now among them, thanks to our Infrastructure Team’s proactive approach and strong security measures.
Beyond this technical achievement, the CISA team was particularly impressed by the Infrastructure Team’s curiosity about the testing process and the willingness to use the findings for improvement. Despite MCOE’s Infrastructure Team being a relatively small group, they accomplished what many larger organizations have struggled to achieve.
Their expertise and commitment not only protect MCOE but also serve as a model of excellence. Congratulations to the MCOE Infrastructure Team on this well-earned recognition!
January 2025 Employees of the Month
November 2024 Employees of the Month
Since joining MCOE last year, Academic Counselor Allie Ferguson has quickly distinguished herself as a dedicated, collaborative, and caring colleague committed to supporting MCOE Alternative Education students. She has led impactful initiatives, including college and career field trips, and organized events like Rock the Mock at Salinas Community School and Wellington Smith Jr. School. Her collaboration with Monterey County Home Charter School staff also resulted in the first annual College and Career Event. This year, she is planning the second Rock the Mock and preparing for a new College and Educational Fair.
Allie’s proactive approach shines in her ability to create opportunities and bring fresh ideas to Salinas Community School and the Court Schools, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds benefit from these experiences.
In her short time at MCOE, Allie has earned respect from colleagues and students alike, who appreciate her support in helping them achieve their goals. Her commitment extends beyond the school day, connecting with families through home visits when needed.
MCOE’s Paraeducator Esperanza Perez for the Special Education Division has demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism. Her calm demeanor, compassion, and attentiveness to both the medical and academic needs of students truly set her apart, making her a valued and irreplaceable member of the team. Esperanza is known for creating a supportive, nurturing environment where students feel safe, cared for, and empowered to succeed.
Esperanza’s commitment to individualized support is evident in her thoughtful approach to each student. She consistently goes above and beyond, not only addressing their academic needs but also carefully tending to any medical requirements, ensuring each student is comfortable and ready to learn. Her patience and adaptability allow her to meet diverse student needs with ease, always prioritizing their well-being and success.
In her time at MCOE, Esperanza has earned respect and admiration from colleagues, students, and families alike. Her dedication is seen in every interaction, as she works tirelessly to foster a positive learning environment. Her actions reflect her deep commitment to helping each student reach their potential.
October 2024 Employees of the Month
Gretchen Kelly, Program Coordinator for MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) in the Educational Services Division, is known for building strong, trusting relationships with MCOE’s district and community partners. In her position supporting districts with identifying needs, establishing research-based interventions, and enabling efficient use of school resources, Gretchen provides consistent communication, collaboration, and genuine investment in people, cultivating connections that strengthen her work.
Gretchen’s care for others is evident in everything she does. Whether she’s checking in with a network member, a district partner, or a colleague at MCOE, her empathetic approach fosters a positive and supportive work environment. Her commitment extends beyond her immediate team, as she approaches every task with the goal of making a meaningful impact, whether it’s for the organization, her coworkers, or the wider community.
Gretchen frequently goes above and beyond for her team, often taking on additional tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly. For example, during the first annual Back to School Extravaganza, Gretchen not only helped recruit community partners for the event but also created a layout for the tables and assisted with cleanup afterward. When one of the LSS programs faced a scheduling conflict with multiple presentations, Gretchen chose to cancel her day off to help manage the events.
Gretchen Kelly exemplifies outstanding teamwork, collaboration, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to building strong relationships. Her genuine care for others makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
Edward Brown, an exceptional educator at Bob Hoover Academy, is renowned for building strong, meaningful relationships with his students. Through dynamic and engaging lessons, Mr. Brown stimulates curiosity while tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs and strengths of each student. His charismatic and compassionate nature fosters trust and respect, ensuring that every student feels understood and valued.
During his time at the Monterey County Youth Center, Edward inspired students to envision positive futures and guided them toward opportunities beyond high school. Now at Bob Hoover Academy, Edward approaches his role with humility and enthusiasm, learning from colleagues while embedding aeronautics concepts into his lessons, which is a natural extension of his passion for rocketry. His fresh perspective has brought renewed energy to the program, earning him the admiration of both students and peers alike.
Beyond the classroom, Edward serves as a mentor to newer staff, sharing insights from his experience in Alternative Education. He is committed to personal and professional growth, constantly refining his teaching methods to better support his students.
Edward Brown’s unwavering dedication to his students' success, his collaborative spirit, and his innovative approach make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Ruby Villalobos Llamas, Paraeducator at MCOE’s Arthur B. Ingram School, exemplifies what it means to be exceptional in her role. Ruby consistently creates a nurturing environment for students with severe cognitive and medical conditions. Her patience and empathy shine through in every interaction, fostering a sense of safety and support that allows students to thrive. Ruby possesses deep knowledge of the conditions affecting her students and is able to communicate effectively with both staff and families, ensuring everyone involved is informed and aligned.
Ruby’s keen observational skills allow her to anticipate the needs of her students and act accordingly, always with precision and care. Her ability to follow instructions closely while maintaining flexibility in the face of unexpected challenges speaks to her adaptability and commitment to each student’s success. She approaches her work with a deep respect for student dignity, always ensuring that each child feels valued and included.
Ruby also plays a key role in collaborating with her colleagues, seamlessly contributing to the team and handling high-pressure situations with grace. Her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth further enhances her ability to support her students.
For her unwavering dedication, compassionate nature, and exceptional contributions to the educational team, Ruby Villalobos Llamas is a vital asset to our school community.
September 2024 Employees of the Month
Ruben Cuna, a Maintenance Custodian at MCOE's Salinas Community School, is an outstanding example of dedication and hard work. Regularly supporting the Alternative Education Department, Ruben goes above and beyond what’s expected of him every day. His positive attitude is not just noticeable, it's uplifting. Ruben starts and ends each day with a smile, and he never says no to a task, no matter how big or small.
Ruben is an invaluable asset to MCOE, consistently demonstrating excellence in everything he does. Whether it's ensuring the school environment is well-maintained or jumping in to assist with special projects, Ruben’s dedication shines through. Most recently, he played a significant role in organizing and setting up a large career exploration fair. Without hesitation, he took charge of setting up all the rooms for the various workshops, ensuring everything was perfectly arranged. His preparation extended beyond just the setup. He also had vans ready to assist with breaking down the event and hauling off materials, making the entire process smooth and efficient.
Ruben’s reliability, hard work, and positive demeanor make him an incredible part of the MCOE team. His work has a significant impact on our daily operations, and we are grateful for his contributions. He truly embodies the spirit of service and excellence, and we are fortunate to have him on our team.
Denesse Booc, a Preschool Teacher for the Special Education Division at Arthur B. Ingham School (ABI), is an exemplary educator who truly cares about the well-being and academic growth of her students. Her commitment to their success is evident in her unwavering dedication and personalized approach. She goes beyond the standard classroom routine to understand each student's unique needs, learning styles, and challenges.
Ms. Booc’s impact extends beyond her students. She is a dedicated communicator who maintains strong relationships with her students. By investing time in getting to know her students on a personal level, Ms. Booc is able to tailor her instruction to meet their individual requirements. She provides personalized support and guidance, ensuring that every student feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
Ms. Booc is a team player and a valuable asset to MCOE and ABI. Ms. Booc's strong work ethic and dedication to her profession are admirable. She fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, working closely with other service providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for her students. Her commitment to their success is inspiring, and she is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the educational community.
August 2024 Employees of the Month
Misty Merrill, Administrative Assistant II for Finance & Business Services in District Advisory Services (DAS), continues to be an indispensable source of technical support in the creation and recording of the department’s training sessions for both new and existing staff. Her crucial role and abilities have helped to modernize and organize training materials, ensuring they are easily accessible whenever needed. Misty's creativity and expertise have proven to be an invaluable asset in developing new training programs.
Beyond her exceptional technical skills, Misty plays a key role in centralizing the supporting materials and information the department provides to districts, thereby enhancing daily operations. With nearly two decades of experience at the Monterey County Office of Education, Misty is an unparalleled asset to the DAS Advisory Teams and DAS Audit work. Her unwavering commitment to excellent customer service and her genuine passion for her work make her a true pleasure to collaborate and work with. Overall, Misty consistently goes above and beyond and embodies the highest standards of dedication and excellence.
Heather Singh, a dedicated Preschool/Kindergarten teacher at Gabilan School's Special Education Division, exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. Her deep care for her students and their families is evident in everything she does. Ms. Singh’s kindness shines through as she consistently finds opportunities to help her students succeed, both in and out of the classroom.
Beyond her positive influence on students, Ms. Singh maintains excellent communication with parents, ensuring a strong connection between home and school. She serves as an inspiring role model for her fellow teachers and paraeducators, always greeting colleagues with warmth and appreciation. Her collaborative spirit and willingness to follow the guidance of the behavior team make her an integral part of the Gabilan School community. Ms. Singh’s contributions extend beyond her own classroom; she is always eager to share her insights and mentor new teachers and paraeducators. Her reliability, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to her work are just a few of the many reasons she is so highly valued. For her exceptional dedication and the many ways she supports her students and colleagues, I wholeheartedly recommend Heather Singh for Employee of the Month for August.
July 2024 Employee of the Month
Michael “Mike” Perez, Tradesperson I, is a valuable asset to the General Services Division and MCOE as a whole, known for his analytical approach to problem-solving. Mike consistently devises logical solutions to some of our most complex building challenges and is proactive in addressing daily tasks. He demonstrates strong leadership skills, excellent ethics, and a great passion for improving any task he undertakes. With vast expertise, institutional knowledge, and a detail-oriented approach, Mike excels in his position. Additionally, Mike embodies a spirit of growth and continuously strives to learn new techniques and grow professionally within his trade. He refuses to remain stagnant, always seeking to enhance his skills. His dedication to helping others is evident and contributes to his outstanding character. Mike’s commitment, professionalism, and passion for supporting our facility needs make him an invaluable asset to MCOE and the community we serve.
Honorable Recognition by The Monterey County Board of Trustees
Upon being recognized as Employee of the Month, honorees are invited to the following county board meeting to be recognized by their teams in front of the Monterey County Board of Trustees.
Employees of the Month and Their Teams!
June 2025 Employee of the Month
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