TEP Current Students

Kaitlyn Ambrose (she/her) is an M.Ed. candidate at the Gervitz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University in 2024 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and a concentration in Child Development. During her time at Cal Poly, Kaitlyn was an officer for two years and a player for three years on the Cal Poly Women’s Rugby Club. Through this experience, she not only developed a passion for the sport but also a love for teaching and involving new players on the team, fostering a supportive environment. Kaitlyn has considerable teaching experience from her undergraduate program and various jobs outside of school, including roles as a preschool assistant teacher and classroom volunteer. Her dedication to education and fostering student engagement fuels her commitment to making a positive impact in the classroom and within her community. She is passionate about creating inclusive and dynamic learning experiences for all students.

Nektaria Anagnosotu is a teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Credential in History and Social Sciences. In May of 2024, Nektaria graduated California Lutheran University with a B.A. in History Pedagogy and minor in Political Science receiving Departmental Distinction for History Pedagogy, and was awarded the O. Fritiof Ander History Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior. At CLU, Nektaria was the photography editor on CLU’s student run newspaper, The Echo, scholar-athlete on the Regals’ swim and dive team, Student Athletic Advisory Committee representative, and officer to many different student clubs. As a member of The Alpha Xi Psi (ΑΞΨ) Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta (ΦΑΘ) History Honors Society, Nektaria was published in CLU’s The Scribe of the Ages: Ruminations on History Volumes 9 and 10, her favorite work titled The Meaning of a Monastery to Orthodox Women Saints of the Byzantine World. In summer of 2023, Nektaria took on an internship at The Reagan Ranch Center where she gave gallery tours to the public and private tours of Rancho del Cielo to secondary school students. Nektaria’s dedication to history pairs well with her love for California as she hopes to help students uncover that history is not just found in textbooks but in the world around them, especially in Santa Barbara. Outside of the classroom, you will find her line, contra, or Greek dancing as well as hiking and taking pictures of every sunset. You are welcome to contact Nektaria at nzanagnostou@ucsb.edu.

Sofia Vera Avila is a proud Chicana from Oxnard CA. She is pursuing her Single Subject English Credential, Masters in Education, and Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. Sofia graduated from California State University Channel Islands with an emphasis in education and a minor in Chicano/a Studies. Sofia is very close with her family and her two younger siblings Isabella and Olivia. In her free time Sofia likes to explore the city and spend time with her friends. She is also a member of the California Teachers Association - Aspiring Educators. Sofia hopes to someday work with bilingual students in a middle school setting. UCSB was her top choice of graduate schools and she is extremely grateful to be a part of the TEP Program. Sofia loves connecting and spending time with her cohort of future educators and can't wait to see where the program will lead them.
 

Jasmine Ayala is working towards earning her Social Science SST credential. Becoming a teacher was always her end goal for a career, the only question was when she was going to begin that journey. After substitute teaching for a little over a year at local high schools in her hometown of Oxnard, CA, she grew eager to have her own classroom and educate students on the multiple facets and connectedness of history. Aside from her passion for school, she loves softball/baseball, making art, and appreciating a good musical beat you can dance too. After the program, she hopes to continue coaching high school softball at her alma mater and work more on her art before job searching.

Amanda Bartos (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and M.Ed. in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. Having received her B.A. in Communication with a minor in Educational Studies at UC Santa Barbara in 2022, she is thrilled to continue her education at her alma mater. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Amanda worked as a special education paraeducator for two years at local Santa Barbara elementary schools, where she developed her love for teaching and her commitment to prioritizing inclusive classrooms. Being born and raised in Santa Barbara, Amanda has a deep love and appreciation for her community, and hopes to give back to the local school communities that have supported her. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, running, dancing, baking, and relaxing at the beach. You can contact her at amandabartos@ucsb.edu.

Maddy Battista (she/her) is a graduate student at UC Santa Barbara pursuing her Masters of Education & Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs. Maddy is originally from Toronto, Canada, where she also pursued her bachelor's degree in music at the University of Toronto. Maddy loves building connections in the classroom and helping students feel confident and secure in who they are, and hopes to continue doing so throughout her career as a teacher.

Conor Beezhold (He/They) is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science and an M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. He received a B.A. in Chemistry with a Minor in Math and Science Education from University of California, Santa Barbara in 2023. Originally from Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, California, Conor fell in love with science early on, only later discovering a more general love of learning. Today, he is working to translate these loves into others’ learning, both in cultivating a set of educational best practices and in finding how best to center the student in the science classroom. In his time away from education, Conor enjoys hiking, reading, and playing the occasional video game.

Amanda joined the TEP program in pursuit of her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. Amanda grew up in Orange County, California, and graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in political science in 2024. When she isn’t crafting, doing yoga, or baking, you can find Amanda meditating, reading, or journaling at the beach. During her undergraduate studies she became increasingly interested in the effects of mindfulness. Amanda began consistently meditating a few years back and hasn’t stopped since. She started to notice major physical and emotional improvements in her own life, even after just a few weeks of practicing meditation. She wonders why mindfulness is left out of our public school curriculum and she started an organization, Mindful Mentors, to fill this gap. Coordinating groups of UCSB volunteers to teach mindfulness lessons in local elementary classrooms, Amanda feels most like herself when she is writing curriculum or leading a team. This experience shapes her vision of bringing mindfulness and meditation into her future classrooms. She hopes to be an educator who encourages her students to engage with their thoughts, emotions, and reactions in a kind manner.
 

Sophia Bero (she/her) is pursuing a Masters in Education with a multiple subject teaching credential at UCSB. She graduated from the University of Oregon this past June earning a B.A in Educational Foundations with a minor in Sociology. Ever since Sophia was a little girl, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. From asking Santa to change her bedroom into a classroom at a young age, to traveling to Paris to teach English during the Summer of 2023, Sophia is passionate and driven towards becoming a future educator and is thrilled to have a classroom of her own. Sophia enjoys her free time reading books, trying every coffee shop that is nearby and long walks on the beach, making UCSB the perfect spot to be. Sophia is very excited for the next chapter of her life and would not be here without the endless love and support from her wonderful parents, older sister and friends.
Go Ducks & Gauchos!

Grace Buchanan (she/her) is an MEd and Single Subject Math Candidate in this year’s TEP cohort. Grace earned a B.S. in Mathematics here at UCSB in the spring of 2024. Her love of teaching began at a young age and later merged with her love of math to inspire her to become a math teacher. Her excitement to make an impact on her students and start her journey as a teacher led her to jump into the TEP program less than one week after graduating. Grace is aware of the dislike many students have for math and math class. One of her major goals is to try to change her students’ minds by making math more relevant and engaging. Her favorite part of the day or week is whatever time she spends in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, connecting with family and friends, being around any body of water, and cooking. Grace can be reached at gbuchanan@ucsb.edu.

Solei Burgess (she/her) is a current candidate in the Teacher Education Program in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She is originally from Ventura County and completed her undergraduate degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration and minor in Environmental Studies. During her time in undergrad, she spent lots of time volunteering in local elementary schools, tutoring, teaching lessons, and working at an afterschool program. She grew up teaching lessons to her stuffed animals and has carried her passion and excitement for teaching with her throughout her life. She is passionate about the environment, sustainability, inclusivity, social justice, and furthering her own learning. When she is not in the classroom she can be found at the beach, scuba diving, reading, doing art projects, hiking, or spending quality time with friends and family. Solei can not wait to create a classroom environment that is inclusive for all students, fosters the love of learning, and where every student feels like they belong. Solei can be reached at soleiburgess@ucsb.edu.

Jim Cecil (he/him) is a first-generation graduate student who is elated to get his Master’s in Education and Single Subject Credential in English Language Arts. He completed his undergraduate education at UCSB, majoring in English, and fell in love with the salty beach air. Jim’s secondary education was a pivotal part of his life. He learned to express himself and be vocal about injustices he saw in the education system. Jim has had different high school teachers that have inspired his creativity and critical thinking—a gift and tradition he wants to continue for his future students. For Jim, English has a stigma of being a tedious class students take in their secondary education. He strives to encourage the appreciation of English Language Arts and the importance of storytelling in society. “Keeping our stories alive keeps us alive,” is a quote Jim lives by. He is passionate about ensuring education’s accessibility and making every student feel confident with who they are. Being a gay, first generation, Latino, Jim appreciates diversity and strives to make every one of his classrooms feel inclusive for all. Outside of books and writing, Jim is a dad of two dogs, Judas and Jupiter, who he loves unconditionally. Jim also shares this love with his partner Joey, parents, and 3 siblings: Janel, Julian, and Jolie. Jim also is a plant dad growing and catering to his garden filled with flowers, plants, vegetables, and fruits. He also is skilled in sewing and makes clothes from scrap he finds at thrift stores. Jim is beyond grateful to be a part of the Teacher Education Program at University of California, Santa Barbara and is eager to learn, love, and inspire all who he meets.

Caitlin Chao (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching credential for Chemistry and a Masters in Education. She was born and raised in Sacramento, CA but attained her B.A. in Chemistry and minor in Science and Mathematics Education (Secondary) at UC Santa Barbara. Caitlin has always enjoyed working with students at all ages, whether in summer camps or the traditional school setting, but she finds the most fulfillment out of making Chemistry understandable and maybe even fun for everyone. When she’s not in a classroom, Caitlin enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends, chilling with some video games, or drawing little doodles. Feel free to contact her for any questions! (caitlinchao@ucsb.edu)

Ziou Chen (she/her) is currently a graduate student at UC Santa Barbara, where she is pursuing her Masters of Education and Multiple Subject Credential. Prior to this, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Shanghai Jianqiao University. Ziou's strong dedication to education is evident from her previous roles at Disney in Orlando, Florida, and as an English teacher in her home country, China. Her profound passion for working with children inspired her to join the TEP program at UC Santa Barbara, where she aims to deepen her understanding of child development.

Aharon Colon is a teacher candidate in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara and is pursuing a Single Subject Teaching credential in History. He received his B.A. in History from California State University, Fullerton, and decided he wanted to follow his calling for education after graduating. Aharon developed his love for teaching and passion for talking about all things history in his pre-professional work with GEAR UP at CSUF. Working with the class of 2027 for almost 2 years, Aharon realized that community building, equitable education, and inclusiveness are what he needs to protect to raise every student to the potential he knows they have. His experience with students and educators in the Anaheim Union High School District has made him confident that he can make a change for the Latino community and every student that walks through his doors. Outside the classroom, Aharon enjoys playing soccer and video games, watching sports, and finding new music to listen to. Aharon hopes to become an educator like his parents and family members, and further the work they have done for their community.
 

Ellen Dameron (she/her) is a graduate student in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education pursuing her M.Ed and Education Specialist Credential for mild-to-moderate support needs. A native of Santa Barbara, Ellen grew up on the South Coast and attended Vieja Valley School, La Colina Junior High, and San Marcos High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA. She spent the past several decades working in media marketing and non-profit development. While volunteering in her daughters’ elementary and secondary schools, Ellen’s passion for teaching was ignited. She decided to leave corporate work and transition into teaching so she could make a difference in special education by teaching and advocating for students. Outside of the classroom, Ellen enjoys being in the great outdoors, traveling, creating art, playing board games, and spending time with her husband, children, and extended family in Santa Barbara and Northern California.

Ryan Darwin (he/him) is a Masters in Education candidate pursuing the Multiple Subject Credential. Ryan graduated from the University of Washington in June 2024 with a BA in Sociology and minors in Education and Diversity to better prepare him for a career in the classroom. Born and raised in San Francisco, Ryan gained experience in several fields before realizing his desire to teach while in Seattle. After coming to this conclusion, he worked for two years as a preschool teacher and spent six months as a TA for a local third-grade class. These experiences have made him even more passionate about developing students who love to learn and are curious about the world around them. Ryan finds little more rewarding than working with kids, and hopes to enable and inspire as many future students as possible with the skills he learns in the Teacher Education Program. Outside of school and work, Ryan enjoys getting outside to play a variety of sports, read in attractive places, go for the occasional run, and get in the Pacific as often as possible. He couldn’t be more excited to be joining TEP, and his younger brother Bo at UCSB this year!

Kelly Dias (she/her) is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program at UC Santa Barbara where she is pursuing a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics and a Master’s in Education. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2023 where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with an emphasis on High School Teaching, along with a minor in Secondary Science and Mathematics Education. Born and raised in Brentwood, California, Kelly has always wanted to become a teacher in hopes of uplifting as many students as she can and showing her students how rewarding learning can be. She wants to create a classroom that empowers students to uncover their capabilities and proves to them that they can conquer math! She credits her drive and success to the unwavering support of her amazing parents, Dave and Trindade Dias, and to the constant encouragement from her high school AP Calculus AB teacher, Laura Weise! She could not be more excited to learn from her peers, mentors, and future students at UCSB TEP!

Yuanyuan Dong (she/her) is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program at UC Santa Barbara where she is pursuing a Multiple Subject Credential and a Master’s in Education. After working in other industries for a few years, she found her true passion for education. She was always drawn to analyzing her two nephews’ behavior and minds, and also providing as much support as possible to them. She was eager to support them with knowledge and skills in child development, so she took a Montessori Primary Teacher Training in 2022-2023. And now her exploration about child development, teaching and learning continues in UCSB. Being with children has inspired her the most and she desires to learn and grow with children and make an impact on their lives. Outside of the classroom Yuan enjoys playing badminton with her peers and outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the sunset by the beach.

Jacob (he/him) studied at UCSB for his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Brain Sciences. After becoming an RBT Jacob became interested in serving students with disabilities, which led him to joining TEP in the Special Education cohort. Outside of class Jacob loves cooking, thrifting and doing Jiu Jitsu. Jacob is excited to be joining the next generation of educators!

Ally Fisicaro is a current candidate in the Teacher Education Program in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She attended California Lutheran University for her undergrad and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Business. At Cal Lutheran, Ally was on the Women’s Soccer team, winning a National Championship along the way. Ally’s passion for teaching has stemmed from coaching soccer to children, allowing her to express a passion for sports and teaching. As a previous summer camp counselor, Ally has gained a strong passion for education and looks forward to her future career as a teacher. She has endless ideas on how to keep the classroom fun and upbeat while also focusing on the task at hand. She hopes to cultivate a positive, safe, and creative classroom environment, encouraging her students to express themselves in various ways. You can reach her at afisicaro@ucsb.edu.

Michaela Freebourn (she/her) is a teacher candidate in the UCSB Teacher Education Program, pursuing a Masters in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She was born and raised in Santa Maria, California, and graduated from UCSB in 2022, double majoring in Sociology and Global Studies and minoring in Spanish. She spent the last two years teaching English in Spain and is excited to pursue the Bilingual Authorization program and teach in a Dual Immersion setting. Michaela is passionate about equity and justice, and sees herself as a life-long learner. She hopes to carry these values with her throughout her career and create a community in her classroom that fosters the academic, social, and emotional growth of all of her students.

Daylee Garcia is a first generation student in the Teacher Education Program at Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She did attend Cal State Channel Islands, where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Studies along with a minor and Spanish translation certificate. Born and raised in Santa Maria, Daylee learned about her passion for teaching while learning about the growth and development of children at her community college while she was in high school. During her pre-professional experience at an elementary school in Oxnard, Daylee recognized the importance of being a resource to all the students and families who are English learners. Outside of the classroom, Daylee enjoys off-roading, traveling, and hiking. She hopes to someday visit different countries and learn about the various cultures we have in the world. Daylee hopes to stay close to home and be a resource to her community. Daylee can be reached at daylee@ucsb.edu

Jada Keziah Garcia, a proud Modesto, California native, is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Ethnic Studies and Social Justice. Currently, she is pursuing her master's of education and multiple subject teaching credential. Jada's journey is marked by her dedication to her community, having grown up volunteering as a Sunday school teacher in her local church's children's ministry and serving as a kindergarten classroom aide. One fun fact about her is she was a part of the cheer team at California State University Stanislaus during her undergrad years. Jada's passion for education, social justice, and community service continues to inspire those around her.

Jessica Garff (she/her) is currently pursuing her Master's in Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science through the TEP program at UCSB. In the Spring, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from UCSB. Her fondness for UCSB and its surrounding environment, coupled with her passion for teaching, motivated her to extend her studies at UCSB for another year. Her interest in teaching began during middle school when she started teaching violin lessons to kids in her neighborhood. This passion grew as she tutored high school students in chemistry, discovering her interest in the subject. Throughout her undergraduate years, Jessica tutored General Chemistry through UCSB’s Campus Learning Assistance Services. She valued this experience for enhancing her own chemistry knowledge, while building relationships with other students and helping them navigate a class with an intimidating reputation. Outside of class, Jessica loves being outside whether at the beach or riding her bike. She also has a passion for music, and grew up playing violin, piano, and cello. Jessica can be reached at jessicagarff@ucsb.edu.

Laurie Geronimo (she/her/hers) is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics and a M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Laurie is a first-generation Filipino-American college student and the oldest daughter of immigrant parents. She received her B.A in Mathematics (Concentration in High School teaching) and a minor in both Music and Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is from Santa Maria, California, where she plans to go back to as an educator after the program.

Jennah Ghanem (She/Her) is excited to be pursuing her M.Ed and multiple subject teaching credentials here at UCSB. She recently graduated from California State University Channel Islands with her Bachelors in Liberal Arts: Teaching and Learning. She has been a nanny for over 10 years now and can’t wait to get into the classroom. She hopes to create a warm and welcoming classroom environment where all students feel safe to take responsible risks. When she isn’t in the classroom you can find her catching some sun at the beach, hiking in the Santa Barbara mountains, rollerskating along the boardwalk, or practicing yoga at a local studio. Jennah feels so thrilled to be attending the UCSB teacher education program and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her!

Sierra Gillingham (she/her/hers) is a teacher candidate pursuing her Multiple Subject teaching credential and Master’s Degree in the Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Originally from San Diego, California, she graduated from UC San Diego in 2024 with dual degrees: a B.S. in Education Sciences and a B.A. in Psychology. Sierra's passion for teaching stems from her familial ties to education and a deep-seated desire to help others succeed. She has accumulated valuable experience since 2022, serving as a Classroom Teaching Assistant in elementary general education and Special Day classes, as well as working as an Academic Coach for middle school students. These roles have reinforced her commitment to becoming an advocate for all students, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive. Outside of teaching, Sierra enjoys various hobbies including traveling, reading, exploring new restaurants, engaging in art, and spending time with loved ones. Sierra can be contacted at sgillingham@ucsb.edu.

Ellie (she/her) graduated from SDSU in 2021, with a bachelors in psychology and a double minor in women studies and interdisciplinary studies. Her hobbies include reading and doing anything in nature! Ever since high school, when she started working with children and adults with disabilities, she has been extremely passionate about providing accommodated support and inclusive environments for individuals with extensive support needs. Ellie is looking forward to coming out of this program as a teacher who makes a difference in the school system, especially as an advocate who empowers students with disabilities.

Jessica Granados (she/her) is a first-generation graduate student, born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA. She is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching credential and Masters in Education at UCSB. She attended Oregon State University for her undergraduate degree in Sociology. Jessica aims to teach in her hometown community, where she attended school, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in education, which she values and actively seeks to promote.

Lorena Guerrero Avendano (she/her/ella) is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. She is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching credential and a Masters in Education from the University of California Santa Barbara. From a young age, Lorena has always known she wanted to be a teacher. She often helped her two younger siblings navigate school and was inspired by her own wonderful educators. While in undergrad, she was able to develop her passion as an educator with first hand experience. She has volunteered and worked with local elementary school students as a teacher's assistant where she was able to hone her skills in guiding and supporting students, and fostering an environment where learning and growth flourish. Her passion for education is matched by her desire to make meaningful connections and help others achieve their dreams. In her free time, Lorena loves spending time with her pets and family, exploring nature, and getting crafty! Lorena looks forward to continuing her journey of inspiring and empowering students to reach their fullest potential. You can reach her at guerreroavendano@ucsb.edu

Juana Isabel Gutierrez (she/her) is a first-generation Mexican-American graduate student at UC Santa Barbara pursuing her Masters of Education & Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2024 where she earned her B.A. in Sociology along with minors in Educational Studies and Applied Psychology. She was born and raised in Perris, CA and enjoys spending time with her siblings and family, reading, watching the sunset, painting, and listening to music! Isabel’s passion for teaching stems from working with children and adolescents for several years in Santa Barbara county. As a bilingual and education specialist educator, Isabel hopes to be an advocate for students and famililies while providing an inclusive environment, where they feel confident, supported, and encouraged to learn. You can reach Isabel at juanaigutierrez@ucsb.edu.

Lorena Gutierrez (She/ Her) graduated from Channel Islands University with a degree in Sociology. A fun fact about Lorena is that she loves being adventurous. She has been skydiving three times in one year. Lorena has worked with children since she was sixteen and throughout her years working with kids. She knew she wanted to make a change for children with Extensive Support Needs. Her goal is to help students with Extensive Support Needs reach their full potential and create an inclusive learning environment for her future students.

My name is Kiyana Hensley and I use she her pronouns. I received my BA in Education from Pacific University in Oregon and could not wait to get back to the sunshine.

Emily House is a current teacher candidate in the Teacher Education Program at University of California, Santa Barbara, pursuing a Multiple Subject Credential and a Master’s in Education. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Entrepreneurship at University of California, Los Angeles in 2021 and was a student athlete on the women’s UCLA swim team. After not feeling fulfilled with her previous career, she decided to make a change in 2022 to pursue working in Education. She was working in San Francisco at a preschool, a bilingual language school in the 1st grade classroom, and as a swim coach on a club team and has previously worked with children as an English teacher and tutor. From her experience and being bilingual herself, she plans to work at a school with a bilingual curriculum in the future to help students grow confident and proud of their language abilities. She grew up in California, London and Tokyo with her family and plans to work overseas at an international school before returning back to California. She enjoys spending time with her family and dog on long walks, eating dinner with friends, crocheting, hiking, swimming, camping, reading, and road trips and hopes to bring her own interests and background into the classroom. Emily can be reached at emilyhouse@ucsb.edu.

Chi Huang (He/His) is a first-generation graduate student in the Teacher Education Program where he is pursuing a single subject credential in Mathematics along with a Masters in Education. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Education with an emphasis in Science and Mathematics. His desire to become a teacher started when he was junior in high school while being tutored by his math teacher. He noticed just how caring and patient the teacher was while helping him that he became inspired to one day become a math teacher just like her. Outside the classroom, Chi enjoys photography and playing badminton. He hopes that he can give back to the local community that has so lovingly welcomed him.
 

Hannah Hydorn is currently pursuing her M.Ed along with her Single Subject Teaching Credential in History/Social Studies at UCSB. She graduated from UCLA in Spring 2024 with a B.A in Education and Social Transformation and History. Although she misses her time as a Bruin, Hannah is so excited to be on a campus surrounded by both the water and the mountains! During her undergraduate studies, she spent a majority of her time doing Jewish community outreach, working in the education field through various different opportunities, and hanging out with her housemates (all 18 of them)! Hannah’s passion for education specifically lies in helping students from different backgrounds discover curriculum that can inspire them. She feels that our current history curriculums often exclude the stories of many people and wants to give her students the opportunity to discover their own history, not just the history of white Europeans. In her classroom, she hopes to inspire students to find the joy in history and give them the courage to explore their own backgrounds and interests!

Rebecca Jones (she/her) is a candidate in UCSB’s Teach Education Program pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching credential and her Masters in Education. She received her undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona, earning her B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. She is originally from East Los Angeles but now lives in Santa Maria with her husband and their 2 year old son. Rebecca has always been passionate about learning and growing through education and she is excited to take her passion into the classroom. She is a first generation Mexican American who derives inspiration from her family. Becoming a mother inspired her to make a change in her career and become an educator. Children have always brought her joy and she wishes to inspire and educate children to make the world a better place for future generations. She spends anytime she is not working taking care of her son, cooking and hiking in the hills with her dog, Shadow. She is eager to start this next chapter in her life, starting her new career as a teacher.

Ashley Kane (she/her) is a current teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Credential in Biology. Ashley is originally from Campbell, CA, a small city bordering San Jose. She is a 2023 graduate from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon with a bachelor of arts in Biology and Psychology. For her last semester of college, Ashley studied and worked abroad in Dublin, Ireland. In Ireland, Ashley made the realization she wanted to become a science teacher. She hopes to show her future students that science can be meaningful and creative! In Ashley’s gap year, she substitute taught Pre-K through 8th grade in the south bay area. Ashley additionally became the head volleyball coach and assistant basketball coach for a high school in San Jose, which she loved! Coaching is something she is determined to involve herself in wherever she ends up. In January 2024, Ashley spent three months working in New Zealand, and a month solo-traveling Australia, meeting new people and exercising her love for the outdoors. You can find Ashley hiking, practicing her nature photography, playing volleyball, and trying new things. Feel free to contact her at: ashleykane@ucsb.edu.

Alexa Karpenko (she/her) is a candidate at the UCSB Teacher Education Program in pursuit of her Multiple Subject Credential and Masters Degree in Education. A Bay Area native, she found herself drawn to the Santa Barbara area to be closer to the ocean. When she arrived, it was love at first sight. She has worked with children since age 15, but her passion for teaching was thrust into full force while working as a 6th grade instructional assistant. She knew she had chosen the right path when work began to feel like a community she felt honored to be a part of. She went on to earn her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies from CSU Channel Islands and is excited to continue her academic pathway with TEP. In her free time, she tries to explore as much as possible through travel, hiking, and any activity that gets her in the water. When everything is said and done, Alexa plans to take a year off to teach abroad, then return to the Santa Barbara area to begin her journey settling in as a teacher. As an educator, she hopes to spark a love of learning in students by creating an inclusive, hands-on learning environment in a classroom that provides a safe, positive space for all. Alexa can be reached at alexakarpenko@ucsb.edu

Laila Kleinberg (she/her) is TEP candidate, pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. She is originally from Palo Alto, CA and graduated from UCSB in Spring of 2024 with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and a minor in Theater. Laila has worked with children for much of her life, some of her fondest memories coming from her time as a summer camp counselor. Before beginning TEP, she worked at Isla Vista Recreation and Park District for 3 years, running the volunteer program, where she found joy in giving back to her community. Laila is passionate about providing tools for her students to think about their identities, values, and the world around them. In her free time, you can find Laila knitting, reading a good book, going to the beach, or spending time with friends and family! You can contact Laila at lailakleinberg@ucsb.edu.

Mikayla (she/her) is working towards a Multiple-Subject Credential and a Master's in Education. She completed her undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies in 2022 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. At Cal Poly, she solidified her passion for teaching in her coursework and her role as a resident advisor. After completing her first degree, she became a substitute teacher. She has worked with elementary, middle, high school, and college students giving her a variety of experiences to build off. Outside of her education, Mikayla enjoys watching and discussing movies, grabbing a sweet treat with friends, and thrifting to exhaustion. Her experiences and interests have given her an understanding of where education is currently at and how she wants to create change in her own classroom. Mikayla is excited to continue learning about the ways she can progress and create spaces that foster love, equity, and truth for her future students.

Sofia Kroll (she/her) is a teacher candidate pursuing her M.Ed. and Single Subject Teaching Credential in History/Social Sciences and at UC Santa Barbara. She is originally from Garden Grove, California, and graduated from UCSB in the spring of 2024 with a B.A. in Sociology and minors in Statistical Science and Educational Studies. During her time as an undergraduate, Sofia spent time volunteering at the Goleta Boys and Girls Club as an after-school tutor and providing tours to prospective students of UCSB. These experiences allowed her to realize her passion for working with students and encouraged her to pursue a career in education. She seeks to teach students to use their knowledge of history not only to examine the past, but also to enact social change and influence the world around them. She believes in the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that enables students to work together to achieve their goals. During her free time, Sofia enjoys line dancing, rock climbing, playing trumpet and piano, spending time in nature, and talking with family and friends. You may contact Sofia at sofiakroll@ucsb.edu.

Alejandra Lopez is pursuing her teaching credential in SST (Science) and Masters in Education. Originally from Los Angeles, she completed her undergraduate degree here at UCSB in Earth Science B.S. with an emphasis on Climate and the Environment and completed her minor in Science and Mathematics Education. She loves anything science of math related and during her free time you'll find her trying out new restaurants all over Goleta and Santa Barbara or having weekly movie dates with her friends. After working for the university as a TA she decided to follow her passion for teaching full time. Her goal as an educator is to represent Latinas and Latinos in STEM and serve historically underrepresented communities. She can be reach at alejandra_lopez@ucsb.edu.

Clarissa Macias is a first-generation Teacher Education Program candidate pursuing a Single Subject English Language Arts credential and a Master's degree in Education. She is a recent graduate from San Diego State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Education and a focus on literacy. As a proud local of Santa Barbara, she is grateful for the opportunity to return to her hometown and evoke change within her community. Clarissa passionately believes that education is an act of freedom. As a future English teacher, she hopes to empower students to share their unique stories and ideas through reading and writing. Outside of the classroom, Clarissa enjoys reading, traveling, and spending days at the beach with her family and friends.

Leah Merjan (she/her) is excited to be in UCSB’s TEP pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters of Education in Teaching. Originally from Thousand Oaks, Leah has always known she wanted to be an elementary school teacher and aspires to create an inclusive classroom that cultivates students’ curiosity and individuality. She recently graduated from Cal Poly, SLO with a B.S. in Liberal Studies concentrating in Science and minoring in Child Development. Gaining pre professional experience in both San Luis Obispo and Thousand Oaks, Leah has been inspired by many wonderful teachers. Outside of the classroom, Leah loves to be outdoors with her friends and family hiking, camping, or hanging out at the beach. She is very passionate about education and loves learning. Feel free to reach out to her at lmerjan@ucsb.edu.

Gina Milan (she/her) is a first-generation college student in the Teacher Education Program, who feels beyond blessed to be pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education and her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She attended UC Santa Barbara and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish in 2022. After working in Glacier National Park and truly loving her role as an outdoor educator, she decided to explore the route of becoming a classroom teacher by taking on a full-time substitute teaching role in the Goleta Union School District. After her year as a substitute teacher, Gina felt extremely honored to teach fifth grade at Coastline Christian Academy in Goleta for this past school year. Through this experience, Gina knew with full confidence and delight that she wanted to solidify her career as an elementary school teacher. While outside the classroom you can find her hiking around town to reach new heights, teaching will always be the “peak” adventure in Gina’s life. You can reach Gina at ginamilan@ucsb.edu.

Destinie Mireles (she/her) is a proud first-generation Mexican-American in the Teacher Education Program in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara and earned a Bachelor’s degree in History of Public Policy and Law with a minor in Japanese and Education in 2024. During her undergraduate studies, Destinie worked at In-n-Out, worked as a research assistant in the GGSE division researching DEAI in museums all while taking a full unit study load. Destinie’s passion for teaching stems from both her mother’s support, and her community where she hopes to give back to one day. She aspires to empower her students to recognize their potential and guide them on their educational journeys. Destinie’s interests are reading and a passion for music which she hopes to intertwine with the tools to prepare her students to also become compassionate, educated, and have a love for reading like she has grown to have. Destinie hopes to bring her motto, that she has heard her entire life from her mom, of “the world is in the palm of your hand, you can do anything you put your mind to” into the classroom.

Molly Murphy (she/her) is a graduate student pursuing an Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs, along with a M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. She graduated from UCSB with a major in Sociology and a minor in Applied Psychology. Molly decided to pursue education after working as a camp counselor, serving as a captain in the UCSB Power of Play project, and taking various education practicum courses. She looks forward to becoming a special education teacher and cherishing her time in the Teacher Education Program.

Kaitlin Niedziejko joined the TEP program in pursuit of the MST Credential and Master’s Degree in Education. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Spanish. Originally from Brentwood Ca, a small town in the East Bay, she now enjoys the central coast lifestyle. On her own time you can find her swimming, playing soccer, going to the gym, doing her own nails, reading, and most importantly hanging out with her family and boyfriend. She has always had a passion for working with children ever since she could remember and has been involved in many volunteering opportunities in and out of the classroom. She hopes to work with the younger grades, specifically Kindergarten in the future. As she enters the education field she will always take the lessons she has learned from past mentors with her as she embarks on this new journey.

Evie Page (any pronouns) is pursuing a Single Subject Credential in History and Masters in Education. She received her Bachelor's degree in History from San Diego State University. Evie is originally from Portland, Oregon, but loves the clear, sunny skies of Southern California. They have a lovely cat named Beansprout, and love to talk about the intricacies of history. Prior to enrolling in the program, Evie worked for two years at the Museum of Us in San Diego, and learned a lot about how to work with people and how people tend to think, and plans on utilizing the skills learned their in future classrooms. She wants to make sure that every student is welcome and safe in the class, and that every lesson comes from a place of love, justice, and understanding. Evie can’t wait to get into the classroom!

Carol Palumbo (she/her) got her BA in Spanish and Psychology with a Linguistics minor from Occidental College. She is pursuing an education specialist credential for students with extensive support seeds and a bilingual authorization. A fun fact about her is that she has wrestled a shark. It was small though. Her mom inspired me to become a teacher.

Catalina Perez is a candidate in the Teacher Education Program in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education. She graduated from UCLA in 2024 where she majored in Education and Social Transformation. Catalina is passionate about bilingual education and is pursuing an authorization to teach in both English and Spanish. She has worked in many bilingual schools and has seen firsthand how empowering and beneficial bilingual education can be, especially for children who are learning their heritage language in addition to English. While she has worked with all grades TK-5th, Catalina hopes to work primarily in the younger grades. When she is not in school Catalina enjoys crocheting, sewing, going on hikes, lifting weights, reading books, and spending time with her family.

Una Sarayba (she/her) is a graduate student in UC Santa Barbara’s Teacher Education Program pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education. She recently graduated from CSU Fullerton, majoring in Liberal Studies with an Elementary Education emphasis. During her undergraduate studies, Una observed classrooms and worked directly with students in differentiated learning groups. Working with various students pushed her to seek other opportunities to learn about adapting to diverse student needs. She then decided to work in ABA Therapy, where she supported children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her time as a Behavior Technician taught her about adaptability and attentiveness, qualities she hopes to bring to her future classroom. Una has a love for learning, collaborating, and teaching, which she also hopes to pass on to her students. Outside of school, you can find her hanging out with her family in Ladera Ranch, spending time with friends as they explore new food places or beaches, drinking coffee, and taking pictures of her tuxedo cat, Norman. Una is very excited to enter the classroom. She hopes to create an environment rooted in respect, care, and inclusivity to ensure her students emerge as well-rounded individuals who appreciate the diverse world and people around them.

Juliette Sells (she/her) is a candidate in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program pursuing her Multiple Subject Credential and Master’s in Education. She is originally from Paradise, California and attended Cal Poly SLO where she earned her degree in Sociology. Juliette has always been interested in teaching and discovered her passion for working in education throughout her undergraduate program. During her time in SLO she worked as a nanny, classroom aid, and full-time preschool teacher. It is her goal to become an elementary school teacher and create an environment that excites students and welcomes families. As a teacher candidate, she is looking forward to making Santa Barbara her new home and further developing into the type of teacher professional that challenges students and teaches from a place of love and compassion. Juliette is looking forward to working within her new Santa Barbara community. She can be reached at juliettesells@ucsb.edu

Laurel Sheard is currently pursuing her M.Ed and Single Subject Credential in English Language Arts. Despite being born and raised in New Jersey, she moved to California for undergrad, earning her B.A. in English with a minor in Educational Studies from UCSB in only three years. She is passionate about modernist literature, creative nonfiction, and self-expression through multimedia projects and written word. She has worked with children all her life, inside and outside the classroom, and hopes to instill a love for reading and writing amongst her students, enabling them to understand the power that words hold. Outside of ELA, Laurel is passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, traveling, and incorporating literacy into interdisciplinary studies. Laurel can be reached at laurelsheard@ucsb.edu

Reka Szamosi (she/her) is a current teacher candidate in UC Santa Barbara’s Teacher Education Program pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education. After 3 years, she received her B.A. from San Diego State University in Liberal Studies - Elementary Education in 2024. Reka has wanted to become a teacher her entire life and is excited to have a classroom of her own soon. While growing up in Orange County, she spent most of her free time volunteering and tutoring at her own school and others in her community, which helped solidify her dream of becoming a teacher. Her main goal as an elementary school teacher is to build a strong foundation for learning and foster a classroom community that allows all her students to grow and prosper academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling the world, hiking, going to the beach, reading, babysitting, and spending time with friends and family. You can reach her at rekaszamosi@ucsb.edu.

David Khuu Tran (he/him) is a teacher candidate in UC Santa Barbara’s Teaching Education Program, pursuing a Single Subject Teaching credential in English Language Arts and a Masters in Education. David just graduated from UC Santa Barbara the previous year with a B.A. in English with a Minor in Education. David is from Fountain Valley, CA, where he was born and raised. Growing up in his hometown, David had an AP Language and Composition teacher in high school, who showed him his strengths in reading and writing, took time out of her own weekend to help prepare students for the AP Exam, and was just receptive and compassionate overall. Through taking her class, David saw how beneficial and impactful teachers have on students and he would hope that one day he could be a teacher like she was to him. David also hopes that some time later down the road he will attain a Ed.D in Educational Policy, so he can then take his experience in the classrooms and bring up to a more administrator position, where he can help create policies and programs for the school district that would benefit students’ academic journeys and finding their identities within the school system. In regards to the present, David hopes to take what he learns from the Teacher Education Program to refine and hone his knowledge and skills in order to cultivate a welcoming and nourishing learning environment for all of his students. David hopes that his future students will stand on his shoulders to reach the clouds and beyond.
 

Alexander Urena is a teacher candidate pursuing a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics and an M.Ed from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. Originally from a city bordering San Bernardino, California, he graduated from UCSB as a first-generation student with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with distinction. Consistently being one of few students of color in his upper-division courses, Alexander strives to share his academic knowledge in a way that makes it accessible for students of all backgrounds. Whenever given the opportunity growing up, Alexander always loved teaching and learning. He hopes to share these passions with his current students as a tutor at Santa Barbara City College and future students for the remainder of his educational career. In his free time, you can find Alexander running, playing card games, or aimlessly exploring.

Amber Vicari (she/her) is pursuing her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and Masters in Education. Amber was lucky enough to also attend UCSB for her ungrad, earning a Bachelor's degrees in Linguistics, emphasis in Speech Language Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Education. Amber grew up in Sacramento California with her parents, siblings, and two dogs. Her family are her biggest supporters, and she follows in their footsteps as many are educators themselves. During her pre-professional time at UCSB, Amber had the opportunity to volunteer at Harding Elementary, Adams Elementary, and the Goleta Boys and Girls Club. After graduating, she taught English on an island in East Africa, and gained a deeper level of gratitude towards education. As a CODA, Amber has developed an expressive way of communicating, making teaching and working with children even more enjoyable. She has a deep connection to the Deaf community and looks forward to finding ways to incorporate ASL into her classroom one day! TEP is the beginning of her incredible journey to becoming a teacher! Amber can be reached at ambervicari@ucsb.edu.

Laurel Weitz (she/her) graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Education from UC Davis in June 2024. Interning at a local junior high under the Special Education Department, sparked her curiosity in understanding what qualities contribute to, and constitute, joyful and welcoming learning environments, and led her to pursue her M.Ed. and Multiple Subject Credential with TEP. Laurel believes that all students deserve a constructive, relevant, and empowering education, and she looks forward to collaborating with her TEP community, and future learning communities, to make this a reality. She spends her free time surfing, doing Yoga, hiking, camping, spending time with family and friends, cooking, and she has recently started running.

Abby Welch (she/her) is pursuing a Master’s in Education and a Single Subject - English teaching credential. She is extremely proud to be the first Mexican American in her family to pursue a graduate degree. Originally from Castaic, CA, Abby recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BA in Linguistics and is extremely passionate about language teaching. She has taken courses in Spanish, Korean, and Basque, and occasionally tries to use Duolingo to learn German. Abby wants to embrace the multilingual skill sets that all students have, especially those from non-dominant perspectives. Abby previously worked as an instructor for UCSB SKILLS, an outreach program that teaches introductory linguistics courses to local Santa Barbara junior high and high students. Her experiences working at San Marcos HS, Santa Barbara HS, and La Colina Junior High inspired Abby to continue her educational journey here. In her free time, Abby loves to host painting nights, explore new cafes, and take small trips all over California.

Paige Wheeler is pursuing her Multiple Subject teaching credential and Masters in Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Paige also did her undergraduate degree at UCSB, majoring in Sociology with a focus on how intersectionality plays a role in the education setting. She is passionate about incorporating education with family involvement and has done so through various job positions within the Santa Barbara community before enrolling in the TEP program. Before TEP, she worked as a long-term substitute teacher for 5th grade in Santa Barbara which solidified her desire to become a teacher and take the leap of enrolling in the program. She is from a small town, Hanford, California, a place that taught her the importance of community and hard work. Paige is very excited to get back into the classroom and to learn how to give back to the community she calls home.

Grace Willens (she/her) is thrilled to be pursuing her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and M.Ed in the UCSB Teacher Education Program. She graduated from University of Oregon in 2022, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Educational Foundations and a minor in Leadership and Administrative skills. While at University of Oregon, she was a student teacher in a fourth grade classroom and worked as an After School Teacher at local elementary schools through the YMCA. After graduating, Grace worked in San Francisco for 2 years as an assistant teacher in a kindergarten classroom and then as a lead teacher in a 9th grade special education classroom. From her experience in classrooms, she has learned the importance of equity in the classroom and meeting students' individual needs. In her free time, Grace enjoys hanging out on the beach, exploring Santa Barbara with friends, and baking. You can reach Grace at gracewillens@ucsb.edu.

Elyse Yoon is a candidate in the Teacher Education Program at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, where she is pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Master’s Degree in Education. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and an emphasis in Elementary Education. During her undergraduate studies, Elyse worked as a high school Girls Volleyball coach for three years at her alma mater. Additionally, she worked at a local afterschool program, where she discovered her passion for fostering children's growth, curiosity, and love of learning. Outside the classroom, Elyse enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, and indulging in romantic books or movies. She also loves playing sports, going to the beach, and hiking. She hopes to integrate her enthusiasm for an active lifestyle, nature, and art into her classroom. Elyse is excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as an educator at TEP. She looks forward to returning to Orange County to serve her community as an elementary teacher. Elyse can be reached at elyseyoon@ucsb.edu.

Kaedrun Zieger (she/her) is pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters in Education at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB. She earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Santa Barbara City College, before transferring to UCSB, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication in 2024. Born in San Luis Obispo, California, graduating high school on Oahu, Hawaii, and living in Santa Barbara since she was 18, has contributed to her love for the beach and the mountains. When she's not laying on the sand or swimming in the ocean, she's going on walks and runs by the beach or somewhere with a view of the mountains. Kaedrun hopes to pursue a teaching job somewhere that can offer her the same outdoor luxuries that she has been lucky enough to experience so far. She has grown to love and feel a part of the Santa Barbara community because it is where she realized her passion for teaching. Throughout her experiences, Kaedrun has gained the understanding of the importance of always remaining a learner. She plans on utilizing this value as she gains more skills and experiences, continuing on her path as an educator. Kaedrun can be reached at kaedrun@ucsb.edu.

Annika Zimmermann (she/her) is thrilled to be a current M.Ed. candidate pursuing her MST credential at UCSB. She is originally from the San Fernando Valley of LA, but in 2020 took a risk and moved to Vermont where she attended the University of Vermont. In 2023 she graduated with a B.S. in Community Development, a minor in Animal Science, and the realization that her path in life was to become an educator. She believes that the experiences and knowledge she gained on her undergraduate journey (particularly surrounding issues of equity and access) lend themselves to the kind of teacher that she will one day be, and is forever grateful for her time at UVM.
Annika believes that learning happens not only at school, but through the things you experience in your life. Throughout the past few years she has worked as an amusement park ride operator, a barista, a sled-dog handler, a childcare worker, a baker, and even learned how to hand-make paper from raw plant material. Annika hopes to bring her love of exploration and hands-on learning into her classroom, and she can’t wait to share all of her stories with her students.
Annika is so happy and excited to see what her year in TEP holds, and is proud that she gets to add it to the storybook of her life. You can reach her at annikazimmermann@umail.ucsb.edu.