Juan Alvarez

Juan Alvarez is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Juan attended Heritage Elementary, Fitz Intermediate, and graduated from Los Amigos High School in 1997. He is currently an Assistant Principal at Santiago High School. 

“Working for GGUSD happened by circumstance. I just applied to work as a substitute teacher after graduating from college. I enjoyed working for the District and I stayed. The amount of support the District provides to the teachers and students. Everyone is incredibly invested.”

Juan has been a part of GGUSD for 13 years.

Cindy Tran

Cindy Tran is #GGUSDHomegrown

Cindy attended Paine Elementary, McGarvin Intermediate, and is a 2000 graduate of La Quinta High. She currently teaches at Peters (K-3) Elementary.

“I had a wonderful education experience in GGUSD and encountered many caring and loving teachers who were very encouraging throughout my education. My most memorable moment was with my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Clement. I recall a time when my older sister was taunting me with good grades on her report card. Mrs. Clement overheard her and called me aside. She reassured me that although my grades may not be as good as my sister, it didn’t mean that I was not working hard and learning. Mrs. Clement continued on and made sure I understood that I am special in my own way. As I grew up, that same memorable moment helped guide me in my career choice of becoming a teacher. I wanted to be able to have that same impact on other students in GGUSD and let them know that someone believes in them. My favorite thing about GGUSD is the vast amount of training and support the district offers to support teachers in the classroom.”

Gregg Primeaux

Gregg Primeaux is #GGUSDHomeGrown.

Gregg attended Patton Elementary, Bell Intermediate, and graduated from Pacifica High in 1992. He is currently a teacher at Garden Grove High.

“I wanted to give back to the district I received my education from. I had a choice between Long Beach Unified and GGUSD and I thought, what better testament than to return to where I was schooled. No other district trains their teachers as well as GGUSD, our toolboxes are filled with skills to help our students succeed. My favorite thing about GGUSD is the kids, without them there would be no GGUSD. I think back to all the students I have had the privilege to teach and am lucky to have had a small part in their journey. Whether they continued their education in college, or entered the military or workforce I hope they learned a little from me to help them in whatever avenue they pursued.”

He has been a part of GGUSD for 20 years.

Five Brookhurst Elementary School teachers

Five Brookhurst Elementary School teachers are#GGUSDHomegrown. Anne Hawley, Carol Baty, Cyndie Getz, Kimi Quint, and Becky DeBoer have been teaching together at Brookhurst for more than 20 years, and they all became teachers because of the wonderful teachers they had growing up in this district.

Anne Quint Hawley attended Patton, Chapman Jr. High, and Pacifica High. She currently teaches 3rd grade. Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Konrath for 4th grade, because she was very kind, patient, and made learning fun.
Carol Miles Baty attended Violette, Simmons, Lampson (now Ralston) Intermediate, and Garden Grove High. She currently teaches 6th grade. Her favorite teachers were Mrs. King, who inspired her to become a 6th grade teacher, and Ms. Beebe, who taught her more about writing than anyone. Cyndie Martin Getz attended Lincoln and Stanley, Lampson (now Ralston) Intermediate, and Garden Grove High (Class of 1970, the 50th anniversary year of the school). She currently teaches 3rd grade, and her favorite teacher was Mrs. Wilson who was very kind and way ahead of her time by having her students work in groups back in the 1960s! Becky Phillips DeBoer attended Marshall, McGarvin Jr. High, and La Quinta High. She currently teaches 2nd grade, and Mrs. Sweeney, her 3rd grade teacher, was her favorite for her high academic and behavior expectations, and because she made learning fun. Kimi Kihara Quint attended Lincoln and Stanley, Peters Intermediate, and Santiago High. She currently teaches 4th grade, and her favorite teacher was Mrs. Glasser because she was tough but fair and always kind and supportive.

“We all have wonderful memories of growing up in Garden Grove and feel very privileged and grateful to have been students, as well as to be current teachers, in this district. We wouldn't be the people we are today had it not been for our experiences, both educational and professional, in Garden Grove!” 

(From left to right): Becky DeBoer, Kimi Quint, Anne Hawley, Cyndie Getz, and Carol Baty

Kathy (Kathleen) Sprenger

Kathy (Kathleen) Sprenger is #GGUSDHomegrown

Kathy attended Post Elementary, Irvine Intermediate, and is a 1986 graduate of La Quinta High School. She is currently a Clerical Specialist I in K-12 Education. 

“My mom was a district employee and encouraged me to join but I always wanted to work in a clerical/secretarial position, since I worked in the office at Irvine Intermediate. The thing that I love about working for GGUSD is the camaraderie. 

She has been in the district for 13 years.

Tammy Starr

Tammy Starr is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Tammy attended Gilbert Elementary and graduated from Rancho Alamitos High School in 1977. She is currently a buyer in Business Services.

“I always wanted to be the secretary at Gilbert, Poppy Allen was always so kind and caring when we had to go to the office, it left a lasting impression. I Started at Eisenhower with Barb Batson as a School Office Clerk for 3 years (what an amazing experience), then went over to La Quinta as a School Office Clerk II and then I landed my dream job at Irvine Intermediate as the site secretary - best years of my life!”

She has been with the district for 21 years.

Jennifer Robinson

Jennifer Robinson is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Jennifer attended Faylane Elementary, Ralston Intermediate, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos High School in 2005.

She is currently a secretary in the personnel department.

“Growing up in GGUSD, there were many staff members that had a huge impact on my life. They always took the extra time to help and encourage me to be the best I could be. None of them allowed me to give up on myself, even when I wanted to. After I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to return to GGUSD to provide the same encouragement and support I had once received. My favorite thing about GGUSD is the community you become a part of. Everyone works together for a common goal, to better the education and future for our students. The pride that GGUSD employees, parents and students have is rare.”

She has been a part of the district for over 10 years.

Traci Green

Traci Green is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Traci attended Wakeham Elementary, Alamitos Intermediate, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos High in 1991. She is currently a Fiscal Services Manager with Business Service.
“I came back to GGUSD because it's a great place to work. The district cares about the students and the community.”

Traci has been with GGUSD for 14 years.

Ashley Stevens

Ashley Stevens is #GGUSDHomegrown

Ashley is a 7th grade ELA teacher at Walton Intermediate. 

She attended Crosby Elementary, Walton Intermediate, and graduated from Garden Grove in 2005.

“Garden Grove will always be my home. My community has always meant a lot to me and there is no other place I would rather work. Every day I feel like I am giving back to a community that has given so much to me. I love how diverse Garden Grove is and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work in the same community that I grew up in. My favorite thing about GGUSD is its commitment to student success and lifelong learning. It is in Garden Grove that my love for learning started and continues each day. It is because of the great teachers in Garden Grove that I had the opportunity to attend UCLA and return to share my love for learning as a teacher."

Ashley has been teaching in GGUSD since 2015.

Angelique (Boersma) Darvin

Angelique (Boersma) Darvin is#GGUSDHomegrown.

Angelique teaches at Lawrence Elementary School. She attended Crosby Elementary, Walton Intermediate, and graduated from Garden Grove in 1985.

“The teachers I had really loved their jobs and made school a safe place for me to grow. I want to shout out to Mrs. Waterman (2nd grade) for inspiring imagination and Mr. Sam Lum (GGHS math) for his excellent support and humor while teaching. I love that they are always trying to learn and do new things.” 

Angelique has been teaching for 25 years.

Brittney Holt

Brittney Holt is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Brittney teaches English at Pacifica High School. She graduated from Rancho Alamitos in 2008.

“I had a wonderful high school experience and felt that my teachers truly cared about me and wanted to help me to succeed. I really wanted to be part of a district that puts their students first. The Garden Grove Way is a student-centered approach to teaching that helps students grow and prepares them to be independent thinkers and learners. The professional development opportunities also make this a wonderful district to work for because the district wants their teachers to continue to grow and improve year after year.” 

Brittney has been teaching for three years.

Brandy Peters

Brandy Peters is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Brandy is a first grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary. She attended Barker Elementary, Bell Intermediate, and graduated from Pacifica in 1994. 

“My GGUSD teachers inspired me to always strive for excellence. It is my hope that I can do the same for my students. The teachers and administrators truly care about the children they serve.” 

She is in her 16th year of teaching.

Ralph Stevens

Ralph Stevens is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Ralph attended Skylark and Gilbert Elementary schools, Hare Intermediate, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos in 1981.

“I began coaching at Rancho immediately following graduation and continued while going to college. To me, GGUSD is like a family. I also had 5 brothers and sisters who attended Skylark Elementary/Gilbert, Hare Intermediate, and Rancho Alamitos.” 

Ralph has been a teacher in GGUSD for 33 years.

Dinah Barling

Dinah Barling is #GGUSDhomegrown.

Dinah attended Enders Elementary, Bell Intermediate, and is a 1985 graduate of Pacifica High. She is currently a teacher at Alamitos Intermediate.

“When I was at a crossroads in my life, my former teacher and coach at Pacifica suggested I get my emergency credential and become a substitute teacher since he knew he would be out many days. He remembered that as his teacher's aide my senior year, I would enjoy "teaching" lessons to his RSP students. I took his advice, became a long-term sub in the district, fell in love with the profession, earned my credential, and never looked back.”

Dinah has been with the district for 25 years.

Tanya Judge Serrano

Tanya Judge Serrano is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Tanya attended Evans Elementary, Ralston Intermediate, and graduated from Garden Grove High in 2007. She is currently a teacher at Carver Early Childhood Education Center.

“I came back to work for GGUSD because I wanted to make a difference in my community. I also wanted to give back to the wonderful district which gave me my education, as well as the motivation to pursue a career in education as a teacher.”

Tanya has been with GGUSD for 5 years.

Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson is #GGUSDHomegrown and has a#GGUSDHomegrownFamily. 

Lisa attended Bell Intermediate School and graduated from Pacifica High School in 2005. She returned to the district and serves as an SDC teacher at Enders Elementary School. 

“This is a great area and I wanted to stay in the area where I grew up. I met my husband in my classroom on my first day of teaching in the district. He was fixing the internet and I was setting up my class as a new teacher. He was very kind and handsome. We talked a bit over the next week when he would come in to fix things with the network. It took a year and a half before I finally had the courage to ask him out for a date. We went out and the rest was history. We have been together for 4 years and married for two. He is also a GGUSD alum. He went to school at Enders- where I currently teach, Bell, and Pacifica. I went to Bell and Pacifica too and our paths never crossed even though we had common acquaintances.” 

Lisa is in her fifth year with GGUSD.

Virginia Wantz

Virginia Wantz is #GGUSDHomegrown and has a #GGUSDHomegrownFamily.

Virginia attended Marshall Elementary, McGarvin Intermediate, and graduated from La Quinta in 1977. She is currently the school secretary at Hare High School.

“I grew up in this district, and I met my husband in high school, though we didn’t date until after graduation. My husband is also GGUSD homegrown. Glenn Wantz, district plumber, went to Anthony Elementary, Irvine and LQHS Class of 1977. We’ve been married for 35 years, have two great kids who also went to GGUSD schools, and we both love our jobs. My school site is very unique, where everyone is not just coworkers, but family. We keep that positive vibe for the students and parents we serve.”

Virginia has been a GGUSD employee for 26 years.

Janine Caraballo

Janine Caraballo is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Janine attended Hill Elementary School, Jordan Intermediate School, and graduated from Bolsa Grande High School in 1983. Today, she is the School Nurse for Mark Twain Special Education Center, Jordan Intermediate School, and Stanford, Paine, and Mitchell elementary schools. She has worked for GGUSD for more than 16 years. All three of Janine’s children attended GGUSD schools and her daughter now works as an Instructional Aide at Rancho Alamitos and has coached softball at La Quinta and Pacifica.

Stephanie Nguyen

Stephanie Nguyen is #GGUSDHomegrown. She attended Anthony Elementary, McGarvin Intermediate, and graduated from La Quinta in 2011.

“This district has been my ‘home’. Although growing up in a low-income family of three was challenging, GGUSD prepared me to be a proactive and compassionate individual through its rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, and essential skills to not only succeed in college and also in my career. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to student teach at my high school and am now working there! I love being able to give back to my community, and I hope to nurture all learners in discovering their potential to achieve success – similar to which GGUSD has helped me.”

Stephanie is currently in her second year of teaching Biology and AVID at La Quinta.

Jason Lupei

Jason Lupei is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Jason is a Social Science teacher and Activities Director at Rancho Alamitos. He attended Mitchell Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and graduated from Garden Grove in 1991.

“It’s nice to return to my community with an understanding of who we are, and a passion to build on our tradition of excellence. I like the Garden Grove Way- the sense of family and heart we share with one another.”

Tom Chau

Tom Chau is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Tom Chau teaches Algebra 2 and Precalculus at Rancho Alamitos. He attended Carver Elementary, Alamitos Intermediate, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos in 1994.

“I loved the atmosphere and diversity of the Ranch when I went to school there. I wanted to give back to the community that I grew up in. GGUSD is a melting pot of cultures and friendly people.”

Keri Novotny

Keri Novotny (maiden name Goebel) is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Keri is an English teacher at Rancho Alamitos. She attended Warren Elementary, Ralston Intermediate, and graduated from Garden Grove in 1993. Her father and all of her uncles also graduated from GGHS.

“I love the culture and diversity of the district, especially the students at Rancho.” Keri is in her 15th year of teaching.

Andy Dang

Andy Dang is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Andy attended Heritage, Murdy, and Stanley elementary schools, Ralston Intermediate and graduated from Garden Grove High School in 2003. He is currently a Network Analyst of Information Technology Department.

“Right after military service which ended in 2008, I considered GGUSD as my second home. The culture, staff, and students really make this organization a unique and special place to work. I am really happy to be able to give back to the community I grew up in. It is a sense of pride and honor for me to contribute to the present and future of GGUSD.”

Rita Hanna Yost

Rita Hanna Yost is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Rita is a kindergarten teacher at Morningside Elementary. She attended Zeyen Elementary, Alamitos Intermediate, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos High School in 2006.

“As soon as I graduated, I worked as an AVID tutor at Bell, Alamitos, and Rancho. After student teaching in GGUSD I became a substitute and was hired in 2013! My former teachers from Zeyen, Alamitos and Rancho are some of my personal heros. I'm so proud to be a product of GGUSD. I owe so much to my teachers. I've been inspired by them to give my students the best educational experience possible.”

Angela Fabela

Angela Fabela is #GGUSDHomegrown.

Angela attended Rosita Elementary, Irvine Intermediate School, and she graduated from the Teen Mother Program at Lincoln Center in 1982. “My twins were students at Clinton and I volunteered at the school often, so when the opportunity to test for Library Media Tech opened up, I was so excited. I volunteered at the school in the library for six months while the results of testing were completed. I was hired and have loved every day since. I feel I belong here. The students and staff I work with give me a sense of belonging. At every school i have helped out at, there has always been an openness to accept.”

Currently, Angela is a Library Media Tech at Clinton Elementary.