Keynote and Plenary Speakers' Biographies
Keynotes
Equity and Access for Accelerated Student Learning & Achievement in CS/Math
Moderator: Dr. Barbara Nemko, Napa County Office of Education
Joey Adame serves as the Superintendent for Los Molinos Unified School District. Under his leadership, LMUSD has achieved numerous accomplishments in the areas of academic achievement and innovation.
Joey has over 25 years of experience in education administration, serving as assistant principal, principal for elementary, middle, and high schools, director, and superintendent. He is well-known for improving student academic achievement through implementation of sustainable system changes. His passion and commitment to providing all students with equitable access to innovative programs such as UC Davis C-STEM program has resulted in significant increases in student performance on state standardized tests. Under his leadership, Los Molinos USD received California Department of Education High School Gold Ribbon Award 2017 and Exemplary District Award for Career Technical Education 2019.
With his background in various industries, Joey understands the power and value of education. He holds a B.A. in Sociology, M.S. in School Counseling, M.A. in Education Leadership, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
District-wide Pathway Implementation for Student Success in College & Career
Moderator: Dr. Barbara Nemko, Napa County Office of Education
Dr. Fal Asrani is the Superintendent of Marysville Joint Unified School District, a TK-12 district that serves 11,000 students in grades TK-12 across 24 campuses. In her role, Dr. Asrani provides strong leadership within the school district and the larger Yuba County community. She leads the organization in developing, implementing, and providing programs and services to support every child and adult who attend the schools. Dr. Asrani has recently been recognized as one of the top 25 National Superintendents to watch by NSPRA.
Additionally, Dr. Asrani serves on the advisory board of the Avenue M. Medical Pathway at UC Davis, California Jobs First Capital Region Leadership Council, and the California K-16 Steering Committee. She earned her Doctorate in Urban Leadership at the University of Southern California, and has dedicated over 30 years to teaching and leading districts in California public schools.
Plenary Panel
Transformative Learning in Math/CS/Robotics with C-STEM
Moderator: Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education
Christine Salazar, Board President of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), is a dedicated leader with a deep connection to the community she serves. As a single mother and a proud graduate of the district, Christine understands firsthand the importance of providing students with equitable access to quality education. She has championed initiatives that expand educational opportunities, including a strong focus on CSTEM (Computer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. Under her leadership, the district has prioritized student well-being, innovation, and equity, ensuring every child is prepared for success. Christine’s leadership is defined by her commitment to collaboration, transparency, and educational excellence.
Nancy Loera, the Vice-President of the Board of Education for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, is an experienced educator with over 20 years of service. She has held multiple leadership roles throughout her career, showcasing her dedication to educational excellence and professional growth. Nancy holds advanced degrees in Early Childhood Development and Curriculum and Instruction, establishing herself as a leader and supporter of innovative educational practices. A passionate advocate for C-STEM, she recognizes its critical role in helping students excel in math by offering hands-on, practical applications that make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. Nancy remains committed to empowering students and enhancing their learning through forward-thinking programs.
Dr. Alfonso Jiménez has served as the Superintendent of the Hacienda La Puente USD since July 1, 2020. The District serves 15,642 TK-12 students, 536 preschool children, and 13,000 adult education learners. Dr. Jiménez is in his 29th year in education and in his 22nd year in administration, having served as assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and superintendent.
Dr. Jiménez is a recognized innovative educational thought leader. Through his leadership, various new programs were launched in the district such as speech and debate for middle and high school students, Mt. San Antonio Workman Early College Academy Network (WeCAN), and the Youth Cinema Project film pathway from elementary to high school. An equity driven leader, Dr. Jiménez, was instrumental in the implementation of ethnic studies district-wide at all levels. He also led the expansion of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) by establishing it as the District’s learning framework. C-STEM, visual and performing arts, Conga Kids, robotics, and dual immersion programs also continue to thrive under his leadership. All these programs provide innovative and engaging learning experiences for students. Under his leadership, the district continues to earn various honors of excellence, including the 2023 District Honor Roll Award from the Educational Results Partnership organization for increasing student achievement consistently, a California Department of Education (CDE) Pivotal Practice Award in 2022, and California School Board’s Assocation (CSBA) Golden Bell Award for Project LEAD (Life Experiences about Democracy) in 2023. Additionally, four schools recently earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for student achievement, the most of any district in one year in the state and nation!
Dr. Jiménez is the 2022 UC Davis C-STEM Center Superintendent of the Year and a 2022 National School Public Relations Association Superintendent to Watch. He was recently named the 2023 CALSA Region 5 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Jiménez holds a B.S in Physiology from California State University, Long Beach, M.S. in Administration from Pepperdine, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Updates from Dr. Jiménez are found on X using @SuptDrJimenez.
Since 2023, Dr. Rosa Isiah has been the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Hacienda La Puente, bringing her extensive experience as a longtime educational leader who actively promotes equity, access, multilingual education, and a strong focus on closing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized communities to the District. Throughout her career, Isiah held numerous teaching and administrator positions, including Bilingual Resource Specialist, Assistant Principal, Coordinator and Principal. She joined the HLPUSD family after serving as the Elementary, Equity and Access Director at Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
Under her leadership, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified received a Golden Bell award, two California Distinguished School awards and nine Pivotal Practice awards for academic and district excellence. She also received the Loyola Marymount University 2019 Leader for Social Justice award, recognizing her for completing ongoing acts of community service, social justice and racial reconciliation.In addition to her academic successes, she has co-authored five books based on the whole child, equity, leadership and power of relationships. Isiah is also a board member of the Phi Delta Kappa International Board of Directors, and the Alliance for Excellent Education Future Ready Schools. When not fulfilling academic duties, Isiah said she often presents at social justice conferences and contributes her voice to blogs and podcasts.
Joanne Chan is the Coordinator of Education Services at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. She has 25 years of professional experience in education, including 9 years in administration. Her expertise is in Educational Technology, Student Information Systems Data Analytics/Dashboard, State Assessments, District-wide Professional Development and Beginning Teachers and Administrators Induction Program, Preliminary and Clear Teacher and Administrative Credentialing and state and federal grants.
Joanne's primary responsibility is overseeing the Teacher Induction Program (TIP) and ACSA Clear Administrative Credential Program (CACP), providing high quality job-embedded mentoring system. She leads professional development for K-12 teachers in the Computing-STEM (C-STEM) program and supports them in the initiative to integrate Math/CS/Robotics in classrooms to provide students with strong foundation in Math and early exploration of CS/Robotics. Joanne evaluates program effectiveness and is dedicated to continuous program improvement. She successfully launched the C-STEM Summer Robotics Camp for over 700 students in grades K through 8 this summer and, due to high demand, will expand the program to serve more students. In 2022, she was recognized as UC Davis C-STEM Administrator of the Year.
Joanne obtained a BA in Communications with Business Administration from UCLA, an MA in Education Administration from CSU Los Angeles, and a School of Business Management Certificate from USC Rossier School of Education. She currently is a certified CA Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Chief Business Officer. She currently serves as a member of ParentSquare Advisory Council and as Chair of the Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee in her son's district.
Imelda Cledera-Rodriguez has been a teacher for 29 years -19 years in private middle and high schools and 10 years at Hacienda La Puente USD. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Master of Arts in Education. She is also an Adobe Certified Educator and 2024 UCD C-STEM Teacher of the Year. Currently, she is the English Language Program (ELP) Facilitator and New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) Committee Head at Wedgeworth Elementary School, a back-to-back National Blue Ribbon School, as well as a member of the school's Leadership Team.
A creative, effective, and reflective educator, Imelda designs original and innovative teach strategies and lessons and shares them with her team. She carefully plans her lessons that fit the needs and interests of her students. She teaches with passion and flexibility, constantly reflecting upon her practices and continuing to grow professionally. When she first implemented C-STEM Program in her class four years ago, she noticed a significant improvement in the students’ attitude towards Math and marked improvement in their district interim and state assessments. Because of C-STEM, she learned to love teaching Math, and now her students often express that they love Math, too.
Kien To has been a teacher at the Hacienda La Puente USD for the past 25 years. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Statistical Analysis from the UC Riverside. He received his multiple teaching credential from CSU San Bernardino and is currently finishing his Master’s degree in Education and Educational Technology. Kien is passionate about preparing students for their future. He researched extensively and realized that “Coding” was essential in top careers in today’s technology-driven economy. Fortuitously, his district offered professional development in UC Davis Computing-STEM (C-STEM) Program and a chance to obtain a Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential. After two and a half years of hard work and dedication, Kien has completed all requirements to obtain the CS Supplementary Teaching credential and has been implementing C-STEM program in his classroom, integrating teaching of math with coding/robotics. He believes that strong foundation in math and coding/robotics will pave roadmaps for his students and prepare them for success in STEM majors and careers. He credits the UCD C-STEM program for equipping him with the knowledge and priceless skill sets to better teach and ensure future success of his students.
Luncheon Address
The State of Education in 2024
Moderator: Dr. Fred Uy, Director of Educator Preparation & Public School Programs, CSU Office of the Chancellor
Mary Nicely is the Chief Deputy Superintendent of the California Department of Education (CDE). Nicely previously served as Deputy Superintendent for the Information and Technology Branch and Senior Advisor to Thurmond, where she led the Superintendent’s Initiatives Office and focused on recruitment and retention of teachers of color, community schools, and educator housing and public/private partnerships with philanthropy and industry. Before joining the CDE, Nicely served as Chief of Staff and District Director to then-Assembly Member Thurmond, representing California’s 15th Assembly District. Prior to her legislative career, she was President and CEO of Nicely Done Solutions, Inc. a custom database development company headquartered in Berkeley, California founded in 1994. She also served as the Western US K–12 Service and Support Manager for seven of her 13 years at Apple. Nicely is a first generation Burmese American and holds a bachelor’s degree in political economy of industrial societies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a business administration degree from Monterey Peninsula Community College in Monterey.