DSUSD is pleased to introduce Michelle Mendizabal, Program Specialist, Special Education.
Mrs. Mendizabal earned her Mild-Moderate and Moderate-Severe Education Specialist credentials and her Master’s degree in Special Education from the California State University, Long Beach.
She spent 10 years working in Education; 8 of those years in Special Education teaching in mild to moderate and/or moderate to severe settings.
Mrs. Mendizabal would like to thank her husband, Chris, her sons Oliver and Harrison, her mom, and her sister for all their support over the years. She is excited for this new opportunity.
And we are excited to have her as part of the DSUSD leadership team!
Next, DSUSD is pleased to introduce Jason Mills, Coordinator, Special Education.
Mr. Mills earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History, his Special Education Credential, and Masters in Education Administration from the California State University, San Bernardino.
He has served as a special education teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. As a high school SAI math and science, he took on a leadership role as department chair and later became a program specialist. After earning his administrative credential he became a high school assistant principal.
During his tenure as a classroom educator, he has always worked to provide students with the best educational outcome despite hurdles such as disabilities, social-economic disadvantages or other factors. As an administrator he has continued that pursuit and learned the ins and outs of balancing various points of view on this issue, always working to ensure the student stays at the center.
Mr. Mills accomplishments include the introduction of and maintenance of restorative justice programs at a comprehensive high school, a District Lead Alternative Disrupt Resolution Representative, a WASC Team Lead CLMS Educator of the Year, and the CSEA WHO Award Winner.
Mr. Mills has two children. His daughter Jaydn attends the University of Nebraska, Lincoln working on a Moderate to Severe teaching credential and his son Ethan who attends the University of North Texas at Dallas studying computer science.
Mr. Mills enjoyed coaching youth and high school sports, but now that his children are grown and in college he is searching for his next passion. He does enjoy taking time to read and bike rides. He states he is excited to take on this new challenge with our district.
Welcome to Desert Sands, Mr. Mills!
Lastly, DSUSD is pleased to introduce Megan Peterson, Coordinator, Special Education.
Mrs. Peterson graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She earned her Multiple Subject Credential, Special Education Credential, and Masters in Education/Special Education from California State University San Marcos, and both her Preliminary Administrative Credential and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Brandman University.
Mrs. Peterson has worked in the field of Education since she was 18 years old. She has served as paraprofessional, Special Education teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment, and a Program Specialist.
Mrs. Peterson has been the teacher of the year at the site level twice, and the District teacher of the year once. She came to our district 6 months ago as a Program Specialist and has quickly become a valuable asset prompting her promotion to this position. She and her husband, Charlie, have two children, Gwen and Will. She enjoys playing with their two dogs, traveling and spending time on the Colorado River. Mrs. Peterson appreciates working for the District where her family resides and her children attend school.
Congratulations on your new position, Mrs. Peterson!