Board introductions made at the February 21, Board of Education meeting:

Liliana Lomeli, Mental Health Therapist
Liliana earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State University at Los Angeles and her Master's degree from the University of Michigan. Her mental health work experience includes hospitals, schools, community mental health, and private practice. Liliana has an affinity for infant, perinatal, and postpartum mental health; supporting children, adolescents, and families experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges; and providing a safe space for individuals experiencing spiritual, emotional, and relationship challenges during life transitions. Liliana is originally from Los Angeles. She is new to the Coachella Valley and looking forward to getting to know everyone and familiarizing herself with the area. She loves all things nature, hiking, and camping. She has participated in competitive swimming and water polo throughout her life and is currently dabbling in watercolor painting for fun. Liliana is married, and her husband is also a mental health therapist.

Kelly Smith, Mental Health Therapist
Kelly earned her Master's in Social Work from Syracuse University. Much of her work has been in public mental health and substance abuse settings serving adults, children, and families. She has also maintained a private practice for a number of years.  Kelly has had a lengthy and rewarding career that has allowed her participation in many roles in the field. She is proud of the work that she has provided for the betterment of others. Kelly enjoys spending time with family, hiking, and learning new things. She is also relatively new to the area having moved to California from Upstate NY approximately two years ago. Kelly receives much love and support from her two sons, her spouse, four cats, and two dogs. She is delighted to be working with us here at DSUSD.

Cynthia Varela, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst
Cynthia earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pepperdine University. She has spent her career providing ABA-based therapy to school-aged children in the Coachella Valley in both in-home and center-based settings and working as a clinical supervisor and manager to help staff develop and improve their skills working with students. Prior to coming to work at DSUSD, Cynthia provided ABA-based therapy to school-aged children in the Coachella Valley in both in-home and center-based settings and worked as a clinical supervisor and manager to help staff develop and improve their skills working with students. She grew up attending DSUSD schools and even interned as a high school senior with our Student Assistance Program after school. Cynthia would like to acknowledge her fiance Anthony, her son Jaxsyn, and her puppy Opie for their support throughout my educational and professional career. She states she looks forward to serving the district that raised her and hopes to make a positive and impactful addition to the DSUSD team.