DSUSD is pleased to introduce Ruby Borrero, Psychologist.
Ruby Borrero earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies from the University of California Riverside. She earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the California State University Northridge. Since 2015, Ms. Borrero has been a nationally certified school psychologist.
Ms. Borrero has been working with students of all ages, in different capacities for 15 years. Before becoming a school psychologist, she worked with children as a behavior therapist, volunteered as a classroom aide for a nonpublic school, mentored high school students, planned community service events for college students, and more. She states that she has had the opportunity to volunteer and work with leaders throughout her life who have helped guide her to where she is today. As an English-Language Learner herself, she has a strong desire to ensure student cultural differences are acknowledged and understood when making decisions about ELL students' education.
As a school psychologist, Ms. Borrero has been able to not only complete the comprehensive roles required of her such as counseling, consultation, and assessments, but she has also served as a Student Study Team Chair for 5 years at an elementary school, she’s been part of the Preschool Assessment Team, and the PBIS team.
Ms. Borrero has been living in San Diego for the past 7 years, but is looking forward to returning to the Coachella Valley where she grew up. Ms. Borrero attended our very own Van Buren Elementary School from 1st-5th grade. And then went on to play tennis for Desert Mirage High School at our neighboring district. Most of her free time is now dedicated to doing fun activities with her son and family.
Ms. Borrero would like to acknowledge her family, husband, almost-2-year-old son, and their cat Iris who gives the best cuddles. She states she is so excited to work alongside such an amazing team and thrilled to be back in DSUSD!
Next, we are pleased to introduce Jessica Morrow, Principal, Kennedy Elementary School.
Jessica Morrow earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching and as well as her teaching credential from California State University San Marcos. She then earned a Computer Science in Education Authorization from University California, Riverside. Followed by a Master's in Education with an emphasis in Teaching English Learners from National University. And most recently her Administrative Credential from the Riverside County Office of Education. She is also a Nationally Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language.
Mrs. Morrow began her teaching career with Palm Springs Unified over 15 years ago. She served as teacher in both elementary and secondary school sites, ASB Director, Teacher on Special Assignment for Math, and Instructional Coach.
In 2016 she took a promotion as the Assistant Principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. During her time there the school saw a number of positive changes including bringing the HERO (Anti-Bullying) program on board, a more than 50% decline in the number of referrals issued year over year, and more positive clubs and activities for students on campus.
Two years later she returned to Palm Springs Unified as the Principal of Julius Corsini Elementary. While she describes her time at Julius Corsini as amazing, having seen so many positive changes year after year, her heart belongs to the students of Indio and she is excited to get to work for the team at John F. Kennedy Elementary.
Among her accomplishments are being named Teacher of the Year - Julius Corsini Elementary, Employee of the Month - Palm Springs Unified, Desert Springs Middle School, PTA Community Coalition Award - Julius Corsini Elementary, Rising Star Award Recipient (efforts made for Students with Special Needs) - Julius Corsini, Coachella Valley Masonic Lodge - Educational Excellence Award, and the Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation - HERO Program Administrator of the Year.
Mrs. Morrow loves to cook and find new recipes. Her focus lately has been finding things her toddler will eat and the many different foods you can prepare in nugget form so he thinks he's eating a chicken nugget.
Mrs. Morrow would like to thank Margo McCormick, Lupe Mares, and Emily Valenzuela for teaching her so much during my time at Jefferson Middle.
She would also like to acknowledge Kyla Jimenez for mentoring me since the beginning. As well as her parents, husband, Billy, and their son, Davis, for being so understanding and wonderful always.
We are also pleased to introduce Jeffrey White, Mental Health Therapist.
Jeffrey White received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and his Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
Mr. White is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience working with children and families. Mr. White has worked in many settings including community mental health, public health, private practice, and in schools as a special education therapist. Mr. White is passionate about working adolescents and families.
He has additional training in psychiatry, neuroscience, child therapy, mindfulness and family therapy.
Mr. White is excited to join Paige Middle School and the DSUSD team.
Lastly, DSUSD is pleased to introduce Marcus Wood, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services.
Marcus Wood earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Oregon University, his Master’s degree from Eastern Oregon University, a second Master’s degree from California State University San Bernardino, and his Doctorate from the University of La Verne.
Dr. Wood is a product of the pacific northwest. Born and raised in Northeastern Oregon, he toiled on the family farm growing up and worked his way through college while working full time at a local Lumber Mill. Dr. Wood taught High School Economics in the Bay Area for two years before transitioning in 2000 to the Desert where he taught at both LQMS and JGMS for 4 years. He was then promoted to Assistant Principal, serving at Earhart Elementary, John Glenn and Paige Middle Schools. In 2007 Dr. Wood was appointed as principal of John Glenn Middle School and in 2012 he was appointed as the principal of Shadow Hills High School. Five years ago, Dr. Wood was appointed as Senior Director in Educational Services. Dr. Wood acknowledges that he had the great fortune to work with incredible staff at JGMS, SHHS, and in Educational Services and if it were not for the people that he worked with, he would have never experienced the success nor had the opportunities that have been afforded to him.
Dr. Wood was awarded teacher of the year, principal of the year, and certificated administrator of the year while working in Desert Sands. He was also a County finalist for certificated administrator of the year in 2021.
Dr. Wood is a die hard San Francisco 49ers and Oregon Ducks football fan. He loves watching his teams play and involves the entire family. In addition, you will find Dr. Wood at the gym each morning before work and on the hiking trails a couple times a week as he completes his 8 mile hike to Bear Creek Oasis in the La Quinta Cove.
Dr. Wood would like to acknowledge and thank some key people who have had a very positive impact on his professional career. First and foremost, his wife Kristen for her unwavering support and all five children who are all products of Desert Sands. In addition, Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, Dan Miller, Cathy Felci and Carole Ferraud (fur ow) as well as the educational services and support staff. These individuals' leadership and support have been a foundation for Dr. Wood for the past 20 years in Desert Sands.