As promised in our last newsletter, here is a little bit about some of our newest TCROP members:
Richard Alvarez - Utility Worker (ROP Center) comes to us after having served as a substitute custodian/grounds worker for Whittier City School District. He is a graduate of La Serna High School where he currently holds a Varsity Football Coach position ("Go Lancers!"). Despite having a heavy workload, Richard finds time to pursue his college degree at Rio Hondo College. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys attending USC football games ("Fight On!"), Dodgers baseball games, and Los Angeles Kings hockey games.
Evonne Caouette - Sports Medicine/Medical Core Instructor (Whittier High School) is the proud mother of two, a boy and a girl. She was a volleyball scholarship athlete who majored in Athletic Training and holds a Masters Degree. Evonne loves to spend time with her friends, listens to country music, loves dancing, and trains in Jiu-Jitsu. (Note: See amazing news story below about Evonne's recent heroism.)
Dee Cotton - Dental Assisting Instructor (Pioneer High School) has 30 years of experience in the dental field, serving in various capacities ranging from clinical to consulting. She has had the opportunity to serve as an examiner on an accreditation team evaluating schools across various states. "I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of Tri-Cities ROP," said Ms. Cotton.
Louis Garcia - Construction Technology (Pioneer High School) said, "I want to greet everyone with a hello and I am happy to be working for Tri-Cities ROP." Louis has over 20 years experience in the construction field and looks forward to bringing his knowledge and passion for the subject to the classroom. He is looking forward to a great year.
Pia Ribbe - Computer Coding (Ellen Ochoa Prep Academy) has over 20 years of industry experience in Information and Communications Technology. Bringing both theoretical and practical experience, Mrs. Ribbe is teaching one of our newest STEM electives, Introduction to Computer Science, with a focus on programming. Mrs. Ribbe received her Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from California State University, Fullerton. She and her husband, James, have two children, ages 13 and 10.
Nicholas Guerra - Long-Term Substitute Teacher for Medical Core/EMR and Career Internship (El Rancho High School). In addition to his teaching gig, Nicholas works as a Paramedic in Los Angeles County. He has experience teaching ROP, having spent four years as a teacher for La Puente Valley ROP.
Todd Ryan - Administration of Justice Academy Instructor has joined our after-school instructional team. Sergeant Ryan spends most of his time protecting and serving the citizens of Whittier as a sworn member of the Whittier Police Department's Investigations Bureau. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and watching sports.
We are so happy to have these teaching superstars on our team!