Who we are

We’ve Done the Work.

Our experience isn’t only theoretical.

We’ve taught in classrooms. Supported students and families. Led schools. Worked at the district level. Developed curriculum. Used data to make difficult decisions. Helped educators turn ambitious goals into daily practice.

That experience shapes how we partner. We understand that sustainable improvement has to work in real schools—with real constraints, real people, and real students.

Our role is to bring expertise, structure, and partnership while building the capacity of the leaders and teams we serve.

Orenda is part of the Think Education family.Meet Think Education’s leadership and board

Andrea Robles

Andrea Robles

Executive Administrative Assistant

Andrea has over 25 years of experience in a variety of industries, including owning several businesses. She provides Orenda Education with clerical and technical support, both in back-office operations and on-site in school districts.

Anita Maxon

Anita Maxon

Achievement Specialist

Anita Maxon is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. Anita believes every educator a child encounters truly impacts the vitality of her future. Thus, every teacher shall behold the fervor to ignite the love of learning within each child and provide access to the premium education that ALL deserve. With over 18 years in education, she has experience as an elementary and middle school teacher, English Learner Coordinator, Intervention Support Teacher, Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal and Principal.

Having watched her own mother experience the struggles of an English Learner living in poverty, Anita recognizes the power educators can wield. While some practices attempted to hinder her academic success, her mother credited the unconditional support and encouragement she received from a handful of teachers along the way that empowered her to develop her instrumental music ability, leadership skills, and academic prowess.

Anita has unique expertise in the following areas: academic curricular alignment as well as instructional leadership and student support services, including counseling. She has extensive experience around English Learners, educational technology, parent/community involvement and professional development. Anita earned an administrative credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills, a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.

Beyond her professional experiences, Anita enjoys reading, creating delicious meals while spending time with friends and family, dancing, and supporting her son as a competitive swimmer.

Arturo Navar

Arturo Navar

Achievement Specialist

Arturo Navar believes our work provides a much needed opportunity for students to have access to the accelerated rigor they might not currently be exposed to, for teachers to align their goals, expectations and instruction district wide, and for Administrators to better understand how to support all teachers and create an academic environment for all students that meets or exceeds California state standards.

With 25 years in education, he has experience as a teacher, facilitator, coordinator, content specialist, administrator, professor and achievement specialist.

Arturo understands firsthand the struggles that second language learners face in our school systems and has pursued many different positions in education to positively impact their success.

Arturo has unique expertise in the following areas: Elementary science facilitation & instruction, Education Grant project management, Dual Language/Bilingual Education, and the ability to connect professionally & personally with teachers and administrators.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Administration of Education from Cal Poly Pomona, as well as a BCLAD Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development degree from UCLA and a Teaching Credential from National University.

He has enjoyed coaching basketball for his own sons’ teams at the NJB and AAU level ages 7-14 yrs. of age for the past 10 yrs. Also enjoys all DIY home construction projects and automotive repairs.

Bambi Smith

Bambi Smith

Senior Achievement Specialist

Bambi Smith is the Senior Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. Bambi believes that all children deserve a premium education so that at the end of their high school journey they have a wealth of options for a rich quality life.

With 32+ years in education, she has recently retired from Lynwood Unified School District as a high school principal implementing the work that she learned as an elementary school teacher, instructional lead, and response to intervention coach when the district partnered with Orenda Ed. She also served as principal of the adult school and assistant principal of guidance, where Guidance Alignment truly began to develop the synergistic protocols in place today.

Growing up in a small rural town, Bambi understands how a premium education can open doors to all of life’s options and is on a mission to bring this message to as many vulnerable students possible. She has unique expertise in the following areas: high school college and career readiness, alternative education, and adult education.

She earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University and her undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

When not working for equitable outcomes for ALL students, Bambi enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play football, and taking care of her rescued chihuahua, CooJoe.

Christian Rodriguez

Christian Rodriguez

Product Owner

Christian Rodriguez believes as technology becomes important to our society, it’s important to ensure that no one is left behind. Christian is an accomplished product owner known for his unwavering dedication to driving results.

With a proven history of delivering successful projects for organizations of all scopes, Christian brings over 15 years of expertise in research, data, and technology to the table. His profound understanding of complex solutions is evident in every endeavor he undertakes.

Christian’s commitment to crafting products tailored to the specific needs of his clients speaks volumes about his dedication to adding value and fostering business triumph.

Christine Rich

Christine Rich

Executive Director of Education Services

Christine Rich is the Senior Director of Educational Services for Orenda Education. Christine believes every student deserves a premium education regardless of demographics. As a child of an immigrant, she has personally experienced the power of education and how it improves overall quality of life. You will often hear her say, “I want every student to have access to make the choice for higher education and a higher wage career, so they too can experience the privileges that come with a decent salary, benefits, and health care. There is enough for ALL to enjoy life to its fullest potential!”

With over 20 years in education, she has experience as an administrator, professional developer, teacher, and national key trainer for Project G.L.A.D. Christine’s heart has always been for historically vulnerable student groups. In all her roles in public education, her focus has been on how the school experience can be enhanced with positive academic outcomes, as well as future possibilities. Her belief in her students extended out to families, as she developed relationships to help them navigate unknown territories in access, pathways, and most importantly, the belief that it is possible! As the first college graduate on her dad’s side of the family, she personally understood how difficult it could be not having the guidance and know-how in life after high school. This experience added to her WHY.

Christine has unique expertise in the following areas: educational leadership, curriculum, instruction, brain-based teaching and learning, special education, literacy development, and language acquisition for English Learners. In each of these areas, cultivating relationships with others was her favorite part! She earned a Master’s degree from Concordia University, Irvine and a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.

Christine believes her perfect balance in life is centered on helping others in education as well as in health and wellness. Her own health journey led her to becoming a certified health and wellness coach and Pilates instructor. To Christine, life is about supporting others to elevate to their maximum potential. This is the legacy she strives for and desires in her life!

Dr. Cindy Aguilar-Munoz

Dr. Cindy Aguilar-Munoz

Achievement Specialist

Cindy Aguilar-Munoz, an Achievement Specialist at Orenda Education, is propelled by a profound conviction in the transformative force of education to elevate individuals and entire communities. Her fervor is dedicated to serving, bolstering, and partnering with educators in their pursuit of equity for every student. Central to her mission is the steadfast belief that demographics must not determine destiny.

With a career spanning two decades in education, Cindy has assumed diverse roles, including community liaison, elementary, middle, and high school educator, and school administrator. This rich experience has endowed her with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted needs of students. Cindy’s dedication to supporting students facing educational challenges arises from her firm belief that every child is entitled to equitable access to exemplary instruction and resources, vital for optimizing their educational journey and cultivating opportunities.

Her expertise in instructional methodologies, assessment of learning, professional learning development, and AVID implementation underscores her commitment to empowering students and nurturing academic achievement. Cindy’s academic credentials include a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University, complemented by a Master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Cindy finds joy in exploring culinary adventures, staying active through fitness activities, and treasuring precious moments with her growing family.

Cynthia Monreal Gonzalez

Cynthia Monreal Gonzalez

Senior Achievement Specialist

Cynthia Monreal González is a Senior Achievement Specialist. Cynthia believes that a high-quality education is a basic human right that will ensure access to all children. As such, it is imperative that all children have a high-quality education so that each person is enabled to determine their own path in life.

With over 20 years in education, she has experience as an AVID tutor, elementary and middle school teacher, instructional lead, coordinator, director, and Executive Director of Educational Services. The depth and breadth of her experiences have allowed her to engage in and support all aspects of the K-8 educational system in a very high-needs community, leading to improved outcomes for all students.

As a first-generation college graduate, Cynthia has the lived experience of being a student in an underserved community. This experience informs the urgency of this work for her.

Cynthia has unique expertise in the following areas: curriculum and instruction, professional development for teachers and administrators, language acquisition for English learners, and capacity building through strategic planning and implementation coaching.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego, as well as a Master’s degree from San Diego State University. Additionally, she holds an Administrative Services Credential and a National Principal Supervisor Certificate for Equity and Excellence.

Dr. Elizabeth Valenzuela

Dr. Elizabeth Valenzuela

Senior Achievement Specialist

Dr. Elizabeth Valenzuela is a Senior Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. Elizabeth believes that those students who start from behind have a natural fighting spirit but need at least one adult to guide and believe in them to have a true fighting chance.

With 25 years in education, she has experience as a Teacher, Dean of Instruction, and Principal. She resonates with and has an affinity for serving students who are quiet, unnoticed, and underestimated in school. She has unique expertise in the following areas: teacher leadership, curriculum and instruction, acceleration for equity, and coaching administrators in instructional leadership practices.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree from USC, a Master’s Degree from the University of La Verne, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University.

Erica Constantino

Erica Constantino

Senior Operations Manager

Erica is the Senior Operations Manager at Orenda Education. Erica believes that demographics should NOT determine one’s destiny.

Prior to joining Orenda in 2019, Erica began her journey in Expanded Learning with Think Together in 2008. During that time, Erica worked with K-8 students in Ontario-Montclair, Moreno Valley, Rialto, San Diego, Compton, and Upland.

She enjoys her role at Orenda because she’s not only supports the business needs of the entire team, but she is out in the field observing our Achievement Specialists and partners in action, especially during Summer Institute.

Erica earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication, with an emphasis in Public Relations from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and plans to pursue her MBA in the near future.

In her free time, Erica enjoys Jazzercise, running 10Ks, and spending time with her loved ones.

Dr. Erica Thomas

Dr. Erica Thomas

Achievement Specialist

Erica Thomas is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. Erica believes that all students must understand the clear path to get to their dreams. When students know how to get from where they are today, to what they want tomorrow, we have accomplished a major feat!

With 24 years in education, she has experience as a secondary teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director.

Being a middle of the road student as a child and getting minimal support from educators throughout her school age years, she grew to understand how students could easily fall through the cracks.

Erica has unique expertise in the following areas: secondary science education and pk-12 administration. She is also an adjunct lecturer at CSULB.

She earned an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach, as well as a Master of Science degree in Administrative Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry.

She is a mother of four, with a passion for trying new foods. “Food is such a powerful way to learn about different cultures, and I love to experience diverse culinary traditions.”

Genny Sosa

Genny Sosa

Vice President

Genny Sosa is the Vice President of Education Partnerships for Orenda Education. Genny believes in building a community of equity leaders that has the power to change the odds for our most vulnerable students!

With over 27 years in education, she has experience as an Elementary and Secondary Teacher, Principal, Principal Coach, and District Director.

She has spent her educational career implementing equity systems that will have long lasting improved outcomes for the various communities that she has served. She has unique expertise in the following areas: English Learners and struggling students, in general.

She earned a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Whittier College and an Administrative Credential from Cal Poly Pomona.

She enjoys playing board games with her family and looks forward to football Sundays every fall!

Karis Park

Data Analyst - Department of Awesome

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Kristine Smith

Kristine Smith

Achievement Specialist

Kristine Smith is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. She is a third-generation educator who proudly continues her family’s legacy of serving students. She strongly believes that all students can learn and find success in their educational goals through the power of equitable education.

With 18 years in education, she has experience as a middle school teacher, special education teacher at the K-12 levels, AP/SSD Coordinator, and Assistant Principal at the high school level. Kristine supported her school in paving the way and opening doors for all students to have a high-quality education through open access for all students. She focused on expanding inclusive practices, strengthened collaboration for teachers and administrators, and used data-driven instruction to improve student outcomes.

Kristine is passionate about creating equitable, inclusive schools where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. She believes that strong partnerships among families, educators, and the community are the foundation of student success, and she remains committed to ensuring every child can thrive and find success with achieving their high school and career goals through education.

Kristine’s expertise is in special education for the K-12 levels, instructional leadership/support, and guided planning at the secondary level.

She earned her Master’s Degree in Administration of Education & her Special Education Credentials from Cal State Dominguez Hills, her general education Teaching Credential from National University, as well as her bachelor’s degree in English at Cal State Los Angeles.

Kristine loves spending time with her family. You can find her camping on the beach with her two teenage kids, husband, and wiener dog fur babies. The force is strong with this one as she enjoys attending anime expos or comic con with her family.

Lisa Garcia Ceja

Lisa Garcia Ceja

Achievement Specialist

Lisa Ceja is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. Lisa believes in equal access to a premium education for all students, regardless of their backgrounds, ensuring that demographics do not determine destiny.

With 30+ years in education, she has experience as a High School Math Teacher, Ed Tech Coach, and an Intervention Specialist. She also served as the Co-Director of the UCLA Mathematics Project and as an instructor at UCLA.

Lisa’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by students vulnerable to academic struggles stems from her firsthand experience returning to teach at her high school alma mater, where she witnessed the vital role of family and school community support in overcoming obstacles to success. She credits being the first in her family to graduate from college to the support she received from her parents, family, and school community.

She has unique expertise in the following areas: secondary mathematics education, educational technology, mathematics curriculum development, and professional learning.

Lisa earned a Masters of Education and Bachelors of Science from UCLA and is a proud Google for Education Certified Innovator and Trainer. She enjoys any conversations that include the topics of cats, nail art, mathematics, astronomy, or music.

Martha Avelar

Martha Avelar

Instructional Specialist

Martha Avelar believes in education because he comes from a proud family of teachers who showed her the power of knowledge to transform lives. Growing up, she saw how education was the way out of poverty—it opened doors, created opportunities, and gave her a voice. She is passionate about giving that same chance to others, helping students see their potential, and believing in a better future for themselves.

With 33 years in education, she has experience as a teacher, Categorical Program Advisor, Immigrant Education Program Advisor, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

Martha Avelar has unique expertise in the following areas: English Learners, Title 1 students, and Special Education students.

She earned a Master’s degree and an Administrative credential at CSULA, and her Bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara.

Maria Soto

Maria Soto

Instructional Specialist

Maria Annett Soto is an Instructional Specialist for Orenda Education. Maria believes education is the path to equity and empowerment for all learners. Through our work, we support the advocacy of our most vulnerable learners by creating the opportunities to change belief systems and educators’ understanding of the potential for all students to achieve the highest levels of learning.

With 34 years in education, she has experience as a teacher, Title VII Resource Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, District Administrator, and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

Maria believes that all students rise to the expectations that are set for them and are capable of achieving their highest potential when given the supports they need. She has unique expertise in the following areas: curriculum and instruction development, creating organizational systems, Bilingual Education, and coaching.

She earned a Master’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles in Educational Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona.

She enjoys her new semi-retired travel adventures, spending time with family, and being the biggest cheerleader for her two grandkids.

Marina Coco La Salle

Marina Coco La Salle

Manager of Education Partnerships

Marina Coco La Salle is the Manager of Education Partnerships for Orenda Education. Coco believes that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to quality education that leaves them feeling empowered and provides them with all of life’s options for their choosing.

With 10 years in education and business, she has experience as a Teacher’s Assistant, Substitute Teacher, Teacher (Department Chair), Marketing and Events Coordinator.

Coco is uniquely attuned to the needs of students vulnerable to academic struggles, drawing inspiration from the remarkable journeys of her parents who defied odds, emerging from low-income neighborhoods to attain advanced degrees in education and technology, illuminating the path for future generations. She has unique expertise in the following areas: Education, Marketing, Event and Project Coordination.

She earned a Communications degree from the University of Hawaii – Manoa, a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Florida and a Teaching Credential from the Los Angeles County of Education.

She has 10+ years of experience as a competitive athlete and fitness instructor, which motivated her to open her own fitness club. She earned the following health and fitness certifications: PFT, CSCS, CFL1, CFL2, CFN1. Since having her company she found a love for exploring movement through CrossFit, rock climbing, hiking, and running. Her most favorite hobbies outside of fitness involve traveling, camping, reading, live music, and spending time watching movies with her family and fur babies.

Michelle Centeno

Michelle Centeno

Achievement Specialist

Michelle Delgado Centeno is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. She believes a quality education is a right, not a privilege, for all students.

With 33 years in education, she has experience as a teacher, elementary principal, director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and director of state and federal programs. As the child of a single mother of three, she has experienced firsthand and witnessed, the transformative power that education can make in the lives of children.

Michelle has unique expertise in the following areas: serving English Learners and Migrant students and engaging parents to support their child(ren) journey in our schools.

She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Administrative Credential from CA State University, Long Beach, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from CA State University, Fullerton. She and her husband of 30 years are the proud parents of two college-aged children.

Marty Maya

Marty Maya

Chief of Staff

Marty Maya is Chief of Staff for Orenda Education. Marty believes that every child/student deserves to have an excellent education, no matter where they live and no matter what circumstances may affect their lives. Every child/student needs to be provided an education that allows them to be in the position to attend college, if that is what they choose. They must be college and/or career ready.

With 35 years in education, she has experience as a teacher, principal, and Assistant Superintendent.

Marty is a first-generation college graduate who grew up in East Los Angeles. Her mother received her high school diploma as an adult and her father left Mexico as a young man seeking a better life in the United States. Her passion for ensuring that she would go to college and graduate was a dream fulfilled for her parents. The sense of “giving back” to the community that groomed her was instinctual and came with a sense of obligation to serve students who are vulnerable and did not always have the “extras” that other more affluent students had at their disposal. Credit goes to Marty’s parents who believed that an education was the “way” to a secure and successful life. She has unique expertise in the following areas: educational leadership, strategic planning, and building relationships.

She earned a Master’s in Education from California State University, Los Angeles, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from California State University, Los Angeles.

She is a proud mother of two children and a proud grandmother of five grandchildren. They range in ages from 30 to 7 months! Her oldest set of grandchildren are both college graduates with master’s degrees. One is a Special Education teacher and the other a soon to be a Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in trauma. All to say, that they are both giving back to the community and serving the needs of the most vulnerable. Additionally, another major feather in her cap is that she celebrated 53 years of marriage to her college sweetheart!

Nate Fukuwa

Nate Fukuwa

Director of Data Analytics & Operations

Nate Fukuwa is the Director of Data Analytics & Operations for Orenda Education. Nate believes that technology and data are an integral part of our work, helping teachers and administrators analyze student performance and ultimately breaking down barriers to ensure student achievement. With over 10 years in education, he has experience as a teacher, coach, and district educational technology leader.

Nate found his niche in the educational data realm and has developed numerous tools for analyzing student data to help identify systematic trends hindering student performance. He has unique expertise in the following areas: Educational technology, database administration, data analysis, and data visualization.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Educational Technology from Chapman University. As well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Nate also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Marine Corps with 19 years of leadership experience, where he works as a Battalion Operations Officer, teaching and mentoring our future leaders.

Omar Zuniga

Omar Zuniga

Achievement Specialist

Omar Zúñiga is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. Omar believes that every student deserves a premium education, regardless of demographics. With over 20 years in education, he has experience as a High School Mathematics Teacher, University Mathematics Instructor, International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator, Instructional Improvement Lead, English Language Coordinator, and Testing Coordinator.

As a child of immigrant parents and as an English Language Learner, Omar experienced first-hand many of the challenges that many of our current struggling students encounter. He firmly believes that a premium education empowers students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. He is passionate about serving historically vulnerable students and in working with educators to support them in creating systems that lead to equitable outcomes for all students.

Omar has unique expertise in the following areas: mathematics curriculum development & implementation, instruction, theoretical mathematics, assessment development, and professional learning.

He earned a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Arizona, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his fur babies and is obsessed with exceeding his daily goals of ten thousand footsteps and of at least one hour of physical activity.

Payel Chatterjee

Payel Chatterjee

Vice President

Payel Chatterjee is the Vice President of Product and Engineering for Orenda Education. Payel believes that all students deserve the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or learning style. With over 19 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, she possesses a deep understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from ideation to implementation and brings a strategic and analytical approach to creating impactful and data-driven software solutions.

Payel is passionate about empowering educators and leaders with the tools and resources they need to succeed. She believes that data-driven insights, coupled with a deep understanding of the educational landscape, are essential for creating positive change in classrooms and schools. She actively seeks opportunities to use data and technology to identify and address challenges faced by educators and leaders, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to create thriving learning environments.

Payel brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities in education technology, with expertise in Software product management and data analytics and visualization.

She earned an MBA from XLRI School of Management in India as well as a bachelor’s degree in commerce and accounting.

Payel is an avid reader and Indian classical dancer and enjoys spending time with her family in her free time.

Priscilla Martinez

Priscilla Martinez

Achievement Specialist

Priscilla Martinez is an Achievement Specialist for Orenda Education. She believes in building partnerships with schools to provide a premium education for all students.

With 26 years in education, she has experience as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, School site Coordinator, and Administrator, K-12.

Priscilla continues to advocate for students, partnering with schools and districts across the state to guide and support them through their journey of implementing equitable systems to raise academic achievement for all students.

Priscilla has unique expertise in the following areas: curriculum alignment, instructional support, guided planning, and language development for English Learners.

She earned an Administrative Credential degree from the University of Irvine, California and California State University, Northridge, a Master of Arts/Teaching Credential degree from Claremont Graduate School, a Master of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in history, with a minor in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Growing up a second language learner in a Southeast community of Los Angeles, she was faced with the challenges of overcoming ethnic, gender and class inequities in and out of school. These challenges became the catalyst for her to be a champion for students and challenge inequities in educational systems. She has spent over 25 years serving the schools in East Los Angles and looks forward to many more years of supporting schools across the state.

Dr. Sarah Mott Gonzales

Dr. Sarah Mott Gonzales

Vice President

Dr. Sarah Mott Gonzales is the Vice President of College Readiness at Orenda Education. She strongly believes that education is the key to achieving justice and equity in our nation. It provides vulnerable communities and individuals with opportunities and choices, which equals control of one’s destiny.

Sarah has over 22 years of experience in education, having worked as a Secondary English Teacher, International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator, and high school site administrator before joining Orenda Education. Sarah’s passion is to influence schools and districts across the state to make real, systemic changes that result in significant and measurable achievement gains for vulnerable students. She has unique expertise in teaching and learning, professional development, teacher/administrative coaching, and college/career readiness. Sarah earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California. She also holds a Master’s degree from Yale University and is a graduate of Carleton College.

Sarah loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, especially when they can travel and see new places. Currently, her family’s favorite place to visit is London, UK.

Scott McGuire

Scott McGuire

Vice President

Scott has over 20 years of experience as a teacher, intervention specialist, district-level professional development specialist, instructional technology coach, Elementary School Principal, and most recently serving as Director of Education Services at Orenda Education, serving to help other schools and districts work to ensure that all students achieve at high levels. He holds his master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Students. As Senior Director of Education Services, Scott, works together with equity-minded school leaders to actively address the root causes of the achievement gap through an improvement science framework that accelerates learning and collaboration across districts and school systems, creating a foundation for transformation, resulting in increasing achievement for every student demographic.

Tony Hua

Tony Hua

Senior District Strategist

Tony Hua believes Education is liberation and that every student regardless of ability or disability, there demographics or where they live, deserve a relevant, excellent and equitable education that prepares them to be successful in college, career and life.

With 24 years in education, he has experience as a classroom Teacher, Principal, District Director, and Deputy Superintendent.

Tony’s affinity towards serving students furthest from justice stems from his long career working in school systems with historically marginalized groups. From implementing college access programs to turning around underperforming schools–reflects his commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of background has the support and tools to succeed.

Tony has unique expertise in the following areas: Curriculum and Instruction, Strategic Planning, and Educational Leadership.

He earned a Master of Education degree from Loyola Marymount University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in literature, Science and the Arts from the University of Iowa. Tony also is an MMA instructor and holds a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Veronica Rodriguez

Veronica Rodriguez

Achievement Specialist

Veronica Rodriguez is currently an Achievement Specialist dedicated to creating equitable learning opportunities for all students. From a young age, she has believed in the transformative power of compassionate, committed adults who have the power to change lives—believing wholeheartedly that every child, no matter the challenges they face, can thrive with love, support, and guidance. This deep-rooted conviction continues to drive her work in fostering environments where all students are empowered to succeed.

With over 22 years of experience in education, Veronica has served in a variety of impactful roles, including special education teacher, elementary assistant principal, and middle school principal across K–8 settings. She is especially passionate about serving diverse communities—particularly those navigating socioeconomic hardships, language barriers, learning challenges, and systemic inequities. Her work is fueled by a heartfelt desire to uplift educators, students, and families who have historically faced obstacles in accessing quality education.

Veronica earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State San Bernardino and later completed a master’s degree and teaching credential in Special Education at Azusa Pacific University. She also holds an administrative credential from National University. As a proud first-generation college graduate, Veronica draws inspiration from her mother and grandparents, whose sacrifices and values shaped her dedication to education. Grateful for the opportunities she’s had, she is committed to paying it forward by championing others who may not have had similar opportunities.

Beyond her professional life, Veronica finds her greatest joy in her role as a mother to five children—four adult sons between the ages of 20 and 27, and a 13-year-old daughter whose passion is dance and soccer. She finds joy in her faith, spending time with her family, watching sports, staying active at the gym, and reading a good book.

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