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CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

An unwavering commitment to student success

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

An unwavering commitment to student success

Education and Support Services

College and Career Advantage

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Language Acquisition

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Curriculum & Instruction

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Safety and Students Services

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Early Childhood Education

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Special Education

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Family Resource Center

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Visual and Performing Arts

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our mission

our mission

Education and Support Services exists as an organized team to provide specialized service, support, and knowledge to students with special needs, their parents, the community, and staff. The results of such efforts are the development and implementation of effective, evidence-based programs and services for all CUSD children.  Our Goal is to engage students in meaningful, challenging, and innovative educational experiences to increase post-secondary options for all students.

Dr. Greg Merwin

Associate Superintendent
Education and Support Services
 

Amanda Rodriguez

Executive Assistant
 
LEADERSHIP SERVICES 
 
Brad Shearer - Assistant Superintendent
School Leadership and Instruction
Elementary School Principals (18) PK-5:
  • Bergeson
  • Concordia
  • Canyon Vista
  • Del Obispo
  • Don Juan Avila
  • Early Childhood Center
  • George White
  • Hidden Hills
  • Kinoshita
  • Laguna Niguel
  • Las Palmas
  • Malcom
  • Moulton
  • Oak Grove
  • Palisades
  • RH Dana
  • San Juan
  • Wood Canyon
Dr. David Stewart - Assistant Superintendent
School Leadership and Instruction
Elementary School Principals (18) PK-5/PK-8:
  • Ambuehl
  • Arroyo Vista K-8
  • Bathgate
  • Benedict
  • Castille
  • Chaparral
  • Esencia K-8
  • Hankey K-8
  • Ladera Ranch
  • Las Flores
  • Lobo
  • Marblehead
  • Oso Grande
  • Reilly
  • Tijeras Creek
  • Viejo
  • Vista del Mar K-8
  • Wagon Wheel
 
Jennifer Smalley - Assistant Superintendent
School Leadership and Instruction
Secondary School Principals (18) 6-12:
  • Middle Schools
  • High Schools
  • Alternative Education Programs
  • Online Academy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Dr. Cary Johnson - Assistant Superintendent
Angie Knowles - Executive Assistant
 
 

Darrin Jindra - Executive Director
Safety and Student Services
  • Renee Johnson - Director II
  • Cindy Thomas  - Student Records Administrator
  • Jenna Perry - SARB and ATS Counselor 
Peggy Baerst - Executive Director PK-5
General and Special Education  
  • Dr. Lauren Pattullo Director II, Early Childhood Programs and Services, General and Special Education
  • Nenoska Frink - Coordinator II, Program & Behavior Support
Dr. Michael Gomez - Executive Director
State & Federal Programs
  • Beth Ewing- Director II, Expanded Learning
  • Melanie Meneses - Coordinator II, Title I
Dr. Meg Ervais - Executive Director 
6-12 ATP, General and Special Education
  • Karen Gauthier - Coordinator II,STEM
  • TBA -  Coordinator II, Humanities
Chris Carter - Executive Director
College and Career Readiness
  • Nicole Berkman - Director, Student Support Services
  • Kim Thomas - Director, Instructional Programs | Title IX Coordinator
  • Dominic Vellanoweth - Program Manager
 
  • Kerry Velez - Coordinator, Charter Schools and Strategic Initiatives
  • Omero Corral - Counselor in Special Assignment
 
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Clint Collins -  Assistant Superintendent
Kristin Arias - Senior Staff Secretary
Jeana Dagley - Executive Director
Special Education Programs and Related Services
Dr. Kathy Purcell - Executive Director
Alternative Dispute Resolution/Compliance
Nicholas Giunta -  Director I
Special Education Technology Support Services