Grantees
Meet our guiding stars.
Deep commitment. Big dreams. Incredible impact.
Every year, thanks to the generosity of our community, the San Juan Education Foundation helps make the dreams—both big and small—of San Juan Unified educators come true.
2025-2026 PROPEL Grant Program Impact
INVESTED IN CLASSROOMS
$179,089
GRANTS AWARDED
87
SCHOOLS SUPPORTED
38
STUDENTS SERVED
10,909
Congratulations to this school year’s class of PROPEL Grantees, remarkable leaders in innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Joel Lorenzo, $7,500
Carnegie MS
Igniting Lifelong Wellness: Integrating Heart Zones Technology into PE
This PROPEL Innovation Grant project introduces Heart Zones heart-rate monitors into the PE program using real-time, anonymous data to increase students’ time in moderate to vigorous physical activity. By focusing on personal effort rather than competition, the program supports inclusive participation, strengthens fitness literacy, and enhances attention, behavior, and academic readiness through movement.

Mark Cornfield, $26,000
Casa Roble HS
Light up the Stage
With support from a PROPEL Transformation Grant, Casa’s theatre program will upgrade its outdated lighting system—giving students hands-on experience with modern technology used in college and careers. The result: more engaging productions and new pathways for students interested in technical theatre.

Yesmine Thompson, $20,000
Dyer-Kelly El
Safe and Inclusive Spaces with Technology and Seating Improvements
This PROPEL Transformation Grant award strengthens learning environments by upgrading technology and student seating in key instructional spaces—making them safer, more equitable, and more engaging. From enhanced performing arts instruction to improved access to digital tools for intervention and ELD students, this investment ensures every learner has the resources they need to succeed.

Nikolas Jones, $20,000
Mira Loma HS
Mira Loma Blackbox Lighting Upgrade
This PROPEL Transformation Grant will modernize an outdated theatre lighting system and booth—creating a safer, more equitable, and academically rich performing-arts environment for students. With new digital lighting controls and LED fixtures, students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment while bringing performances to life in powerful new ways.

David Levis, $7,500
San Juan HS
The Learning Grove: A Transformative Outdoor Educational Space
This PROPEL Innovation Grant project transforms the San Juan High’s outdoor library garden into The Learning Grove—a universally accessible, sustainable, outdoor learning space designed and built by students. Led by the school’s construction program, the project integrates multiple disciplines, empowering students to collaborate, apply real-world skills, and create a welcoming environment for individual study, small-group collaboration, and whole-class learning that will serve the campus for years to come.

Angela Luna, $6,270
Thomas Edison Language Institute
Equal Auditory Access
This PROPEL Innovation Grant project improves learning conditions for multilingual and ELD students by reducing excessive classroom noise and improving acoustics. Through sound-absorbing materials and classroom dividers, students and teachers can better hear, focus, and engage—creating a safer, more inclusive environment that supports language development, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

Wendy Esquivel, $14,190
Will Rogers MS
Media Studio Equity
Media students have been awarded a PROPEL Transformation Grant to strengthen their student-produced news broadcast—building school culture, promoting PBIS, and amplifying student voice. With professional-grade equipment, students are gaining real-world media experience and expanding access through multi-camera production and ASL interpretation.

Caroline Digman, $5,210
Albert Schweitzer El
Tools for Physical and Cognitive Skill Development for TK and K
PROPEL Transformation Grant funding will be used to purchase 15 tricycles, creating more inclusive, accessible, and joyful play for TK and Kindergarten students of all abilities. This investment helps ensure every child can belong, connect, and thrive—one ride at a time.

Vicky Velasco, $1,700
Arcade MS
Solar Races
With solar car kits, students can build, test, and refine designs using the engineering design process, take their projects home to share with families, and connect renewable energy concepts to their lives—fostering curiosity, creativity, and a sense of themselves as future problem-solvers and innovators.

Mediha Shakir, $1,500
Arcade MS
STEM Challenges for Real-World Sustainability Learning
STEM materials to engage students in hands-on learning—building, testing, and problem-solving—connecting science to real-world challenges like sustainability and energy, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of empowerment to make a positive impact on the future.

Sharan Kaur, $1,500
Charles Peck El
Sparking Curiosity
STEM materials provide hands-on learning and support English learners and students on I.E.P.s in accessing complex scientific language and concepts. By exploring Earth’s crust changes, erosion, and natural disasters through sensory, interactive experiences, all students will develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, and see themselves as future innovators tackling real-world challenges.

Virginia Dorman, $1,500
Dyer Kelly El
Exploring Alternative Energy
The Alternative Energy Class Pack will enhance our TWIG Science curriculum with safe, hands-on, and inclusive learning experiences. Through clear safety protocols, collaborative learning, and culturally responsive lessons that connect global energy practices, students will explore concepts like wind turbines, solar chargers, and fuel cells—deepening curiosity, engagement, and understanding of alternative energy.

Catherine Davis, $2,500
Greer El
Amplifying Student Voice with Book Creator
Greer Elementary’s diverse, multilingual students bring rich cultural and linguistic backgrounds to the classroom. This PROPEL Achievement grant will help them find and share their voices through Book Creator, an interactive program that lets students record, write, and publish their own digital books. With new class sets of headphones and microphones, students in grades 2–5 will be able to create and reflect in English and their home languages—developing fluency, creativity, and confidence as young authors while connecting their learning across all subjects.

Jacob Lacuesta, $5,500
Katherine Johnson MS
Exploring Alternative Energy with Solar Cars
Students will explore alternative forms of energy through building and testing solar cars, reinforcing the “Harnessing Human Energy” unit and the Engineering Design Process, with a special field trip planned to extend their learning.

Benjamin Kane, $1,500
Kingswood El
R.E.A.L.I.T.Y.: Real Experiences Altering Lives In Today’s Youth
The STEM Alternative Energy Kit aligns with Amplify’s first unit, “Harnessing Human Energy,” and engages students actively by having them solve engineering problems. While traditional activities like egg drops, bottle rockets, solar ovens, and chemical experiments provide hands-on learning, the unit’s current energy design project is mostly theoretical or computer-based; these kits will let students explore cutting-edge human energy innovations, build a strong framework for understanding energy, and inspire curiosity that carries into future units.

Mollie Zuehlke, $1,500
Lichen El
Exploring Solar Energy
Solar Cell Classroom Kit for second graders to explore concepts about sustainability and natural resources.

Annalee Weight, $1,500
Mariposa Ave El
STEM for Upper Grades
Our first unit of the year, Earth’s Features and Processes, is perfectly complemented by the Build a Better World STEM kit, a hands-on project helping students connect scientific concepts to real-world issues. By exploring natural systems and human impacts, students gain a deeper understanding of the planet and are empowered to make informed decisions as responsible stewards of the Earth.

Christopher Cimino, $1,200
Mesa Verde HS
Emerging Energies STEM Kit
Too often, environmental science focuses on the negative aspects of humans on the environment. This kit provides fun and interesting activities that teach students about alternative energy sources, and with understanding comes empowerment. Students will gain knowledge about solving several real-world energy problems. Through this understanding, they will become empowered to mitigate energy problems affecting the planet.
William Simpson, $1,980
San Juan HS
Class set of 3D Printers
This PROPEL Achievement Grant project brings a full set of 3D printers to the 9th grade science classroom, transforming how students explore physics and engineering. Through hands-on design and prototyping, students will create their own scientific models—deepening understanding, building creativity, and connecting learning to real-world challenges. Accessible, browser-based design tools ensure every student can participate. The new printers will support interdisciplinary projects and lay the groundwork for future STEM success, empowering students with design thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills that last a lifetime.

David Gantenbein, $2,500
Thomas Edison Language Institute
Classroom Hydroponics
This hands-on 3rd grade PROPEL Achievement Grant project introduces students to the scientific method by comparing hydroponic and aquaponic systems through growing lettuce in the classroom. Students observe, measure, and analyze data while exploring plant biology, nutrition, and environmental science. The project promotes inclusion by inviting students to share their own food and growing traditions, builds critical thinking skills, and inspires curiosity about sustainability. A durable new system will ensure this engaging unit continues for years—helping students cultivate knowledge, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Coryn Hernandez, $1,000
Thomas Edison Language Institute
Enhancing Language Access with Interactive Display Technology
This Achievement Grant provides a portable touchscreen display to support engaging, interactive speech and language therapy sessions. The device allows students to directly interact with visual and multimodal materials, increasing accessibility, participation, and motivation while supporting a wide range of communication needs.

Kristin Salimi, $480
Albert Schweitzer El
Educational games, art projects, and classroom supplies that make learning interactive and engaging for first graders. Through hands-on activities, students—especially English learners—will build deeper understanding in science and social studies while developing important organization and life skills.

April Lonero, $500
Albert Schweitzer El
Books, counseling games, and a mini shredder to support students’ social-emotional growth. Through stories and play, students learn coping and communication skills, practice emotional regulation, and build resilience to return to the classroom ready to learn.

Ashley Wilcox, $100
Albert Schweitzer El
Solar Bug Kits will foster curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking, helping students explore how things work, imagine solutions to real-world problems, and begin considering future careers—instilling motivation, creativity, and a connection to the world around them.

Chrystania Brizzi, $325
Barrett MS
Supporting arts-integrated history projects—such as murals, gallery walks, and oral histories—that help students explore the past through creative expression. These engaging, culturally responsive activities provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning while strengthening critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Lindsey Seva, $320
Carmichael El
Picture books to be used in all classrooms—including general education, SDC, and ASD settings—for weekly social-emotional learning lessons.

Lareina Holsopple, $490
Carmichael El
Engaging, game-based reading, spelling, and phonics activities aligned with the Science of Reading to support all K–5 students, including those who struggle with literacy. Through hands-on, differentiated learning, students build skills, confidence, and community—developing into strong, fluent readers ready to embrace future opportunities.
April Nell, $495
Casa Roble HS
Expanding the school library’s collection with Ukrainian books to support biliteracy and ensure students see their home language and culture reflected and valued. By building a more inclusive collection, the project affirms belonging while providing critical support to the library during a year with limited funding.

Amanda Caviness, $250
Charles Peck El
A wireless microphone to ensure students can clearly hear instruction during outdoor PE classes. Improved sound clarity will increase safety, reduce repeated directions, and ensure all students—especially English learners—can fully participate in active learning.

Elaine Paul, $500
Del Dayo El
Magnetic boards and tiles to support literacy instruction, allowing students to manipulate letters and word parts—organized by phonics patterns—to strengthen reading and spelling skills.

Julie Morey, $350
Deterding El
Therapy putty, storage bins, SEL books, wellness posters, flexible activity space, kinetic sand and play therapy tools, healthy snacks, and group curriculum materials.

Kristen Culpepper, $482
Dyer Kelly El
Supporting a student-led initiative where fifth graders create “Buddy Bags” filled with books, games, and social-emotional learning activities for mentoring sessions with younger students. The project builds leadership, empathy, and connection while creating meaningful literacy and socioemotional learning experiences for students across grade levels.

Sarah Abercrombie, $300
Dyer-Kelly El
Classroom materials that enrich learning and foster an environment responsive to student trauma.

Tina Tran, $500
Dyer-Kelly El
Sensory tools, visual emotion charts, and mindfulness activities—to help students identify and manage their emotions. By fostering self-regulation, empathy, and inclusion, these resources will create supportive spaces where every student feels safe, focused, and ready to learn.

Barbara Walker, $500
Dyer-Kelly El
Diverse, high-quality resources—books, art supplies, math manipulatives and games, SEL tools and fidgets to support all learning styles.

Marcos Rosas, $100
Dyer-Kelly El
Solar Bug Kits will help my students see how energy is transferred and teach that solar power is a clean, renewable resource shaping the future, which is especially meaningful for our students who are migrants from other countries.

Michael Zysk, $438
El Camino HS
The renovation of two large display cases to showcase student artwork in a prominent school hallway. Rotating exhibits of paintings, ceramics, and mixed media will celebrate every student’s creativity and voice—especially those of English learners and students with special needs—affirming that art is only complete when it’s shared and seen.

Meaghan Sheehan, $460
El Camino HS
High-interest graphic novels to the school library, giving students more choices for independent reading. Graphic novels support visual and language development, making them especially valuable for English learners, students with learning differences, and reluctant readers—while sparking excitement and engagement with reading for all students.

Brittany Lane-Lopez, $500
Grand Oaks El
Books that engage students reading at or above grade level, math manipulatives for hands-on, engaging lessons, and calming tools like posters, fidgets, and timers to support student well-being.

Michele Palermo, $500
Green Oaks El
Wobble chairs to help students regulate movement while staying engaged in learning. By allowing subtle, non-disruptive motion, the chairs improve focus, support attention, and promote an inclusive classroom environment where all students can thrive.

Jordan Souza, $330
Greer El
Class-set of Bob—a timeless story that sparks imagination and wonder. This book helps students rediscover the magic of storytelling and fosters a lifelong love of reading in a world filled with digital distractions.

Megan Babcock, $240
Greer El
Engaging phonics materials—complete with stories, songs, and visual posters—to make early literacy come alive. By connecting learning to music and rhyme, students build stronger phonics skills while having fun.

Jessica Bartholomew, $500
Greer El
Social Emotional Learning focused library books, calming corner materials (bean bag chair, posters, regulation tools), and essential classroom supplies to support student well-being and daily instruction.

Megan Brady, $475
Greer El
Hands-on learning materials—including watercolor paints, letter stamps, alphabet magnets, and fine-motor tools—to create an engaging classroom environment where young students build letter recognition and motor skills through meaningful, play-based learning.

Nicole Martinez, $500
Greer El
Manipulatives: magnetic tiles, counting tiles, interlocking disks, and wooden pattern pieces to make learning more joyful and age-appropriate while reinforcing key concepts.

Kailey Jacques, $500
Greer El
Books, phonics resources, small-group instructional materials, and organizational tools to support effective learning.

Jordan Hernandez, $320
Greer El
Sensory tools and classroom resources that help students regulate emotions and engage with learning in ways that meet their individual needs. These supports create a more inclusive, differentiated classroom environment where every student can participate and succeed.

Edward Tracy, $500
Howe Avenue El
Brain-training activities to help students strengthen executive function skills such as focus, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring. By connecting neuroscience and education, these activities support resilience, independence, and stronger academic performance in the classroom.

Nicole Harshbarger, $100
Kingswood El
The Solar Bug Kit will give students a memorable, hands-on experience where they can make observations, form hypotheses, and explore scientific concepts in an engaging, lasting way.

Kylie Frost, $500
Kingswood El
Diverse books, creative art projects, and hands-on math games and manipulatives to strengthen both student understanding and my instructional practices.

Tyler Pierce, $470
Laurel Ruff Transition School
Structured games and group activities that help students practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Through inclusive, hands-on experiences, students build confidence, strengthen peer relationships, and develop social and life skills that support success in school and beyond.

Amy Rivas, $350
LeGette El
Math manipulatives and hands-on games—such as fraction strips, base ten blocks, and math bingo—to strengthen students’ understanding of counting, place value, fractions, and geometry. These tools support differentiated instruction in a multi-grade classroom, helping students build both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through active, tactile learning.

Karen Davidson, $450
Louis Pasteur MS
Piano keyboards that allow students in music appreciation classes to experience the joy of creating and learning through music.

Rachel Dyer, $475
Mariposa Ave El
Hands-on math and money materials that make learning tangible, engaging, and accessible for all students.

Owen Zielsdorf, $500
Mariposa Ave El
Essential tools—including a classroom whiteboard, colored cones, and inflatable balls—to create a structured, safe, and inclusive learning environment. These resources support organization, accessibility, and joyful participation while ensuring all students have the equipment they need to engage fully in lessons.

Karen Jackson, $450
Mission Ave El
Engaging, age-appropriate books across a range of reading levels that reflect the identities, interests, and diversity of 8–10 year olds.

Kate Watson, $500
Oakview Community
Leveled books, flexible furniture, and hands-on learning tools to create an engaging, inclusive environment where students can grow with confidence and curiosity. The resources support differentiated instruction and academic achievement while providing critical support to a new teacher building a classroom from the ground up.

Brenda Kastl, $500
Sierra Oaks Tk-8
A durable outdoor picnic table to create a flexible learning space for small-group instruction, hands-on science experiments, and collaborative lessons. The weather-resistant table will support engagement, reduce stress, and provide a welcoming, accessible environment for students for years to come.

Judy Dronberger, $500
Sierra Oaks Tk-8
Funding the creation of costumes and sets for a debut performance of a Bad Wolfe Press play. The production will provide students with a creative, immersive theater experience that encourages artistic expression and deeper engagement with literature.

Kate Elliott, $420
Starr King K-8
Additional UFLI Foundations materials so every student can actively engage in hands-on word building. With enough letter sets for whole-class learning, all students will have the tools they need to strengthen reading, writing, and language skills together.

Alix Bowen, $364
Thomas Edison Language Inst.
A complete set of Bjorem speech therapy cards to support students’ communication, academic, and social-emotional development. Featuring inclusive artwork and durable materials, the cards help students build speech and literacy skills while seeing themselves reflected in the learning tools they use.

Shannon Faltermier, $491
Thomas Kelly El
A sensory table to support inclusive, hands-on learning for Transitional Kindergarten students. Through playful exploration, students build executive functioning, language, measurement, and motor skills while collaborating, predicting, sorting, and discovering together—laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Rebecca Wall, $495
Trajan El
Sensory tools and classroom resources—such as weighted vests, bean bags, fine motor toys, and literacy supports—to help build structure, routine, and engagement for all students. These materials create a functional classroom environment that supports learning and ensures continuity for future students and teachers.

Andrea Whalen, $480
Whitney Ave El
Building kits, robotics, circuits, and creative tools, creating a makerspace to invite students to design, experiment, and solve real-world problems. Through collaboration and exploration, students will build critical thinking and engineering skills in an inspiring, innovative environment.
These educators embody the dedication, creativity, and passion that define San Juan Unified’s extraordinary workforce. PROPEL Grants are more than financial support—they’re investments in student potential and a brighter future, while also enriching the lives of the educators who inspire and uplift our students every day.
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