Teaching & Learning Department
Certificated Staff Bios
Meet the members of our certificated team.
Emily Akinshin, Project Coordinator - Math, is committed to helping educators reimagine what the math classroom can look like, turning it into a place of joy and rigor where all students belong and thrive. Over the past twenty three years, she has worked in grades second through sixth in a multiple subject setting, and sixth through seventh as a single subject math teacher. During that time, Emily co taught professional development classes at SCOE focusing on re-engagement lessons, implementing instructional routines and practices for Common Core Math, and how to use focal student interviews to leverage in the process of continual improvement. She also managed a team of writers engaged in creating math tasks for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Most recently, Emily facilitated Lesson Study teams around the county to foster equitable teaching practices and teacher agency. She holds both a Multiple Subject CLAD Credential and an Administrative Services Credential.
In her spare time Emily enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts or Audible books, connecting with friends and family, hearing live music, and butting into her son’s life.
Contact: eakinshin@scoe.org
Patricia Amend-Ehn, Project Coordinator - Coach, National Teaching Pyramid, is committed to supporting educators through evidence-based practices that allow students to experience the joys of learning. She holds a CLAD Multiple Subject Credential in elementary education and an M.ED. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Before joining SCOE’s Teaching Pyramid team, she taught second grade at Kenwood Elementary School. While teaching at Kenwood, she developed the STEAM program, working with teachers and teaching in TK-6th grades. Patricia is an instructor at Sonoma State University in both the Maker Certificate program and as a science methods lecturer in the multiple subject credential program. Additionally, she is part of the editorial panel for the California Math Council’s math journal, the ComMuniCator.
Outside of work, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves reading, traveling, hiking, and cooking.
Contact: pamendehn@scoe.org
Rick Barlow, Program Coordinator - Math, understands firsthand the challenges students face in mathematics, having overcome his own struggles early in his education. His journey took a transformative turn in college when an inspiring calculus teacher ignited his passion for math. Motivated by this experience, Rick earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics followed by a master's degree in math education.
As a former high school math teacher and K-8 site administrator, Rick is dedicated to empowering educators to create inclusive and rigorous math lessons that cater to all students' needs. Rick also serves as a senior fellow with the Knowles Teacher Initiative and sits on the board of the California Association of World Schools.
Beyond education, Rick finds joy in wilderness backpacking, kayaking, tide pooling, and lifelong learning.
Contact: rbarlow@scoe.org
Meryl-Mae Blomseth, Project Coordinator - 21CSLA, is a proud first generation Filipino American. She is dedicated to transforming educational systems to create positive outcomes for BIPOC youth. Originally from Los Angeles, Meryl- Mae studied at SSU and holds an Administrative Services Credential, M.Ed. in Reading and Literacy, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a B.A. in Psychology. Before joining SCOE/21 CSLA, she taught upper elementary grades and was involved in an Ethnic Studies community of practice, where she learned untold American histories that opened doors to uncovering her own cultural and ancestral knowledge. Meryl-Mae has been in education for over 12 years and is continuously growing her practice by listening deeply, being in community with leaders, and stepping out of her comfort zone. She serves 21 CSLA, a Lead Equity Agency on the Statewide System of Support as the NB/NC Regional Lead.
Outside of work she enjoys being in nature and admiring its wonders with her two kiddos, partner, and dog. Meryl-Mae believes picture books are for all ages and is an aspiring author.
Contact: mblomseth@scoe.org
Kristen DelMonte, Project Coordinator - Preschool through Third Grade (P-3), is passionate about ensuring all students thrive in a safe, nurturing classroom. This happens when educators build trusting relationships with their students and their families. As part of the SCOE P-3 team, Kristen strives to build deep and meaningful relationships with all educators in the P-3 setting to create socially just and equitable learning spaces for all students.
Prior to joining the SCOE P-3 team, Kristen served many roles in the elementary school setting. In 2016, Kristen was charged with developing the district’s first Transitional Kindergarten program and built a play-based program that focused on individual student development. Throughout her career, she has held many leadership positions at her school including teacher-leadership, new teacher induction mentor, student-teacher mentor, and teacher-in-charge.
Kristen holds an Administrative Services Credential, a master's in Educational Leadership, a master's in Divinity, and a Bachelor's in Communication Studies.
Contact: kdelmonte@scoe.org
Jenn Guerrero, Specialist - Multilingual Learner, firmly believes in the limitless potential of every child. As the Multilingual Learner Specialist at the Sonoma County Office of Education, as well as the California Department of Education Title III EL Specialist for Region 1, and the TALLK Project Coordinator, she works closely with Pre-K-12 teachers and administrators to support high-quality systems and instruction for multilingual learners. Her passion for serving MLs and their families was first ignited when she began her career in education as a teacher in the Oakland Unified School District. She has also taught in the Roseland School District and served as a principal for Sonoma County Migrant Education summer programs. Jenn holds an M.Ed in Education with a concentration in Social Justice and Educating Multilingual Learners.
In her free time, Jenn enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her husband and two children.
Contact: jguerrero@scoe.org
Rhiannon King, Project Coordinator - Language & Literacy, is deeply committed to improving student outcomes for all through high quality evidence-based instruction, equitable practices, and educational excellence. For thirteen years, Rhiannon taught fifth and third grades at Sequoia Elementary School in Santa Rosa. In 2020, she stepped out of the classroom and into the role of Student Support Coordinator at Sequoia. In collaboration with classroom teachers and support staff, Rhiannon developed targeted, supplemental support for students in the areas of reading and language development. She is passionate about empowering teachers with knowledge and best practices in literacy and language development so that all students have access to rich learning experiences that improve their opportunities beyond the classroom. Rhiannon is honored and excited to join SCOE and to have the opportunity to serve the educators and students of Sonoma County.
In her spare time, Rhiannon enjoys traveling, reading, day trips to the coast, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact: rking@scoe.org
Leah Kenzy, Project Coordinator - Math, is passionate about making mathematics accessible and joyful for all learners. Raised in Sonoma County in a family of educators, Leah is committed to transforming students' math esteem, believing that every learner has their own unique "smartness" in math.
Teaching for social justice is central to Leah's work. With extensive experience across diverse settings including continuation schools, college access programs, multilingual and co-taught classrooms. Leah received training through the SF Urban Teacher Residency, which equipped her with the diverse skills essential for teaching in San Francisco's public schools, and earned her Master’s in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. She has taught math in both urban and suburban environments within San Francisco and San Rafael high schools. As a model teacher for Complex Instruction pedagogy (CI), which aims to disrupt status and create equitable math classrooms, and as a pioneer of a co-teaching initiative, Leah also played a key role as a common core curriculum writer for Geometry in SFUSD. Now, she brings her experience and enthusiasm to Sonoma County schools, with a particular passion for fostering student participation and encouraging mathematical discourse, while continually striving to create equitable, warm and joyful environments for all students.
In her free time, Leah enjoys listening to live music, practicing pilates, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two young kids, Weston and Sierra.
Contact: lkenzy@scoe.org
Ryan Kurada, Program Coordinator - Preschool through Third Grade (P-3), is dedicated to transforming educational environments where learning is relevant, meaningful, and joyful for all children. Before joining SCOE, he taught TK, kindergarten, and first grade at University Elementary School in Rohnert Park, where he developed their school-wide project-based learning program. Ryan is also a lecturer at Sonoma State University in the Early Childhood Studies Department and a National Faculty member for PBLWorks, training educators in project-based learning nationwide. His passion for early childhood education led him to visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, where he studied the world-renowned Reggio Emilia Approach to early education. He has also collaborated with the San Francisco Exploratorium Tinkering Studio in facilitating statewide early childhood STEAM professional development opportunities. Ryan holds an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, an Administrative Services Credential, and a B.F.A. in Art Education.
Away from work, Ryan enjoys traveling, exploring the great outdoors, spending time with family, and rooting for his favorite English Premier League soccer team, Arsenal Football Club.
Contact: rkurada@scoe.org
Kelly Mackura, Project Coordinator - Science, is committed to co-creating learning opportunities where community, collaboration, creativity, inquiry, joy, and the lived experiences and brilliance of students and families are centered and honored. She believes education should always be a space of possibility, opportunity, transformation, reimagining and hands-on play and exploration. Before joining the SCOE team, Kelly taught middle school and high school science for over 23 years at Cesar Chavez Language Academy and Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa. She has served as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for Santa Rosa City Schools where she facilitated NGSS implementation, course writing and curriculum adoptions. Kelly holds a B.A. in Biological Sciences from U.C. Davis and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from Sonoma State University. Kelly is also the co-author ofPlanning Science Instruction for Emergent Bilinguals: Weaving in Rich and Relevant Language Support.
In her spare time, Kelly enjoys hiking, crocheting, and exploring new places with friends and family!
Contact: kmackura@scoe.org
Kelly Matteri, Program Coordinator - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Instructional Equity, has been at SCOE for three years, providing support to school districts and sites. Prior to coming to SCOE, Kelly worked as a classroom teacher for eight years, as well as a behavioral counselor in residential treatment centers. She believes that educators and students must engage together in meaningful learning in order to advance both student achievement and educator capacity.
Kelly enjoys singing, dancing, laughing and learning with her husband and son.
Contact: kmatteri@scoe.org
Rocio Miscio, Project Coordinator - Language & Literacy, was born and raised biculturally and bilingually as the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. Based on her personal experiences navigating the public school system as a multilingual student and those of her family, she decided to dedicate her professional expertise to developing best practices for multilingual learners. Through her work and research, she strives to improve conditions that address the academic and social-emotional needs of multilingual learners by focusing on their assets and student voice.
Rocio holds a B.A in mass communications, a multiple subject teaching credential in elementary education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development, an M.Ed in Educational Administration, and is a twice National Board certified educator in Middle Childhood Education. She has been an educator working with students in grades TK-12 for over twenty two years for Los Angeles Unified and most recently, Santa Rosa City Schools in the Multilingual Services and the Information and Evaluation departments.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and serves on a non-profit organization advocating for policies to improve the health of children.
Contact: rmiscio@scoe.org
Kimi Ogg, Project Coordinator - Language & Literacy, firmly believes that every child has the right to read and that literacy is a path to social justice. She taught in Santa Rosa City Schools for 18 years as a primary grade teacher and then as a reading specialist. This most recent experience led to the understanding that the best way to impact students is to impact their teachers, and she became dedicated to growing her knowledge in best practices in literacy instruction to better support educators in this work. Kimi also is a member of the adjunct faculty for Sonoma State University, and teaches the Language and Literacy TK-2 course for Multiple Subject Teaching Credential students. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Masters in Education all from Sonoma State University.
Kimi enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, son, and their two Corgis. She loves traveling to places she’s never been, reading, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
Contact: kogg@scoe.org
Jacob Ramírez, Project Coordinator - Social Justice & Equity, serves in pursuit of reconstructing a public- school experience for all children; equitable in practice; dynamic in rigor; and, rich in cultural celebration. An educator of twenty years, Ramírez has taught English and ELD in several settings, among them, California’s public schools and international schools in China, the UAE, and Turkey. In 2021, his pedagogical experience earned him a position as instructional coach for the Cloverdale Unified School District. In his two years on site, he worked to provide staff with resources and training to implement effective ELD strategies while assisting district leadership with its initial implementation of the California English Learner Roadmap.
A first-generation college student, he holds a B.A. in English from California State University, Fullerton. In 2019, he earned an M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Lancaster (UK). He is currently in pursuit of his PhD in Creative Writing at Lancaster. At the intersection of his creative writing research and practice, he plans to build writing opportunities for students to heal from trauma, through poetry, while celebrating their unique voices. In his free time, he enjoys traveling the world with his wife and two children.
Contact: jramirez@scoe.org
Lauren Ridgway, Program Coordinator - Language & Literacy, is passionate about creating equitable educational opportunities for all students. Prior to her role at SCOE, Lauren worked as an elementary classroom teacher and as a Teacher on Special Assignment at the site, district, and county levels. As the Program Coordinator for Language & Literacy, she works closely with K-12 teachers and administrators to ensure that every student has the right to read. Lauren holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University and a M.S. in Educational Leadership from Cal State East Bay.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys painting, quilting, and spending time with her two young nieces.
Contact: lridgway@scoe.org
Monica Sevilla, Project Coordinator - Coach, National Teaching Pyramid, believes that every child should feel loved, seen, and heard. This is evident in her dedication to serving our county’s youngest learners, their families, and teachers. Monica is passionate about creating an environment where all children thrive and explore through multimodal learning experiences. Before joining SCOE, Monica worked for twenty years as a TK, kindergarten, and fifth-grade teacher in the Windsor Unified School District (WUSD). She spent thirteen of those years teaching a Newcomers Class, where she prioritized creating welcoming and inclusive environments where her students felt safe to share and learn from one another. Throughout her career, she has served as a mentor teacher for the North Coast School of Education, TK lead for WUSD’s iAspire Arts Integration Program, and most recently as the TK lead teacher for the iAmplify (internet-based Arts Methods and Professional Learning Integrated for Youth) grant project for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin.
Outside of work, Monica enjoys going for walks, attending sporting events, serving in her community, and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact: msevilla@scoe.org
Casey Shea, Project Coordinator - Expanded Learning, worked as a math teacher for twelve years before partnering with Dale Dougherty of Maker Media to start the first Project Make class at Analy High School and then joining the team at SCOE. Casey believes that maker education offers a tremendous potential to democratize education and to engage all students in creative problem solving. He is excited to work with TK-12 teachers to help integrate the practices and philosophies of maker education into their curriculum with both low- and high-tech activities. Casey also helps to manage the SCOE Design Lab classes and lending library through which schools can check out various tools and digital manufacturing equipment to use on their own campus.
When he is not making or tinkering, Casey enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing music, and whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Contact: cshea@scoe.org
Alejandra Solis-Pérez, Project Coordinator - Social Justice & Equity, prides herself on being a student centered educator. She believes that school should be a safe place for all students, where students know that everyone believes in their potential. Alejandra is a first generation college graduate, earning her B.A. in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Sonoma State University, after transferring from Santa Rosa Junior College. She taught at Dunbar Elementary School utilizing her training in Restorative Practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), as well as AVID College and Career Readiness Practices. As Social Justice & Equity Project Coordinator she works closely with school districts in supporting the implementation of Restorative Practices and Ethnic Studies, and facilitates the ELitE (Early Literacy Enrichment) after-school reading program that focuses on culturally diverse books.
In her free time, Alejandra enjoys crafting, shopping, and reading anything mystery related.
Contact: asolisperez@scoe.org
Stephanie Tomsky, Project Coordinator - Coach, National Teaching Pyramid, is devoted to providing learning and growing opportunities for all students and their families. Prior to SCOE, she taught Transitional Kindergarten in the Gravenstein Union School District for ten years. She also has 8 years of experience teaching Pre-K at a private preschool. Stephanie recently worked with North Coast School of Education (NCSOE) as a virtual mentor to a new teacher in the county. She has led multiple presentations as part of the Young Learners Teacher Network. Stephanie holds a B.A in Anthropology and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, both from Sonoma State.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time going to her daughters' sporting events, enjoying local restaurants and soaking up the sun at the beach.
Contact: stomsky@scoe.org
Gia Welsh, Ph.D. – School Psychologist/National Pyramid Model Project Lead, has been an early childhood school psychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about collaborating with teachers and other colleagues, coaching, working with families, facilitating inclusion, and building systems of support to address the needs of children, families, and educators. Gia has been supporting schools and communities in implementing the Pyramid Model (a framework for building social-emotional skills in young children and for
preventing/addressing challenging behaviors) for 14 years, initially in her home state of Pennsylvania, and more recently in Sonoma County. Here at SCOE, Gia is leading a Pyramid Model research project that is being done in partnership with Vanderbilt University to implement this approach in transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten classrooms.
In addition to her happiness with her work life, Gia enjoys time with her husband, as well as any opportunities to spend time with her twin sons and their wives. She also loves yoga, hiking, reading, and gathering together with friends.
Contact: gwelsh@scoe.org
Amanda Welter, Specialist - Support Services & Accountability, believes when a learning community is engaged, inspired, and empowered, they can come together to do incredible things. She enjoys working with educators to design meaningful learning experiences for students. Amanda is a Specialist in the Equitable Education Services Division with a focus on Support Services & Accountability. Prior to joining the team at SCOE, Amanda was an elementary school teacher and Instructional Coach in the counties of Alameda, Sonoma, and Marin. She then served in a variety of administrative roles including Coordinator, Interim Director, and principal. As a learner herself, she attended Sonoma State and Saint Mary’s College of California to obtain her degree and credentials and looks forward to continuing her educational journey. She loves to share her passion for learning with others. Amanda Welter is appreciative of the opportunity to serve the students, educators, and leaders of Sonoma County!
Contact: awelter@scoe.org
Nzinga Woods, Project Coordinator - Social Justice & Equity and VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts), is known for her dedication to social justice advocacy and her commitment to transforming educational environments to make learning accessible, culturally relevant, and meaningful for all students. Nzinga enjoys working in partnership with K-12 teachers and administrators to support high-quality instruction through an equity lens.Before joining the SCOE community, Nzinga has held a diverse range of experiences in the field of education. She has worked internationally, in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. For over 11 years, she worked as a classroom teacher, and director for the ArtQuest Program at Santa Rosa High School. Through her leadership, she also held a foundational role on the Ethnic Studies ad-hoc and curriculum committee for Santa Rosa City Schools. As a seasoned administrator, Nzinga has previously served as an administrator in the Peninsula region and continues to work as an Associate faculty member in the arts at the Santa Rosa Junior College. She has earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership from CSU Fullerton, an M.F.A. from Mills College, credentialed in Single Subject, CTE- (Career Technical Educational), and Administrative Services.Outside of her professional endeavors, Nzinga enjoys a variety of interests and hobbies, including salsa dancing, traveling, learning about other cultures, karaoke, spending time with her family and watching science fiction series.
Contact: nwoods@scoe.org
Brulene Zanutto, Specialist - Preschool through Third Grade (P-3), brings to SCOE a diverse background in teaching, instructional leadership and administration. Brulene believes that students learn best when they are doing. She is committed to supporting teachers as they implement strategies in their classrooms that support this active, hands-on learning.
Brulene’s broad range of educational experience includes teaching all grades from Kindergarten through 4th; acting as an instructional coach, a professional development designer and facilitator, and a site-based program coordinator; and serving in a range of school and district leadership roles. In addition to supporting students in the area of literacy and cultivating the literacy practices of teachers, Brulene worked with the Lawrence Hall of Science and Delta Education to provide instruction to teachers around best practices in the area of elementary science education.
Away from work Brulene enjoys spending time with her family, especially in the great outdoors. She also enjoys cooking and reading.
Contact: bzanutto@scoe.org
