Alternative Education Staff
Bandar Al-Omaira - Mental Health Counseling Specialist, Bandar Al-Omaira, I’m originally from the Central Valley. I earned my undergraduate degree from Sacramento State University and went on to receive my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver. I’m a devoted husband and proud father to Amelia (3) and Enzo(1), I’m a passionate sports fan, loyal to the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Rams, and Golden State Warriors, I try to make it a priority to attend as many games as possible. Outside of my family and work, I’m an avid anime and comic book enthusiast, as well as a dedicated sneaker collector. I’m very proud of my Latino roots and am a bilingual Therapist.
Contact: balomaira@scoe.org
Melanie Bourgeois - Court School Teacher, Melanie Bourgeois teaches Financial Math and Writing at Juvenile Hall for Sonoma County Alternative Education. Originally from Québec, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a degree in General History from the Université du Québec à Rimouski, as well as Multiple Subject and Education Specialist certifications from the North Coast School of Education and additional credentials in educational technology. Melanie is passionate about connecting with students and helping them make positive changes in their lives. Outside the classroom, she enjoys paddleboarding, cooking, and spending time with her husband and dog. A firm believer in balance, she approaches both teaching and life with calm and steady energy.
Contact: mbourgeois@scoe.org
Dalila Boussaid - RSP Teacher, Hi! I am Dalila Boussaid. I have been a Special Education Teacher for almost 20 years now. I have worked a variety of teaching positions but my primary experience has been with high school and transition-aged students (18-22 year-olds) with special needs. I have been working with SCOE for 15 years. I originally got my B.A. from Sonoma State University (SSU) where I double-majored in Cultural Anthropology and Gender Studies. Later, I returned to SSU to pursue an Education Specialist Teaching Credential specializing in both mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities. I love what I do and get so much satisfaction out of nurturing connections with students while supporting their growth and independence. It has been a very rewarding and personally meaningful profession!
Contact: dboussaid@scoe.org
John Bransford - Academic Support Staff, This will be my third year with SCOE and my first year as an Academic support staff at Amarosa and the JCC. I have an associates in Behavioral Sciences as well as an associates in Social Work and am pursuing my certification to become a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I have a passion for helping others and believe that forging a strong community and meaningful connections are key to creating lasting positive impact in the lives of my students. If life has taught me anything it is that the capacity for change exists within each and every one of us and I wholeheartedly believe that we can encourage the next generation to make those changes for the better, one step at a time.
Contact: jbransford@scoe.org
Elizabeth Campos - School Counselor, I am Sonoma County born and raised. I attended SRJC and then transferred to Sonoma State University where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and a Master's Degree in School Counseling with a PPS Credential. This is my 10th year as a School Counselor, and my 2nd in SCOE Alternative Education. I love welcoming and supporting students from all over the county on meeting their goals of returning to district, graduating or starting their college and career path.
Contact: ecampos@scoe.org
Dane Demattei - Court School Teacher, Born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA. Education: SRJC (AA), Chico State University (BA), Sonoma State University (Single Subject Teaching Credential). Hired by SCOE in 1994. Taught in the following programs: Petaluma Community School, McBride Community School, Juvenile Hall (The old one), Amarosa, Sierra Youth Center, Sierra (Group Home), Probation Camp, Juvenile Hall (Current). I have refereed high school, college, and youth sports for over 32 years (basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, flag football).
Contact: ddemattei@scoe.org
Sarah Dethlefsen - Academic Support Staff, Sarah began working as a volunteer tutoring Math at the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) 20 years ago. She loved getting to know the kids, realizing many of these students just needed someone to listen, then they would be willing to learn a little Math! She got her Substitute teaching credential and came on full time 4 years ago as an Academic Support Staff and spends her time pulling students out in groups of 1-3 to support their mathematics learning.
Contact: sdethlefsen@scoe.org
Carolina Duran - Community School Teacher, I was born and raised in Fort Bragg, CA then moved to Sacramento to attend Sacramento State University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Sac State and my master’s degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have been teaching mathematics for 12 years to students ranging from first grade to college level.
Contact: cduran@scoe.org
Yadira Esparza - Mental Health Counseling Specialist, I am Sonoma County born and raised. I am the proud daughter of immigrants and a first generation student. I attended Sonoma State University, where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology. I then attended The University of San Francisco and received a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. The 2025-2026 school year marks my 6th year as a therapist, and my third year with SCOE. I love welcoming and supporting students and their families from all walks of life, and walking alongside them during challenging moments and celebrating their successes.
Contact: yesparza@scoe.org
Erin Fender - Director, Dr. Erin Fender brings over two decades of experience as an educational leader, spanning roles as a classroom teacher, site administrator, district leader, and statewide technical assistance provider. Her work has consistently centered on increasing equity, access, and student engagement through innovative instructional design and strong educator support systems. Erin is known for building strong cross-sector partnerships and fostering inclusive, student-centered systems prioritizing opportunity and belonging. Prior to joining SCOE, Erin served as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Healdsburg Unified School District, where she led districtwide initiatives in instructional design, educator mentoring, multilingual learner support, and collaborative community partnerships. She is recognized for her collaborative spirit, instructional expertise, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Erin’s diverse experiences including work with alternative education, multilingual learner programs, career technical education, and college access—reflect her dedication to reimagining education so that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Contact: efender@scoe.org
Juliana Flynn - Work Based Learning Coordinator, I was born and raised in San Francisco and attended a high school rooted in being of service. I moved to Sonoma County to attend Sonoma State University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in 2015 and Teaching Credential in 2016. After teaching elementary school for a number of years, I began working for SCOE and I am currently in my third year as a Work-Based Learning Coordinator in Alt Ed. I’m passionate about following students’ lead and co-facilitating experiences that are meaningful and help students find ways to understand their value and be of service. We have an amazing team here in Alt Ed, and I am incredibly lucky to be a part of it.
Contact: jflynn@scoe.org
Jason Gassaway - Community School Teacher, As an Independent Study Teacher with the Sonoma County Alternative Education Department since 1997, I am dedicated to supporting students through personalized, flexible learning pathways. With decades of experience in alternative education, I bring a deep understanding of how to help each student achieve success at their own pace and in their own way.
Contact: jgassaway@scoe.org
Tracy Gould - Community School Teacher, Tracy Gould is an Education Specialist with the Sonoma County Alternative Education program, serving students at the Juvenile Justice Center. With over 25 years of experience in Special and Alternative Education, she holds both Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credentials. Tracy is passionate about supporting students and helping them grow through meaningful learning experiences. Outside of work, she lives on a farm where she enjoys gardening, trail riding, and camping with her husband. A lifelong cowgirl, Tracy proudly embodies the Cowgirl Spirit in everything she does.
Contact: tgould@scoe.org
Tatiana Harrison - ELD Teacher, Tatiana Harrison began her career with a Communications degree from Northwestern University, which propelled her into a decade-long role as a public radio reporter in Latin America, based in Peru. Following this, she spent four years directing Voice of Youth at NPR’s KRCB, where she mentored young people in producing broadcast-quality radio stories. She then transitioned into teaching, taking on long-term substitute roles in the Alternative Education department, where she taught expelled and adjudicated students at designated sites and the Juvenile Hall. She earned a Master's in Education and a Single Subject English teaching credential from Alliant University. She furthered her expertise by graduating with a doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University. In addition to her role as a classroom teacher at SCOE's Community Schools and Juvenile Justice Center, she contracts with agencies like Santa Rosa Junior College and the Sonoma County Library. In this capacity, she has taught Literature, ESL, College Skills, and High School Equivalency in Sonoma County’s adult detention facilities. She also teaches Yearbook for the Adelante Migrant Ed summer school.
Contact: tharrison@scoe.org
Alexis Huerta - Infant/Toddler Caregiver, Hi, my name is Alexis Huerta. I have worked for SCOE Alternative Education department in the teen parent program as the Infant/Toddler Caregiver for almost 10 years. I was born and raised right here in Sonoma County, attending both Santa Rosa High School...Go Panthers! and Santa Rosa Junior College. In my free time some of the things I enjoy most are spending time with my family, staying active (for me that means going to a workout class or going on a walk/hike). I also really enjoy reading, I love books of all genres and reading is one of my favorite ways to spend down time. Being a part of the Alternative Education environment with our unique student population and dedicated staff, gives me a sense of purpose and the feeling of being part of a community. I come to work everyday dedicated to trying to make a positive impact.
Contact: ahuerta@scoe.org
Saul Huerta, Attendance and Outreach Specialist, Hola me llamo Saul Huerta, I am the Attendance and Outreach Specialist for Alternative Education Program supporting Amarosa and Headwaters academies. I work closely with students and families,to promote consistent attendance and strong connections to education. With over 22 years of experience in alternative education I value every opportunity to support students’ personal and academic growth. Being bilingual allows me to build trust and communication across diverse communities, ensuring that every family feels heard and supported.
Contact: shuerta@scoe.org
Jesus Juarez Castro - Wellness Coach, Hello, my name is Jesus Juarez Castro. I am a proud immigrant and first-generation college graduate from Sonoma State University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Chicano & Latino Studies. My roots are deeply tied to culture, community, and advocacy, and I carry that passion into everything I do. For several years, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible youth, guiding and supporting them as they navigate their educational journeys. This work is not just a career-it's a calling. It allows me to uplift my community, bridge gaps in resources, and ensure students have the tools they need to thrive. I am excited to continue this work and collaborate with new colleagues, building environments where our students feel supported, empowered, and seen.
Contact: jjuarez@scoe.org
Tana Lambert - School Psychologist, Ms. Lambert is a School Psychologist with Alternative Education and the Special Education Programs at SCOE. This is her 14th year at SCOE, and 17th year as a School Psychologist. At SCOE, Ms. Lambert has worked as a Classroom Psychologist, supporting the mental health/counseling needs of the students in the TREC program (A program for students with significant social-emotional and behavioral learning needs), as a School Psychologist supporting the Transition and TREC Programs, and other programs as needed, and for the past 3 1/2 years, also as the School Psychologist with the Alternative Education Program, providing educationally related mental health counseling services at the Sonoma County Juvenile Justice Center, as well as psychoeducational evaluations, behavioral intervention support, and other related services for students at the Juvenile Justice Center, Amarosa and Headwaters. Ms. Lambert’s educational background and licenses include a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in School Psychology, with an additional certification in school-based mental health, and she is a Licensed Educational Psychologist in the state of California. Ms. Lambert’s goal is first and foremost, to always be an advocate for students and to help empower students to find and use their voice to advocate for themselves.
Contact: tlambert@scoe.org
Meri Luscombe - Community School Teacher, Hi, I’m Meri! I’ve been a teacher in alternative education for 21 years, passionate about supporting students in finding their own paths to learning. Back in high school, I was a zookeeper at the Los Angeles Zoo—which sparked my love for animals and adventure. These days, my favorite things are being a mom, a grandmother, and spending time in the water—I absolutely love swimming!
Contact: mluscombe@scoe.org
Jackie Petersen - Administrative Support Secretary IV, With 18 years of experience in Alternative Education, I support the students and staff at Amarosa and Headwaters. I am a graduate of Empire Business College, and bring strong organizational and communication skills to our team. I truly value the daily interaction with both students and colleagues. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, walking, hiking, and spending quality time with my grandchildren.
Contact: jpetersen@scoe.org
Elizabeth Perris - RSP Teacher, I am an Education Specialist with 10 years of experience supporting diverse learning in both non-public schools and district settings. Currently, I work at the Juvenile Justice Center, where I provide academic and behavioral support to students with and without IEP's. My focus is on creating equitable learning opportunities, fostering resilience, and helping students succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
Contact: eperris@scoe.org
Amanda Pokriots - Department Systems Coordinator,
Contact: apokriots@scoe.org
Angie Scardina - Director, Angela Scardina is a dedicated Director of Alternative Education for Sonoma County. She has 33 years of being an educator that includes being a teacher, administrator, and district coordinator. Angela earned her BA at Fresno State and her MA at Sonoma State. She is committed to fostering a student-centered program where learners develop not only academic skills but also a lifelong love for learning.
Contact: ascardina@scoe.org
Joe Stanley - Court School Teacher, Graduate of SSU with a BA in Communications. Started a career as a newspaper journalist just a few years before the internet exploded, so returned to SSU and earned a teacher certificate. Taught in Northern and Southern California as well as China, Vietnam and Egypt. Returned to Sonoma County and now works at the Juvenile Justice Center.
Contact: jpetersen@scoe.org
Becky Stender - Reading Specialist, Becky Stender serves as the Reading Teacher for Sonoma County Alternative Education, assessing reading levels and providing science-based instruction to students across grades 2–12. She also supports advanced learners seeking additional challenges. Becky holds a B.A. in Mexican-American Studies, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Supplemental Credential in Art. A lifelong educator and professional photographer, she finds joy in helping students discover new possibilities for their futures. In her free time, Becky enjoys photography, quilting, nature, and spending time with her five grandchildren.
Contact: rbstender@scoe.org
Joe Tabsharani - Academic Support Staff, Hello, my name is Joseph Tabsharani, I go by Joe or Joey, and I am a Lebanese-American passionate about alternative education and lifelong learning. Outside the classroom, you’ll probably find me playing guitar, digging through crates for old records, hiking in nature, or shooting hoops. I run a small reselling business focused on vintage clothing and unique finds. I’m big on community and always happy to lend a hand where I can. I have a great love of the outdoors, am an avid disc golfer, and look forward to my adventures ahead in life.
Contact: jtabsharani@scoe.org
Jeff Valfer - Community School Teacher, I grew up in New England and came to California for college and never left. I earned my BA from the University of California at Santa Cruz and my MA from Pepperdine University. I’ve been a teacher for 15 years and the past 10 years have been teaching social sciences at Amarosa Academy. Outside the classroom I spend as much time with my family as I can. I really enjoy birdwatching and coaching soccer.
Contact: jvalfer@scoe.org