Meet the 2021-2022 SANDCASP Board!
President: Dorothy Guinter
Dorothy is in her 14th year as a school psychologist within the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD). This will be the first year that Dorothy will be taking on the role of an ERMHS School Psychologist. For the upcoming school year, Dorothy will be working with students who have significant social emotional and behavioral needs. Dorothy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona and has a Master of Science in School Psychology from National University. Dorothy has worked with children for over 20 years in a variety of different settings. This is Dorothy’s fourth year serving on the SANDCASP Board.
Dorothy was born in Poland and migrated with her family to the United States in 1986. She lives with her husband, son, daughter, and four amazing chickens, in San Diego, CA. For hobbies, she enjoys attending live music events, the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite band is moe.
President Elect: Heather Lutz
Heather is a native San Diegan having attended public schools in SDUSD from kindergarten through high school (in fact, Heather’s children are third generation Point Loma High School graduates). Heather attended San Diego State University where she concentrated on her passion of film receiving her Bachelor’s in Telecommunication and Film. After college, Heather moved to Washington DC where she worked at ABC News. It was at this time she realized that it was not the news she enjoyed but the stories of the challenges people faced and overcame that resonated with her. Heather moved back home to San Diego and worked in social services for nine years, during which time she earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at National University. Heather also attained her Marriage and Family Therapist license, worked in private practice, and became a divorce mediator during which time she found working with children was her heart’s desire. Heather has been a School Psychologist for the past 21 years. Her professional interests are in the areas of school-based mental health services, trauma informed practices, and student advocacy.
Heather has been married for 36 years, has two grown children, and loves the community in which she lives. For fun, she likes to read, go to the movies, dance, travel, and hang out with her family and friends.
Past President: Kathy Pawlukiewicz
Kathy is in her 11th year as a school psychologist within the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and this is her 5th year serving on the SANDCASP Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Psychology from San Diego State University. She then received her Master of Science in School Psychology from National University. Her professional interests include Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as helping to build Response to Intervention (RtI) structures at her school sites. Additionally, Kathy serves on the Leadership Team in her district, a staff lead group designed to create a continuous collaborative culture that strengthens supports, and values all staff to undeniably ensure that each and every student learns. She also became a part of the Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses Leadership Academy in March 2019.
Kathy was born in Poland and came to the United States when she was 5 years old. She speaks Polish and so does her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys anything outdoors, which includes running, hiking, taking her dogs for a walk, and going to the beach or pool.
Secretary: Adrienne Garcia
Adrienne is a 7th year school psychologist with the Santee School District. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Alliant International University. Some of her professional interests include behavior intervention, crisis prevention and response, and mental health education and outreach. She has been involved with SANDCASP since 2011.
Adrienne lives with her husband and a pet turtle named Fred. She also has two chihuahuas named Mister Chips and Cheech. As a San Diego native, she enjoys spending time at the beach and frequenting Balboa Park. She is also a Beatles fanatic and definitely knows her way around ANY kitchen.
Treasurer: Rodrigo Enciso
Rodrigo is a bilingual school psychologist with the San Diego Unified School District. Rodrigo has over 10 years of experience in the field of special education. He graduated with Distinction in Psychology from San Diego State University and obtained his Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at Alliant International University. He has participated in the development and standardization of cognitive assessment tools as a field examiner, has presented to school psychologist groups on contemporary SLD and dyslexia assessment practices, and authored and co-authored articles and papers within the field. Rodrigo has served within the CASP Board of Directors as Assessment Specialist, Region Representative, and Membership Chair. He also served as the 2015-2016 President for the San Diego County Association of School Psychologists (SANDCASP).
Rodrigo and his wife recently welcomed their 5th child. Besides spending time with his family, he enjoys growing his mind and skill set through learning opportunities, sneaking out at 6am on Saturday mornings to play basketball, and has gained a new found gift of laying down hardwood flooring.
Board Member-At-Large: Andrea Lacuesta
Andrea Lacuesta is entering her third year as a school psychologist, and her first year with High Tech Charter Schools. She previously worked for over 10 years in admin support roles for the Oceanside Unified School District, completed her internship at Carlsbad Unified, and worked in Riverside County for the past two years. She completed her program at Azusa Pacific University and has a Masters in Educational Psychology, Ed Specialist degree in School Psychology, and a specialization in ERMHS. She lives in Point Loma with her three boys: 9th grader Tristan, 5th grader Jeremiah, and a 3yr old black lab/pit named Mamba. Born and raised in Long Beach, CA, Andrea is a southern California native and loves food, sports, yoga, and adventuring outdoors with her family.
Board Member-At-Large: Ann Mellon
Ann Mellon is a recent graduate of Alliant International University where she earned her Master of Arts in Education and School Psychology after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. She worked as a Professional Expert for the San Diego Unified School District at Sandburg Elementary School for several years, teaching a film-production class focusing on positive life skills. Ann’s professional interests include crisis intervention and prevention, especially within at-risk student populations. Her personal passions gravitate to the creative and visual arts. She appreciates good humor, positive attitudes, and making memories with family and friends.
Board Member-At-Large: Celeste Garcia
Celeste has been a school psychologist for 15 years and is currently working with the San Diego County Office of Education Juvenile Court and Community Schools. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in General Biology from the University of California San Diego and obtained her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at Alliant International University. One of her special interests includes dyslexia, so much so that she became Barton Reading certified – an Orton-Gillingham based program. This is Celeste’s first year on the SANDCASP Board.
Celeste and her husband have two children, a mastiff, and two guinea pigs at home. In her free time, she enjoys camping, visiting national parks, sewing, and yoga.
Board Member-At-Large: Cheyenne Sanford
Cheyenne is originally from Florida, where she resided until high school and then moved to Texas. She landed herself in San Diego after enlisting in the U.S. Navy where she served for 4 ½ years. Once in San Diego, she just could not leave! Cheyenne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, working as an office manager and bookkeeper for 5 years. After a shift in career paths, she received her Master of Science degree in School Psychology from National University. Cheyenne is in her ninth year as a School Psychologist and works in the Cajon Valley Union School District. Her professional interests are Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses, social-emotional functioning, and inclusion.
Cheyenne has a daughter, who is a senior in high school. In her spare time, Cheyenne enjoys hiking, biking, playing softball, reading, and listening to live music. This is Cheyenne’s seventh year serving on the SANDCASP Board.
Board Member-at-Large: Janet Coover
Janet is in her 32nd year with the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District. Her first 20 years in the district were spent as a school counselor at both the elementary and middle school levels. She then moved into a school psychologist position and began working with the Behavior Focused Special Day Classes. Janet currently works full time at Fletcher Hills Elementary School with the Behavior Class, as well as doing assessments for the whole school! She loves her job even though it can be overwhelming and she strongly believes in advocating for her profession. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and spending time with her family.
Board Member-At-Large: Jarrett Clifton
Jarrett Clifton is currently working as a School Psychologist with the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD). He has been with GUHSD since the 2020-2021 school year! Prior to that, he was a School Psychologist in Victorville, CA (Victor Elementary School District; 2017-2020).
Jarrett graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology (double major) from North Carolina State University. He then moved to San Diego, CA, and completed his Educational Specialist degree in the School Psychology program at San Diego State University (SDSU). Jarrett’s professional interests include: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Multicultural Education. He works diligently to “fold” these concepts into his School Psychology service delivery. He is committed to pursuing collaborative approaches to support students while also learning and affirming the diversity of families, communities, and school staff alike. This is Jarrett’s first year serving as a SANDCASP Board Member-at-Large, and he is excited to continue learning from other School Psychologists and helping promote the profession.
Board Member-At-Large: Linda Breslin
Linda is currently a school psychologist at Innovations Academy Charter School. She was born and raised in the Netherlands before she moved to the United States with her family as a teenager. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Minor in Spanish Language and Cultures from the University of Maryland, College Park. Linda completed her graduate education at the College of William & Mary, where she earned Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees in School Psychology. In 2015, she concluded her internship in Prince George's County, Maryland. She then moved to San Diego, where she began her career as a school psychologist.
CASP Affiliate Representative: Kristin Singh
Kristin Singh was born and raised in Hawaii and remains an island girl at heart. She moved to California after high school to attend the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior. She later earned her Master of Arts in Psychology from Humboldt State University, with an emphasis in School Psychology.
Kristin worked as a school psychologist in San Diego County for 13 years before embarking on a new career challenge as the Associate Director of Special Education for High Tech High Charter Schools. Kristin is also a Licensed Educational Psychologist and maintains a small part-time practice. Additionally, she is currently the CASP Region VII Representative.
Kristin lives with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, in San Diego, CA. While away from work, Kristin enjoys dancing at live music concerts, watching her husband perform stand-up comedy, exploring San Diego with her daughter, and spending quality time at home with the whole family.