President: Heather Lutz
Heather is a native San Diegan, having attended public schools within the San Diego Unified School District from kindergarten through high school (in fact, Heather’s children are third generation Point Loma High School graduates as well). 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, D.C., where she worked at ABC News. It was at this time she realized that, it was not the news she enjoyed, it was the stories of the challenges people faced and overcame that resonated with her. Heather then 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 22 years and currently works within the San Dieguito Union High School District. Her professional interests are in the areas of school-based mental health services, trauma informed practices, and student advocacy.
Heather has been married for 37 years, has two grown children, and loves the community in which she lives. For fun, she likes to play pickleball, go to the movies, dance, travel, and hang out with her family and friends.
Past President: Dorothy Guinter
Dorothy is in her 15th year as a School Psychologist within the San Dieguito Union High School District. This will be the second year that Dorothy will be taking on the role of an ERMHS School Psychologist who works with students who have significant social-emotional and/or 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 and in a variety of different settings. This is Dorothy’s fifth year serving on the SANDCASP Board. In addition, she will soon begin her journey as the Region VII Rep for the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP).
Dorothy was born in Poland and migrated with her family to the United States in 1986. She lives in San Diego with her husband, son, daughter, and four friendly chickens. 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: Celeste Garcia
Celeste has been a school psychologist for 16 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 Tutor Certified – an Orton-Gillingham based program. This is Celeste’s second year with the SANDCASP Board.
Celeste and her husband have two children and two guinea pigs. In her free time, she enjoys camping, visiting national parks, sewing, and yoga.
Secretary: Adrienne Garcia
Adrienne is an 8th 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 mental health education/outreach, dyslexia, and crisis prevention/response. She has been involved with SANDCASP since 2011.
Adrienne lives with her husband, her mother, a red-eared slider named Fred (that she's had for almost 27 years!), and two chihuahuas named Mister Chips and Cheech. As a San Diego native, she enjoys spending time at the beach, at farmers markets, and frequenting local restaurants. She is also a Beatles fanatic and definitely knows her way around ANY kitchen.
Treasurer: Jarrett Clifton
Jarrett is currently working as a School Psychologist within the South Bay Union School District. He has experience with all grade levels, from elementary to high school, including adult transition. He is committed to pursuing collaborative approaches to support students while also learning and affirming the diversity of families, communities, and school staff alike.
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). This is Jarrett’s second year serving as a SANDCASP Board Member and he is excited to continue learning from other School Psychologists and helping promote the profession. Jarrett’s professional interests include Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Trauma-Informed Practices, and Multicultural Education. He works diligently to fold these concepts into his School Psychology service delivery.
Board Member-At-Large: Ann Mellon
Ann Mellon is entering her second year as a school psychologist within the San Diego Unified School District. She is a graduate of Alliant International University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Education and School Psychology (after obtaining degrees in psychology and anthropology from San Diego State University). She previously worked as a Professional Expert for the San Diego Unified School District at Sandburg Elementary School for seven years, teaching a film-production class. She also worked with students and produced the weekly "Pawsitive News," focusing on positive life skills and multicultural community events. Ann’s professional interests include crisis intervention and prevention, especially within at-risk student populations. Her personal passions gravitate toward the creative and visual arts. She appreciates good humor, positive attitudes, and making memories with family and friends.
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 tenth 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 in her first year at Cal State Long Beach studying Psychology. In her spare time, Cheyenne enjoys hiking, biking, playing softball, reading, and listening to live music. This is Cheyenne’s eighth year serving on the SANDCASP Board.
Board Member-At-Large: Janet Coover
Janet is in her 33rd 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: Kathy Pawlukiewicz
Kathy is in her 12th year as a school psychologist within the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and this is her 6th 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 school site, 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 and the Lead School Psychologist for her district in November 2021.
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.
Board Member-At-Large: Linda Breslin
Linda worked as a nationally certified school psychologist in San Diego County for seven school years. She holds 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.
Linda enjoys camping and spending time with her husband, two dogs, and cat. This is Linda's fifth year as a SANDCASP board member.
Board Member-At-Large: Nicholas Riley
Board Member-At-Large: 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 is also a SANDCASP Past President (and past Treasurer).
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, and sneaking out at 6am on Saturday mornings to play basketball, and he has gained a new found gift of laying down hardwood flooring.
Board Member-At-Large: Sabrina Carboni
Sabrina is entering her 6th year as a school psychologist. She is a new school psychologist with the San Dieguito Union High School District. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and obtained her Masters and Psychological Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology from Alliant International University. Sabrina has presented at the Exceptional Children’s Conference in 2022 regarding Mental Health supports for Educators from Professionals in the field. Some of her professional interests include social-emotional and behavioral evaluation, and intervention and supports (particularly for students who have been identified as having an emotional disturbance or Autism).
Sabrina lives with her husband of 16 years, and four children, on Camp Pendleton. In her spare time, she enjoys the great outdoors and shenanigans with her family.