In our latest Staff Spotlight, we are excited to feature Michelle Hernandez, a dedicated third-grade teacher at Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary School. Born and raised in Fortuna, Michelle has been an integral part of the Fortuna Elementary School District for 22 years. Before earning her teaching credential, she gained valuable experience as an aide at Walker Elementary and worked with the After School Program. Michelle's teaching journey has seen her educating students in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades, but she has found her true calling in third grade. Her passion for teaching is driven by her profound impact on her students' lives and the meaningful connections she forms with each child. Beyond the classroom, Michelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves hiking in the Redwood Forest, going to the beach, camping, and spending quality time with her family. A fitness lover, she also enjoys running a few miles whenever possible. Michelle is the proud mother of three wonderful children who have all attended Fortuna Elementary schools. Her oldest, Caitlin, is 22 and will soon graduate from UC Davis with a BS in Political Science. Mollie, 20, is pursuing a BA in Child Development with a minor in Psychology at Sac State. Her youngest, Cody, is a freshman at Fortuna High. A fun fact about Michelle is her love for anything made by Hostess and Ruffles Potato Chips! Michelle's dedication to her students and her love for teaching make her a cherished member of the Ambrosini Elementary community. Her commitment to making a difference in children's lives and her ability to connect with each student exemplify the qualities of an outstanding educator. We are fortunate to have Michelle Hernandez as part of our team, inspiring and nurturing our students!

In this edition of our Staff Spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Yaros Zuniga, known affectionately as Mrs. Z. She plays a vital role as the ELD Aide and District Translator/Interpreter at Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary School and Toddy Thomas Middle School. Mrs. Z has been an integral part of our school district since 2006, dedicating her talents to supporting students and their families. Over the years, Mrs. Z has embraced various roles, starting as a one-on-one aide (also known as SCIA), a first-grade aide, and returning to SCIA before taking on new positions as a Speech Aide and ELD Program aide. Her versatility and willingness to learn new skills have made her an invaluable asset to our schools. Today, she enjoys greeting students each morning at the drop-off pad and working within the ELD program at Ambrosini and Toddy Thomas. What Mrs. Z loves most about her job is the excitement of seeing students learn and the opportunity to assist our Spanish-speaking families. Her dedication to bridging language gaps and fostering a welcoming environment for all students and families is truly inspiring. Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Z finds joy in admiring sunrises and sunsets, a passion reflecting her appreciation for everyday beauty. Mrs. Z’s commitment to education and her unwavering support for our community make her a cherished member of our school family. Her positive impact on students and her ability to connect with families across language barriers highlight the essential role she plays in our district. We are fortunate to have Yaros Zuniga as part of our team, bringing warmth and dedication to everything she does.