Testimonials and Endorsements
What people say about Lucía
Kristin Cortes, Elementary Principal
Washington
“Electing Lucía Rocha-Nestler for SVUSD is an easy choice. Her knowledge of schools from both the educator and parent perspectives, her ability to listen intently and see issues from multiple perspectives, and her commitment to making student-centered decisions are qualities that make her a perfect fit. I have relied on her sound decision-making and expert advice to support the leadership work in the districts in which I have served. She has an unwavering dedication to supporting student learning and well-being; Lucía truly is ready to lead.”
Derek Timm, business owner; Scotts Valley City Council Member; former Scotts Valley Mayor
Scotts Valley
"As a parent, former teacher and a leader that now trains teachers across the U.S., Lucia is the perfect choice for school board. She will be the only board member with real classroom experience and will make sure our teachers remain a priority. She will ensure every student is valued and that they have a safe environment to learn which is why she has earned my vote, and I encourage you to vote for Lucia as well."
Regina Deihl, attorney; parent
Scotts Valley
"Lucia’s background as a teacher, educational trainer and parent make her the perfect person for our school board.”
Ai Nakayama-Tran, Instructional Coach
Washington
As a parent, educator, and fellow instructional coach, I cannot think of a better person to have as a School Board member representing the best interest of the students in the community of SVUSD than Lucía Rocha-Nestler. Her passion for meeting the needs of all students through equitable best practices and the professional development of teachers through research and personal experience is unmatched. Lucía is dedicated, knowledgeable, skilled, empathetic, and an ally to teachers; and most importantly, to students. As busy as she is, Lucía has always made time to respond to texts, emails, and phone calls, earning deep trust and respect from me and my colleagues who view her as not just a coach, but as a source of inspiration and motivation to always do the right thing for our kids. She is a compassionate, hard-working, and an approachable leader who prioritizes the well-being of students and teachers, and never fails to make time to support and uplift those who seek her help in their mission to provide students with the best education possible. Having someone like Lucía would help build bridges. There is no one better to have on your team.
Amee Sawhney, physician
Scotts Valley
"SVUSD currently has no teacher representative on their governing board. Not only is Lucia Rocha-Nestler the only teacher candidate, with impressive credentials and over 18 years of teaching experience, she also has an extensive history in education leadership and professional development. And to top it off, she’s deeply committed to improving current policies and programs for all children in our district, for all the right reasons! I am proud to support Lucia Rocha-Nestler, as I know she will bring a fresh, hardworking, committed, and much-needed voice to our School Board"
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Tricia Montalvo Timm, Author; former General Counsel, Looker
Scotts Valley
"Lucía's experience and background speak for themselves. With a Master's from Columbia in Educational Leadership and Administration, years of experience as a teacher herself, and now in her role as a professional consultant supporting teachers and school districts, you couldn't ask for a more qualified candidate for School Board. She not only has the expertise to guide our district through today's challenges but she is also committed to ensuring that all Scotts Valley students have a safe and inclusive place to learn and thrive.”
Dr. Nicole Meador Mace, Educational and Mental Health Specialist
Scotts Valley
“Lucia Rocha-Nestler’s extensive practical background in education, combined with her commitment to equity and inclusive balanced literacy, puts her in a unique position to contribute in a deeply thoughtful way to the discourse and decision making process amongst the SVUSD School Board.”
Sarah Hannaleck, Vine Hill Teacher
Scotts Valley
"She is a teacher and understands the education system. Lucia supports teachers and making Scotts Valley schools more inclusive."
Eliza Ballantyne, MFT
Scotts Valley
"As a veteran teacher and bilingual educator, Lucía understands the academic and socioemotional needs of children and adolescents. She is committed to supporting SVUSD in creating safer and more inclusive learning environments - we know that children need to feel safe in order to learn and thrive. We are in the midst of a nationwide child and adolescent mental health crisis - now, more than ever, we need leaders like Lucía who are attuned, responsive, and willing to listen."
Ann Smith, Lunch Lady, Vine Hill Elementry
Scotts Valley
"We need someone who will be a voice for the children, teachers, and staff."
Stephanie Dobkin, Elementary Principal
San Francisco Unified School District
I fully endorse Lucía Rocha-Nestler and her candidacy for the Scott’s Valley School Board. Lucía is one of the most dedicated people I know on both a professional and personal level. She is fiercely student-centered, committed to serving each and every student so that they are able to achieve the highest outcomes. She consistently applies an equity lens to all that she does. As an educator she is an exemplary teacher, staff developer and leader. Her high level of skill, experience, and values make her the ideal candidate. There is no one more well equipped to make decisions that will affect the education of children. I am honored to call Lucía not only a colleague, but a dear friend. I highly encourage you to vote Lucía for SV School Board.
Lindsey Rice, Brook Knoll PTO President
Scotts Valley
"I will be endorsing Lucia Rocha-Nestler because she has been a public school teacher for over 18 years (and the SVUSD currently has no one with teaching experience on the Board). She is passionate about DEI issues and will bring much needed diversity to the Board. I think she is an excellent addition and will be able to bring a new perspective and positive changes for our community."
Christina McQueen, Former Educator
Scotts Valley
"Lucia is an excellent candidate for the SVUSD School Board as demonstrated by her personal and professional involvement. She has nearly two decades of professional experience in education, dedicating time and attention to student excellence and school communities. She has been active in our local community advocating for our children and schools as well. She has a child in our school district and understands intimately our district's areas of excellence and areas for growth. I give Lucia my vote and highly support her!"
Meghann Gelter, Brook Knoll Teacher
Scotts Valley
"I’d like the work, dedication and sacrifice of teachers to be understood by the members of our school board. I know from experience that you actively listen to teachers and try to support us as a community member, imagine the support you could offer as a board member!"
Other Endorsers:
Scotts Valley
Donna Lind, Mayor of Scotts Valley
Robert Aldana, My Scotts Valley Local
Derek Tim, City Council
SVEA, Scotts Valley Teachers' Union
California Democratic Party
Scotts Valley Diversity Equity Inclusion and Allyship Community Group
Allan Timms; Sr VP of Engineering Universal Audio
Travis Hawkins, parent
Angie Pennington, Database Manager for a Tutoring Program; parent
Ashley Perlitch, founder of SV DEIA Community Group
Hannah Stanford, parent; teacher
Eliza Ballantyne, MFT
Rosa Lee, Educator; BKEC PTO Treasurer
Christina McQueen, Program Coordinator; Transitioning Teacher
Jennifer Santillana, Small business owner; elementary school aide
Nello Santillana, teacher
Alberto Garcia, lawyer
Laila Whiting Clyburn, RN
Lindsey Rice, Brook Knoll PTO president
Caitlin Santero, Supply Chain Planning; Brook Knoll PTO member
Ann Smith, Lunch lady, Vine Hill School
Julia Monahan, Small Business Owner
Regina Deihl, attorney; parent
Julie Orr, Designer
Eliza Ballantyne, Psychotherapist and co-chair of SVDEI Community Group
Thomas Ballantyne, Senior Software Engineer, Netflix
Crissy Diaz, parent; UCSC employee
Ildi Carlisle-Cummins, Nonprofit Director; parent
Marlene Bennett, Non-profit Director of Operations
Kim McKeon, Director; HR
Sarah Mozelle, Retired
Andrea Orlando, Preschool owner, Director
Teri Goldwasser, Eduction Funding Consultant
Meghann Gelter, teacher at Brook Knoll
Jacki, Social Worker
Rosalina Cone, Social Worker
Kathy Hundemer, Credentialed School Nurse
Andy Perlitch, Engineer; parent
Stacy Nagel, Program Manager
Susie Van Wagner, Home Manager
Sara Cook, Software Developer
Melissa Boose, parent; student @ CSUMB; Intervention Aide at Vine Hill
Sarah Hannaleck, teacher at Vine Hill