Board introductions made at the December 12, Board of Education meeting:

 
Heidi Allen, Coordinator, Special Education
Heidi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exceptional Education in Orlando, Florida and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Chapman University.  In her career, Heidi has had the pleasure of teaching Pre-K through adult students as general education and special education teacher. Heidi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exceptional Education in Orlando, Florida and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Chapman University.  In her career, Heidi has had the pleasure of teaching Pre-K through adult students as general education and special education teacher. Heidi is grateful and humbled by her position with DSUSD and the amazing team of professionals. 


Juan Alonso, Mental Health Therapist
Juan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino.  Before joining DSUSD, Juan worked for 6 years with children by providing direct one-on-one services, group therapy, and crisis management. Juan would like to acknowledge his parents for always encouraging him to push himself to be the best version of himself.  Without their support and guidance, he says he wouldn’t be the person that is standing before you today. Juan is a proud graduate of Indio High School class of 2008 - “The Golden Class”.


Alexandria Dale, Mental Health Therapist
Alexandria earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and her Master of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University.  Alexandria started her career at Riverside University Health System - Behavioral Health as an Intern in 2012, working with adults and children. Over the last 11 years, she has served the community of Blythe and Indio working with children and adults. Since 2019, she has been a Senior Clinical Therapist and Clinical Supervisor for Indio Adult Services. Alexandria would like to acknowledge her three amazing daughters, husband, and family who have been so supportive throughout her professional career. She is very excited about this new opportunity and proud to join such a passionate team that wants to better the lives of all children and families within the Coachella Valley!


Ana Mendoza, Mental Health Therapist
Ana earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Master of Science degree in Counseling, Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix.  Before joining DSUSD, Ana worked at various community mental health programs in Coachella Valley and Imperial County.
Ana would like to thank her family, friends, colleagues, and fur babies who have been her support system and have played a significant role growth as a professional.


Christina Riemer, Mental Health Therapist
Christina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino.  She began her career as a Children's Clinical Therapist at Riverside County Department of Mental Health, and has held roles as  a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, a supervisor for Blythe Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Most recently Christina was brought on board as the supervisor for Indio Adult Behavioral Health with Riverside University Health Systems - Behavioral Health. Christina is thankful for her husband and children they are raising together, and their family of labs. She looks forward to growing in her clinical role with the Desert Sands Unified School District.


Diane Tijerina, Principal, Jackson Elementary School
Diane earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.  She is a proud product of DSUSD - A Rajah Graduate!  Diane has been a DSUSD employee for over 30 years.  She started as a Classified Bilingual Paraeducator, taught k-8, worked with Early Childhood as a Project Facilitator, was an Induction Coach, served as instructional coach at Madison, and most recently was the Assistant Principal at Jackson Elementary. Diane would like to thank her husband, Leo, for his unwavering support - he is there to celebrate the successes in her life and has been her refuge during difficult times. She would also like to thank her daughters, Lauren, Audrey and Bella for the blessings they have brought to their family. Last but not least, her faithful dogs Marley and Mello, no matter how late she gets home, are always happy to see her and never ask "What's for dinner?" Diane began her elementary teaching career at Jackson and is honored to be a servant leader at a school that has always held a special place in her heart.