Jennifer Andaluz
Executive Director

Jennifer Andaluz is the co-founder and Executive Director of Downtown College Preparatory (DCP), Silicon Valley’s first charter high school and one of the only schools in California to focus explicitly on college success for low-achieving urban students.

Andaluz began her career as a history and English teacher in large urban public schools, and worked closely with administrators and teachers alike in school-wide initiatives designed to improve the academic performance of underachieving students. Her work in comprehensive schools culminated in a Hewlett-Annenberg grant that was used to attack grade and attendance disparities for students of color.

A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, Andaluz has worked in public education since 1993. She is a member of the American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley Class XV. In 2004 she was recognized for her leadership by the Santa Clara Valley YWCA at its 20th annual Tribute to Women and Industry awards. In 2006 she received the Inaugural Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal Diversity Award for extending the promise of education through her groundbreaking work at DCP. Andaluz serves on the boards of MACLA: Movimiento de Arte Cultura Latino Americana and Rocketship Education.

Jose Arreola
New School Leader

"I believe in access to higher education for all students. DCP is a community changing organization designed to increase access to higher education for the students that most need it"

I graduated from San Jose State University with a B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Studies and a minor in Mexican American Studies. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and I moved to San Jose for school when I was 18. I began working at DCP when our doors opened in the Fall of 2000. For DCP I have worked as a Physical Education Teacher, Student Activities Director and now as a New School Leader. When time permits I like to hike, swim, play basketball and listen to live music.

Lisette Bourne
Art Department

I came to DCP because of its tight-knit community. I believe small learning communities and small class size is an important component in education. Visual arts play an important role in education and can benefit students far beyond the classroom. Photography can challenge students to see differently, investigate their daily surroundings, and open their visual world.

Lisette earned her BFA in Photography from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA. She also attended Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA, where she received her MFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in Photography and Installation. Lisette has been teaching photography for 7 years in public and private schools in southern California, as well as at the community college level.

Kristy Cabrera
English Department

"I teach at DCP because, like all of my fellow colleagues, I believe in the mission of the school and above all believe in the students. I hope to see our students transform their communities by becoming college-educated and achieving their goals for themselves and their families.

Kristy earned a B.A. in English from Stanford University and minored in Spanish. She spent a fifth year at Stanford in the STEP program to earn a M.A. in Education. During the summer of 2006, Kristy participated in The Shakespeare Institute at the Folger Library in Washington, DC. She is also head coach of the girls' volleyball team. Prior to DCP, Kristy did one-on-one reading tutoring with third graders and student taught at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto. Outside of DCP, Kristy loves to read, play volleyball and her not-so-secret vice is reality television.

Jill Case
Dean of Students

"I enjoy working at a place that empowers students to make changes in their lives. It is also extremely refreshing to work with staff, students and families that are positive."

Jill graduated from UC Davis with a BA in International Relations. She also holds an MA in Education from San Jose State University with an emphasis in Counseling. Prior to DCP, Jill was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and served as an Outreach Counselor at Hoover Middle School. Outside of DCP, Jill loves spending time with friends and family, trying new foods, drinking great wine, traveling, sailing and anything else that is fun.

Rita Castellanos
Ofiice Manager

"I work at DCP because here the ganas, comunidad, and orgullo all fall true and success is attainable. I could feel the positive energy from the first day I arrived."

Rita is a San Jose native with a history of working with non-profit community based organizations. Outside of DCP, Rita spends quality time with her family. She enjoys music, athletic activities, art and nature.

Gary Clarke
Math Department

"I teach at DCP because the teachers work together to help the students become better."

Gary received his undergraduate degree and teaching credential from San Jose State University. Prior to DCP, Gary taught algebra at Bret Harte Middle School and Hyde Middle School in Cupertino. Gary also worked at McGraw-Hill as a Mathematics Content Editor where he wrote and edited math questions for standardized tests. Outside of DCP, Gary enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and loves being a daddy. Gary is the proud dad of two beautiful daughters.

Dan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Santa Clara University and a Master's in Science Degree from San Jose State University. Prior to DCP, Dan worked at Apple Computer and in the tech industry. He has also been involved in educational technology for more than 20 years at St. Leo the Great parish in San Jose and as Director of Technology for both the Los Gatos Union School District and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. Outside of DCP, Dan's interests include cooking and dining, guitar, skiing, fishing, hunting and surfing.

Melvin Delgado
Math Department

"I chose to teach at DCP, because I believe that the best way to improve one's position in life is through education and hard work. DCP focuses attention on those students who would be most likely be overlooked at other schools and who need it the most.

Melvin has a BA in math from the City University of New York and is getting his credential from San Jose State University. In his free time, Melvin enjoys playing chess, solving differential equations, and rocking out to Guitar Hero.

Vicky Evans
College Guidance Counselor

"Now that I have been at DCP for over 6 years, I cannot imagine a place I'd rather be. I love the challenges and rewards of connecting with the students, mostly seniors (and their families), and helping them realize the reality of a four-year college degree. Every student, desire, need, and experience keeps the work fresh, and the challenge real. Establishing partnerships with select colleges and individuals and spreading DCP's vision is also something that brings me great satisfaction."

Vicky received her BS in Child Development as well as Standard Elementary and Secondary Credentials from UC Davis. She also holds an MBA with emphases in management and finance from Santa Clara University. Prior to DCP, Vicky had spent many years teaching secondary education; volunteering in the College Lab of her childrens' high school; working in corporate cost accounting at Hewlett Packard; and serving as an active volunteer in the public schools, extra curricular activities, and churches. Outside of DCP, Vicky's greatest interest is following the lives of her three very active young adult children as they establish themselves in and beyond the college years; managing the investments of a couple of trusts; gardening and the outdoors in general; and involving herself in a few church groups.

Alicia Gallegos
Principal

"I work at DCP because I am dedicated to helping students get to college. I grew up near downtown San Jose and have a special connection to this community."

Alicia went to Santa Clara University where she earned a B.S. in Political Science and minored in Spanish and Ethnic Studies. Immediately after SCU, she attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she earned a Master's degree in Education (Ed.M) with a focus in administration, planning and social policy. Prior to DCP Alicia worked for the San Jose Public Library System and at the Harvard Graduate School Library. Outside of DCP, Alicia loves to travel and enjoys trying food from all over the world (Sushi is one of her favorite foods). She likes going to movies, reading magazines and books, and watching live theater. She has fun playing basketball with friends and family and loves sleeping in on the weekends.

Shawn L. Gerth
Academic Dean

"I work at DCP because I believe passionately in the mission, and because I believe we are a model for how the educational system can serve all of its students. The staff here is amazing, and we are constantly striving to be better."

Shawn holds a BA from Duke University in History and Women's Studies; a MA from Stanford University in U.S. History; a Teaching Credential from San Jose State University; and a MA in Education and Admin Credential from UC Berkeley. Prior to DCP, Shawn worked at Independence High School and ran discussion sections and was a TA for Women's Studies, History, and Comparative Race and Ethnicity courses at Stanford. Outside of DCP, Shawn enjoys anything athletic-especially running and hiking. She loves to cook and travel, and enjoys planning home improvement projects. She has one dog and is looking forward to getting another one.

Dan Greene
Math Department

"I have long been interested in education reform, and schools that strive to provide quality education to students who are systematically underserved. DCP does exactly that, and I have been at DCP since the first year, helping the school grow. The successes I have seen keep me coming back year after year."

Dan has a BS in Information Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Credential from SJSU. Prior to DCP, Dan taught through Summerbridge National (now known as The Breakthrough Collaborative) in Pittsburgh, PA and Hong Kong. Outside of DCP, Dan enjoys cycle touring and reading about the history of math.

Lori Hartmann
Science Department

"I was first attracted to apply to DCP because I appreciate its commitment to preparing students for success in college. I teach at DCP because of our students, whose ganas is obvious to anyone who spends any time at our school."

Lori received her BA in Women's Studies and Psychology from the University of Buffalo and Masters in Education from UC Santa Cruz. Outside of DCP, Lori enjoys gardening, cooking and home improvement projects.

Lia Hernandez
Parent Education Coordinator

I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and came to this country with my parents and siblings at the age of 6. I grew up in San Rafael, CA. I left San Rafael and my family for the first time to go to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I am the first in my family to attend a university and graduate with a degree. I graduated with a BS in Social Sciences and a minor in Spanish. Currently, I am attending San Jose State University for a Spanish BCLAD Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and a Masters in Education. I live in San Jose, CA. and work as the Parent Outreach Coordinator at Downtown College Preparatory Charter High School.

Alma Huber
School Secretary

"I work at DCP because I believe in its mission. It is wonderful that our school is educating parents and students on the importance of going to college and beyond so Latinos get a chance to thrive in our community."

Alma graduated as a Bilingual Secretary in Guatemala City and studied Psychology at the University of San Carlos. Outside of DCP, Alma loves to go shopping and work out, spend time with her six-year-old daughter and go to Sharks games. It is a treat for her to have time to watch TV (other than the Disney Channel) and read.

Betsy James
Director, Best Practices

“It’s what you do that makes you who you are”
Barbara Kingsolver

Prior to coming to DCP Betsy James served as both Regional Director and Project Manager for Teachscape, an educational professional development company. From August of 2000-2006 she served as Senior Educational Manager of The College Board’s Western Regional Office. Before that, Betsy had a thirty-year career as a teacher of English both at the secondary level and at the university level. A native Texan, Betsy received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin, and her Masters degree from Indiana University. A true student and teacher advocate, Betsy is always passionately involved with the art and craft of good teaching and is very excited about the opportunity of being a part of the DCP family.

Debra Jones
Development Director

"A successful educational experience for all students is a personal passion. I have admired the mission of DCP since its inception and have been impressed by the successes achieved by its students. Being a part of DCP is a perfect blend of my personal passion and my professional experience."

Debra holds a B. A. in Italian Language and Literature from the University of Missouri and an M. A. from the University of Colorado. Prior to DCP, Debra spent the past ten years as a development professional for Silicon Valley non-profits, with the bulk of those years as Development Director for a secondary school. Prior to entering the fundraising profession she was the marketing and public relations director for a local design/build firm. Outside of DCP, Debra loves nothing better than spending time with her family and entertaining friends. She was once a chef and so loves to cook. She's an avid reader of biographies and also believes that any evening of symphonic music energizes her spirit.

Maria Lozano
Registrar

"I work at DCP because of the challenges we are faced with each day. It's great to see the successes and learn from the failures."

Maria attended San Jose public schools and has gained numerous skills from on-the-job experience. Prior to DCP, Maria had extensive experience supervising employees and working to ensure that their needs were met. Outside of DCP, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her children and husband. She also enjoys dancing, family outings, listening to music and especially making her family happy.

Julia Luna
Social Sciences Department

"I am here to learn how to be part of a team of dedicated and dynamic teachers working together to 'open doors' to college for students from families like mine."

Julia received both her B.A. in public policy and education and M.A. in education from Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Julia taught History, ESL, and Raza Studies at Berkeley High School. Outside of DCP, Julia loves to hike with her dog, Xbali.

Tony Malizia
Math Department

"I teach at DCP to give back to the community for the many blessings I have received. Also, DCP is a very special place that, for students that other schools would forget, gives those students the attention, tools and encouragement to succeed. I am very proud to be a part of that."

Tony holds both a BA and Masters in Math from UC Berkeley, and a secondary credential from Santa Clara University. Prior to DCP, Tony taught at Menlo Atherton and Fremont (Sunnyvale) High Schools. Prior to that, Tony worked as a retirement plan actuary for 23 years, and was a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Outside of DCP, Tony enjoys skiing and classical piano.

Silvi Martin
Spanish Department

“I continue teaching at DCP because I strongly believe in its mission and I feel part of a community engaged in helping teenagers meet the high standards we have for them. I love the students’ openness, and desire for a role model they can trust. I feel I can give them what they need: knowledge, support, values, confidence and strength to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams.”

Silvi is a native of Spain and went to school in several countries before receiving a BA in Modern Languages and Linguistics, a MA in English Language & Literature and teaching credentials from the University of Malaga in Spain. She is currently working on a PhD in Literature and Cinema at UMA. Prior to working at DCP, she taught Spanish at different levels for six years in Texas, and before that, taught both English and Spanish as a Second Language for several years in Spain. She holds the Five Year Diploma in French Language from the Official School of Languages in Malaga, and a Diploma from the Alliance Française in Rouen, France. She is also fluent in Italian and understands Portuguese. Outside of DCP, Silvi enjoys writing, reading, dancing, Shakespeare, movies and drama. She loves the sun, the sea and sleeping in the morning, and enjoys libraries as much as the dance floor.

Chris McIntyre
Physical Education Department

“ I am very excited to have the opportunity to teach at DCP. I feel that it is very important that students get the education necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle after they leave my class. Students should be able to look at physical fitness as being fun and enjoyable and that is my goal while I am here at DCP.”

Chris holds a B.S. in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Teacher Education, from San Jose State University. In his free time Chris participates daily in physical activities that include: working out, playing ice hockey and walking his dogs.

Micah Morris
English Department

"I teach at DCP because I want to see more urban students of color attending four-year colleges and universities."

Micah received a M.A. in Education and teaching credential from Stanford University and holds dual B.A. degrees in English Literature and Classics (Latin language) from San Francisco State University. Prior to DCP, Micah taught at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo and various religious schools in San Francisco and Berkeley. Outside of DCP, Micah's next loves are cooking and baking and spending quality time with a good book.

Julio Navarrete
Spanish Department

"Apart from the great community that exists here, I teach at DCP because I love working with our students to reach our promise of preparing them to thrive at a four year university. Working at DCP has been a life-changing experience because it's made me realize that teaching is my passion and that I want to be a positive role-model to the students, staff, and community at DCP.

Julio received his BA in Radio, Television and Film from San Jose State University. He is currently attending the National Hispanic University under the Teacher Education program. Outside of DCP, Julio enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, and doing community service."

Carol Ponder
Montalvo Arts Program

Carol is thrilled to be the first Montalvo Teaching Artist Fellow at DCP, and is greatly enjoying getting to know the exceptional faculty, staff, and student body. Ponder is a nationally recognized folk singer, grounding her work in the traditions of her native Appalachia. An actor/singer/dancer for almost 40 years, she uses her expertise in the performing arts to open up creative engagement in schools. As a Teaching Artist and Consultant, Ponder has worked with the Lincoln Center Institute, the Kennedy Center, VSA International and Tennessee, and the Empire State Partnerships Project, among many other organizations. For more information, go to www.carolponder.com

Elizabeth Richardson
English Department

"I teach at DCP because I believe in our mission and the importance of a college education for our students. I feel lucky to be part of such an incredible school and to work with such a dedicated staff. Our students amaze me everyday."

Elizabeth received both her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Masters in Education from Stanford University. Elizabeth is a real movie, music, and art fan and loves to see movies, live music, and art exhibits.

Kaye Sapikas
Associate Director Development

"I joined the DCP team to be part of helping first-generation students get to and succeed at college. As a first-generation student myself, I feel very connected to the work being done here."

Kaye received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master's degree in Education from Santa Clara University. She has worked as a public school teacher, tutor and education consultant. For the past 5 years, Kaye has worked in development for two well-known nonprofits - Big Brothers Big Sisters and ALLIANCE for Community Care. Outside of DCP she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, trying new restaurants, and being outdoors.

Karen Sherwood
English Department

"In August of 2003, my husband and I decided that San Jose was where we would be spending our retirement and where we would serve the community in a new and meaningful way. Just at this moment of decision, I answered a call from Vicki Evans to help in DCP's College Lab and discovered that DCP was where I wanted to be. DCP was solving the need for equal access to educational opportunities, strengthening community, and improving lives. In turn, my role there would connect me to others in the community, allow me to use my past professional experiences and challenge me to grow and change. I am at DCP because I believe in its mission and its impact on community."

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education and teaching credential from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Her most recent educational experience was as the Media Specialist for Redwood Middle School in Saratoga, CA. Outside of DCP, Karen enjoys her Labradors, hiking, camping, grandchildren and reading.

Aaron Srugis
Academic Program Coordinator

"I teach at DCP because it is extremely challenging and rewarding every day. I like the high standard it makes me hold myself to. It promises the dreams that education should provide but often aren't realized because of the confounding that accompanies the bureaucracy and red-tape of larger public-school systems. We learn from our mistakes (of which we have made many) and happily hold them out for everyone to see and look at as we continue to improve. We are equally proud of our successes and are cognizant of the long road it took to get there as well as the long road that still lies ahead. DCP is a real community where all constituents (students, teachers, administrators, and parents) all work together to achieve a clearly defined goal. There is nothing vague about the purpose of each action we take. I also like the small-pond feel where everybody has the opportunity to be a big fish."

Aaron received a BA in Mathematics from the State University of New York at Binghamton and an MA in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to DCP, Aaron taught middle-school and high-school math at the Academy of Environmental Science in East Harlem, New York. Outside of DCP, Aaron enjoys playing softball, guitar, hiking, traveling, and going to nice restaurants and drinking terrific wine with his beautiful wife. He also thinks spreadsheets are pretty cool.

Susan Suárez
Alumni Services Coordinator

“I work at DCP because I am committed to helping first generation college-bound students achieve their goals. I believe that with DCP’s clear mission and dedicated staff, students are receiving a quality education that will provide them with a wide array of opportunities in life.”

Susan received her B.A. in Spanish Language & Literature from the University of San Francisco and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish (CLAD) from San José State University. In 2006, she earned her M.A. in Education from Stanford University. Susan taught Spanish at DCP for four years and worked as the Parent Outreach Coordinator for two years. She is excited about her new role in the College Lab where she will support DCP graduates on their way toward obtaining a college education. Outside of DCP, Susan enjoys traveling with her husband, walking her dog, and cooking new recipes.

Lauren Turner
Science Department

"I teach at DCP because I support its mission. Every student deserves a chance to go to college, and I believe that DCP has found a way to help make that chance happen for so many."

Lauren received a B.S. in evolutionary biology from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Teaching from UC Santa Cruz. Prior to DCP, Lauren substitute taught in the Santa Cruz/Watsonville area. Outside of DCP, Lauren enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Melissa Urbain
English Department

"I teach at DCP Because I believe every student should have a chance for a college education."

Melissa received a B.A. in English and Secondary Education at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Before becoming an English teacher at DCP she worked for an Americorps after-school program at Lowell Elementary School in San Jose. When not teaching, Melissa likes to jog, play soccer, and knit.

Citlali Vasquez-Ramos
Activities Director

"I choose to work at DCP because I believe that education is revolutionary. Through developing our youth's academic, leadership, and college readiness skills the world as we know it can change for the better. By empowering our students to go to college we are developing a strong foundation for our families and our community to build from. DCP is an example of the kind of education that should be afforded to every student and the power of that education is endless.

I am originally from Long Beach, CA and I am a first generation college graduate of Santa Clara University where I studied sociology and ethnic studies. I was a student leader on SCU's campus and I have worked in education for three years, I have played soccer for fourteen years, which has instilled my strong belief in what a sports program can offer students as far as discipline, motivation, and self-improvement in all areas of life. I love pizza and I eat Tapatio with almost everything, so much that I think I burned my taste buds because my mouth goes numb when I eat too much chile. I love trying new types of foods because I think food speaks a lot about people. I am a huge fan of "pearl tea" or boba with tapioca in it. As you can see, I love to eat and play."

Jen Wekselbaum
Math/Science Department

"I teach at DCP because the community is so wonderful and everyone works hard as a team to make sure students succeed."

Jen majored in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Jen used to teach a health program for children and teens in east San Jose, aimed at preventing diabetes. Outside of DCP, Jen loves to plan science experiments as well as bike and talk with friends.

Andrea Yee
Social Sciences

"Everyone should have a quality education and a chance to attend college regardless of race, ethnicity, class, or gender. I'm excited to join a team of teachers, administrators, and staff at DCP who are dedicated to making this a reality for many students whom the public education system has failed."

Andrea recceived her BA in Politics and Journalism from New York University, and a MA in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to DCP, Andrea taught History at Baruch College Campus High School in New York City. Outside of DCP, andrea likes to cook, eat, travel, read 19th century Russian novels, and watch old martial arts movies.

Irene Zuniga
Campus Supervisor

"I work at DCP because I support the value it has created in our community. As an original parent of the founding class, I have contributed to the success of the students and the growth of the school."

Irene graduated from Notre Dame High School in San Jose, and received her Medical Assistant certification. Prior to DCP, she was a dental office manager for a hospital and family dentistry practice for 15 years. Outside of DCP, Irene enjoys quality time with her husband and four children. Family activities include traveling to Mexico, watching her children participate in sports at Bellarmine College Prep, spending time with friends and family as well as volunteering in the community.