Academic Case Carrier Bios
Academic Case Carrier Bios
Cindy Kaiser
Cindy Kaiser received her Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies: Psychology degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and then attended the University of Redlands’ Multiple Subject Credential Program. She began interning as a first-grade teacher at Fairfax Elementary in San Bernardino Unified School District before being hired to teach first grade at Kingsbury Elementary in Redlands—where she had once attended as a student! Cindy entered the Master of Arts, Education Counseling Program at the U of R and graduated with her PPS Credential in 2003. Cindy has been a part of RUSD for over 20 years. She has worked as a counselor at Beattie Middle School, Orangewood High School, and as an elementary counselor at Franklin for several years before transitioning to the Academic Case Carrier Counseling program. Cindy has the unique experience of working with students at all grade levels in Redlands, which is quite a rarity. Cindy has a passion for working with - and supporting - the underrepresented student populations in our district. Before becoming an Academic Case Carrier Counselor, Cindy set up a food pantry and clothing closet at Franklin, which supports the families at that site and beyond. Cindy strives to positively impact the lives of students and their families with whom she works.
Hannah Garcia
Hannah Garcia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from California State University, San Bernardino. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in a professional internship through the Disney College Program. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked in a math learning center at the elementary level within the San Bernardino City Unified School District. She went on to earn a master’s degree in School Counseling with PPS Credential from the University of Redlands. While earning her master’s degree, she worked in a variety of school settings from K-12 to college, including California State University, San Bernardino’s Gear Up summer program, the Office of Career and Professional Development at the University of Redlands, and an alternative high school setting within the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District with at-promise youth. Before joining the Academic Case Carrier Program, she worked as an elementary school counselor at Romoland Elementary School, where she supported student’s social/emotional and academic needs. Hannah is passionate about helping students reach their own unique and individual goals.
Jenny Campos
Jenny Campos has been working in education for over 10 years. She has a passion working with, advocating for, and guiding students. Jenny graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2013 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Human Services. During her undergrad, she worked as an AVID tutor at the high school level within the Garden Grove Unified School District. She went onto earn a master’s degree in Educational Counseling and her PPS credential at National University in 2015. While working on her master’s degree, she continued to work for Garden Grove Unified School District as a paraprofessional in an elementary classroom working with students with moderate to severe disabilities, and then as a CELDT testing clerk. Prior to joining the Academic Case Carrier Program, she worked as a 7th – 12th grade school counselor at Encore High School for the Arts from Fall of 2015 to Spring of 2020.
Julia Ramirez
Julia Ramirez has worked with children, youth, and families for the last 12 years. Julia is very passionate about working with underserved populations and helping them navigate through challenging life situations. Julia strives to make a positive impact with the youth she works with and hopes to continue to make a difference. Julia graduated from the University of California, Riverside and received two Bachelors Degrees in Spanish and Sociology. She is the first in her family to pursue higher education and she is very proud to have graduated from the University of Southern California. She received her Masters in Social Work and PPS Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance. Recently, Julia has received another PPS Credential in School Counseling from the University of Redlands. She continues her professional development by pursuing her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). She has experience working in the Mental health field, educational setting, and with the child welfare system. For the last four years, Julia has worked in the high-desert as a District Counselor and has supported student academic growth by helping students overcome barriers. Julia has also provided mental health support to students through the Orange County Department of Education and Redlands Unified School District’s Coordinated Support and Services. Julia hopes to utilize her experience and educational background to better serve the needs of the students at Redlands Unified School District.
Julie Homutoff
Julie Homutoff graduated with highest honors from Vanguard University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology. She went on to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling, and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. While Julie was in graduate school, she worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Education as a Paraprofessional and Long-term Substitute Teacher for students with moderate to severe disabilities kindergarten through transition age. Once graduated from APU she began her career as a school counselor working for the Whittier Union High School District accepting a position at California High School. There she served students 9-12th grade as a Counselor and an Engineering Academy Counselor. Moving out of Los Angeles County to San Bernardino County she then became a School Counselor for the Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District as a Middle School Counselor at Park View Middle School. Julie was honored to join the Academic Case Carrier Program in the spring of 2016. She is passionate about helping identify each students academic and social/emotional needs, as well as providing any interventions, to help them become the most successful.
Ruth Sotomayor
Ruth Sotomayor graduated in 1990 from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Ruth attended California State University, San Bernardino, where she earned her multiple subject teaching credential with BCLAD certification. She began teaching in Redlands in 1997, where she had the opportunity to continue supporting English Learner students. In 2002, she received her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and later returned in 2011 to complete coursework for a PPS credential for school counseling.
Sophia Malsher-Lopez
Sophia Malsher-Lopez is passionate about working with students from various backgrounds and helping them succeed in all aspects of life. She began her career working with “at-promise” students in juvenile hall, youth rehabilitation centers, group homes and community schools working for Orange County Department of Education. She received her Master of Arts degree in Education, School Counseling with a PPS at the University of Redlands and plans to continue her education in mental health. She will pursue her Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure in the near future.
Whitney Martinez
Whitney Martinez has been working with youth from various backgrounds for 15 years. She has a passion for working with youth, meeting the student where they are, being a consistent support in their life and advocating for their needs. She has previous experience in mental health counseling and had a strong desire to make the transition to the school setting, where she could collaborate with the students support system as a whole. Whitney received her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies in 2010 from the University of Redlands, went on to serve in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica from 2012-2014 and returned to receive her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from her Alma Mater, later returning one last time to the University of Redlands to receive her PPS Certification and transition to the school setting.