Meet the Lead Innovators • Page - HARVEST HILL STEAM ACADEMY

HHSA Lead Innovators

Lead Innovator- Dr. Darlene Painter
Darlene.Painter@menifeeusd.org

Introducing Dr. Darlene Painter
Principal, Harvest Hill STEAM Academy

How would you describe your role in MUSD?
As the Lead Innovator at Harvest Hill STEAM Academy, my role is to help guide and work alongside the amazing team of educators to offer education for the future. My role goes beyond the traditional principal to include thinking outside the box when providing instructional strategies and promoting a culture of innovation and inclusion where all students learn.

What has prepared you for this role?
I was fortunate to work with, and for, some amazing organizations that helped me see education in a very different way. I spent a few years working at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland, where I learned the true spirit of what innovation and imagination can do. I then worked in the film industry where I was able to learn the power of "yes". In that job, I learned that being a problem solver and creative thinker is what it takes to ensure you try to get to a "yes". The ultimate preparation for this role has been my time as a teacher and assistant principal. During my career, I taught in Hemet and Vista. There I was blessed to be part of a team that was tasked to open a new magnet school. That is where I fell in love with Design Thinking and worked with Stanford, Apple, and more. Finally, my experience as an administrator came from being a middle school assistant principal for 8 years in Murrieta.

What is one thing our MUSD family should know about you?

I love to travel. When I travel I want to do anything outdoors from rock climbing to surfing to scuba diving- the more adventurous the better! If I am not being adventurous outdoors you can find me in the studio on game shows. From Let’s Make a Deal to The Price Is Right I have won on all of them (Yes- I won the Showcase) and will finally stop when I run The Amazing Race. I am also often found on the girl's lacrosse field as a referee. My daughters and I share a passion for the sport as they both play college lacrosse in two different states across the country and to stay connected to them my nights are filled with the bright lights of the local school stadiums.

What is your "why"?
Education became a calling for me after I explored other passions in my life. Every path I took brought me back to my drive to serve others. Working with kids when I was a teenager allowed me to fuel my passion for service. I loved working with kids and watching the light bulb moments happen. From there I learned that education needs a change and I had the voice, experience, and passion to make change happen. I believe in building a school that I want my kids to go to.

Assistant Innovator- Brandi Waite
Bwaite@menifeeusd.org

How would you describe your role in MUSD?

My role is to support students, staff, and the community in the areas of academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning. I make sure all students on campus have a safe space to do their best learning and that our staff has the appropriate resources to do their best teaching and support. This involves making sure all students are following the school-wide expectations, being present in the hallways, on the playground, and inside of the classrooms, and analyzing our school’s data to help drive our teachers’ instruction.

What has prepared you for this role?

Nineteen years ago, I started out as a 4th-grade teacher in Pasadena, California, and I immediately began looking for ways to be a positive contributor to my school site. I became the grade level chair, joined the PBIS and Safety committees, and was the teacher liaison for our African American Parent Council. After 7 years of teaching 4th grade, I took the rewarding leap to middle school where I taught 7th and 8th-grade math, history, AVID, and ELD. My passion for making wherever I am at the best place to be followed me to Menifee Union School District in 2014. As a 4th and 5th grade teacher, I joined the School Site Council, acted as an LCAP stakeholder, and became a member of the District African American Parent Advisory Council, MTSS District Lead, PBIS Lead, Math Lead, and NGSS Lead, just to name a few! All of these opportunities and wonderful principals who acted as mentors provided me a glimpse of what goes on “behind the scenes” of a school and district which made the transition from 4th grade teacher to Assistant Principal a bit easier.

What is one thing our MUSD family should know about you?

I was on The Price Is Right!! I actually was called up on the stage after making the closest bid on a cutlery set. I played a game called, “Any Number” and was one number away from winning a car! Instead, I won a barbecue grill, but it was such an awesome experience! If anyone was able to check out the episode, they saw my bubbly, over-the-top personality shine, hence, the picture of me in the M&M costume! I am just a girl who likes to have fun!

What is your "why"?

My “why” is summed up in the Whitney Houston song, “The Greatest Love of All”:

“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be”

Assitant Lead Innovator- Cole Picchiottino
Cole.Picchiottino@menifeeusd.org

Introducing Cole Picchiottino
Assistant Principal, Harvest Hill STEAM Academy

How would you describe your role in MUSD?

At Harvest Hill STEAM Academy, my primary role is to support both teachers and students in achieving excellence in a dynamic learning environment. I work to collaborate with our innovation team to enhance instructional practices and provide support in professional development that aligns with both our school district and school site's mission and vision. I focus heavily on building relationships with students to ensure they feel valued and engaged, fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation. By creating strong partnerships among staff, families, and the community, I aim to empower everyone involved to contribute to our students' success.

What has prepared you for this role?

The past 11 years in education have prepared me for this role in many different ways, as I have worked my way up from instructional aide to administrator. Since I began working in education, I have worked as an instructional aide for a Moderate to Severe Special Education Classroom, Science Teacher, AVID Teacher, Home and Hospital Teacher, Lead Science Teacher, Science Department Chair, STEM Expo Coordinator, Esports Coordinator, and served various roles within the pilot and scope and sequence teams at the district office. This journey has given me a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape, including the unique challenges and triumphs faced by both teachers and students. Each role has equipped me with valuable insights that inform my leadership approach, enabling me to effectively support and empower all of our staff while advocating for our students’ needs.

What is one thing our MUSD family should know about you?

One thing our MUSD family should know about me is my love for everything outdoors related. As a former professional mountain biker, I have spent most of my life traveling and riding bikes in some of the most unique places around the world. This passion influences my professional philosophy, as I believe in the importance of resilience and dedication, both qualities I strive to instill in our students.

What is your "why"?

My "why" is rooted in my passion for empowering students and staff to reach their full potential. I was fortunate to have many individuals in my life who pushed me to be my best, challenging me to adapt to whatever obstacles I faced. I want to ensure that all students have someone who can provide that same support. I am driven by the belief that education can change lives, and I am dedicated to being a servant leader who inspires both students and staff to achieve their best.

Asst. Lead Innovator/ELOP Admin- Yvonne Guel
Yvonne.Guel@menifeeusd.org

Introducing Yvonne Guel
Asst. Lead Innovatorr/ELOP Admin, Harvest Hill STEAM Academy

How would you describe your role in MUSD?
At times I feel like I’m a utility player. One that fills in as needed where needed. I help during the day with any task that is needed, be it helping with discipline, supporting students/ teacher in the classroom, helping with student supervision, brainstorming ideas with various people on campus in hopes of improving us to be the best. Other times I feel like I am the bridge between the school day and home. When I sit in meetings and hear families and their stories, I feel like BTC can help. We offer enrichment opportunities like gymnastics, martial arts, piano, art just to name a few as well as academic support with homework, ELA, Math Intervention. With other families, BTC allows them to work and not have to worry about child care and everything that comes with it because students are safe at school. In simple terms, I would describe my role as complex.

What has prepared you for this role?
I think what has prepared me for my current role is years of experience in education wearing several hats. I believe it is important to be able to look at things through different lenses. I have worked as a classified employee when I was a library media tech. I have been a substitute teacher in the classroom. As a Behavior Specialist I looked at Data and implemented positive systems to improve behavior. As a counselor I sat with several families in SSTs, 504s, IEP meetings and worked with families to help students succeed. I think another key preparation was the years of experience I had as an after school site coordinator where I got to work with families, make connections and enrich student lives. I have had the opportunity to work with students from TK-12 grade and seeing students at multiple levels has helped me not only understand where they are going but where they have been.

What is one thing our MUSD family should know about you?
One thing you should know is that I put genuine thought and heart behind every decision that I make and everything I plan to do. Students and families are always at the center of everything for me. I work hard, do as I say and mean what I say. You can count on me to support you in everything you want to do in supporting our kids and families.

What is your "why"?
My why is because I believe that every kid has the potential to be amazing and succeed. Growing up I had a lot of support behind me. I had a lot of encouragement growing up and people that believed in me. I was an English Learner who struggled with reading and reading comprehension. My parents were considered low income but yet they worked hard to make sure I had a great education which they believed was the foundation for success. School was not easy for me at first but with the right supports, I was able to succeed. I want to be that support and encouragement for students so they know, regardless of their current situation, if they work hard and believe they can do it, they will do it.