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 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”

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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.

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.