VUSD Classified Convocation 2025

Kirk Shrum has been serving as superintendent of Visalia Unified School District since May 16, 2022.Mr. Shrum was appointed superintendent by the VUSD Board of Education on March 8, 2022, after a rigorous nationwide search.Mr. Shrum brings over 25 years of educational and administrative leadership experience to his role of superintendent.

Mrs. Naylor has been married to her husband Kevin for 36 years.  A long-time Visalia resident, she and her husband have raised their three sons who graduated from Visalia schools.

Mrs. Naylor completed her Single Subject Teaching Credential in Business Education from California State University, Fresno and began her educational career at Mt. Whitney High School in 1984 teaching business and advising FBLA.  She then received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1990 and served as Dean of Students at Mt. Whitney High School. Over the next 30 years, she served as Assistant Principal at Mt. Whitney High School and El Diamante High School overseeing the schools’ activities, finance, facilities, and student services departments.  In addition, she served as the Career Technical Education (CTE) coordinator before retiring in June 2018.

Mrs. Naylor is very passionate about ensuring that all students receive a quality education that meets their individual needs.  Her vested interest in the maintenance of Visalia Unified’s high quality education system lead to her decision to run for the Governing Board, where she wants to help maintain Visalia Unified’s excellence in all that it does.  Mrs. Naylor is honored to serve the community as a school board trustee and thanks those in Trustee Area 3 for giving her this opportunity.

Brad Thompson is in his 19th school year with VUSD. He has previoulsy been a BIT and Lead BIT and is now the Coordinator for Sudent Conduct and Prevnetion. Brad has over 10 years working within the world of behavior.

Krista is in her 17th year of education. She has served as a teacher, counselor, site administrator, counseling coordinator, and director in student services.

Terri is her 33rd year of education. She has served as a teacher, site adminstrator, director of student services, and adminstrator of students services, and now area of teaching and learning.

Ixchel has been engaged in this work in the district, and she will bring her expertise to additional staff within the district.  

Luis is a former police officer, school resource officer, hostage negotiator, and has now worked in school safety a total of 7 years.

La Lambert is the Tech Services Coordinator, overseeing operational aspects of the District Business Information System, Tyler EERP. 

Heidi Gonzalez is the Payroll Coordinator, overseeing payroll in Business Services.  

Connor Anderson is the Systems Analyst lead over the Student Data applications that Instructional Technology supports.  Connor has been part of the VUSD Instructional/Tech Services team for over seven years.

Elissa Cotta & Jessica Cruz collectively have over 15 years’ of Human Resource Development (HRD) experience. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Human Resources, both lead the hiring and recruitment team, driving the process of selecting and onboarding exceptional talent for the district. Elissa brings insightful knowledge on the hiring process and can provide helpful tips & tricks for classified employees who are looking to enhance their resume, promote, or wanting to understand the overall hiring process.

Jessica Cruz has over 15 years’ of Human Resource Development (HRD) experience. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Human Resources, she leads the hiring and recruitment team, driving the process of selecting and onboarding exceptional talent for the district. Jessica brings insightful knowledge on the hiring process and can provide helpful tips & tricks for classified employees who are looking to enhance their resume, promote, or wanting to understand the overall hiring process.

Coordinator overseeing Transfinder; our student transportation program for familes and school sites to see bus stop times, eta alerts and communication for Foggy Day Schedules, bus delays, emergencies, etc.

Steve has been the director of Facilities for almost four years.  Before that he was a project manager in Facilites.  He has spearheaded the development of the Facilities Plan, working with many different stakeholders. 

Gerry has over 15 years experience in facililties planning and school business, and currently serves the district as Purchasing Director. His involvement in school long range facilities plan development, project management, budget forecasting and procurement has played a key role in the delivery of many successful projects for Visalia Unified. 

With over a decade of marketing expertise in the heart of California, Cristina is a seasoned professional with a strong track record in developing, managing, and executing successful campaigns that have reached thousands of views in the San Joaquin Valley. Cristina is also a dedicated member of a charter school board for over three years and is currently the Public Information Officer at Visalia Unified.

Current Coordinator with background as a high school education specialist and program manager. Passionate about supporting Special Education students within the least restrictive environment. 

Alicia Hachee supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Emi Rourke supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Nancy Espinoza supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Ryan Ruby supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Our math content specialists, Tara Borowicz, Malinda Klinchuch, Kim Rios, and Shelly Tos support K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Tara Borowicz is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Kim Rios is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Shelly Tos is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Claudia Ardon-Diaz is the Director of Multilingualism.

Lisette Anaya is a Content Specialist.

Rick is currently the Administrator of Communications, Strategy, and Outreach and he is a Google Certified Level Educator 1 & 2.

John Perez served as a high school teacher for 13 years, high school Athletic Director for 13 years, and currently serves as the Director of Athletic Programs overseeing all Sports Teams and Elementary PE classes.

Leti Trevino is the Director of Early Childhood Education. She has previously been a teacher, coach, high school and elementary principal.. Her commitment is to foster academic excellence for all learners.

Alan McFarlane served as a high school teacher for 9 years and an elementary assistant principal for 5 years. Currently, he serves as the director of Visalia Unified's Visual and Performing Arts department (VAPA). 

Michael Wilson is a Content Specialist with the Educator Support Team, where he provides professional development and coaching to education specialists across Visalia Unified School District. Prior to stepping into this role, Michael served as an Education Specialist within the Specialized Learning Center for several years, where he gained extensive experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for Visalia Unified School District (VUSD), providing expert support across the district in both Specialized Learning Center's (SLCs) and across general education settings. Specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and certified in the Handle with Care behavior management system, ensuring the implementation of evidence-based practices to promote positive student outcomes.

Krista is in her 17th year of education. She has served as a teacher, counselor, site administrator, counseling coordinator, and director in student services.

Terri is her 33rd year of education. She has served as a teacher, site adminstrator, director of student services, and adminstrator of students services, and now area of teaching and learning.

Ixchel has been engaged in this work in the district, and she will bring her expertise to additional staff within the district.  

Brad Thompson is in his 19th school year with VUSD. He has previoulsy been a BIT and Lead BIT and is now the Coordinator for Sudent Conduct and Prevnetion. Brad has over 10 years working within the world of behavior.

Luis is a former police officer, school resource officer, hostage negotiator, and has now worked in school safety a total of 7 years.

La Lambert is the Tech Services Coordinator, overseeing operational aspects of the District Business Information System, Tyler EERP. 

Heidi Gonzalez is the Payroll Coordinator, overseeing payroll in Business Services.  

Connor Anderson is the Systems Analyst lead over the Student Data applications that Instructional Technology supports.  Connor has been part of the VUSD Instructional/Tech Services team for over seven years.

Elissa Cotta & Jessica Cruz collectively have over 15 years’ of Human Resource Development (HRD) experience. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Human Resources, both lead the hiring and recruitment team, driving the process of selecting and onboarding exceptional talent for the district. Elissa brings insightful knowledge on the hiring process and can provide helpful tips & tricks for classified employees who are looking to enhance their resume, promote, or wanting to understand the overall hiring process.

Jessica Cruz has over 15 years’ of Human Resource Development (HRD) experience. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Human Resources, she leads the hiring and recruitment team, driving the process of selecting and onboarding exceptional talent for the district. Jessica brings insightful knowledge on the hiring process and can provide helpful tips & tricks for classified employees who are looking to enhance their resume, promote, or wanting to understand the overall hiring process.

Coordinator overseeing Transfinder; our student transportation program for familes and school sites to see bus stop times, eta alerts and communication for Foggy Day Schedules, bus delays, emergencies, etc.

Steve has been the director of Facilities for almost four years.  Before that he was a project manager in Facilites.  He has spearheaded the development of the Facilities Plan, working with many different stakeholders. 

Gerry has over 15 years experience in facililties planning and school business, and currently serves the district as Purchasing Director. His involvement in school long range facilities plan development, project management, budget forecasting and procurement has played a key role in the delivery of many successful projects for Visalia Unified. 

With over a decade of marketing expertise in the heart of California, Cristina is a seasoned professional with a strong track record in developing, managing, and executing successful campaigns that have reached thousands of views in the San Joaquin Valley. Cristina is also a dedicated member of a charter school board for over three years and is currently the Public Information Officer at Visalia Unified.

Current Coordinator with background as a high school education specialist and program manager. Passionate about supporting Special Education students within the least restrictive environment. 

Alicia Hachee supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Emi Rourke supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Nancy Espinoza supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Ryan Ruby supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Our math content specialists, Tara Borowicz, Malinda Klinchuch, Kim Rios, and Shelly Tos support K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Tara Borowicz is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Kim Rios is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Shelly Tos is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Claudia Ardon-Diaz is the Director of Multilingualism.

Lisette Anaya is a Content Specialist.

Rick is currently the Administrator of Communications, Strategy, and Outreach and he is a Google Certified Level Educator 1 & 2.

John Perez served as a high school teacher for 13 years, high school Athletic Director for 13 years, and currently serves as the Director of Athletic Programs overseeing all Sports Teams and Elementary PE classes.

Leti Trevino is the Director of Early Childhood Education. She has previously been a teacher, coach, high school and elementary principal.. Her commitment is to foster academic excellence for all learners.

Alan McFarlane served as a high school teacher for 9 years and an elementary assistant principal for 5 years. Currently, he serves as the director of Visalia Unified's Visual and Performing Arts department (VAPA). 

Michael Wilson is a Content Specialist with the Educator Support Team, where he provides professional development and coaching to education specialists across Visalia Unified School District. Prior to stepping into this role, Michael served as an Education Specialist within the Specialized Learning Center for several years, where he gained extensive experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for Visalia Unified School District (VUSD), providing expert support across the district in both Specialized Learning Center's (SLCs) and across general education settings. Specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and certified in the Handle with Care behavior management system, ensuring the implementation of evidence-based practices to promote positive student outcomes.

Krista is in her 17th year of education. She has served as a teacher, counselor, site administrator, counseling coordinator, and director in student services.

Terri is her 33rd year of education. She has served as a teacher, site adminstrator, director of student services, and adminstrator of students services, and now area of teaching and learning.

Ixchel has been engaged in this work in the district, and she will bring her expertise to additional staff within the district.  

Brad Thompson is in his 19th school year with VUSD. He has previoulsy been a BIT and Lead BIT and is now the Coordinator for Sudent Conduct and Prevnetion. Brad has over 10 years working within the world of behavior.

Luis is a former police officer, school resource officer, hostage negotiator, and has now worked in school safety a total of 7 years.

La Lambert is the Tech Services Coordinator, overseeing operational aspects of the District Business Information System, Tyler EERP. 

Heidi Gonzalez is the Payroll Coordinator, overseeing payroll in Business Services.  

Connor Anderson is the Systems Analyst lead over the Student Data applications that Instructional Technology supports.  Connor has been part of the VUSD Instructional/Tech Services team for over seven years.

Elissa Cotta & Jessica Cruz collectively have over 15 years’ of Human Resource Development (HRD) experience. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Human Resources, both lead the hiring and recruitment team, driving the process of selecting and onboarding exceptional talent for the district. Elissa brings insightful knowledge on the hiring process and can provide helpful tips & tricks for classified employees who are looking to enhance their resume, promote, or wanting to understand the overall hiring process.

Jessica Cruz has over 15 years’ of Human Resource Development (HRD) experience. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Human Resources, she leads the hiring and recruitment team, driving the process of selecting and onboarding exceptional talent for the district. Jessica brings insightful knowledge on the hiring process and can provide helpful tips & tricks for classified employees who are looking to enhance their resume, promote, or wanting to understand the overall hiring process.

Coordinator overseeing Transfinder; our student transportation program for familes and school sites to see bus stop times, eta alerts and communication for Foggy Day Schedules, bus delays, emergencies, etc.

Steve has been the director of Facilities for almost four years.  Before that he was a project manager in Facilites.  He has spearheaded the development of the Facilities Plan, working with many different stakeholders. 

Gerry has over 15 years experience in facililties planning and school business, and currently serves the district as Purchasing Director. His involvement in school long range facilities plan development, project management, budget forecasting and procurement has played a key role in the delivery of many successful projects for Visalia Unified. 

With over a decade of marketing expertise in the heart of California, Cristina is a seasoned professional with a strong track record in developing, managing, and executing successful campaigns that have reached thousands of views in the San Joaquin Valley. Cristina is also a dedicated member of a charter school board for over three years and is currently the Public Information Officer at Visalia Unified.

Current Coordinator with background as a high school education specialist and program manager. Passionate about supporting Special Education students within the least restrictive environment. 

Alicia Hachee supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Emi Rourke supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Nancy Espinoza supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Ryan Ruby supports K-12 reading instruction for VUSD.

Our math content specialists, Tara Borowicz, Malinda Klinchuch, Kim Rios, and Shelly Tos support K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Tara Borowicz is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Kim Rios is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Shelly Tos is a Math Content Specialist who supports K-12 math instruction for VUSD.

Claudia Ardon-Diaz is the Director of Multilingualism.

Lisette Anaya is a Content Specialist.

Rick is currently the Administrator of Communications, Strategy, and Outreach and he is a Google Certified Level Educator 1 & 2.

John Perez served as a high school teacher for 13 years, high school Athletic Director for 13 years, and currently serves as the Director of Athletic Programs overseeing all Sports Teams and Elementary PE classes.

Leti Trevino is the Director of Early Childhood Education. She has previously been a teacher, coach, high school and elementary principal.. Her commitment is to foster academic excellence for all learners.

Alan McFarlane served as a high school teacher for 9 years and an elementary assistant principal for 5 years. Currently, he serves as the director of Visalia Unified's Visual and Performing Arts department (VAPA). 

Michael Wilson is a Content Specialist with the Educator Support Team, where he provides professional development and coaching to education specialists across Visalia Unified School District. Prior to stepping into this role, Michael served as an Education Specialist within the Specialized Learning Center for several years, where he gained extensive experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for Visalia Unified School District (VUSD), providing expert support across the district in both Specialized Learning Center's (SLCs) and across general education settings. Specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and certified in the Handle with Care behavior management system, ensuring the implementation of evidence-based practices to promote positive student outcomes.

Stephen has served as an educator and coach for 20+ years.  He is passionate about building healthy and positive relationships with others.  He currently works for VUSD as the Coordinator of Student Connection and Engagement.

Frank Escobar is a Coordinator in the Equity and Student Services Dept. and has more than 25 years in education.  Frank has served as Program Manager for After School Programs, Director and Coordinator at VUSD.  Frank currently oversees gang prevention and supports schools working with high-risk students.