Ballington Academy Staff

I have worked in education for the past 17 years as a teacher, in various grade levels and as a school administrator for the last 10 years. I am also an instructor for the Educational Leadership Masters Program at San Diego State University. I received my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from SDSU. I am a native of the Imperial Valley and have had many opportunities in making a positive difference for the children of our community.

Welcome to Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences. My name is Vanessa Ruiz and I will be teaching Kindergarten. I am pleased and honored to be a part of Ballington Academy. This will be my first year teaching and I am extremely excited to begin the school year at our new location. I am an Imperial, California native and a San Diego State University Imperial Valley campus graduate. I have a Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Linguistics. I have a Multiple Subject preliminary credential, with an English Language authorization. I have worked in many different scenarios with students as a teacher's assistant and a Resource Reading Teacher. I have also been a substitute for both elementary and high school for three consecutive school years. I am looking forward to a successful year with my little kinder critters!

It is my pleasure to welcome you and your child! My name is Valerie Jean Vea and I am very excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Ballington Academy. I was born and raised in the Imperial Valley. I graduated from Imperial High School in 2006 and attended Imperial Valley College. I then transferred to California State University San Marcos where I simultaneously earned my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Kindergarten is full of exploration and new beginnings, but I will guide your child every step of the way towards success! Your child's learning experience will result in a fun, memorable year and I look forward to being a part of this great adventure.

Hello to the parents and new students at Ballington Academy! My name is Mr. Gabriel Flores and I will be teaching first grade. I am very excited to be teaching here at Ballington. As you can see by my picture, Science is one of my favorite subjects. I was born and raised in San Diego, California and I have now been living in El Centro for 5 years. I was a Teacher’s Assistant for fours year in grades K-8. I also taught in grades K-12 as a Substitute Teacher for six years. I worked with Mad Science of San Diego teaching after school science classes for six years. It is there that I’ve learned to teach students of all ages that science is all around us, hands on, and a lot of fun! I am very eager to get this school year started. My students are going to work hard, learn a lot, and be actively involved in the learning of our classroom. I believe that students have to be involved and active to learn, and that’s what we’ll be doing in my class.

Welcome parents and students to Ballington Acacemy for the Arts and Sciences! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Second Grade teacher. I am truly pleased and excited to be a part of the Ballington Academy team. I am from El Centro, CA and a 1997 graduate from Central Union High School. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies with a specialization in Psychology from San Diego State University. I have also completed my multiple subject work at San Diego State University Imperial Valley Campus where I received my Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Furthermore, I have also obtained my Master's Degree in Education/Curriculum & Instruction through University of Phoenix. It is my belief my classroom is a community that includes students, families, teacher and administrators. All lessons will be driven by the California State Standards and I will be dedicated to giving your child the best learning experience possible. Thank you for trusting me with your child and my doors are always open.

Hello future Ballington second grade students! My name is Megan Kosciusko and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the second graders to my class. I am excited to be a part of Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences and to show my passion for teaching. I have pursued a career in education since high school. I am an El Centro native and was a 1992 Central Union High graduate. After graduation, I left the valley to attend BYU in Idaho, and then returned to the valley to raise my family and continue my education at San Diego State University where I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies. I have enjoyed substituting in the El Centro Elementary School District for the past 8 years. I love learning and I now currently hold a Multiple Subject Credential and I am eager to have my own classroom and provide students with optimal learning experiences. I know we will have a great year.

I am very excited to be teaching 3rd grade at Ballington Academy. I was born and raised in Colorado and attended college in Nebraska. I recently moved to the Imperial Valley from Arizona, where I taught for 7 years. I have experience in many different elementary grades as well as Special Education. My husband and I love to spend our free time boating along the Colorado River. I cannot wait to share my experience and love of learning with the students of Ballington Academy. Its going to be a fun and exciting year!

My name is Rowena M. Carrillo and I was born and raised in the Imperial Valley. I am married to Victor M. Carrillo. I’m a proud mother to adult children Giovanni and Ivette Carrillo, and I’m an even prouder grandmother of Jayden and Landon Carrillo. I attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy, Calexico High School, and received my BA and Teaching Credentials at San Diego State University – Imperial Valley Campus. I believe that children approach life with intense curiosity and a precious sense of wonder. They learn their most valuable lessons when they work directly with materials from their everyday lives. Through the use of Science, I plan to integrate Language Arts, Math, Technology, and the Arts. All lessons will be driven by the California State Standards. It will be my job to provide the experiences which will answer their questions, challenge their intellects, and open them to the wonders of the world.

I would like to take a moment of your time to "Welcome" each and every one of you and to introduce myself. My name is Elsa Carrasco and I will be one of the 1st grade teachers for this school year. This will be my fourth year teaching and 1st year at Ballington Academy. I completed my graduate and multiple subject credential work at San Diego State University Imperial Valley Campus where I received my Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a supplementary in Introductory English. As an educator, I believe all students can learn, demonstrate concern for others, and choose to act responsibly. I look forward to meeting you all.

Welcome back students, parents, and community members. My name is Luisa Fuller and I will be teaching sixth grade this year at Ballington Academy for the Arts and Sciences. I was born, raised, and educated in the Imperial Valley. I have a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a clear multiple subject teaching credential. I have taught 7th grade at various Imperial Valley and San Diego schools, and am very excited to teach sixth graders this school year. This year, we will be focusing on mastering the California State Standards, while incorporating multiple opportunities for students to engage in music, art, drama, technology, and science. I look forward to a successful and exciting school year.

Hi my name is Paula Garcia, I am here every morning to greet your children, and to ensure their safe arrival to school. I am the one who takes care of your children during lunch and recess. I strive to provide a caring environment for your child.

Hi my name is Claudia Romo. I am here at school everyday assisting your children with their speech sessions and making sure your children’s lunches are served to them warm as if they were served from you. You will also see me afterschool as I will be here to help your children with their homework at the afterschool program. As always I enjoy being a part of your children’s life.