Staff/Faculty Spotlight

Get to know the Campo Staff and Faculty...

This week's spotlight is on our new librarian, Ms. Herring:

My name is Liz Herring and I am positively elated to be the new Teacher Librarian at Campo! I come to Campo following 11 years of teaching, mostly English, in the Bay Area. Prior to moving to the Bay, I grew up in Orange County, attended Cal State Fullerton for undergrad and the teaching credential program, and worked at Disneyland (still a Disney Adult) for 7 years to put myself through college and the program. I started my work as a librarian in the 2021-22 school year and realized that it was truly my calling as I was able to serve students and staff in the most unique ways as well as tap into my creativity in lesson planning and curriculum development, theming/design (I designed a brand new library at MDHS called "Cafe Biblio" as well as a new learning center at Concord High called "The Cove"), and learning/teaching all kinds of subject matter. Unfortunately, MDUSD cut all secondary librarian positions in February of 2022, and I was unable to continue to do what I loved, and I knew I needed to follow my bliss, so when I saw the opportunity to teach at basically the best school ever, I jumped at it. 


The best part about being a librarian is that I get to work with everyone and help adults and students find ways to be successful. I like to think of it like a buffet for learning, I get to sample a bit of everything! I've taught lessons for bio-med classes on the same day that I helped the culinary arts class host a Great Gatsby themed luncheon. I've done an Algebra I test review escape room and then taught an English II class how to format their Works Cited page. I love to sit with teachers and map out an activity or sit with a student and go through their essay; every day is unique and rewarding. 


For those who do not know, to be a Teacher Librarian in California, one must possess a general teaching credential and have taught for at least 5 full years, and then complete an additional credential program that takes another two years, at which time they can choose to earn a master's degree. I am completing my program through Fresno Pacific University and look forward to being able to wear my regalia at our future graduation ceremonies! I am also in the beginning stages of some renovations to the library that will continue to serve our students and take the library into a well-outfitted 21st century learning commons. Please look for big changes in the coming months and please also do not hesitate to reach out if you have suggestions for the space or how we can provide the highest caliber experience for our staff and students. I'm grateful to be a part of this incredible community and look forward to many years serving the folks of CHS. 

Spotlight on Ms. Robyn Harrison:

Dear Campolindo Community,


My name is Robyn Harrison and I am one of two Associate Principals at Campo. I have been an educator for the past twenty years, teaching all levels of high school English and eventually moving into administration. Most recently, I served as the Vice President for Academic Affair at Justin-Siena in Napa, and English teacher. 


My husband, who I met while we were both teaching, is now the executive director of the Community Youth Center. We have five kids between the two of us ranging in ages between twenty-four and one. Needless to say, it can be a very busy house since our kids have various interests that span the full gamut of athletics and the arts. When we are not at one of their events or Campo’s, you can find us at a Giants game, a CU Buffs game, or on the rare occasion, relaxing in the backyard.


I am excited to be joining you this year as we continue to pursue excellence in all that we do at Campo. I look forward to meeting you over these next few weeks and having a wonderful year with your students.

Spotlight on Ms. Melissa Haldeman:

Dear Campolindo Community,


My name is Melissa Haldeman, and I am the School Administrative Assistant. I am involved in all the day to day operations at Campo. I am also Principal Alvarez’s Admin. Assistant. I started at Campo in 2019, and it’s been the busiest job I may have ever had! 


We are the parents of two girls, and a son-in-law who graduated from Campo, Katie (2012) Calvin (2011) and Emmy (2014). Katie and Calvin welcomed a precious baby girl last May, her name is Violet, a future Campo Cougar! This community and schools have been such an important  part of our lives for 30 years, we are blessed! 


Please stop by the Principal’s office to say hello! I would love to meet you! 

Spotlight on Registrar Rachel Yang:

Hello Campolindo Family,


My name is Rachel Yang and I am the new registrar. I grew up in Taiwan and earned a junior college degree in fashion design in Japan. After two years of teaching Japanese language in Taiwan, I came to the United States and earned my MA in Education from University of Central Oklahoma. Prior to joining Campolindo, I was a teacher assistant helping out kids in special care in Burton Valley Elementary for 4 years. Before that, I held various Chinese language classes in Pacifica, CA as well as Dallas, TX.


I have been married for 19 years and my husband is a software engineer. We love hiking and traveling. We have two kids and the elder one Bruce is in class of 2024 at Campolindo. Since moving into Lafayette in 2016, we discovered the uniqueness of the water polo community here and both kids fell in love with it; Bruce is in Campo water polo varsity, and most likely the younger one will follow. Go Cougars!


Most of all, I love the communities surrounding here and am proud of being part of the Campolindo family. You can always find me at the counseling office!

Spotlight on Choir Director Mr. Roberts:

Hello Campolindo Community,


As a graduate of Campolindo, I have had a long connection to this school and community. It ranges all the way back to watching my older brother and sister perform and compete with various choirs and sports teams in the 90’s. I began teaching at Campolindo in 2011, returning to a choral program that inspired my love for the art form. It is my pleasure to continue to build on the excellent tradition of great arts at Campolindo High School.


Campolindo Choir serves 250-300 students annually and the majority come to the program with no prior experience. We perform annual Fall, Winter, Pops, and Spring Concerts. Additionally, the Choral Program puts on an annual Broadway Musical production every March. Our upperclassmen groups additionally have the opportunity to participate in annual tours throughout the country. While I enjoy the musical endeavors immensely, it is the community that is built through our shared experiences that is a favorite aspect of the program for myself and the students.


My favorite job, however, is being a dad to my three girls Jocelyn, Abigail, and Audrey. If I’m not at Campolindo, you will find me traversing the county to gymnastics, cheer, or soccer practices and competitions. I also enjoy road cycling, smoking meats, and watching sports.


I am delighted to work in a community that supports and values the arts!

Spotlight on Counselor Amardeep Dhaliwal:

Hello Campolindo Family,


I began my Counseling position back in August of 2010. I can still remember how excited I was to become part of such an amazing community, and felt so welcomed by both faculty and students. 


Before Campolindo, I served as a middle school counselor for 7 years throughout the Bay Area. I grew up in the Central Valley and attended California State University Fresno for my Bachelor's Degree. After that I attended California State University Sacramento, where I earned a Master's in Counseling as well as my PPS Credential. 


I have been married for twenty two years, to a wonderful man whom I love and adore. We are blessed to have thirteen year old twins, who attend Joaquin Moraga. We are diehard Warrior and Raider fans, and attend games whenever we can. In my spare time, when I am away from work and not shuttling my kids to and from games and practices, I love to hike! I feel so lucky to live in an area that has so many beautiful trails. Some of my favorite hikes have been going from the beach to the top of Mt. Tam and the stream trail in Redwood Regional park. 


I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with your amazing students, and dynamic staff! 

Spotlight on Counselor Jennifer Thayer:

Hello Campolindo Community!


My name is Jennifer Thayer and I am the new counselor. This is my 27th year in education as a

teacher and school counselor. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota I earned my BA in

Elementary Education from Augsburg College, before relocating to Southern California to begin

my teaching career. I attended Cal State LA for my Ca Clear and earned my MA in Education

from Azusa Pacific University. I have taught in Minnesota, North Carolina, and California. Prior

to joining the Campolindo team, I worked as a counselor for 6 years at De Anza High School. I

serve students whose last names begin with A-E. As a lifelong educator, I am passionate about

helping kids reach their full potential.


Married for 27 years, my husband Lance, is a PE teacher and coach of cross country and track

and field. Together, we enjoy collegiate sports, going to the movies, and spending time with our

children. Our son Bailey attended Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo as a decathlete and currently works

in the biotech industry. Sammy, our youngest, is pursuing his passions in the entertainment

industry while he continues his schooling at Santa Monica College. He is currently in Europe

working on photo shoots and modeling. More than anything, I am a proud mom. My treasured

family activity is rafting down the Truckee River! I enjoy meeting new people, UJAM dance,

seeking the sun and writing about my life experiences. My favorite movie is Dirty Dancing;

“Nobody puts Baby in the corner!”

Spotlight on Counselor Duane Magno:

This is my ninth year at Campolindo and my twentieth year overall working as a high school counselor.  Prior to coming to Campo, I spent eleven years working in the same position at Castro Valley High School.  I have truly loved my time at Campo and feel really fortunate to work with such great students, families, and co-workers.


I received my bachelor's degree from UC Davis and my master's degree from CSU, Sacramento.  I've also completed a College Counseling Certificate program through UCLA's Extension program.  In addition to the counseling work I do at Campo, I also work as an admissions evaluator at UC Berkeley, reading and scoring applications.


My wife is a veterinarian in the area and we have two sons, one who is a sophomore in high school and one who is in the seventh grade.  Most of our time is spent driving them to various activities and events, but with whatever free time I have, I love watching sports and running.  I recently qualified for the Boston Marathon and look forward to running the course next April!

Spotlight on Athletic Director Ray Meadows

I began my high school coaching career at Campolindo and it has always held a special place in my heart. I currently teach 3 periods of World History in addition to serving as Campolindo's Athletic Director. I had the privilege of working as a social studies teacher and the head boys' water polo coach at Campolindo from 2003-2010. I left Campolindo to coach a water polo team and teach in New Zealand from 2010-2013, before returning back to California to teach and coach at De La Salle High School, prior to coming back to Campo in 2019.  


I have three kids, Riley (Son) age 15, Micah (Son) age 13 and  Reece (Daughter) age 11, who are often roaming alongside me at athletic events at Campo.  My hobbies outside of work and family include mountain biking and skiing in the winter. I also coach the Springbrook Swim team in the spring and summer.

 

My connection to Campo runs deep. In addition to starting my teaching and coaching career at Campo, I have a lifetime connection with many of our coaches and former coaches. Ron Heidary, current Campo Head Swim Coach, was my coach as a youth swimmer. John Studebaker, another Swim coach and I competed against each other in high school.  


I'm in my 20th year of teaching high school and I continue to be excited about the opportunity to work alongside the incredible coaching staff and athletes of Campolindo. Coming back to Campo to teach and work as the athletic director is a dream job for me. The coaches are dedicated to the development of young men and women both on and off the field. Their commitment to excellence in both areas, alongside the dedication of the athletes and families at Campo is unparalleled in high school sports in the area. 

Spotlight on Librarian Ms. Morgan

I arrived in the beautiful hills of Moraga in 2015 from Merced, CA. I came to Campolindo High School specifically to take the all-important job of teacher librarian, as the librarian before me was retiring. This is a faculty position that requires a very specific credential so I think Mr. Walker was relieved I accepted the position.  


My daughter and I moved here during her sophomore year, so I remember the days of being a Campo Mom! We specifically loved the green rolling hills (we first saw the campus in May) and the nice feeling on campus. Of course I fell in love with our library right away, with its windows, 70's paneling and vast book collection. Since then, I've updated much of the books, furniture and culture of the library. 


It's been my pleasure to be both the librarian and a teacher. My teaching comes in the form of collaborating with teachers on their class projects and research needs. All students eventually come to the library with their classes and do some sort of lesson with me so they know how to access our print and digital resources, practice their media literacy skills and understand why citing their sources is important. 


I am happy to provide a consistent, safe environment for students during their four years on campus. I sincerely hope that your children learn to love libraries and consider them a place of solace and valuable resources. No matter where their lives take them, a library can be their home-away-from-home and a safe connection to their community, ideas, and answers to all of life's questions. 

Spotlight on Mrs. Vera from the Attendance Office

Hello, Campolindo Community! 

My name is Sinziana Vera.  I was born and raised in Ecuador, South America.  My love for math and physics led me to study Civil Engineering and when I was 24 years old I came to the US to get my Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I met my husband of 18 years.  I loved being a consultant for 8 years, but once I became a mom, I decided to stay at home full time and raise my kids.   I love the outdoors, going camping and to the beach, and snuggling with my dog!


I joined the Campolindo Attendance Office in January 2022 and every day it feels like an adventure with all the opportunities to support our students, wonderful teachers, administrators and staff.  You can see me at the office supporting our students with:


Attendance Questions

Attendance Corrections

Student Work Permits

Fall Online Registration/Residency Verification

ID cards/ASB punch

Lost and Found

Booking Conference Rooms

Cougar Day

Spotlight on Associate Principal Mr. Rubey

Hello Campo Community. 


This year marks my 26th year as an educator. I started working with youth as a competitive rowing coach in Seattle, WA. Our team would travel to events in San Diego and Boston, and regularly competed at the National Championships. Over the ensuing years, I taught at Truckee High School, Berkeley High School Independent Study Program, Redwood High School in Larkspur, Saint Mary's College High School in Berkeley; and last but not least, I taught Chemistry the 2nd semester of 2022 here at Campo. Working primarily as a science teacher, some of my favorite courses to teach were AP Chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science. Though I served as a department chair for many years, and developed and led a number of schoolwide programs, this marks my first year as a high school administrator. When my former Campo students ask me how the new job is going, I like to tell them that every day is like a lab day. Just like in a science lab, sometimes things don't work out the way you predicted, but that's where the interesting work begins.


In my free time I love to pursue my outdoor recreation passions. Fall and Spring mean trail running and biking, winter is for skiing at our family place at Kirkwood, and summer means going rock climbing and getting into the High Sierra for backpacking and fishing.


I am fortunate to have an amazing family that includes my wife Betony, 11 year old son Cormac, and 8 year old daughter Bronwen. 

Spotlight on Mrs. Sliwinski

Hello, Fellow Campolindo Parents! 


My name is Stephanie Sliwinski (aka “Mrs.S”). I work in the Attendance & Health office at Campo where I am an Attendance Technician and Health (Nurse’s) Assistant. I’m on campus Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm and often beyond because you may also know me as the Campolindo Gatekeeper for Varsity Football and Basketball. I’m proud to be one of the National Anthem Singers for Campo, and this past year I was named Campolindo Classified Employee of the Year! This is my fifth year working at Campo, and in my previous career I was a high school and adult school English as a Second Language teacher for 15 years at Mount Diablo High School in Concord and The West County Detention Facility (Jail) in Richmond. I grew up here in Lamorinda, graduated from Carondelet High School and St. Mary’s College and got married there 19 years ago! My two daughters attend Campo: Noelle, 12th grade and Kendall, 9th grade. 


I can help your family with the following:   


Medical/PE Notes

Student Work Permits 

Attendance Questions 

Health and Medication Forms

Parking Permits 

Fall Online Registration/Residency Verification 

ID cards/ASB punch

Lost and Found 

Lockers 

Booking Conference Rooms 

Finals Fuel 

(Formerly) Covid testing 

Cougar Day 

Canvas

Aeries/ParentSquare

and...So...Much...More...