BIO:

Mr. Carlo Grasso was selected as founding principal of Cadence Park School after working as an educator in various capacities within the Irvine Unified School District for the past fifteen years. Most recently, he served with pride as the Principal of Oak Creek Elementary, home of the W.I.S.E. Owls. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Principal at Sierra Vista Middle School.

Before his career in school leadership, Mr. Grasso taught science, math, and video production to students in grades six through eight at three different middle schools across southern California.

When not at school, Mr. Grasso stays busy with his wife and four children, usually along the sidelines of a soccer field. He is a fun-loving educator who is beyond excited to be at the helm as IUSD opens their 40th school!

BIO:

Melody Alvarado has been selected as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal, and is has worked most recently in the front office of neighboring Cypress Village Elementary. She is an Irvine resident who has successfully raised two sons in IUSD schools

BIO:

Dan Carroll is a National Board Certified educator with 16 years of teaching experience. He loves teaching and considers his classroom to be a caring, engaging, and innovative environment. He continually challenges himself by seeking out and incorporating new teaching strategies and ideas. When he's not teaching, he loves spending time with his wife Deanne, his son Jack, and his daughter Taylor.

BIO:

Luixsana Drulias is beyond excited to join the Pumas family. After graduating from UCLA, she became an applied behavioral analysis therapist where her passion for teaching and mentoring children first sprouted. From there, she returned to school to pursue a credential from CSU Fullerton and is currently working on her Master’s in Education. As a teacher at Cadence Park, she wants to establish a positive, inclusive, technology-rich and safe learning environment for all of her students.

BIO:

Ashley Estrada has just finished her fifth year in Kindergarten and her eleventh year teaching in IUSD. As a former IUSD student, she feels so fortunate to be teaching in such an incredible district. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her two boys and husband, either on the baseball field or at the beach. She is so excited to meet all the little Puma cubs and begin this amazing new journey.

BIO:

Ruthy Fong Loi taught kindergarten and first grade in Irvine Unified School District's Montessori Program for six years. Prior to joining IUSD, she was a teacher in Japan for ten years. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and daughter. She is thrilled to be a part of the Leadership Team at Cadence Park School and the incredible place it will be for the students and community. Go Pumas!

BIO:

Daisy Gasga has been proudly working within Irvine Unified for 5 years as an Instructional Assistant and a Fifth Grade Teacher. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys being outdoors, going to Disneyland, and playing with her Maltipoo puppy. She is looking forward to being a part of the Leadership Team and leaping right into an exciting year at Cadence Park!

BIO:

We are pleased to have landed Celso Gutierrez-Cueva as the Lead Custodian of Cadence Park. In recent years, Mr. Gutierrez-Cueva has successfully opened two different schools, and has ensured the safety and cleanliness of one of Irvine Unified School District's largest elementary schools. He takes great pride in his work and enjoys making a daily difference in the lives of the staff and students he supports.

BIO:

Christina Hanna has been teaching for six years, three of which have been in IUSD. Christina prides herself on building relationships with students and sharing her love of math. She has a Masters in Secondary Education from Cal State Fullerton where she was also involved in the Autism Inclusion in Math and Science Grant (AIMS) and Robert Noyce Grant. Christina considers herself to be a lifelong learner and always challenges herself to try new things. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two boys, playing soccer and going on mini adventures. Christina is excited to be a part of the Cadence Park leadership team and looks forward to making middle school a memorable experience for her students and their families.

BIO:

Veronica O’Mara just finished up her fourth year as a fourth grade teacher in IUSD. On the weekends, you’ll find Mrs. O’Mara and her husband playing with their energetic pup, searching for the best cup of coffee at local shops, running Jeffrey Trail, and baking delicious goodies. She looks forward to being a part of the Cadence Park community and building lifelong relationships with teachers, students and their families.

BIO:

Brittany Diaz is excited to join the team as an Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist. She obtained a Masters degree in positive developmental psychology, and later a Masters degree and PPS credential in Counseling from Chapman University. She looks forward to working with students, parents, staff, and community members, especially as it relates to social and emotional learning. She can’t wait to bring her zest for wellness promotion to Cadence Park School.

BIO:

With over 11 years of experience in education, Ms. Julia Soto is proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Cadence Park. Throughout her career, she has taught Math, Science, and History across three different schools, each experience shaping her commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for all students.

She holds a degree in Biology and a Master’s in Education and earned her administrative credential from Cal State Fullerton. Her educational journey has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to support students and staff effectively.

Outside of school, you can find her traveling, volunteering in the community, or seeking out the next exciting workout class.