Jessica​ Simspon is Director of School Climate, Leadership & Instructional Services, stepping into the position from her previous role as a Coordinator of Positive Behavior​al Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Santa Clara County Office of Education. She previously facilitated classroom learning as a teacher and teacher leader for 13 years before her talents for supporting and cultivating a diverse and nurturing learning environment led her into leadership roles. After attaining both a bachelor's and master's degree in secondary education, she pursued and was awarded an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. As a believer in lifelong learning, she is working toward her Doctorate in Education.

​Jessica served as Assistant Principal for three years before serving as Coordinator of Student Services for Eastside Union School District. She continues to incorporate new and innovative learning practices and techniques to support educators and leaders in improving student instruction by providing quality Professional. Her sustained goal is to ensure equity in education by providing guidance with learning strategies, interventions, and practices that close the achievement gap and address disproportionality.

​AJ​ is a School Climate Specialist in the TUPE Program! He joined the SCLIS team from being a Professional Expert with the TUPE Program. AJ has previous experience in working for the Public Health Department Tobacco-Free Communities program. He strives to advocate that youth should utili​ze their powerful voices to implement change in their community. He graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. He is excited to work with school districts all over the Santa Clara County and coordinate youth events with the TUPE program.​

Itzhecatl is the Supervisor, Tobacco Use Prevention Education in the TUPE Program! He joined the SCLIS team from Foster & Homeless Youth Educational Services. Itzhecatl has a strong passion for serving youth and their families. He has been an advocate for youth since he was in high school. He received his Master's Degree in Equity and Social Justice. He has over 14 years of restorative practices as a trainer. He is excited about opportunities for finding creative ways in engaging youth, families and community partners. ​​​

As a specialist for the TUPE Program, Juan joined us from the Santa Clara County, Public Health Department via the Tobacco-Free Communities Program and more recently, as a responder for the COVID-19 response. Juan has an immense passion and fascination with how pedagogy and public health intertwine and ways they can be used to guide and support the community. He looks forward to finding unique and impactful solutions to challenges he may encounter in his  role. More importantly, in his work with the youth he is eager to absorb the invaluable knowledge and insight they have to offer.  

Francesca Lomotan, MPH (she/her) has over 11 years of experience working with diverse stakeholders such as policymakers, government officials, and community residents on tobacco and/or other drug prevention-related efforts.​​

Prior to joining SCCOE, she worked at the County of San Mateo where she held a number of positions, including Tobacco Prevention Program Director and Interim Community Health Promotion Unit Manager. Francesca also has experience working in nonprofit organizations.

In addition to working full-time, she volunteers with organizations to promote public health. Francesca currently serves as the Co-President of the UC Berkeley Public Health Alumni Association Board of Directors and is an Advisory Board Member with the Filipino Mental Health Initiative in San Mateo County. Additionally, in 2021, she started Bay Area Public Health, a blog/social media project that aims to build bridges within the San Francisco Bay Area public health community.

Francesca was born and raised in Santa Clara County and is honored to have the opportunity to serve her home county/community. 

​Shama is the Coordinator of MTSS at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Shama's journey into education began over 20 years ago with her love of working with students on the autism spectrum, increasing their access to community activities and joy in supporting the development of peer relationships. She joined the SCLIS team after serving as principal/SPED director, curriculum and instruction specialist, inclusion specialist and supporting inclusive practices (SIP) coordinator.  

Shama started her career in education working with children on the autism spectrum in non-public schools before gaining her teaching credential and master's degree in early childhood special education from Santa Clara University. In addition to promoting inclusive practices in the public school setting, Shama has also shared her passion for inclusive education as a faculty member and coach of the Educator Preparation Program's special education credentialing department. In the non-profit sector, Shama has served as both director of a special needs camp for students in grades 3rd-12th and assistant director for Via's First Step program, assessing and connecting families of eligible young children (0 to 3 years old)  with disabilities to the San Andreas Regional Center and SCCOE's Early Start Program.

Hushi takes pride in connecting with community partners at the local and state level to build positive partnerships to ensure access and opportunity for all students. She is a member of the ELLLI (English Learner Leadership and Legacy Initiative) community and participated in Schools ReTool (in partnership with Stanford's Design School) to engage with school leaders on designing educational hacks that lead to equitable outcomes for students. She has also led projects on integrating technology meaningfully through language development and student portfolios with support from Seesaw and Apple. 

My career in education began after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California Los Angeles, then a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California. I have taught everything from Ethnic Studies to World History utilizing a project-based learning model. My greatest joy is seeing students understand the content and apply it to their own lives!

As an Affinity Group Coordinator, I served on an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Strategic Leadership team, specifically supporting 21 campus affinity groups. Upon obtaining an Administrative Services Credential, I joined the Peninsula Bridge Summer Academy as a Site Director. This non-profit organization provides academic and personal support to students and their families beginning in 4th grade and extending through college. Whether in the classroom or office, it is always my goal to cultivate safe learning environments and to develop inclusive curricula that amplify students' voices.

Lindsey White is a Specialist for the Tobacco Use Prevention Education program. Lindsey has a great passion for serving youth and providing them with the tools that they need in order to become the best possible version of themselves as they grow older. Lindsey received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Chico State and her Masters of Science in Mental Health and Wellness from Grand Canyon University. She looks forward to serving youth all over Santa Clara County. ​​