Jessica​ Simpson​ 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 the​ 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 in Lancaster. She continues to incorporate new and innovative learning practices and techniques to support educators and leaders in improving student instruction by providing quality Professional Development to better meet the needs of learners. 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.

​A native of the Bay Area, Mary has dedicated 16 years to teaching TK-6th grade students across various districts, including LAUSD, EESD, and USD. Her educational journey includes a master's in education from UCLA and a master's in educational leadership from Santa Clara University. She has contributed significantly to the field as an adjunct professor, a mentor of pre-service teachers, a curriculum specialis​t, and a principal, which highlights her comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape.

Mary's commitment to fostering equitable learning environments and supporting all students, families, and communities reflects the core ethos of our team. Her dedication to collaboration and drawing from her diverse background enhances​​​​​​​ our collective mission of creating a positive and inclusive educational experience for all.

​A true homegrown educator, Jaime Koo started her early education at Milpitas Christian School and attended local San Jose schools. Discovering the joy of teaching while in high school, Jaime pursued her BA in English at Santa Clara University. She also holds a teaching credential and MA in Ed. Admin. from S​​anta Clara University. Jaime taught English Language Arts at Rancho Middle School for ten years, motivating and inspiring young people to become effective communicators and contributors in their community.

Prior to becoming the SCCOE’s Parent Engagement Coordinator, Jaime worked as an Education Consultant at Encouraging Literacy, providing reading and writing workshops for parents to encourage literacy development at home with their children. She is also a contributing blogger on GenParenting.com, a Teacher Consultant with the San Jose Area Writing Project, and a former Parent Engagement Specialist with the SCCOE.​

​Hushi has served as an educator for over 11 years and has led learning for colleagues as a teacher leader and supported administrators and stakeholders in her role as an instructional coach of English Learner Services at both the school sites and the district office. In 2014-2015, she was recognized as the Alum Rock Union School District Teacher of the Year.  Prior to teaching students, she taught English at an adult literacy school to Hmong refugees and refugees from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Bangladesh and many more countries. 

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. 

​With over 15 years in education, Kristina has held various roles, including high school teacher, Activities Director, assistant principal, principal, and district-level coordinator. Kristina earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and a Minor in English from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, followed by a teaching credential, administrative credential, and a Master's in Educational Leadership with a Social Justice focus from San Jose State University. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to equity and social justice, having focused her M​​aster's thesis on culturally sustaining pedagogy.

Passionate about fostering inclusive, responsive learning environments, Kristina brings a positive, empowering approach to education. She is dedicated to supporting educators, students, and community partners in creating effective and equitable history-social science and civics educational opportunities. Kristina has also completed the ACSA Equity and Personnel Administrators Institutes, was part of the inaugural Learning for Justice Critical Practices in Social Justice Education cohort, serves on the Santa Clara County Superior Court Community Outreach Committee, and continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and practice in educational leadership.​​