Rebecca, native of San Jose, began her career as a teacher in 2000 for San Jose Unified School District. She has experience working in the elementary, middle school, and high school level. She also has experience working with Step Up to Writing, Writers Workshop, considerable ELD training, and Conflict Resolution Certification. It is her hope and passion that all children get an opportunity to enter and complete a higher education.

Hi Sunrise! My name is Elliott Ames. I’m super excited to start the year off. I went to school at UC Davis for my teaching credential and Masters degree. I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and surfing in my free time.

Jessica De Anda, Assistant Principal, has served Sunrise for many years. She has served as an English teacher, instructional coach, and leads the English Department. During this time, she was recognized as Santa Clara County Office Teacher of the Year and has always put our students’ needs first. In her free time, Ms. De Anda enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and puppies. She spends her free time reading, gardening, and being outdoors.

Hello, I’m Mr. Carranza! I graduated from MIddlebury College with a B.A. in both Chemistry and Economics. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California to two immigrant parents from Jalisco and Mexico City and I’m always proud to carry my roots with me wherever I go. When I’m not at Sunrise I enjoy playing soccer, camping in the wilderness, playing music, and weightlifting with my friends. As a first generation college student I hope to help guide and support my community to overcome and excel any obstacles that may come their way.

Hello I’m Mr. Chris and I’m a 7th grade English, Social Studies, and PE teacher. I grew up in a Mexican household in Los Angeles. I moved to Santa Cruz to attend UCSC, which is where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Literature with a minor in Education. Something that is important to me is maintaining good health in all forms. I also love to spend time in nature. I chose to pursue teaching because I want to help all students grow towards success. I want all students to know that there will always be a reason for them to be grateful, hopeful, and inspired. This year I am excited to learn more from the beautiful culture at Sunrise Middle School.

I have been working in education for nine years now. I have an amazing son that keeps me busy at all times. My hobbies are attending sports games like Giants, Mexico, Chivas, and especially San Jose Sharks hockey. I also enjoy nature a lot, especially hiking on weekends with my family. Finally, I am a video gamer and play Call of Duty on my PC when I have free time.

Allie Cooperman serves Sunrise Middle School as the ELD Specialist. She has over 10 years of experience in education serving as a classroom teacher, ELD teacher, and ELD Instructional Coach. She holds a masters degree in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University and was named a Model Teacher in her former school district. She is passionate about supporting English Language Learners and believes in using a student’s home language and experiences as a bridge to acquiring English. In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading, playing pickleball, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends!

Ms. Cruz, a San Jose native, is a full-time student at Evergreen Valley College pursuing an Associates degree with an emphasis in Health Science and another in Sociology. After finishing her AA, she plans to transfer to Foothill College to work toward her Bachelors in Health Science and work as a pediatric dental hygienist. She finds joy in instilling students with the confidence they need to face the world. She is very grateful to be a part of the Sunrise community.

Laxman Drivas has been with Sunrise since the beginning and this year is working full-time as a youth mentor trained by Peacemakers. He also teaches boxing and advanced running and coordinates our students’ efforts with the Native American 500-Mile Spiritual Marathon running team. He is a vegan and strong protector of animal rights, as well as a drummer in a local band.

Ms. Carolyn is a Bay Area native. Born and raised on a hobby farm in Gilroy, she grew up watching how nature works. She has been teaching since 1996 and has enjoyed every minute. In her classroom, students are expected to read different sources of information, perform experiments, and orally engage in conversations with their peers. Over the summer she ran a summer camp at the Palo Alto Baylands. She is excited to bring her experiences to students at Sunrise.