Hello! I’m Olivia Garcia. I was born and raised here in San Jose. I’m a soccer mom and have always been involved with kids’ activities. I volunteered with the Backesto Park after school program and have nearly 18 years experience in the insurance industry. Now I am happy to be serving students as office assistant/registrar at Sunrise.

I am a first-generation college student born and raised in California. I graduated from Eastside College Prep. and I am currently studying Philosophy and Economics. I have been coaching volleyball for about 7 years and have coached high school and club volleyball. I have also played for the former semi-professional soccer club Peninsula FC. I previously coached in Los Altos and Mountain View at 5 separate elementary schools.

My name is Mr. Guzman. I was born in Sanger, California which is close to Fresno, California. My family immigrated from Colima, Mexico and I grew up speaking only Spanish until I was in kindergarten. I went to Middlebury College in Vermont for free and became an Economics
major. I love Math and Science and have been teaching for five years. I believe my job as a teacher is to make students believe in themselves and take an active role in their community. The students of Sunrise Middle School are the future, and I will work hard to make sure you are successful.

Hello! I am Mrs. Hernandez, I am the Director of Special Education. This will be my 8th year teaching students with disabilities. I am very passionate about giving students with different learning disabilities the confidence to succeed in school. I also really enjoy helping families navigate their child’s educational needs. In my free time I like to go on an adventure with my husband and two kids.

My name is Henry Gabriel Jimenez, I go by Henry, Gabriel, or Mr. J. I went to the University of California, Santa Cruz where I studied History and Politics and focused on my ancestral lineage. I enjoy making music and riding my mountain bike in the mountains and trails. My philosophy is to lead from the heart and be the best at what you do always.

Dr. David Johnson is a psychologist. He has worked in education as a teacher, administrator and fundraiser at the university, high school, and middle school levels for 35 years. He has also worked on the public policy side of education in the U.S. Congress and as an advocate in Washington for scientists and educators. He is serving Sunrise students as a program evaluator and as director of development.

I was born in Redwood City and raised in Riverbank, California. I went to school in Idaho to attend Brigham Young University. This is my first year teaching at this school, and I am very excited to be here. A few interests of mine include collecting sneakers, playing video games, and listening to all types of music.

Hey everyone, I’m Mr. Lopez, a San Jose native with a passion for education since high school. I love all sports, whether coaching, playing, or watching. I enjoy spending time with my fiancée, my dog Charlie, and my family. In my spare time, you can find me traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or working out.

My name is Mario Lopez Mendez. I was born in Toronto, Canada. My family is from Jutiapa, Guatemala. This is my first year in the education field. I love to read and study Latin American history and play soccer. I’m very excited to be part of Sunrise Middle School this year.