Jose Mancillas is an instructor with the after school program. He is an creative who practices many artforms primarily visual art / graffiti art. Jose is passionate about using all available artforms to promote equity and social change, as well as using art as a tool for communication and expression.

Ivette was born in El Salvador and has participated in different projects for parents and communities. “I believe in the strength of communities empowering themselves one by one,” she says.
As a mother proud to raise a child in the Bay area, she knows the challenges that immigrant parents face on a day-to-day basis in achieving goals. With passion, she overcomes the challenges that communities face by encouraging, supporting, educating, and walking together until she sees results. In school, she has the goal of helping parents achieve better family relationships and overcome obstacles together.

Ayesa has been working in schools for over a decade, specializing with special needs and high risk students. She currently works hands-on in the classroom as a paraprofessional but also supports and advises students both 1:1 and in small group settings. Outside of work, Ayesa is also an artist and music producer. Her work is inspired by her spiritual healing practice and dedication to be the best version of herself so that she may be of service to her community.

La Verne Niles is a dedicated educational leader passionate about empowering students through critical thinking, independent learning, and literacy initiatives. With a diverse background that spans leadership roles such as Deputy Center Director at San Jose Job Corps and Principal at Perseverance Preparatory School, she has successfully driven program improvements, raised student engagement, and advanced
organizational goals. La Verne has a strong commitment to creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that foster resilience and lifelong learning. Her expertise includes data-driven instruction, professional development, and relationship-building within diverse communities. La Verne holds both a B.S. and an M.Ed. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for transforming lives through education.

Hi, my name is Perry Pham, and people call me Coach Perry. I went to Milpitas High School, California State University, East Bay, for my Bachelor’s, and the University of San Francisco for my Master’s Degree and teaching credentials. I am a Triathlete and I love all sports including bowling, archery, biking, volleyball and many more!

Hello! My name is Cindy Pinal. I was born and raised in San Jose. I have experience working in the medical field with children and adults since 2017. I enjoy interacting and working with kids. I also love to help out parents if they have any questions or concerns. I love hiking, reading books, traveling, and eating. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. You can always find me in our main office.

Ale was born in Mexico City, moved to the US at the age of 11, and graduated from high school in 2010. She loves interacting with students and encouraging and guiding them to make good choices in life. She also loves sports, exploring the outdoors, and all adventures with new things!

I was born in Visalia, CA to immigrant parents from Cuxpala, Zacatecas but raised in the Bay Area, mainly Niles and Hayward. I graduated from San José State University with a B.A. in Mathematics in 2020 and am currently attending San José State University obtaining my teaching credential and my Master’s in Teaching. I’m also part of the CBA program at SJSU which will prepare me to teach in bilingual classes as well as teaching a full math class in Spanish. As a first-generation college student I hope to help students in a similar position reach their full potential. I enjoy reading, watching novelas, music, mountain biking, and soccer.

I am an educator, an abolitionist, and a student who is passionate about creating educational spaces where children of color are thriving. I am committed to providing and creating accessible, inclusive, and uplifting educational environments in coalition with families, students, and community. I am a graduate of De Anza College and the University of California, Berkeley. I rely on movement and prayer to uplift my spirit and mental health. I am super excited to join the Sunrise team and work with your children this year!

Teresa Robinson founded Sunrise Middle School in 2011. Before that she was co-founder of an alternative charter school now operated by the Santa Clara County Office of Education. She also has started several outdoor programs for youth. Ms. Robinson holds a Masters Degree in Educational Counseling from San Jose State University and is a former journalist for United Press International. Now her main joy comes from working with youth. She has led grief, anger, and gender counseling groups, college workshops, meditation groups, and wilderness trips.