LMSV Heart: People at the heart of La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools

La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION

This interview program gives you a look at some of the people and programs fueling the culture of La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools.

  1. Oscar Nava, Assistant Principal of LMAAC; Season 3, Episode 6

    JAN 30

    Oscar Nava, Assistant Principal of LMAAC; Season 3, Episode 6

    Oscar Nava has had a unique pathway leading to his current role as Assistant Principal at La Mesa Arts Academy (LMAAC). His career in education began more than two decades ago when he worked for La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools in what is now known as ESS. Inspired by his work with students, Oscar pursued a career in education, working as a night custodian (also in La Mesa-Spring Valley) while in school at San Diego State University.  From there, he has been a classroom teacher, a Dean of Students, and an Assistant Principal, first at Spring Valley Academy, and now at LMAAC. These diverse experiences give Oscar a unique lens through which to view virtually every aspect of a school and how students, staff, and parents encounter their schools. Through it all, a focus on students and a vision for education and growth fuels and grounds him. As Oscar said on the latest episode of the LMSV Heart Podcast, “Anytime I feel things begin to get heavy, I step out, and I go see kids. I go to the PE department, I go to the language arts classrooms, I go visit our culinary and our electives. These are wonderful places. It centers me and gets me back to the next thing.”

    26 min
  2. Carrie Faulk, Principal of Casa de Oro Elementary; Season 3, Episode 5

    JAN 5

    Carrie Faulk, Principal of Casa de Oro Elementary; Season 3, Episode 5

    On this episode we talk with Carrie Faulk, Principal of Casa de Oro Elementary, commonly known as CDO. Carrie shares her pathway into education, including the inspiration of an elementary school teacher with whom she later taught during her first teaching job.  We talk about the pathway from classroom teacher to administrator, including her time as an Assistant Principal at La Mesa Arts Academy, as well as the powerful culture at Casa de oro, where the phrase “Tiny But Mighty” guides and inspires the students, staff, and families. “When you come on campus, [you’ll see] the way that the staff is so supportive - every staff member believes that every student on this campus is their student, and they go out of their way to make sure that they're helping each other, supporting each other. And I feel the same way about our students.” The conversation also covers the ways the school engages the community via coffee hours, parenting resources, and a commitment to growth and navigating change.

    15 min
  3. Marisa Chaniot, Principal of Avondale Elementary; Season 3, Episode 4

    12/01/2025

    Marisa Chaniot, Principal of Avondale Elementary; Season 3, Episode 4

    On this episode, we talk with Marisa Chaniot, who is in her first year as Principal at Avondale Elementary. Marisa was a classroom teacher for 17 years before making the shift into administration, having been encouraged to do so by several of her mentors.  We talk about those mentors, and about the essential role that communities play in building cultures and spaces that enable students and staff to thrive. We also talk about the myriad strengths of the Avondale Elementary community, including the presence of many multi-generational families who have attended the school, and the sense of welcome that is conveyed to anyone experiencing the school.

    21 min
  4. Jeremiah Ellard, Assistant Principal at Parkway Academy; Season 3, Episode 3

    10/30/2025

    Jeremiah Ellard, Assistant Principal at Parkway Academy; Season 3, Episode 3

    On this episode, we talk with Jeremiah Ellard, an Assistant Principal at Parkway Sports & Health Science Academy. Mr. Ellard shares with us some of the life experiences and insights that have inspired and guided his career in education. He provides fantastic insights and understanding of the various paths that students walk, and those insights help him to identify ways that students can be inspired to discover their interests and passions. He also helps students understand and address areas where they may need help. Listeners will be inspired and moved by his story and commitment to guiding and helping students and families.

    20 min
  5. Erin Krekeler, Principal of Lemon Ave. Elementary; Season 3, Episode 2

    09/05/2025

    Erin Krekeler, Principal of Lemon Ave. Elementary; Season 3, Episode 2

    Lemon Avenue Principal Erin Krekeler began her career in education in La Mesa-Spring Valley in 2001. With her husband in the Navy, Erin moved around the country, teaching in Virginia, Hawaii, and Arizona before returning to La Mesa. She started as Principal at Lenin Avenue in the 20-24-25 school year, leading a tight-knit community school. Our latest podcast episode includes a conversation with Erin that covers her career, how her various experiences and locations have influenced her leadership style, and the strength of the Lemon Avenue community in building a positive and embracing culture at the school. Erin also talks about the value of parent and family engagement, and the opportunities and challenges of a school with a rich history and traditions. Erin shares some of the things that she wants everyone to know about Lemon Avenue and the things that make it a special place to learn and build relationships. It’s an inspiring episode that packs a lot into a short 15 minutes. Listen to the episode and subscribe to the podcast!

    15 min
  6. Kim Dinsdale, Principal of Murray Manor Elementary; Season 3, Episode 1

    08/08/2025

    Kim Dinsdale, Principal of Murray Manor Elementary; Season 3, Episode 1

    To kick off Season 3 we’ll be talking with Kim Dinsdale, Principal of Murray Manor Elementary. Kim is starting her second year at the school, and we learn about her pre-education career, her experience as a classroom teacher, as well as in administration. We also talk about the importance of community and building a culture of kindness. Kim will share some of the things that she wants everyone to know about Murray Manor, and the things that make it a special place to learn and build relationships.

    15 min

  7. 05/21/2025

    Teacher & Classified Employee of the Year! Season 2, Episode 10

    This is a special episode with two guests, as we honor and get to know our district’s Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year. Our Teacher of the Year is Jeff Javier, a fifth-grade teacher at Rolando Elementary. Mr. Javier has been teaching for 25 years, and is being honored for his exceptional ability to connect and communicate with students. You’ll hear about his path to teaching, including a childhood inspiration that still fuels him today. Jean Bilbrey is a Behavioral Intervention Specialist and is being honored as the district’s Classified Employee of the Year. You’ll also hear her story, as well as insights into how to better understand, assist, and serve children facing behavioral challenges. Ms. Bilbrey shares some wonderful insights and shows off the care that she and her coworkers bring to their work each day.

    22 min

  8. 03/30/2025

    Liz Loether, Award-Winning Principal of Spring Valley Academy; Season 2, Episode 9

    This episode features Liz Loether, Principal of Spring Valley Academy, who was recently named by the Association of California School Administrators as the Middle Grades Principal of the Year for Region 18, which encompasses all of San Diego and Imperial Counties.  We discuss the award, and how it honors Liz for her leadership, including the dramatic time of the floods of 2024 when SVA absorbed all of Bancroft Elementary overnight, as Bancroft’s campus sustained severe damage in the storms. You’ll hear about that experience, and how a posture of listening, and servant leadership made an enormous impact on the students, families, and staff of both schools. Liz also talks about the amazing things happening at SVA, including new electives and CTE pathways, wellness support for students, the return of AVID to SVA, as well as the new music programs, and the opening of the Spring Valley Academy Community Schools center, which serves the SVA community as well as the elementary schools that feed into SVA.

    16 min
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This interview program gives you a look at some of the people and programs fueling the culture of La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools.

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