Toppenish School District

Alexandra Garcia 

Position: 1st Grade Teacher 

Years of Service: 6

Other Positions Held: N/A

Community Involvement: “During the school year I help out as much as possible with family nights, halloween carnival, and tasks after school to help the building welcome students for a year of excitement and new memories.”

Mrs. Garcia’s Why: “I absolutely love what I do because I enjoy building relationships with the students and families in our community. Coming to work and making connections has helped me support students in their academics and social skills. As a teacher of young students, I strive to ensure they feel loved daily and become confident to try new things. Watching students grow academically and socially absolutely reassures me that I can make a difference. As a former Toppenish alumni, It is so rewarding to have the opportunity to share my love for learning with the same community that helped foster my education as a child.”

Principal Statement:

Mrs. Garcia consistently demonstrates respect in her role as a first grade teacher. She treats all students, families, and colleagues with kindness, patience, and professionalism. Mrs. Garcia creates a welcoming classroom environment where every student feels valued, heard, and supported. She models positive communication and encourages her students to show respect toward one another each day. Her caring approach, willingness to listen, and positive interactions with others make her a wonderful role model for students and a valued member of the Garfield Elementary community.  

Chantel Romero 

Position: 3^rd Grade Teacher 

Years of Service: 8

Other Positions Held: Preschool Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher

Community Involvement: “

I organized a community service field trip opportunity for my class at the Toppenish Food Bank. Me and my students had the opportunity to help prepare food boxes for local families. It was such a heart warming experience that quickly became a favorite yearly tradition.  

I am honored to help serve on the Blue Santa Committee by helping connect with businesses throughout the Yakima Valley to provide gifts for students across the entire district and helping ensure the event ran smoothly for our students and staff.

Through DonorsChoose projects, I secured resources that provided food boxes with meals and essential groceries for students and families during holiday breaks. In addition, I support my school by providing food and hygiene products for our school pantry, classroom resources for all staff, and snacks for all of our students.

By collaborating with organizations throughout the community and lower valley, I helped ensure all 500 of our students received a Happy Meal as a part of our school wide “Boo Bucket” tradition, creating a memorable experience for every child.  I work closely with the community to create meaningful experiences that help students feel celebrated, valued, and connected to their school community. I also partnered with local businesses to surprise students with special treats including fresh churros from a local bakery. These experiences help strengthen the connection between our school and the community while creating joyful memories for students and families.”

Mrs. Ramirez’s Why: “Teaching allows me to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside of the classroom. I became a teacher because I understand how important it is for children to feel seen, encouraged, and believed in. Creating a classroom where every child feels valued, capable, and supported is at the heart of everything I do. I love being able to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that help students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and real world connections while developing a love for learning. Beyond academics, I work to build strong relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community while creating opportunities that help students feel connected, celebrated, and successful. Whether through community service projects, school wide traditions, or supporting families in need, I want every student to know that school can be a place of joy, belonging, and opportunity. Creating a lasting impact and creating core memories that students will remember long after they leave my classroom is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Principal Statement:

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Crystal Carillo

Position: Lead Teacher 

Years of Service: 6

Other Positions Held: Special Education Paraeducator

Community Involvement: “I enjoy participating in school events and activities that support students and families, and I value creating meaningful experiences for children while building strong relationships with families and the community based on trust, respect, and collaboration.”

Mrs. Carillo’s Why:  “I love being a preschool teacher because I have the opportunity to help young children learn, grow, and build confidence every day. I enjoy creating a caring and positive classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, loved, and excited to learn. One of my favorite parts of teaching is using hands-on learning activities that encourage children to explore, create, and learn through play and meaningful experiences.

Watching my students reach important milestones, become more independent, and develop essential life skills is the most rewarding part of my job. I strive to ensure that every child leaves my classroom feeling confident and kindergarten ready.”

Principal Statement: “Mrs. Carrillo was recognized for her courage because, despite facing significant and difficult changes within her classroom, she continues to show up each day with unwavering professionalism, grace, and a smile. Through every challenge, she consistently demonstrates love, kindness, and respect toward her students and families, never allowing struggles to overshadow the care and support she provides. Her strength, resilience, and steady courage make a lasting impact on everyone around her.”

Judy Miller 

Position:  1st Grade Teacher 

Years of Service: 15

Other Positions Held:  Kindergarten teacher, Mentor

Community Involvement: “Outside of school, I enjoy supporting my family and community by attending and participating in my grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. I also help care for and assist my mother with her daily needs.”

Mrs. Miller’s Why: “

Teaching has been my passion since I was a child, and I truly believe the work we do as educators has a lifelong impact on every student who walks through our classroom doors. Being a first-grade teacher is about so much more than teaching children how to read, write, and solve math problems. It is about helping shape confident, kind, resilient, and capable individuals who believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.

Each day, I strive to leave a positive imprint on every child by creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, supported, and loved. I want my students to develop a love for learning, a love for themselves, and compassion and respect for others. I work to teach them that mistakes are part of learning, that perseverance matters, and that even when things feel difficult, they can continue pushing forward and striving to do their best.

I hope every child who leaves my classroom knows they are important, capable, and never alone. Watching students grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year is one of the greatest rewards of teaching, and it is an honor to be part of the foundation that helps shape their future.”

Principal Statement: 

Maria Williams 

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Mrs. Williams’s Why: Insert

Principal Statement: Insert

Melanie Thramer 

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Mrs. Thramer’s Why: Insert

Principal Statement: Insert

Rigo Gonzalez

Position: CTE Business Teacher 

Years of Service: 14

Other Positions Held:  Paraprofessional 2011-2015, Parapro/recruiter 2015-2018, TSI Site Supervisor 2013-2022, JV/C Baseball Assistant Coach 2022-2026

Community Involvement: Co-advisor for DECA, & ASB at CATS. Assist in organizing school fundraisers. Chaperoning dances, trips, or extracurricular events. Volunteer at our church festivals.

Mr. Gonzalez’s Why: “I enjoy building relationships with students and helping prepare them for success beyond high school.”

Principal Statement: Insert

Seth Panattoni 

Position: Teacher of Government and History 

Years of Service:  6

Other Positions Held:  N/A

Community Involvement: Seth likes being a coach for his kids' sports teams: baseball, softball, soccer. He also serves on the Aviation Day group that is attempting to bring the Yakima Airshow back to the valley to enhance tourism. This is our 3rd year running - come out to the airport on June 6th to see our work!

Mr. Panattoni’s Why: “It allows me to have fun and let my creative juices flow, while also molding the minds of the next generations. I love watching kids who come in hating my content area, leave enjoying, if not most of the class, some of our more engaging projects. I love learning, and students are always good for a piece of knowledge that I did not know previously. Lastly, it allows me to meet and collaborate with some of the best people in our communities.”

Principal Statement: Insert

Angelina Norman 

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Ms. Norman’s Why: Insert

Principal Statement: “Miss Norman was selected as Classified Staff of the Month for her outstanding respect and dedication to others. No matter the role she steps into, she consistently leads with kindness, professionalism, and a willingness to help wherever needed. Her flexibility and commitment to ensuring students receive the support they need do not go unnoticed, and her positive impact is felt throughout our entire school community.”

Carolina Rosas 

Position:  Attendance Clerk

Years of Service: 4 

Other Positions Held: N/A

Community Involvement: In addition to her school role, she works at the Safe Haven Community Center with middle school and high school students. Through programs, daily support, and mentorship, she has the opportunity to build meaningful connections while serving and supporting the community.

Mrs. Rosas’ Why: “Through my attendance position and my receptionist responsibilities, there are daily opportunities to help families, support students, and ensure everyone feels welcomed and cared for at Kirkwood. Connecting with parents and students each day makes the work meaningful.”

Principal Statement: Insert

Eva Rodriguez 

Position: General Clerk 

Years of Service: 27 

Other Positions Held: State and Federal Programs General Clerk (2010-2012)

Community Involvement: 

Mrs. Rodriguez’s Why: “For 27 years, I have enjoyed working as a Toppenish School District employee because it has
given me the opportunity to serve students, support families, and make a positive difference in
my community. Each day brings new experiences, meaningful relationships, and the joy of
helping students learn and grow.

I am thankful for the friendships with coworkers, the trust of parents, and the many memories
created over the years. Working in a school environment has taught me patience, compassion
and dedication. Even through challenges, it has been rewarding to know that my work has
impacted the lives of so many students.

I can truly say that my job has been more than just work – it has been a blessing and a ministry
of service to others.”

Principal Statement: Insert

Araceli Gonzalez 

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Mrs. Sanchez’s Why: Insert

Principal Statement: Insert

Jessie Lustre 

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Mrs. Lustre’s Why: Insert

Principal Statement: Insert

Norma Luna 

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Mrs. Luna’s Why: Insert

Principal Statement: Insert

Sandra Torres

Position: Teacher 

Years of Service: Insert

Other Positions Held: Insert

Community Involvement: Insert

Mrs. Torres’ Why: Insert

Principal Statement: Insert

Stacie Arambula 

Position: Administrative Secretary

Years of Service: 7

Other Positions Held: Paraeducator, Substitute

Community Involvement: 

Mrs. Arambula’s Why: “Since joining the district in 2018, I have discovered that working in education is more than a job — it is an opportunity to make a
lasting difference in the lives of young people.

What I love most about my work is seeing students grow in confidence, overcome challenges,
and realize their potential. Being part of their journey is both rewarding and inspiring, and it
reminds me every day why I chose this path.”

Principal Statement: Insert