September 2023
Juan Romero joined Scotts Valley Unified School District in early 1998; yes that is 24 years ago! Prior to that, Juan worked at Vista Del Lago for 12 years, helping residents with several difficult and strenuous projects.
A Scotts Valley Unified School District employee who lived at Vista Del Lago at the time, suggested Juan apply for a position with the school district, which is how we were fortunate enough to get him. When asked if students were different back then compared to now he replies, “No, kids are kids.”
Juan has 10 siblings and chose to not follow in his parent’s footsteps where children are concerned. He has 4 grown children of his own – 2 boys and 2 girls, and one granddaughter. His dad’s advice to him growing up was to work hard and be honest. I think we can all agree, Juan followed his father’s advice.
When Juan reflects on his job at Vista Del Lago versus his current position as Facilities Specialist III in the district, he definitively says working at SVUSD is so much easier.
When you run into Juan – at whatever site he might be at – thank him for his continued commitment to Scotts Valley Unified School District.
February 2023
Sheri Suomela joined the Scotts Valley Unified School District community 11 years ago. Prior to joining the District, Sheri worked in the semi-conductor industry, specifically in the marketing and planning departments. It was during this time that Sheri, a native Californian and 50k trail runner, met her husband, an avid bicyclist. It was during the California Death Ride that Sheri’s husband proposed – at Carson Pass specifically.
Sheri and her family and 2 children, love to ski and snowboard when not in school. Sheri also co-lead her Girl Scouts troop with the courtyard beautification project at Brook Knoll.
Sheri currently serves as a Classroom Aide at Brook Knoll where she is known for her go-getter attitude, jumping in in any capacity to help the school out (and chasing after kids if need be; they won’t get away).
When you run into Sheri, say hello and thank her for all that she does for SVUSD and our students.
November 2022
Mariann grew up in Gilroy and joined Scotts Valley Unified School District November 2003, when her son started at Brook Knoll Elementary. She likes to say, “she went to school when her son went to school".
Prior to joining the district, Mariann was a hair stylist in the TV and film industry. She would travel to San Francisco and took care of many film stars including Cheech Marin of the famous duo, Cheech and Chong, and actors from the films, ‘Junior’ and ‘Flubber’, which starred Robin Williams. Another of Mariann’s customers was a 100-year-old woman who got her hair done weekly. As she aged, she wouldn’t speak and only verbalized ‘yes, have Mariann come,” when asked if she wanted to keep her weekly appointment.
Mariann currently serves as a yard supervisor at the high school and helps the district deliver parcels between sites. When you run into Mariann, say hello and thank her for all that she does for SVUSD.
October 2022
