Project Description
Dr. Lisa Dachs-Ornelas, Fellow
Beachy Ave. Elementary School
Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Lisa Dachs-Ornelas has 27 years of experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District and thirteen years as an elementary school principal. Her years of leadership experience working as a principal at two different school sites gives her the knowledge to effectively monitor and improve academic success for all students. Dr. Dachs-Ornelas earned her doctoral degree from California State University Northridge, which strengthened her belief that higher education is important for one’s own professional growth. More importantly, it provided an opportunity to engage with colleagues and researchers to critically examine policies, procedures and methodologies. Learning and studying for her doctorate degree was both academically exhilarating and inspiring, while fulfilling her ambition to challenge herself intellectually. As a life-long learner, she believes it is important to model the way for students and teachers alike. She has shared her leadership experience as a coach through the Los Angeles New Administrator's Program (LANALP) and as a mentor for new principals with her local district. She is also an elected representative serving on the Elementary Principal's Organization (EPO) board. As a member of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), she has strengthened membership as the membership chairperson, coordinated the Women in Leadership Summit as a co-chairperson, and led a follow-up book study. She is currently serving in the position of ACSA Region 16 President. Her experience and success at diverse school populations have been proven both through her work as a school principal and in organizational leadership positions.
Maricela Sandoval, Ally
Assistant Principal
Beachy Ave. Elementary School
Los Angeles, CA
Maricela Sandoval is excited to join the Cahn Fellows Program as an Ally. She brings with her 19 years of educational experience. Maricela is passionate about serving her community and giving back what was so freely given to her. Hence, after graduating from college, she applied for a teaching position at the elementary school that she attended as a child. For twelve years, she walked to Vaughn St. Charter School alongside her students. While at Vaughn, she served as a general education teacher and taught second, fourth, and fifth grade. She became a Content Expert Coordinator and assisted with literacy instruction lessening the number of students referred for special education. In addition, Maricela served as a special education teacher working with students with disabilities in a full inclusion setting. She served as a Faculty Chair, Partnership Chair, Curriculum Chair, and WASC Committee Visiting Chair. In 2014, Maricela transitioned to teaching as a special education teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has served as a resource teacher and as an Intensive Diagnostic Education Center teacher helping students with Dyslexia. She has been appointed as a Sharing Brings Hope Coordinator and has organized activities that raised funds for charitable causes that support the students in the community. Maricela transitioned to supporting students placed at Residential Treatment Centers before being appointed as an Assistant Principal, Instructional Education Specialist in 2021. In her free time, Maricela enjoys listening to audiobooks and playing board games with her daughter, Valentina.