Staff Spotlights

We would like to introduce Angel Ornelas, who serves our district as an ELD Aide at Toddy Thomas Middle School and a Monitor at Fortuna Middle School, as one of our Spotlight Employees. Angel joined

We are proud to feature Shannon Heavilin, a Special Education Teacher at Toddy Thomas Middle School. Shannon grew up in Arcata and attended Humboldt State University. He has been an educator for

Heather Griffis is a Kindergarten Aide at Walker Elementary and one of this trimester’s Spotlight Employees. Heather has been a dedicated part of the district for 28 years, during which she has

We are proud to feature Kristie Merrill, a 2nd-grade teacher at Walker Elementary. Kristie has been with the district and at Walker since 2015, serving in several capacities, including as a Special

We are proud to add Laura Ambrosi, a Monitor and Crossing Guard at Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary, to this trimester’s Staff Spotlights. Laura has dedicated the last 26 years to working in

This trimester, we are proud to feature Jennifer Grimmett, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary. Jennifer grew up in Eureka and returned to the area in 2004, which is when she first

We are proud to feature Madisyn Letter, a Climate and Culture Ambassador who serves both Linell K. Walker Elementary and Fortuna Middle School. Madisyn is known across both campuses for her

We are proud to highlight Chico Cortes, the 8th-grade Physical Education teacher at Fortuna Middle School and the district's Athletic Director. Chico has worked in education for the past four years,

We are happy to highlight Marisa Elise Esparza, a Monitor and ELL Aide at Fortuna Middle School. Marisa joined FMS in October 2023 and has quickly become a bright, positive presence on campus. Her

We would like to introduce Francisco Rios, a valued Monitor and EXCEL Aide at Toddy Thomas Middle School. In just two years with the district, Francisco has earned a reputation as someone who