Jennifer Andaluz
Executive Director and Principal

"I believe DCP's mission is the solution to every challenge in our society."

Jennifer received her BA in American Studies from UC Santa Cruz. Prior to founding DCP, Jennifer taught American Studies and coached girls basketball at a traditional public high school in San Jose. Outside of DCP, Jennifer is about to become a mom for the first time. She plans to make that her new hobby along with reading, beading, and eating.

Jill Case
Dean of Students

"I enjoy working at a place that empowers students to make changes in their lives. It is also extremely refreshing to work with staff, students and families that are positive."

Jill graduated from UC Davis with a BA in International Relations. She also holds an MA in Education from San Jose State University with an emphasis in Counseling. Prior to DCP, Jill was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and served as an Outreach Counselor at Hoover Middle School. Outside of DCP, Jill loves spending time with friends and family, trying new foods, drinking great wine, traveling, sailing and anything else that is fun.

Dan Cochran
Director Building Operations and Technology

"Working at DCP today, I am constantly struck by the similarities to the early start-up tech days at Apple Computer. At DCP, we have a very focused mission, an incredibly gifted and hard-working staff and a passion to address inequities by making education work for those for whom it hasn't in the past. I'm privileged to be a part of it all."

Dan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Santa Clara University and a Master's in Science Degree from San Jose State University. Prior to DCP, Dan worked at Apple Computer and in the tech industry. He has also been involved in educational technology for more than 20 years at St. Leo the Great parish in San Jose and as Director of Technology for both the Los Gatos Union School District and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. Outside of DCP, Dan's interests include cooking and dining, guitar, skiing, fishing, hunting and surfing.

Nicole Coleman
Graphic Designer-in-Residence

"DCP allows me to do some of my best design work, and the fact that DCP is a non-profit with a mission that is so important is very gratifying."

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Nicole has worked as a graphic designer and art director on an extensive array of projects with Orloff/Williams & Company, Tharp Did It, California Real Estate Management Corporation, Distinct Corporation and Metro Newspapers. Outside of DCP, Nicole enjoys painting and displaying her photographs of Oaxaca, Mexico in coffee houses and restaurants.

Jill Dacanay
Office Manager

"I work at DCP to be part of an educational philosophy that really teaches students and to contribute to the model of how to change secondary public school education. Also, I enjoy being around really caring staff members and students who want to learn."

Jill received her Bachelor's degree in History from UC Davis. Prior to DCP, Jill worked in the district office of San Jose Unified School District and as high school secretary at Gunderson High School in San Jose. Outside of DCP, Jill is on the Board of Directors of Pathfinder Charter High School, and enjoys musical theatre, reading, and being the proud parent of two college graduates.

Vicky Evans
College Guidance Counselor

"Now that I have been at DCP for over 5 years, I cannot imagine a place I'd rather be. I love the challenges and rewards of connecting with the students, mostly seniors (and their families), and helping them realize the reality of a four-year college degree. Every student, desire, need, and experience keeps the work fresh, and the challenge real. Establishing partnerships with select colleges and individuals and spreading DCP's vision is also something that brings me great satisfaction."

Vicky received her BS in Child Development as well as Standard Elementary and Secondary Credentials from UC Davis. She also holds an MBA with emphases in management and finance from Santa Clara University. Prior to DCP, Vicky had spent many years teaching secondary education; volunteering in the College Lab of her childrens' high school; working in corporate cost accounting at Hewlett Packard; and serving as an active volunteer in the public schools, extra curricular activities, and churches. Outside of DCP, Vicky's greatest interest is following the lives of her three very active young adult children as they establish themselves in and beyond the college years; managing the investments of a couple of trusts; gardening and the outdoors in general; and involving herself in a few church groups.

Alicia Gallegos
Vice Principal

"I work at DCP because I am dedicated to helping students get to college. I grew up near downtown San Jose and have a special connection to this community."

Alicia went to Santa Clara University where she earned a B.S. in Political Science and minored in Spanish and Ethnic Studies. Immediately after SCU, she attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she earned a Master's degree in Education (Ed.M) with a focus in administration, planning and social policy. Prior to DCP Alicia worked for the San Jose Public Library System and at the Harvard Graduate School Library. Outside of DCP, Alicia loves to travel and enjoys trying food from all over the world (Sushi is one of her favorite foods). She likes going to movies, reading magazines and books, and watching live theater. She has fun playing basketball with friends and family and loves sleeping in on the weekends.

Shawn L. Gerth
Academic Dean

"I work at DCP because I believe passionately in the mission, and because I believe we are a model for how the educational system can serve all of its students. The staff here is amazing, and we are constantly striving to be better."

Shawn holds a BA from Duke University in History and Women's Studies; a MA from Stanford University in U.S. History; a Teaching Credential from San Jose State University; and a MA in Education and Admin Credential from UC Berkeley. Prior to DCP, Shawn worked at Independence High School and ran discussion sections and was a TA for Women's Studies, History, and Comparative Race and Ethnicity courses at Stanford. Outside of DCP, Shawn enjoys anything athletic-especially running and hiking. She loves to cook and travel, and enjoys planning home improvement projects. She has one dog and is looking forward to getting another one.

Alma Huber
Discipline Clerk

"I work at DCP because I believe in its mission. It is wonderful that our school is educating parents and students on the importance of going to college and beyond so Latinos get a chance to thrive in our community."

Alma graduated as a Bilingual Secretary in Guatemala City and studied Psychology at the University of San Carlos. Outside of DCP, Alma loves to go shopping and work out, spend time with her six-year-old daughter and go to Sharks games. It is a treat for her to have time to watch TV (other than the Disney Channel) and read.

Jose Huitron
School Custodian

"I work at DCP because I like being part of this community. I have a lot of pride in our roots and the people here at DCP."

Jose attended schools in Mexico and trained in electronics repair at the Instituto Vallartense de Electronica in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Prior to DCP, Jose worked in construction, painting and chroming parts. Outside of DCP, Jose enjoys sports--especially basketball, running and bicycling.

Debra Jones
Development Director

"A successful educational experience for all students is a personal passion. I have admired the mission of DCP since its inception and have been impressed by the successes achieved by its students. Being a part of DCP is a perfect blend of my personal passion and my professional experience."

Debra holds a B. A. in Italian Language and Literature from the University of Missouri and an M. A. from the University of Colorado. Prior to DCP, Debra spent the past ten years as a development professional for Silicon Valley non-profits, with the bulk of those years as Development Director for a secondary school. Prior to entering the fundraising profession she was the marketing and public relations director for a local design/build firm. Outside of DCP, Debra loves nothing better than spending time with her family and entertaining friends. She was once a chef and so loves to cook. She's an avid reader of biographies and also believes that any evening of symphonic music energizes her spirit.

Michelle Longosz
Photographic Artist-in-Residence

"I work with DCP because IT works. It has a clear mission of preparing students to thrive at 4-year colleges and it is eminently successful in this goal. The team at DCP is excellent, smart and creative. I've always been struck by DCP's entrepreneurial spirit and its ability to change and adapt to the changing needs of its students and staff. DCP embodies excellence and this inspires and challenges me to do the same."

Michelle holds a BA in English from Duke University, an MFA in Photography from the California Institute of the Arts, and is state certified to teach Yoga. Prior to DCP, Michelle was a VISTA volunteer in rural North Carolina; founded and ran Crossroads-an enrichment program for children living in public housing in Durham, NC; taught art at the Oakwood School and through CalArts-Community Arts Partnership Program in Los Angeles; taught Computer Arts at Lincoln High School; and was a founding art instructor at DCP. Outside of DCP, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys attending and participating in cultural events, dancing, yoga and deepening her personal artistic practice.

Maria Lozano
School Registrar

"I work at DCP because of the challenges we are faced with each day. It's great to see the successes and learn from the failures."

Maria attended San Jose public schools and has gained numerous skills from on-the-job experience. Prior to DCP, Maria had extensive experience supervising employees and working to ensure that their needs were met. Outside of DCP, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her children and husband. She also enjoys dancing, family outings, listening to music and especially making her family happy.

Irma Trejo
Development Associate

"I work 'con mucho orgullo y con muchas ganas' at DCP because I truly believe in our mission. I am committed to do my best to make the four year college dream become a reality for our amazing students."

Irma has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City. Outside of DCP, Irma is a member of CORA, a multicultural agency committed to serving victims/survivors of domestic violence. Outside of DCP, she enjoys reading, hiking, and listening to music.

Rayme Waters
Alumni Services

"I work at DCP because I think education is the most powerful tool for building a truly democratic society."

Rayme holds a bachelor's degree in Literature and Creative Writing from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's in Educational Policy from Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Rayme worked as the Corporate Philanthropy Program Manager at Apple Computer and as an Editor of Education Anthologies at Jossey-Bass Publishers. Rayme belongs to a writing group and writes fiction. She loves gardening and travel as well as fine wine and delicious things.

Irene Zuniga

"I work at DCP because I support the value it has created in our community. As an original parent of the founding class, I have contributed to the success of the students and the growth of the school."

Irene graduated from Notre Dame High School in San Jose, and received her Medical Assistant certification. Prior to DCP, she was a dental office manager for a hospital and family dentistry practice for 15 years. Outside of DCP, Irene enjoys quality time with her husband and four children. Family activities include traveling to Mexico, watching her children participate in sports at Bellarmine College Prep, spending time with friends and family as well as volunteering in the community.

Pam Thomas
Art Department

"I am committed to helping students work towards attending a four-year university, and I love being a part of a community that works together for the same purpose."

Pam attended UC San Diego, where she majored in Literatures in English and minored in Spanish Literature. Pam received her M.A. in Education and teaching credential from Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Pam taught dance and tutored at a charter school in San Diego. Outside of DCP, Pam loves to dance. She takes ballet and jazz class and has studied Latin and Modern dance and Musical Theatre.

Kristy Cabrera
English Department/ Special Education

"I teach at DCP because, like all of my fellow colleagues, I believe in the mission of the school and above all believe in the students. All my life I have wanted to work with young people; there is such satisfaction in watching them grow."

Kristy earned a B.A. in English from Stanford University and minored in Spanish. She spent a fifth year at Stanford in the STEP program to earn a M.A. in Education. Prior to DCP, Kristy did one-on-one reading tutoring with third graders and student taught at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto. Outside of DCP, Kristy loves to read, play volleyball and her secret vice is reality television.

Carol Emerson
English Department/ Special Education

"I teach at DCP because I'm convinced that the mission of this school is in line with my own philosophy. I became convinced after volunteering in a ninth grade classroom and witnessing, first hand, the commitment and connection between students and staff."

Carol received a BA in Liberal Studies with honors from San Jose State University and is currently enrolled in the special education credential and master's program at SJSU. Prior to DCP, Carol worked as an instructional aide with children who were hearing impaired and deaf for the Palo Alto Unified School. Outside of DCP, Carol loves to spend time with her family and dog. She also loves the rain. In addition, she likes to read, people-watch, go to movies and travel.

Micah Morris
English Department/ Special Education

"I teach at DCP because I want to see more urban students of color attending four-year colleges and universities."

Micah received a M.A. in Education and teaching credential from Stanford University and holds dual B.A. degrees in English Literature and Classics (Latin language) from San Francisco State University. Prior to DCP, Micah taught at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo and various religious schools in San Francisco and Berkeley. Outside of DCP, Micahs next loves are cooking and baking and spending quality time with a good book.

Elizabeth Richardson
English Department/ Special Education

"I teach at DCP because I believe in our mission and the importance of a college education for our students. I feel lucky to be part of such an incredible school and to work with such a dedicated staff. Our students amaze me everyday."

Elizabeth received both her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Masters in Education from Stanford University. Elizabeth is a real movie, music, and art fan and loves to see movies, live music, and art exhibits.

Karen Sherwood
English Department/ Special Education

"In August of 2003, my husband and I decided that San Jose was where we would be spending our retirement and where we would serve the community in a new and meaningful way. Just at this moment of decision, I answered a call from Vicki Evans to help in DCP's College Lab and discovered that DCP was where I wanted to be. DCP was solving the need for equal access to educational opportunities, strengthening community, and improving lives. In turn, my role there would connect me to others in the community, allow me to use my past professional experiences and challenge me to grow and change. I am at DCP because I believe in its mission and its impact on community."

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education and teaching credential from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Her most recent educational experience was as the Media Specialist for Redwood Middle School in Saratoga, CA. Outside of DCP, Karen enjoys her Labradors, hiking, camping, grandchildren and reading.

Pam Thomas
English Department/ Special Education

"I am committed to helping students work towards attending a four-year university, and I love being a part of a community that works together for the same purpose."

Pam attended UC San Diego, where she majored in Literatures in English and minored in Spanish Literature. Pam received her M.A. in Education and teaching credential from Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Pam taught dance and tutored at a charter school in San Diego. Outside of DCP, Pam loves to dance. She takes ballet and jazz class and has studied Latin and Modern dance and Musical Theatre .

Meg West
English Department/ Special Education

"I teach at DCP because I love teaching at an institution whose mission I can support so whole-heartedly."

Meg has an undergraduate degree in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Prior to DCP, Meg student-taught at the Penobscot Job Corps Center in Bangor, Maine; and taught bilingual classes at Martin Luther King Junior Middle School in Denver, Colorado. Outside of DCP, Meg belly-dances and boulders.

Gary Clark
Math Department

"I teach at DCP because the teachers work together to help the students become better."

Gary received his undergraduate degree and teaching credential from San Jose State University. Prior to DCP, Gary taught algebra at Bret Harte Middle School and Hyde Middle School in Cupertino. Gary also worked at McGraw-Hill as a Mathematics Content Editor where he wrote and edited math questions for standardized tests. Outside of DCP, Gary enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and loves being a daddy. Gary is expecting a baby girl this winter.

Dan Greene
Math Department

"I have long been interested in education reform, and schools that strive to provide quality education to students who are systematically underserved. DCP does exactly that, and I have been at DCP since the first year, helping the school grow. The successes I have seen keep me coming back year after year."

Dan has a BS in Information Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Credential from SJSU. Prior to DCP, Dan taught through Summerbridge National (now known as The Breakthrough Collaborative) in Pittsburgh, PA and Hong Kong. Outside of DCP, Dan enjoys cycle touring and reading about the history of math.

Tony Malizia
Math Department

"I teach at DCP to give something back to the community and because I love DCP."

Tony holds both a BA and Masters in Math from UC Berkeley, and a secondary credential from Santa Clara University. Prior to DCP, Tony taught at Menlo Atherton and Fremont (Sunnyvale) High Schools. Outside of DCP, Tony enjoys skiing and classical piano.

Aaron Srugis
Math Department

"I teach at DCP because it is extremely challenging and rewarding every day. I like the high standard it makes me hold myself to. It promises the dreams that education should provide but often aren't realized because of the confounding that accompanies the bureaucracy and red-tape of larger public-school systems. We learn from our mistakes (of which we have made many) and happily hold them out for everyone to see and look at as we continue to improve. We are equally proud of our successes and are cognizant of the long road it took to get there as well as the long road that still lies ahead. DCP is a real community where all constituents (students, teachers, administrators, and parents) all work together to achieve a clearly defined goal. There is nothing vague about the purpose of each action we take. I also like the small-pond feel where everybody has the opportunity to be a big fish."

Aaron received a BA in Mathematics from the State University of New York at Binghamton and an MA in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to DCP, Aaron taught middle-school and high-school math at the Academy of Environmental Science in East Harlem, New York. Outside of DCP, Aaron enjoys playing softball, guitar, hiking, traveling, and going to nice restaurants and drinking terrific wine with his beautiful wife. He also thinks spreadsheets are pretty cool.

Jen Wekselbaum
Math Department

"I teach at DCP because the community is so wonderful and everyone works hard as a team to make sure students succeed."

Jen majored in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Jen used to teach a health program for children and teens in east San Jose, aimed at preventing diabetes. Outside of DCP, Jen loves to plan science experiments as well as bike and talk with friends.

An Truong
Physical Education

"Teaching at DCP is a privilege for me. I love coaching young adolescents so they can succeed in the future. I want to share my knowledge of physical fitness with students."

An holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and minor in Sociology from San Jose State University. Outside of DCP, An likes to work out, ride his motorcycle, and relax after working over 60 hours per week.

Lori Hartmann
Science Department

"I was first attracted to apply to DCP because I appreciate its commitment to preparing students for success in college. I teach at DCP because of our students, whose ganas is obvious to anyone who spends any time at our school."

Lori received her BA in Women's Studies and Psychology from the University of Buffalo and Masters in Education from UC Santa Cruz. Outside of DCP, Lori enjoys gardening, cooking and home improvement projects

Lauren Turner
Science Department

"I teach at DCP because I support its mission. Every student deserves a chance to go to college, and I believe that DCP has found a way to help make that chance happen for so many."

Lauren received a B.S. in evolutionary biology from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Teaching from UC Santa Cruz. Prior to DCP, Lauren substitute taught in the Santa Cruz/Watsonville area. Outside of DCP, Lauren enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Jen Wekselbaum
Science Department

"I teach at DCP because the community is so wonderful and everyone works hard as a team to make sure students succeed."

Jen majored in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Jen used to teach a health program for children and teens in east San Jose, aimed at preventing diabetes. Outside of DCP, Jen loves to plan science experiments as well as bike and talk with friends.

Julia Luna
Social Sciences

"I am here to learn how to be part of a team of dedicated and dynamic teachers working together to 'open doors' to college for students from families like mine."

Julia received both her B.A. in public policy and education and M.A. in education from Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Julia taught History, ESL, and Raza Studies at Berkeley High School. Outside of DCP, Julia loves to hike with her dog, Xbali.

Lucia Medina
Social Sciences

"I teach at DCP because I believe in the mission and in the students' abilities to be successful in college. I am also passionate about making history relevant to my students' lives and helping them become critical thinkers."

Lucia received a B.A. in American History from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Education and Teaching Credential from Stanford University. Prior to DCP, Lucia worked as a Parent Outreach Coordinator for the Pajaro School District in Watsonville, CA; and student taught a Summit Preparatory in Redwood City, CA. Outside of DCP, Lucia likes to read fiction, cook, listen to music, watch foreign films and dance.