Heritage Oak Private Education

Ms. Rachel Simmonds brings 25 years of educational experience to her role. Since joining Heritage Oak in 2017, she has taught English, literature, science, and social studies, earning recognition as one of Parenting OC’s Top 25 Teachers before transitioning to her current position as upper elementary principal in 2021. Prior to her tenure at Heritage Oak, Ms. Simmonds spent two decades in Florida as a language arts teacher and instructional team leader, receiving Teacher of the Year honors in 2011 and 2016.

Ms. Simmonds holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a strong background in curriculum development, implementing innovative teaching strategies, and analyzing student data to identify and address educational trends. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Simmonds is a proud mother of three, including a son who graduated from HOPE in 2021 and will attend UC Berkeley in fall 2025.

Mrs. Jennifer Tafolla returned to Heritage Oak in 2022 as Middle School Principal. She was a much-loved, and well-respected leader in the Heritage Oak Administration for many years, prior to moving to Nevada in 2015. While at Heritage Oak, she served as the Upper Elementary Director for three years and Instructional Program Specialist for two years. Mrs. Tafolla brings over 20 years of experience in education working as a Teacher, Instructional Coach, Middle School Dean of Students, and Middle School Assistant Principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Masters’ Degrees in Teaching and Educational Leadership, a Professional Teaching K-8 Credential, and a School Administrator K-12 Credential. Additionally, Mrs. Tafolla has trained with the National Institute of School Leadership, Executive Development Program, which provides educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to design and lead high-performing systems by preparing leaders to serve as strategic thinkers, instructional leaders, and creators of a just, fair, and caring culture. Mrs. Tafolla and her husband are excited be back in their home state of CA with their rescue cat, Milano and two dogs, Stella and Sterling.

Mrs. Cindy Twomey earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from San Diego State University and has been with Heritage Oak since 2007, when she started the inaugural Early Learners class. She has provided her expertise as a teacher in Heritage Oak’s preschool and pre-kindergarten programs before stepping into the role of Director in 2016. Prior to Heritage Oak, Mrs. Twomey spent time as a director for a national childcare center. Mrs. Twomey has two children, Kyle and Taylor and enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike.