Leadership & Faculty Home / About Us / Leadership & Faculty Dedicated Leaders & Expert Teachers At our school, everyone works together to make sure students and families feel happy and supported. Our leaders, staff, and teachers are all here to help. Our teachers love sharing what they know, whether it’s about reading, music, or outer space! They make learning fun and exciting, helping students explore new things and find what they love. Together, we create a special place where students can grow and learn every day. Browse By Role All Roles Faculty Leadership Search Mr. Portocarrero Band Director Mr. Portocarrero Band Director Mrs. Pradere Middle School Spanish Mrs. Pradere Middle School Spanish Mrs. Prince First Grade Instructor Mrs. Prince First Grade Instructor Mrs. Quintana Sixth Grade English/Lit Instructor Mrs. Quintana Sixth Grade English/Lit Instructor Miss Rangel Administrative Assistant Miss Rangel Administrative Assistant Ms. Reimer Third Grade Instructor Ms. Reimer Third Grade Instructor Shawna Rhebergen Director of Enrollment Shawna Rhebergen Director of Enrollment Email Mrs. Rhebergen has been a valued member of the Heritage Oak team since 2007, bringing over 25 years of experience in educational marketing and admissions across elementary, high school, and university settings. She has held roles at the University of California, Riverside; Archbishop Mitty High School in Northern California; and other PS–8th grade schools in Southern California. She was named a Top School Employee in Orange County by Parenting OC Magazine in 2022, served for multiple years as a board member of the Orange County Private Schools Association, and volunteered as a Conference Board Member for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Miss Saenz Beginning Preschool Instructor Miss Saenz Beginning Preschool Instructor Mrs. Salinas Pre-Kindergarten Instructor Mrs. Salinas Pre-Kindergarten Instructor Mrs. Seitz Preschool Instructor Mrs. Seitz Preschool Instructor Ms. Shiao Strings Instructor Ms. Shiao Strings Instructor Mrs. Shirota Fourth Grade Instructor Mrs. Shirota Fourth Grade Instructor Miss Sierra P.E. Instructor Miss Sierra P.E. Instructor Rachel Simmonds Upper Elementary School Principal Rachel Simmonds Upper Elementary School Principal Email 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. Snyder Kindergarten Instructor Mrs. Snyder Kindergarten Instructor Ms. Lucinda Tafolla Second Grade Instructor Ms. Lucinda Tafolla Second Grade Instructor Page 5 of 6 Jump to Page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Frequently Asked Questions What qualifications do teachers at Heritage Oak hold? Our faculty is comprised of dedicated professionals who meet rigorous standards at every level. Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers hold specialized certifications focused on the unique developmental needs of our youngest learners. At the elementary and middle school levels, all teachers hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and are state-certified and licensed. Additionally, many of our educators possess advanced degrees, such as Master’s degrees in curriculum development or subject-specific instruction, ensuring high-level expertise across all disciplines. How does Heritage Oak invest in its teachers’ ongoing growth? We view our teachers as lifelong learners and invest in their evolution through a highly personalized professional development program. Beyond standard training, we work with each educator to tailor growth opportunities that align with their specific goals and keep them at the forefront of modern pedagogy. To further support their mastery, we provide educational assistance for those pursuing advanced degrees or continued professional studies, ensuring our faculty remains as academically ambitious as our students. Do you have long-standing faculty and staff at Heritage Oak? We are proud of our exceptionally high faculty retention, with nearly 50% of our elementary and middle school teachers serving our community for 10 years or more. This longevity ensures a deep institutional wisdom and a consistent, supportive environment where teachers form long-term, meaningful bonds with Heritage Oak families. What makes teachers at Heritage Oak exceptional? Our teachers are defined by a rare combination of academic passion and genuine kindness. They are exceptional not only for their subject-matter expertise but for their ability to create nurturing classrooms where every child feels known and valued. By balancing rigorous academic expectations with a commitment to character development, they empower students to reach their full potential in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.
