Temecula Valley
Educators Association
Meet your Executive Board
TVEA's Executive Board (EB) is composed of four officers, seven Area Representatives elected At-Large to represent the needs of: elementary school, middle school, high school, and special interest and our Contract Liaison.
The responsibilities of the EB is to coordinate the activities of the Association. They act for the Leadership Council when school is not in session.
The EB directs the bargaining activities and grievance processing of the Association, subject to policies set by the Leadership Council. They are to approve appointment and removal of bargaining team members by a two-thirds majority vote. The EB adopts the Grievance Procedure and directs the grievance activities of the Association.
The EB recommends a budget for the Association to the Leadership Council. They approve by majority vote all appointment and removal of committee members, including chairpersons. The EB adopts the Standing Rules for the Association. The EB exercises all the business and organizational powers and duties for the Association as prescribed by law and the Association bylaws, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Leadership Council.
Bargaining Committee Liaison
President
Edgar Diaz
GMS
tveapresident@gmail.com
¡Saludos! to all of my colleagues.
I am now in 26+ years in education. I am not quite sure how it has passed so quickly. I grew up in an unincorporated area between Whittier and Pico Rivera, a community outside of Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to work at SummerBridge based out of UC San Diego for many summers working with struggling students from Barrio Logan at the Bishops School in La Jolla for three summers, this experience taught me the impact I had with students in helping them reach their goals. I graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a major in History, and minor in education intent in teaching at the high school level in a disadvantaged area.
As it turned out, I was hired for a 5th grade teaching assignment in Fremont, California at the dawn of class size reduction. For many who were not around, that was a 20:1 ration in K-3rd grades and lower sizes in 9th grade English. Imagine that! Getting this job offer in January of senior year was an offer I could not pass up. Growing up in an underserved community, I knew that I wanted to work with underachieving students and connect with the community around them, but I didn’t realize I would enjoy accomplishing this with children at this age level.
In 2004, my wife and I made the heartbreaking decision to leave the Bay Area and the dual language immersion program we taught in and move closer to family. For 7 years I enjoyed working with the dedicated staff and motivated students of Vail Elementary. The next 10 years I had a blast exploring topics in U.S. History with 8th grade students at Gardner Middle.
Although time consuming, I take pride in giving back to the profession I love through my work with TVEA. In my first few years teaching, it was veterans who coached me on voicing what I believe is best for students and learning and how to organize around matters of consequence; working conditions that are conducive to learning, a positive working environment the allows you to grow, compensation that attracts talented educators and helps support their family goals, and allowing colleagues to focus on what matters… teaching.
After 26 years in the classroom, I am now proud to serve as President for TVEA. I am committed to building our union strength, where we have firm union support at each site. Where we can engage in problem solving to advocate to improve learning and working conditions. It takes time and effort. For many years, my four children followed me to meetings and sites before heading to soccer or some other activity. The investment was in our students and in us, TVEA.
In solidarity, Edgar
Amy received both of her Multiple Subject and Special Education credentials from Cal State San Marcos. She has a Masters in Teaching from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix and has taught SDC, RSP and grades 1-4. Amy has been with Temecula Unified for 25 years and currently teaches fourth grade at Temecula Elementary School. During her off time Amy enjoys traveling, kayaking and yoga. She is looking forward to being TVEA's secretary.
Elementary Area Rep
Anastasia Bortcosh
JES
tveaelemarearep@gmail.com
Elementary Area Rep Squads
JES, RHES, PVES, TTES, TLES, ARES, CHES, VES, RES
Instruction and Professional Development Liaison
Hi! My name is Anastasia and I’m one of two elementary area reps. I’ve been a teacher for 32 years. This is my 19th year with TVUSD and I currently teach 4th grade at Jackson Elementary. Before that I taught at Alamos Elementary and for the Toronto District School Board in Toronto, Canada.
This is my third term working with the Executive Board as an elementary area rep. My other roles include liaison to the Instruction and Professional Development committee and being a member of the Adhoc Scholarship committee. I enjoy supporting and helping to engage members so that their collective voice will be heard as advocates for students and educators.
During my time off, I love to travel, spend time outdoors especially at the beach, and hang out with family and friends.
Hi, my name is Cyndy Lopez, and it is an honor to serve
as your new Vice President. I have been an educator for
30 years, and this is my 7th year with TVUSD. I attended
San Diego State University for both undergrad and
graduate school. Previously I taught elementary grades K-
2. I earned a Master’s Degree in 2000 and transitioned to
the field of Speech-Language Pathology. I stepped away
from the public schools and for 17 years, I owned and
managed a private practice and consulting business in my
home community of Imperial County. In 2016, my
husband and I relocated to the community of Temecula
and we love it.
Most recently, I served on the Exec Board as a Support
Services Area Rep. I also served as a Site Rep at VRMS
for 3 years. I look forward to serving our TVEA
membership as your Vice President!
This is my 17th year teaching, and my 8th with TVUSD. It is my pleasure to serve as TVEA's Treasurer. I’ve taught both general education and special education throughout my career.
Currently, I teach 4th grade at Red Hawk Elementary School after teaching at Abby Reinke Elementary and Gardner Middle School.
I have been a TVEA site representative for 5 years and have been a part of the Grievance Committee for the last 2 years. I am excited to be a part of the Executive Board and look forward to learning more about the important role of treasurer within our local organization.
In this role, I am excited to help encourage leadership within our members as well as build capacity through strong site leadership. I appreciate being given the opportunity to serve in this new position.
Elementary Area Rep Squads
HIIA, FVES, LES, AES, BES, NVES, TES, VHES, PES
Bylaws Committee Liaison
Hi, my name is Jamie Vaughn, and it's an honor to serve as your Elementary Area Rep. I attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo for my BS and teaching credential. I've been a teacher for 24 years, and this is my 19th year with TVUSD. I taught for 17 years at Alamos Elementary school, and currently teach 3rd grade at our brand-new Home Instead Innovation Academy.
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family camping (or "glamping") in our 5th wheel RV. When we aren't camping, we enjoy relaxing at home in our pool, playing board games, and having friends/family over. We have a 16 year old son who is a junior at CHS. He's attended TVUSD since Kindergarten, and we're so grateful for all of the amazing TVUSD educators that have helped support his academic success.
I was previously a Site Rep at AES for over 5 years. This will be my first year serving as your Elementary Area Rep. I look forward to working with Anastasia to advocate for, and support our elementary educators. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Elementary Area Representative on the Executive Board!
Position Specialist Groups
SLP, Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Nurses, LCAP
Human Rights Contacts Liaison
Middle Area Rep Squads
BVMS, DMS, GMS, MMS, TMS, VRMS
Grievance Committee Liaison
Hello! My name is Steve Campos and I am the Middle School Area Rep and part of the TVEA Executive Board. I have served you all within TVEA as a Site Rep, State Council Member, and on various committee’s like LCAP, Safety, and now on Grievance.
I am in my 25th year of teaching and 17th year here in Temecula. I am currently working at VRMS as a PE Teacher and have also worked at MMS, where I started my TVUSD career.
I am a graduate of LA Harbor College and Pepperdine University, where I have received my BA, MA, and Teaching Credential. Go Hawks and Waves!
I recently celebrated my 25th Anniversary to my wife, who is also a teacher, and we have 3 children.
Thank you for continuing to give me the opportunity to serve and support you. I promise to continue to work hard to represent you and your site.
God bless!
High School Area Rep
Abby Woelke
GOHS
tveahigharearep@gmail.com
High School Area Rep Squads
GOHS, RVHS, SNHS, TAVS, TVAS
LCAP Committee Liaison
My name is Abby Woelke and I have just completed my 16th year of teaching at Great Oak High School. During the 2020-2021 academic year, I was a member of Leadership Council and a Site Leader for GOHS and I am excited to enter my second year as a TVEA High School Area Representative.
As a former k-12 student in TVUSD, I had the pleasure of learning from teachers who were dedicated to their students’ social, emotional, and academic growth and they inspired me to enter the profession. Knowing I wanted to give back to the community that helped shape me into who I am today, I earned my Bachelors in Literature and Writing Studies and then went on to earn both my Masters in Teacher Leadership and my National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood. I have also served as a Reflective Coach for beginning teachers working towards completing their induction program and clearing their teaching credentials.
I am excited to continue in my role supporting and advocating on behalf of TVEA Members!
Position Specialist Groups
RSP, Special Education
Special Education Committee Liaison
My name is Kerri Bodemer and I am honored to be your Membership Coordinator. I am a graduate of the University of San Diego where I received my BA and MA degrees. I have 30+ years in SPED with 15 years at Temecula Elementary School in the SDC classroom.
My TVEA experience consists of Site Leader, SPED Committee member and Member Engagement Committee member.
I look forward to serving our members by increasing awareness of the many benefits and opportunities that come from CTA/NEA membership!
Member Engagement Committee Liaison
High School Area Rep
Doug VomSteeg
TVHS
tveahsarearep@gmail.com
High School Area Rep Squads
CHS, TVHS
Political Action Committee Liaison
By day you'll find me building rapport with the best and brightest high school students from Temecula Valley High and by night supporting events with my local church or planning my next adventure with some of my buddies. I have been married to Carrie since 1994 and have two sons who’ve attended TVUSD schools.
My weekends consist of serious naps, watching football, and eating any form of sugar in a small bowl. I ride motorcycles with my boys, bike on sketchy backcountry roads with my amigos, and go for runs in the local vineyards solo.
The founder and President of numerous 501(c)3 and LLC's (Ventana Ministries, Cosecha128, Baja Beerology and Chivomatic), I have the soft skills to build and sustain relationships both in the private and public sectors. These skills developed both in the public and private sectors provide an attentive ear and business acumen to assist on the Executive Board.
I started my teaching career in 1991 following both my father and older brother in the profession. Early in my career I recognized the value of collective bargaining and encouraging administration to remain diligent to the bargaining agreement. I am a staunch defender of the new hires and those without tenure and have been an advocate for those close to retirement. A few years ago I started as a site rep and leader and I'm serving my first time on the Executive Board representing our High School Teachers. I am grateful to serve TVEA.