Student success relies on the dedication of people who show up each day ready to support, collaborate, and improve systems for students. The 2026 Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Employee Excellence Award recipients demonstrate that commitment. Chosen for their focus on student well-being, teamwork, professionalism, and creative problem-solving, these seven employees make an impact in schools and programs across the district.

“Congratulations to these NMUSD Employee Excellence Award recipients, who exemplify our district’s collective commitment to how dedicated staff shape meaningful student experiences,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith. 

At a recent Board of Education meeting, the following employees were recognized for creating positive learning environments that make a difference in the lives of students. 

Sarah Aguayo, Reading Intervention Teacher, Wilson Elementary

Sarah Aguayo supports Wilson Elementary students by addressing both academic needs and overall well-being. She builds strong relationships with students, starting each day by welcoming them and ensuring that students have what they need to focus and succeed. 

Ms. Aguayo looks at assessment data to understand student needs, applies strategies to get students reading, and creates engaging supports for reading growth. She also enhances student success by teaching a newcomer group. 

Through clear and consistent communication, she helps teams stay focused on student goals and move forward together. She also works closely with the reading support team, sharing strategies and supporting small-group instruction across campus. 

Ms. Aguayo regularly takes on leadership roles at Wilson, including serving on the student success team. She also serves as a site representative at the district’s Dine & Data meetings.

“Sarah brings a positive attitude while holding students to high expectations. During her lessons, she encourages both learning and good character by recognizing students’ hard work through sincere praise and thoughtful rewards,” said Wilson Principal Brittney Figueroa.

Collene Blabagno, Behavior Interventionist, Special Education, Costa Mesa Middle/High School

When a classroom teacher at Costa Mesa Middle/High School unexpectedly left the position, Collene Blabagno stepped in without hesitation. Her priority throughout the transition was to ensure that students continued to feel supported, understood, and engaged in their learning.

Ms. Blabagno knows students well and pays close attention to changes in behavior or mood. She takes time to listen, check in, and provide individualized support, creating a classroom environment where students feel safe and valued. Her ability to build personal connections strengthens student trust and engagement, especially during times of uncertainty.

As a collaborative colleague, Ms. Blabagno supports her co-workers and helps keep the team moving in the same direction. She comes prepared, follows through, and often steps in to help without being asked. Her positive, professional approach creates a calm and supportive environment that benefits both students and staff.

She also brings creativity to her work, suggesting hands-on activities and instructional strategies that engage students in meaningful ways. Ms. Blabagno does all of this quietly and humbly, driven by a commitment to meeting students’ needs and ensuring their continued success.

Joy Cordia, Coordinator, Data Systems Support and Staff Development, Secondary Education

Joy Cordia supports student success by ensuring the systems behind academic records are accurate and reliable. When she identifies data discrepancies, Ms. Cordia looks beyond the numbers to understand how errors affect students’ experiences and outcomes. She then addresses root causes through targeted training and clear protocols to prevent future issues and protect student access to college and career pathways.

Ms. Cordia brings together staff across departments and school sites to build shared understanding and consistent practices. Her ability to connect people and align processes improves communication and efficiency while keeping student outcomes at the center of the work. She is often the person colleagues turn to when navigating complex systems such as the student information database.

Handling complex transcript and course-placement decisions with care and attention to accuracy, Ms. Cordia helps ensure fair outcomes for students. She also played a key role in developing new enrollment processes for after-school Career Technical Education (CTE) courses through Coastline College’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Her work improves systems that help staff across the district better support students.

Dr. José Montaño, Principal, Whittier Elementary

As principal of Whittier Elementary, Dr. José Montaño leads with a clear focus on equitable outcomes for students. He strengthened the school’s Dual Language program by redesigning it to align with research-based practices, including implementing a shift that prioritizes students’ home language development while supporting long-term English proficiency and academic success, particularly for English learners.

Dr. Montaño is a collaborative leader who always listens to staff ideas and supports teacher-led initiatives. He places a strong focus on using student data, refining instruction, and improving instructional practices, while also encouraging cultural and community events that strengthen family engagement. He regularly seeks feedback from staff, students, and the community to guide growth and improvement.

Dr. Montaño honors commitments, addresses concerns directly, and maintains a positive, approachable presence even during challenging discussions. He takes on important initiatives and is resourceful. He secured funding to support classroom programs like AVID and student activities such as the Junior Coach program. These efforts reflect his commitment to creating a safe, supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

Claudia Ortiz Rodal, School Community Facilitator, Rea Elementary

Claudia Ortiz Rodal plays a key role as a bridge between Rea Elementary and families, connecting families to community resources and helping them navigate the school system. 

When sixth-grade camp approached, Ms. Ortiz Rodal stepped in to ensure students had jackets and sleeping bags so every student could participate and enjoy the experience. Her responsiveness and empathy consistently meet students’ needs while reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Ms. Ortiz Rodal helps families understand college and career readiness from the earliest grades. She organizes AVID family nights, supports parents with academic strategies, and encourages students to see themselves as future scholars. She also leads Rea’s Padres Unidos, a group of parent leaders dedicated to fostering family engagement; mentors new school community facilitators; and connects families with community partners such as the Melinda Hoag Center and the Assistance League to expand access to essential resources.

She approaches every situation calmly and respectfully, earning and fostering trust across the school community. Through innovative programs like the Latino Family Literacy Project and Graciela’s Dream book group, Ms. Ortiz Rodal strengthens home-school connections and builds lasting support systems for students and families.

Kevin Powers, Behavior Interventionist, STEP/Adult Transition

Kevin Powers supports adult students with special needs through patience, consistency, and respect. Whether working in his classroom or stepping in to assist other educators, Mr. Powers’ calm presence and gentle approach help students feel safe and supported, even during challenging moments. Colleagues regularly rely on him to fill in when staff are absent or to help debrief behavioral situations on campus. 

When a student moved from his classroom to another setting, Mr. Powers remained closely involved, answering questions, sharing detailed insights, and modeling effective behavior strategies for colleagues. His support helped ensure the student’s transition was successful and gave the receiving team confidence in their approach.

Mr. Powers maintains confidentiality and consistently implements specialized behavior strategies and adjusts approaches to support students' individual needs, such as helping students successfully transition from their daily drop-off at the school into the classroom environment. 

“Kevin’s steady commitment and problem-solving mindset make him a valued team member and a trusted support for students and staff,” said Special Education Coordinator Kimberly Doyle.

Kathleen Riccio, Administrative Intern, Killybrooke Elementary

Kathleen “Katie” Riccio plays a critical role in supporting a well-run environment in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) at Killybrooke. She has a deep understanding of CARE Club operations and enrichment programming and uses that knowledge to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. 

She works closely with classroom teachers, enrichment providers, and support staff to maintain clear communication and shared expectations. As a mentor to new staff, she creates a supportive team culture where colleagues feel confident and prepared. Her ability to anticipate challenges and adjust schedules or staffing helps the program run smoothly, even as responsibilities continue to grow. Ms. Riccio’s attention to individual student needs ensures each child receives reliable care and meaningful academic and social enrichment.

Known for her reliability and positive attitude, Ms. Riccio handles increasing demands with professionalism and accountability. She designs and implements enrichment opportunities that engage diverse learners and develops solutions to logistical challenges without compromising quality, allowing the program to evolve and grow to meet students’ needs.

Through daily interactions, thoughtful leadership, and problem-solving that puts students first, they strengthen student experiences by reflecting the district’s collective commitment to every student feeling seen, heard, supported, and safe.