Faculty Biographies

Lydia Gordon

Tim White

Lydia Gordon and she is the new science and math teacher. Currently, she is teaching Biology, Chemistry, and Math in my classes. She is originally from Washington state, but started vacationing in Borrego Springs and fell in love with the desert and its community. It is her role as a teacher to help facilitate learning. She would like to see all her students become creative critical thinkers. Luckily, the curriculum this year incorporates projects and activities that are not only interesting, but will encourage students to better identify problems through brainstorming and research. They will work towards solutions and be able to interpret results, discuss, reflect, and make conclusions. She has lots of interesting activities planned to encourage engagement and interest all the while promoting higher learning. It will be a fun year

Tim White is a Math teacher, Athletic Director, Head Varsity Football Coach, Assistant Basketball and Assistant Golf Coach at Borrego Springs High School.He has been married to his amazing wife, Carmen, for 20 years and they have two awesome sons, Ty and Brody. Carmen is a paraprofessional for Special Ed at Julian Middle School, Ty is a sophomore at Borrego Springs High School and Brody is a 6th grader at Julian Middle School.In his spare time, he is a Master Trainer for USA Football, the Offensive Line Coach for the San Diego Stars and Stripes All Star Football Team and the Offensive Line Coach/Offensive Coordinator for the Baja Bowl Fest.

His passion for working with the kids in our community stems from his family's background in education and sports. His parents, grandparents, some of his aunts, uncles and even cousins were and are teachers and coaches. His inspiration for helping prepare our kids for the next level in life comes from his sister. He is confident that his skills and passion for teaching, administrating athletics and coaching will continue to be a tremendous asset for our kids and community.

Daniel L. Lowery

Daniel L. Lowery comes from Illinois and did his undergraduate work there. He worked for four years at a private language school as an English Second Language instructor. He received his teaching credential from Humboldt State University and his Master's in Education from California State University at San Marcos. He has worked in the Ramona, Escondido and Mountain Empire School Districts before coming to Borrego Springs High School. He is passionate about literature and has authored three books.

Donna Hopkins

Donna Hopkins is the middle and high school English and writing teacher. She received her English degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She believes an education leads to a richer, more interesting life. She is interested in the theatre and desert wildlife.

Benjamin Schmiedicke, is teaching Math, Science, and Writing. He graduated with a degree in mathematics from CSU Northridge and is now expanding his credential to include middle school Math I'm currently assistant coach for our JV volleyball team, and I'll also be coaching for girls soccer this winter. I'm looking forward to another great year here in Borrego Springs!

Yvonne Edman

Yvonne Edman is a Special Education Teacher at the elementary, middle and high school. She graduated from both San Diego State University and Cal State University San Marcos. She has been an educator since 1984. She enjoys working with students so that she can share her love for learning new things. One personal hobby that she has is she enjoys cooking and loves creating new dishes to share with her family and friends.

Justine Smiley

Justine Smiley is a math/science teacher at Borrego Springs Middle School, as well as, the Lady Rams Varsity Basketball and softball coach. She has a BA and credential from SDSU and has been in education for 10 yrs. She is passionate about guiding young individuals towards recognizing their own potential and instilling healthy, life-long habits. She believe it is important to model what we teach, so she maintains an active lifestyle with family and friends.

Karie Strate

Karie Strate is the Special Education Teacher for Borrego Springs Middle and High School. She spent most of her life in Borrego, moving here as a child at the beginning of third grade. She graduated from Borrego Springs High School in 1993. After graduating, she attended Cottey College for two years in Missouri and went on to graduate from Chapman University in California with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After her daughters were born, she later continued her education in the state of Colorado and obtained teaching certificates in Elementary Education and in Special Education from Metro State University. This is her 21st year teaching in various classroom settings. She currently resides in Borrego with her two daughters, Laurynn and Hannah. She decided to move back to Borrego to be closer to family. Her daughters are enjoying the small town feel of Borrego and appreciate the kind families they have become friends with, as does she. She looks forward to finishing out her career here.

Tim Fletcher

Tim Fletcher teaches High School Art and Middle/High PE. He played College football for Baker University where he received his Bachelor of Arts. His interests are in sports, his family, and being a local artist.

Kim Console Art work

Melissa Demuth

Kim Console is the campus supervisor/office clerk, as well as the ASES after school program site lead at the middle school and high school campus. She grew up on the coast in Encinitas, but always loved the small town desert, off-roading lifestyle much more than the beach life. So the first chance she got she moved here. She has been with the district since 2007, and can't imagine herself doing anything else. She loves the kids and finds it so rewarding to watch them grow up into mature young adults.

Melissa Demuth is our BS SLPA (Speech-Language Pathology Assistant) and is California Certificated. She provides on-site Speech-Language Therapy services across all campuses pre-K to 12th grade in Borrego Springs. She graduated from Kansas State University with my Bachelors in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her cause is communication--all levels. All behavior is communication...She has many years of experience and has a certificate or two in Autism... She has provided services for children with a variety of presenting diagnoses and concerns. She is married with two children a junior and senior in HS this year attending in Temecula. Her son just joined the US Army delayed entry program (DEP) and ships out next summer following his HS graduation. Her daughter is incredibly intelligent and works really hard to do well in school. My husband is a CFSR for the Osprey engines located at Camp Pendleton. She plays the piano, likes to read, and enjoys photography. She's happy to help and love to learn.

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