Support Staff
Justin Schmidt, Teacher
Mr. Schmidt received his BA in Liberal Studies from Cal State Northridge in 2002 and his Teaching Credential from Cal State Northridge in 2003. In 2013, he earned his Masters Degree From Azusa Pacific University in Special Education & Educational Technology.
Mr. Schmidt is entering his 26th year in the Santa Paula Unified School District where he continues to teach and coach. He is eager to help the Independent Studies program continue to grow into a program that can support student success that may have not been present during in-person classes. Preparing the youth of Santa Paula to be contributing members of our community is his number one goal as a teacher. He lives in Santa Paula with his wife Rafaela, son Luke, and father Ken.
Email: jschmidt@santapaulausd.org
Liliya Populis, Teacher
Mrs. Populis is entering her second year in Santa Paula Unified, but it is her 13th year teaching! She loves Independent study and working with various students and families in meeting their academic goals! Before moving to Ventura County, she was a teacher in Sacramento, California. She earned her BS from San Diego State and my MS from Walden University. She has two children (11 year old daughter-Sophia and 9 year old son- Nicholas). She has been married to her husband for 12 years. They love living in this area and appreciate all of its natural beauty. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, hiking, and traveling to new places. She also loves going to Disneyland and spending time with her puppy, Nora!
Email: lpopulis@santapaulausd.org
barbara marabian, teacher
This is Ms. Marabian's third year as an IS Teacher with SPUSD. She has a plethora of teaching experience varying
from the elementary and secondary grades, to the community college level. She earned a B.S. Degree in Education and an MA Degree in Education, with an emphasis in English Language Development. In addition, she received a TESOL, a CLAD and a Spanish as a Professional Tool for Teachers certificate. While working as a high school math teacher, she created a drama club and directed/produced a high school play for the school and community. She is an animal activist, rescued many cats and she supports various animal organizations. She adopted a handsome cat named Jeffrey, who is a joy. In her free time, she loves to walk the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara.
Email: bmarabian@santapaulausd.org