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
gloria rodriguez, teacher
Ms. Rodriguez is entering her second year working with Independent Studies. Before that, she taught Math for 19 years at Santa Paula High School and also coached Robotics for about 6 years. She hopes to help students with their coursework and also offer some STEM opportunities throughout the year.
Email: grodriguez@santapaulausd.org
Roberto Ramirez, Teacher
Mr. Ramirez has over 20 years of experience in education, serving as a Spanish teacher, instructional leader, department chair, and assistant principal. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about helping students overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. He earned his Bacherlor's degree in Exercise Science and his Master's degree in Health Care Administration from California State University, Bakersfield. He also holds a California Administrative Services Credential and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish. As a bilingual educator (English/Spanish), he values strong relationships with students and families and believes that communication is the key to student success.
E-mail: rramirez@santapaulausd.org