Linda C. Dawson. Ed.D.
Superintendent/CEO, SIATech, and Founder of RAPSA
Dr. Dawson had a vision for an organization where like-minded educators could discuss and share ideas about working with the at-promise student population.  With hard work and collaboration from staffers throughout SIATech, the Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA) was born.

Dr. Dawson began working at SIATech in 2000 and has served as its Superintendent and CEO since 2004. She brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership positions, including principal of Abraxas High School and assistant principal at Twin Peaks Middle School and Bernardo Heights Middle School, all in the Poway Unified School District. She has been recognized as the Outstanding Secondary Administrator by the Association of Poway School Managers and Teacher of the Year for her exemplary role at Bernardo Heights Middle School. 

Eileen Holmes
Director of RAPSA
Eileen has worked for over 11 years in the educational field and has been the creative mind behind the Reaching At-Promise Students national conferences and leadership institutes and the Reaching At-Promise Students Association.  She has developed a team of experts who have worked diligently in creating one of the "best professional development conferences" out there today.  This same team is spearheading RAPSA, an association for educators working with at-promise students and for businesses and community members wishing to influence positive changes for education.  Ms. Holmes comes to us with a marketing and business background.

Joanne Motz
Community Liaison
Joanne brings to RAPSA over 10 years of educational experience from the continuation and charter school settings.  Utilizing over 30 years of business experience in both the medical and educational fields, Ms. Motz has coordinated the educational vendors and sponsors for the “Reaching At Promise Students National Conference” for the past three years.  Joanne looks forward to serving as the liaison between community leaders and businesses through RAPSA’s Partners in Promise Program. 

Diane Fairchild
National Director of Specialized Student Services, SIATech
Diane applies her 20 year career as a teacher and administrator for students of various educational backgrounds to her commitment to RAPSA.  Ms. Fairchild currently works with 15 SIATech high schools at Job Corps to develop inclusive instructional programs.  As a subcontractor for Humanitas, Inc., she conducts specific center assessments and technical assistance and training in the areas of academic support and accommodations for students with learning disabilities.

Beverly Gilbert
Professional Development Coordinator, SIATech
Beverly comes to RAPSA with experience directing a professional development team and leading professional growth/credentialing programs.  Ms. Gilbert develops learning opportunities and webinars for educators nationwide through RAPSA.  Her background includes over 13 years as a high school math teacher and college teacher education instructor. Prior to entering education, Beverly was an actuary in Newport Beach, California.

Sheryl Armstrong
RAPSA Consultant
Sheryl comes to RAPSA with over 15 years of educational experience, both in the classroom and as a leader for other teachers.  As a fellow with the San Diego Area Writing Project, she works with other educators to demonstrate how to incorporate writing in all aspects of the curriculum and how to manage on-demand testing situations.  Ms. Armstrong brings her love of teaching to RAPSA.

Tami Hocker
Learning Support Team
Tami’s experience working with students of all academic backgrounds makes her an asset to RAPSA.  With over 23 years in secondary education, 20 of which were spent as a high school math teacher, Ms. Hocker enjoys helping others learn effective teaching strategies.  She currently develops professional development workshops for SIATech on subjects such as classroom management, active participation, and cooperative learning.

Carole Fisher
Director of Special Education
Carole utilizes her extensive teaching and administrative experience in working with English language learner students, special needs, and at-risk students for RAPSA. Ms. Fisher’s current position with SIATech includes implementing reading programs, training special education teachers, finding and creating curriculum for special needs students and English language learners, and assisting in the development of the RAPS conference.

Ernest Silva
Legislative Advocate
Ernie has worked with nonprofit associations providing strategic advice on intergovernmental issues, resources and policy development for over eighteen years.  He has worked with a number of educational organizations including SIATech, the Association of California School Administrators, the California Charter Schools Association, the Coalition for Adequate School Housing and a number of individual school districts, county offices of education and charter schools.  He has an energetic commitment to finding alternative solutions and expanding opportunities for all learners.

Lin Miller
Executive Director for Education Services, SIATech
Lin brings a wealth of experience with both the business and educational communities to RAPSA.  Having worked as an education resources specialist for the government of British Columbia and the San Diego County Water Authority, Ms. Miller was instrumental in the establishment of the San Diego SIATech school in 1999.  Today, she serves as the Executive Director for Education Services and Site Support for SIATech.

Shay Groenewold
Marketing & Website Maintenance Specialist, RAPSA
Shay has worked in the educational arena for almost eight years in a support role.  Assisting Eileen Holmes, she has played an integral part in the planning and production of the 2nd and 3rd Reaching At-Promise Students National Conferences.  Shay also participates as a member of the RAPSA team and is involved in the design and maintenance of the RAPSA and conference web sites.  She is passionate about the at-promise population and takes pride in knowing that her work positively affects these students.