The Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Education is pleased to announce new administrators for the 2017-18 school year.
Connie Cavanaugh, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services
Ms. Cavanaugh has 19 years of experience in both the public sector and in education. Ms. Cavanaugh worked in the public sector for 7 years as a senior accountant and as a controller before moving into education. In education, Ms. Cavanaugh has served as Chief Business Official, Business Manager, Director of Fiscal Services, and Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations. Most recently, Ms. Cavanaugh served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations in the Thermalito Union Elementary School District in Oroville, CA.
Ms. Cavanaugh received her bachelor's degree in economics with an accounting emphasis from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA and holds a Certified Public Accountant license.
Ms. Cavanaugh said, "I look forward to working with the excellent staff of Saddleback Valley Unified School District to continue to provide outstanding educational experiences to all students."
Kristin Thomsen, Assistant Principal, Foothill Ranch Elementary
Mrs. Thomsen has worked in education for 28 years and has a rich history with SVUSD. Mrs. Thomsen served as a teacher and educational technology teacher on special assignment in SVUSD for 19 years. For the past two years, Mrs. Thomsen has served as a Coordinator of Educational Technology for the Orange County Department of Education.
Mrs. Thomsen received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and master’s degree in educational leadership from California State University, Fullerton in Fullerton, CA. She also received her Multiple Subject Credential and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Fullerton in Fullerton, CA.
Mrs. Thomsen said, “It is an honor to return to the SVUSD team where I have so many wonderful memories and relationships with students, parents, and staff. Further, I’m thrilled to be joining the innovative Foothill Ranch Elementary staff and look forward to the opportunity to renew past relationships as well as build new ones within the community.”
Rowena Mak, Ed.D., Coordinator, Services for English Learners
Dr. Mak has worked in education for the last 18 years as a teacher, principal, Director of Student Learning Programs, and Director of World Languages. Most recently, Dr. Mak has served as the Principal at Ramona High School in Ramona, CA.
Dr. Mak has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and secondary education from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in education and curriculum and instruction from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, and a doctoral degree in education from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Mak said, “I am excited and privileged to join the Services for English Learners Department. I look forward to collaborating with the SVUSD community as we work together to ensure the success of all students.”
Tiffani Volpe, Budget Coordinator, Business Services
Mrs. Volpe has worked with school districts for 21 years. She started her career at the Orange County Department of Education in the Budget department and then came to SVUSD where she has worked as the district accountant for 17 years. For the past year, Ms. Volpe has served as the Accounting Manager.
Mrs. Volpe received her bachelor’s degree in business with an accounting emphasis from California State University, Long Beach in Long Beach, CA.
Mrs. Volpe said, “I am thrilled to assume the Budget Coordinator position. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to being a part of the SVUSD Business Services team.”
