Welcoming New Leaders and Bidding a Fond Farewell

As we wind down the school year following a successful CADAStock Convention, we simultaneously wind up CADA with exciting changes to our board. This year, we welcome three new board members while expressing our deepest gratitude to those who are stepping away. (see the full Board here)

Welcoming New Board Members

Kara Johnson – Vice President Returning to the CADA Board, Kara Johnson of Pete Knight High School steps into the role of Vice President. Kara previously served as the Area E Coordinator before taking a brief hiatus to focus on her family. Now, she embarks on the four-year journey through CADA’s presidential chairs.

Kara has been an educator for 30 years, beginning her career at Lancaster High School in 1996 before moving to Pete Knight High School in 2003. She has taught AP Statistics, Statistical Reasoning in Sports, and Leadership while also serving as the Senior Class Advisor. Education runs in her family, as both of her parents were teachers, and she always knew it would be a fulfilling career that complemented her role as a mother. Married to Shawn for 27 years, Kara is the proud parent of five children: Delaney (25), Elijah (21), Addison (19), McKinley (15), and Lincoln (10). They reside in Palmdale, CA, with their dog, Graham. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, baking, cooking, and crafting.

Valerie Tapia – Area G Coordinator Stepping into the role of Area G Coordinator, Valerie Tapia brings a wealth of experience and passion for leadership education. She has been teaching for 12 years, beginning her career in San Bernardino as a middle school English teacher before transitioning to high school AVID and ASB. In 2018, Valerie and her family moved to Carlsbad, where she took on a role as an English teacher and ASB Director. Currently, she teaches ASB leadership and Credit Recovery while also serving as a Link Crew Co-Coordinator and Senior Class Advisor.

Valerie has always known she wanted to teach, inspired by the incredible educators in her life. She has been married to her husband, Chris, for 16 years, and they have two sons: Aidan (16) and Benny (10). Their family also includes their beloved dog, Daisy, who found her way into their lives just before their move from San Bernardino. When not immersed in school activities, Valerie enjoys running—having completed seven half-marathons—and spending time at the beach, watching movies, and supporting her kids’ extracurricular activities.

Jessica Banchieri – Area A Coordinator Joining the board as the new Area A Coordinator, Jessica Banchieri succeeds Jill Mortensen, who has brought a calming presence to the board over the years. Jessica has been an educator for 23 years, spending the last 18 at Heritage High School, where she teaches ASB leadership, PLUS leadership, Link Crew, Chemistry, and Biology. She also founded and coached the school’s girls’ flag football program in its first two years. Jessica is passionate about working with young people and inspiring future leaders.

As a single mother, Jessica balances her career with raising three children: Suzie (18), a freshman at UCSB; Maddie (16), a junior; and Jack (14), a freshman. Their home in Discovery Bay, Northern California, also includes their pets, Harley (a mini schnauzer) and Bear (aka Kitty Kitty). In her free time, Jessica enjoys watching her kids play sports, wine tasting, spending time with friends, and playing fantasy football.

A Heartfelt Farewell

While we celebrate the arrival of new board members, we also express our gratitude and appreciation to those who are stepping down.

Bonnie Bagheri, a dedicated leader who served as Vice President, President Elect, President and Past President, has been a vital force within CADA. Her Convention Ven A Mi Casa in 2023 was a fun one, and her leadership, insight, and commitment have left a lasting impact on our organization.

Judy Zazvrskey, who has served as the Area G Coordinator for the past four years, has been instrumental in supporting leadership education throughout her region. We thank her for her years of service and dedication.

Jill Mortensen, who first joined the board as Print Media Coordinator before transitioning to Area A Coordinator, has brought stability and invaluable contributions to the board. Her presence will be deeply missed. From one Print Media Coordinator to another, it has been a privilege to have you as a friend as I begin my own journey.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we welcome Kara, Valerie, and Jessica with enthusiasm, knowing that their leadership will continue to elevate CADA’s mission. We also send our best wishes to Bonnie, Judy, and Jill as they step away from their board roles, grateful for their years of service and dedication.

Here’s to another exciting year of leadership, growth, and impact with CADA!