My name is Noah Barringer, and I am pleased to serve as your Assistant Principal this school year.

I have lived in San Diego for my entire life, growing up in Poway.  I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from California State University San Marcos.  I also attended CSUSM to obtain a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.

I have taught and worked in the Escondido Union School District my entire career.  I taught 7th and 8th grade Science at Bear Valley Middle School for 10 years.  While I was a teacher at Bear Valley, I also coached baseball at San Pasqual High School.  In addition to my years as a teacher, I worked at the District Office as a Science Coach.  After serving as a district Science Coach, I have served as an Assistant Principal at Rincon Middle School for the last two years.

When I am not at Hidden Valley, you can find me in the gym, on the baseball field, or enjoying time with my wife, Helene, and two children, Connor (8) and Maya (6).

As a lifelong learner, I hope my efforts will inspire every student at Hidden Valley to reach their full potential.  All of our students will be able to acquire the lifelong knowledge, skills, and values needed to make great contributions to the community and wherever their journey takes them. 

Let’s have a great year!

This will be my 18th year teaching at HVMS.  I have taught both Math and Science, but this year I will be teaching 7th grade science. I graduated from SDSU and I grew up in Escondido.  In my spare time I love to spend time with my family  ( that includes all of my pets), traveling, and watching movies.  I also have a love for animals and nature. The picture attached is from when my family took a trip to Ireland.

Hello! I’m the school social worker. My family and I moved here from Ventura County over the summer, so I’m brand new to HVMS and the Escondido area. I’ve worked as a school therapist at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, but I especially like working with this age group, because it’s the time when kids really begin to figure out who they are and how they can uniquely engage with the world. I love to travel, camp, cook, and explore on the weekends with my husband, three kids, and two dogs. We’re having a great time getting to know North County. If you have any suggestions for family-friendly activities or great restaurants to try, please send them my way!

This is my 2nd year at Hidden Valley Middle School.  I’m the 7th grade counselor. I have worked as a 6th grade teacher at the beginning of my career and have worked as a counselor at both the high school and middle school level.  My family moved to North County last year and I love exploring San Diego.  I enjoy traveling, hiking, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.

Welcome to Hidden Valley Middle School. This will be my 25th year in Education. I graduated from the University of Arizona with my BA and National University with my M.Ed. I currently teach 6/7th grade Physical Education and I will be coaching Esports this year at HV. Have a great 2023-2024 school year.

Hi and welcome to HVMS!  I am excited to start my 28th year in education and to be a part of all the great things happening at Hidden Valley. This year I will be back in the math department and will be teaching math intervention.  I love math, surfing and soccer and look forward to a great year!

Hi! My name is Erik Carlson and I will be teaching social science for 7th and 8th grade at Hidden Valley in 2024-25!  I have worked in EUSD since 2001 and will have been in education for 28 years at the start of the school year.  This includes experiences in Washington, Alaska, and here in Escondido. I hold a Single Subject credential for teaching History/Social Science and an Education Specialist credential for Mild/Moderate Disabilities. In EUSD, I taught at Mission/Grant Middle School for 9 years as both an SDC teacher in 7th grade and an 8th grade SAI teacher. I then went to Felicita Elementary as a TOSA for 3 years. I then moved to the district office to what would eventually become known as the NETs Induction program, where I would mentor new teachers for 11 years as part of a very highly respected and decorated team of mentor-teachers from across the district. 

My passion in teaching for content is history and social science, so getting this opportunity to come to Hidden Valley is exciting for me!  I have always wanted to teach just the content that I was originally credentialled for and I bring with me a lot of knowledge and experience about best teaching practices from my experience with NETs.  I have supported some of the teachers on your staff and know many of you from induction, special education, or from Mission or Felicita, and I look forward to getting to know the rest of you.

I live in Rancho Bernardo with my wife (Juliette) and youngest son (Kai), who is taller than I am now at 6’5” and is part of the 3SSB Gamepoint national circuit basketball team for Adidas when he isn’t playing for Cathedral Catholic High School. We have two older sons (Jonathan and Jeremy) who live in Santa Cruz, California and Virginia Beach, Virginia. My interests include sports, especially basketball, listening to music, all things Marvel, and learning new things about technology.

Hello!  I teach 6th Grade math here at HVMS.  This will be my 10th year as a teacher.  When I’m not thinking about math, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing/watching basketball (Go Lakers!), and watching TV.  I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Hello All! This will be my 8th year at HVMS. Go Raiders! I teach Reading Language Arts and Power Literacy. I attended UCSB and was a student in the EUSD school district as a child. When I am not at school I am probably with my husband and dog, at the beach, or baking some delicious sweet treats. If you see me on campus be sure to say hi!

I grew up in Dallas (big D - double L - a - s), Texas and made my way west to attend the University of Arizona for my Bachelor of Arts. I then moved to San Francisco for my teaching credential and taught there for my first five years. Maracaibo, Venezuela was my next destination teaching English for a year before moving to San Diego. As you can probably guess, traveling is something that I love to do! I’m in my 26th year in education and this will be my 15th at HVMS. Time flies when you’re having fun:) I’m a huge sports fan and root for my alma mater(s) and all Dallas teams. Looking forward to another great year!

Hello, my name is Danielle (Dani) DelRosario, and I am so excited to be joining Hidden Valley Middle School this year as the MTSS Specialist! I have worked in EUSD for almost a decade as a middle school ELA teacher and as an ELA instructional coach. I absolutely LOVE working with middle school students, and I am looking forward to my new adventure supporting Hidden Valley students in their growth and development as leaders in Escondido! My Bachelor’s degree is in English Literature and Composition, and my Master’s Degree is in Cross-Cultural and International Education. Some of my favorite memories in college and graduate school were teaching English overseas in Asia, and volunteering as a summer camp counselor for young children. My heart soars when I get to support people and watch them grow! 

A few of my favorite hobbies include: playing my guitar, refinishing vintage furniture, and game nights.  I am a former volleyball and softball player, so I enjoy a good dose of healthy competition!  One of my favorite roles in life is being Auntie Dani to my niece and nephew. My favorite foods are Korean BBQ and Hot Cheetos.    

My fiance and I are proud parents of two adorable Holland Lop bunnies, Dusty and Theo, and our sweet dog, Kanga. We love visiting fun restaurants, and adventuring in San Diego where we can enjoy the local culture, art, and diversity. 

I am looking forward to working with the amazing students, staff, and families of Hidden Valley Middle School! 

My Strengths: Empathy, Adaptability, Context, Developer, Futuristic, Ideation

Since I was a little kid I loved learning how the natural world works. Getting out into the natural world can bring answers and hope for the future. I have worked as a science teacher for 29 years, 20 of them at HVMS. Before I was a teacher I was a dishwasher, waiter, grocery clerk, delivery driver, lifeguard, aquatics coach, chauffeur, and high diver. For fun I surf, ski, climb and whitewater kayak. I hope that I can encourage and guide your child’s curiosity and inquiry for the outdoors.

Introducing Steven Ely, a devoted educator whose passion for teaching and sports has found its perfect outlet as a Physical Education Teacher. For almost a decade, Steven has been an indispensable part of the Hidden Valley Middle School community, igniting young athletes' enthusiasm and cultivating their affection for "Monday Runday." Beyond the classroom, he transforms into a powerhouse on the indoor soccer field, embodying teamwork and a fierce competitive edge. When he's not shaping young minds or scoring goals, you'll find Steven embracing the great outdoors alongside his wife, Danielle, and their trusty four-legged companion, Nelson. Whether it's hitting the trails for a hike or pounding the pavement for a run, Steven's active lifestyle reflects his zest for life.

Hi! This is my 21st year as a teacher and I’m proud to say that I’ve spent all 21 years here at Hidden Valley. I currently teach Digital Media, Video Productions, Yearbook and Leadership. I look forward to working with your students to create computer animations, film amazing videos, collaborate on an award winning yearbook, and establish a positive culture here at HVMS.

Hi Everyone! This year I am teaching 7th grade English Language Arts.  I have been in various roles in education for around 16 years, which include: Dual Language Kindergarten, grades 6-8 Math and Science in a Dual Language environment, and K-8th grades in an independent learning environment. This is my fifth year at Hidden Valley Middle School. I live in Escondido with my husband and a dog. We have three young adult sons and a daughter-in-law. We have lived in Escondido for many years, we raised our three sons here and love this community. Right out of college I was a Computer Programmer/Systems Analyst, and then a stay-at-home mom, and now a teacher. I attended San Diego State University right out of High School as a business major, then worked for a large computer company for many years. Once I began having children I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Through the years, I enjoyed working with kids and teaching them, so I decided to become a teacher where I could continue working with kids. As a result, I got a Master’s degree in Education along with a Bilingual certification. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on hikes or walks, walking my dog, camping, and traveling. I love to read too!

Hello Everyone! This is my first year at Hidden Valley Middle School and I am super excited to be here! I have lived in Oceanside for the past 22 years and worked for the Oceanside School district for the past 10 years. I grew up in the small town of Morris, Illinois and earned my Degree from Western Illinois University. When I am not working, I love to hang out with my husband, my 3 children and my 2 dogs.  I love to run, hike, go to the beach, hang with friends and family, and TRAVEL! Go Raiders! 

Hello!  I teach 6th Grade Science and Social Studies at HVMS. I have been teaching for the last 4 years. I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with my Teaching Credential and Masters in Education. In my free time, I love to read, run half marathons, and go to Disneyland! I’m looking forward to this school year!

I'm the new art teacher! This will be my 14th year of teaching, 6th year as a middle school teacher, and a reunion with HVMS. I was a Fine Arts major, and so this is going to be the first time I will actually use my bachelor's degree for something! Hobbies include coaching my son's baseball team, gardening, and dabbling in ukulele.

My Name is Cassandra Johnson, and this is my 11th year teaching in EUSD. I’m a native of Escondido, and graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a degree in English, and then continued my education and received an MA in Curriculum Development from Concordia University. In my free time, I love playing pickleball and hanging out with my family. I’m excited to be coordinating WEB and AVID this year at HVMS.

Musical Greetings! I love teaching Band and Choir here in our community!  I enjoy working with different learning styles and creative minds. You will find our program to be a loving and accepting place to be at HV! 🎷🎺🥁🎶 🏳️‍🌈

Hello! This is my fourth year at Hidden Valley Middle School and 9th year in the classroom. I have a Multiple Subject teaching credential and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego, and a Special Education teaching credential from National University. I am so excited to continue teaching 8th graders in ELA/Power Literacy and Study Skills. In my free time I love to read, spend time outside, and hang out with my two cats. I’m looking forward to an incredible year!

Hello! I'm thrilled to be here at Hidden Valley Middle for my first year of teaching, where I'll have the incredible opportunity to share my passion for teaching children and making a positive impact on their lives. My journey to the classroom began with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing from SDSU, and I recently earned my Teaching Credential from SDSU's Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education. Outside of the classroom, I wear many hats as a proud parent of four amazing children. Three of them have ventured into the world of engineering, while one is a talented singer and artist. As for me, I'm no stranger to embracing challenges, having swam biathlons and mile ocean swims in college, completed marathons, and trained for triathlons. Staying active is a big part of my life, and I continue to enjoy daily walks and runs, covering seven miles with my trusty companion, Dublin. When it's time to unwind, our family vacations are filled with adventure, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, camping, and mountain biking. And speaking of new adventures, as of this October, my husband and I are officially empty nesters, eagerly looking forward to traveling and exploring the world. My goal for this school year is to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment for our students, where they can grow, learn, and explore together.

Hi, and welcome to HVMS! This is my 21st year of teaching and my 19th at Hidden Valley. I love teaching middle school students because my sense of humor never evolved past adolescence. This is my 5th year teaching 8th grade U.S. History, but I have taught language arts and social studies at all middle school grade levels. My favorite thing to do is to make people laugh. I am married and have two teenage sons. My interests are music, travel, books, movies, and the beach.

Hello Everyone! I'm Steve Larson, and I am very excited to begin my 20th  year of teaching! I grew up in Oceanside and graduated from Oceanside High. I spent 32 years in Sonoma County (60 miles north of the Golden Gate). I am a graduate of Sonoma State University. In my previous life before becoming a teacher, I was a broadcaster on a news/talk/sports radio station, and a software analyst. I've had the pleasure of teaching 5th, 6th, and 8th grades at Riebli Elementary (in Santa Rosa, CA), Reidy Creek Elementary, and Bear Valley Middle. This will be my fourth year teaching in Escondido.

When I'm not teaching, you can catch me at a Padre game (I go to many games!) enjoying my downtown San Diego neighborhood, working out, hiking, paddleboarding or kayaking, or hanging out with friends and family. I have a 23 year old daughter that is getting married this year. I am looking forward to making this school year an amazing one!

Hello!  This is my 20th year teaching at HVMS. I started my teaching career as a Math teacher but have been teaching Science for the last 15 years. I was born in Sweden and immigrated to this country with my family as a child. I grew up in the SF Bay Area but attended college in San Diego and have been here ever since. My husband and I have 2 children and live here in Escondido. Our son is a 6th grader at Quantum Academy and our daughter is a Sophomore attending Middle College at Orange Glen. In my free time my family loves camping, hiking, going to the beach and being anywhere outdoors. I have deep respect for nature and incorporate that into all of my lessons. Science Rules!!!

Hello, my name is Desirae Long and I teach Reading Intervention and Social Studies. This is my 11th year teaching. In my spare time I like to read. I have two sons in middle school, and enjoy attending their activities.

Hello! I’ve been teaching at HVMS since the 1999/2000 school year. This year I’m teaching 6th graders Science and Social Studies. I’m a graduate of San Diego State University. I enjoy sunset walks with my wife and baby daughter. You can count me in for playing a game of soccer!

My name is Justin Mathai, and I’m excited to join the Hidden Valley team as a sixth grade ELA teacher! I was raised in New Jersey, where I attended Montclair State University and earned a BA in English and a Master’s Degree in secondary education. I taught 7th grade ELA for two years in New Jersey before relocating to San Diego so that my wife could pursue her doctorate. For the past three years, I have taught reading intervention at Rincon Middle School. In my spare time, I love hiking, cooking, reading, going to concerts, and spending time with my wife, our dog, and our cat. I’m looking forward to an awesome year!

Hello! This will be my 18th year at Hidden Valley Middle School as a Special Education teacher.  Overall, it will be my 23rd year as an educator and 28th year working with children.  I graduated from SDSU in 1995.  I am married and a mother of two.  My oldest is a senior at CSUSM and my youngest is a freshman at CSUSM as well.  I enjoy spending time with my family and my 3 fur babies.  My favorite things to do are working out and reading in my spare time.

Hello there! I'm Gina Melanson, and I'm thrilled to kick off my 22nd year of teaching! Growing up in Escondido and attending Hidden Valley as a middle schooler, I have a special connection to this beautiful campus that keeps bringing me back. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of teaching at Del Dios, Mission Middle, and Pathways Alternative School in Idaho. While History is my favorite subject, my true passion lies in teaching reading and writing—because I believe literacy unlocks endless opportunities for everyone.

When I'm not shaping young minds, you can catch me enjoying San Diego's vibrant live music scene, embarking on adventures to discover America's coolest cities, hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage finds, or snuggling with my adorable pugs, Pepper and Cosmo. Let's make this year amazing!

Hi all! My name is Erin Mundy and I am super excited to work with and be a part of the Hidden Valley Middle School team. While I have volunteered in various library makerspaces for a number of years and gained recent experience as a professional librarian for a couple of years, this will be my first year as a School Library Technician. However, I also have a wide range of experience in tutoring students K-12 in multiple subject areas, including writing and literacy (of course). As far as my education goes, I have a BA in English and Comparative Literature from San Diego State University and a Master’s in Library Information Science (MLIS) from San Jose State University. In regards to more exciting, personal bullet points about me: I am a mom of two young and awesome kiddos (one is a first grader and the other just turned one). Furthermore, I am a dog person, a huge Dr. Who fan, and a serial reader of epic fantasy series and anything classic mystery such as Agatha Christie. I look forward to getting to know all the wonderful students, teachers and staff at HVMS!

¡Bienvenidos a Hidden Valley! My name is Mrs. Patton & I am the counselor for 6th grade. When I was in middle school, I enjoyed writing poetry, performing in musicals, and decorating my sneakers. I believe that a positive association with learning is the key to success and I love helping students find their passion. I started my career journey at Mira Costa Community College so that I could afford to study abroad in Spain. Once I finished my bachelor’s program at CSUSM, I sold my car and moved to Costa Rica to teach English. I earned my master’s degree at PLNU and have been a proud Raider for 7 years. On the weekends, I enjoy relaxing with my husband & getting rowdy with our 9-year-old daughter + 3 dogs. Come find me in the Raider Store during lunch!

Hello!  This is my 22nd year teaching middle school.  I taught science for the first 12 years and have been a PE teacher since then.  I am excited to be teaching 2 culinary arts classes this year.  Besides loving to cook, some of my hobbies include camping/traveling, woodworking, playing soccer, and I absolutely love spoiling my nieces and nephew.  Can’t wait to meet all of you!

My name is Sarah Stank. I moved back home to San Diego County after surviving many New England winters in the northeast. I first moved out east to play volleyball for the University of New Hampshire, where I met my husband. We stayed in NH for another decade, where I began my teaching career, coached several volleyball teams, and worked as a learning coach for a competency based program at Southern New Hampshire University. Luckily, I was finally able to convince my husband to return to sunny SoCal in 2019! We have a 5 year old son and 2 year old daughter, two dogs, and an expansive family that keeps us busy and delighted. 

Since being back, I have been lucky enough to teach at Orange Glen Elementary for three years, one year at Rincon, and am thrilled to teach PE this year at Hidden Valley. I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Hampshire and in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.  

I look forward to being on your team!

¡Hola! I’m Mike Sterling, and this is my 27th year as a teacher in Escondido. I’m proud to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are newcomers to the U.S. I’m a southern California native and a Chico State graduate. I’m a certified sommelier and licensed importer, and enjoy discovering new products. As a real estate broker, I especially like educating people about buying their first home. I enjoy everything about the ocean, especially sailing.

(6th Grade Science and Social Studies) - Hi Everyone!  I am entering my 27th year of teaching and have been at HVMS for more than half of those years.  I began my teaching career in Washington state as an upper elementary level teacher and, after a few years in San Diego city schools, was overjoyed to find my new family at Hidden Valley.  Away from school my time is consumed by my family's activities.  My wife, Connie, and I have shipped our daughter, Hannah (18), to Colorado State University this year, so my son, Kyler (15), knows that he is our sole purpose now.  He is a junior at Rancho Bernardo HS who plays football and baseball.  If I'm not with my family I can be found hiking, flyfishing, hanging out with Mr. Freeland, volunteering at RBHS, or playing cornhole.  My strengths are letting students know that I truly care about their well-being, their education, and having fun.

Hello! I teach 7th grade history at Hidden Valley. I’m born and raised in San Diego and absolutely love this city! I graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a major in History and Philosophy and earned a Masters in Education from the University of San Diego. I’m passionate about many things in life, including history, social justice, music and fitness. When I’m not teaching, you can find me reading, exercising, listening to music, traveling, spending time with family, friends, my husband and my baby boy, Ace.

Hello, I am going into my 26th year here at HVMS. Those years have flown by, so to the newbies, enjoy the ride.  I have been coaching high school football and baseball throughout these years.  It is always nice to see all of our former students in a more mature and competitive setting.

Hello! I am currently the new SBRT for the school year 2023-2024. This is my 5th year teaching in EUSD.  I’m a native of Homestead,Florida.  I received my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education , a Masters in Math Education, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida.  I decided to continue my education after 15 years once I moved to California; I received my Doctorate in Business Administration online from Jacksonville University.  In my free time, I love shopping, traveling and spending time with my daughter, family and friends. I’m looking forward to another great year at HVMS!