June 15, 2020
WALNUT, CA--The Board of Trustees recently took action to approve two new administrators to the Walnut Valley Unified School District team.
Dedicated leader Emiko Chapman was appointed as the new director of special education.
Chapman is currently the director of special education and pupil services in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.
She has spent her entire 18-year career in special education, having previously served as coordinator of special education and school psychologist.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to be part of the Walnut Valley team,” she said.
“I am passionate about supporting and advocating for our students with disabilities. I look forward to working closely with the entire Walnut Valley community.”
Chapman earned a masters in educational administration degree from University of California Los Angeles, master of arts in school psychology and school counseling from Loyola Marymount University, and bachelor of science in psychology from University of California Los Angeles.
She succeeds Director Judi Koorndyk, an incredible champion for students with special needs, who is retiring from her position with 21 years of service at the end of the school year.
Bringing 12 years of educational experience, Andrea Poma, Ed.D. was approved as the new assistant principal for Walnut High School.
Poma said she is “beyond excited” about being selected for the new position.
“I am ready to immerse myself in “the Walnut Way” and contribute to the school and district with a strong reputation for putting “Kids First, Every Student, Every Day. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to get started!”
Dr. Poma has served as dean of student services in the Bonita Unified School District for the past three years.
Prior to that, she was a high school English teacher and ELD coordinator at West Covina High School.
She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California, master of arts in educational leadership and education from Azusa Pacific University, and bachelor of arts from California State University Long Beach.
Both positions are effective July 1.
Shown:
Walnut Valley USD welcomes Emiko Chapman as the new director of special education.
Walnut Valley USD welcomes Dr. Andrea Poma as the new assistant principal at Walnut High School.