Timothy Farson brings an unwavering sense of commitment and passion to his role at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), a nationally renowned institution celebrated for its ability to personalize artistic and academic achievement for a highly diverse student body. Under his leadership, SDSCPA maintains the highest expectations for students and staff, fostering an environment where something truly extraordinary happens each day. Raised in a small rural town in Ohio, Farson experienced firsthand the transformative power of the arts. For him, the arts provided a place of belonging, self-discovery, and the freedom to explore beliefs, curiosities, and personal voice. Inspired by his high school drama teacher, Ms. Meggitt—who recognized his leadership potential and created opportunities despite his own self-doubts—Farson developed a deep appreciation for the role the arts play in empowering student voices, whether expressed through visual art, performance, or leadership. Farson began his university studies in Philosophy at Kent State University before transferring to New York University in search of a more urban and artistic environment. His life took a profound turn on September 11, 2001, when he witnessed the fall of the World Trade Center towers. This experience brought a deep awareness of humanity’s universal need for connection and voice—an awareness that would later inform his belief in art’s ability to give expression to diverse perspectives, including those often silenced. In 2009, Farson began his teaching career at SDSCPA as an English and middle school science teacher. Over the years, he has served in numerous leadership capacities, including Journalism Adviser, ASB Student Government Adviser, School Site Council member, and Department Chair. Throughout his tenure, he has been a steadfast advocate for preserving and enhancing the school’s distinctive and transformative learning environment. Farson leads from the heart, guided by the philosophy that engaging hearts engages minds. This approach extends beyond the classroom into his daily work with staff, students, families, and the broader arts community. A philosopher by nature, he continuously reflects on ways to amplify student voice, create innovative learning environments, and establish sustainable infrastructure in the face of challenges such as inadequate education funding. Farson is deeply committed to uniting the SDSCPA community through a shared vision of delivering a transformative arts and academic education—one that inspires hope, fosters connection, and empowers the next generation of creative leaders.

Mrs. Hatfield is the newest member of the SDSCPA administration. She is not a stranger to the SDSCPA family having taught in the Science Department for 12 years and then serving as the school’s Graduation Coach for the past 6 years. She is excited to be part of such a visionary team. She has served on a variety of committees and organizing 6th and 9th grade Bridging Days. She believes that all students can learn and each student has a special path/ journey in place for them but it is up to them to take the first step. Educators serve as the facilitators in molding our young people into well-rounded individuals who can take on the world. Mrs. Hatfield holds a Bachelors of Arts in Biochemistry from UCSD and earned her Administrative credential and Masters in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. She is a native Californian.

Looking into the future through the lens of equitable opportunity, Mr. Ojeda’s approach to education has been that of fairness, honesty, collaboration, and accountability. A native San Diegan, Mr. Ojeda attended Sherman/Brooklyn elementary schools, to include Roosevelt/Wilson middle schools and graduated from Hoover high school in 1992. After graduating high school, Mr. Ojeda enlisted in the United States Navy where he served a tour in the Persian Gulf (Operation Desert Watch) and was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, Mr. Ojeda pursued higher education and found his passion working as an Education Specialist for students with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Working with families, Mr. Ojeda advocates for inclusion, ensuring every student has the same access to education. Earning his master’s degree in special education, Mr. Ojeda now supports our community via administrative leadership.

Laura Schiavo is a violinist who whole-heartedly believes in the power of arts education and its ability to transform lives. She started the violin at age three and has been in love with music ever since. Laura was born in California, but spent most of her childhood moving around the country as an Army kid. She always felt challenged in making new friends and starting over at new schools every few years and longed for a true sense of belonging. When she moved to North Carolina in 1997, she joined her 7th grade orchestra at school. For the first time, she felt like she had a place at school where she was meant to be. She was around like minded people who loved music in the way she did, in the same way that music spoke to her heart. This experience and finding this sense of belonging and community in her middle school orchestra was the beginning of her journey to become an orchestra teacher herself. Her passion for education began with the desire to give the same gift of belonging and love to students that changed her whole life. She was thrilled to join the SDSCPA team in the 2022-23 school year as Instructional Coordinator for the Academics to support teachers and students in ensuring the highest quality instruction in every classroom in communities where everyone is loved and valued. She loves being part of the SDSCPA team to continually create that feeling of belonging and community in our entire school that she experienced first in orchestra. Laura loves the intersection of arts and academics and strives to honor students as artists through the lens of everything they study at SDSCPA. Education has been her lifelong passion and she began her teaching career in the San Diego Unified School District in 2008. Prior to coming to SDSCPA, Laura was a Resource Teacher for the MSAP Grant in SDUSD’s VAPA Department and had been a classroom teacher for thirteen years. She taught orchestra and math at CPMA Middle School for five years and taught elementary orchestra for eight years at Paradise Hills, Penn, Perry, and Zamorano Elementary. Laura has a BA in Music from Point Loma Nazarene University with a concentration in Music Education, and an MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from Brandman University. She holds an Administrative Credential and California Single Subject Teaching Credentials in both Music and Foundational Level Mathematics. In 2012, Laura received the Schuchman Award for Excellence in Music Education from SDUSD and also received the CMEA Elementary Music Specialist Award. She received the CMEA Middle School Specialist Award in 2020. In 2017, Laura traveled to Washington D.C. to be on a team of teachers working with NAfME and the Library of Congress and she became a Teaching with Primary Sources Curriculum Writer; her curriculum can be found on the NAfME website. She was a member of the 2018 California Department of Education Visual and Performing Arts Standards Advisory Committee as the standards were revised, which are now the adopted California Arts Standards.

Sam Robles is a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and arts leader whose career bridges world-class performance and transformative arts education. As a performer, he has recorded and toured internationally with acclaimed artists including Solange, Ziggy Marley, Lauryn Hill, Kamasi Washington, Kelis, and Weezer, with his work featured on Grammy-nominated albums and film scores. A founding member of the Tropi-Funk ensemble Jungle Fire, this band has been recognized by the Los Angeles Times as one of LA’s best live bands, captivating audiences across the globe. Equally dedicated to education, he serves as Instructional Coordinator for the Arts at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where he co-designs curriculum, coaches teachers, and advances pre-conservatory training aligned with national arts standards and accreditation. His leadership has extended statewide through roles with The California Arts Project and traditional comprehensive high schools, where he developed innovative, culturally relevant programs, secured major arts funding, and guided thousands of students and educators. Rooted in his belief that excellence in the arts transforms lives, Mr. Robles continues to inspire the next generation of artists while maintaining an active and vibrant performance career.

Susie Strasser received her B.A. in English and Psychology from UC Davis in 2000. She returned to San Diego and received her Masters in Education from UCSD in 2003 and her Administrative Credential from SDSU. Since starting at SCPA, she has taught AP English Literature, AP English Language, AP Psychology, American Literature, 9th grade English, Martial Arts, PE, and AVID. Susie is also head of the Creative Writing Department, which inducted its first majors in the 2011-2012 school year and teaches all the Creative Writing classes. In addition to teaching high school, Susie also teaches Kung Fu and Tai Chi at a local martial arts school. Over the past decade, she has competed in international tournaments in California, Florida, and Taiwan and has performed in China.

Acacia Thede is an accomplished education professional with over two decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and human resources leader. She currently serves as Instructional Coordinator for the San Diego Unified School District, where she leads the Golden State Pathways Program, fostering strategic partnerships and expanding college and career opportunities for students. A former Chief Human Resources Officer, Acacia has advanced equity initiatives, designed teacher pipeline programs, and championed workforce diversity. She also teaches as a Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. Holding a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Iowa, Acacia is committed to ensuring all students have access to meaningful college and career pathways that prepare them for future success.

Aaron Rumley brings a rich blend of theatrical production, technical expertise, and organizational leadership to his role as Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) Facilities Manager at SDSCPA. With more than twenty years of experience in theatre production and stage management, Aaron ensures that the school’s performance spaces, technical operations, and artistic environments run smoothly and creatively. Professional Background: •Theater Production Specialist – Previously served as Production Manager at North Coast Repertory Theatre, where he managed all aspects of staging, scheduling, technical coordination, and logistics across diverse productions. •Stage Management and Design – Skilled in both sound design and hands-on production, Aaron has supported shows ranging from Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush to Rabbit Hole and Wit. •Technical Coordination – Known for his ability to merge artistic vision with practical infrastructure, ensuring performances meet both creative and technical standards. •Leadership and Collaboration – At SDSCPA, Aaron partners closely with faculty, students, and staff to uphold the highest standards of performance practice, safety, and resource management. Aaron’s leadership keeps SDSCPA’s creative heartbeat strong—ensuring that students and faculty have the technical excellence and supportive environment needed to bring their artistic visions to life.