Leadership Team

	Dr. Michele Lew - Principal This is Dr. Michele Lew’s twentieth year in education and first year as principal of Walnut High School. Before joining the Mustang community, she spent five years as an Assistant Principal at Arcadia High School in the Arcadia Unified School District, where she focused on expanding opportunities for all students, most notably in developing a Wellness Program, expanding inclusive practices in special education, and supporting teachers’ high impact instructional practices. Michele comes from a family of educators. Her grandmother was a teacher in Hong Kong and both of her parents are retired elementary school teachers. After graduating from the University of California, Riverside with her Bachelor of Arts degree, she started substitute teaching and fell in love with working with students with disabilities. She spent fourteen years as a special education teacher and still claims it as one of her favorite roles. On a quest to learn even more, Michele went back to school and obtained a Masters degree in Special Education during this time. Michele saw how impactful educators are to student success, and wanted to do so on a broader scale. She decided to become an educational leader and sought to deepen her knowledge by obtaining a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. As a school leader, Michele believes in providing opportunities for all students to achieve their high school and post secondary goals. She also values collaboration and partnerships between students, staff, families, and the greater community; something she prioritizes as the principal of Walnut High School. Outside of education, Michele is passionate about three things: her daughter, her dog, and daily movement. In her free time, you will probably catch her FaceTiming her daughter (who lives in New York City), playing catch with her dog, or weight training at the gym.
@DrAndreaPoma	Dr. Andrea Poma - Assistant Principal Dr. Andrea Poma begins her fifth year as Assistant Principal at Walnut High School. Her passion for teaching and commitment to student success have been instrumental in her 17 year career. Her journey in education began with teaching English, ELD, and various intervention courses at the high school level. She has held numerous leadership roles within schools, including ELD coordinator, Intervention/RTI committee member, Anti-Bullying and Positive Behavior Advisor, and Grade Level Curriculum and Instruction lead. Before joining Walnut High School, she served as an administrator for three years in the Bonita Unified School District. Dr. Poma earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts from California State University Long Beach, followed by two Masters Degrees in Education and Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in a doctorate in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis in Educational Psychology, from the University of Southern California. Dr. Poma's educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students have the potential to learn at high levels. She is dedicated to providing culturally relevant and equitable opportunities for every student to succeed. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Poma enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her daughter Kendall. Her love for her family and her dedication to her community are integral parts of who she is.
@Dean_Nchen	Nelson Chen - Instructional Dean of English, Social Science, CTE, Dual Enrollment, ADP Mr. Chen starts his seventeenth year at Walnut High School, and eighth year as Instructional Dean for English, Social Science, Career Technical Education, and Dual Enrollment. He previously served as Walnut’s certified athletic trainer, and passionately taught Sports Medicine for nine years. Prior to Walnut High School, he worked at Woodbridge High School in Irvine. Nelson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona in 2005, and his Masters degree in Athletic Training from the University of Hawaii in 2007. He achieved his single subject credential in career technical education (CTE) and began teaching in 2008. In 2019, he earned his second Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration from Brandman University, and is now enrolled in UCLA’s Leadership Support Program (LSP). He is married to his beautiful wife Vanessa, who is a certified athletic trainer at Garey High School, and a CTE teacher at Walnut High School. He and his wife have two beautiful cats, Lewis and Lorelei.
@DeanDibell	Marta Dibell - Instructional Dean of Science, World Languages, Visual/Performing Arts, Physical Education, Health Marta Dibell joined the Walnut family in 1992. She is proud to lead the Special Programs team and work with parents and teachers to ensure their students have a positive educational experience and are able to attain their goals. Marta believes her well rounded teaching experience gives her a unique perspective of the needs of students and teachers. During her 30 year tenure at WHS, she has had the pleasure of teaching German, French, English, ELD, PE, and has served as the ELD Coordinator and District ELD Program Specialist. She enjoys teaching beginning language levels the most, and strives to inspire a love of learning about different languages and cultures. Marta holds a bachelor’s degree in German from The Florida State University and a master’s degree in Language Development from Azusa Pacific University. Away from school, Marta lives with her son (a WHS graduate!) and two dogs. She enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and trying new food. A Cordon Bleu trained chef, Marta enjoys spending her free time in the kitchen happily planning and preparing meals for her friends and family.
	Charles Tran - Instructional Dean of Math, Special Education, & Physical Education Charles Tran is the Instructional Dean of Health, Math, PE, and Special Education. With a solid 11-year background in education, Charles is currently in his second year at Walnut High School. Prior to stepping into the role of an Instructional Dean, he served as an education specialist, accumulating 2 years with Alhambra Unified and 7 years with Montebello Unified. Charles holds a steadfast belief in the potential for all students to learn, recognizing and respecting the diverse ways in which they absorb knowledge. His commitment to inclusive education extends beyond theory to practical engagement, demonstrated by over two decades of coaching experience in volleyball. In 2023, he led the girls' volleyball team at Walnut High School to a league championship, showcasing his dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities. Charles holds a BA in Urban Learning from Cal State LA, supplemented by a Master's in Education from Cal State Dominguez Hill and a Master's in Instructional Technology from Grand Canyon University. His educational journey is a testament to his dedication to enhancing instructional practices. Charles has been married to his amazing wife, Carol, for nearly ten years. They have two beautiful daughters.
	Conchita Cawley - Operations Manager Mrs. Cawley is excited to begin her fifth year as School Operations Manager and ninth year as a Walnut Valley Unified parent. She joins us with more than 20 years of experience in the private sector in leadership and management. Prior to Walnut High School, Mrs. Cawley worked at a non-profit mental hospital in downtown Los Angeles as the IT Manager. She was the sole on-site IT employee supporting 400+ employees. She worked at Nordstrom full-line stores in Costa Mesa, Brea, Cerritos and Montclair as well as the Nordstrom Rack in Costa Mesa. Mrs. Cawley began her career on the sales floor and quickly worked her way into Customer Service Management. She was honored with the prestigious Customer Service All-Star award. Mrs. Cawley received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton in 2002. She serves on the board for Diamond Bar AYSO. She enjoys volunteering in her children's classrooms and also in Children’s Services at her church in Chino Hills. She has been married to her husband, Richard, for 18 years. They have three children (10th grade, 6th grade, and 4th grade). She is a proud Walnut High Mustang, Diamond Bar Brahma, and Castle Rock Elementary School Knight.
@WalnutHigh_ASB	Andy Schultz - Activities Director Andy begins his 25th year at Walnut High School. He spent his first 8 years teaching Chemistry and coaching basketball. During this time, he was selected as a Los Angeles County Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year two times as well as the Walnut High School Teacher of the Year. For the past 15 years, he has been the Mustang Activities Director. Prior to Walnut High School, Andy taught Chemistry and Biology as well as well as being a head boys’ basketball coach in the state of Washington for nine years. He attended Washington State University before earning his degree in Biology and Chemistry from Carroll College in Helena, Montana. He is married to his beautiful wife, Corolar Schultz, who is a Grade Level Coordinator at Walnut High School. Andy grew up on the Schultz and Sons’ Black Angus Ranch and Wheat Farm in Eastern Washington. His childhood established the importance of planting seeds and having the patience to let them grow. On a daily basis, Andy plants seeds of empowerment into his students and has had the pleasure of taking part in both their growth and maturity.
@WalnutHS_Sports	Jerry Person - Athletic Director Jerry begins his 26th year at Walnut High School. He spent his first eight years as the Head Varsity Football Coach. The last 16 years as a Freshmen Football Coach. He earned LA Times area coach of the year 3 different times. He is in his 23rd year as the Walnut High School Athletic Director. He was honored with the CIF Southern Section Athletic Director of the Year Award in 2012 at the CSADA Conference. Jerry teaches Kinesiology at Walnut High School. Prior to coming to Walnut High School, he taught and coached for nine years at Saint John Bosco High School, two years at Servite High School, three years at Pius X High School and one year at Alemany High School. He earned his Undergraduate Degree at San Diego State University where he was on an athletic scholarship as a member of the Aztec Football Team (AFL). Jerry earned his Teaching Credential from Long Beach State University and his Masters Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. He loves to spend time with family, camping, hiking, playing games and being an amateur pit master. Jerry resides in Fullerton with his Wife Lori and has two daughters Brittany Ann Person Valdez (Physical Therapist) and Bree Nicole Person Costello (Teacher). "Leadership isn't about getting your own way, it's about helping others find theirs." Unknown
	Monique Estrada - Administrative Assistant Monique Estrada begins her 13th year in education and excited to start her 9th year at Walnut High School. Before joining Walnut High School, Monique worked as the Administrative Assistant in the Special Education Department for Pasadena Unified School District. Monique completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at Cal Poly Pomona. Monique grew up in the Walnut Valley Community. Monique is a Chaparral Middle School and Diamond Bar High School alumni! In her spare time, Monique enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the beautiful oceans and mountains of California.