Sandra Garcia, Ed. D.
Ian Shepley
Joana B. Horning
Dr. Sandra Garcia brings over 25 years of dedicated service to the field of education, with a career that spans classroom teaching, specialized instruction, and school leadership. Initially envisioning a career in elementary education, Dr. Garcia quickly discovered her passion for working with middle school students. After six months in an elementary classroom, she transitioned to middle school, where she found her true calling.
Her career includes ten impactful years as a classroom teacher, three years as an English Learner Specialist, and twelve years in administrative leadership. She has also enriched her community by teaching Ballet Folklorico, coordinating adult education programs for families, and instructing at the University of California, Riverside Extension.
Dr. Garcia holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.
Department Supervisor:
- Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA)
- Independent Living Skills (ILS)
- Special Education (SpEd)
- Language Acquisition
Students Last Name: A - L
Mr. Shepley joined Mitchell Middle School as Assistant Principal in the 2023/2024 school year. Prior to working in FCUSD, Mr. Shepley worked in the Houston area where he was an Assistant Principal at the intermediate, middle, and high school levels. Before he became a campus administrator, he was a high school Social Studies teacher in Houston. Mr. Shepley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching Social Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.
As a proud Northern California native, he is grateful for the opportunity to support students, teachers, staff, and stakeholders here in Rancho Cordova. Mr. Shepley enjoys traveling, music, and learning about the cultures of the world.
Department Supervisor:
- Individuals and Societies
- Math
Students Last Name: M - Z
With over 16 years of professional commitment to her community, Mrs. Horning has a diverse background, ranging from representing low-income clients as a lawyer in a non-profit law firm to teaching foundational reading skills as part of the Academic Intervention Team at Cordova Villa Elementary. Her career has been defined by a passion for public service and a profound dedication to making a positive impact.
She is originally from Stockton and attended the International Baccalaureate Program at Franklin High School. As a former IB student herself, she has a unique perspective to be a leader for our MYP program at Mitchell MS. In addition to being fluent in Spanish, Mrs. Horning brings substantial expertise in data analysis, PLC processes, and the structure and implementation of MTSS. Eager to contribute to the team at Mitchell Middle School, she remains “dedicated to serving her community and fostering educational excellence.” As the daughter of a single immigrant mother, she deeply understands the pivotal role of education in providing lifelong opportunities for all students.
Department Supervisor:
- Language and Literature
- Science
- Physical Education