Pleasant Hill, Calif.—Nine school employees have been chosen to represent Contra Costa County in the State of California Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) program.
These individuals were selected from among 29 nominees who were honored at the Contra Costa County Classified School Employees of the Year event, hosted by the Contra Costa County Office of Education on Wednesday, April 23.
The 2025 Contra Costa County Classified School Employees of the Year are as follows:
- Nicole Nakasato, Student Enrollment Coordinator, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
- Andre Medrano, Custodian, John Swett Unified School District
- Amanda Jones, Food Service Worker, John Swett Unified School District
- Amanda Farmer, Student Support Assistant, John Swett Unified School District
- Matthew Zonfrello, Instructional Assistant Specialist, Orinda Union School District
- Stephen Waters, Campus Resources Assistant, Pittsburg Unified School District
- Joe B. Hernandez Jr., Mechanic II, Liberty Union High School District
- Andre Ellison, Network Technician, Pittsburg Unified School District
- Teresa Cross, School Bus Driver, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
“Congratulations to these nine classified school employees for being exemplary and representing the entire classified school workforce throughout Contra Costa County,” Superintendent Lynn Mackey said. “These individuals may be one of the first smiles of the day for our children and consistent role models in their lives. They make a difference in our school communities, and I thank them for showing up each day to support our students. Our schools could not function without them.”
Classified employees play essential roles that do not require academic certification. The award recipients represent various categories, including Clerical and Administrative Services, Custodial and Maintenance, Food and Nutrition Services, Health and Student Services, Transportation Services, Paraprofessional Services, and Technical Services.
The CSEY program recognizes school staff whose dedication greatly contributes to student success and well-being across California’s public schools, from preschool through 12th grade.
These employees will also be celebrated during Classified School Employee Week, observed from May 18 to May 24. This week is a special time to acknowledge the vital contributions of classified school employees who support our students every day.
2025 County Classified School Employees of the Year Nominees
CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
- Stephanie Brady, College and Career Advisor, Acalanes Unified School District
- Monica Chicas-Brizuela, Administrative Assistant II, Contra Costa County Office of Education
- Kimber Monticelli, School Secretary, San Ramon Valley Unified School District
- Nicole Nakasato, Student Enrollment Coordinator, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE
- Jose Cancio, Head Custodian, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
- David DeMaria, Craftsman I, Walnut Creek School District
- Andre Medrano, Custodian, John Swett Unified School District
- Flora Santiago, Head Custodian, Pittsburg Unified School District
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES
- Gyongyi Iraheta, Lead Food Service Worker I, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
- Amanda Jones, Food Service Worker, John Swett Unified School District
- Angelica Mouton, Cafeteria Lead, Martinez Unified School District
- Debra Shanahan, Child Nutrition Manager, Pittsburg Unified School District
HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICES
- Amanda Farmer, Student Support Assistant, John Swett Unified School District
- Ai Dong Peng, Health Assistant – LVN Special Education, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
PARAPROFESSIONAL SERVICES
- Elvia Awwad, Paraprofessional, Walnut Creek School District
- Elizabeth Lopez, Instructional Assistant, Special Education, Contra Costa County Office of Education
- Virgina Monge, Special Education Assistant, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
- Maria Morales, Para-Educator, John Swett Unified School District
- Julia Myall, Instructional Assistant, Lafayette Elementary School District
- Matthew Zonfrello, Instructional Assistant Specialist, Orinda Union School District
SECURITY SERVICES
- Anita Fontana, Campus Supervisor II, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
- Sandra Styles, Yard Aide, John Swett Unified School District
- Stephen Waters, Campus Resources Assistant, Pittsburg Unified School District
SKILLED TRADES SERVICES
- Dennis Hunt, HVAC Technician, Pittsburg Unified School District
- Joe B. Hernandez, Mechanic II, Liberty Union High School District
TECHNICAL SERVICES
- Andre Ellison, Network Technician, Pittsburg Unified School District
- Nichole Holly, Library Media Specialist, John Swett Unified School District
- Tara O’Keefe, Network Systems Administrator, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
- Teresa Cross, School Bus Driver, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,394 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 287 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org
