Dear Manzanita Elementary School Families,
        
          I am honored to introduce myself as the new interim principal of Manzanita Elementary School. It is a privilege to join a school community that is known for its commitment to excellence in education, its dedicated staff, and its engaged families. I am eager to meet each of you and to build upon the strong foundation that already exists at Manzanita.
          Allow me to share a bit about myself. My experience spans nine years as a classroom teacher for the Rincon Valley Union School District. I have also held the position of Principal for our summer learning program, Camp Read, for the last two summers. I am an SSU alum and I have a Master’s in Education with a focus on curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Throughout my career in education, I have witnessed how collaborative efforts between administrators, educators, families, and the wider community create meaningful opportunities for students. I am passionate about student-centered learning, equity, and creating inclusive spaces where all feel valued and empowered.
          On a personal note, I have been married for the past eleven years, and my husband and I have three beautiful children: Wyatt (9), Mason (6), and Everly (3). We are fully immersed in our sports era, with Mason loving all things soccer and Wyatt keeping us busy in the spring playing baseball at the Rincon Valley Little League fields. I feel fortunate to have a large, supportive extended family here in Sonoma County, and we spend a lot of time together. 
          As I step into this role, my primary focus is to ensure that all students at Manzanita Elementary School feel safe, supported, and successful. I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a strong partnership with families and the broader community. Your insights and involvement are invaluable, and I look forward to hearing from you about what makes Manzanita special and how we can work together to continue its success.
          Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I am truly excited about the journey ahead and am confident that, together, we can continue to make Manzanita Elementary a place where every student excels.

Warm regards,
Lea Yap Interim Principal
Manzanita Elementary School