After graduating from the University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Science in Natural History, Francesca began her career in education as a high school biology teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in LAUSD. Francesca saw firsthand the impact socioeconomics and mental health had on her students. Though passionate about education, Francesca left her academic position to focus on pediatric mental health and family dynamics.
Francesca worked as a Wraparound Family Specialist for Mental Health Systems and South Coast Community Services. In this position, Francesca assisted foster youth and youth at-risk of entering the child welfare system by reducing negative behaviors, establishing and utilizing coping skills, and engaging in positive community activities. Additionally, Francesca supported caregivers with establishing structure and routines, connecting to community resources, and improving communication with their children.
Francesca began working as an Educational Liaison for Children and Family Services, San Bernardino County (CFS) to support and promote the educational rights of foster youth. In this role, Francesca worked in collaboration with social workers, SBCUSD and neighboring districts, caregivers, and youth. During her time at CFS, Francesca also had the pleasure of working with the Independent Living Program on annual events such as Independent City.
Once her children were school-age, Francesca went back to school to pursue a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino. In her studies, Francesca focused on child welfare and parental incarceration.
Post graduation, Francesca took a position at the Law Offices of the Public Defenders, San Bernardino County. Here, Francesca cofounded the program Children United Through Empowerment (C.U.T.E.), a program focused on providing support to children affected by parental incarceration. C.U.T.E. was the recipient of the 2020 National Association of County award. Having a love for education, Francesca was given the opportunity to serve as Truancy Social Worker for the Making Attendance a Priority program; a collaboration between the Public Defenders Office and SBCUSD. In this position, Francesca attended District SARB meetings and worked with families to eliminate barriers that affected student attendance.
Francesca serves as the School Site Council Chairperson at Parkside Elementary; she previously served in the same position at Bonnie Oehl Elementary. Francesca was also chosen by Parkside Elementary to be a member of the SBCUSD Superintendent Advisory Council. In addition to these roles, Francesca prides herself on being active in her children's lives by volunteering at school events and coaching sports teams.
