SIERRA NEVADA REGION
California, Nevada, Hawaii
Welcome to the Sierra Nevada Renaissance Region page!
We are so excited to have YOU here! This is where passion meets purpose, and where educators come together to connect, celebrate, inspire, and grow together as part of the Jostens Renaissance family. Our region is filled with passionate educators who believe in the power of building relationships, recognizing achievement, and creating unforgettable school culture where every student and staffulty member feels seen, heard, and loved.
Why get involved?
Being part of the Sierra Nevada Ren Fam means you’re never in this work alone. You’ll connect with other rockstar educators, swap powerful ideas, and fuel each other’s energy. Involvement can be as simple as:
- Attending regional events, virtual Happy Rs, and conferences.
- Collaborating with other schools to share best practices.
- Celebrating the big and small wins in your classrooms, on your campuses, and in your communities.
- Cheering each other on as we all rise together!
This is YOUR space.
This region is your space to celebrate successes, find inspiration, and connect with others who share your commitment to students, staffulty, and school culture. Whether you’re a longtime Renaissance leader or brand new to the movement, YOU belong here—and your contributions matter.
Welcome to the Sierra Nevada Region Renaissance Family—we can’t wait to see the incredible impact we’ll create together!
MEET YOUR RENAISSANCE CHAMPION
Renaissance Champions lead their region with a philosophy fueled by passion, positivity, and the belief that culture and climate change everything. In addition to supporting their Renaissance Ambassadors and other educators in their region, they spark joy, recognize greatness, and create environments where teachers love their jobs and students thrive in school.
Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate is a motivational speaker and Author who also is a current educator at La Quinta Middle School in Southern California. In addition to being the Jostens Renaissance Champion for the Sierra Nevada Ren Region, she sits in the CADA Area F Council, and is a Board Member and Associate Director for the Inland Empire Future Leaders Program. She works hard on improving her school’s culture and climate, developing student leaders, and creating lasting memories for the students on her campus. Her goal is to inspire, educate, empower and celebrate students and Staffulty to become change agents and make a difference in the school, community, and world! Dr. Farah has been recognized as a Jostens Renaissance National Staffulty of the Month and CADA Master Activities Director. In 2023, she was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame.
Want to talk to Farah? She can answer all your questions about using Renaissance. Email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you.
MEET YOUR RENAISSANCE AMBASSADORS
Renaissance ambassadors build a vibrant local network of educators who believe culture and climate support school success. As volunteers, Ambassadors form and maintain a sense community in their local area.
MELANIE LINDSEY
VENTURA, California
Melanie Lindsey is an Assistant Principal at Balboa Middle School who helps students and Staffulty thrive by fostering a trusting, supportive, organized, and solution-focused school environment. Mel’s superpower is executive functioning and operational leadership. She has built a reputation for bringing creative, thoughtful approaches to problem-solving and Staffulty and student recognition. Whether streamlining school systems or designing meaningful ways to celebrate the people around her, Melanie turns structure into an opportunity for connection and growth. In her spare time, Melanie is a devoted CrossFit enthusiast and a proud mama to two girls, Amma to two boys and dog mom to three large furry companions. She’s a passionate Manchester City supporter, a self-proclaimed Ted Lasso devotee, and an unabashed P!nk superfan — because great leadership, like great music, is all about heart.
Get in touch with Melanie! If you live near Ventura and want to connect with Melanie or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!
Adrián Barragán
Ventura, California
Adrián Barragán is a Special Education Teacher and Renaissance Advisor at Ventura High School in Ventura, California where he helps students find their value and assists them in believing they can become a positive asset to their communities. Adrián is the proud graduate of Oxnard Community College. In 2007, Adrián earned a Bachelor’s of Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He has also received his Masters degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Professional Learning Communities. In 2013-14, Adrián was recognized for “Going Above and Beyond”, and in 2016-17 received the Principal’s Award for his dedication and commitment to all students. Most recently, in 2025 Adrián was recognized as “Rookie of the Year” when he relocated to Ventura High School in Ventura, California. Wherever Adrián has been as an educator, student relationships have been his passion. Adrián is the proud son of Mexican immigrant parents, Maria and Ricardo Barragán. Adrián enjoys being a Girl Dad to the most beautiful 8-year-old girl in the world, Adryannah Itzel Barragán. Adrián is an avid fisherman who enjoys trips to Baja California, along the Pacific Coast, and the Eastern Sierras in California. Adrián absolutely loves barbecuing and is a self-proclaimed BBQ Pitmaster.
Get in touch with Adrián! If you live near Ventura and want to connect with him or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!
Petra McCullough
VENTURA, California
Petra McCullough is the Assistant Principal at Anacapa Middle School in the Ventura Unified School District, where she is passionate about building a campus culture students and staff never forget. Known for turning school spirit into meaningful connection, Petra successfully launched and implemented a thriving house system focused on belonging, character, community, and a little healthy competition along the way. When she’s not planning memorable student experiences, Petra enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and dreaming up new ways to help schools discover what makes them special. Her long-term goal is to support more schools in building strong identities, positive cultures, and communities where every student feels they belong.
Get in touch with Petra! If you live near Ventura and want to connect with her or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!
Darcy Duffy
Ventura, California
Darcy Duffy teaches 7th and 8th grade math and science as well as run the leadership program at Lemon Grove TK-8 School. Darcy was the Activities Director and Renaissance Coordinator for several years at Foothill Technology High School before starting a new adventure as a middle school teacher. She is using her experience from secondary to build a TK-8 Renaissance program one activity at a time. In her free time, Darcy spends her time coaching her own children in various sports and loves to play beach volleyball.
Get in touch with Darcy! If you live near Ventura and want to connect with her or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!
James Adkinds
Indio, California
James Adkins is a Assistant Principal at Indio High School where he help promote and grow the positive climate and culture on campus by supporting and resources to the student leadership programs. James specializes in building positive climate and culture on campus and has helped lead Renaissance School of Distinction applications at two different school sites. In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with family and reading the Bible. A goal in life is to help his children and grandchildren achieve their goals in life.
Get in touch with James! If you live near Indio and want to connect with him or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!
Tim McCaffrey
Fontana, California
Timothy McCaffrey is the Principal at Chaparral Academy of Technology in Fontana Unified School District. He helps students, staff, and families build a high-energy, student-centered school culture rooted in connection, celebration, and belonging. Tim specializes in transforming school culture into something people can feel the moment they walk on campus. He has led innovative, high-impact initiatives that elevate both student achievement and school pride, creating environments where every learner is seen, valued, and inspired to succeed. His leadership has contributed to cutting chronic absenteeism in half and building powerful staff and student teams. Outside of school, Tim is passionate about endurance training and continuously pushing his own limits.
Get in touch with Tim! If you live near Fontana and want to connect with him or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!