DIRECTOR

John Leopold is the Director for the Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative. He brings over 20 years of experience in the public sector having served as a Cabrillo College Trustee for eight years and as a Board member of Pacific Collegiate School, a California charter school. John served 12 years as Santa Cruz County Supervisor where he founded the award-winning Live Oak Cradle to Career collective impact project.

NORTHERN REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Ashley Selck is the Northern Regional Coordinator for the Central Coast Regional K-16 Collaborative and is an experienced educator and program leader with a strong commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments. She has held various educational roles, including Program Coordinator for the Community Schools Partnership Program, Clinical Practice Coordinator at California State University Monterey Bay, College Instructor, and Middle School Teacher. Ashley excels at building partnerships, designing innovative programs, and supporting educational communities through collaboration and coaching.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Isaac Castro is the Southern Regional Coordinator for the Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative. He is an educational researcher and administrator with a Ph.D. in Education Policy, Leadership, and Research Methods from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Isaac has extensive experience in student services, program development, and diversity initiatives, primarily focusing on enhancing equity and inclusion within academic settings. He has held roles at UC Berkeley, Fresno State, and UC Santa Barbara, where he led projects aimed at improving student retention and success, especially for historically underrepresented groups. Isaac is passionate about leveraging education as a transformative tool for social justice and community empowerment.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Bri Garcia is the Administrative officer for the Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative with experience in optimizing executive workflows and enhancing organizational efficiency. She received her B.A. in Graphic Design at California State University Dominguez Hills. Bri brings over five years of experience supporting directors and educators in the higher education system. She is proficient in event management, travel coordination, and design work.

BUDGET ANALYST

Katya Greene is the Budget Analyst for the Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative with experience in fiscal analysis, budget planning, and policy management. Greene is an Alumna of the Crown College and earned a B.A. in Business Economics with a minor in Legal Studies from UC Santa Cruz. Following her education at UC Santa Cruz, she obtained a Masters of Science in Taxation degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and worked as a Corporate Tax Analyst for a Global CPA firm. Greene enjoys providing assistance to colleagues as well as maintaining and enhancing students’ educational experience. Ultimately, her aim is to create a cooperative and progressive environment where everyone can realize their academic and professional potential.