Dr. Garcia earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership-Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from California Baptist University, Riverside, where she also earned a Master of Science Degree in Education with specializations in Special Education and School Psychology.  Dr. Garcia holds several credentials, including a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate, Educational Specialist Credential with Autism Authorization, a Pupil Personal Services Credential, and an Administrative Services Credential. She began her teaching career in 2001, spending the last 21 years serving the students and families of Santa Ana Unified.  Prior to becoming the Principal at Taft Elementary, Dr. Garcia was the Principal at Advanced Learning Academy, and spent 11 years as an education specialist (7 years as a Mild/Moderate teacher here at Taft), 2 years as a Certificated Learning and Achievement Specialist, and 1 year as an Elementary Science Curriculum Specialist.