Congratulations to the February 2025 honorees of the Heartbeat of SAUSD recognition: the Arredondo and Vallejo Families! They were acknowledged during last night's Board meeting for exemplifying the core values of our district — a deep, enduring connection that weaves together generations of students, families, and educators into a vibrant educational tapestry. Continue reading to discover more about their profound and inspiring contributions to SAUSD.
Olivia Arredondo, Office Manager, Godinez Fundamental High School
Olivia Arredondo is a proud product of Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), where her educational journey began in 1976 as a first-grade student at Franklin Elementary. She later attended Lathrop Intermediate and graduated from Saddleback High School in 1988.
Her deep-rooted connection to the community led her to join SAUSD as an employee, a decision driven by her passion for supporting students and parents—particularly those from migrant backgrounds who, like her own family, may face language barriers. Olivia is dedicated to ensuring families feel supported, heard, and confident that SAUSD is committed to guiding and protecting their children. As a bilingual professional, she has been able to build meaningful connections with parents and provide them with the resources they need to navigate their children's education successfully.
Eliana Vallejo, ELD Coordinator, Godinez Fundamental High School
Eliana Vallejo’s connection to SAUSD began with her mother, Olivia Arredondo, who worked at Lathrop Intermediate. Visiting the school as a child sparked her passion for education, leading her to serve the SAUSD community since 2008. She began as a classroom tutor at Mendez Fundamental Intermediate and later became a teacher at Godinez Fundamental High School in 2013, solidifying her commitment to the profession. As a former English learner and daughter of immigrants, she strives to connect with and inspire her students. Eliana remains dedicated to growing as an educator and making a meaningful impact in the SAUSD community.
