a message from region Eight lead Luis Garcia:
On behalf of the California PBIS Core Leadership team, welcome to our statewide network of support. More specifically, for those building positive school climates in
- Kern
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara
- and Ventura counties
I’d like to personally welcome you to region eight.
Kern County Superintendent of Schools serves as the region’s California PBIS Technical Assistance Center, housing multiple programs in our Instructional Services Department– including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
As members of the Core Leadership Team, Leah Blake and I represent the needs of Kern County and all communities housed within region eight
when it comes to high-quality implementation.
I look forward to connecting with you soon as we continue to create equitable environments in California schools.
Region Eight Contacts
Luis Garcia
is the Social Emotional & Academic Supports Coordinator for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Within this role he serves as a support for districts and schools implementing Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and all components within the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Previous to this role, he served as a PBIS Coordinator and a School Social Worker for local districts within Kern County. He has also served as a consultant, adjunct professor, and field instructor for graduate students in social work. For over a decade much of the focus of his work has been around building up multi-tiered systems with a focus on mental health integration. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he aspires to continue to integrate mental health supports within our school systems to eliminate barriers to learning.
Leah Blake
has dedicated her career to advocating for equitable experiences for all students and now has the opportunity to serve as a Social Emotional & Academic Supports Coordinator for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. She is delighted for the opportunity to support school districts in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). With over a decade of experience in special education, she has worked tirelessly to create inclusive environments. As a passionate advocate for equity, she strives to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, receives the support and opportunities they deserve. Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering a fair and accessible education system for all. As the mother of two neurodivergent children, Leah understands the importance of academic as well as social-emotional support in the classroom to ensure the success of students who uniquely view the world. She is dedicated to spreading awareness and supporting teachers to create safe and welcoming environments where all students can learn.