Before joining High Tech High International in 2012, Erik served as the Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions at the University of San Diego supporting diverse populations including first-time freshmen, military veterans, and seminarians through the admissions process. Erik began his admissions career in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at San Diego State University during his undergrad where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Erik's passion for serving students to pursue higher education led to earning his Master of Arts in School Counseling at the University of San Diego. 

Erik's professional college admissions experience extends beyond High Tech High International having served on the external reading committees for the University of California, San Diego,  and the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as a member of the Counselor Advisory Board for Ithaca College. 

Erik is the son of loving parents who immigrated from the Philippines for a better life instilling values of hard work, family, and community. Erik is a proud husband and father of three amazing children. Erik enjoys learning about cultures through food and travel, exploring the outdoors camping with his family, and mountain biking.

Jade started at High Tech High teaching math in 2004. After 13 years in the classroom teaching math and physics, she transitioned to the role of Director at HTHI in 2018. Jade is dedicated to the work of providing an equitable, project based learning experience to all students. Her ideal educational experience for students is to have all doors open for whatever future they envision for themselves in life after high school. 

Will has been a math teacher at HTHI for nearly 20 years and, for most of that time, has been deeply involved with improving students' long-term outcomes as measured by college acceptances, financial aid, and PGR (predicted graduation rates). 

Will joined the CARPE Network starting in 2017 and has been part of CCAT since the beginning.  Will is passionate about our mission to support every student to apply to college if they choose, pursue higher education, and successfully transition to a college where they are most likely to succeed and graduate.

Kyler was born and raised in a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California and moved to San Diego to attend college and pursue a career as an educator. As is natural for someone who grew up in a rural area, he loves to be outside (camping, hiking, and climbing). In his down time, Kyler likes to cook, walk his dog, and play games with friends. He is an avid podcast listener-his favorite topics include news/politics, education, business, and economics-and also enjoys reading books on these topics. Throughout high school and college, Kyler played lacrosse and was heavily involved in student government/leadership. Kyler is passionate about the applied nature of mathematics and how the discipline can be used as a framework for understanding our world. He leverages his own love of learning and an interest in technology and current events to foster growth mindsets with respect to mathematics, engage students in a dynamic classroom environment, and prepare them to participate in a rapidly changing world. Kyler began teaching at High Tech High International during the unforgettable 2020-21 school year.

¡Hola, mucho gusto!
My name is Olga Alvarez, and I am honored to be a part of the HTHI community as the Spanish teacher for tenth grade.

My journey in education began during my pursuit of a master’s degree in Spanish, specializing in Linguistics and Literature. It was during this period that I had the privilege of teaching Spanish at the university level. Now, I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire high school students and share my passion for the Spanish language and culture.

Growing up on the border between Mexico and the United States (Tijuana/San Diego) allowed me to experience the richness of both cultures. This unique background has deeply influenced my teaching philosophy, allowing me to bring diverse perspectives into the classroom.

I firmly believe that empathy and kindness are essential qualities in a teacher. By genuinely caring for my students, I strive to positively impact their lives. Each day, I am committed to giving my best to help them reach their fullest potential, both academically and personally. I aim to motivate my students to become lifelong learners who are independent and curious.

Outside the classroom, I cherish spending quality time with my two beautiful daughters, Elena and Amelia, and our cat Starlord. My interests include reading, dancing—particularly Mexican folk dance—drinking coffee, and exploring new parks with my daughters.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in World History from UC Merced and a master’s degree in Education from the University of San Diego. My background includes experience in finance before transitioning to education, where I focus on supporting students in their academic and college pathways. I am committed to leveraging my skills and experience to help students achieve their educational goals.

Paula is an HTH alum that has returned to contribute to the academic community that enabled her to reach heights that were once a dream. As a first generation, low income college student, the college advising she received at High Tech High Chula Vista was instrumental in getting her to UC Berkeley where she received a B.A. in four years with minimal debt. Upon returning to the HTH community (but she would say she never left!), she was pointed to the position of College Pathways Assistant by a teacher she had kept in contact with. Here she spent a year editing dozens of essays, looking over financial aid packets, organizing college classes for current students, and ensuring students were getting the same wonderful college knowledge she did. Her favorite moments of the year were staying afterschool to work on essays, giving the Founder's Scholarship to a fellow first generation Latina, and celebrating acceptances with students, including three she helped send off to her alma mater! She has now transitioned into the role of Academic Coach to the 12th grade, making sure students are academically aligned with their goals in this crucial last year. Paula is exuberantly passionate about college access and hopes to share how life changing a college education can be with every student.

Wendy McDonald is a trailblazing founding member of the High Tech High (HTH) organization, playing a pivotal role in shaping the institution since its inception in 2001. As both Lead Registrar and Student Information Systems (SIS) Manager, Wendy's impact spans all six HTH campuses. Her expertise ensures that every year, approximately 650 seniors seamlessly send over 4,500 transcripts and essential documents to colleges and universities nationwide.

A significant part of Wendy's role as a liaison with colleges is to spearhead the University of California (UC) course approval process, ensuring that each campus's curriculum aligns with UC requirements and reflects HTH’s innovative educational approach. Her work directly supports students' academic journeys by maintaining rigorous course standards and fostering strong partnerships with higher education institutions.

Wendy holds a Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). Her unwavering dedication to student success and commitment to building college pathways continue to shape the futures of hundreds of HTH graduates every year.