People
Staff
Sam Finn
Executive Director
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Sam Finn is the Executive Director of the California Newcomer Network and the Director of Newcomer Policy & Practice at Californians Together. A former teacher and union representative, he has served as an organizer and advocate for newcomers at local, state, and national levels. His data analysis and research have been used by California state agencies and shared as a reference by the U.S. Department of Education.
Efraín Tovar
Founder
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Efraín Tovar is the founder of the California Newcomer Network and a teacher in Selma Unified School District. A three-time Teacher of the Year, he has served as vice president of both the Selma Unified Teachers Association and Central Valley CUE—now the Central Valley CALIE (California Association for Leading Innovation in Education) affiliate. He is a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, as well as a MetaMetrics Ambassador. His work supporting newcomer and multilingual learners has been featured by PBS, Edutopia, and other national media platforms.
Advisory Committee
The CANN Advisory Committee is a group of dedicated education professionals, lawyers, researchers, and advocates. They help shape network’s approach to field support and development.
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Melissa Adamson
Senior Attorney
National Center for Youth Law -
Katie Annand
Managing Attorney
Immigrant Legal Defense -
Ruth Barajas
Project Director
Californians Together -
Lindsey Bird
Director of Programs
Teach Plus California -
Deedy Camarena
Principal
Gilroy Unified School District -
Nestor Henrriquez
State & Federal Coordinator
Merced County Office of Education -
Mary Hernandez
Legal Counsel
Garcia Hernandez Sawhney, LLP -
Jenn Guerrero
Multilingual Learner Specialist
Sonoma County Office of Education -
Tony Mora
District Advisor, RELS Region 9
San Diego County Office of Education -
Jeannie Myung
Director of Policy
Policy Analysis for California Education -
Elvira Ledezma Pedraza
Curriculum Support Provider
Sanger Unified School District -
Duncan Wanless Rivera
Teacher
Fresno Unified School District -
Angelina Romano
Social Worker
San Francisco Unified School District -
Kelly Yun
Chief Development Officer
Oakland Public Education Fund