Principal
Ms. Rocha has been an integral part of the LPS Oakland leadership team since 2023, serving as Dean of Students and driving the school’s restorative practices, student support systems, and culture-building efforts. Ms. Rocha brings invaluable experience in urban education, community-centered leadership development, and systems transformation to her new role as Principal.
Ms. Rocha holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education at Fordham University, with a focus on Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy.
Ms. Rocha views schools as ecosystems that must address both academic and social-emotional needs, and she is passionate about disrupting systems of inequity by ensuring that every student has access to rigorous, affirming, and relevant education.
As an administrator, Ms. Rocha works to build systems that reflect student voice, foster staff collaboration, and hold high expectations for both learning and belonging. She played an integral role in LPS Oakland’s successful charter renewal process by working closely with families, staff, and organizational partners to showcase the school’s impact and build trust across stakeholder groups.
Outside of school, you can find Ms. Rocha reading a new book, cooking, hiking, binge-watching TV, or planning her next vacation!
School Manager
Ximena is serving as the school manager for LPS Oakland R&D. She is an LPS Oakland alum who graduated in 2017 and attended college afterwards as a psychology major. Here is where she quickly realized her passion for education and youth support. After switching to a childhood education major, she took on roles working with children on the autism spectrum and serving students in after-school programs in the Bay Area. She returned to LPS Oakland as an attendance clerk in 2022, excited to begin her work with high school youth. She was and is still excited to continue serving the community she was raised in, and the school she has a close connection with.
Visual Arts Teacher
Jason R. Moffitt II was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Management, and a minor in Communication Studies. Upon graduation, he moved to Madagascar to serve in the Peace Corps where he worked as an Agro-economic advisor and English teacher. After his three-year stint overseas, he began his career teaching Visual Arts at Redan High School and continued teaching art in Houston, TX, San Francisco and Oakland, California. During his first year living in California, he obtained an add-on certification in Language and Language Development and Culture and Inclusion from UC San Diego. In his free time, he enjoys coaching cross country and track and field, biking, and rock climbing.
Social Science Teacher
A native of the Bay Area, a fifth generation Californian, and a resident of Oakland since 1997, I am happy to teach in the community in which I live. I have been a Social Science nerd since the 4th Grade, earned a B.A. in History from Cal Poly SLO, and an M.A. in Asia Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco. I began formally teaching in 2018 after taking advice from teachers to avoid the teaching profession and spent many unhappy years in business, and now I look forward to getting out of bed in the morning. I have been at LPS since 2022 and teach US History, Government, Economics, and Psychology. A fun fact about me is I have lived in Japan twice and forgotten how to speak Japanese twice.
Mathematics Teacher
TSA & ELD Teacher
Kassandre Harper-Cotton is an experienced educator and instructional leader with close to 30 years of experience in early, primary, and secondary education. After serving in school leadership roles, including Assistant Principal and Principal. She has returned to the classroom, where she currently teaches AP English Literature and Composition, CSU Expository Reading and Writing (ERWC), and Advanced English Language Development to be close to what he loves–reading, writing, and the transformative power of direct instruction
Throughout her career, Kassandre has worked to create rigorous, culturally responsive learning environments in which students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, and recognize the power of their own voices. Her experience as both a teacher and school leader informs an approach to instruction that combines high academic expectations with intentional relationship-building, equity, and student-centered practice.
As a school administrator, Kassandre led work in instructional improvement, teacher development and coaching, school culture, restorative practices, student achievement, and organizational systems. Returning to the classroom allows her to bring that systems-level perspective directly into her daily work with students while remaining deeply connected to the craft of teaching and learning.
Kassandre is particularly passionate about expanding access to rigorous literacy instruction in the classroom.
Her work continues to center on a fundamental belief: students deserve classrooms that recognize their brilliance, demand their best thinking, and prepare them to navigate—and ultimately shape—their world beyond the four walls of the classroom.
English Teacher
Born and raised in Stockton, CA (shout out to the 209), Ms. K / Ms. Figueroa is in her first year of teaching, both in her career and at LPS Oakland! She holds both a B.A. in English and M.A. in Education from Stanford University. She uses abolitionist, project-based, and student-centered practices to engage students in various types of literary, analytical, and creative thinking. (And she hopes her students have a lot of fun with reading and writing!) When not teaching, Ms. K can be found at various Bay Area restaurants for new bites, reading fiction, or at concerts and music festivals.
Mathematics Teacher
Biology Teacher
An Oakland native, Mr. Cooper has taught at LPS Oakland for 3 years. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Analysis from Pitzer College and an M.S. in Environmental Management from University of San Francisco. He inspires students to explore and celebrate their unique perspectives on the world. When he is not teaching, Mr. Cooper can be found hiking the Bay Area’s many regional trails and reading sci-fi novels.
CTE Business Teacher
Rashima Sonson is a highly accomplished individual with a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. With over 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry and as an ecommerce business owner, Rashima has developed a deep understanding of business dynamics.
Rashima Sonson chose to teach at the Leadership Public School in Oakland, California because she believed in their mission “to transform local and national educational outcomes for students historically under-represented in college, empowering them for a range of college, career and community leadership options.” As an LPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, she plans to help students prepare to be tomorrow’s leaders, inventors, and change makers.
Spanish Teacher
Tracy Garcia-Barron, originally from the Inland Empire in Southern California, relocated to the East Bay to continue her career and earn her Master of Arts degree in teaching. She currently teaches Spanish 2, Spanish 3, and AP Spanish Language and Culture. She believes in the power of facilitating learning through a student-centered approach that fosters curiosity, connection, and confidence in language learning. Tracy earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and worked for the Department of Social Services before realizing her true passion for teaching. She loves teaching Spanish because she recognizes its importance and growing need in the professional realm. As a first-generation college student, she hopes to inspire students at LPS Oakland R&D to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.
Social Science Teacher
Education Specialist
Raised in the Bay Area, Mandy Moore graduated from San Francisco State with a BA in English Literature. She began her educational career at LPS Oakland as a substitute teacher and is now happy to be here as an Education Specialist.
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Contreras is an LPS Oakland Alum. She graduated from CSU East Bay and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She is giving back to the community that she grew up in by helping her students achieve their goals. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family and walking her dog Riley.
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Reginald was born in Omaha, Nebraska and has had several years in education, starting with early Childhood Development, previously Head Start, and from there Omaha Public Middle School then High School. He attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas studying Religion and Philosophy and double majored in Music (Concentration in Vocal). Bishop college closed down and Reginald was not able to finish, so he continued working with alternative schools after moving to the Bay Area. There he worked for Job Corps as a Career Transition Specialist/Admissions Counselor and is where he found his true passion for assisting young people in securing and choosing their career through Labor market understanding and resume writing. Reginald took a break and enrolled into Pneuma Theology and received his Bachelors of Theology and Masters in Christian Counseling (almost completed his Doctorate!). His passion is supporting each student that desires the support and assistance. He is excited to be heading the Black Student Union this year for LPS Oakland R&D. He is hoping to excite even more African American students in the community to desire to enroll at the school next year with the planned activities. Music is another passion of his and he uses that to also encourage students.
Technology Coordinator
Coming Soon!
College Counselor
Luz Segura (she/her) serves as the College Counselor at LPSO. A first-generation, low-income college graduate who grew up in California’s Central Valley, Ms. Segura is deeply committed to supporting students from backgrounds similar to her own. She earned her bachelor’s degree from CSU Stanislaus and her master’s in Educational Counseling from National University. Ms. Segura chose to work in the Bay Area—specifically at LPS—because it reflects the community she comes from: resilient, hardworking, and full of first-generation Hispanic students and families. Motivated by her own experience navigating education without guidance, she strives to be the counselor she never had—one who ensures every student feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their college and career goals.
Campus Safety Supervisor
I was born and raised in Oakland, California, and I’ve always had a passion for helping others and being a positive resource within my community. Throughout my life, I’ve overcome many obstacles that have helped shape me into the person I am today. I graduated from high school with the Presidential Award and later went on to earn my college degree with a 4.0 GPA. I take pride in where I come from, how far I’ve come, and being someone others can turn to for support, encouragement, and guidance. My goal is to continue growing while using my experiences to make a positive impact in my community
Campus Safety Supervisor
My name is Ms.LaLa ! I’m excited to be part of the school community as a Campus Safety Supervisor. My role is to help create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment where all students feel supported and able to succeed. I enjoy connecting with students, building positive relationships, and being someone they can count on throughout the school day.
I believe that a strong school community starts with respect, communication, and a genuine commitment to our students. I’m looking forward to working with our students, families, and staff and helping make this a successful and memorable school year!
At LPS, you won’t find just a job – you’ll find purpose, growth, and a community that believes in the power of education to change lives.
LPS Oakland R&D
8601 MacArthur Blvd., Building 100
Oakland, CA 94605
510 633 0750
oakland@leadps.org
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