Amanda Wade
Director, Teacher Support Mentor Program Department
Amanda Wade is proud to serve as the Director of Madera Unified’s Teacher Support Mentor and Induction Program. With over 25 years in the district, Amanda brings a deep commitment to supporting educators throughout their professional journey.
She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, a Multiple Subject Credential, a Master of Education in Language Arts, a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach Credential, and an Administrator Credential.
Amanda has also contributed to statewide and national education efforts through her work with the Instructional Leadership Corps, the Teacher Leadership Corps, and as a consultant for Student Achievement Partners. In addition, she shares her expertise as a professor at Madera Community College.
Amanda remains dedicated to empowering teachers to best serve the students of Madera Unified.
Jennifer Thao
Principal, Madera South High School
Jennifer Thao brings nearly three decades of experience and dedication to her new role as Principal of Madera South High School. With 27 years in education, including 13 in school leadership roles in Clovis Unified, she has served as an elementary and high school vice principal, elementary principal, classroom teacher (K–8), and teacher on special assignment focused on ELD, ELA, math, and support for Newcomers.
Her career began as a bilingual instructional aide and preschool teacher in Title I schools, shaping her lifelong commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has led impactful initiatives to improve student achievement, equity, and school culture—particularly in high-need schools. Her leadership includes developing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), building career technical education (CTE) pathways, expanding AVID and SDAIE instruction, and supporting the launch of K–8 Newcomers Academies. She has also championed efforts to increase access to AP, dual enrollment, after-school programs, and inclusive education opportunities.
Jennifer is passionate about cultivating a thriving and resilient school community rooted in student-centered decisions, strong teamwork, and a shared vision for success at Madera South and across Madera Unified.
Christina Riche’
Principal, King Husein School
Christina Riche’, a lifelong Madera resident and proud alumna of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Madera High School, has been named principal of the new King Husein School.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Education and Administration from Fresno State. Christina is entering her 26th year in education, with 18 years in the classroom before transitioning into administration. She has served as vice principal at Sierra Vista and Pershing, and as principal at both Pershing and La Vina Elementary.
This year, she looks forward to leading the planning and development of King Husein School, bringing her deep roots in Madera and passion for student success to this exciting new chapter.
Christina enjoys running and spending time with her husband and their three children outside of work.
Cindy Peña
DLI Principal, James Madison Elementary School
Cindy Peña began her journey in education after earning her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Fresno State, followed by an Administration Credential from Fresno Pacific University. Her dedication to students and classroom excellence earned her the We Believe Champion and Teacher of the Year awards in 2019.
With nearly a decade of experience teaching sixth grade at John Adams Elementary, Cindy later transitioned into leadership roles, first as Vice Principal at Washington Elementary, then at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, where she served for three years.
Now, she brings her passion for bilingual education and community engagement to her new role as the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Principal at James Madison Elementary. Known for her commitment to inspiring students and building collaborative school cultures, Cindy is focused on uniting educators around shared goals in dual-language learning environments.
Megan Imperatrice
Principal, Cesar Chavez Elementary
Megan Imperatrice begins her 22nd year with Madera Unified and proudly steps into her new role as principal of Cesar Chavez Elementary, home of the Champions!
She previously served as principal of Dixieland Elementary for three years and held vice principal roles at both Washington Elementary and Madera High School. Prior to administration, she was a Curriculum and Instruction Coach at John Adams Elementary, supporting teachers in strengthening instruction and boosting student achievement.
Megan’s career in education began in the classroom, where she spent 12 years teaching at Howard Elementary and Cesar Chavez Elementary. Her experience helped shape her passion for student-centered learning and strong school culture.
She remains deeply committed to student success, family engagement, and creating a positive, thriving environment for all.
Nicole Lack
Principal, La Vina Elementary School
Raised in Northern California, Nicole Lack earned her Liberal Arts degree from Sacramento State and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She began her teaching career during the 2008 recession and gained 14 years of experience across several districts before joining Clovis. However, it was at Madera Unified where she truly found her professional home.
For the past three years, Nicole served as Vice Principal at John Pershing Elementary. While leaving her Panther family was a difficult choice, she is honored and excited to step into her new role as principal at La Vina Elementary.
Nicole’s husband is the Band Director at Buchanan High School. They are proud parents of three children, ages 10, 14, and 17, and share their home with two beloved pets, Buddy and Chiqui.
Raised in Northern California, Nicole Lack earned her Liberal Arts degree from Sacramento State and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She began her teaching career during the 2008 recession and accumulated 14 years of experience across several districts before joining Clovis. However, it was at Madera Unified where she truly found her professional home.
For the past three years, Nicole served as Vice Principal at John Pershing Elementary. While leaving her Panther family was a difficult choice, she is honored and excited to take on this new role.
Nicole’s husband is the Band Director at Buchanan High School. They are proud parents of three children, ages 10, 14, and 17, and share their home with two beloved pets, Buddy and Chiqui.
Nicole Sorensen
Principal, Virginia Lee Rose Elementary School
Nicole Sorensen, a proud Central Valley native, brings a strong passion for education and a deep commitment to building inclusive, supportive school communities where students and staff feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Nicole has served as an elementary teacher, vice principal, and principal across elementary, middle, and high school levels in the Bass Lake, Clovis, and Central Coast areas. In every role, she has prioritized relationships, collaboration, and a positive school culture that fosters growth and success for all.
Outside of school, Nicole enjoys hiking, home DIY projects, and spending time with her husband, their four adult children, and their playful Maltese, Laci.
Frank Espinoza
Principal, James Monroe Elementary School
Frank Espinosa is a passionate, student-centered leader with a strong track record of advancing academic achievement and cultivating a positive, inclusive school culture. With experience as both a classroom teacher and school leader, he brings a deep understanding of effective instruction, collaboration, and the importance of building meaningful relationships across the school community.
Frank is known for his ability to foster teamwork among staff, partner with families, and create learning environments where all students are encouraged and supported to succeed. He is dedicated to equity, innovation, and ensuring that every student feels valued and challenged.
As Principal of James Monroe Elementary, Frank looks forward to supporting the school’s mission while leading with integrity, compassion, and high expectations. He is excited to continue building a culture of excellence that uplifts students, empowers educators, and strengthens the broader school community.
Jesus Navarro
Principal, Dixieland Elementary School
Jesus Navarro, a proud Madera native, has been named Principal of Dixieland TK–8 Elementary School. His journey began at Eastin-Arcola and La Vina Elementary Schools and continued through Madera High School. He earned his Associate of Arts from Fresno City College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree, Teaching Credential, and Master’s in Educational Administration from Fresno State.
Mr. Navarro began his teaching career at Madison Elementary and later supported English Learners as an ELD coach at Desmond Middle School. His passion for language development and student success led him into leadership roles, including Vice Principal positions at Madison, Parkwood, MLK Middle, and Millview.
He later served as Principal of La Vina TK–8 for eight years and Virginia Lee Rose Elementary for five. Now, as he steps into his role at Dixieland, Mr. Navarro is honored to continue serving the community that shaped him.
His goal remains simple and powerful: to be remembered as a humble son of a migrant family who dedicated his life to inspiring Madera students to aim high and build a better future for all.