Excellence in Education Bios

Dave Patterson has taught in every educational context from kindergarten to college since 1987, including stints in the Peace Corps (the Philippines) and at the American International School in Budapest. He became a librarian in 2003. He worked at Cañada College, a community college in Redwood City, from 2003 to 2013, when he started working at College of Marin. Faculty advisor to COM's club for LGBTA+ students, Dave has also served as co-faculty advisor to Alpha Gamma Sigma, College of Marin's honor society, and editor and co-editor of the United Professors of Marin newsletter. Dave enjoys hanging out with his husband (20 years this July!), playing the piano, and singing in his church choir.

Denise is a professor of Business and Organizational Studies in the Barowsky School of Business at Dominican. She is also the founder and executive director of the Institute of Leadership Studies. Denise has more than 40 years of experience in higher education as an educator and executive; first at the University of San Francisco and currently at Dominican. 

Some of her former roles include Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies, Associate Dean of Dominican College, and Associate Dean and Director of Marketing and Corporate Development at the University of San Francisco’s College of Professional Studies. She is actively involved in the Marin community serving in leadership roles on various non-profit boards. Among the honors she has received are the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce's  Women of Industry Community Benefit Leader Award, Magnificent Women of Marin Award, Dominican's Outstanding Business Professor Award, Outstanding Research Award in the Barowsky School of Business, Outstanding Service Award and Dominican’s Presidential Medallion and Sr. Aquinas Nimitz Distinguished Service Award and University of San Francisco’s Merit Award and USF's Griffin Award.

Denise directs Dominican’s leadership development center: The Institute for Leadership Studies. She teaches and consults in leadership and team development, organizational change, negotiation and conflict management, business communications, business and society, corporate social responsibility, and civic engagement. 

Sarah’s first “job” was in her elementary school library at six! Learning to use an academic library as an undergraduate opened the door for Sarah to attend graduate school. She officially became a librarian in 2007. She started her career at Wartburg College, a private, liberal arts school in rural Iowa. She later worked for Miami University in Ohio and Pierce College, a community college near Tacoma, Washington. Currently, she is a faculty librarian and Department Chair & Coordinator at the College of Marin. Sarah loves empowering students by helping them access and evaluate information. When she’s not in the library, she loves running, surfing, and spoiling her two cats, Charlie and Eddie.

With a heart as big as her classroom and a passion that's stood the test of time, Lara is a dedicated kindergarten teacher who brings unwavering focus to instruction and an unshakable belief in the potential of every child. Known for her laser-sharp attention to student growth and learning, she creates a nurturing, engaging environment where young minds thrive.

Her true magic lies in her ability to start each day as a fresh beginning-meeting every student with renewed energy, patience, and purpose. Whether it's a tough day or a triumphant one, Lara always shows up with the same commitment: to guide, inspire, and believe in her students. For her, teaching isn't just a career-it's a calling.

Maria is an exceptional Human Resource Specialist who brings heart, insight, and professionalism to everything they do for our school district. With a deep commitment to serving the community, Maria is the person you want in your corner-always ready to listen, problem-solve, and ensure every individual feels seen, heard, and supported.

Maria also supports our Educational Services department. Fluent in two languages and fully bicultural, Maria bridges communities with grace and understanding, helping our diverse district thrive. Their unique ability to connect across cultures ensures clear communication, trust, and respect in every interaction.

What truly sets Maria apart is their customer-focused mindset. Whether assisting a new hire, guiding a teacher through a leave of absence, or offering a reassuring voice during a challenging time, Maria approaches each situation with care and patience. Their knowledge of policy and process is matched by their kindness, making them a trusted partner for staff and administration alike.

Smart, thoughtful, and service-oriented, Maria embodies the best of what human resources should be-human, responsive, and deeply invested in the success and well-being of others.

Deirdre Wilson is a veteran teacher of over 28 years, a career in which she has fully dedicated herself to San Rafael City Schools' Venetia Valley School community. She is an outstanding educator, with an incredible skill set and a warm and welcoming presence that allows her to connect with students and guide them to success. Every day, Ms. Wilson radiates joy, love for her students, a passion for teaching and an ongoing excitement to continue to learn.

She has repeatedly stepped up to mentor new teachers as they navigate their new world of teaching and learning, inspiring them as well as others who consider it an honor to work alongside her. Ms. Wilson is a valued team member, and the entire school community benefits from her optimism, expertise and collaboration. She's been honored with a Marin County Golden Bell Award as well as a Service Above Self award from the Marin Evening Rotary Club.

A seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in San Rafael City Schools, Pepe Gonzalez has built positive, supportive relationships with thousands of students, families, staff and partners. He's developed keen insight into how we can help our students succeed, and has established dynamic, productive partnerships and networks to support our community in reaching success.

Now in his third year as SRCS' Director of Community Partnerships, Mr. Gonzalez oversees the district's Community Schools program to align community resources to improve student outcomes, with a focus on the whole child. Previously, he served as the Laurel Dell Elementary School Principal for 12 years. Mr. Gonzalez began as a bilingual teacher at Venetia Valley School, where he later became the Vice Principal and then Principal. He has served as a board member of the San Francisco Marin Food Bank; trustee at Dominican University; a member of the Marin Latino Leaders Advisory Board; president of Dominican University Alumni Association; and chair of the board of Ten Thousand Degrees. He received the prestigious Heart of Marin Award for Board Leadership.