Administration and Office Staff

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I joined the team at Workman in April of 2004. I moved to California from Illinois. I began in Colton,CA and recently made the move to Palm Springs/Cathedral City.

I grew up and received my education in southern Illinois. I lived in a very small town of 700 people. I went to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History and the Middle School Endorsement. After receiving my degree, I moved to Redlands, California, and began working in Colton where I taught the 3rd and 4th grades at Abraham Lincoln Elementary.

During my teaching career in Colton, I earned my Master's of Art degree from Azusa Pacific University in Education Administration.

I have enjoyed my stay at James Workman Middle School and look forward to many years of helping students do their best.

Ms. Hilsabeck: Assistant Principal, Discipline for 7th grade and 6th grade with last names beginning with A-L

I have been with the Palm Springs Unified School District for over 20 years. I graduated from the University of San Diego and have 6 brothers and 5 sisters. Before opening JWMS, I worked at Nellie Coffman Middle School for 5 years teaching ASB, PE, and coaching after-school sports. I am excited every year to work with the best students and staff in the Coachella Valley, the JWMS Bighorns! Let’s have a great year!

Ms. Murdock: Assistant Principal

I am in my tenth year here at James Workman.  I started here as a math
teacher in 2001, fresh out of college.  I am originally from Schaumburg,
Illinois, a suburb outside of Chicago.  My family still lives there and
I visit them frequently.  I live in La Quinta with my dog Punchy and
cats Springer and Gizzy.  I am excited for another great year.  Let's go
Bighorns!

Mr. Bayardo: Assistant Principal, Discipline for 8th grade and 6th grade students with last names beginning with M-Z

My name is Manuel Bayardo, I have recently joined and am excited to be part of such a wonderful staff.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles county. I attended and graduated from Lynwood High School in 1993. I have attended San Diego State, Long Beach State, and Cal State Dominguez Hills were I earned my B.S in Biology, and also a M.A in Curriculum and Instruction. I also earned a M.A in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino. I have been in education for 9 years, previously teaching Science and Math at the Middle, and High School level.

I'm a husband, father of three wonderful children, Dodger fan and life long brother of Sigma Pi fraternity. I love spending my free time with my family, watching sports, playing video games, ridding dirt bikes, and playing with my dog.

Mr. Mike Duran: Counselor for all of 7th grade and 6th grade, L-Z

I was born and raised here in the Coachella Valley. I graduated from USC with a Business Degree and from Azusa Pacific University with a Master's Degree in Education and a Credential in Pupil Personal Services “counseling”. My previous work history includes being a teacher and counselor at Indio High School and John Glenn Middle School. When I'm not counseling students I enjoy competitive swimming, hiking and traveling. My favorite activity is relaxing with family and friends.

Mrs. Maria Oregel: Counselor for all of 8th grade and 6th grade, A-K

Hi my name is Maria Oregel, I am very pleased to be at James Workman Middle School. I have worked as a Special Ed Teacher and was recently working at Cathedral City High as a Counselor. I enjoy working with my students and helping them work through their problem solving skills while realizing their full potential. I have three children and a wonderful husband. Our quality time is spent on most evenings reading and doing homework.

Kim Gonzalez: Mr. Sauer's Secretary

My name is Kimberley and I love JWMS and the wonderful staff. I was born and raised in the Coachella Valley.

I have worked for the district for many years and was a student myself with PSUSD.
I am blessed with a wonderful husband and three amazing children. One daughter teaches 1st grade in Carlsbad, A daughter attending Missouri State and our Son works for Maricopa County in Phoenix.

I love the desert and especially walking my dogs Farley, Grace, & Bailey

Esveidet Palomar: Secretary for Mr. Bayardo

Christine Siegand: Registrar

Mrs. Siegand was born in Chicago, Illinois, but raised in Palm Springs. She has been working in PSUSD for sixteen years and is a senior clerk at JWMS Attendance). She has a five year old son named Anthony that always keeps her busy. She loves Mexican food, and likes to go to Disneyland.

Veronica Meza: Secretary for Ms. Hilsabeck

I was born and raised in the Coachella Valley, but I did live for about five years in a small town named Jalostotitlan near Guadalajara, Mexico. I am married and have three girls.

Before coming to James Workman worked at Nellie N. Coffman as a health aide. Then I moved to at Bubbling Wells Elementary in Desert Hot Springs and started working in the office as the registrar and now I am currently working in the discipline area. I have been working for Palm Springs Unified School District for more than ten years and have been fortunate to meet wonderful teachers, parents and students.

Chester Sturgill: Custodian

Do you ever wonder how James Workman stays so clean with almost 1,600 students on campus every day? Well Chester is the man with the plan! He keeps our facilities sparkling and sets up for all special events. That's no easy job. Thanks Chester!

Jack Manion: Security

Mr. Manion graduated from the Culinary Institute of America after completing two years study of culinary arts. He has also been involved in the hotel industry for many years. He was personnel manager at the Sheraton Motor Inn in New York City, manager of the Howard Johnson's restaurant for 10 years, and vice president of operations of Hotel Enterprises, Inc. of South Bend, Indiana. The last several years before moving to Palm Springs in 2002 from San Jose, California, Mr. Manion worked for Lockheed Missile and Space Company and then 5 years for AAA as a Travel Agent. You might say he's a "Jack of all trades"!

"I love working with kids. They keep me on my feet and make me feel young at 70."

We are fortunate to have Mr. Manion as one of our security guards!

Gary Bernard: Security

The kids know him as Gary, always armed with a smiling face and kind word. But don't let that kind face and sweet disposition let you think you can break the school rules!