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Staff

Cougar XL

Cougar XL provides in-school social emotional and academic support to all students. Students are provided an opportunity to EXCEL with the support of Academic Coaches. As an essential component of the program, Academic Coaches strive to build healthy relationships and to meet students where they are upon entering the program.

Students

Cougar XL Program Overview

Cougar XL serves as social, emotional, and academic support built into your student’s class schedule with the objective of empowering students to take charge of their own success. Students have the opportunity to earn credit (2.5 credits *must pass both core classes to earn credit*) toward graduation. 

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Academic Coaches cultivate consistent, caring, and developmentally supportive relationships with students in a safe learning environment void of judgment and bias. Under the guidance of college-educated Academic Coaches who collaborate with staff, students receive tutoring primarily in math, science, and humanities. At the same time, Academic Coaches teach both academic and life success skills, such as but not limited to, social and emotional awareness, organizational efficiency, and study skills.

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In addition to supporting students, Cougar XL promotes what it means to be a student at Steele Canyon or a “Cougar For Life”. This includes the expectations we have for students school-wide: Be prepared. Be engaged. Be accountable. Be appropriate.​​

Cougar XL Mission Statement

The mission of Cougar XL is to create a safe, equitable, and nurturing environment where students are seen, valued, and heard. We prioritize fostering healthy developmental relationships that promote social-emotional awareness, academic excellence, and essential life skills. By creating a sense of belonging and celebrating student voices, we empower students to become self-advocates. Our commitment to equity ensures students receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed in school and beyond. 

Cougar XL Leadership

Lewis, LaDreda

Student Support Coordinator

LaDreda manages program operations and supports the Cougar XL team and members of the Steele Canyon learning community. She graduated from San Diego State University where she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administrative Credential. Prior to coming to Steele Canyon, she served as an elementary school teacher, a middle school dean of students, a K-8 vice principal, a Sylvan Learning franchise owner, and an associate director of admissions for a prominent local private school. She feels her journey as an educator provides a wide lens. Meeting students where they are and providing opportunities for them to “EXCEL” in a safe learning environment are reasons why she enjoys being part of the Cougar XL team. When LaDreda isn’t at Steele, you’ll find her walking along the bay enjoying a beautiful San Diego sunset or listening to e-books.

Buenviaje, Tyler

Lead Academic Coach, Math/Science

Tyler serves as a Lead Academic Coach for math and science. He is currently attending San Diego State University in pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology - Health Sciences. Tyler finds the greatest joy in Cougar XL is the impact the program has on each student by encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves, academically and personally. In Tyler’s free time, he enjoys working out at Self-Made Training Facility and filming his podcast.

Petschek, Angelena

Lead Academic Coach, Math/Science

Angelena graduated from Steele Canyon in 2015. She received a Bachelor's degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands. Angelena completed a general contracting journeyman’s apprenticeship at The Associated General Contracting, San Diego Chapter in 2021. She's been coaching Steele Canyon's Girls' Wrestling team since 2021. Angelena joined the Cougar XL team in 2023 as an Academic Coach. As a Steele Canyon alumni, she values the positive impact Cougar XL has on the academic and social-emotional success of students. When she's not in the wrestling room, she enjoys listening to audiobooks while roller skating, drawing or looking for treasures at the beach.

Steed, Brandon

Lead Academic Coach, Humanities

Brandon is a Lead Academic Coach for humanities. He attended college in Kansas where he received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health and PE and a Master's of Science in Leadership. He is a San Diego native and grew up in the East County area. He started working at Steele Canyon in 2022 as a Cougar XL Academic Coach.  He considers himself a lifelong learner and understands the importance of school and education. Brandon enjoys golfing in his spare time.

Porter, Melissa

Lead Academic Coach, Humanities

Melissa Porter is a Lead Academic Coach for humanities. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences Psychology and Masters of Educational Counseling along with a Personnel Pupil services credential. The Cougar XL team coaches and supports students academically to enhance subject grades. Her mission is to ensure that all Cougar XL students are encouraged to achieve social/emotional and academic success by creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Our focus is to ensure students reach their highest potential while maintaining creativity in learning. During Melissa’s off time, she enjoys meditating and spending time outdoors.

Tyler, Derek

Lead Academic Coach, Humanities

English Language Learner (ELL) Paraprofessionals

Delgadillo, Monique

ELL Paraprofessional

Monique is a Steele Canyon alumna and has worked on site for seven years. She graduated from The Art Institute of California - San Diego with a degree in Culinary and Business Management and Hospitality Management. She is pursuing a Master’s in Special Education with a credential. Earning a masters aligns with her passion for supporting students in their academic success, in all subjects, and their English language development. In her spare time, Monique coaches soccer and enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her dog, Bloomie, and family.

Delgadillo, Yakira

ELL Paraprofessional

Yakira is a Steele Canyon Alumna. She has worked with students of all ages and previously worked as a Cougar XL and AVID tutor at Steele. Her university journey began at The University of Arizona, and later transferred to UCLA where she graduated with a BA in Spanish Literature. After graduation she continued learning by taking classes at San Diego City College and San Diego Continuing Education. Outside of the classroom, she loves watching movies and listening to music. Her favorite activities include exploring the outdoors, trying new foods, and traveling.

Diaz, Wendoli

ELL Paraprofessional

Wendoli graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. In 2023, she began her career at Steele Canyon High School as a Cougar XL Academic Coach in Humanities, where she found great joy in watching students grow and succeed academically. In 2025, she took on a new role as an English Language Learner Paraprofessional, supporting students in their transition to English and ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Having experienced the challenges of adjusting to a new country with a different language herself, Wendoli understands the vital role school support plays in student success. She is deeply committed to helping students excel academically and preparing them for life beyond high school. Outside of work, Wendoli enjoys spending time with her loved ones, including her husband, siblings, and mother. She is also passionate about reading, listening to music, and traveling.

Flores Yepez, Ariadna

ELL Paraprofessional

Ariadna Flores is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor's in Sciences of Education from Mexico; she has been actively working in various educational settings since graduating in 2017. Having experience in preschools, elementary, middle, and high schools, Ariadna understands the significance of each stage in a student's academic journey, as well as their social-emotional development. This holistic approach underscores her commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Outside of teaching/tutoring, she cherishes spending quality time with her family.

Madrigal, Natalia

ELL Paraprofessional

Natalia has worked at Steele Canyon as an ELL Paraprofessional since 2021. She graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in Child Development and is currently finishing her Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling at National University. She finds her greatest joy supporting students as much as possible. She likes supporting students with English, science and math.

Peraza, Karla

ELL Paraprofessional

Karla is a first-generation college graduate. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences. Karla is currently working on her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from High Tech High’s Graduate School of Education. She has worked with students ranging from preschool through high school. Karla has a passion for helping students and pushing them to accomplish their goals. During her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, trying new food places, and traveling.
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