Our mission is to share our passion for higher education by providing key resources and individual guidance for middle and high school students whose goal are to attend a four-year college and obtain a rewarding career.
Owner / Director
Kristen Solo
Kristen Solo initially began her career in the field of public relations working for Turner Entertainment, and later Umbrella Entertainment group. She planned and implemented various events that included nationwide military air shows and ESPN 2’s National Military 9-Ball Tournament. Kristen realized her passion for writing and working with others would be better served within the walls of the classroom. She returned to college to further her education and received a teaching credential in 2000. Kristen taught at Poway High School for four years demonstrating strong leadership skills through her development and involvement in school programs and curriculum design. Kristen founded the “Homework Club” providing students with individual and group tutoring after school in all academic areas. She also reinvented the PHS AVID program while serving as coordinator for two years. Additionally she played a key role in the development of curriculum for second language learners.
Kristen graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Later, she obtained a teaching credential in English from Cal State San Marcos.
Owner / Director
Debra Surber
Debra Surber’s employment experience includes public relations work for Nissan North America and Volunteer Center for Greater Orange County. In the educational arena, Debra worked at Poway High School for five years as an English teacher where she played an integral part in the leadership of programs such as serving on the focus team that trained teachers about critical student success skills, co-facilitating Campus Beautification and acting as a writing proficiency table leader. Additionally, she pioneered a cross-curricular instructional model that linked English and world history and co-coordinated the A.V.I.D. (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program for two years.
She received the prestigious 2003-2004 PHS Teacher of Year and achieved the student-selected award as the 2002-2003 Poway High School Tireless Teacher. Students also chose Debra as the recipient of the 2002 Crystal Apple Award. Lastly she was honored for five years with the PTSA’s Recognition Night award where students or teachers acknowledge one’s efforts.
Debra holds a Bachelor of Science from California State University Fullerton with a major in communications/public relations and a minor in political science as well as Masters of Arts in education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction.
Niki Boyer is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Niki was a member of the ROTC program at Loyola Marymount University during her four years of undergraduate work and then was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. While on active duty, Niki pursued a Masters of Arts in both Human Resources Development and Human Resources Management. Niki worked as the General’s Aide, planning and managing base-wide events hosting 3 star Generals and above . Niki enjoys working with and alongside students in the classroom. She has found opportunities to work closely with PUSD educators and has become familiar with them at every level. Niki serves on the Midland Educational Foundation board where she chairs the schools largest fund raising event, the annual auction. In this role she furthers her commitment to strong relationships and community support of students.
Stephanie Fernandez graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, a minor in Sociology, and a bilingual teaching credential. She began teaching Spanish at Monte Vista High School in 2006, where she has also taught English as a Second Language, and High School Success classes. Stephanie was a co-facilitator of the French club, taking students on various cultural field trips and also chaperoning a trip to France. Later she earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling, as well as a Counseling Credential from Chapman University. Stephanie has also worked as a high school and middle school counselor.