Reply All: Teachers

Celeste Pico principal of Lompoc High School

Francisco Diaz Real has been in education since 2005. Mr. Diaz has experience working with elementary students as an instructional-bilingual assistant at Hapgood Elementary. He later worked with middle school math students and tutored in five different classes. Mr. Diaz then worked the following summer teaching Algebra 1 at the high school. The very next school year he was hired at Lompoc High School where he has inspired students since 2008. Mr. Diaz is originally from a small ranch in Jalisco, Mexico named “Los Vergaras.” He was raised in both Santa Barbara and Lompoc where he finished high school with honors at Cabrillo High School. During high school, he realized that he had many interests and some were to explore the fields of architecture, psychology and education. So, he began his schooling at an architectural trade school (High Tech Institute), where he earned his Certificate in Architectural Computer Aided Drafting in 1996. As he worked in an architect’s office for the next seven years he realized he wanted to pursue a career in education. As he earned his BA in Sociology at Brandman (Chapman) University he was already teaching math at Lompoc High School. He earned his teaching credential in 2009 and has since been a part of the self-awarded math department at Lompoc High. Mr. Diaz has been married to his wife Leticia since 2007 and have two beautiful children. He enjoys playing with his children (sandbox, toys and reading books) in all of their activities. Mr. Diaz is known to eat pizza for all the daily meals without hesitation and on cue. An unknown fact about Mr. Diaz is that he loves to put lots of chili, lemon and salt on his favorite snack: “Pico de Gallo”. Living a few blocks away from the high school, Mr. Diaz is available during morning, lunch and after school tutor sessions. He truly enjoys helping students succeed and become the students they dream of becoming. Mr. Diaz welcomes all forms of contact by phone, email or even stopping by his classroom to say hello.

Mr. Burke is originally from Chicago and got his BS in Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He later earned his MBA from the University of California Irvine. Mr. Burke has lived in Lompoc for over 20 years, and is now in his 14th years as a teacher at Lompoc High. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Burke spent 20 years in private industry in the Chicago, Orange County and Lompoc areas. In addition to his love for teaching in the classroom, Mr. Burke leads a cooking goup for students. The club allows students to learn the basics of cooking for themselves, learn to cook good food on a budget, and every so often we will dive into "foodie" creations. Food is the universal language. If you can cook, you can sit down with anyone and begin a conversation.

Jackie Torres is excited to be a part of the Lompoc High School Counseling Department.  Ms. Torres holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Diego, a Master of Science in School Guidance and Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the University of La Verne. With close to 20 years of experience in education and counseling, both here on the central coast and Chicago, she is looking forward to working with the students and families at Lompoc High School. Ms. Torres has two adult children, Jordan and Connor and her youngest, Emma, who is in high school.  When not at work or spending time with her family, she enjoys traveling, reading, yoga and cooking. Ms. Torres is a passionate educator who believes in lifelong learning and guiding her students to develop the ability to problem solve, so that they are able to achieve their goals now and in the future.

Alicia Hodal is overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve in her second year as an Assistant Principal at Lompoc High School. After coming to Lompoc and meeting educators, students, parents, and community members, Mrs. Hodal has quickly gained an appreciation for the deep traditions and pride surrounding Lompoc, and is very excited to serve as a part of the Lompoc High School staff. After completing her undergraduate degree in mathematics education from Northern Illinois University, Mrs. Hodal began her career in education in the suburbs of Chicago, teaching mathematics and coaching cheerleading at West Aurora High School. Mrs. Hodal went on to attain her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and her Education Specialist Degree from Northern Illinois University, and was afforded the opportunity to serve as a Dean of Students at West Aurora High School. Mrs. Hodal’s love of education and time spent as a teacher, coach, and administrator has allowed her to gain experience and knowledge in working with a diverse student population, and she prides herself on her student-centered approach to education. Outside of school, Alicia enjoys spending her time traveling, hiking, golfing, and going to the beach.

Rich Zellers – Science Classes: Marine Science & Biology Honors Mr. Zellers is a longtime Lompoc High School instructor. He is our Marine Biology teacher and one of our Honors Biology teachers. He is a proud graduate of Cal Poly and a successful runner. When not teaching, you will find Mr. Zellers on his boat fishing. Please contact Mr. Zellers with any questions or concerns.