MRS. MELISSA ESTRADA

Mrs. Melissa Estrada, Principal

My Story

I am a SoCal girl - I grew up mostly in Simi Valley, attending Sycamore and Vista Fundamental Elementary, Sequoia Middle School, and graduated from Simi High School in 2000. I then went to Moorpark Community College for two years, transferred to Cal Lutheran University and graduated with my BA in Liberal Studies (2004) and Teaching Credential (2005), later going back to receive my MA in Educational Leadership and my Administrative Credential (2011). I knew early on that I wanted to work with students and strove from early on to become a teacher, as I became a lifelong learner myself.

I was fortunate that Cal Lutheran was partnering with SVUSD while I was earning my Teaching Credential and I completed my student teaching at Arroyo Elementary. I was hired by the district in 2005. I began my career at White Oak Elementary, transferring in 2009 to Berylwood Elementary and became Literacy Coach in 2022 at Arroyo Elementary. I was so happy to join Katherine's family as principal in 2025.

I have been married to Mr. Estrada since 2005 and we have a beautiful daughter. We love rescuing our animals and we have two cats and 5 guinea pigs. 

School is a place of safety and learning where students are taught lifelong skills to make their dreams a reality. It is where little humans learn patience, balance wants versus desires, and learn the value of hard work as they persevere through life. I am passionate about reading and literacy. It is my most important goal that students identify the type of literature that speaks to them, to think critically and ask questions about all types of knowledge! I can't wait to see where all our students go as they move from being a Croc to ANYWHERE!