Administration

Ben Fobèrt, Principal

Ben was selected as Mountain House High School Principal in July 2013. Previous educational experience includes administrative positions in both High School and Elementary School in the Pleasanton Unified School District, and the Hayward Unified School District. Ben has been employed in the educational field as a teacher or administrator since 2001.

Ben received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies Teaching from Brigham Young University-Hawaii and a Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's College of California. He currently attends Saint Mary's College of California as a Doctoral Student in the Educational Leadership program.

Ben is passionate about Mastery-Based approaches to instruction, and in building Professional Learning Communities that identify common outcomes for all students. He is also passionate about technological approaches to instruction, and blended learning pedagogy that leverages technology to personalize the time, space, path and pace that students choose in their learning. He has led Mountain House High School in developing school-wide expectations through a Professional Learning Communities approach, and through the establishment of school-wide grading scales, redo/retake policies, and Mastery-Based learning approaches.

When Ben is not busy at the High School, or at St. Mary's, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 children. Ben and his family are proud to call Mountain House their home since 2006.

Ben can be reached by email at bfobert@lammersvilleusd.net

Joni Hellstrom, Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction

Joni is a California native who comes to Mountain House High School with many years of experience in education. An educator since 2003, Joni received her Master’s degree from CSU San Bernardino in Counseling and Guidance and her Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Family Science with a minor in music

Joni worked most recently at Venture Academy, a K-12 charter school in Stockton, CA. During her 8 years with Venture Academy, Joni worked as a counselor and also served as part of the administrative leadership team, where she planned and implemented professional development, worked with teachers on classroom management, and worked directly with students on their academic, personal, and social growth. Joni created several school-wide programs at Venture such as student leadership, peer tutors, peer mediators, tardy intervention, and a positive problem-solving program using conflict resolution. She also coordinated student events for grades K-12.

Prior to Venture Academy, Joni worked in alternative education settings. She created and implemented a positive behavior program with a cohort of at-risk students at Mt. Ogden Junior High School who were struggling with academics, attendance, and behavior. Joni also worked as a counselor with the one. Program, which is the county's alternative program. Joni worked closely with students and teachers on credit recovery and behavior management. She created individualized intervention programs for students and monitored their progress.

Joni loves being involved with extra-curricular activities and has coached Mock Trial since 2000. She has also advised leadership, choir, and drama with students in all grade levels.

Joni can be reached by email at jhellstrom@lammersvilleusd.net

Kamaljit Pannu, Vice-Principal (Student Discipline and Attendance)

Kamaljit Pannu Joined the Mountain House High School School administration team during the 2019-2020 school year. Kamaljit has been working in the education field since 2009. Before joining the Mustang community, Kamaljit served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal in the San Lorenzo Unified School District, in addition to working as the Assistant Principal at Bethany Elementary School last year.

Kamaljit obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from UC Davis, and his Master's Degree and Administrative Credential from San Francisco State University.

For the upcoming school year, Kamaljit will oversee student discipline and attendance for all students. He looks forward to developing students' strengths in their intellectual, emotional, and social domains and making sure students are ready to achieve success.

Go Mustangs!

Kamaljit can be reached by email at kpannu@lammersvilleusd.net

Athena Duran, Vice-Principal (Athletics, Student Activities, Testing, Assessment)

Athena Duran has been a Vice Principal at Mountain House High School since the 2017-2018 school year. Athena began her career in education in 2011 and is proud to be a Mustang! Her experience in education has been exclusively at the high school level. Throughout her career, she has served in many positions such as a Physical Education teacher and Activities Director in the East Side Union High School District located in San Jose. She then worked as an Assistant Principal in the Tracy Unified School District prior to coming to Mountain House High School.

Athena obtained her teaching credential and Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Saint Mary's College of California. Her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and her Administrative Credential was obtained while attending National University.

Athena has always had a passion for helping students excel in school and remain connected to the campus through extracurricular activities. She oversees student discipline and attendance and works closely with the Activities Directors, Athletic Director, and the Club and Organization Advisers. Athena is also the Mountain House High School Testing and Assessment Coordinator.

Athena can be reached by email at aduran@lammersvilleusd.net