They’ve long been heroes in our classrooms—now they’ve got the recognition to match. We’re thrilled that twelve incredible teachers representing all five Fairmont campuses were named finalists in Parenting OC’s School Heroes Awards! A special shoutout to four of our educators for being recognized as among the Top 25 best! Learn more about these exceptional educators in the essays that were submitted with their nominations. Andrea Borghi: Top 10 Teacher - San Juan Capistrano Campus For veteran 4th-grade teacher Andrea Borghi, education is far more than a profession—it’s her calling. Through her unwavering patience, genuine kindness, and exceptional guidance, Mrs. Borghi creates a classroom that inspires students to dream, explore their talents, and develop their passions. Each child in her care feels valued, celebrated, and empowered to achieve. From inquiry-based investigations to engaging literacy escape rooms, Mrs. Borghi’s dynamic and student-centered teaching approach exemplifies the best in education. Year after year, her former students return to express their gratitude, sharing stories of how her instruction prepared them for success and left an indelible mark on their lives. Though her teaching may seem effortless, Mrs. Borghi’s practice is deeply intentional. She moves around her classroom with strategic precision, offering suggestions, encouragement, and tailored support. She knows her students’ strengths and growth areas intimately, designing lessons that meet their unique needs and foster curiosity. Her carefully crafted questions and thoughtful redirections help students navigate complex concepts while igniting a lifelong love of learning. Mrs. Borghi also knows how to connect with students in ways that make learning fun. In a recent writing assignment, she challenged her class to respond to the prompt, “What should Mrs. Borghi be for Halloween?” True to her word, she brought the best suggestion to life, arriving on Halloween dressed as Taylor Swift—and then proceeded to change into 24 different costumes throughout the day as she recognized each piece of writing–a moment her students will never forget. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Borghi’s contributions to our school community are unparalleled. As a grade-level coordinator, she has helped lead her team with professionalism, collaboration, and a clear focus on student success. As co-leader of our Sunshine Club, she fosters camaraderie among staff, celebrating milestones and creating a sense of belonging for all. Her work ethic, optimism, and can-do attitude inspire her colleagues, and she is always the first to step up when the school community needs her. Whether organizing programs, mentoring peers, or spearheading initiatives, Mrs. Borghi is a constant source of encouragement and support. Mrs. Borghi’s impact extends beyond her classroom and campus. Through her years of service, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of her students and her peers. Her passion for education, creative teaching methods, and dedication to service make her an invaluable member of our school and a shining example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose. Andrea Borghi is more than a teacher—she’s a beloved mentor, role model, and advocate for her students, colleagues, and community. It is with the utmost pride and respect that we nominate her for this recognition. Carissa Montenegro: Top 25 Teacher - Preparatory Academy It is with great pride that I nominate Ms. Carissa Montenegro for the Top Teacher Award. As a veteran educator and leader of our International Baccalaureate Program, Ms. Montenegro has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to students and her remarkable ability to elevate learning for all. She teaches some of the most challenging courses on our campus—AP and IB Psychology, Business Marketing (H), and IB Theory of Knowledge. Her approach to these subjects makes complex concepts accessible and engaging, ensuring that every student can master difficult material. Carissa’s student-first mentality is evident in everything she does. She prioritizes her students' success, not only academically but personally, and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure their needs are met. Her positive attitude and collaborative spirit make her a joy to work with, and her follow-through on commitments is unmatched. Whether it's working with colleagues to design cross-curricular projects or mentoring students through their academic journeys, Carissa shows up with enthusiasm and dedication. In addition to her academic leadership, Carissa has been a dynamic presence in extracurricular activities. As a former cheer advisor and a current club leader, she has recruited and inspired diverse groups of students, encouraging them to challenge themselves both in the classroom and beyond. Her ability to connect with students on multiple levels creates an atmosphere of trust, motivation, and inclusion. Carissa is also deeply embedded in our school community, and her warmth and infectious laugh make her beloved by all. She is truly the heart of our school, impacting the lives of students, faculty, and alumni alike. Former students often return to share how the lessons they learned in her classes—both academic and personal—continue to influence them in college and beyond. Carissa Montenegro doesn’t just teach; she transforms lives. Her ability to make each student feel seen and supported, while fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, makes her an invaluable asset to our school. She leads with passion, skill, and compassion, and it is for these reasons that I enthusiastically nominate her for this well-deserved recognition. Michelle Paraiso: Top 25 Teacher - Historic Anaheim Campus Michelle Paraiso’s genuine dedication to student success makes her an outstanding educator. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, offering additional support to students before school, during lunch and after hours. Mrs Paraiso enables middle school students to excel in math levels typically taught in high school. Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry are challenging classes, but Mrs Paraiso brings over 25 years of experience in the classroom and as a school administrator to help students excel. Mrs Paraiso has been with Fairmont since 2003. Mrs Paraiso teaches systems of math thinking that allow students to build a strong foundation for future studies. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to student development are evident. Students appreciate her approachable nature, patience and consistent teaching style, which a student eloquently summarized: "With Ms Paraiso, if I do the work, I know what to expect and can learn effectively." Michelle is known for her openness to questions, never dismissing a query but instead helping students explore different approaches and build critical thinking skills. She teaches students multiple problem-solving methods and helps students grasp complex concepts, while also building confidence in their own abilities. Beyond the classroom, Mrs Paraiso for years has led her students to success in several math competitions, including coaching Academic Pentathlon. A long-serving coach to winning teams, students recognize her dedication and commitment to helping them expand their horizons and grow. Her subtle, yet unwavering involvement and encouragement during school spirit events, such as cheering on her homeroom team, reflects her understated, but impactful presence. Mrs Paraiso taught and served as a school leader in the Philippines, prior to her work in the US. Her international experience and insight are vital to our very global campus. Globally-mindedness is also an important element of our IB or International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. In summary, Mrs Paraiso is a deeply committed educator whose influence is felt throughout the school. Her dedication, innovative teaching methods, and genuine care for her students make her our Top Teacher. Elizabeth Linder: Top 25 Teacher - San Juan Capistrano Campus Veteran preschool teacher Elizabeth Lindner exemplifies the finest qualities of an educator: enthusiasm, empathy, expertise, and joy. For over two decades, she has nurtured curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners, creating a classroom filled with wonder and discovery. Her students are encouraged to explore their world, express their ideas, and build a lifelong love of learning. Mrs. Lindner’s teaching is a masterclass in purposeful play. From art and music to early literacy and numeracy, she designs lessons that inspire creativity and cross-disciplinary thinking. Through thoughtful questions and gentle guidance, she fosters independence and helps her students build critical thinking skills. Each child feels valued and celebrated, arriving each day to a warm smile and leaving with a sense of accomplishment. Though her approach seems effortless, Mrs. Lindner’s teaching is highly intentional. She moves seamlessly through her classroom, providing encouragement and direction while creating a supportive environment where every child feels safe to take risks and ask big questions. She teaches her students that their voices matter and instills in them the confidence to achieve their dreams. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Lindner is a cornerstone of our school community. She mentors new teachers, sharing her extensive knowledge of early childhood development and modeling best practices. As a collaborative colleague, she is quick to offer support and contributes to school-wide initiatives that enhance our campus culture. Her positivity, professionalism, and dedication uplift everyone around her. Mrs. Lindner also goes above and beyond to enrich the preschool experience. Whether organizing family events, advocating for classroom resources, or volunteering for community service projects, she is always the first to lend a hand. Her ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues is a testament to her character and commitment to education. Elizabeth Lindner’s creativity, passion, and unwavering support for her students and colleagues make her an extraordinary teacher. She brings grace, warmth, and inspiration to all she does, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she meets. It is an honor to nominate Mrs. Lindner for this recognition. She is truly deserving of this acknowledgment for her years of service and the countless lives she has touched.
