Dana Carter, Principal of Yucaipa Adult School, has been serving in adult education since 2017 and is now entering his ninth year in the field. He leads with a clear sense of purpose: supporting his team so they can make a difference in the lives of every student. Dana works closely with staff to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to help learners gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge that open doors to employment, career advancement, or higher education.
When Dana first arrived at Yucaipa Adult School, the site offered no career technical education programs. Recognizing the need for workforce pathways, he built strong relationships with city leaders, local businesses, and CRY-ROP to launch an Introduction to Construction course. That initiative has since evolved into a direct pipeline to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Apprenticeship Program — giving students the opportunity to earn wages while gaining practical skills in a respected trade. For many, it has been a life-changing first step into stable, long-term employment.
Dana finds deep fulfillment in seeing the immediate impact of adult education. “In K–12, I knew I was making a difference,” he says, “but with adults, you often see that difference right away.” Whether it’s spotting alumni at work in the community or hearing how new skills have transformed someone’s future, those moments reinforce his team’s mission. Most recently, Dana has been leading the development of a new Adults with Disabilities Program, featuring fully equipped classrooms, a kitchen, laundry area, and sensory room designed to help students learn essential work and life skills on-site. Through weekly collaboration with staff, he is ensuring that every learner can build the independence and abilities needed to thrive in the community.
His advice to new administrators is simple and powerful: “Always prioritize people over paperwork.” And in case you didn’t know — Dana once appeared on ABC News as an angel during his church’s “Drive-Through the Christmas Story” event, offering a fun glimpse into his life outside of work.

Jaemi Naish, Director of Tamalpais Adult School, has served in adult education for nearly 24 years and currently oversees three major program areas: ESL, GED/High School Diploma, and Healthcare Pathways. Her leadership has focused on building programs that directly respond to regional workforce needs, particularly in Marin County, which has one of the highest aging populations in California and a rapidly growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.

Among her proudest achievements are the Medical Front Office Assistant Program and Home Care Aide Program, both part of Tamalpais Adult School’s Healthcare Pathways. These programs were designed using an I-BEST model and built in close collaboration with community partners to address critical hiring gaps in the local healthcare system. By prioritizing highly skilled, bilingual, and engaging instructors, Jaemi ensures that students are not only job-ready, but passionate about their roles in serving others — ultimately strengthening care for one of California’s most vulnerable populations.
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When asked what she finds most rewarding about adult education, Jaemi answers simply: “Literally everything.” Her enthusiasm reflects her belief that adult education is dynamic, meaningful, and endlessly impactful. Recent funding challenges around WIOA required steady leadership and clear communication with her district, and Jaemi credits her involvement on the CAEAA board as instrumental in navigating uncertainty with confidence and trust. Her advice to new administrators is to stay grounded in their “why,” build strong relationships, and surround themselves with educators who share a passion for this work. Outside the office, Jaemi enjoys baking focaccia every week and is a devoted sourdough hobbyist — a creative outlet that mirrors the care and patience she brings to her leadership.