Administration and Leadership

​​Julie Blied (Principal)

Julie Mendoza-Blied is excited to serve as the Principal  at Paloma Valley High School.  Prior to being the Principal, she served in the Athletic Director role at Paloma from 2022-2023.  She has served as an administrator for over 10 years prior to Paloma and has taught Social Studies, Math and AVID in both California and Texas.  She has also served as a Principal at a middle school in New Orleans.  She is excited to support all students and  propel extracurriculars and sports in an effort to truly connect our students to the community. She earned her Bachelor’s from Biola and her credential and Master’s Degree from Chapman. If you need to win Julie over at any time, just bring her chocolate.

James Wrede (Assistant Principal)

James comes to Paloma Valley High School with a very diverse background. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Kinesiology, James worked in corporate wellness for nearly five years for multiple tech and health companies through Health Fitness Corporation as a Wellness Consultant and Program Manager. During that time, James coached varsity high school football and completed a M.S. in Kinesiology at CSUEB. However, his passion for being outdoors and interacting with high school students lead to a change of heart and ultimately a career change.

James left a successful career in corporate wellness and completed a M.A. in Education in Santa Cruz while working in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. There James gained experience teaching in a variety of roles including: Special Education, Health and Physical Education before ultimately teaching Biology and Integrated Science. From there James went on to work in the Santa Rita Union Elementary School District in Salinas where he gained further experience serving as a Language Arts, Social Science and Physical Education teacher while also providing leadership as an Athletic Director, Activities Director and Department Chair. James went on to earn an Administrative Services Credential and has served as an Assistant Principal throughout the past 6-years where he has provided leadership in a wide range of areas. He is most passionate about creating a positive culture that encourages collaboration, engagement, and inclusion in order to promote continuous growth. 

James currently lives in Carlsbad with his three young children where much of his free time is spent with them outdoors. James enjoys reading, jiu jitsu, surfing, tennis, riding dirt bikes, coaching and strength training. He has shared that he finds great joy in meeting new people and learning about their interests, passions, and ideas.

Amanda Darton (Assistant Principal)

Amanda Darton will serve as the Assistant Principal over Counseling. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master's Degree in Mathematics from Claremont Graduate University. This will be her 17th year in education and 13th in the Perris Union High School District. As a teacher, she taught everything from 7th grade math to Algebra 2. She also served as a Teacher on Special Assignment where she worked on projects such as adopting a new curriculum and providing professional development to both Math and Special Education Teachers in PUHSD. Her passion is supporting student learning and achievement and she is so excited to be a part of the Wildcat Family!

Sofia Hernandez (Assistant Principal)

Sofia Hernandez has an extensive background in education, beginning her journey as an AVID Tutor and a Paraeducator. Over the years, she has served as an Education Specialist, Program Specialist, and Assistant Principal, demonstrating a deep commitment to student success at every level. Sofia earned her degrees and credentials at California State University San Marcos and Point Loma Nazarene. Her passion for education and student success is evident in every aspect of her work, where she strives to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive.

Michael Walsh (Assistant Principal)

Michael Walsh is a seasoned educator and coach with roots in both Michigan and California. After graduating from Canyon Springs High School, Michael pursued his passion for sports and education at Humboldt State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science while playing on the Men's Soccer team.

Michael's commitment to education led him to further his studies, completing master's coursework in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, obtaining a teaching and administrative credential, and earning a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. These qualifications have bolstered his ability to lead and innovate in the educational field.

With 18 years of experience spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as junior college and university coaching, Michael brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. Currently, he is serving as the Athletic Director at Paloma Valley High School, where he is entering his 7th year as a high school athletic director.

Michael is passionate about building strong relationships with staff, students, and the families of Wildcat Nation, and is dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive sports culture within the school community.