The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District (YCJUSD) is proud to announce that Danielle Elgan, Elementary Counselor at Calimesa Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Specialist of the Year.

Similar to the Teacher of the Year and Classified School Employee of the Year programs, the Specialist of the Year award recognizes certificated specialists who go above and beyond in their service to students and the school community. Nominees are evaluated by a panel of peers based on thirteen key attributes, including expertise, student focus, initiative, and heart.

A fully bilingual specialist, Ms. Elgan has been instrumental in implementing critical district programs, including the Second Step Social-Emotional Learning curriculum and the "House" system at Calimesa Elementary. Her work extends beyond the classroom through her leadership of the YCJUSD Crisis Team and her dedication to securing tangible resources for families through programs such as Operation School Bell and Santa Claus Inc.

Ms. Elgan’s expertise in Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) and her creative approach to student well-being—such as the recent development of "sensory spaces" for vulnerable students—highlights the specialized support that YCJUSD specialists provide to ensure every student can thrive.

The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District celebrates Ms. Elgan for her unwavering commitment to the heart of the Calimesa community and her role in fostering a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for all.