Assistant Principals Office

The Assistant Principals at Vista del Lago are committed to providing all students with a positive and safe learning environment and to fostering a school culture that demonstrates respect and a strong sense of Eagle Pride.  We are here to ensure your students are supported academically, socially and emotionally while on our campus.  Please contact us immediately if you have any comments or concerns.  Go Eagles!

Ms. Shintaku most recently served as the Dean of Student Services at Ponderosa High School, where she was instrumental in fostering a restorative school culture and enhancing student engagement. A veteran educator with 18 years of experience, she has served as a Summer School Principal, Interim Assistant Principal, Department Chair, and English teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Bilingual & Multicultural Education from CSU Sacramento and a Bachelor’s degree in English from UC Davis.Driven by a philosophy of equity and data-informed decision-making, Ms. Shintaku is committed to expanding opportunities for all learners. Her vision is to create an educational environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and has the support necessary to achieve academic excellence. She believes that we can move the needle for students’ achievement when we lead with empathy and back it with strategic, systemic action.

Shawn Hunter, Assistant Principal (H-O)  Phone: 916.294.2410 

 

Mr. Hunter has been a dedicated member of the Vista del Lago High School community for a decade. For the past 10 years, he has taught Physical Education and Health, and for the last eight years, he has served as the Physical Education Department Lead. His leadership has helped shape a comprehensive, student-centered PE program that emphasizes wellness, personal growth, and lifelong fitness.In addition to his role in the classroom, Mr. Hunter has served as Vista del Lago’s Athletic Director, where he has overseen the growth of athletic programs, promoted academic excellence among student-athletes, and helped shape the athletic culture. Prior to joining Vista del Lago High School, he also held the role of Athletic Director and coached volleyball at the high school and collegiate levels in Southern California.Mr. Hunter brings over 20 years of educational experience and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master of Arts in Education. His work is rooted in the belief that strong relationships, high expectations, and collaborative leadership are the foundation of a thriving school community. 

Mrs. Botsford  Assistant Principal (P-Z)  Phone: 916.294.2410  

 

Ms. Botsford brings over 20 years of dedicated service in education within the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. She began her career in 2005 as a school counselor at Folsom High School and Folsom Middle School, and joined Vista del Lago High School in 2011. After earning her Administrative Services Credential, she continued at Vista as an Assistant Principal before serving for nine years in the same role at Cordova High School. Most recently, she supported the district’s Alternative Education programs at Walnutwood High School and Innovations Academy for two and a half years. We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Botsford back to Vista, where she brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to student success. Her leadership style is grounded in fostering a safe, supportive, and relationship-centered environment. Ms. Botsford holds an Administrative Services Credential, a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension, a Master of Science in Educational Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services (P.P.S.) Credential from National University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. Throughout her career, she has championed inclusive practices in Special Education, advanced college and career readiness, and supported programs in Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) and Career Technical Education (CTE).