Dr. Pineda Zapata is an associate professor in the School of Education. Her expertise in delivering special education services has allowed her to advocate for students with varying learning differences in grades K-12. Dr. Pineda Zapata is credentialed as an administrator and is recognized as a National Board Certified teacher. Her teaching credentials include the areas of multiple subjects and special education for students with mild to moderate and moderate to severe disabilities. 

Rachelle Wong has been a part of the School of Education at PLNU since 2018 after 24 years of service in both public and private schools. Rachelle graduated from PLNU with her BA degree in Liberal Studies and a multiple subject teaching credential.  She taught elementary and middle school for 20 years in both Liberty, Missouri and Honolulu, Hawaii.  For four years, she served as principal of a school in Honolulu with preschool through 8th grade.  Here at PLNU, she oversees the teacher preparation program.