Our Principal & Assistant Principal
Dear Eagle Families and Students,
This is my eighth incredible year serving as the proud principal of Neil Armstrong Elementary. I’m deeply connected to the San Ramon Valley, having grown up here and attended John Baldwin Elementary, Charlotte Wood Middle, and San Ramon Valley High School. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and my teaching credential from Saint Mary’s College of California, followed by a master’s degree and administrative credential from Cal State East Bay.
My career in education began in Pittsburg Unified and later Hayward Unified, before I had the opportunity to help open Gale Ranch Middle School as a Physical Education and Leadership teacher. From there, I transitioned into administration, serving four years as Assistant Principal at Pine Valley Middle School, then at Dougherty Valley High School. During that time, I served as a principal in the district’s elementary summer school program, where I discovered my true passion for elementary education. That passion ultimately brought me to Neil Armstrong, where I’ve been ever since and where I have truly found my home.
Outside of school, I’m blessed with an incredible wife, Beth, and five amazing children - Bailey (8, 3rd Grade), Carter (6, 1st Grade), Caden (4, TK), and twins Avery and Ainsley (2, Preschool). I’m active in their lives, coaching soccer, basketball, and baseball, and serving as Swim Team Director of the Scottsdale Swim Club. I enjoy spending time with family, playing sports, skiing, card games, and relaxing with friends.
Family is everything to me, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a large and loving extended family—my parents, my wife’s parents, my four siblings, and many nieces and nephews all live nearby. I believe it truly takes a village to raise our children, and I’m grateful every day for the wonderful village we have here.
Sincerely,
Jared Gagnon
Principal
Neil Armstrong Elementary School
Dear Neil Armstrong Families and Students,
I’m so excited to be serving as the Assistant Principal of Neil Armstrong for my second year! Growing up in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, I was lucky to attend our amazing schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade (Country Club, Pine Valley, Cal High). After earning my degree and teaching credential at San Diego State University, I returned to SRVUSD to begin my career—right where my love for learning began.
For 16 wonderful years, I taught Kindergarten at Quail Run Elementary before going back to school to earn my Administrative Credential and Master’s in Applied School Leadership. Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Assistant Principal at Quail Run Elementary, Del Amigo High School, Venture Independent Study, and now here at Neil Armstrong. This is a truly special community, and it’s an honor to be part of it.
I live in Livermore with my husband, Mike, and our two daughters, Corrinne (12) and Nora (9). When I’m not at school, you can usually find me on a softball or soccer field, cheering on my girls—because their sports schedule has happily taken over our lives!
I’m looking forward to another wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection with all of you. Together, we make Neil Armstrong a place where every student can soar.
Best Regards,
Karen Johnson
Assistant Principal
Neil Armstrong Elementary School
