Cristine Goens joined the AVID Center Team in 2019 as the Southern California State Director, supporting AVID implementation in schools and districts across Southern California and Hawaii. Cris collaborated closely with school and district leaders, providing support in crafting and executing strategic plans. She excels in coordinating AVID’s programs and resources with each institution’s distinct goals, equipping educators and administrators to effectively create systems that support and prepare all students for college and career. She now serves as the Associate Vice President of National Program Operations, where she leads and supports program operations across the nation.

Before joining AVID Center, Cristine was a site administrator who alongside her team transformed Simons Middle School into an AVID National Demonstration School and an Excel Showcase School. She led the full implementation of the AVID College and Career Readiness System, focusing on preparing elementary and secondary students for academic rigor and activating student agency. During her tenure as Principal, the school achieved AVID National Demonstration School status in just 3 years and received multiple awards based on their AVID and AVID Excel implementation.

Cristine has 23 years of K–12 education experience. Holding a Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, along with multiple educational credentials and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University, Cris has excelled across all K–12 levels. Cris is driven by a firm belief that education changes the trajectory of families for generations.

Cristine Goens

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT,
NATIONAL PROGRAM OPERATIONS