“I’ve been part of Downey Unified for 24 years…I was, for nine years, at Griffiths Middle School working with Special Ed, and then eleven years at Columbus working in Special Ed with the adult transition program,” answered Mrs. Ortiz. “Twenty years I taught special ed but for three years I did assistant principal over the summer at Columbus.” Mrs. Ortiz, our newest addition to Downey's admin team as a dean, wisely advises DHS students. “I would say that even if a mistake is made, that doesn't define you, so don't let any bad choices you made in the past define who you are in the future.”