Practitioner in Residence

Dr. Carolina Cárdenas Costilla is a higher education leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing college access, policy, and student success across California’s public university systems. She serves as Executive Director of California GEAR UP and the Intersegmental Coordinating Committee for the California Education Round Table, overseeing a renewed $66 million federal grant supporting college readiness statewide. Previously, she held senior roles at the CSU Chancellor’s Office and led major academic preparation and access initiatives. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Cárdenas Costilla is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and intersegmental collaboration. She holds an EdD and an MPA.

Dr. Mussington is an education administrator with the U.S. Department of Defense, bringing more than 25 years of experience supporting student achievement and educational programs. His career began in youth development as a volunteer high school football coach in Brooklyn, later serving as Teen Director for the YMCA of Greater Providence. He spent 21 years on faculty at the Paul Cuffee School, where he pursued extensive professional development in anti-bullying, responsive classroom practices, equity, and wellness. He launched initiatives addressing food insecurity and student equity and earned multiple national and university honors. Dr. Mussington holds a BA, MEd, and EdD.

Tuere Fa’aola is a Certified Professional Transportation Planner and Sustainable Communities Program Manager at SANDAG, with 20 years of experience in transportation and land use planning. Her work focuses on regional planning, housing policy, multimodal corridors, transit-oriented development, and sustainable community strategies. At SANDAG, she leads the Housing Acceleration Program, the Regional Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, and agency-wide social equity efforts, including tribal consultation. Tuere has served on several professional and civic boards and has been recognized for her leadership with WTS awards honoring diversity and inclusion. She holds a Master’s in City Planning and a bachelor’s degree in Geography.

David Estrella has served the County of San Diego since 2002 and is currently Director of Housing and Community Development Services within the Health and Human Services Agency. He oversees affordable housing development, community improvement projects, and the Housing Choice Voucher program serving approximately 11,000 families. Under his leadership, $205 million has been invested to create nearly 4,000 affordable housing units, leveraging $1.8 billion in additional funding. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and as the first Director of the Office of Integrative Services, advancing housing solutions and homelessness initiatives. David is a graduate of San Diego State University and California Western School of Law.