Meet the Admissions Team

Jason Gregory | Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management & Strategy

This school year marks Jason Gregory’s 24th in independent schools and his 8th at Vistamar. This year, he moves to a new role leading all admissions and enrollment efforts, shaping the first impressions and ongoing experiences of families who come into our admissions process. He works closely with all Vistamar departments and our constituents to support and optimize the experience for our applicant families, including faculty and staff, students, volunteers, sending schools, community partners/referring organizations, and marketing. He also oversees the Moderated Tuition program.

Jason attended Azusa Pacific University as a first generation student on an athletic scholarship, earning degrees in Physical Education (emphasis in Kinesiology) and Spanish. Throughout his years, Jason has taught Biology/Spanish/Psychology/Sociology, served as a Guidance Counselor, Dean of Student Life and Vice-Principal. He has an MA in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling and Child Psychology. Jason, his life partner Angela, and their three girls live in Seal Beach along with their pandemic puppy. Jason is an outdoor enthusiast, lover of the ocean and mountains, an avid reader, and episodic marathoner.

Ivette Bustamante | Assistant Director of Admissions

Ivette joined Vistamar School in fall 2022. Before joining the Admissions team at Vistamar, she was an Assistant Director at UCLA Undergraduate Admission. In this role, she specialized in college advising and admission evaluation. Ivette’s work has revolved around helping students in Northern and Southern California pursue higher education from both the high school student and transfer student level. She is excited to make the transition to independent school admissions.

When Ivette is not connecting with students and their families, she enjoys traveling, attending live music events, and spending time with her loved ones.

Yordana Simpson | Assistant Director of Admissions

Yordana joined the Admissions team in July 2021. Before moving to California, Yordana was a youth specialist in Queens, New York, where she supported students and their families in a variety of roles as they transitioned to mainstream education. Since then, Yordana has worked on the administrative team at Morningside High School and Pepperdine University.

Yordana’s commitment to advocacy and helping students grow into their best selves is a perfect fit for her role at Vistamar School, where she can support students and families as they plan for the future.

She earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice and Psychology in 2014 from Adelphi University and then went on to earn her M.A. in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University.

During her personal time, you can find Yordana at the beach, reading a book, searching for cool coffee shops, running, or trying a new recipe.