Doctor Sheryl Marie Maniss Barnd passed away the morning of June 24th, 2022 at her home in Santa Paula after a 1.5 year long battle with Multiple Myeloma, a type of bone cancer. She was born November 25th, 1967 in Chula Vista, CA, the daughter of William Richard and Joan Harriet (Gonzales) Maniss.
Sheryl started swimming at the age of 3 and continued conquering swim meets through college. After college, her passion continued by coaching Santa Paula High School, YMCA, and Heritage Valley Aquatics in swimming as well as swimming herself with the Ventura County Masters. Swimming was not Sheryl’s only passion, she also developed an insatiable desire to improve the minds and character of children.
Sheryl started teaching grades 5 & 6 at Mupu Elementary School shortly after graduating from California State University Northridge. Sheryl loved the classroom and in 2013 was encouraged to take on the challenge of molding not just her classroom, but the whole school. Sheryl became the Superintendent / Principal of Mupu Elementary School District and maintained the strictest standards while exhibiting love and compassion that affirmed her support for the minds and spirits she was responsible for each and every day. After 30 years of service, Sheryl was able to retire on June 13, 2022.
Sheryl not only attained a bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge, but a Masters of the Arts of Curriculum & Instruction in 2003 from California Lutheran University, a Masters of the Arts of Educational Administration in 2013 from CSUN, and a Doctorate of Education from University of Southern California in 2017.
Her passionate commitment to the development of children serves to challenge us all to do better and have a little H.E.A.R.T. – Have a positive attitude; Expect success; Accept responsibility; Respect myself and others; and Think before acting – one of her ethos.
Sheryl was preceded in death by her father, William Richard Maniss and her brother, Michael Glenn Maniss. Sheryl is survived by her husband of 14 years - Tony of Santa Paula, her Mother Joan of National City, and her brother Rick of Irvine.
Sheryl’s Celebration of life will be held at 11:30 pm on July 9th at Journey Church Ventura, located at 4050 Market St., Ventura, CA. Flowers may be sent to Journey Church Ventura or donations can be made to the International Myeloma Foundation at myeloma.org.