Yerba Buena teacher is heart attack victim

Liz Rogers Elizabeth (Liz) Rogers, a special education teacher at Yerba Buena Elementary School in Agoura Hills, died unexpectedly at her Woodland Hills home Thurs., Jan. 8. She was 41.

An autopsy released on Jan. 12 revealed that Rogers died of a massive heart attack.

"Liz (was) a truly gifted and professional teacher and friend to all staff members, parents and students," said Brent Noyes, Yerba Buena principal. "She had a passion for helping students who may be struggling with their educational work, social skills or how to interact with friends on the playground."

Noyes said Rogers had a knack for helping students feel a great sense of belonging, freedom and "positive self-worth."

"Her love for students was felt throughout the entire school district," he said.

Rogers graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies in 1991, and she earned a teaching credential for multiple subjects, learning handicapped and severely handicapped in 1994, Noyes said. She received a master's degree in special education in 1997.

Rogers launched her teaching career as a substitute special education teacher for the San Joaquin County Office of Education, followed by a permanent position teaching at the Sierra Adolescent Day Treatment Program. From 1994 to 1997, Rogers worked as a special education teacher at Clover Middle School's County Special Day Class.

She joined the Las Virgenes Unified School District and Yerba Buena Elementary School as a special education resource specialist on March 20, 1998.

"Liz's passing is a tragic loss for all of us," said Donald Zimring, superintendent of Las Virgenes Unified School District. "She was one of those rare individuals that not only lit up her own classroom with her energy and dedication, but had no less of an impact on the entire school. Everyone knew Liz."

At the age of 8, Rogers was the first girl to play in the Sunrise Little League and only the second girl to play in the league nationwide. She was also the first recipient of St. Mel's Elementary "Christian Living Award," which was established in her honor.

Rogers and her husband, Steve, were active with their son's soccer team and Indian Guides group.

Laura Leininger, the parentfaculty club president at Yerba Buena, had known Rogers for many years.

"Liz was a smile I knew for years, and we became friends waiting for our kindergartners last year," Leininger said. "As a new PFA president, Liz was invaluable as a supportive parent and teacher. (It is) unfathomable that a year ago Liz was the voice for Principal Noyes' during a tenuous medical leave, (and) now he is her family's voice in arranging her memorial service. You could always count on Liz, and she was generous with play dates."

Leininger is creating a memory book for Rogers' firstgrade son, Lucas. Former students who would like to send stories or pictures to be included in the book should e-mail them to LauraLein2@yahoo.com.

A memorial has been created in Rogers' memory. Donations can be made to the Elizabeth Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Yerba Buena Elementary School, 6098 Reyes Adobe Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America.