Discover Our Staff
Aaron
Hernandez
Instructional Assistant
Aaron Hernandez
Instructional Assistant
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Abdulmalek
Sulaiman
Teacher
Abdulmalek Sulaiman
Teacher
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Abetzi
Espana
Teacher
Abetzi Espana
Teacher
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Abra
Shay
Community Schools Chair
Abra Shay
Community Schools Chair
Contact Abra: ashay@brightstarschools.org
As Community Schools Chair, Abra Shay proudly leads the founding Community Schools team at Bright Star Schools. As Chair, she sets the vision and strategy for the organization-wide transformation into Community Schools. At Bright Star Community Schools, the voices of students, families, staff, and partners direct our efforts to meet the needs of our community by connecting services and resources to the school such as medical care, mutual aid, academic programs, and more.
Prior to working at Bright Star, Abra led Strategic Partnerships at Teach For America Los Angeles where she led a team that recruited, onboarded, and placed 100+ new teachers annually in high needs schools across 18 districts. As an education consultant, she supported school leadership teams across the country to develop strategic action plans.
Abra began her career in education as a Teach For America corps member in Los Angeles where she served as a founding 5th grade teacher at Endeavor College Prep, being named Gold Standard Teacher of the Year by Building Excellent Schools for achieving significant results in reading growth with her students. She went on to lead Endeavor’s 4th-6th grade campus as Campus Director.
Abra holds a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and a Master’s in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University. A native Angeleno, Abra lives in the Valley with her partner and their young son.
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Adelaide
Jones
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Adelaide Jones
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Adonahi
Ascencio
Family Engagement Coordinator
Adonahi Ascencio
Family Engagement Coordinator
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Adriana
De La Cruz
Instructional Assistant
Adriana De La Cruz
Instructional Assistant
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Adriana
Padilla Perez
Instructional Assistant
Adriana Padilla Perez
Instructional Assistant
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Afreen
Ahmed
Staff
Afreen Ahmed
Staff
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Ahjia
Moore
Restorative Practices Director
Ahjia Moore
Restorative Practices Director
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Ahmire
McKoy
School Psychologist
Ahmire McKoy
School Psychologist
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Ailyn
Galvan
Teacher
Ailyn Galvan
Teacher
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Ajay
Ghingoor
Teacher
Ajay Ghingoor
Teacher
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Ala
Aslani
Teacher
Ala Aslani
Teacher
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Albert
Beltran
Assistant Principal of Culture
Albert Beltran
Assistant Principal of Culture
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Alberto
Vera
Teacher
Alberto Vera
Teacher
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Aleida
Cajahuaringa
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
Aleida Cajahuaringa
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
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Alejandra
Cruz
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Alejandra Cruz
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Alejandra
Sanchez
Teacher
Alejandra Sanchez
Teacher
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Aleksandra
Vargas
Cluster Data Coordinator
Aleksandra Vargas
Cluster Data Coordinator
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Alexander
Huerta
Cloud Support Manager
Alexander Huerta
Cloud Support Manager
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Alexandra
Brown
School Counselor
Alexandra Brown
School Counselor
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Alexandra
Duggins
Mathematics Instructional Coach
Alexandra Duggins
Mathematics Instructional Coach
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Alexandra
Hernandez
Teacher
Alexandra Hernandez
Teacher
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Alexandra
Lee
Vice President, Instructional Systems & Strategy
Alexandra Lee
Vice President, Instructional Systems & Strategy
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Alexandra
Martinez Ramirez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
Alexandra Martinez Ramirez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
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Alexei
Nowak
Teacher
Alexei Nowak
Teacher
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Alexis
Blanco
Instructional Assistant
Alexis Blanco
Instructional Assistant
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Alexis
Carrero
Teacher
Alexis Carrero
Teacher
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Alexis
Gonzalez
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Alexis Gonzalez
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Alexis
Roldan
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Alexis Roldan
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Alexis
Scott
Assistant Principal
Alexis Scott
Assistant Principal
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Alexis
Thompson
Counselor
Alexis Thompson
Counselor
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Allen
Andrews
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Allen Andrews
Assistant Principal of Instruction
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Allison
Gillett
Teacher
Allison Gillett
Teacher
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Ally
Nanji
School Psychologist
Ally Nanji
School Psychologist
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Amalia
Zayas
Counselor
Amalia Zayas
Counselor
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Amanda
Akens
Speech & Language Pathologist
Amanda Akens
Speech & Language Pathologist
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Amanda K.
Lopez
Paraprofessional
Amanda K. Lopez
Paraprofessional
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Amanda
Lopez
Campus Aide
Amanda Lopez
Campus Aide
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Amara
Jackson
Temporary Cheer Head Coach
Amara Jackson
Temporary Cheer Head Coach
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Ana L.
Martinez
Lead Executive Officer | Chief Executive Officer| President
Ana L. Martinez
Lead Executive Officer | Chief Executive Officer| President
Ana Martinez launched her career in education in the same district she attended the majority of her K-12 career, the Los Angeles Unified School District. She is a Teach For America alumni corps member who began teaching in a large comprehensive middle school. She also served as a Dean of Students at another LAUSD middle school, where she embarked on turnaround work and grew her background with culture and systems change at her school.
In 2009, Ana transitioned to Aspire Public Schools where she continued her work as a Dean of Students and then as the Assistant Principal in their Huntington Park middle school. Her most impactful and humbling role was that of a founding Principal in South Los Angeles where she opened up an Aspire school under LAUSD's Public School Choice Model. She led that school for eight years before becoming the Chief of Staff to the Chief Schools Officer and focusing on strengthening home office communication with schools, as well as the professional development offerings for leaders.
Most recently, she served as the Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent at a charter management organization serving a large rural community in the Central Valley of California.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master’s in education from Loyola Marymount University, and is also a Pahara fellow.
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Ana
Magana
Maintenance
Ana Magana
Maintenance
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Ana Maria
Martinez
Meal Server
Ana Maria Martinez
Meal Server
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Ana
Vargas
Vice President of Human Resources
Ana Vargas
Vice President of Human Resources
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Anahi
Perez
Teacher
Anahi Perez
Teacher
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Andrea
Andrade
Teacher
Andrea Andrade
Teacher
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Andrea
Chicaiza
Teacher
Andrea Chicaiza
Teacher
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Andrea
Garcia Chavez
College & Career Counseling Assistant
Andrea Garcia Chavez
College & Career Counseling Assistant
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Andrea
Lopez Quintana
Instructional Assistant
Andrea Lopez Quintana
Instructional Assistant
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Andrea
Padilla
Teacher
Andrea Padilla
Teacher
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Andres
Paniagua
Dean of Student Culture
Andres Paniagua
Dean of Student Culture
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Angelica
Quintero
Teacher
Angelica Quintero
Teacher
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Angelina
Calderón
Vice President, Public Affairs
Angelina Calderón
Vice President, Public Affairs
Angelina Calderón serves as the interim Vice President of Public Affairs at Bright Star Schools. In this role, she oversees three major areas of work: compliance and board governance, marketing and communications, and advocacy and public grants.
Angelina has served Bright Star since 2015, most recently as Vice President of Outreach and Engagement. As an educator with 14 years of experience in instruction, family engagement and outreach to new families, she knows that working with families is the key to boosting student achievement.
Outside of work, Angelina is a loving aunt to five nieces and nephews, and she finds joy in puzzles and traveling.
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Angelique
Lopez
Teacher
Angelique Lopez
Teacher
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Angie
Trae-Greenbarg
Assistant Principal
Angie Trae-Greenbarg
Assistant Principal
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Anita
Pande
Teacher
Anita Pande
Teacher
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Anthony
Flores Medina
Lead Instructional Assistant
Anthony Flores Medina
Lead Instructional Assistant
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Anthony
Lentz
Counselor
Anthony Lentz
Counselor
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Antonio
Montiel
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Antonio Montiel
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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April Joy
De Vera
Teacher
April Joy De Vera
Teacher
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April
Juarez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
April Juarez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
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Araceli
Alvarado
Maintenance
Araceli Alvarado
Maintenance
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Ari
Engelberg
Founding Board Chair and Executive Director Emeritus
Ari Engelberg
Founding Board Chair and Executive Director Emeritus
Ari Engelberg was the founding Board President when Stella Middle Charter Academy first opened its doors in 2003. In 2007, not long after Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy was opened and the name of the organization was changed to Bright Star Schools, he made a transition into the Executive Director role. For over a decade Ari played an instrumental role in shaping Bright Star Schools into a vibrant, kid-focused organization that is helping to close the achievement gap in Los Angeles. Ari holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from UC Berkeley and a juris doctor and masters of business administration from UCLA. Ari has participated on a range of nonprofit boards and advisory committees, and continues to be involved in uplifting Los Angeles as a board member of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Girls Athletic Leadership School.
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Arlene
Rivera
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Arlene Rivera
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Arlin
Ramirez
Instructional Assistant
Arlin Ramirez
Instructional Assistant
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Arpi
Tamzarian
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Arpi Tamzarian
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Ashley
Chameides
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Ashley Chameides
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Ashley
Colburn
Director of Teacher Induction and Development
Ashley Colburn
Director of Teacher Induction and Development
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Asma
Ali-Dodough
Assistant Principal of Student & Family Services
Asma Ali-Dodough
Assistant Principal of Student & Family Services
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Asucena
Ledezma
Meal Server
Asucena Ledezma
Meal Server
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Aya
Cheung
Controller
Aya Cheung
Controller
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Beatriz
Aparicio
Office Manager
Beatriz Aparicio
Office Manager
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Benjamin
Gurner
Assistant Controller
Benjamin Gurner
Assistant Controller
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Benjamin
Katcher
Teacher
Benjamin Katcher
Teacher
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Bernadette
McComish
Teacher
Bernadette McComish
Teacher
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Beth
Pollak
Instructional Coach
Beth Pollak
Instructional Coach
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Betsy
Diaz
Assistant Principal
Betsy Diaz
Assistant Principal
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Blake
Dicicco
Teacher
Blake Dicicco
Teacher
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Breana
Baskerville
Assistant Principal
Breana Baskerville
Assistant Principal
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Brenda
Zavala Govea
Instructional Assistant
Brenda Zavala Govea
Instructional Assistant
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Brian
Martinez
Community School Manager, Valor Academy Middle School
Brian Martinez
Community School Manager, Valor Academy Middle School
Contact Brian: bmartinez@brightstarschools.org
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Brian Martinez has worked in supporting students academically by bringing programs and resources to campuses throughout Los Angeles County.
Brian joined Bright Star Schools in 2023 and is currently serving as Community School Manager for Valor Academy Middle School in North Hills, where he has the opportunity to address the needs of the community that allow for informed building and growing of partnerships that will bring valuable resources to campus. Through his own experiences in education attending public schools in Los Angeles, Brian has gained immense self motivation to bring change and work to ensure all students succeed!
After transferring from Los Angeles Valley College, Brian obtained a B.A. in History & Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz and an M.A. in Educational Foundations from California State University, Los Angeles.
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Brian
Ortiz
Campus Aide
Brian Ortiz
Campus Aide
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Brian
Perry
Principal, Valor Academy Middle School
Brian Perry
Principal, Valor Academy Middle School
Brian Perry is the principal of Valor Academy Middle School, where he leads the school to create an environment where all students can see academic success, engage with their individual interests, and participate in experiences that will help them grow as people.
Previously, Brian served Valor Academy Middle School as the assistant principal of instruction and curriculum for five years, and helped bring new and exciting programs and initiatives to drive student learning. He joined Valor Academy Middle School as a fifth grade English language arts teacher in 2011.
Prior to joining Bright Star Schools, Brian taught in schools in Miami, FL; New Haven, CT; and Inglewood, CA. He began his career as a high school English teacher as a Teach For America corps member. As a third grader in St. Louis, MO, Brian made the commitment to become a teacher as impactful as the ones he had encountered in his early education.
Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri.
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Brianna
Alcocer
Teacher
Brianna Alcocer
Teacher
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Briannah
Walters
Teacher
Briannah Walters
Teacher
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Briceida
Gallegos
Counselor
Briceida Gallegos
Counselor
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Bridget
Sibley
Speech & Language Pathologist
Bridget Sibley
Speech & Language Pathologist
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Bryan
Aguillon
Paraprofessional
Bryan Aguillon
Paraprofessional
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Bryan
Alfaro
School Data Specialist
Bryan Alfaro
School Data Specialist
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Candace
Ross
School Counselor
Candace Ross
School Counselor
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Carissa
Gonzalez
Teacher
Carissa Gonzalez
Teacher
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Carla
Aguirre
School Psychologist
Carla Aguirre
School Psychologist
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Carla
Chavez
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Carla Chavez
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Carla
Weber
Teacher
Carla Weber
Teacher
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Carlos
Contreras
Teacher
Carlos Contreras
Teacher
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Carlos
Cordova
Maintenance
Carlos Cordova
Maintenance
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Carlos
Sanchez
IT Helpdesk
Carlos Sanchez
IT Helpdesk
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Carlos
Somoza
Gardening and Cooking Coordinator
Carlos Somoza
Gardening and Cooking Coordinator
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Carmen
Garcia-Shushtari
Senior Manager, Marketing
Carmen Garcia-Shushtari
Senior Manager, Marketing
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Carmen
Montoya Flores
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Carmen Montoya Flores
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Carolina
Gomez
Instructional Assistant
Carolina Gomez
Instructional Assistant
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Carolina
Mora
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
Carolina Mora
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
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Cassondra
Almouradi
Inclusive Education Coordinator
Cassondra Almouradi
Inclusive Education Coordinator
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Catherine
Mora Viscarra
Instructional Assistant
Catherine Mora Viscarra
Instructional Assistant
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Cathia
Sanchez
Senior Director of School Culture and Climate
Cathia Sanchez
Senior Director of School Culture and Climate
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Catlyn
Preffer
Teacher
Catlyn Preffer
Teacher
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Cecilia
Cueva
Teacher
Cecilia Cueva
Teacher
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Celia
Fang
School Counselor
Celia Fang
School Counselor
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Chanel
Williams Hungerford
Teacher
Chanel Williams Hungerford
Teacher
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Charlotte
Seymore
Dean of Restorative Practices
Charlotte Seymore
Dean of Restorative Practices
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Charne
Tunson
Teacher
Charne Tunson
Teacher
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China
Habte
Head of Accounting & Fiscal Services
China Habte
Head of Accounting & Fiscal Services
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Chloe
Resler
Teacher
Chloe Resler
Teacher
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Christian
Navarro
Campus Aide
Christian Navarro
Campus Aide
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Christian
Risquez
Community School Manager, Stella High Charter Academy
Christian Risquez
Community School Manager, Stella High Charter Academy
Contact Christian: crisquez@brightstarschools.org
Christian Risquez joined the Bright Star family in October of 2023 as the Stella High Community Manager. Prior to joining our team, Christian spent the bulk of his career managing school youth programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs, summer camp programs and college and career readiness programs. Christian also teaches courses such as CPR, lifeguarding and first aid and formerly held an EMT certification.
Beyond career life, Christian comes from a Venezuelan family, went to high school in Caracas and is very proud of his roots and having the opportunity to experience his heritage as a young person. Feel free to contact Christian with any questions. Se habla español!
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Christian
Sandoval
Teacher
Christian Sandoval
Teacher
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Christie
Romero
Teacher
Christie Romero
Teacher
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Christopher
Flaherty
Teacher
Christopher Flaherty
Teacher
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Christopher
Simpson
Teacher
Christopher Simpson
Teacher
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Christy
Reyes
Teacher
Christy Reyes
Teacher
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Cindy
Garcia
Assistant Principal
Cindy Garcia
Assistant Principal
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Claire
Kwon
Substitute Teacher
Claire Kwon
Substitute Teacher
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Clara
Garay
Lead Instructional Mentor
Clara Garay
Lead Instructional Mentor
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Claudia
Cortez
Instructional Assistant
Claudia Cortez
Instructional Assistant
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Claudia
Gardner
Office Manager
Claudia Gardner
Office Manager
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Claudia
Jerez Sneed
Claudia Jerez Sneed
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Colleen
Trejo
Assistant Principal
Colleen Trejo
Assistant Principal
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Cristina
Valencia
Lead Instructional Assistant
Cristina Valencia
Lead Instructional Assistant
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Crystal
Macias
Teacher
Crystal Macias
Teacher
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Crystal
Navarro
Assistant Coach
Crystal Navarro
Assistant Coach
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Curtis
Spiller
Teacher
Curtis Spiller
Teacher
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Cynthia
Astorga
Counselor
Cynthia Astorga
Counselor
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Cynthia
Hernandez
Human Resources Coordinator
Cynthia Hernandez
Human Resources Coordinator
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Cynthia
Trigueros
Principal, Rise Kohyang High School
Cynthia Trigueros
Principal, Rise Kohyang High School
Cynthia Trigueros is the principal of Rise Kohyang High School, and she leads the Tritons to achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so they find joy and fulfillment in higher education, career, and life.
Cynthia has served Bright Star Schools for over 15 years. She previously served as a founding biology teacher, an assistant principal, and interim principal at Rise Kohyang High School before being named principal in 2021. Cynthia was also a founding science teacher at Rise Kohyang Middle School, where she taught for nearly six years.
Cynthia holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge, a master of arts in bilingual elementary education from Loyola Marymount University as well as a master and credential in educational leadership and administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
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Daisy
Gomez
School Data Specialist
Daisy Gomez
School Data Specialist
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Damarrius
Thompson
Teacher
Damarrius Thompson
Teacher
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Daniel
Abner
Community School Manager, Valor Academy High School
Daniel Abner
Community School Manager, Valor Academy High School
Contact Daniel: dabner@brightstarschools.org
Daniel Abner serves as Valor Academy High School’s Community Schools Manager. He is excited to continue the work together in reimagining what school can be—a place where students’ needs are met holistically.
Before joining VAHS, Daniel served as a Student Support Specialist, where he focused on restorative justice and trauma-informed practices, leading to improved student behavior, attendance, and academic performance. Daniel’s journey in education also includes time as a Special Education Para-educator, where he worked closely with teachers, families, and students to develop and monitor IEPs, ensuring each student received the personalized support they needed to thrive. In the process, he also supported multilingual learners, adapting instruction to meet their unique language and academic needs. Earlier in his career, Daniel also served as an After School Program Educator, where he created a positive, engaging environment that fostered both learning and growth.
Throughout his time in education, Daniel has been dedicated to building inclusive, supportive spaces where all students are empowered to reach their full potential.
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Daniel
Garcia
Cluster Data Lead
Daniel Garcia
Cluster Data Lead
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Daniel
Lee
Receptionist
Daniel Lee
Receptionist
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Daniel
Pryor
Dean of Academic Supports
Daniel Pryor
Dean of Academic Supports
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Daniela
Feria
IT Helpdesk
Daniela Feria
IT Helpdesk
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Danielle
Starr
Teacher
Danielle Starr
Teacher
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Danny
Oliver
Dean of Operations
Danny Oliver
Dean of Operations
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Darian
White
Teacher
Darian White
Teacher
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Darrell
Johnson
Paraprofessional
Darrell Johnson
Paraprofessional
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Darryl
Garris
Principal, Stella High Charter Academy
Darryl Garris
Principal, Stella High Charter Academy
Darryl Garris is the principal for Stella High Charter Academy, and he leads the school to ensure all Eagles achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so they find joy and fulfillment in higher education, career, and life.
Previously, Darryl served Bright Star Schools as principal of Stella Middle Charter Academy (Grades 5-6) and as assistant principal of Stella Middle Charter Academy. Darryl also taught pre-algebra, algebra readiness, and Algebra 1 at Stella Middle Charter Academy and Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy.
Prior to joining Bright Star Schools, Darryl was a teacher at Dorsey High School as a Teach For America corps member.
Darryl holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics from UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources. He also holds a master’s degree in urban education, a master’s degree in school administration, and a certificate in charter school leadership from Loyola Marymount University's School of Education.
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David
Correa
Teacher
David Correa
Teacher
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David
Liebhauser
Teacher
David Liebhauser
Teacher
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David
Salinas
Instructional Assistant
David Salinas
Instructional Assistant
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David
Torres
Teacher
David Torres
Teacher
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Dayna
Rosso
Teacher
Dayna Rosso
Teacher
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Deana
Estrada Wu
Dean of Instruction
Deana Estrada Wu
Dean of Instruction
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Delma
Rosales
Dean of Operations
Delma Rosales
Dean of Operations
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Dennis
Paek
Teacher
Dennis Paek
Teacher
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Desirae
Dickinson
Teacher
Desirae Dickinson
Teacher
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Desiree
Escobar
Teacher
Desiree Escobar
Teacher
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Devin
Diaz
Teacher
Devin Diaz
Teacher
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Deysi
Menjivar
Instructional Assistant
Deysi Menjivar
Instructional Assistant
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Deysi
Saucedo
Assistant Dean of Restorative Practices
Deysi Saucedo
Assistant Dean of Restorative Practices
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Diana
Flores
ELD Instructional Assistant
Diana Flores
ELD Instructional Assistant
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Diane
Pyo
Teacher