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Discover Our Staff
Abraham
Martinez
Teacher
![Abraham Martinez](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Martinez_Abraham_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Abraham Martinez
Teacher
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![](/get/files/image/galleries/Fatima_M.jpeg?resize=768x0)
For Fatima Montiel, an inclusion specialist (special education) teacher at Bright Star Schools, ensuring every student has the education they deserve is personal. We talked with Ms. Montiel about the transformative power of hope, what it’s like to see a student realize their potential, and why every challenge is an opportunity for growth and transformation.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
As a parent of a child with diverse learning needs, I embarked on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Navigating the intricacies of supporting my child sparked within me a profound understanding of the unique strengths required to provide adequate support.
This journey demanded a delicate dance of acknowledging the challenges while instilling confidence and hope. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of creative approaches to learning, I was inspired to dedicate myself to ensuring every student has access to the education they deserve.
My passion for thinking outside the box and advocating for students' rights fuels my commitment to excellence in teaching.
What do you love most about being a teacher?
What I love most about being a teacher is witnessing the transformative power of hope in my students' lives. Hope, to me, means manifesting what you want out of life and believing in the possibility of a better tomorrow.
It's incredibly rewarding to see my students embrace hope, take deliberate steps towards their goals, and overcome obstacles with courage and determination.
Working closely with small groups allows me to witness firsthand the moment when a student realizes their true potential. I guide them to understand that progress may be incremental, but every small achievement is a step forward.
Despite the discomfort, hope is a reminder that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and transformation. Guiding them to recognize their strengths and using those strengths as springboards to conquer challenges fills me with immense joy and fulfillment.
Are there any special projects or initiatives you've implemented in your classroom?
Yes! One of the initiatives I'm particularly proud of is our “Flex Spotlight." In this project, students identify and celebrate their unique strengths, fostering a positive classroom culture that embraces diversity and individuality.
Additionally, I integrate technology to personalize learning experiences, ensuring every student's needs are met.
What advice would you give to aspiring educators?
To aspiring educators, I would say: Embrace the journey wholeheartedly. Find out what works for you, and then be open to changing it.
Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Stay committed to understanding the unique needs of every student, and never underestimate the power of empathy and creativity in the classroom.
Your dedication has the potential to shape the future generation in profound ways.
Teach with incredible educators like Fatima! See our open roles here.
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Alexis
Blanco
Instructional Assistant
![Alexis Blanco](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Blanco_Alexis_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Alexis Blanco
Instructional Assistant
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Alexis
Gonzalez
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
![Alexis Gonzalez](/get/files/image/galleries/Gonzalez,_Alexis.jpg?resize=768x0)
Alexis Gonzalez
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Ana
Magana
Maintenance
![Ana Magana](/get/files/image/galleries/Magana,_Ana.jpg?resize=768x0)
Ana Magana
Maintenance
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Ana Maria
Martinez
Meal Server
Ana Maria Martinez
Meal Server
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Andres
Paniagua
Dean of Student Culture
![Andres Paniagua](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_0_Paniagua_Andres_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Andres Paniagua
Dean of Student Culture
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Antonio
Montiel
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
![Antonio Montiel](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Montiel_Antonio_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Antonio Montiel
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Ashley
Chameides
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
![Ashley Chameides](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Chameides_Ash_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Ashley Chameides
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Blake
Dicicco
Teacher
![Blake Dicicco](/get/files/image/galleries/DiCicco,_Blake.jpg?resize=768x0)
Blake Dicicco
Teacher
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Breana
Baskerville
Assistant Principal
![Breana Baskerville](/get/files/image/galleries/VAMS_BASKERVILLE_BREANA.jpg?resize=768x0)
Breana Baskerville
Assistant Principal
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Briannah
Walters
Teacher
Briannah Walters
Teacher
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Briceida
Gallegos
Counselor
![Briceida Gallegos](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Gallegos_Briceida_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Briceida Gallegos
Counselor
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Carlos
Contreras
Teacher
![Carlos Contreras](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Contreras_Carlos_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Carlos Contreras
Teacher
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Charlotte
Seymore
Dean of Restorative Practices
Charlotte Seymore
Dean of Restorative Practices
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Cristina
Valencia
Lead Instructional Assistant
![Cristina Valencia](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Valencia_Cristina_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Cristina Valencia
Lead Instructional Assistant
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Daniel
Pryor
Dean of Academic Supports
![Daniel Pryor](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Pryor_Dan_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Daniel Pryor
Dean of Academic Supports
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Elsa
Flores
Teacher
![Elsa Flores](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Flores_Elsa_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Elsa Flores
Teacher
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Emory
Kim
Teacher
Emory Kim
Teacher
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Fatima
Montiel
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
![Fatima Montiel](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_0_Montiel_Fatima_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Fatima Montiel
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Frank
Pineda
Teacher
![Frank Pineda](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Pineda_Frank_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Frank Pineda
Teacher
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Freddy
Zuniga
Instructional Assistant
![Freddy Zuniga](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Zuniga_Freddy_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Freddy Zuniga
Instructional Assistant
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Ginnia
Hargins
Principal, Stella Middle Charter Academy
![Ginnia Hargins](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Hargins_Ginnia_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Ginnia Hargins
Principal, Stella Middle Charter Academy
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Ihab
Gabra
Teacher
![Ihab Gabra](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Gabra_Ihab_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Ihab Gabra
Teacher
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Iliana
Ortiz
Instructional Assistant/After School Program Supervisor
![Iliana Ortiz](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Ortiz_Iliana_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Iliana Ortiz
Instructional Assistant/After School Program Supervisor
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Jacqueline
Martinez
Instructional Assistant
![Jacqueline Martinez](/get/files/image/galleries/Martinez,_Jacqueline.jpg?resize=768x0)
Jacqueline Martinez
Instructional Assistant
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Jacqueline
Orellana
Office Manager
![Jacqueline Orellana](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Orellana_Jacqueline_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Jacqueline Orellana
Office Manager
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Jessica
Sutherland
Attendance Clerk/Office Assistant
Jessica Sutherland
Attendance Clerk/Office Assistant
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Johanna
Montiel
Office Assistant
Johanna Montiel
Office Assistant
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Johanna
Morales
Office Assistant
![Johanna Morales](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Morales_Johanna_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Johanna Morales
Office Assistant
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Joseph
Gonzalez
Counselor
![Joseph Gonzalez](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Gonzalez_Joseph_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Joseph Gonzalez
Counselor
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Joseph
Sloane
Counselor
![Joseph Sloane](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Sloane_Joseph_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Joseph Sloane
Counselor
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Karissa
Shanley
Teacher
![Karissa Shanley](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Shanley_Karissa_Mrs.jpg?resize=768x0)
Karissa Shanley
Teacher
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Kevin
Huertos
Campus Aide
![Kevin Huertos](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCa_Huertos_Kevin_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Kevin Huertos
Campus Aide
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Keyri
Arucha
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Keyri Arucha
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
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Kimberly
Aguilar
Instructional Assistant
![Kimberly Aguilar](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Aguilar_Kimberly_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Kimberly Aguilar
Instructional Assistant
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Kimberly
Martinez
Campus Aide
![Kimberly Martinez](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Martinez_Kimberly_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Kimberly Martinez
Campus Aide
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Kyung
Lee
Teacher
![Kyung Lee](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Lee_Kyung_Jin_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Kyung Lee
Teacher
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Leah
De Veyra
Teacher
Leah De Veyra
Teacher
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Luis
Estrada
Dean of Operations
![Luis Estrada](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Estrada_Luis_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Luis Estrada
Dean of Operations
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Maria
Barriga
Teacher
Maria Barriga
Teacher
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Maria
Villalobos
Teacher
![Maria Villalobos](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Villalobos_Barriga_Maria_Mrs.jpg?resize=768x0)
Maria Villalobos
Teacher
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Marina
Sandoval
Community School Manager, Stella Middle Charter Academy
![Marina Sandoval](/get/files/image/galleries/Marina.jpg?resize=768x0)
Marina Sandoval
Community School Manager, Stella Middle Charter Academy
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Merissa
Diaz
Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant
Merissa Diaz
Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant
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Mychal
Creer
Instructional Assistant
![Mychal Creer](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Creer_Mychal_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Mychal Creer
Instructional Assistant
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Ozro
Hepworth
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
![Ozro Hepworth](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Hepworth_Ozro_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Ozro Hepworth
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
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Pablo
Aranda
Campus Aide
![Pablo Aranda](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Aranda_Pablo_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Pablo Aranda
Campus Aide
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Robert
Brown
Teacher
![Robert Brown](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Brown_Robert_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Robert Brown
Teacher
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Roberto
Garcia
Maintenance
![Roberto Garcia](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Garcia_Roberto_Mr.jpg?resize=768x0)
Roberto Garcia
Maintenance
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Sienna
Ballou
Instructional Assistant
![Sienna Ballou](/get/files/image/galleries/Ballou,_Sienna.jpg?resize=768x0)
Sienna Ballou
Instructional Assistant
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Taylor
Phillips
Counselor
![Taylor Phillips](/get/files/image/galleries/SMCA_Phillips_Taylor_Ms.jpg?resize=768x0)
Taylor Phillips
Counselor
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Vanessa
Barriga Milian
Campus Aide
Vanessa Barriga Milian
Campus Aide
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In our small, joyful schools we provide students with excellent academics, holistic and inclusive support, personal attention, and rich life opportunities beyond the classroom so they thrive from kindergarten through high school.