23-24 School Year Information Learn More
Aaron
Hernandez

Instructional Assistant

Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Abdulmalek
Sulaiman

Teacher

Abdulmalek Sulaiman

Abdulmalek Sulaiman

Teacher

Contact

Abetzi
Espana

Teacher

Abetzi Espana

Abetzi Espana

Teacher

Contact

Abra
Shay

Community Schools Program Chair

Abra Shay

Abra Shay

Community Schools Program Chair

Contact

Abraham
Martinez

Teacher

Abraham Martinez

Abraham Martinez

Teacher

Contact

Adelaide
Jones

Teacher

Adelaide Jones

Adelaide Jones

Teacher

Contact

Adonahi
Ascencio

Family Engagement Coordinator

Adonahi Ascencio

Adonahi Ascencio

Family Engagement Coordinator

Contact

Adriana
De La Cruz

Instructional Assistant

Adriana De La Cruz

Adriana De La Cruz

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Adriana
Padilla Perez

Instructional Assistant

Adriana Padilla Perez

Adriana Padilla Perez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Afreen
Ahmed

Staff

Afreen Ahmed

Afreen Ahmed

Staff

Contact

Ahjia
Moore

Restorative Practices Director

Ahjia Moore

Ahjia Moore

Restorative Practices Director

Contact

Ahmire
McKoy

School Psychologist

Ahmire McKoy

Ahmire McKoy

School Psychologist

Contact

Ailyn
Galvan

Teacher

Ailyn Galvan

Ailyn Galvan

Teacher

Contact

Ajay
Ghingoor

Teacher

Ajay Ghingoor

Ajay Ghingoor

Teacher

Contact

Ala
Aslani

Teacher

Ala Aslani

Ala Aslani

Teacher

Contact

Albert
Beltran

Assistant Principal of Culture

Albert Beltran

Albert Beltran

Assistant Principal of Culture

Contact

Alberto
Vera

Teacher

Alberto Vera

Alberto Vera

Teacher

Contact

Aleida
Cajahuaringa

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Aleida Cajahuaringa

Aleida Cajahuaringa

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Contact

Alejandra
Cruz

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Alejandra Cruz

Alejandra Cruz

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

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Alejandra
Sanchez

Teacher

Alejandra Sanchez

Alejandra Sanchez

Teacher

Contact

Aleksandra
Vargas

Cluster Data Coordinator

Aleksandra Vargas

Aleksandra Vargas

Cluster Data Coordinator

Contact

Alexander
Huerta

Cloud Support Manager

Alexander Huerta

Alexander Huerta

Cloud Support Manager

Contact

Alexandra
Brown

School Counselor

Alexandra Brown

Alexandra Brown

School Counselor

Contact

Alexandra
Duggins

Mathematics Instructional Coach

Alexandra Duggins

Alexandra Duggins

Mathematics Instructional Coach

Contact

Alexandra
Hernandez

Teacher

Alexandra Hernandez

Alexandra Hernandez

Teacher

Contact

Alexandra
Lee

Vice President of Academic Initiatives

Alexandra Lee

Alexandra Lee

Vice President of Academic Initiatives

Contact

Alexandra
Martinez Ramirez

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Alexandra Martinez Ramirez

Alexandra Martinez Ramirez

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Contact

Alexis
Blanco

Instructional Assistant

Alexis Blanco

Alexis Blanco

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Alexis
Carrero

Teacher

Alexis Carrero

Alexis Carrero

Teacher

Contact

Alexis
Gonzalez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Alexis Gonzalez

Alexis Gonzalez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Alexis
Roldan

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Alexis Roldan

Alexis Roldan

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Alexis
Scott

Dean of Academic Support

Alexis Scott

Alexis Scott

Dean of Academic Support

Contact

Alexis
Thompson

Counselor

Alexis Thompson

Alexis Thompson

Counselor

Contact

Alexsandr
Kanevskiy

Alexsandr Kanevskiy

Alexsandr Kanevskiy

Contact

Allen
Andrews

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Allen Andrews

Allen Andrews

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Contact

Allison
Gillett

Teacher

Allison Gillett

Allison Gillett

Teacher

Contact

Ally
Nanji

School Psychologist

Ally Nanji

Ally Nanji

School Psychologist

Contact

Alondra
Medina

Instructional Assistant

Alondra Medina

Alondra Medina

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Alyssa
Amador

Teacher

Alyssa Amador

Alyssa Amador

Teacher

Contact

Amalia
Zayas

Counselor

Amalia Zayas

Amalia Zayas

Counselor

Contact

Amanda
Akens

Speech & Language Pathologist

Amanda Akens

Amanda Akens

Speech & Language Pathologist

Contact

Amanda K.
Lopez

Paraprofessional

Amanda K. Lopez

Amanda K. Lopez

Paraprofessional

Contact

Amanda
Lopez

Campus Aide

Amanda Lopez

Amanda Lopez

Campus Aide

Contact

Amy
Weng

ELD Interventionist

Amy Weng

Amy Weng

ELD Interventionist

Contact

Ana L.
Martinez

Lead Executive Officer

Ana L. Martinez

Ana L. Martinez

Lead Executive Officer

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.

 

Contact

Ana
Magana

Maintenance

Ana Magana

Ana Magana

Maintenance

Contact

Ana Maria
Martinez

Meal Server

Ana Maria Martinez

Ana Maria Martinez

Meal Server

Contact

Ana
Vargas

Vice President of Human Resources

Ana Vargas

Ana Vargas

Vice President of Human Resources

Contact

Anahi
Perez

Teacher

Anahi Perez

Anahi Perez

Teacher

Contact

Andrea
Chicaiza

Teacher

Andrea Chicaiza

Andrea Chicaiza

Teacher

Contact

Andrea
Garcia Chavez

College & Career Counseling Assistant

Andrea Garcia Chavez

Andrea Garcia Chavez

College & Career Counseling Assistant

Contact

Andrea
Lopez Quintana

Instructional Assistant

Andrea Lopez Quintana

Andrea Lopez Quintana

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Andrea
Padilla

Teacher

Andrea Padilla

Andrea Padilla

Teacher

Contact

Andres
Paniagua

Dean of Student Culture

Andres Paniagua

Andres Paniagua

Dean of Student Culture

Contact

Angel
Cerritos

Transition Specialist

Angel Cerritos

Angel Cerritos

Transition Specialist

Contact

Angel
Hernandez-Romero

Teacher

Angel Hernandez-Romero

Angel Hernandez-Romero

Teacher

Contact

Angelica
Quintero Caballero

Teacher

Angelica Quintero Caballero

Angelica Quintero Caballero

Teacher

Contact

Angelina
Calderon

Vice President of Outreach and Engagement

Angelina Calderon

Angelina Calderon

Vice President of Outreach and Engagement

Contact

Angelique
Lopez

Teacher

Angelique Lopez

Angelique Lopez

Teacher

Contact

Angie
Trae-Greenbarg

Assistant Principal

Angie Trae-Greenbarg

Angie Trae-Greenbarg

Assistant Principal

Contact

Anita
Pande

Teacher

Anita Pande

Anita Pande

Teacher

Contact

Anthony
Flores Medina

Instructional Assistant

Anthony Flores Medina

Anthony Flores Medina

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Anthony
Lentz

Counselor

Anthony Lentz

Anthony Lentz

Counselor

Contact

Antonio
Montiel

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Antonio Montiel

Antonio Montiel

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

April Joy
De Vera

Teacher

April Joy De Vera

April Joy De Vera

Teacher

Contact

Araceli
Alvarado

Maintenance

Araceli Alvarado

Araceli Alvarado

Maintenance

Contact

Ari
Engelberg

Founding Board Chair and Executive Director Emeritus

Ari Engelberg

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. 

Contact

Arlene
Rivera

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Arlene Rivera

Arlene Rivera

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Arlene
Torres

Lead Instructional Assistant

Arlene Torres

Arlene Torres

Lead Instructional Assistant

Contact

Arlin
Ramirez

Instructional Assistant

Arlin Ramirez

Arlin Ramirez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Arpi
Tamzarian

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Arpi Tamzarian

Arpi Tamzarian

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Ashley
Chameides

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Ashley Chameides

Ashley Chameides

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Ashley
Colburn

Director of Teacher Induction and Development

Ashley Colburn

Ashley Colburn

Director of Teacher Induction and Development

Contact

Asma
Ali-Dodough

Assistant Principal of Student & Family Services

Asma Ali-Dodough

Asma Ali-Dodough

Assistant Principal of Student & Family Services

Contact

Aya
Cheung

Controller

Aya Cheung

Aya Cheung

Controller

Contact

Beatriz
Aparicio

Office Manager

Beatriz Aparicio

Beatriz Aparicio

Office Manager

Contact

Benjamin
Katcher

Teacher

Benjamin Katcher

Benjamin Katcher

Teacher

Contact

Bernadette
McComish

Teacher

Bernadette McComish

Bernadette McComish

Teacher

Contact

Beth
Pollak

Instructional Coach

Beth Pollak

Beth Pollak

Instructional Coach

Contact

Betsy
Diaz

Assistant Principal

Betsy Diaz

Betsy Diaz

Assistant Principal

Contact

Blake
Dicicco

Teacher

Blake Dicicco

Blake Dicicco

Teacher

Contact

Breana
Baskerville

Dean of Academic Support

Breana Baskerville

Breana Baskerville

Dean of Academic Support

Contact

Brenda
Zavala Govea

Instructional Assistant

Brenda Zavala Govea

Brenda Zavala Govea

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Brian
Martinez

Community Schools Manager

Brian Martinez

Brian Martinez

Community Schools Manager

Contact

Brian
Ortiz

Campus Aide

Brian Ortiz

Brian Ortiz

Campus Aide

Contact

Brian
Perry

Principal, Valor Academy Middle School

Brian Perry

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. 

Contact

Brianna
Alcocer

Teacher

Brianna Alcocer

Brianna Alcocer

Teacher

Contact

Briannah
Walters

Teacher

Briannah Walters

Briannah Walters

Teacher

Contact

Briceida
Gallegos

Counselor

Briceida Gallegos

Briceida Gallegos

Counselor

Contact

Bridget
Sibley

Speech & Language Pathologist

Bridget Sibley

Bridget Sibley

Speech & Language Pathologist

Contact

Bryan
Aguillon

Campus Aide

Bryan Aguillon

Bryan Aguillon

Campus Aide

Contact

Bryan
Alfaro

School Data Specialist

Bryan Alfaro

Bryan Alfaro

School Data Specialist

Contact

Bryan
Kaleta

Teacher

Bryan Kaleta

Bryan Kaleta

Teacher

Contact

Caitlin
Anzoleaga

Teacher

Caitlin Anzoleaga

Caitlin Anzoleaga

Teacher

Contact

Caitlin
Han

Teacher

Caitlin Han

Caitlin Han

Teacher

Contact

Candace
Ross

School Counselor

Candace Ross

Candace Ross

School Counselor

Contact

Carissa
Gonzalez

Teacher

Carissa Gonzalez

Carissa Gonzalez

Teacher

Contact

Carla
Aguirre

School Psychologist

Carla Aguirre

Carla Aguirre

School Psychologist

Contact

Carla
Chavez

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Carla Chavez

Carla Chavez

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Carla
Pulido Ruiz

Assistant Dean of Restorative Practices

Carla Pulido Ruiz

Carla Pulido Ruiz

Assistant Dean of Restorative Practices

Contact

Carla
Weber

Teacher

Carla Weber

Carla Weber

Teacher

Contact

Carlos
Contreras

Teacher

Carlos Contreras

Carlos Contreras

Teacher

Contact

Carlos
Cordova

Maintenance

Carlos Cordova

Carlos Cordova

Maintenance

Contact

Carlos
Somoza

Gardening and Cooking Coordinator

Carlos Somoza

Carlos Somoza

Gardening and Cooking Coordinator

Contact

Carmen
Garcia-Shushtari

Senior Manager, Marketing

Carmen Garcia-Shushtari

Carmen Garcia-Shushtari

Senior Manager, Marketing

Contact

Carolina
Gomez

Instructional Assistant

Carolina Gomez

Carolina Gomez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Carolina
Mora

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Carolina Mora

Carolina Mora

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Contact

Catlyn
Preffer

Teacher

Catlyn Preffer

Catlyn Preffer

Teacher

Contact

Cecilia
Cueva

Teacher

Cecilia Cueva

Cecilia Cueva

Teacher

Contact

Celia
Fang

School Counselor

Celia Fang

Celia Fang

School Counselor

Contact

Chanel
Williams Hungerford

Teacher

Chanel Williams Hungerford

Chanel Williams Hungerford

Teacher

Contact

Charlotte
Seymore

Dean of Restorative Practices

Charlotte Seymore

Charlotte Seymore

Dean of Restorative Practices

Contact

Charne
Tunson

Teacher

Charne Tunson

Charne Tunson

Teacher

Contact

Chelsea
Nguyen

Counselor

Chelsea Nguyen

Chelsea Nguyen

Counselor

Contact

Chia-Hsuan
Weng

ELD Interventionist

Chia-Hsuan Weng

Chia-Hsuan Weng

ELD Interventionist

Contact

China
Habte

Head of Accounting & Fiscal Services

China Habte

China Habte

Head of Accounting & Fiscal Services

Contact

Chloe
Resler

Teacher

Chloe Resler

Chloe Resler

Teacher

Contact

Christian
Navarro

Campus Aide

Christian Navarro

Christian Navarro

Campus Aide

Contact

Christian
Risquez

Community Schools Manager

Christian Risquez

Christian Risquez

Community Schools Manager

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Christian
Sandoval

Teacher

Christian Sandoval

Christian Sandoval

Teacher

Contact

Christie
Romero

Teacher

Christie Romero

Christie Romero

Teacher

Contact

Christina
Siddall

Teacher

Christina Siddall

Christina Siddall

Teacher

Contact

Christopher
Flaherty

Teacher

Christopher Flaherty

Christopher Flaherty

Teacher

Contact

Christopher
Simpson

Teacher

Christopher Simpson

Christopher Simpson

Teacher

Contact

Christopher
Wellbrook

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Christopher Wellbrook

Christopher Wellbrook

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Contact

Ciro
Zavala

Maintenance

Ciro Zavala

Ciro Zavala

Maintenance

Contact

Claire
Kwon

Substitute Teacher

Claire Kwon

Claire Kwon

Substitute Teacher

Contact

Clara
Garay

Lead Instructional Mentor

Clara Garay

Clara Garay

Lead Instructional Mentor

Contact

Claudia
Cortez

Instructional Assistant

Claudia Cortez

Claudia Cortez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Claudia
Gardner

Office Manager

Claudia Gardner

Claudia Gardner

Office Manager

Contact

Claudia
Jerez Sneed

Claudia Jerez Sneed

Claudia Jerez Sneed

Contact

Colin
Yamashita

Teacher

Colin Yamashita

Colin Yamashita

Teacher

Contact

Colleen
Trejo

Assistant Principal

Colleen Trejo

Colleen Trejo

Assistant Principal

Contact

Cristian
Martinez

Teacher

Cristian Martinez

Cristian Martinez

Teacher

Contact

Cristina
Valencia

Lead Instructional Assistant

Cristina Valencia

Cristina Valencia

Lead Instructional Assistant

Contact

Curtis
Nash

Dean of Student & Family Services

Curtis Nash

Curtis Nash

Dean of Student & Family Services

Contact

Curtis
Spiller

Teacher

Curtis Spiller

Curtis Spiller

Teacher

Contact

Cynthia
Astorga

Counselor

Cynthia Astorga

Cynthia Astorga

Counselor

Contact

Cynthia
Trigueros

Principal, Rise Kohyang High School

Cynthia Trigueros

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.

Contact

Daisy
Gomez

School Data Specialist

Daisy Gomez

Daisy Gomez

School Data Specialist

Contact

Dalton
Arnhart

Teacher

Dalton Arnhart

Dalton Arnhart

Teacher

Contact

Damarrius
Thompson

Teacher

Damarrius Thompson

Damarrius Thompson

Teacher

Contact

Dana
Daniels

Teacher

Dana Daniels

Dana Daniels

Teacher

Contact

Daniel
Abner

Community Schools Manager

Daniel Abner

Daniel Abner

Community Schools Manager

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Daniel
Garcia

Cluster Data Lead

Daniel Garcia

Daniel Garcia

Cluster Data Lead

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Daniel
Gross

Instructional Assistant

Daniel Gross

Daniel Gross

Instructional Assistant

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Daniel
Lee

Receptionist

Daniel Lee

Daniel Lee

Receptionist

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Daniel
Pryor

Dean of Academic Supports

Daniel Pryor

Daniel Pryor

Dean of Academic Supports

Contact

Daniela
Feria

IT Helpdesk

Daniela Feria

Daniela Feria

IT Helpdesk

Contact

Danielle
Starr

Teacher

Danielle Starr

Danielle Starr

Teacher

Contact

Danny
Oliver

Dean of Operations

Danny Oliver

Danny Oliver

Dean of Operations

Contact

Darian
White

Teacher

Darian White

Darian White

Teacher

Contact

Darrell
Johnson

Paraprofessional

Darrell Johnson

Darrell Johnson

Paraprofessional

Contact

Darryl
Garris

Principal, Stella High Charter Academy

Darryl Garris

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.

Contact

David
Correa

Teacher

David Correa

David Correa

Teacher

Contact

David
Liebhauser

Teacher

David Liebhauser

David Liebhauser

Teacher

Contact

David
Salinas

Instructional Assistant

David Salinas

David Salinas

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Dawn
North

Wellness Coordinator

Dawn North

Dawn North

Wellness Coordinator

Contact

Dayna
Rosso

Teacher

Dayna Rosso

Dayna Rosso

Teacher

Contact

Deana
Estrada Wu

Dean of Instruction

Deana Estrada Wu

Deana Estrada Wu

Dean of Instruction

Contact

Delma
Rosales

Dean of Operations

Delma Rosales

Delma Rosales

Dean of Operations

Contact

Dennis
Paek

Teacher

Dennis Paek

Dennis Paek

Teacher

Contact

Desirae
Dickinson

Teacher

Desirae Dickinson

Desirae Dickinson

Teacher

Contact

Desiree
Escobar

Teacher

Desiree Escobar

Desiree Escobar

Teacher

Contact

Devin
Diaz

Teacher

Devin Diaz

Devin Diaz

Teacher

Contact

Deysi
Menjivar

Instructional Assistant

Deysi Menjivar

Deysi Menjivar

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Diane
Pyo

Teacher

Diane Pyo

Diane Pyo

Teacher

Contact

Dominic
Redix

Teacher

Dominic Redix

Dominic Redix

Teacher

Contact

Dr. Eliza
Kimly

Head of Schools, Bright Star Schools

Dr. Eliza Kimly

Dr. Eliza Kimly

Head of Schools, Bright Star Schools

Dr. Eliza KimLy is the co-Head of Schools for Bright Star Schools, and the former founding principal of Rise Kohyang Middle School. As co-Head of Schools, she leads the development and execution of a rigorous instructional program that serves all students and supports principals to achieve their schools’ goals.

Dr. KimLy joined Bright Star Schools as a science teacher in 2004. After teaching both science and English Language Arts for three years, she served Bright Star Schools as assistant principal, principal, and director of instruction.


A Los Angeles-born native who grew up in Koreatown, Dr. KimLy wanted to give back to her “kohyang” (“hometown”). She founded Rise Kohyang Middle School in 2012 to serve the educational needs of families who live in Koreatown.

Prior to joining Bright Star Schools, Dr. KimLy served as a teacher, substitute teacher, student teacher, and teacher’s assistant for the Los Angeles, Culver City, and Beverly Hills Unified School Districts.

Dr. KimLy holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in American Studies from the University of Southern California; a teaching credential and master’s degree in education; and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Her administrative credential was completed at Loyola Marymount University’s Institute of School Leadership & Administration.

Contact

Edwin
Hernandez

Teacher

Edwin Hernandez

Edwin Hernandez

Teacher

Contact

Ekaterina
Mikhailova

Instructional Assistant

Ekaterina Mikhailova

Ekaterina Mikhailova

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Elba
Cortez

Instructional Assistant

Elba Cortez

Elba Cortez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Elijah
Sugay

Chief Business Officer

Elijah Sugay

Elijah Sugay

Chief Business Officer

Elijah Sugay grew up in the San Fernando Valley near our Valor Academy schools and was the first employee hired at Valor Academy Middle School (VAMS). Elijah became the Founding Director of Finance and Operations for VAMS and helped the school launch and grow into the successful institution it is today. 

After serving at VAMS for four years, Elijah became Senior Director of Operations for Bright Star Schools and then Vice President of Facilities and Finance for Bright Star, where he oversaw facilities and finance for all 9 Bright Star schools and helped build permanent campuses for Valor Academy Middle School, Valor Academy High School, and Stella Middle Charter Academy.

As Chief Business Officer, Elijah leads all facilities projects for Bright Star Schools, as well as Bright Star’s fiscal health. He supports school leaders to develop sustainable budgets that meet their schools’ highest needs, priorities, and visions for how they want to achieve our mission on behalf of the students we serve.

Elijah holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA.

 

Contact

Elizabeth
Carter

Director of Expanded Learning

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter

Director of Expanded Learning

Contact

Elizabeth
Rojas

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Elizabeth Rojas

Elizabeth Rojas

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Originally born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Elizabeth, a first-generation college graduate, went to Gertz-Ressler High School near the Pico-Union area of the city. At 18, she took the biggest leap of faith that would change her life and moved to the midwest to attend the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

St. Joseph became her new home for the next 4 years. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Studies and Communications, and also studied abroad in Guatemala where she was able to connect to her roots through food and poetry.

After graduating from college, Elizabeth served in College Possible AmeriCorps as a college coach, where she mentored and coached numerous first-generation and low-income college students. She then became a high school college counselor for the next 4 years at a private Jesuit high school in Twin Cities, Minnesota. She fulfilled a goal of 100% college acceptance rate for all students and collaborated with Georgetown University to create a retention and persistence program.

After living in Minnesota for 10 years, she returned to replant her California roots. She is thankful and grateful for the countless mentors she had along her journey. She looks to pay it forward to under-resourced and historically excluded communities to ensure they have access to information, resources, and higher education.

Contact

Elizel
Palma

Teacher

Elizel Palma

Elizel Palma

Teacher

Contact

Elsa
Flores

Teacher

Elsa Flores

Elsa Flores

Teacher

Contact

Elsy
Ordones Menjivar

Custodian

Elsy Ordones Menjivar

Elsy Ordones Menjivar

Custodian

Contact

Elyssa
Arroyo

Teacher

Elyssa Arroyo

Elyssa Arroyo

Teacher

Contact

Eman
Fakhr

Science Instructional Coach

Eman Fakhr

Eman Fakhr

Science Instructional Coach

Contact

Emily
Cano

Temporary Counselor

Emily Cano

Emily Cano

Temporary Counselor

Contact

Emily
Mitchell

Teacher

Emily Mitchell

Emily Mitchell

Teacher

Contact

Emily
Robles

Paraprofessional

Emily Robles

Emily Robles

Paraprofessional

Contact

Emma
Bideau

Instructional Interventionist

Emma Bideau

Emma Bideau

Instructional Interventionist

Contact

Emma
Stotts

Community Schools Manager

Emma Stotts

Emma Stotts

Community Schools Manager

Contact

Emory
Kim

Teacher

Emory Kim

Emory Kim

Teacher

Contact

Emy
Sosa

Instructional Assistant

Emy Sosa

Emy Sosa

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Enrico
Cosinas

Teacher

Enrico Cosinas

Enrico Cosinas

Teacher

Contact

Eric
Luna

Assistant Dean of Student Support

Eric Luna

Eric Luna

Assistant Dean of Student Support

Contact

Eric
Rodriguez

Dean of Operations

Eric Rodriguez

Eric Rodriguez

Dean of Operations

Contact

Eric
Tran

IT Helpdesk

Eric Tran

Eric Tran

IT Helpdesk

Contact

Erica
Johnson

Teacher

Erica Johnson

Erica Johnson

Teacher

Contact

Erik
Andersen

Teacher

Erik Andersen

Erik Andersen

Teacher

Contact

Erika
Castillo Rico

Paraprofessional

Erika Castillo Rico

Erika Castillo Rico

Paraprofessional

Contact

Erika
Sierra

Instructional Assistant

Erika Sierra

Erika Sierra

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Esmeralda
Reynaga

Instructional Assistant

Esmeralda Reynaga

Esmeralda Reynaga

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Evelyn
Moran

Counselor

Evelyn Moran

Evelyn Moran

Counselor

Contact

Fatima
Montiel

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Fatima Montiel

Fatima Montiel

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Fernando
Lupian

Teacher

Fernando Lupian

Fernando Lupian

Teacher

Contact

Forrest
Sprague

Teacher

Forrest Sprague

Forrest Sprague

Teacher

Contact

Francesca
Barragan

Office Manager

Francesca Barragan

Francesca Barragan

Office Manager

Contact

Francisco
Cordova

Maintenance

Francisco Cordova

Francisco Cordova

Maintenance

Contact

Francisco
Uriarte Salazar

Cluster Data Coordinator

Francisco Uriarte Salazar

Francisco Uriarte Salazar

Cluster Data Coordinator

Contact

Frank
Amezcua

Teacher

Frank Amezcua

Frank Amezcua

Teacher

Contact

Frank
Pineda

Teacher

Frank Pineda

Frank Pineda

Teacher

Contact

Freddy
Zuniga

Instructional Assistant

Freddy Zuniga

Freddy Zuniga

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Gabriel
Gonzalez

Instructional Assistant

Gabriel Gonzalez

Gabriel Gonzalez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Gabriela
Esparza

Dean of Operations

Gabriela Esparza

Gabriela Esparza

Dean of Operations

Contact

Gabriela
Monje

Dean of Operations

Gabriela Monje

Gabriela Monje

Dean of Operations

Contact

Gabriela
Nunez-Carrera

Instructional Assistant

Gabriela Nunez-Carrera

Gabriela Nunez-Carrera

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Gaspar
Gudino

Campus Aide

Gaspar Gudino

Gaspar Gudino

Campus Aide

Contact

Gene
Castro

Principal, Stella Elementary Charter Academy

Gene Castro

Gene Castro

Principal, Stella Elementary Charter Academy

At Stella Elementary Charter Academy (SECA), Gene Castro leads the school to ensure all Lionesses achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so that they find joy and fulfillment in higher education, career, and life. His mission is that SECA students are able to build a strong foundation in literacy, mathematical practice, social-emotional competencies, and social justice education before continuing onto middle school.

Previously, Gene served Bright Star Schools as Stella Elementary’s Assistant Principal of Instruction. Under his leadership, Stella Elementary improved its English Language Development program and increased the English learner reclassification rate from 1% to 14%. The school also launched its first after-school tutoring program for students with the highest academic needs.

Prior to joining Bright Star Schools, Gene joined Teach For America and taught upper elementary on the East Coast. During this time, he received training on leadership and coaching, and eventually served as a Corps Member Advisor at the Teach For America National Philadelphia Institute. In 2015, he helped found a charter school in South Los Angeles where he served as a classroom teacher and then Dean of Culture. He holds a Bachelor's degree in international/global studies from UC Santa Barbara and a Master’s degree in elementary education from Wilmington University.

Contact

Genesis
Peinder

Teacher

Genesis Peinder

Genesis Peinder

Teacher

Contact

Genevie
Santiago

Instructional Assistant

Genevie Santiago

Genevie Santiago

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Genoveva
Cortes

Director, Alumni Support and College Success

Genoveva Cortes

Genoveva Cortes

Director, Alumni Support and College Success

Supporting: All Bright Star Schools Alumni with with the graduate school application process

M.A., Harvard Graduate School of Education, Class of 2010

B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, Class of 1997

Genoveva Garibay Cortes has over two decades of experience working as an elementary and middle school teacher, K-12 and college administrator, and program coordinator. She was Bright Star Schools’ founding math teacher for Stella Middle Charter Academy in 2003, and currently serves as the Director of the Alumni Support and College Success (ASCS) Program for the organization. Geno developed and launched Bright Star’s ASCS Program to support the organization’s alumni to persist in and graduate from higher education. ASCS tracks, supports, and coaches Bright Star Schools' alumni to get to and through higher education, with a goal of 60% of Bright Star Schools alumni graduating with a bachelor's or associate's degree, vocational certificate, or from a workplace development program within six years of high school graduation. Geno is a former foster youth and the first in her family to have graduated from college. She is passionate about educational equity and reform, and social justice. 

Contact

Georgina
Perez

Campus Aide

Georgina Perez

Georgina Perez

Campus Aide

Contact

Ginnia
Hargins

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Ginnia Hargins

Ginnia Hargins

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Contact

Gisselle
Flores

Instructional Assistant

Gisselle Flores

Gisselle Flores

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Gloria
Cuevas Galeana

Teacher

Gloria Cuevas Galeana

Gloria Cuevas Galeana

Teacher

Contact

Gloria
Hamilton

Crossing Guard

Gloria Hamilton

Gloria Hamilton

Crossing Guard

Contact

Gurpreet
Kaur

Teacher

Gurpreet Kaur

Gurpreet Kaur

Teacher

Contact

Gustavo
Herrera

Teacher

Gustavo Herrera

Gustavo Herrera

Teacher

Contact

Gustavo
Morales Lariosa

Teacher

Gustavo Morales Lariosa

Gustavo Morales Lariosa

Teacher

Contact

Gustavo
Padilla

Teacher

Gustavo Padilla

Gustavo Padilla

Teacher

Contact

Haily
Hernandez

Campus Aide

Haily Hernandez

Haily Hernandez

Campus Aide

Contact

Han Na
Park

Counselor

Han Na Park

Han Na Park

Counselor

Contact

Hannah
Rockey

Teacher

Hannah Rockey

Hannah Rockey

Teacher

Contact

Haruko
Hatakeda

School Psychologist

Haruko Hatakeda

Haruko Hatakeda

School Psychologist

Contact

Hector
Contreras

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Hector Contreras

Hector Contreras

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Heidi
Bretado

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Heidi Bretado

Heidi Bretado

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Hrag
Hamalian

Founder and Executive Director, Valor Academy Middle School; Bright Star Schools Executive Director Emeritus

Hrag Hamalian

Hrag Hamalian

Founder and Executive Director, Valor Academy Middle School; Bright Star Schools Executive Director Emeritus

Hrag Manuel Hamalian previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bright Star Schools. Hrag strategically grew Bright Star Schools from four to nine schools, and created a community-based schools model that provides a transitional kindergarten to 12th grade education, plus 6 years of higher education support, for over 3,500 students across Los Angeles.

Prior to joining Bright Star, Hrag founded Valor Academy Middle School, a high performing 5th through 8th grade charter public school in Los Angeles. In 2013, Hrag helped lead the strategic merger of Valor and Bright Star, the first merger between two successful charter organizations in Los Angeles.

In 2011, Hrag was the recipient of Boston College's prestigious Gold Award, honoring him as alumnus of the decade. Hrag holds a double-major bachelor’s degree from Boston College in biology and honors English, a master’s degree in secondary education from Loyola Marymount University, and a master’s in business administration from UCLA.

Hrag is a Broad Academy Fellow, Aspen Institute Fellow, an Achievement First Accelerator Fellow, a Building Excellent Schools Fellow, and a Teach for America Corps Member. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for ExEd and Building Excellent Schools.

Contact

Huang
Li

School Psychologist

Huang Li

Huang Li

School Psychologist

Contact

Hwayoung
Jeon

Teacher

Hwayoung Jeon

Hwayoung Jeon

Teacher

Contact

Hyun
Kim

Dean of Academic Supports

Hyun Kim

Hyun Kim

Dean of Academic Supports

Contact

Ibian
Cervantes

Teacher

Ibian Cervantes

Ibian Cervantes

Teacher

Contact

Idalia
Farias Izaguirre

Campus Aide

Idalia Farias Izaguirre

Idalia Farias Izaguirre

Campus Aide

Contact

Idera
Adagun

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Idera Adagun

Idera Adagun

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Supporting: VAHS & SHCA Class of 2018-2023 (Community College & CTE programs)

MPA, Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington, Class of 2019

B.A., Barnard College, Class of 2015

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Idera Adagun’s passion for college access and success started at a young age. With a mother who received her master’s in special education and a father who emigrated from Nigeria with only a high school education, she grew up hearing various perspectives on how college would help overcome the societal inequalities that come with being African-American, low-income, female, and from an inner city. 

These narratives followed her through various education nonprofits, leadership development programs, Downtown Magnet High School and eventually college, where in 2015 she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Africana Studies from Barnard College of Columbia University. 

In pursuit of supporting students like herself, Idera went on to complete a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance in 2019. There, she focused her research on Social Policy, Education Policy, and Nonprofit Management. Most notably, she completed a graduate internship with the UW Academic Support Programs Office. 

Idera has gone on to serve as the Assistant Director of the Summer Academy with Thrive Scholars (formerly South Central Scholars/SCS Noonan Scholars), helping high school graduates prepare for the academic and socio-emotional transition into college. Her most recent roles of College Counselor and College Success Director at C5LA also helped Idera further her passion of getting first-generation, low-income, and minoritized students to and through college.

Idera is excited to bring her years of experience, resources, and knowledge to Bright Star Schools as the Alumni Support and College Success Coordinator for VAHS & SHCA’s community college and CTE alumni. She hopes to help alumni reach their full potential, complete postsecondary programs, and enter into careers no matter the circumstances or challenges stacked against them.

Contact

Ihab
Gabra

Teacher

Ihab Gabra

Ihab Gabra

Teacher

Contact

Ilaria
Schlitz

Teacher

Ilaria Schlitz

Ilaria Schlitz

Teacher

Contact

Iliana
Dorantes

Counselor

Iliana Dorantes

Iliana Dorantes

Counselor

Contact

Iliana
Ortiz

Instructional Assistant/After School Program Supervisor

Iliana Ortiz

Iliana Ortiz

Instructional Assistant/After School Program Supervisor

Contact

Inhee
Kim

Teacher

Inhee Kim

Inhee Kim

Teacher

Contact

Irene
Cordova

Meal Server

Irene Cordova

Irene Cordova

Meal Server

Contact

Iris
Hwang

Teacher

Iris Hwang

Iris Hwang

Teacher

Contact

Isaac
Nef

Teacher

Isaac Nef

Isaac Nef

Teacher

Contact

Isabel
Cuevas

Instructional Assistant

Isabel Cuevas

Isabel Cuevas

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Ixchel
Paul

Paraprofessional

Ixchel Paul

Ixchel Paul

Paraprofessional

Contact

Jackeline
Guzman

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Jackeline Guzman

Jackeline Guzman

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Jacklyn
Noriega

Teacher

Jacklyn Noriega

Jacklyn Noriega

Teacher

Contact

Jaclyn
Mora

Cluster Data Coordinator

Jaclyn Mora

Jaclyn Mora

Cluster Data Coordinator

Contact

Jacob
Drori

Teacher

Jacob Drori

Jacob Drori

Teacher

Contact

Jacqueline
Guzman

Instructional Assistant

Jacqueline Guzman

Jacqueline Guzman

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jacqueline
Martinez

Instructional Assistant

Jacqueline Martinez

Jacqueline Martinez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jacqueline
Orellana

Office Manager

Jacqueline Orellana

Jacqueline Orellana

Office Manager

Contact

Jahvon
Hayes

Campus Aide

Jahvon Hayes

Jahvon Hayes

Campus Aide

Contact

Jaime
Hernandez

Vice President of Information Technology

Jaime Hernandez

Jaime Hernandez

Vice President of Information Technology

Contact

Jane
Han

Principal, Stella Middle Charter Academy

Jane Han

Jane Han

Principal, Stella Middle Charter Academy

Jane Han is the principal for Stella Middle Charter Academy, and she leads the school to ensure all Gryffons achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so that they find joy and fulfillment in higher education, career, and life.

Previously, Jane served Bright Star Schools as Stella Middle Charter Academy’s assistant principal of instruction, and as a math teacher, department leader, and mentor teacher where she coached teachers to elevate student achievement. As a math teacher, Jane taught courses ranging from pre-algebra through AP Calculus, in charter public schools in Los Angeles.

Jane holds a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology with a minor in mathematics from Columbia University and a master’s degree in teaching of mathematics from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education.

Contact

Janelle
Beck

Teacher

Janelle Beck

Janelle Beck

Teacher

Contact

Janis
Cervantes Chavez

Campus Aide

Janis Cervantes Chavez

Janis Cervantes Chavez

Campus Aide

Contact

Jarol
Dubon Argueta

Campus Aide

Jarol Dubon Argueta

Jarol Dubon Argueta

Campus Aide

Contact

Jasmine
Mearns

Teacher

Jasmine Mearns

Jasmine Mearns

Teacher

Contact

Javier
Caldera

Teacher

Javier Caldera

Javier Caldera

Teacher

Contact

Jazbeth
Aguilar

Instructional Assistant

Jazbeth Aguilar

Jazbeth Aguilar

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jeancarlo
Villatoro

Dean of Operations

Jeancarlo Villatoro

Jeancarlo Villatoro

Dean of Operations

Contact

Jeannette
Gomez

Campus Aide

Jeannette Gomez

Jeannette Gomez

Campus Aide

Contact

Jeff
Hilger

Founder

Jeff Hilger

Jeff Hilger

Founder

Jeff Hilger attended St. Paul the Apostle School and founded and named the first Bright Star School, Stella Academy, in honor of his K-8 school Principal, Sr. Stella Maria Enright, D.M.J. After attending Loyola High School ('88) and Georgetown University ('92), he joined Teach For America and spent several years teaching in bilingual classroom throughout Los Angeles. He later attended UCLA Law School ('98) and earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning before being selected for a U.S. District Court Clerkship and becoming an attorney. While working for Proskauer Rose LLP, he worked on a pro bono project to help open the Los Angeles Leadership Academy. He also visited KIPP Houston several times and, in partnership with Fr. Ken Deasy and many people from St. Agatha’s Parish Family in mid-city Los Angeles, was able to raise funds and engage community interests to found and open the Stella Middle Charter Academy in 2003 as its first Principal Teacher. In 2006, with the help of Sr. Ramona Bascom, O.P., who served as the first principal of the high school, Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy, Jeff became the first Executive Director of Bright Star Schools.

The founding of Stella Academy and Bright Star grew out of Jeff’s desire to give students in the mid-city Los Angeles community the same educational opportunities he himself had benefited from while in school. Jeff and Bright Star parted ways in 2013 after he spent a yearlong sabbatical in Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain while working on projects for the schools. He is currently the Director of Education for the New Opportunities Organization, which serves adult students – both inside county jails as well as throughout Los Angeles County at multiple community partner locations – who return to school to earn a high school diploma. He is also a practicing attorney focused, in part, on clients who are underserved by traditional legal services models.

Contact

Jennifer
Akshlomo

School Psychologist

Jennifer Akshlomo

Jennifer Akshlomo

School Psychologist

Contact

Jennifer
Anaya Sanchez

Principal, Valor Academy High School

Jennifer Anaya Sanchez

Jennifer Anaya Sanchez

Principal, Valor Academy High School

Contact

Jennifer
Presuel

Athletic Director/Assistant Dean of Operations

Jennifer Presuel

Jennifer Presuel

Athletic Director/Assistant Dean of Operations

Contact

Jennifer
Shetland

Teacher

Jennifer Shetland

Jennifer Shetland

Teacher

Contact

Jennifer
Simmons

Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction

Jennifer Simmons

Jennifer Simmons

Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction

Contact

Jessica
De Luna

Dean of Instruction

Jessica De Luna

Jessica De Luna

Dean of Instruction

Contact

Jessica
Fernandez

Teacher

Jessica Fernandez

Jessica Fernandez

Teacher

Contact

Jessica
Garcia Mercado

Assistant Principal of Student Culture

Jessica Garcia Mercado

Jessica Garcia Mercado

Assistant Principal of Student Culture

Contact

Jessica
Lozano

Instructional Assistant

Jessica Lozano

Jessica Lozano

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jessica
Luna

Campus Aide

Jessica Luna

Jessica Luna

Campus Aide

Contact

Jessica
Mariano

Instructional Assistant

Jessica Mariano

Jessica Mariano

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jessica
Rios

Teacher

Jessica Rios

Jessica Rios

Teacher

Contact

Jessica
Romero

Instructional Assistant

Jessica Romero

Jessica Romero

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jessica
Sorto

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Jessica Sorto

Jessica Sorto

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Jessica
Sutherland

Attendance Clerk/Office Assistant

Jessica Sutherland

Jessica Sutherland

Attendance Clerk/Office Assistant

Contact

Jessica
Valenciano Corona

Teacher

Jessica Valenciano Corona

Jessica Valenciano Corona

Teacher

Contact

Jessica
Zabala

Jessica Zabala

Jessica Zabala

Contact

Jesus
Flores

Dean of Restorative Practices

Jesus Flores

Jesus Flores

Dean of Restorative Practices

Contact

Jesus
Ramirez

Assistant Principal

Jesus Ramirez

Jesus Ramirez

Assistant Principal

Contact

Jesus
Regalado

IT Help Desk

Jesus Regalado

Jesus Regalado

IT Help Desk

Contact

Jill
Massinger

Staff

Jill Massinger

Jill Massinger

Staff

Contact

Jocelyn
Angarita

Teacher

Jocelyn Angarita

Jocelyn Angarita

Teacher

Contact

Jocelyn
Flores

School Counselor

Jocelyn Flores

Jocelyn Flores

School Counselor

Contact

Jocelyn
Fofrich

Teacher

Jocelyn Fofrich

Jocelyn Fofrich

Teacher

Contact

Jocelynn
Velazquez

Instructional Assistant

Jocelynn Velazquez

Jocelynn Velazquez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Johanna
Lopez

Office Manager

Johanna Lopez

Johanna Lopez

Office Manager

Contact

Johanna
Madrid-Gastelum

Dean of Culture and Restorative Practices

Johanna Madrid-Gastelum

Johanna Madrid-Gastelum

Dean of Culture and Restorative Practices

Contact

Johanna
Montiel

Office Assistant

Johanna Montiel

Johanna Montiel

Office Assistant

Contact

Johanna
Morales

Office Assistant

Johanna Morales

Johanna Morales

Office Assistant

Contact

Johanna
Rodriguez

Instructional Assistant

Johanna Rodriguez

Johanna Rodriguez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

John
Collura

Teacher

John Collura

John Collura

Teacher

Contact

John
Nelson

Teacher

John Nelson

John Nelson

Teacher

Contact

John
Saddler

Teacher

John Saddler

John Saddler

Teacher

Contact

Johnny
Teran

Family Engagement Manager

Johnny Teran

Johnny Teran

Family Engagement Manager

Contact

Jonatan
Perez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Jonatan Perez

Jonatan Perez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Jonathan
Escobar

Vice President of Data Management

Jonathan Escobar

Jonathan Escobar

Vice President of Data Management

Contact

Jonathan
Meneses

Instructional Assistant

Jonathan Meneses

Jonathan Meneses

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jonathan
Merrick

Teacher

Jonathan Merrick

Jonathan Merrick

Teacher

Contact

Jonathan
Perez

IT Help Desk

Jonathan Perez

Jonathan Perez

IT Help Desk

Contact

Jorge
Castillo

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Jorge Castillo

Jorge Castillo

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Contact

Jorge
Gonzalez

At Promise Counselor Intern

Jorge Gonzalez

Jorge Gonzalez

At Promise Counselor Intern

Contact

Jose
Cabrera

Instructional Assistant

Jose Cabrera

Jose Cabrera

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jose
Ipina

Instructional Assistant

Jose Ipina

Jose Ipina

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Jose
Perez

Director of Facilities

Jose Perez

Jose Perez

Director of Facilities

Contact

Josefina
Martinez

Teacher

Josefina Martinez

Josefina Martinez

Teacher

Contact

Joseline
Lopez

Instructional Assistant

Joseline Lopez

Joseline Lopez

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Joselynee
Marquez

Campus Aide

Joselynee Marquez

Joselynee Marquez

Campus Aide

Contact

Joseph D.
Gonzalez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Joseph D. Gonzalez

Joseph D. Gonzalez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Joseph
Gonzalez

Counselor

Joseph Gonzalez

Joseph Gonzalez

Counselor

Contact

Joseph
Sloane

Counselor

Joseph Sloane

Joseph Sloane

Counselor

Contact

Joshua
Cabrera

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Joshua Cabrera

Joshua Cabrera

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Joylin
Wei

Instructional Assistant

Joylin Wei

Joylin Wei

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Juan
Orozco

Maintenance

Juan Orozco

Juan Orozco

Maintenance

Contact

Juana
Garcia

Maintenance

Juana Garcia

Juana Garcia

Maintenance

Contact

Julia
Davis

Teacher

Julia Davis

Julia Davis

Teacher

Contact

Juliana
Christakis

Instructional Assistant

Juliana Christakis

Juliana Christakis

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Julie
Shvarts

Speech & Language Pathologist

Julie Shvarts

Julie Shvarts

Speech & Language Pathologist

Contact

Julissa
Poz

Instructional Assistant

Julissa Poz

Julissa Poz

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Kaitlin
Allen

Founding Principal, Rise Kohyang Elementary School

Kaitlin Allen

Kaitlin Allen

Founding Principal, Rise Kohyang Elementary School

Kaitlin Allen is the founding principal of Rise Kohyang Elementary School, and she leads the school to ensure that the Dragons experience positive relationships with their teachers, a supportive and relevant curriculum, social-emotional learning, and joy.

Previously, Kaitlin served Bright Star Schools as assistant principal of instruction and as a high school English teacher for Valor Academy High School. Prior to joining Bright Star Schools, Kaitlin taught middle and high school English for four years in Memphis, TN.

Kaitlin holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Shepherd University, and a master’s degree in applied linguistics from Georgetown University.

Contact

Kaitlin
Foe

Chief of Staff

Kaitlin Foe

Kaitlin Foe

Chief of Staff

Kaitlin Foe has served Bright Star Schools since 2016, first as Director of School Development and Strategic Initiatives and then as Vice President of Strategy. As Chief of Staff, Kaitlin oversees numerous Bright Star functions, including marketing and communications, educational compliance, fundraising, and organizational strategy.

Kaitlin started her career as an elementary school teacher for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System in Louisiana with Teach For America. After her time in the classroom, she served at both City Year, Louisiana and later as a Teach For America staff member for four years. Kaitlin was selected as both an Education Pioneers Fellow and a Broad Resident, both prestigious and selective programs that identify and support the further development of promising education leaders. Kaitlin holds a bachelor’s degree from UCSD, a master’s degree in public policy analysis from USC, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The Broad Residency.

 

Contact

Karen
Medina

Community Schools Manager

Karen Medina

Karen Medina

Community Schools Manager

Contact

Karisa
Torres

Instructional Assistant

Karisa Torres

Karisa Torres

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Karissa
Shanley

Teacher

Karissa Shanley

Karissa Shanley

Teacher

Contact

Karlyn
Yngve

Enrollment Manager

Karlyn Yngve

Karlyn Yngve

Enrollment Manager

Contact

Katherine
Kuwada

Teacher

Katherine Kuwada

Katherine Kuwada

Teacher

Contact

Katherine
Wong

Teacher

Katherine Wong

Katherine Wong

Teacher

Contact

Kathryne
Edwards

Teacher

Kathryne Edwards

Kathryne Edwards

Teacher

Contact

Kayla
Lindstedt

Teacher

Kayla Lindstedt

Kayla Lindstedt

Teacher

Contact

Keben
Perez

Teacher

Keben Perez

Keben Perez

Teacher

Contact

Kendra
Racouillat

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Kendra Racouillat

Kendra Racouillat

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Contact

Kestler
Mencos Alonzo

Campus Aide

Kestler Mencos Alonzo

Kestler Mencos Alonzo

Campus Aide

Contact

Kevin
Huertos

Campus Aide

Kevin Huertos

Kevin Huertos

Campus Aide

Contact

Kevin
Pena Bustillo

Instructional Assistant

Kevin Pena Bustillo

Kevin Pena Bustillo

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Keyla
Huertos

Instructional Assistant

Keyla Huertos

Keyla Huertos

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Keyri
Arucha

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Keyri Arucha

Keyri Arucha

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Contact

Kimberly
Aguilar

Instructional Assistant

Kimberly Aguilar

Kimberly Aguilar

Instructional Assistant

Contact

Kimberly
Anaya

Campus Aide

Kimberly Anaya

Kimberly Anaya

Campus Aide

Contact

Kimberly
Arteaga

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Kimberly Arteaga

Kimberly Arteaga

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success
Supporting: RKHS Class of 2020-2023

B.A., UC San Diego, Class of 2014

Kimberly Arteaga received her B.A. in Human Development and minor in Chicana/o studies from UC San Diego. She was born and raised in LA and is the first one in her family to go to college and graduate. She has been supporting students in higher education, college access and retention programs for over 7 years. Part of her passion for working with students comes from her own lived experiences. Through her multiple roles she has supported and guided high school and college students in attaining higher education and beyond. She has also worked with community members and parents in supporting students' achieving their hopes and dreams.

Kimberly is excited to continue working with students in her current role as the RKHS Alumni Support and College Success Coordinator. She is here to support and guide students in achieving their maximum potential whether it is with attending higher education or entering the workforce.

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Kimberly
Martinez

Campus Aide

Kimberly Martinez

Kimberly Martinez

Campus Aide

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Kimberly
Sanders

Culture and Restorative Practices Specialist

Kimberly Sanders

Kimberly Sanders

Culture and Restorative Practices Specialist

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Kiyana
Hendrix

Dean of Restorative Practices

Kiyana Hendrix

Kiyana Hendrix

Dean of Restorative Practices

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Konrad
Davis

Teacher

Konrad Davis

Konrad Davis

Teacher

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Kristin
Shaw

Teacher

Kristin Shaw

Kristin Shaw

Teacher

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Kyle
Petrie

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Kyle Petrie

Kyle Petrie

Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success

Supporting: VAHS Class of 2018-2023 (4-Year Colleges & Universities)

B.A., Bowdoin College, Class of 2006

Kyle Petrie has worked in urban public education for over 12 years. He initially entered the field as a high school history teacher in the Bronx, NY, as part of Teach For America. After his time in New York, Kyle spent seven years as an AP teacher, advisor, coach, and Director of Alumni Support at Gary Comer College Prep on Chicago's south side.

As the ASCS Coordinator at Valor Academy High School, Kyle's primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring that all Valor alumni receive adequate support with the financial, academic, and social-emotional concerns that they face while pursuing higher education. Kyle is primarily motivated by the belief that higher education is the foundation that will allow our students to be successful and happy in both their careers and personal lives.

 

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Kyra
Dunham

Teacher

Kyra Dunham

Kyra Dunham

Teacher

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Kyung
Lee

Teacher

Kyung Lee

Kyung Lee

Teacher

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Lacey
Bianco

Teacher

Lacey Bianco

Lacey Bianco

Teacher

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Laura
Ahumada

Teacher

Laura Ahumada

Laura Ahumada

Teacher

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Laura
Ramirez

Counselor

Laura Ramirez

Laura Ramirez

Counselor

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Laura
Reed

Director of Strategy

Laura Reed

Laura Reed

Director of Strategy

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Laura
Sandoval

Maintenance

Laura Sandoval

Laura Sandoval

Maintenance

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Laurel
Hines Hogue

Teacher

Laurel Hines Hogue

Laurel Hines Hogue

Teacher

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Lauren
Albi

Teacher

Lauren Albi

Lauren Albi

Teacher

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Laurie
Singer

Office Manager

Laurie Singer

Laurie Singer

Office Manager

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Leah
De Veyra

Teacher

Leah De Veyra

Leah De Veyra

Teacher

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Leeann
Yu

Chief Operations Officer

Leeann Yu

Leeann Yu

Chief Operations Officer

Leeann Yu currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Bright Star Schools where she leads strategic operational initiatives across the network and oversees the student data, school operations, human resources, and information technology teams.

Leeann joined Bright Star in 2011 as the School Operations Manager for Stella Middle Charter Academy and Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy and has since held a variety of operational roles as the organization has grown from two to nine schools.

Prior to joining Bright Star, Leeann was an Education Pioneers Fellow at PUC Schools, an English teacher in Taiwan, and a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial. Leeann holds a bachelor’s degree in international development with a minor in education from UCLA and a master’s in business administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

 

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Leonardo
Vargas Ponce

Teacher

Leonardo Vargas Ponce

Leonardo Vargas Ponce

Teacher

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Leslie
Aguillon

Senior Dean of Operations

Leslie Aguillon

Leslie Aguillon

Senior Dean of Operations

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Leslly
Avendano

Teacher

Leslly Avendano

Leslly Avendano

Teacher

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Lesly
Paredes

Campus Aide

Lesly Paredes

Lesly Paredes

Campus Aide

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Leydi
Rivas

Teacher

Leydi Rivas

Leydi Rivas

Teacher

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Liezl
Caluag

Liezl Caluag

Liezl Caluag

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Liliana
Lopez

Teacher

Liliana Lopez

Liliana Lopez

Teacher

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Lilianna
Gonzalez

Vice President of Inclusive Education

Lilianna Gonzalez

Lilianna Gonzalez

Vice President of Inclusive Education

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Linda
Cruz

Campus Aide

Linda Cruz

Linda Cruz

Campus Aide

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Lori
Cook

Campus Aide

Lori Cook

Lori Cook

Campus Aide

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Lorna
Banuilos

Teacher

Lorna Banuilos

Lorna Banuilos

Teacher

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Lourena
Uribe

Counselor

Lourena Uribe

Lourena Uribe

Counselor

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Lubna
Iabichella

Teacher

Lubna Iabichella

Lubna Iabichella

Teacher

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Luis
Bermudez

Counselor

Luis Bermudez

Luis Bermudez

Counselor

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Luis
Estrada

Dean of Operations

Luis Estrada

Luis Estrada

Dean of Operations

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Luis
Garcia

Maintenance

Luis Garcia

Luis Garcia

Maintenance

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Lydia
Garcia

Manager of Compliance & Special Projects

Lydia Garcia

Lydia Garcia

Manager of Compliance & Special Projects

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Magda
Solis

Paraprofessional

Magda Solis

Magda Solis

Paraprofessional

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Maggie
Kwon

Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator

Maggie Kwon

Maggie Kwon

Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator

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Maiah
Brim

Counselor

Maiah Brim

Maiah Brim

Counselor

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Maigon
Buckner

Assistant Principal of Culture

Maigon Buckner

Maigon Buckner

Assistant Principal of Culture

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Malay
Toston Goodman

Alumni Career Accelerator Outreach Lead Intern

Malay Toston Goodman

Malay Toston Goodman

Alumni Career Accelerator Outreach Lead Intern

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Manuela
Hyman

School Psychologist

Manuela Hyman

Manuela Hyman

School Psychologist

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Marc
Lee

Campus Aide

Marc Lee

Marc Lee

Campus Aide

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Marc
Osadchey

School Psychologist

Marc Osadchey

Marc Osadchey

School Psychologist

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Marcus
Greetis

Marcus Greetis

Marcus Greetis

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Marcus
Turner

Teacher

Marcus Turner

Marcus Turner

Teacher

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Margarita
Reynoso

Instructional Assistant

Margarita Reynoso

Margarita Reynoso

Instructional Assistant

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Maria
Barriga

Teacher

Maria Barriga

Maria Barriga

Teacher

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Maria
Cordova

Custodian

Maria Cordova

Maria Cordova

Custodian

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Maria
Garcia

Instructional Assistant

Maria Garcia

Maria Garcia

Instructional Assistant

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Maria
Munguia De Aguirre

Maintenance

Maria Munguia De Aguirre

Maria Munguia De Aguirre

Maintenance

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Maria
Reyes

Maria Reyes

Maria Reyes

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Maria
Villalobos

Teacher

Maria Villalobos

Maria Villalobos

Teacher

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Mariana
Ulloa

Campus Aide

Mariana Ulloa

Mariana Ulloa

Campus Aide

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Maribel
Carmona

Senior Director of Elementary Instruction

Maribel Carmona

Maribel Carmona

Senior Director of Elementary Instruction

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Mariloli
Barcena Martinez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Mariloli Barcena Martinez

Mariloli Barcena Martinez

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

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Marilyn
Schwab

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Marilyn Schwab

Marilyn Schwab

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

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Marina
Sandoval

Community Schools Manager

Marina Sandoval

Marina Sandoval

Community Schools Manager

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Marisol
Blanco Claros

Meal Server

Marisol Blanco Claros

Marisol Blanco Claros

Meal Server

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Maritza
Arambula

Cluster Data Coordinator

Maritza Arambula

Maritza Arambula

Cluster Data Coordinator

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Mark
Jutabha

Community Schools Manager

Mark Jutabha

Mark Jutabha

Community Schools Manager

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Marni
Parsons

Vice President of Student and Family Services

Marni Parsons

Marni Parsons

Vice President of Student and Family Services

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Martin
Meneses Ramirez

Custodian

Martin Meneses Ramirez

Martin Meneses Ramirez

Custodian

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Marvin
Casasola

Campus Aide

Marvin Casasola

Marvin Casasola

Campus Aide

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Mary
Van Dyke

Teacher

Mary Van Dyke

Mary Van Dyke

Teacher

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Mason
Aguilar

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Mason Aguilar

Mason Aguilar

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

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Matt
Williams

Vice President of Inclusive Education

Matt Williams

Matt Williams

Vice President of Inclusive Education

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Matthew
Garcia

IT Systems Analyst

Matthew Garcia

Matthew Garcia

IT Systems Analyst

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Matthew
Gonzalez

Teacher

Matthew Gonzalez

Matthew Gonzalez

Teacher

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Max
Sweeney

Teacher

Max Sweeney

Max Sweeney

Teacher

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May
Oey

Principal, Valor Academy Elementary School

May Oey

May Oey

Principal, Valor Academy Elementary School

May Oey is the founding principal of Valor Academy Elementary School, and she leads the school’s dynamic community to cultivate an environment where students achieve and believe in themselves and their school.

May has dedicated her entire life to educating students. Prior to joining Bright Star Schools, she served in various roles in education throughout the Los Angeles area for 11 years. As a school leader for a local charter public school, May learned a great deal about running and implementing successful school programs as well as maintaining a healthy and happy school community.

Previously, May taught for nine years, including teaching 3rd and 4th grades for three years in Hollywood, where her school was recognized as the highest performing school in Hollywood.

May holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA, a master’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Pepperdine University, and a credential in educational leadership and administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

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Mayra
Esparza

Office Manager

Mayra Esparza

Mayra Esparza

Office Manager

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Mayra
Moreno de Valle

Meal Server

Mayra Moreno de Valle

Mayra Moreno de Valle

Meal Server

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Megan
Carpenter

Teacher

Megan Carpenter

Megan Carpenter

Teacher

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Megan
Howell

Teacher

Megan Howell

Megan Howell

Teacher

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Megan
Scott

Teacher

Megan Scott

Megan Scott

Teacher

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Melanie
Garrett

Teacher

Melanie Garrett

Melanie Garrett

Teacher

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Melanie
Hernandez

Campus Aide

Melanie Hernandez

Melanie Hernandez

Campus Aide

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Melissa
De Los Santos

Instructional Assistant

Melissa De Los Santos

Melissa De Los Santos

Instructional Assistant

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Melissa
Ignacio

Counselor

Melissa Ignacio

Melissa Ignacio

Counselor

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Melissa
Pershing

Teacher

Melissa Pershing

Melissa Pershing

Teacher

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Melody
Morris

English Language Development Instructional Coach

Melody Morris

Melody Morris

English Language Development Instructional Coach

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Merissa
Diaz

Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

Merissa Diaz

Merissa Diaz

Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

Contact

Mia
Gifford

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Mia Gifford

Mia Gifford

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

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Michael
Hoover

Director of School Culture

Michael Hoover

Michael Hoover

Director of School Culture

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Michaela
Kim

Teacher

Michaela Kim

Michaela Kim

Teacher

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Michelle
Arras

Teacher

Michelle Arras

Michelle Arras

Teacher

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Michelle
Park

Teacher

Michelle Park

Michelle Park

Teacher

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Michelle
Romero

Teacher

Michelle Romero

Michelle Romero

Teacher

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Michelle
Washington

Outreach Coordinator

Michelle Washington

Michelle Washington

Outreach Coordinator

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Miguel
Espinoza

Assistant Principal

Miguel Espinoza

Miguel Espinoza

Assistant Principal

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Miguel
Fuentes

Instructional Assistant

Miguel Fuentes

Miguel Fuentes

Instructional Assistant

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Miguel
Gonzalez

Campus Aide

Miguel Gonzalez

Miguel Gonzalez

Campus Aide

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Mikaela
Kelley

Teacher

Mikaela Kelley

Mikaela Kelley

Teacher

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Miriam
Hernandez

Paraprofessional

Miriam Hernandez

Miriam Hernandez

Paraprofessional

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Mitchell
Stern

Teacher

Mitchell Stern

Mitchell Stern

Teacher

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Moises
Garcia

Substitute Teacher/Administrative Support

Moises Garcia

Moises Garcia

Substitute Teacher/Administrative Support

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Monica
Gonzalez

Dean of Student & Family Services

Monica Gonzalez

Monica Gonzalez

Dean of Student & Family Services

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Monique
Gaspar

Teacher

Monique Gaspar

Monique Gaspar

Teacher

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Morganne
Gigray

Teacher

Morganne Gigray

Morganne Gigray

Teacher

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Mychal
Creer

Instructional Assistant

Mychal Creer

Mychal Creer

Instructional Assistant

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Nancy
Jimenez

Teacher

Nancy Jimenez

Nancy Jimenez

Teacher

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Nancy
Rojas

Office Manager

Nancy Rojas

Nancy Rojas

Office Manager

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Nancy
Wagner

Teacher

Nancy Wagner

Nancy Wagner

Teacher

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Natalie
Martinez

Operations Support

Natalie Martinez

Natalie Martinez

Operations Support

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Natalie
Perez

Campus Aide

Natalie Perez

Natalie Perez

Campus Aide

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Natalie
Wollaston

Office Manager

Natalie Wollaston

Natalie Wollaston

Office Manager

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Nataly
Lopez

Campus Aide

Nataly Lopez

Nataly Lopez

Campus Aide

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Nathan
Kurisu

Teacher

Nathan Kurisu

Nathan Kurisu

Teacher

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Nelly
Soto

Maintenance

Nelly Soto

Nelly Soto

Maintenance

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Nicholas
Alegria

Teacher

Nicholas Alegria

Nicholas Alegria

Teacher

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Nicholas
Capretta

Teacher

Nicholas Capretta

Nicholas Capretta

Teacher

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Nicolas
Ramirez

Instructional Assistant

Nicolas Ramirez

Nicolas Ramirez

Instructional Assistant

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Nicole
Wellman Noble

Vice President of People Development

Nicole Wellman Noble

Nicole Wellman Noble

Vice President of People Development

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Noriko
Kajimoto

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Noriko Kajimoto

Noriko Kajimoto

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

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Nour
Gemayel

Teacher

Nour Gemayel

Nour Gemayel

Teacher

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Octavio
Vergara

Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

Octavio Vergara

Octavio Vergara

Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant

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Olga
Ramos

Senior Director of Human Resources

Olga Ramos

Olga Ramos

Senior Director of Human Resources

Contact

Oliber
Felix Sanchez

Teacher

Oliber Felix Sanchez

Oliber Felix Sanchez

Teacher

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Olivia
Martinez

Head of Schools, Bright Star Schools

Olivia Martinez

Olivia Martinez

Head of Schools, Bright Star Schools

Olivia Martinez is the co-Head of Schools for Bright Star Schools, and former principal of Stella Middle Charter Academy (Grades 7-8). As co-Head of Schools, she leads the development and execution of a rigorous instructional program that serves all students and supports principals to achieve their schools’ goals.

Olivia joined Bright Star Schools in 2008 as a teacher and taught physical science, life science, biology, and earth science to students in grades 7 through 11. She became assistant principal at Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy in 2011, and principal at Stella Middle Charter Academy in 2013.

Olivia began her teaching career with a student teaching position at David Starr Jordan High School in Watts through Teach For America.

Olivia holds a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from UCLA and two master's degrees in urban education and in educational leadership from Loyola Marymount University.

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Orlando
Ibanez

Teacher

Orlando Ibanez

Orlando Ibanez

Teacher

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Oscar
Moreno

Teacher

Oscar Moreno

Oscar Moreno

Teacher

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Ozro
Hepworth

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Ozro Hepworth

Ozro Hepworth

Inclusion Specialist Teacher

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Pablo
Aranda

Campus Aide

Pablo Aranda

Pablo Aranda

Campus Aide

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Pablo
Olivares

Vice President of Inclusive Education

Pablo Olivares

Pablo Olivares

Vice President of Inclusive Education

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Patricia
Chavez

Dean of Operations

Patricia Chavez

Patricia Chavez

Dean of Operations

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Patrick
Coleman

Substitute Teacher/Administrative Support

Patrick Coleman

Patrick Coleman

Substitute Teacher/Administrative Support

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Paulina
Sylvester

Senior Talent Manager

Paulina Sylvester

Paulina Sylvester

Senior Talent Manager

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Perla
Lepore

Counselor

Perla Lepore

Perla Lepore

Counselor

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Philip
McCreary

Teacher

Philip McCreary

Philip McCreary

Teacher

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Preeyam
Roy

Teacher

Preeyam Roy

Preeyam Roy

Teacher

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Priscilla
Park

Counselor

Priscilla Park

Priscilla Park

Counselor

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Rachel
Asher

School Psychologist

Rachel Asher

Rachel Asher

School Psychologist

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Rachel
Blanton

Teacher

Rachel Blanton

Rachel Blanton

Teacher

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Rachel
Scutti

Teacher

Rachel Scutti

Rachel Scutti

Teacher

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Ranica
Hortelano

Campus Aide

Ranica Hortelano

Ranica Hortelano

Campus Aide

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Raquel
Martinez

Human Resources Generalist

Raquel Martinez

Raquel Martinez

Human Resources Generalist

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Raymond
Estrada

Teacher

Raymond Estrada

Raymond Estrada

Teacher

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Rebecca
Cabrera

Teacher

Rebecca Cabrera

Rebecca Cabrera

Teacher

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Rebecca
Vogel Sanchez

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Rebecca Vogel Sanchez

Rebecca Vogel Sanchez

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

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Reyna
Kauil Cervantes

Teacher

Reyna Kauil Cervantes

Reyna Kauil Cervantes

Teacher

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Ricardo
Galvan

Teacher

Ricardo Galvan

Ricardo Galvan

Teacher

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Ricardo
Gomez

Instructional Assistant

Ricardo Gomez

Ricardo Gomez

Instructional Assistant

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Richard
Myers

Teacher

Richard Myers

Richard Myers

Teacher

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Rigo
Torres

Lead Campus Aide

Rigo Torres

Rigo Torres

Lead Campus Aide

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Robert
Brown

Teacher

Robert Brown

Robert Brown

Teacher

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Robert
Jorgensen

Teacher

Robert Jorgensen

Robert Jorgensen

Teacher

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Roberto
Franco

Associate Dean of Restorative Practices

Roberto Franco

Roberto Franco

Associate Dean of Restorative Practices

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Roberto
Garcia

Maintenance

Roberto Garcia

Roberto Garcia

Maintenance

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Robin
Rodriguez

Assistant Principal of Instruction

Robin Rodriguez

Robin Rodriguez

Assistant Principal of Instruction

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Rosa
Covarrubias

Campus Aide

Rosa Covarrubias

Rosa Covarrubias

Campus Aide

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Rosa
Nava

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

Rosa Nava

Rosa Nava

Behavior Implementation Interventionist

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Rosie
Somoundjian

Lead Instructional Assistant

Rosie Somoundjian

Rosie Somoundjian

Lead Instructional Assistant

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Roxanne
Romero

Outreach & Recruitment Manager

Roxanne Romero

Roxanne Romero

Outreach & Recruitment Manager

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Rudy
Romero

Full Behavior Intervention Implementation Assistant

Rudy Romero

Rudy Romero

Full Behavior Intervention Implementation Assistant

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Ruth
Kim

Principal, RIse Kohyang Middle School

Ruth Kim

Ruth Kim

Principal, RIse Kohyang Middle School

Ruth Kim is the principal of Rise Kohyang Middle School, and leads the school by empowering the Phoenixes with compassion to learn and grow to give back to their own kohyang (hometown). She encourages students to achieve academic excellence and grow their unique talents so they find joy and fulfillment in higher education, career, and life.

Ruth started with RKMS in its founding year in 2012. Previously, Ruth served Rise Kohyang Middle School as Assistant Principal and an English Language Arts teacher for eight years. During that time, she was also the 6th grade-level chair and ELA department lead, and she became a National Board Certified teacher in 2018. Ruth transitioned to her principal position in 2020.

Ruth holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Irvine, multiple-subject and administrative credentials from Cal State Fullerton, and a master’s in educational administration from Cal State Fullerton.

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