
Contact
amartinez@brightstarschools.org
Abraham Martinez
Teacher
Contact
amartinez@brightstarschools.org
Contact
aascencio@brightstarschools.org
Adonahi Ascencio
Family Engagement Coordinator
Contact
aascencio@brightstarschools.org
Contact
acruz@brightstarschools.org
Adriana De La Cruz
Instructional Assistant
Contact
acruz@brightstarschools.org
Contact
apadilla@brightstarschools.org
Adriana Padilla Perez
Instructional Assistant
Contact
apadilla@brightstarschools.org
Contact
Afreen Ahmed
Staff
Contact
Contact
admoore@brightstarschools.org
Ahjia Moore
Restorative Practices Director
Contact
admoore@brightstarschools.org
Contact
aghingoor@brightstarschools.org
Ajay Ghingoor
Teacher
Contact
aghingoor@brightstarschools.org

Contact
abeltran@brightstarschools.org
Albert Beltran
Assistant Principal of Culture
Contact
abeltran@brightstarschools.org
Contact
avera@brightstarschools.org
Alberto Vera
Teacher
Contact
avera@brightstarschools.org
Contact
acajahuaringa@brightstarschools.org
Aleida Cajahuaringa
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
Contact
acajahuaringa@brightstarschools.org

Contact
accruz@brightstarschools.org
Alejandra Cruz
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Contact
accruz@brightstarschools.org
Contact
alvargas@brightstarschools.org
Aleksandra Vargas
Cluster Data Coordinator
Contact
alvargas@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ahuerta@brightstarschools.org
Alexander Huerta
Cloud Support Manager
Contact
ahuerta@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aduggins@brightstarschools.org
Alexandra Duggins
Mathematics Instructional Coach
Contact
aduggins@brightstarschools.org
Contact
Alexandra Hernandez
Teacher
Contact

Contact
alee@brightstarschools.org
Alexandra Lee
Vice President of Academic Initiatives
Contact
alee@brightstarschools.org
Contact
amramirez@brightstarschools.org
Alexandra Martinez Ramirez
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
Contact
amramirez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ablanco@brightstarschools.org
Alexis Blanco
Instructional Assistant
Contact
ablanco@brightstarschools.org

Contact
acastellanos@brightstarschools.org
Alexis Carrero
Teacher
Contact
acastellanos@brightstarschools.org
Contact
avgonzalez@brightstarschools.org
Alexis Gonzalez
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Contact
avgonzalez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aroldan@brightstarschools.org
Alexis Roldan
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Contact
aroldan@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ascott@brightstarschools.org
Alexis Scott
Dean of Academic Support
Contact
ascott@brightstarschools.org

Contact
athompson@brightstarschools.org
Alexis Thompson
Counselor
Contact
athompson@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aferme@brightstarschools.org
Allegra Ferme
Teacher
Contact
aferme@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aandrews@brightstarschools.org
Allen Andrews
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Contact
aandrews@brightstarschools.org

Contact
agillett@brightstarschools.org
Allison Gillett
Teacher
Contact
agillett@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ahorn@brightstarschools.org
Allison Horn
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Contact
ahorn@brightstarschools.org
Contact
athielen@brightstarschools.org
Allison Thielen
Teacher
Contact
athielen@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ananji@brightstarschools.org
Ally Nanji
School Psychologist
Contact
ananji@brightstarschools.org
Contact
amedina@brightstarschools.org
Alondra Medina
Instructional Assistant
Contact
amedina@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aszayas@brightstarschools.org
Amalia Zayas
Counselor
Contact
aszayas@brightstarschools.org

Contact
alopez@brightstarschools.org
Amanda Lopez
Campus Aide
Contact
alopez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aweng@brightstarschools.org
Amy Weng
ELD Interventionist
Contact
aweng@brightstarschools.org
Contact
Amagana@brightstarschools.org
Ana Magana
Maintenance
Contact
Amagana@brightstarschools.org

Contact
avargas@brightstarschools.org
Ana Vargas
Vice President of Human Resources
Contact
avargas@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aperez@brightstarschools.org
Anahi Perez
Teacher
Contact
aperez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
achicaiza@brightstarschools.org
Andrea Chicaiza
Teacher
Contact
achicaiza@brightstarschools.org
Contact
agchavez@brightstarschools.org
Andrea Garcia Chavez
College & Career Counseling Assistant
Contact
agchavez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
apaniagua@brightstarschools.org
Andres Paniagua
Dean of Student Culture
Contact
apaniagua@brightstarschools.org
Contact
agalvarez@brightstarschools.org
Andry Alvarez Castillo
Campus Aide
Contact
agalvarez@brightstarschools.org
Contact
acerritos@brightstarschools.org
Angel Cerritos
Transition Specialist
Contact
acerritos@brightstarschools.org
Contact
acerritos@brightstarschools.org
Angel Cerritos
Transition Specialist
Contact
acerritos@brightstarschools.org
Contact
aromero@brightstarschools.org
Angel Hernandez-Romero
Teacher
Contact
aromero@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ahernandez@brightstarschools.org
Angelica Hernandez
Instructional Assistant
Contact
ahernandez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
acalderon@brightstarschools.org
Angelina Calderon
Senior Director of Outreach and Engagement
Contact
acalderon@brightstarschools.org
Contact
amlopez@brightstarschools.org
Angelique Lopez
Teacher
Contact
amlopez@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ahlee@brightstarschools.org
Angie Lee
Instructional Assistant
Contact
ahlee@brightstarschools.org

Contact
atrae@brightstarschools.org
Angie Trae-Greenbarg
Assistant Principal
Contact
atrae@brightstarschools.org
Contact
apham@brightstarschools.org
Anh Pham
Teacher
Contact
apham@brightstarschools.org

Contact
apande@brightstarschools.org
Anita Pande
Teacher
Contact
apande@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ahagen@brightstarschools.org
Anna Hagen
Teacher
Contact
ahagen@brightstarschools.org
Contact
afleming@brightstarschools.org
Anne Fleming
Teacher
Contact
afleming@brightstarschools.org

Contact
tmontiel@brightstarschools.org
Antonio Montiel
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Contact
tmontiel@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ajdevera@brightstarschools.org
April Joy De Vera
Teacher
Contact
ajdevera@brightstarschools.org
Contact
aalvarado@brightstarschools.org
Araceli Alvarado
Maintenance
Contact
aalvarado@brightstarschools.org
Contact
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
Contact
arivera@brightstarschools.org
Arlene Rivera
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Contact
arivera@brightstarschools.org

Contact
atamzarian@brightstarschools.org
Arpi Tamzarian
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Contact
atamzarian@brightstarschools.org

Contact
achameides@brightstarschools.org
Ashley Chameides
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Contact
achameides@brightstarschools.org
Contact
acolburn@brightstarschools.org
Ashley Colburn
Director of Teacher Induction and Development
Contact
acolburn@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aali@brightstarschools.org
Asma Ali-Dodough
Assistant Principal
Contact
aali@brightstarschools.org
Contact
acheung@brightstarschools.org
Aya Cheung
Director of Accounting Services
Contact
acheung@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ajannat@brightstarschools.org
Ayesha Jannat
Instructional Assistant
Contact
ajannat@brightstarschools.org
Contact
bkatcher@brightstarschools.org
Benjamin Katcher
Teacher
Contact
bkatcher@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bmccomish@brightstarschools.org
Bernadette McComish
Teacher
Contact
bmccomish@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bpollak@brightstarschools.org
Beth Pollak
Instructional Coach
Contact
bpollak@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bdiaz@brightstarschools.org
Betsy Diaz
Assistant Principal
Contact
bdiaz@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bhernandez@brightstarschools.org
Bianca Hernandez
Teacher
Contact
bhernandez@brightstarschools.org
Contact
bdicicco@brightstarschools.org
Blake Dicicco
Teacher
Contact
bdicicco@brightstarschools.org
Contact
bpak@brightstarschools.org
Brady Pak
Teacher
Contact
bpak@brightstarschools.org
Contact
bnoble@brightstarschools.org
Brandy Noble
Teacher
Contact
bnoble@brightstarschools.org
Contact
btaylor@brightstarschools.org
Brea Taylor
Instructional Assistant
Contact
btaylor@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bbaskerville@brightstarschools.org
Breana Baskerville
Dean of Academic Support
Contact
bbaskerville@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bperry@brightstarschools.org
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
bperry@brightstarschools.org
Contact
blalcocer@brightstarschools.org
Brianna Alcocer
Teacher
Contact
blalcocer@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bgallegos@brightstarschools.org
Briceida Gallegos
Counselor
Contact
bgallegos@brightstarschools.org

Contact
bjohns@brightstarschools.org
Bridget Johns
Teacher
Contact
bjohns@brightstarschools.org
Contact
bsibley@brightstarschools.org
Bridget Sibley
Speech & Language Pathologist
Contact
bsibley@brightstarschools.org
Contact
baguillon@brightstarschools.org
Bryan Aguillon
Campus Aide
Contact
baguillon@brightstarschools.org
Contact
balfaro@brightstarschools.org
Bryan Alfaro
School Data Specialist
Contact
balfaro@brightstarschools.org
Contact
bsandoval@brightstarschools.org
Bryan Sandoval
IT Analyst
Contact
bsandoval@brightstarschools.org
Contact
canzoleaga@brightstarschools.org
Caitlin Anzoleaga
Teacher
Contact
canzoleaga@brightstarschools.org

Contact
clawrence@brightstarschools.org
Caley Lawrence
Teacher
Contact
clawrence@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cching@brightstarschools.org
Camryn Ching
Teacher
Contact
cching@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cnigra@brightstarschools.org
Candice Nigra
Teacher
Contact
cnigra@brightstarschools.org
Contact
clgonzalez@brightstarschools.org
Carissa Gonzalez
Teacher
Contact
clgonzalez@brightstarschools.org
Contact
caguirre@brightstarschools.org
Carla Aguirre
School Psychologist
Contact
caguirre@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cchavez@brightstarschools.org
Carla Chavez
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Contact
cchavez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cweber@brightstarschools.org
Carla Weber
Teacher
Contact
cweber@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ccontreras@brightstarschools.org
Carlos Contreras
Teacher
Contact
ccontreras@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ccordova@brightstarschools.org
Carlos Cordova
Maintenance
Contact
ccordova@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cguijarro@brightstarschools.org
Carlos Guijarro
Teacher
Contact
cguijarro@brightstarschools.org

Contact
csomoza@brightstarschools.org
Carlos Somoza
Gardening and Cooking Coordinator
Contact
csomoza@brightstarschools.org
Contact
carmenta@brightstarschools.org
Carmen Armenta
Paraprofessional
Contact
carmenta@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cmora@brightstarschools.org
Carolina Mora
Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant
Contact
cmora@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cpreffer@brightstarschools.org
Catlyn Preffer
Teacher
Contact
cpreffer@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ccueva@brightstarschools.org
Cecilia Cueva
Teacher
Contact
ccueva@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cvazquez@brightstarschools.org
Cesar Gabriel-Vazquez
Cluster Data Coordinator
Contact
cvazquez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cewilliams@brightstarschools.org
Chanel Williams Hungerford
Teacher
Contact
cewilliams@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ctunson@brightstarschools.org
Charne Tunson
Teacher
Contact
ctunson@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cdunn@brightstarschools.org
Chelsea Dunn
Teacher
Contact
cdunn@brightstarschools.org

Contact
aweng@brightstarschools.org
Chia-Hsuan Weng
ELD Interventionist
Contact
aweng@brightstarschools.org
Contact
vbosah@brightstarschools.org
Chidera Bosah
Behavior Implementation Interventionist
Contact
vbosah@brightstarschools.org
Contact
chabte@brightstarschools.org
China Habte
Controller
Contact
chabte@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cmsandoval@brightstarschools.org
Christian Sandoval
Teacher
Contact
cmsandoval@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cromero@brightstarschools.org
Christie Romero
Teacher
Contact
cromero@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cflaherty@brightstarschools.org
Christopher Flaherty
Teacher
Contact
cflaherty@brightstarschools.org

Contact
csimpson@brightstarschools.org
Christopher Simpson
Teacher
Contact
csimpson@brightstarschools.org

Contact
csoell@brightstarschools.org
Christopher Soell
Inclusion Specialist Teacher
Contact
csoell@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cwellbrook@brightstarschools.org
Christopher Wellbrook
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Contact
cwellbrook@brightstarschools.org

Contact
czavala@brightstarschools.org
Ciro Zavala
Maintenance
Contact
czavala@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ckwon@brightstarschools.org
Claire Kwon
Substitute Teacher
Contact
ckwon@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cgaray@brightstarschools.org
Clara Garay
Lead Instructional Mentor
Contact
cgaray@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cgardner@brightstarschools.org
Claudia Coronel Lopez
Office Manager
Contact
cgardner@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cacortez@brightstarschools.org
Claudia Cortez
Instructional Assistant
Contact
cacortez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cgardner@brightstarschools.org
Claudia Gardner
Office Manager
Contact
cgardner@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cjerezsneed@brightstarschools.org
Claudia Jerez Sneed
Senior Staff Accountant
Contact
cjerezsneed@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cyamashita@brightstarschools.org
Colin Yamashita
Teacher
Contact
cyamashita@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ctrejo@brightstarschools.org
Colleen Trejo
Assistant Principal
Contact
ctrejo@brightstarschools.org
Contact
cmartinez@brightstarschools.org
Cristian Martinez
Teacher
Contact
cmartinez@brightstarschools.org

Contact
cvalencia@brightstarschools.org
Cristina Valencia
Lead Instructional Assistant
Contact
cvalencia@brightstarschools.org
Contact
CSPILLER@BRIGHTSTARSCHOOLS.ORG
Curtis Spiller
Teacher
Contact
CSPILLER@BRIGHTSTARSCHOOLS.ORG

Contact
cambrosio@brightstarschools.org
Cynthia Ambrosio
Office Assistant
Contact
cambrosio@brightstarschools.org

Contact
castorga@brightstarschools.org
Cynthia Astorga
Counselor
Contact
castorga@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ctrigueros@brightstarschools.org
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
ctrigueros@brightstarschools.org

Contact
darnhart@brightstarschools.org
Dalton Arnhart
Teacher
Contact
darnhart@brightstarschools.org
Contact
dthompson@brightstarschools.org
Damarrius Thompson
Teacher
Contact
dthompson@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ddaniels@brightstarschools.org
Dana Daniels
Teacher
Contact
ddaniels@brightstarschools.org
Contact
dmgarcia@brightstarschools.org
Daniel Garcia
Cluster Data Lead
Contact
dmgarcia@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dlee@brightstarschools.org
Daniel Lee
Receptionist
Contact
dlee@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dpryor@brightstarschools.org
Daniel Pryor
Dean of Academic Supports
Contact
dpryor@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dtorrecilla@brightstarschools.org
Daniella Torrecilla
Counselor
Contact
dtorrecilla@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dstarr@brightstarschools.org
Danielle Starr
Teacher
Contact
dstarr@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dgarris@brightstarschools.org
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
dgarris@brightstarschools.org
Contact
dalamo@brightstarschools.org
David Alamo
Director of Data Management
Contact
dalamo@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dcorrea@brightstarschools.org
David Correa
Teacher
Contact
dcorrea@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dliebhauser@brightstarschools.org
David Liebhauser
Teacher
Contact
dliebhauser@brightstarschools.org
Contact
dsalinas@brightstarschools.org
David Salinas
Instructional Assistant
Contact
dsalinas@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dsolis@brightstarschools.org
David Solis
Coordinator, Alumni Support and College Success
Supporting: VAHS and SHCA Class of 2017-2022 Community College and Career Technical Education Pathways
David Solis is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, where he majored in Chicana/o & Central American Studies. He serves Bright Star Schools' ASCS team as the Community College & CTE Coordinator for both Stella High Charter Academy and Valor Academy High School, he focuses on supporting alumni who are interested in pursuing a post-secondary education at community college or earning a certificate/vocational degree.
As a first-generation graduate, David uses the power of storytelling to share relatable experiences with his students to promote higher education as an option for growth. He has spent the last 10 years supporting first-generation students through college access programs that focus on college and financial aid applications, community college experience, workforce development, and financial literacy. He believes education is one powerful tool, of many, that can shape and/or change our lives.
Contact
dsolis@brightstarschools.org
Contact
dnorth@brightstarschools.org
Dawn North
Wellness Coordinator
Contact
dnorth@brightstarschools.org
Contact
drosso@brightstarschools.org
Dayna Rosso
Teacher
Contact
drosso@brightstarschools.org
Contact
destradawu@brightstarschools.org
Deana Estrada Wu
Dean of Instruction
Contact
destradawu@brightstarschools.org

Contact
drosales@brightstarschools.org
Delma Rosales
Dean of Operations
Contact
drosales@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ddickinson@brightstarschools.org
Desirae Dickinson
Teacher
Contact
ddickinson@brightstarschools.org
Contact
descobar@brightstarschools.org
Desiree Escobar
Teacher
Contact
descobar@brightstarschools.org
Contact
ddiaz@brightstarschools.org
Devin Diaz
Teacher
Contact
ddiaz@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dmenjivar@brightstarschools.org
Deysi Menjivar
Instructional Assistant
Contact
dmenjivar@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dpyo@brightstarschools.org
Diane Pyo
Teacher
Contact
dpyo@brightstarschools.org

Contact
dredix@brightstarschools.org
Dominic Redix
Teacher
Contact
dredix@brightstarschools.org

Contact
ekim@brightstarschools.org
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 Scho