Geovanni Arellano

Assistant Principal

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About Me:
 I’m a first-generation college graduate who began my career as a Mathematics teacher. I lead with a social justice lens, striving to create equitable learning environments for all students. Outside of education, I’m a big sports fan who believes in the power of teamwork and community.
Credential(s):
 Administrative Service Credential Single Subject Teaching Credential: Mathematics (CTC) EGI Certified USSF Licensed Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
Education:
Master’s in Education, Principal Leadership Institute UCLA,  Master’s in Math and Science Education, LAUTR CSULA,  B.S. Applied Mathematics, UCLA,  A.S., Mathematics ELAC

Jessica Amezquita

Special Education Teacher / Coordinator

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About Me: 

 My name is Jessica Amezquita (pronounced Amez-keet-a), and I have been a special education teacher for the past 5 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings and with all grade levels, ranging from elementary to high school. It is my passion to support all students, and I am an advocate for inclusion for all.

Credential(s): 

 Education Specialist Credential

Education: 

I received my Special Education undergraduate degree and credential at California State University Los Angeles (CSULA) and will be earning my Master’s Degree in Special Education from CSULA as well.

Jessica Argueta

Accounts Payable

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About Me:
 
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Associate of Arts, Early Childhood Education (in progress)
Long Beach City College

Richard Bin

Spanish Language Arts Teacher

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About Me:

 Hola, soy el Sr. Bin, maestro de español. Nací en Los Ángeles y soy de padres cubanos. Hace más de 25 años que soy maestro. Tengo una hija y un hijo. Me gusta ser muy activo. Me gusta ir de caminatas, jugar deportes, jugar con mis perros y montar motocicleta.

Credential(s):

Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, Foreign Language: Spanish
Bilingual, Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
National Council for Behavioral Health

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Education:

Master of Arts, School Leadership Program
California State University, Dominguez Hills

Single Subject (Secondary Education) Clear Credential Program
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish
California State University, Northridge

Karl Castellon

Student Services Aide

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About me:
 I have 4 years working at LAAAE, I attended LAAAE from 6th to 12th Grades. I am currently working towards my Master’s in Public Administration at Cal State LA.
Credential(s):

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid

American Red Cross

Substitute Permit

Education:
BA in Political Science, Master’s Public Administration (In Progress)

Kate Chambers

English Language Arts Teacher

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About me:
Hi! I’m Ms. Chambers. I’m a lifelong Californian with a passion for building community and empowering youth through equitable education. I’m committed to creating a classroom that welcomes all students and gives them a place to grow and learn while feeling seen and supported. When I’m not corralling a gaggle of teens in the classroom, I spend my time napping, cooking, and exploring California’s natural treasures.
Credential(s):

Preliminary Single Subject Credential: English

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Becoming Aces Aware in California
AcesAware.Org

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
National Council for Behavioral Health

Education:
 Bachelor of Arts, History with a minor in Human Sexuality
University of California, Davis
 
Single Subject Credential Program, English Education
California State University Long Beach 

Mercedes Cordova

Food Services Manager

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About me:
Credential(s):

California Food Handler Certificate
Food Safety Educators, ANSI Accredited

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Education:

Manuel Cordova

Student Services Specialist

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About Me:
Credential(s):

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
National Council for Behavioral Health

 Adult and Child CPR/First Aid

American Red Cross

Education:

Manuel Cordova

Campus Aide

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About Me:
Credential(s):

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
National Council for Behavioral Health

 Adult and Child CPR/First Aid

American Red Cross

Education:

Diego Diaz

Para Professional

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About Me:

 I was born in Guatemala, and I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of three. I am the first in my family to have a bachelor’s degree. I am currently in my 7th year working here at LAAAE.

Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

BA Psychology at Cal State LA

Brent Eldridge

English Language Development Teacher / Coordinator

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Moctesuma Esparza

Board of Directors Chair

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education:

Master of Fine Arts, Theater, Film and Television
University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Arts, Theater, Film and Television
University of California, Los Angeles

Moniel Flores

Para Professional

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering
California State University, Fullerton

Rafael Flores

Van Driver / Campus Support Staff

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Timothy Flores

Math Teacher

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About Me:

I have travelled to at least four different states to play in National Yu-gi-oh tournaments. I am really interested in anime, League of Legends, and playing basketball.

Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics, Clear Teaching Credential, Mathematics

California State University of Fullerton

Sergio German

Digital Media Arts Teacher / Station Manager 

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About Me:
For the last 10 years, I have been a professional touring musician as well as a recording engineer. I’m also an avid FC Barcelona fan.
Credential(s):

Clear Career Technical Education Teaching Credential, Arts, Media, and Entertainment
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 

 Youth Mental Health First Aid USA

National Council for Behavioral Health

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Education:
Master of Music, Music Production (in progress)
Berklee College of Music
Bachelor of Arts, Digital Media Arts – Audio Engineering
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Associate of Arts, Commercial Music
Cerritos College
Career Technical Education Clear Credential Program
University of San Diego

Nanzi Gonzales

Academic Advisor

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:
Associate of Science, Early Childhood Education (in progress)
Los Angeles City College

Ernesto Gonzalez

History Teacher

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About Me:
I enjoy geography/history and there’s nothing better than getting to know places than on a bicycle! I’ve traveled extensively in North America on bike and actively recruit family and friends to join me.
Credential(s):

Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential: Social Science
BCLAD: Spanish
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

 Adult and Child CPR/First Aid

American Red Cross

Education:
Bachelor of Science, Social Science, Minor, Spanish
California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

Amanda Goodwin

Mathematics Teacher

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About Me:

 

Hi! I’m heading into my 10th year of teaching, and I’m convinced that real learning starts with real connections. Beyond academics, I’m always here to offer guidance, encouragement, or just a listening ear. When the school day’s over, you’ll probably find me doom scrolling on social media, bingeing my favorite shows, or hunting down the next item for my ever-growing Powerpuff Girls collection.

Credential(s):
Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, Mathematics Specific Supplementary Authorization, Psychology, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Education:
Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum & Instruction Concordia University   Single Subject Credential Program, Mathematics Education California State University, Long Beach  Bachelor of Arts, Psychology California State University, Long Beach

Ana Grajeda

Parent Coordinator

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About Me:

 

Ana Grajeda, Parent Coordinator committed to our community for over 20 years. I founded the recruitment team for the school, and have been a part of organizing the administrator work. I have collaborated with the school administrative team and organized events in the community, engaging with other community partners to promote the school.

Credential(s):

Basic Food Safety
eFood Handlers, ANSI Accredited

 Adult and Child CPR/First Aid

American Red Cross

Blood Pathogens, Epinephrine Auto-Injections,  Health Emergencies , Medication Administration Basics, Mandated Reporter, Cert Certified (Community Emergency  Response Team)

Education:

Career Technical Education Clear Credential Program (in progress)
University of San Diego

Trenton Hart

History Teacher

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About Me:

 

Hello Everyone! I’m Mr. Hart, and I am an avid reader and overall nerd. I believe that history is the answer to any question about our world. I strive to bring this questioning and critical thinking into my classroom.

Credential(s):

 

Single Subject Teaching Credential: History

Education:

 

BA History – Cal State LA, MA History – CSULA

Darren Hayakawa

Physical Education

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About Me:
Credential(s):

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Education:

Rosa Jimenez

Meal Services

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About Me:
Credential(s):

California Food Handler Certificate
Food Safety Educators, ANSI Accredited

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Education:

Vanessa Lopez

Para Professional

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About Me:
Credential(s):

Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross

Education:

Julia Lathin

Art Teacher

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About Me:

 I am originally from Michigan and have been living in California for the past ten years. When I’m not at school, you can typically find me at my ceramics studio or spending time with my friends. I am definitely a homebody. I love to stay in with my cats, Bert and Ernie, and read a good book.

Credential(s):

 

Clear California Teaching Credentials in Art and Latin

Education:

 

BA: Classical Studies at Michigan State University, MA: Education at University of Michigan, Ed.D.: Educational Leadership in progress at CSU Long Beach

Lori Lopez

Assistant Principal

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About Me:
 I am a first generation college student and the first in my family to obtain a Master’s Degree. I was a College Counselor for 4 years and an Academic Counselor (high school) for 8 years. I am committed to leading with a student-centered approach and fostering positive learning environments where students feel valued and empowered. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two children, listening to music, and being outdoors. I love hiking, running, and weight training.
Credential(s):

 

Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, Preliminary Administrative Credential

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Ethnic Studies 

University of California, Riverside

Master of Education, School Counseling

University of Southern California

Master of Education, Principal Leadership Institute

University of California, Los Angeles

Timothy Lynch

English Teacher

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About Me:
 I am a published author who grew up in Whittier, California, and currently resides in Los Angeles. I am passionate about reading, writing, and learning. Education runs in my family. My grandmother was a middle school English teacher, and my mother was a librarian. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, exploring nature, and rock climbing.
Credential(s):

 Single Subject Teaching Credential, English

Education:

Bachelor’s of Arts, English California State University, Fullerton

Alejandro Macias

Principal

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About Me:
 
Credential(s):

 

Education:

Master of Arts, Educational Leadership
California State University, Los Angeles

Master of Science, Counseling
California State University, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
California State University, Los Angeles

Eileen Quinones

Office Manager

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About Me:
 
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:
Associate of Arts, Childhood Development (in progress)
Los Angeles City College

Samuel Restrepo

Science Teacher

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Atom Builder

About Me:
 Dog lover, Avid traveler focusing on America’s National Park, Avid Environmentalist, Visual Artist, Health and Fitness Enthusiast. Life too short to lament the small things, protect this planet because its our only one!
Credential(s):
Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, Science: Chemistry
Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, Science: Geosciences
General Education Limited Assignment Permit, Science: Biological Sciences
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Education:
Master of Arts in Education, Secondary Teacher Education
University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science, Geology
California State University, Los Angeles

 

Adely Rosales

Para Professional

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Zuleyma Salguero

Van Driver / Campus Support Staff

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Giselle Sierra

Para Professional

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:

Burke (Trey) Smith

Para Professional

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About Me:

 

I love movies, playing music, board games, soccer and working with the most amazing students in the world at LAAAE. Going into my second year here as a paraprofessional, I’m proud to say I’m always learning. To all the students, I can’t wait to learn together.

Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Cinema and Television Art/Screenwriting
California State University, Northridge

Jeffrey Valdez

Science Teacher

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About Me:
Name’s Jeffrey Valdez, lover of literature and fun scientific facts that may cause eyerolls! I love encouraging students to have positive mindsets and to think and push themselves. I hope to have another great year
Credential(s):
General Science: Physics
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Education:

Bachelor of Science, Physics
California State University, Northridge

Kimberly Wakefield

Business Teacher

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About Me:
Before becoming a teacher, I worked in information technology for an investment management company, followed by a decade of owning and operating a youth sports company. I love showing students how business skills can open doors in many different fields. Outside of school, you’ll often find me gaming on my computer, reading a good book, or enjoying a soccer match.
Credential(s):
Preliminary CTE Credential, LACOE / University of San Diego
Education:

BA, Loyola Marymount University; MBA, Quantic School of Business and Technology

John Wong

Mathematics Teacher

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About Me:

 

My favorite quote is to work hard, be kind, and stay humble.

Credential(s):

 

Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics.

Education:

 

B.S. Mathematics

Monica Daniels

Director of Development

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About Me:
 
Credential(s):
Adult and Child CPR/First Aid
American Red Cross
Education:
 

 

David Calvo

Board of Directors Member

 

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About Me:
Committed to equitable public education, I am a student-centered educator with 25+ years of predominantly serving minority student populations. Like most of the students I have served, I am was a first-generation college graduate. Entering public education as a teacher’s assistant, I have since led and worked with multiple schools across the United States.
Credential(s):

Clear Administrative Services Credential
Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, Science: Geosciences
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Certified Chief Business Official
California Association of School Business Officials

 Youth Mental Health First Aid USA

National Council for Behavioral Health

Education:

Global Executive Doctor of Education
University of Southern California

Certificate, School Business Management
University of Southern California

Master of Science, Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University

Bachelor of Public Administration
Florida International University

 

 

 

 

 

Tonantzin Esparza

Board of Directors Member

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education:

Master of Arts, Business, Entrepreneurship and Media
New York University

Bachelor of Arts, Theater
Bachelor of Arts, Chicana and Chicano Studies
University of California, Los Angeles

Norma Orcí

Board of Directors Member

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education:

 

Otto Padrón

Board of Directors Member

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education:

Master of Strategic Studies
United States Army War College

Master of Business Administration
Florida International University

Intermediate Level Education
United States Army Command and General Staff College

Bachelor of Science in Communications, Broadcast Journalism
Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics
University of Miami

Associate of Arts
Miami Dade College

Hector Orcí

Board of Directors Vice-Chair

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About Me:
Credential(s):
 
Education:

Master of Arts, Economics
Tufts University

Bachelor of Arts, International Relations
University of Southern California

Julio Vallejo

Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education:

Certificate, Business and Management of Entertainment
University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Arts, Economics
Tecnológico de Monterrey

Mason Dickerson

Woodcraft Rangers

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education:

Hector Ramirez

Campus Aide / Coach

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About Me:
 
Credential(s):
 
Education:
 

Teresa Escobar

Special Education Department

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Credential(s):
Education:

Aaron Zarate

Special Education Department

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About Me:
Credential(s):
Education: