Staff Directory
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Dr. Elizabeth Adams, Principal
[email protected]
Dr. Elizabeth Adams has been an educator for 20 years. She began her career teaching in Lawndale, CA for nine years. She then joined the VCES family in 2013 as a founding 5th-grade teacher. She immediately appreciated the community and collaboration among the teachers. After teaching 5th grade for five years, she became VCES' reading specialist, which allowed her to work with students across all grade levels. In her out of classroom role, she has also been the coordinator of professional development for teachers and she took on numerous school-wide responsibilities, such as writing our most recent charter renewal. Elizabeth earned her doctorate in educational leadership from California Lutheran University. As a part of her dissertation titled Redefining Family Engagement for Immigrant Latino Families, she interviewed families to better understand the multitude of ways that they contribute to their children's education. In addition to her doctorate, she has a master's in child and adolescent literacy, a reading specialist credential, and an undergraduate degree in liberal studies from Loyola Marymount University. When not at work, she is often doing puzzles or attending car-related events with her husband and two young sons.
Dr. Elizabeth Adams has been an educator for 20 years. She began her career teaching in Lawndale, CA for nine years. She then joined the VCES family in 2013 as a founding 5th-grade teacher. She immediately appreciated the community and collaboration among the teachers. After teaching 5th grade for five years, she became VCES' reading specialist, which allowed her to work with students across all grade levels. In her out of classroom role, she has also been the coordinator of professional development for teachers and she took on numerous school-wide responsibilities, such as writing our most recent charter renewal. Elizabeth earned her doctorate in educational leadership from California Lutheran University. As a part of her dissertation titled Redefining Family Engagement for Immigrant Latino Families, she interviewed families to better understand the multitude of ways that they contribute to their children's education. In addition to her doctorate, she has a master's in child and adolescent literacy, a reading specialist credential, and an undergraduate degree in liberal studies from Loyola Marymount University. When not at work, she is often doing puzzles or attending car-related events with her husband and two young sons.
Office Staff
Andrea Guereca, Office Manager
[email protected]
Andrea is a native of the San Fernando Valley and joined the VCES office staff in 2017. She loves working with Valley Charter staff and families. Andrea is pursuing an undergraduate degree while working full-time.
Andrea is a native of the San Fernando Valley and joined the VCES office staff in 2017. She loves working with Valley Charter staff and families. Andrea is pursuing an undergraduate degree while working full-time.
Alejandra Torres, Office Assistant
Ms. Torres was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Before coming to Valley Charter Elementary she worked at a preschool for 5 years, helping low income families find easy and accessible care for their children. She enjoys helping the parents in any way possible and she will continue to enjoy helping parents and their children in every way to ensure that their children are receiving the best possible care and education, making a safe and comfortable environment for all children and parents.
Melissa Nuccitelli, Food Service Manager and Office Support
Mrs. Nuccitelli has lived and gone to school all over the San Fernando Valley. She has three daughters, two of whom go to school at VCS, one at the middle school and one at the elementary school. She loves what she does because she gets to have interesting conversations with VCES students every day as she manages both breakfast and lunch service. Mrs. Nuccitelli is a passionate Girl Scout leader. In addition to selling lots of Girl Scout cookies every year, she loves doing arts and crafts in her spare time and is also an amazing carpenter.
Teaching Staff
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Patty Zambrano
Patricia Zambrano was born in Burbank, CA. She graduated from California State University Northridge with a BA in Liberal Studies and a specialty in Language Arts, as well as a multiple subject teaching credential. When attending CSUN, Ms. Zambrano held director positions and was vice president of her sorority. During her time in college, she also taught preschool and discovered her love of teaching children aged two to four. This is not a surprise, since at the age of two, Ms. Zambrano could be found reading to all of her preschool friends and playing teacher. Ms. Zambrano grew up singing and dancing and she incorporates those into her daily routine in the classroom. Ms. Zambrano's classroom is a safe space for all students. As a teacher, she strives to teach to the student and make all students feel loved and know that they belong. In Ms. Zambrano's free time she loves to travel, be with her family, and go to Disneyland where she buys too many Disney ears.Kindergarten
Serena Long
Serena Long was born and raised in the small town of Paso Robles, California. Growing up in a family full of teachers, she has always known that this would be the path for her. She attended CSUN and earned her BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in science, as well as a multiple subject teaching credential. While at CSUN, she was also on the cheer team and a vice president in her sorority. Ms. Long fell in love with learning when her grandmother (who was also a long-time kindergarten teacher) taught her how to tie her shoes by singing the “Bunny Ears” song. Ms. Long is an optimistic and eager educator who is excited to watch her students grow each year. She believes that all students deserve to feel like they are respected, valued, and loved. In her free time, Ms. Long enjoys drinking excessive amounts of coffee, spending time with her friends and family, watching Dodger games, going to the beach, and traveling as much as possible.Diana Nava
[email protected]
Ms. Nava was born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, CA. At a young age, she knew she wanted to work with children and become an elementary school teacher. She enjoys working with children and seeing their reaction when they accomplish something new. It is very rewarding knowing that she is making a difference in students’ lives and helping them become responsible, independent young adults. Ms. Nava is the youngest of three and a first generation college graduate. In 2018, she earned a BA in Liberal Studies at CSUN. She is currently enrolled in Grand Canyon University of Arizona and will be completing a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Nava has worked with preschool and elementary aged students since 2017.
Ms. Nava was born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, CA. At a young age, she knew she wanted to work with children and become an elementary school teacher. She enjoys working with children and seeing their reaction when they accomplish something new. It is very rewarding knowing that she is making a difference in students’ lives and helping them become responsible, independent young adults. Ms. Nava is the youngest of three and a first generation college graduate. In 2018, she earned a BA in Liberal Studies at CSUN. She is currently enrolled in Grand Canyon University of Arizona and will be completing a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Nava has worked with preschool and elementary aged students since 2017.
First Grade
Kris Nakano
[email protected]
One of six founding teachers, Kris Nakano knew from day one that VCES was where she wanted to be. Above all, Kris appreciates the philosophy of VCES and the creativity afforded to the staff to make a curriculum that is interesting and engaging. It is not surprising that Kris chose a career as an educator. Her mother was a first-grade teacher and a huge inspiration to her. Growing up in West Los Angeles, Kris loved to help out in her mother’s classroom and throughout high school often volunteered in preschool classrooms. She graduated UCLA with a BA in Asian American Studies, then enjoyed a career as a florist before earning a California State teaching credential at California State University Northridge. She started her career student teaching second grade at Westwood Charter School and continued with the school for ten additional years, teaching both first grade and a first-second multiage class. Kris loves watching her students grow, hearing about their lives, and listening to their discussions. What she finds most amazing is “that moment when a child understands something for the first time,” and she feels fortunate to be part of that learning process.
[email protected]
One of six founding teachers, Kris Nakano knew from day one that VCES was where she wanted to be. Above all, Kris appreciates the philosophy of VCES and the creativity afforded to the staff to make a curriculum that is interesting and engaging. It is not surprising that Kris chose a career as an educator. Her mother was a first-grade teacher and a huge inspiration to her. Growing up in West Los Angeles, Kris loved to help out in her mother’s classroom and throughout high school often volunteered in preschool classrooms. She graduated UCLA with a BA in Asian American Studies, then enjoyed a career as a florist before earning a California State teaching credential at California State University Northridge. She started her career student teaching second grade at Westwood Charter School and continued with the school for ten additional years, teaching both first grade and a first-second multiage class. Kris loves watching her students grow, hearing about their lives, and listening to their discussions. What she finds most amazing is “that moment when a child understands something for the first time,” and she feels fortunate to be part of that learning process.
Jaimie Salonga
[email protected]
Jaimie Salonga is a dedicated first grade teacher whose upbringing as a military brat–constantly moving and changing schools every three years–has shaped her into a caring educator. This background has inspired her to positively support her students through empathy and inclusivity. Jaimie earned a multiple subject teaching credential and a Master's of Elementary Education from University of California, Irvine. With over ten years in the field of education, Jaimie has a diverse range of teaching experiences. She spent four years teaching pre-kindergarten and developed valuable skills in early childhood education. Additionally, she served one year as an assistant teacher for third grade; this allowed her to gain valuable insights into the transitional phase from early to upper elementary grades. Jaimie has devoted the past seven years to teaching first grade, where she is passionate about helping young minds grow and developing the whole child by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student. Jaimie looks forward to serving a diverse community and creating an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued, cherished, and celebrated. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family.
Jaimie Salonga is a dedicated first grade teacher whose upbringing as a military brat–constantly moving and changing schools every three years–has shaped her into a caring educator. This background has inspired her to positively support her students through empathy and inclusivity. Jaimie earned a multiple subject teaching credential and a Master's of Elementary Education from University of California, Irvine. With over ten years in the field of education, Jaimie has a diverse range of teaching experiences. She spent four years teaching pre-kindergarten and developed valuable skills in early childhood education. Additionally, she served one year as an assistant teacher for third grade; this allowed her to gain valuable insights into the transitional phase from early to upper elementary grades. Jaimie has devoted the past seven years to teaching first grade, where she is passionate about helping young minds grow and developing the whole child by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student. Jaimie looks forward to serving a diverse community and creating an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued, cherished, and celebrated. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family.
Second Grade
Anne Aronchick, Lead Teacher[email protected]
The students in Anne Aronchick’s class are fortunate to have a teacher with over two decades of professional experience in the classroom. Upon receiving her credential from LAUSD’s rigorous training program, Anne honed her educational skills for ten years at Topanga Elementary Charter School, teaching kindergarten and fourth grades, and at the UCLA Lab School teaching 8-10 year-olds (third and fourth grades). She also holds a "Classroom Educator Level" certificate from the Orton-Gillingham academy. What may excite her pupils more is that she has a knack for making Queen of Sheba chocolate cake as a former pastry chef at Capri restaurant in Venice, or the fact that in the 1990s she was a research assistant scouting for cacti and other desert plants for the seminal Biosphere Project 2 (a glass-enclosed ecosystem where people lived together as an experiment for future space colonization). Or even that she knows how to draw Drosophila species (fruit flies) or that she was an agricultural expert that helped farmers grow cantaloupe organically (ask her for the best recipe for a non-toxic bug spray). Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Anne earned a degree in creative writing and completed her coursework for a master’s degree in art history, both at the University of Arizona. She spent her childhood in the field with her father, a professor of evolutionary biology, learning about inter-connections and deciphering the world around her. Now she teaches her own students with the same project-based approach as valued by her father and by VCES. Anne became a teacher to inspire lifelong learners and leads by example for her students.
Lindsey Sadler
[email protected]
Born and raised in Corona CA, Lindsey Sadler always wanted to become a teacher. Growing up in a family of educators, she was determined to join the “family business." Her passion for teaching led her to become her high school’s founder and president of the Future Teacher’s Club. She earned her BA and multiple subject teaching credential from California Lutheran University where she majored in Liberal Studies in Education and minored in Spanish and Psychology. While at CLU, she was a part of the cheer team and worked for a grant program on campus called EDUCAL which strives to address Latinx representation concerns in the California Education System. Her love for working with children led her to serve as a preschool teacher, nanny, Au Pair, and youth cheer coach. She’s incredibly passionate about providing every child with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in life. With over 1,000 hours of fieldwork experience in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms, she is beyond thrilled to use her knowledge, skills, and experience to serve her students. Miss Sadler strives to craft engaging instruction with a variety of methods to meet the needs of every child and help each one succeed. She’s committed to creating an atmosphere where all can learn and feel valued. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with friends and family, reading, crafting, cooking, and traveling the world!
[email protected]
Born and raised in Corona CA, Lindsey Sadler always wanted to become a teacher. Growing up in a family of educators, she was determined to join the “family business." Her passion for teaching led her to become her high school’s founder and president of the Future Teacher’s Club. She earned her BA and multiple subject teaching credential from California Lutheran University where she majored in Liberal Studies in Education and minored in Spanish and Psychology. While at CLU, she was a part of the cheer team and worked for a grant program on campus called EDUCAL which strives to address Latinx representation concerns in the California Education System. Her love for working with children led her to serve as a preschool teacher, nanny, Au Pair, and youth cheer coach. She’s incredibly passionate about providing every child with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in life. With over 1,000 hours of fieldwork experience in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms, she is beyond thrilled to use her knowledge, skills, and experience to serve her students. Miss Sadler strives to craft engaging instruction with a variety of methods to meet the needs of every child and help each one succeed. She’s committed to creating an atmosphere where all can learn and feel valued. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with friends and family, reading, crafting, cooking, and traveling the world!
Third Grade
Mary Allen, Lead Teacher[email protected]
Impressed with all that VCES established in its first year, Mary Allen joined VCES in the fall of 2011. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Mary Allen knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Literacy from Loyola Marymount University, and a California Reading Certificate. Mary has been teaching since 2004, starting her career at St. Jerome Elementary School, and then spending several years at Carlthorp Elementary School before joining VCES. Her experiences teaching kindergarten through sixth grade in a small group, whole group, and one-on-one settings have instilled in her a firm belief that children learn best in an environment that allows them to construct their own knowledge. She was drawn to VCES so that she could teach in a place that was founded on that constructivist philosophy. What she loves most about teaching is watching “light bulb” moments in her children. Her goal is to ensure that every one of her students leaves her classroom with a love for learning and reading.
Lauren Schauer
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Born in Dallas, Texas, Lauren Schauer grew up in Northridge, California. She attended CSUN and earned a BA in Liberal Arts, Concentration: Mathematics, a multiple subject credential, and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to joining VCES, where she initially served as a teaching assistant, Lauren worked as a substitute teacher and a nanny. She is a teacher because “It’s who I am...a magical profession. I get to be a scientist, a nurse, a coach, an actor, and a friend. I get to make an impact in a child’s life and grow from every new and exciting experience. It’s amazingly challenging and so rewarding.” Lauren enjoys editing video, music, volleyball, arts and crafts, and cake decorating.
[email protected]
Born in Dallas, Texas, Lauren Schauer grew up in Northridge, California. She attended CSUN and earned a BA in Liberal Arts, Concentration: Mathematics, a multiple subject credential, and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to joining VCES, where she initially served as a teaching assistant, Lauren worked as a substitute teacher and a nanny. She is a teacher because “It’s who I am...a magical profession. I get to be a scientist, a nurse, a coach, an actor, and a friend. I get to make an impact in a child’s life and grow from every new and exciting experience. It’s amazingly challenging and so rewarding.” Lauren enjoys editing video, music, volleyball, arts and crafts, and cake decorating.
Fourth Grade
Jessica Eckley
[email protected]Jessica Eckley grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut, and moved to California in 2009. She attended the University of Redlands where she earned her BA in Liberal Studies and Creative Writing, as well as her multiple subject teaching credential. She student-taught at Mission Elementary School in Redlands, CA in a first grade classroom. Jessica went on to substitute teach in the Conejo Valley Unified School District and the Las Virgenes Unified School District. She then became a teaching associate at Citizens of the World Charter School, Silver Lake. At CWC she worked with two third grade classes, supported the after-school program, and ran a social emotional learning club each day. After a year as a TA, Jessica was ready to move onto the next chapter and have her own classroom where she could teach a bright group of lifelong learners. In her free time, Jessica enjoys writing, playing with her dog Maggie May, spending time with loved ones, and watching Harry Potter.
Christine Liggett
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Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA, Christine Liggett has always been passionate about shaping young minds. She was a preschool teacher for several years in the Los Angeles area working with children two-five years old. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development as well as a teaching credential from CSU Northridge. She also has degrees in counseling and in restorative justice practices and trauma informed care from San Diego State University. She completed her student teaching in second, third, and fifth grade. She loves creating meaningful connections with her students and establishing a learning environment that is safe and welcoming. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and going on walks.
[email protected]
Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA, Christine Liggett has always been passionate about shaping young minds. She was a preschool teacher for several years in the Los Angeles area working with children two-five years old. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development as well as a teaching credential from CSU Northridge. She also has degrees in counseling and in restorative justice practices and trauma informed care from San Diego State University. She completed her student teaching in second, third, and fifth grade. She loves creating meaningful connections with her students and establishing a learning environment that is safe and welcoming. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and going on walks.
Fifth Grade
Amelia Jones
[email protected]
Inspired by her mother who was a teacher in Guatemala before immigrating to the United States, Amelia Jones always knew she wanted to be a lifelong learner and educator. Amelia was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and studied English literature at California State University, Northridge. While pursuing her bachelor's degree, she worked for LAUSD's after school program where she led the science club and became a program supervisor. She also taught science to first and second graders in a summer science and arts camp where she encouraged her students to be innovators who embrace challenges in a collaborative setting. After earning her bachelor's degree, she joined the VCES community as a TA in Ms. Nakano's first grade class and then in second and fifth grade classrooms. At VCES, Amelia found a home and community where she knew she belonged. She earned her multiple subject credential from CSUN and is excited to be a part of the fifth grade team. Amelia is especially attuned to meeting the needs of the diverse student body at VCES and she values supporting her students through their social, emotional, and academic growth. During her free time, Amelia loves being outdoors, running, hiking, and exploring with her pup, Marley.
[email protected]
Inspired by her mother who was a teacher in Guatemala before immigrating to the United States, Amelia Jones always knew she wanted to be a lifelong learner and educator. Amelia was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and studied English literature at California State University, Northridge. While pursuing her bachelor's degree, she worked for LAUSD's after school program where she led the science club and became a program supervisor. She also taught science to first and second graders in a summer science and arts camp where she encouraged her students to be innovators who embrace challenges in a collaborative setting. After earning her bachelor's degree, she joined the VCES community as a TA in Ms. Nakano's first grade class and then in second and fifth grade classrooms. At VCES, Amelia found a home and community where she knew she belonged. She earned her multiple subject credential from CSUN and is excited to be a part of the fifth grade team. Amelia is especially attuned to meeting the needs of the diverse student body at VCES and she values supporting her students through their social, emotional, and academic growth. During her free time, Amelia loves being outdoors, running, hiking, and exploring with her pup, Marley.
Samantha Hechtman
[email protected]
Samantha Hechtman was born and raised in the Pasadena area but has spent most of her adult life in the San Fernando Valley where she has been a teacher for over fourteen years. She earned her BA in psychology from Scripps College and immediately began her teaching career with Teach For America where she taught third grade in LAUSD. Later, while pursuing her Master’s in Education from Claremont Graduate University, she taught an upper grades class at Sycamore Elementary School and later was a founding member and fifth-grade teacher at Downtown Value School in the Pico-Union area. Samantha also worked for a private education company in Pasadena where she assisted teachers with improving their technology integration skills in the classroom and also taught students digital literacy skills in kindergarten through fifth grades. For nearly ten years, Samantha taught fourth grade at Wise School in the Los Angeles area where she mentored other teachers, led staff trainings, and helped write curriculum based upon a model of gifted education for all learners. Samantha has also presented and been a demonstration school teacher at conferences for the California Association for the Gifted (CAG). In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her son doing LEGO builds, hiking on the trails near her home, and crocheting stuffed animals and other gifts for family and friends.
Samantha Hechtman was born and raised in the Pasadena area but has spent most of her adult life in the San Fernando Valley where she has been a teacher for over fourteen years. She earned her BA in psychology from Scripps College and immediately began her teaching career with Teach For America where she taught third grade in LAUSD. Later, while pursuing her Master’s in Education from Claremont Graduate University, she taught an upper grades class at Sycamore Elementary School and later was a founding member and fifth-grade teacher at Downtown Value School in the Pico-Union area. Samantha also worked for a private education company in Pasadena where she assisted teachers with improving their technology integration skills in the classroom and also taught students digital literacy skills in kindergarten through fifth grades. For nearly ten years, Samantha taught fourth grade at Wise School in the Los Angeles area where she mentored other teachers, led staff trainings, and helped write curriculum based upon a model of gifted education for all learners. Samantha has also presented and been a demonstration school teacher at conferences for the California Association for the Gifted (CAG). In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her son doing LEGO builds, hiking on the trails near her home, and crocheting stuffed animals and other gifts for family and friends.
Specialists
Gina Hairapetian, Physical Education
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Coach Gina Hairapetian has been teaching and running physical education programs since she began her career at Woodland Hills Elementary in 1996. In 2004, Coach Gina started teaching P.E. at Serrania Elementary. That same year, she started running the P.E. program at Welby Way Elementary. The San Fernando Valley native comes to Valley Charter Elementary School with a deep knowledge of physical education programs and getting children involved at all levels. She loves to put together creative, fun, and challenging activities for her students and enjoys helping them grow, thrive, and gain confidence. Coach Gina has also been the head softball coach at Chaminade High School in West Hills, California since 2004. Under her leadership, the softball team has won two CIF Championships. In her spare time, Coach Gina enjoys the beach, reading a good book, and spending time with friends and family.
[email protected]
Coach Gina Hairapetian has been teaching and running physical education programs since she began her career at Woodland Hills Elementary in 1996. In 2004, Coach Gina started teaching P.E. at Serrania Elementary. That same year, she started running the P.E. program at Welby Way Elementary. The San Fernando Valley native comes to Valley Charter Elementary School with a deep knowledge of physical education programs and getting children involved at all levels. She loves to put together creative, fun, and challenging activities for her students and enjoys helping them grow, thrive, and gain confidence. Coach Gina has also been the head softball coach at Chaminade High School in West Hills, California since 2004. Under her leadership, the softball team has won two CIF Championships. In her spare time, Coach Gina enjoys the beach, reading a good book, and spending time with friends and family.
Joe Tagnipes, Music Teacher
[email protected]
Joseph Tagnipes got his degree in Audio Engineering in 2018 from SAE Institute in Hollywood, CA. Music has been an important part of his life since 2000 and has enjoyed working with children since 2005. Notable roles have been Swim Instructor, PE Coach, STEM Enrichment Instructor, and YMCA Unit Camp Director. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Rose Bowl, 2002 Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City, several TV and commercial spots, and an occasional instrumentalist for the local philippine dance troupe. Joe is also the Music Teacher at Burbank Arts Summer Camp for One World Rhythm since 2012 and continues to represent One World Rhythm throughout the year. He also teaches music at library workshops and birthday parties. When he's not teaching music, he works as an Audio Engineer. Notable projects include working with AJ Rafael, Ruby Ibarra, Los Angeles Filipino-American Cultural Arts, and Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights.
[email protected]
Joseph Tagnipes got his degree in Audio Engineering in 2018 from SAE Institute in Hollywood, CA. Music has been an important part of his life since 2000 and has enjoyed working with children since 2005. Notable roles have been Swim Instructor, PE Coach, STEM Enrichment Instructor, and YMCA Unit Camp Director. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Rose Bowl, 2002 Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City, several TV and commercial spots, and an occasional instrumentalist for the local philippine dance troupe. Joe is also the Music Teacher at Burbank Arts Summer Camp for One World Rhythm since 2012 and continues to represent One World Rhythm throughout the year. He also teaches music at library workshops and birthday parties. When he's not teaching music, he works as an Audio Engineer. Notable projects include working with AJ Rafael, Ruby Ibarra, Los Angeles Filipino-American Cultural Arts, and Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights.
Freya Reisman, Special Education Coordinator
[email protected]
Freya Reisman is a native of Los Angeles and grew up in the Sunland-Tujunga area of the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology and continued her studies at CSUN for her general and special education teaching credentials. She taught special education students in LAUSD in a self-contained classroom for five years and as a Resource Specialist Teacher for 23 years. After 28 years in the classroom, she returned to CSUN for her Masters’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and her Administrative Credential. She then was given the opportunity to coordinate a college accessibility grant (A GEAR UP Partnership Grant between LAUSD and the U.S. Department of Education) at John Marshall High School and Virgil Middle School. For the next five years, she worked with students and families to support the path to post-secondary education and helped make going to college a reality for many who had not thought it was possible. In 2013 she returned to special education as an Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist working with parents, teachers, and service providers to ensure that IEPs are developed and implemented so that students are supported to achieve their highest potential. Following retirement from LAUSD in 2019 and taking a year off, Freya joined the VCES team to continue working to provide support for students and families who require special education services.
[email protected]
Freya Reisman is a native of Los Angeles and grew up in the Sunland-Tujunga area of the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology and continued her studies at CSUN for her general and special education teaching credentials. She taught special education students in LAUSD in a self-contained classroom for five years and as a Resource Specialist Teacher for 23 years. After 28 years in the classroom, she returned to CSUN for her Masters’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and her Administrative Credential. She then was given the opportunity to coordinate a college accessibility grant (A GEAR UP Partnership Grant between LAUSD and the U.S. Department of Education) at John Marshall High School and Virgil Middle School. For the next five years, she worked with students and families to support the path to post-secondary education and helped make going to college a reality for many who had not thought it was possible. In 2013 she returned to special education as an Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist working with parents, teachers, and service providers to ensure that IEPs are developed and implemented so that students are supported to achieve their highest potential. Following retirement from LAUSD in 2019 and taking a year off, Freya joined the VCES team to continue working to provide support for students and families who require special education services.
Mary Hauck, RSP Teacher
[email protected]
Mary Hauck has been an educator for over 40 years. After getting her BA in Multiple Subject Teaching at Cal Poly, Pomona, she started working for LAUSD in an elementary school in East Los Angeles. While teaching, she became interested in why some children struggled with learning while others did not. She continued her studies at Cal Poly pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. Her thesis was on right and left brain learning. She also obtained a Resource Specialist Certificate and a Clear Specialist Instruction Credential in Special Education: Learning Handicapped. She spent six months working in a Special Day Class in Eagle Rock and then transferred to working as a Resource Specialist Teacher. Along with working with children with learning disabilities, she also has been a gifted coordinator and has taught gifted classes after school. It has been a passion of hers to seek new ways to teach children who struggle in learning. With a belief that all children can learn given the right environment, tools, and approach, Mary is excited to be a part of the VCES staff. When not teaching she enjoys her two dogs, reading, gardening, and swimming.
[email protected]
Mary Hauck has been an educator for over 40 years. After getting her BA in Multiple Subject Teaching at Cal Poly, Pomona, she started working for LAUSD in an elementary school in East Los Angeles. While teaching, she became interested in why some children struggled with learning while others did not. She continued her studies at Cal Poly pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. Her thesis was on right and left brain learning. She also obtained a Resource Specialist Certificate and a Clear Specialist Instruction Credential in Special Education: Learning Handicapped. She spent six months working in a Special Day Class in Eagle Rock and then transferred to working as a Resource Specialist Teacher. Along with working with children with learning disabilities, she also has been a gifted coordinator and has taught gifted classes after school. It has been a passion of hers to seek new ways to teach children who struggle in learning. With a belief that all children can learn given the right environment, tools, and approach, Mary is excited to be a part of the VCES staff. When not teaching she enjoys her two dogs, reading, gardening, and swimming.
McCayleigh Bayer, School Psychologist
McCayleigh received her undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She previously worked in equine therapy with developmentally disabled adults and inpatient adolescent treatment. McCayleigh graduated from CSUN with her graduate degree in school psychology in 2020. She has previously worked in SVUSD, LAUSD, and Birmingham CCHS as a graduate student and post-graduation. She has worked with trans-disciplinary preschool teams in early childhood intervention, elementary students, and high school students. When she is not working, you can find McCayleigh reading, walking her dog, taking day trips with her boyfriend around California, watching Dodger games, or napping with her cats.
Cassandra Brink, Reading Intervention
Cassandra Brink was born in Orange County, California, but has lived all over the state, including various parts of Riverside, Humboldt, and Los Angeles Counties. She graduated in 2008 from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and earned her Multiple Subjects Credential the following year. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles to begin her teaching career at Larchmont Charter School in West Hollywood. Over her 13 years at Larchmont, Cassandra taught first, second, and third grades. She also helped to start an after-school reading intervention program which led her to become interested in learning better ways to support students with reading difficulties. Cassandra is working on her Master's in Reading and Literacy from Fullerton State University and will graduate in 2025. Cassandra is thrilled to join VCES as the reading intervention specialist. She loves teaching reading intervention because she believes literacy is key to unlocking a student's future. When she is not working, Cassandra loves going to concerts and movies with her husband and friends. She also enjoys exploring dog-friendly places around the valley with her German Shepherd, Macy.
Kelsey Sinclair, Resource Teacher
Kelsey Sinclair grew up in Idaho and Colorado and has always been passionate about learning, social connection, and outdoor activities. She finds joy in helping others discover their strengths and potential. Kelsey completed her undergraduate degree and played college soccer at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. As a young adult, she coached gymnastics, interned with Special Olympics, and was a pediatric developmental therapist. After college, she ventured into the world of education as an educational assistant and quickly realized she wanted to become a special education teacher. In her first year of teaching, she received the “Teacher of the Year” award. She has been a special educator for over 10 years and developed two new special education programs at the elementary and middle school levels. While teaching full-time, she completed her Masters in Education with an emphasis on Educational Therapy to gain strategies to help her students increase their executive function skills. Kelsey enjoys supporting students in recognizing strengths, understanding individual learning styles, and increasing independence. When she’s not working, you’ll find her surfing, biking, playing beach volleyball, traveling, or spending time with her friends and family. She loves living in California and feels fortunate to be a part of the VCES team!
During the 23-24 school year, VCES is contracting with Hillary Oberstein and Kristin Rywalski to bring yoga and art to VCES.
Hillary Oberstein, Yoga Enrichment
Hillary Oberstein (300hrRYT) has been teaching yoga since 2015. She holds certifications in both the
Vinyasa and Yin traditions as well as children’s yoga, and taught for several years at CorePower Yoga before opening her home studio to weekly classes. She teaches kids aged 18 months to fifth grade at both the Adat Ari El Early Childhood Center and Valley Charter Elementary School. Hillary loves how yoga balances her, making both her body and mind feel alive, and is passionate about helping people of ALL ages feel the same.
Vinyasa and Yin traditions as well as children’s yoga, and taught for several years at CorePower Yoga before opening her home studio to weekly classes. She teaches kids aged 18 months to fifth grade at both the Adat Ari El Early Childhood Center and Valley Charter Elementary School. Hillary loves how yoga balances her, making both her body and mind feel alive, and is passionate about helping people of ALL ages feel the same.Kristin Rywalski, Art Enrichment
Kristin Rywalski, a New Jersey native, has been an artist since she could hold a crayon and has implemented and infused her love of the arts in all that she does. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, with a focus in painting and philosophy, Kristin has extensive experience in realistic drawing and painting as well as a love for large-scale abstracts. As a mom of 3 (and proud VCES parent) Kristin discovered her passion for teaching art when fostering her own children’s artistic expression. She founded My Art Studio, a home-based art school teaching children the fundamental elements of drawing and painting with an emphasis on exploration, process, and self-expression. Kristin is a firm believer that flexing our creativity not only changes the way we see ourselves and the world around us, but getting out of our heads and into our hands helps us process and regulate our emotions, creating more inner peace and joy.