CARLOS O. CORTEZ - Headmaster (Principal) of New Village Charter High School
Born to a working-class family in a small New England town, Dr. Carlos Osvaldo Cortez credits his academic success to loving parents and a rigorous parochial education. As a young adult, Carlos attended Georgetown University, where he double-majored in Women’s History and Feminist Theory. While in Washington, DC, Carlos worked for several homeless women’s shelters. After leaving the District of Columbia in 1997, Carlos completed a course of study at New York University in Gender Politics. While in New York City, he conducted extensive research on adolescent youth-at-risk. In 1999, Carlos joined Teach for America. Over the past decade, he worked as a teacher and administrator in the most under-resourced communities in New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. During the past four years, Carlos also served as an educational consultant to regional charter schools. By dedicating his life to child advocacy work, he has contributed to formation of over twenty private, charter, and alternative public schools. In 2006, Carlos received a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of women’s political history. He enthusiastically joins the staff of New Village Charter High School. His educational philosophy champions the merits of differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and high academic expectations.
JOE BENNETT - Assistant Principal of New Village Charter High School
JAN ADAMEK - World History and Women in Politics
Mr. Jan Adamek came to sunny Los Angeles from rainy Seattle, where he finished his high school years. Santa Monica Community College gave him an amazing experience and a solid start towards his future university education. After successful completion of his Associates Degree, he transferred to California State University in Northridge, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Currently, he is a full-time student at CSUN finishing a Masters of Arts degree in Political Science along with an intern teaching credential in the social studies. He currently teaches World History and Women in Politics at New Village. Mr. Adamek has little free time at present due to his extensive work and educational responsibilities. When he finds the time, he loves traveling to new places and meeting new people; learning about their lives and customs help him to understand that everyone of us is special and unique.
MIA ALEXANDER-DAVIS -Television and Film
Ms. Alexander-Davis hails from the great Midwestern state of Michigan. She was educated formally by the City of Flint Public Schools. In her last year of high school, Ms. Alexander-Davis was an exchange student in the Netherlands, where she studied the language and culture of the Dutch people. Continuing her quest to obtain knowledge in search of wisdom, Ms. Alexander-Davis attended the illustrious Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelors degree in Political Science. After graduating, she entered the teaching profession for two years in Washington, D.C., where she learned of the vast challenges facing inner city youth. Determined to have an impact on the self-esteem of those she encountered, Ms. Alexander-Davis founded Sandwiches Non-Profit Homeless Program in inner city D.C. She later joined the Peace Corps, where served in Namibia Africa as an English and History teacher. While in the Peace Corps, Ms. Alexander-Davis decided to follow her dreams of impacting the self-esteem of others through the medium of media. She went on to attend Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she is finishing her MFA in Producing for Television and Film.
ERIC ANTHONY - Business Manager
Mr. Eric Anthony was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University. He has deejayed in clubs throughout New York, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Eric studied with master artists like DJ Hapa, Faust and Shorty, Princess Superstar, and DJs Are Not Rockstars. Although his main musical influences stem from R&B, Hip Hop, and Soul, Mr. Anthony is committed to blending many genres of sounds together to create new music.
JESSICA GRACE ARENIVAR-Social Work Intern
Ms. Jessica Arenivar is currently a Masters student at the University of Southern California. She is a proud Trojan, studying Social Work with a special emphasis in working with children and families and school social work. She will graduate May 2009 and earn an MSW degree with a Pupil Personnel Services credential. Ms. Jessica was born and raised in East Los Angeles and graduated from East Los Angeles College with an A.A degree in Child Development. She continued her education at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena and earned a BA degree in Human Development. She worked her way through college, by working with teens at an out patient substance abuse agency, for 6 years. She also worked for the Montebello Unified School District with children ranging from Pre-K to 12th Grade. It is obvious Ms. Jessica has dedicated her life to working with children and youth. She looks forward to the many years ahead of her, where she will provide therapeutic services, to child and their families. Ms. Jessica enjoys spending time with her two sons and loves going paintball shooting with them.
PRESTON BOULTON - Office Manager & Tae Kwon Do
Mr. Preston Boulton was born in Los Angeles and has been a student of the martial arts since age five. While attending the University of California Santa Cruz for his undergraduate degree in Psychology, Mr. Boulton received his black belt in Korean Tae Kwon Do from Grandmaster Soonho Song. Mr. Boulton has experience in teaching Tae Kwon Do to children of all ages from kindergarten to college and recently took gold at the 2007 California State Tae Kwon Do Championships. He also studies and competes in Japanese Judo. In addition to teaching Physical Education, Mr. Boulton serves as the Office Manager of NVC.
CAPOEIRA BRASIL
Founded in 1989, Capoeira Brasil provides physical education classes to secondary students a number of Los Angeles middle and high schools. Maestro Boneco, with his lovely assistant Ulsa (Ms. Alessandra Rogers), has inspired hundreds of students to embrace the art of capoeria. Many people see it as a martial art — others as a dance, and there those who believe that it is their religion and cultural identity. The description of Capoeira varies according to people’s personalities. It is a native Brazilian Indian word given to a small partridge whose male is very jealous and engages in fierce fights with its rivals. Capoeira blends elements of dance, music, rituals, acrobatics, and fighting. Anyone can find some form of identity in Capoeira.
WENDY CASTELLANOS - Hip-Hop, Latin Dance & World Dance
Dance has been a way of life for Wendy. At three years old Ms. Wendy Castellanos unknowingly embarked on a journey in pursuit of becoming a dancer whose skill, musicality, and soul would result in harmony, on the stage, and in everyday life. She has been fortunate enough to study with some of LA’s dance masters, becoming proficient in various dance forms such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern, Latin Ballroom, Contact Improvisation, Samba and Flamenco. She attained her B.A. at UCLA in the World Arts & Cultures Department and upon graduating began a multifaceted career as a Dancer, Teacher, and Choreographer. Past performance venues include, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center, UCLA Royce Hall, Anaheim Sports Arena, Sexton Auditorium, Electric Lodge Theater, Fowler Museum, Museum of Latin American Art, World Cup Closing Ceremonies at the Rose Bowl, Latin night clubs in the L.A. area, as well as various elementary schools through the Orange County Commission for the Performing Arts. She currently performs every week at El Cid on Sunset and at Tapas in Newport Beach with her own dance company called Almardiente Flamenco. She also teaches dance for Children in Alhambra at The Arte Flamenco Dance Theater’s Center of World Dance.
VERONICA CASTILLO - Family Literacy
Working with youth has always been her passion. Ms. Veronica Castillo obtained her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Chapman University and is currently completing her Masters Degree in School Psychology at National University. After graduating from Chapman, her dream was to become a police officer, but she had a great opportunity to work as a teacher at a non-public school. After working for a few years at a non-public school, she became a third grade teacher for a private school. In addition, she had the privilege in working as a Family Service Coordinator for a non-public agency and also be the coordinator of a youth program. Having worked in different positions, she realized that her career was to work with youth and also be involved in their education. Presently, Ms. Castillo is the Education Coordinator at St. Anne’s Family- Based Services. She works closely with students from New Village Charter School in the Parent Education and Parents and Child Interactive Literacy Activities (PCILA) classes.
GRACE CHANG - Culinary Tricks & How to Be a Millionaire
Ms. Grace Chang graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona. Ms. Chang has worked with companies such as Virgin Records, Disney, Lip Service and several well-known local companies. Currently, Ms. Chang divides her time between teaching Business and Culinary classes at New Village Charter School and instructing college Students in Fashion Marketing at a local design college. This year, she will guide students to create their own business and a school store.
SARAH W. CHESSON - Director, Family Literacy
Ms. Sarah W. Chesson is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she received a Bachelors degree. She received her Masters in Education and a teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University. She taught middle school for three and half years in Huntington Park, California before coming to St. Anne’s in February 2007. Ms. Chesson coordinates the various components of the St. Anne’s Family Literacy Program, funded by First 5 LA and Even Start, which includes the adult education support and parenting classes being held at NVC. Ms. Chesson routinely works with families enrolled in the Family Literacy Program, facilitates component integration, manages long-term curriculum planning, and oversees program case management. She loves chatting with Family Literacy moms, eating junk food, and reading on the beach.
TOM FARRELL - Guitar
A Chicago native, Mr. Tom Farrell received his M.M. from Northwestern University. During his studies, he had the opportunity to perform for many world class artists such as Sergio Assad, Oscar Ghiglia, Nigel North and William Kannengeiser. In January of 2000, he was awarded first place in the Society of American Musicians Classical Guitar Competition. After graduation he participated in the world famous master classes taught by Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Since then, he has performed throughout the U.S. and has been commissioned to compose music for theater and dance, including Thodos Dance Chicago and the Remy Bumppo Theater Company. A recent project includes the score of a short film by Italian director, Alessandro de Cristofaro.
ARACELI FIGUEROA - Mrs. Araceli Figueroa was born and raised in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. For her undergraduate coursework she attended Loyola Marymount University. In December of 2003, she received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Alcohol and Drugs Studies. Currently she is attending National University where she is working on a Master of Science in Educational Counseling. She is the 9th grade counselor here at NVCS on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When she is not on campus, she is a K-12 substitute teacher for PUSD. Mrs. Figueroa’s passion is working with students of all ages. She loves working with students because they are our future and their success is possible with the aid of all our helping hands.
MIRYUNG MARIAH FONTIJN - Chemistry
Ms. Miryung Mariah Fontijn was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to Chicago with her parents and younger brother when she was four years old. Though she has never been back to Korea, she still has many relatives there, including a well-known moviestar cousin. Her childhood hobbies included attending Cubs games, playing catch with her brother everyday after school, and climbing up 20 foot drifts and iceskating along frozen streets during the snowy Chicago winters. She received a B.S. in the Teaching of Chemistry and an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Illinois and completed a second M.A. in Religion from Urbana Theological Seminary in Champaign, Illinois. The past several months of 2008 have been very eventful for Mrs. Fontijn. She got married in April, graduated in May, moved to Los Angeles in June, adopted an adorable little boxer in August, and began teaching at NVCS in September. She is thankful for the beautiful sunny weather and for new friends made in L.A. and at NVCS, the place she now calls ‘home’.
FIT4FREE - Health & Life Skills - The mission of Fit4Free is to inspire the next generation to make healthy choices on a daily basis, inform youth about balanced nutrition and the importance of physical activity, and integrate healthy habits into the lifestyles of our next generation as a way to prevent chronic disease. Our organization was founded by fitness expert and former athlete Raphael Picaud and his wife Boba Andric, who now heads the organization and continues Raphel’s work in his memory. Since it’s inception in 2000, Fit4Free has provided free classes, seminars and workshops in various schools and organizations around Los Angeles County. The Fit Community Program at New Village Charter High School will provide nutritional and fitness education as well as other health related topics. The instructor, Gina Anderson, was introduced to Boba Andric after recovering from a life-threatening malignant brain tumor, and has been teaching classes for Fit4Free since 2006. With a Board of Directors that features specialists in medicine, law and entertainment, Fit4Free is excited to present several experienced and dynamic guest speakers for the class, including renowned actress and active philanthropist Kelly Lynch and Dr. David Gellar, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the UCLA School of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
JULIE FOAT - Family Literacy
Ms. Julie M. Foat is a graduate of Kent State University. She received her credential as an intervention specialist (K-12) in Ohio and received reciprocity in California. She has taught in the Bay Area, the Phillipines, and New Zealand before coming to NVC. Ms. Foat is a member of the National Education Association, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Association of Special Education Teachers. She leads Parenting with Passion on Mondays and Wednesdays. In addition, she provides academic support to parenting students throughout the day at NVC. Ms. Foat is active in her church and is a Middle Eastern dance instructor.
CRISTINA FRIAS - Television & Acting
Ms. Cristina Frias is a native Los Angeles drama teacher, actress, writer/director. She graduated from U.C. Berkeley, studied acting at A.C.T. in San Francisco and at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She has performed with several award-winning companies such as the Mark Taper Forum, Cornerstone Theater Co., The San Francisco Mime Troupe, Culture Clash, Latina Theatre Lab, CASA 0101. Ms. Frias also acts in commercials, films and TV. She has been awarded five Department of Cultural Affair’s Artist-In-Resident Grants for her work as a Drama Teacher in the Los Angeles Community.
VERONICA GARCIA - Social Worker & Life Skills
Ms. Veronica Garcia was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. She received her under graduate education at the University of California at Santa Cruz with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Ms. Garcia received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. While working towards her graduate degree, Ms. Garcia also obtained her Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Ms. Garcia has been working in the field of social services for several years. Prior to entering into her graduate studies she had worked in community mental health as well as residential treatment. While completing her graduate studies Ms. Garcia was able to obtain clinical experience working in the criminal justice system, as well as the school setting. Following her graduate studies Ms. Garcia had the opportunity to work internationally while practicing social work in London, U.K. Ms. Garcia’s hobbies include traveling, music, and knitting.
MONICA RAMIREZ GARCIA - Guidance Counselor
Ms. Monica Ramirez Garcia was born in a Mecca, California, which is a small city in the Coachella Valley. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Spanish Literature and a minor in Psychology from the University of California at San Diego. While at UC San Diego, she worked as a Resident Advisor for freshman students and as a mentor for first generation and low income students for the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Currently, she is working on her Masters of Science in School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential at California State University at Northridge. She works a Guidance Counselor at New Village Charter School where she works directly with students in grade ten.
JEAN GASCA - Biology, Health & Chemistry
Ms. Jean Gasca was born in Los Angeles and has lived in Southern California all her life. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a master’s degree in Engineering Systems, both from UCLA, she taught for ten years at UCLA in the “Problem Solving and Decision Making” program as a Lecturer. She also spent several years as a systems analyst and computer programmer in an engineering consulting firm in the risk analysis department; her favorite project there was one in which she spent a year writing a computer program to estimate the probability of a nuclear accident in a power plant due to a hypothetical earthquake on a nearby fault line. The reason she liked that project so much was that she worked with so many other scientists and engineers – seismologists with knowledge about earthquakes, engineers with knowledge about how the parts in a nuclear reactor work and fail, and computer scientists who gave her advice on the programming – and she learned so much in the process. She has taught middle school and high school math and science at three private schools and one public school in the Los Angeles area, for a total of fifteen years. At one middle school, she coached science students who submitted science projects to the yearly Los Angeles County Science Fair, and over a six-year period, thirty of those students won first-, second- or third-place prizes in their categories; one of the prize winners went on to win a third-place prize in the California State Science Fair. Ms. Gasca spends her free time reading, working in her drought-tolerant garden, playing with her animals (one dog, two cats and three birds), playing piano, and singing. She sings with The Concert Singers, a community choral group in Westchester, and with the choir of Temple Akiba in Culver City. She is very happy to be teaching science at New Village!
SETH CLYDE-HAMILTON GOLD - Learning Lab
Mr. Seth Clyde-Hamilton Gold was born and raised in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley where he graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1995. From there, he attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 2000 with a double major and B.A. degree in Rhetoric and Philosophy. He then worked in various fields including publishing, journalism, library science, and education. After deciding not to join the mass migration to law school, he decided that his desire to be a career student corresponded pragmatically with an interest in teaching. Upon moving back to Los Angeles in 2003, Seth worked at The HELP Group of Sherman Oaks’ Bridgeport School for students with developmental disabilities. For the subsequent four years, he taught a special day high school class with disabilities ranging from Autism to Emotional Disturbance. He loves teaching special education and working with small groups to show that all students are individuals with gifts and assets to contribute to the empowerment of their lives and the community. Education allows everyone to become an advocate for him/herself. In his spare time, he is a fervent reader and writer. He would love to become a published author. In addition, he would like to start a non-profit that promotes school libraries and literacy programs across the globe.
DIANA HARRELSON - English
Ms. Diana Harrelson comes to New Village Charter School with eleven years of extensive and varied experience teaching all levels of high school English. Actively involved in all areas of education including curriculum development, teacher mentoring, college & career preparation, and community involvement, Ms. Harrelson has successfully taught all grades, with a consistent focus on writing, literacy, and interdisciplinary projects. She has been Senior Project Coordinator, A.V.I.D. Coordinator, a B.T.S.A. Support Provider, and a South Basin Writing Project member. Additionally, she piloted a humanities block in a small learning community based on Coalition of Essential School model. Before teaching high school, Ms. Harrelson worked in the computer industry, engineering, law, & medical technology. She designed and implemented training materials, coordinated marketing communication, designed public relations & marketing strategies, supervised customer support, hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated over 60 employees.
Ms. Harrelson loves to travel and has delighted in helping students expand their world view by taking groups of students to Europe five separate years. She believes in the transformative power of the outdoors, yoga, quantum physics, and living each moment passionately.
MEREDITH HINES - Yoga
Ms. Meredith Hines graduated with honors from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and television. She has performed internationally in over twenty plays, and recently finished shooting two independent films currently in distribution. At UCLA she received the Rebecca Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship for excellence in Acting, as well as the Ahmanson Theater Award Scholarship for promising artists. She is a founding member of the Los Angeles Based Theater Company LATE. She is a graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Drama Division. Meredith has been an active yoga practitioner for over five years, and upon graduating UCLA was accepted into the prestigious Yoga Works two-hundred hour Teacher Training program, where she passed national board exams and became certified with Yoga Alliance. After finishing the two-hundred hour program Meredith was asked to continue her studies in the advanced teacher’s program at Yoga Works, where she is currently studying to be certified at the highest level in the field. She is an apprentice to world renowned teacher Julie Kleinman, and currently teaches in studios around Los Angeles, and to private clients. In addition to teaching yoga Meredith also runs a nonprofit arts organization at UCLA, and is a supervisor at the Didi Hirsch, Suicide Prevention Center Crisis line. Meredith is delighted to share the gift of yoga and drama to the girls at New Village.
VIBEKE HIRSCH – Art & Fitness
Ms. Vibeke Hirsch was born in New York City and attended Skidmore College for her undergraduate degree in Studio Art. Later, she attended Teachers College, Columbia University in New York where she received her Masters in Art Education. She was also awarded the honor of being accepted into Kappa Delta Pi – an international educational honors society. Ms. Hirsch has been teaching art to students of all ages since 1998. Some of her specialties include painting, drawing and 3-Dimensional work. Ms. Hirsch is a founding faculty member of New Village Charter School, this year will be her second year.
JOE JONES - Dean and Director of Athletics
Mr. Joe Jones is a former LAPD Officer with nine years experience serving the people of Los Angeles. While an Officer Jones was recomended for the Police Star for saving the life of a citizen and as well recieved numerous commendations for his work as a police officer. Jones has also worked for the LAUSD Police as well on a part-time basis , as a Crisis Intervention Officer for At-risk youth. Jones has been a volunteer coach for approximately ten years at the Crenshaw YMCA and Pan Pacific Recreation Center and has also been an assistant coach at the Varsity level. Mr. Jones also received his Private Investigators certification from West Coast Detective Academy. Jones attended San Diego City College and Cal State Dominguez Hills where he majored in Physical Education and Criminal Justice. Joe was an exceptional athlete. Joe was a two-time All PCC Baseball player at SDCC and All West Region at CSUDH; as well played in the College World Series in 1987. Jones was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals professional baseball team, played college basketball at SDCC, and semi-professional football for the LA Centurions. Joe has also been a noted security consultant and bodyguard to numerous celebrities. Taco Bell, Nike, UMCA, CBS Studios, and Stamps.com are a few of Jones’s corporate clients. Celebrity clients previously protected by Jones are Bill Cosby (Actor, Comedian), Jay-Z (Def-Jam CEO, Rapper), Damon Dash (Rocafella Records, CEO), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (NBA, Entrepreneur), Johnny Depp (Actor), Lil Kim (Rapper), Les Moonves Estate (CBS, CEO), Sean “Puffy” Combs (Bad Boy Records CEO), and Snoop Dogg (Rapper) to name a few. Jones continues to maintain a production company which plans events throughout the city of Los Angeles. Joe is single and the proud father of sons Corey and Casey and daughter Jonae.
LANNY LEYDA - Cosmotology
Mr. Lanny Leyda was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He started doing make-up right out of high school, realizing early on that it was his way of expressing the artist inside. From the moment he picked up a make-up brush, he knew that it was what he would do for the rest of his life. Not finding enough challenging and expressive work in Seattle, he moved to Los Angeles to have more opportunities. Since living in Los Angeles, Mr. Leyda has had his hand in every part of the make-up industry. Working for MAC Cosmetics for three years opened a lot of doors for him and he made amazing contacts. Since doing make-up he has worked on TV shows, movies, fashion shows, celebrity clients, and high-profile photo shoots. His work can be seen on the screen and in print. Mr. Leyda has done make-up professionally for eight years. He is excited for the opportunity to share his passion with others.
CURTIS EUGENE LOVELL II - Illusion Art & Magic
Escape artist, illusionist, and master magician Mr. Curtis Eugene Lovell II dreamed of becoming a magician ever since a coin was magically pulled from his ear at the age of seven. He has made his dream a reality in the past twenty years. Lovell has challenged Magician David Blaine and Psychic John Edward to public duels. He has also made special appearances on Spike TV and the USA Network. Most recently, he cut Paris Hilton in half for the reality television show The Simple Life on E! Entertainment. He has cheated death with effects similar to those of the great Harry Houdini. In 2007, Lovell released a series of magic instructional DVDs, “POOF! You’re a Magician!” that can be found at major retail stores.
CHRISTINA MASTIN - Family Literacy & GED Prep
Ms. Christina Mastin was born in Atascadero, California. Ms. Mastin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where she majored in Theatre. She then moved to NYC, pursuing her acting career. Wanting to be closer to family, Ms. Mastin moved to Washington State. Seattle became her home for the next twenty years. During this time, Ms. Mastin continued her acting (i.e. theatre, television, and film). She also began working in the public schools as a Special Education Assistant. This experience of working with students, supporting children in finding success in the school and community environment, motivated Ms. Mastin to attend the University of Washington Master’s of Education program where she received both a M.Ed in Special Education and teacher certification. During her time in Washington State, Ms. Mastin successfully taught secondary students in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Life Skills. Also, she was asked to pilot a reading program for the Shoreline School District. Since moving to Los Angeles, Ms. Mastin has worked as a Behavior Supervisor for LAUSD and as a Resource Services Provider for New Village Charter School. Throughout her teaching, Ms. Mastin has been committed to supporting and empowering young people in the educational and social environment.
KATE MCNEIL -Creative Writing
Ms. Kate McNeil has been an actress for over twenty years and an educational therapist for four. Upon finding that acting opportunities were becoming less and less rewarding as she got older, Kate went back to school and earned her Masters in Special Education at Cal State Northridge. Kate has developed a deep interest in improving her student’s reading and writing abilities, in the belief that literacy is the key to becoming a more successful and involved member of society.
THE OJAI FOUNDATION AND COUNCIL
The mission of The Ojai Foundation is to strengthen individuals, families and communities by teaching ways to listen and speak from the heart, to honor life’s passages and to appreciate our connection with nature — supporting the emergence of a compassionate, sustainable and peaceful world. We serve a multi-cultural Southern California student population of more than 5000 students with weekly councils in more than 20 public and independent schools. One of our oldest programs is at Palms Middle School in Los Angeles, where we have been supporting a comprehensive experience of council since 1993. In 2004-2005 Palms had 1700 participating students–approximately 30% of whom are Latino, 29% African-American, 26% Anglo and 15% Asian–who speak 31 different first languages in their homes. Some of these students face daily challenges of multigenerational poverty, the surrounding influences of gangs, the easy availability of drugs and other influences that can lead to unhealthy life choices.
JACQUELINE PRESTON OPATIK - Assistant Director, Mental Health (St. Anne’s)
Ms. Jacqueline Preston Opatik helps to coordinate the counseling program at NVC and is an Assistant Director in Mental Health Services at St. Anne’s. Ms. Preston Opatik graduated from the University of Southern California with her Master’s degree in Social Work and Pupil Personnel Services Credential, with a specialization in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance. Ms. Preston Opatik has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In her spare time, Ms. Preston Opatik enjoys cooking, reading, playing the flute, and watching college football.
CATHERINE PARR - Fashion & Costume Illustration
Ms. Catherine Parr is an educator and artist originally from Shropshire in England, with a Bachelors degree in Education and Fine Art. Ms. Parr moved from the UK to California in 1991, where she originally studied fine art and worked in film and advertising. Living and working in Los Angeles, Ms. Parr taught art at a middle school in Northridge and began working as a freelance illustrator, achieving considerable success nationally. Her immediately recognizable illustrations have appeared frequently in newspapers, books and magazines such as The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Los Angeles Magazine, Detour magazine and the Village Voice in New York. She has also built an impressive roster of clients for her watercolor work, painting for prestigious Hollywood film costumers such as Kym Barrett (Costume Designer for ‘The Matrix’ trilogy movies) and the couture designer Kai Milla. Today alongside her professional illustration work, she teaches costume & fashion illustration at New Village High School in Los Angeles, at Westridge Girls School in Pasadena and is a member of a group of artists who teach in the ‘Arts for Mental Health’ program at Metropolitan State Hospital, Norwalk, California.
Peace Over Violence Be Strong - Peace Over Violence is a social service agency formerly called the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women.
Peace Over Violence’s mission is to build healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. The Be Strong program is a new initiative that will target high risk, female youth with curriculum, education, diverse activities, and leadership development. With the goal of building a community of healthy, pro-social young women, the program will enable participants to demonstrate a resistance to relationship violence, including rape, dating violence, and domestic abuse, as well as a commitment to their network of peers.
THEA-MARIE PERKINS - English
Ms. Thea-Marie Perkins is honored to join the faculty of New Village Charter High School. She is from Chicago IL and holds a BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts as a Dean and Chancellor Service recipient. Thea-Marie holds an MFA from The American Conservatory Theater-ACT graduating Summa Cum Laude. She holds a certificate from The London Shakespeare Studio at The Globe Theater through esteemed professionals of The London Academy of The Performing Arts. Her credential is in high honors at Cal State Los Angeles on scholarships from The Charter School of Education, and both Los Angeles and Pasadena Teachers Retirement Foundation. She holds her California State Teaching Credential in English Literature and Theater with a CLAD emphasis. Her work includes LAUSD and SMMUSD for the past seven (7) years including as artistic director of a Drama Conservatory in small learning communities with project-based collaborative curriculum. Her play, The 16th Street Church exposes the Four Little Girls by Spike Lee on stage at The NoHo Theater Arts Festival. Thea-Marie’s innovation continues when Walt Disney Studio’s awarded her with a Creative Classroom grant for her insightful ideas on community service. Chicago’s Second City Improv’s training paid off on The Jimmy Kimmel Live Show which Thea-Marie frequently uses in the classroom. Her performances in The NAACP Award Winning plays: Joleta and Summer’s In Suffolk as well as Lena Horne at Harlem’s National Black Theater and Laura of The Glass Menagerie at San Francisco’s Lorraine Hansberry Theater left indelible memories of joy. Other noted credits are at Princeton University’s McCarter Theater, American Conservatory Theater’s Three Sisters by Anton Chekov, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and American (M) aul by Robert O’Hara. Accomplished artist, Bill Duke also directed Thea-Marie at The Academy of Motion Pictures in the USC’s Bill Cosby Writing Showcase. Black Theater Today: is her award-winning HBO nominated feature documentary film on the state of theater in America and its educational impact on society.
LORI RICHARDS - Council Facilitator & Trainer
Ms. Lori Richards is an award winning songwriter with credits including television, radio, theater, literature, and edutainment. Confirmed as a Council Trainer and Mentor by the Ojai Foundation (www.ojaifoundation.org) Lori trains school, healthcare and business communities in the skills of Council facilitation. She mentors schools on an on-going basis to develop curriculum, foster facilitation skills and integrate Council into the school community. Partial list: International School, Mexico City. Wonderland Elementary School, Los Angeles. New Roads School, Santa Monica. Crossroads School, Santa Monica. Muse School, Malibu. New Village School, Los Angeles. Lori earned her undergraduate degree in music at the University of Southern California where she was accepted at the age of 16. She continued her studies at U.S.C to earn her Orff-Schulwerk certification. Further graduate studies brought her to UCLA for emersion in World Music for Children, film scoring, and songwriting. Lori was the director of St. Matthews School performing arts department, started the Los Angeles Children’s Museum Choir, and was an “A rated” touring artist for LAUSD. Partial list of Educational clients: University of Southern California, Sorobon Institute of Japan, Washington D.C. Energy Office, LAUSD, Enterprise for Education, Pasadena School District, Hell gate School, Missoula, MT., Santa Monica/Malibu School District, Pacifica School District, Pacifica CA.
KAREN ROBERTS –History & Social Studies
Ms. Karen Roberts teaches History and Social Studies and supervises student government. Ms. Roberts received her law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles and practiced general civil law for over 20 years, spending many hours in courtrooms. She has also devoted much time to pro bono work. These legal services have included acting as a Los Angeles Superior Court mediator in tort, landlord-tenant and contract disputes, assisting clients in representing themselves in family law matters as well as performing individual counseling at the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, and providing counseling at the First AME-UCLA Legal Clinic. Ms. Roberts returned to school and received her Master’s Degree in Education as well as her Teaching Credential in History and Social Science from Pepperdine University. As a member of the founding faculty at New Village Charter HS, she taught World History during the school’s first year in operation. STEP UP - Step Up Women’s Network is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women’s health education and advocacy, professional mentorship and social networking opportunities, we educate and activate our members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future. Step Up is on the cutting edge of women’s social philanthropy. The organization’s strength stems from our members’ ability to leverage their personal and professional skills and relationships to give back to the community. Our programs are designed to engage women in a way that inspires a life-long commitment to responsible, philanthropic involvement encompassing hands-on volunteer work and leadership opporunities. “Invest, Involve and Inspire” is our motto. STOP-GAP DRAMA THERAPY WORKSHOPS STOP-GAP conducts monthly assemblies designed to meet the needs of specific populations. STOP-GAP works with groups such as elders in senior adult day health centers, battered women and their children in shelters, people in recovery, abused and neglected children, juvenile offenders, children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, and homeless street youth. STOP-GAP’s drama therapy workshops focus on illuminating complex and emotional issues, allowing participants to approach real life problems through the safe distance of fictionalized characters and situations.
DEANNE TORVINEN - School Psychologist, AP of Guidance Counseling
Ms. Deanne Torvinen is New Village’s School Psychologist, SpecialEducation Coordinator, and Assistant Principal of Guidance Counseling. For the past twenty-one years, Ms. Torvinen has worked as a school psychologist and school counselor in local district and charter
schools. She earned her masters degree with honors from Cal State University Northridge in 1987 and obtained her license as an educational psychologist in 2000. In addition to working in schools,
Ms. Torvinen has taught part-time at Cal State University Northridge in the Special Education and Educational Psychology and Counseling departments for the past seven years. Ms. Torvinen has two beautiful twin boys. She has lived in the Los Angeles area since 1968. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and outdoor activities but most of all spending time with her family. Ms. Torvinen believes that all students can succeed when given the encouragement, resources, respect,
and understanding of caring educators.
IRMA VALENCIA -Ms. Irma Valencia graduated from California State University Northridge (CSUN) with a Bachelors in Chicano/a Studies. She is the eldest of two siblings. She has a sister who is one year and two months younger than her. Currently, she is working on her Masters of Arts in counseling. She is enrolled in the joint program at CSUN that combines a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a credential in School Counseling. In the past, she has worked with various non-profit organizations such as the Child Birth Connection, GEAR-UP, the San Fernando Valley Partnership, and the Youth Policy Institute. She has always enjoyed working with students. She really enjoys traveling whenever she gets the chance.
VERONICA VARGAS - Spanish
Ms. Veronica Vargas was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She attended San Jose State, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts. She continued her post-secondary training at Cal State Northridge, where she obtained her teaching credentials. As the only female child in her family, it was hard for her parents to accept that she wanted to pursue a professional career. Next, she intends to pursue her Master’s degree. She believes that we need to set goals and pursue those goals if we expect to succeed in life.
TOMMY VILLAFRANCA - Percussion
Mr. Tommy Villafranca began his creative career learning to play the piano when he was seven years old. Piano led to a deeper passion; Drums! Soon the VHS-Camcorder sparked another avenue of expression for Tommy. Inspired heavily by Music and the Visual Arts, Tommy earned a degree in Cinema and began the Journey of learning and crafting a blend of both. Tommy is a recording and live musician for various Los Angeles based singer-songwriters. His musical efforts have teamed him up with Phillip “Fish” Fisher, founding member of the prolific band Fishbone, and Kerim Imes, drummer for Off Color. Tommy has also instructed drums at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music.
ANTHONY VILLAREAL - Fashion Design
Mr. Anthony Villareal is a native Californian. This native homeboy started his creative design career as a hairdresser in the prestigious Vidal Sassoon salon in Beverly Hills. After becoming a fashion design graduate of Los Angeles trade technical College, he won a design scholarship to the Paris Fashion Institute. Anthony lived and worked in Paris for 20 years and is back on American soil maintaining a private design studio in downtown L.A.’s new emerging arts community creating high fashion and high art. Recently costumed “The Ole Awards” an original piece by L.A.’s premiere comedy troop LATIN’S ANONYMOUS. “I am very excited and eager to share and nurture the creative process with the girls at New Village Charter along with the collaborative efforts of other faculty members”
JEFF WALKER - Rhymecology
Mr. Jeff Walker is a counselor, a poet, a rapper and a healer. Jeff is living his dream, working as a self proclaimed Rhymecologist, he helps youth express themselves through rap or poetry. The creativity and passion that Jeff uses has helped him win numerous poetry slams and talent shows throughout Los Angeles. Using his passion for hip hop he conducts lyric groups and seminars throughout the metropolitan area. Jeff has been played on and performed on numerous FM and AM radio stations.
WRITEGIRL
WriteGirl is a nonprofit organization for high school girls centered on the craft of creative writing and empowerment through self-expression. Through one-on-one mentoring and monthly workshops, girls are given techniques, insights and hot tips for great writing in all genres from professional women writers. WriteGirl provides two classes per week at NVC as part of their instructional program at school sites.
BETTY ROSEN ZIFF -Mosiac Art
Ms. Betty Rosen Ziff works as a freelance mosaic artist, community builder, educator, philanthropist, and founder of Mosaic Alchemy. Betty holds a Bachelors degree from San Francisco State University in Women’s Studies. She spent over twenty years working in independent film and as a music publisher in Los Angeles and Nashville before turning to mosaics in 2000. Making mosaics became her way to shed a bit of light on the world. She enjoys the irony of working in an art form with an ancient history in an impatient society. Her projects, materials, and art making partners vary. She has made mosaics with fellow artists and antique glass, residents of a domestic violence shelter and donated tiles, children and candy. Betty believes in the inherent goodness of people and has often seen art shine a strong and gentle light on those struggling to see that goodness in them and in our world. She makes art hoping for more of those moments. Her work can be seen in Eagle Rock Park, the Tacoma Museum of Glass, and Angels’ Gate Cultural Center, Forrest Lawn Museum, and in private residences and collections nationwide. Mosaic Alchemy organizes and executes networking and team building mosaic events, community murals, as well as providing intimate instruction, or private commissions. These Mosaic Events bring people together and, the completed work remains as a lasting contribution and remembrance.
