Deborah Ellis
Principal

Deborah Ellis received her Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York in 2001. She joined Teach for America and began teaching 4th grade in Washington DC while simultaneously working towards her Masters in the Art of Teaching at American University. She received her Masters and multiple subject elementary teaching credential in 2003. Mrs. Ellis also trained future Teach for America teachers. After teaching 1st-4th grade in Washington DC, Mrs. Ellis took 8 months to travel in Central America and Mexico, improving her Spanish and immersing herself in the different cultures. Mrs. Ellis has now returned home to Los Angeles and is so excited to be a part of the incredible learning community of New Academy Canoga Park. Currently, Mrs. Ellis is pursuing her Doctorate in Education at the University of Southern California. Mrs. Ellis loves spending time outdoors, traveling and playing with her new dog Indie.

Elizabeth Ostrom
Director of Instruction and Curriculum

Elizabeth Esqueda
Director of Operations

Ms. Esqueda earned an associate degree from Los Angeles Pierce College in 2005. She then graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2007 with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Child Care Administration. She is energetic, loves traveling, enjoys the outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Office Staff

Sandra Flores - Mrs. Flores has been part of New Academy Canoga Park for six years. She is married and has two beautiful children. On her spare time she enjoys camping and going on road trips with her family.

Sean Alob - Ms. Alob was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from California State University Northridge in 2008. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Chicano Studies. She enjoys traveling, laughing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Arturo Vazquez - Mr. Vazquez was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He is currently working on obtaining a degree in Sociology. In his spare times he enjoys everything sports, food, and graphic art.

Kindergarten

Brenda Coronado- In the year, 2002, Mrs. Coronado received a BA in Liberal Studies with a double major in Art Education from the California State University of Northridge. She then enrolled in a teacher credentialing program at National University. Mrs. Coronado currently has a preliminary credential that was issued in the year 2006. Prior to becoming a teacher at NACP, Mrs. Coronado worked as a substitute teacher at Newhall School District for three years. She worked as a paraprofessional for the San Diego School District from 1993 to 1999. In the 2005-06 school year, Mrs. Coronado was a paraprofessional for two kindergarten classes at NACP. Mrs. Coronado’s hobbies include making arts and crafts, and spending time with her husband while they attend or watch football and basketball games. She believes that family is a very important part of life, and she tries to visit her parents and sister whom live in Imperial Valley, California as often as she can.

Jennifer Hubbard - Mrs. Hubbard graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelors degree in liberal studies. She received her teaching credential along side her degree in 2007. Jennifer loves working at NACP and is excited to be working in kindergarten, which has been her dream since she was little. In her free time Jennifer enjoys reading long chapter books. Jennifer is also a devout cat lover and likes being out in nature.

Jaimie Potts - Mrs. Potts has been an educator in both public and private school for 25 years, and she continues to grow and blossom as a teacher. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree from Pepperdine University. She received her CLAD credential from Stanford University. She is creative, innovative, reflective, and nurturing. One of her greatest joys is to motivate and inspire students, opening the door to innumerable possibilities. When she is not teaching, you might find her spending time with her family and friends. She feels very fortunate to be a part of the NEW Academy learning community.

First Grade

Jimena Rodriguez - Miss J. Rodriguez is a first grade teacher and loves every minute of it! She graduated from CSUN in the year 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and a concentration in music. To acquire her credentials she joined the four year credential program, ITEP. She is currently working on clearing her credential and receiving a Master's degree in Elementary Education. She is very outgoing, loves to laugh, loves to sing, loves to dance, enjoys spending time with family and friends, adores penguins, and is in love with teaching the first grade!

Krissia Martinez - Ms. Martinez graduated from California State University Northridge in 2007 earning a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a preliminary California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She went on to receive her Masters in Education emphasizing in instructional leadership from Pepperdine University. She is a proud member of the National Council of Mathematics. Ms. Martinez is excited to be part of the first grade team and the NACP community. Aside from teaching, Ms. Martinez loves to watch football, Sprinkle's cupcakes, coffee and crafting.

Analisa Diosdado - Mrs. Diosdado earned an associates degree from Los Angeles Mission College in 2001. She then attended California State University Northridge where she received a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in ESL in 2003. In 2005, Mrs. Diosdado earned her preliminary multiple subject credential from CSUN. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Elizabeth Rodriguez - Ms. E. Rodriguez attended UC Riverside and received her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Spanish and Education, as well as a minor in Dance. She went on to attend California State University, Northridge to complete her teaching credential with a bilingual certification (BCLAD). Ms. E. Rodriguez furthered her education by receiving her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at National University. She enjoys teaching dances from around the world to children and adults, as well as contributing to the community in every way. When she is not teaching, she enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Second Grade

Lisa Jaquez - Ms. Jaquez graduated from California State University Northridge with her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. Because Yoga is one of her many hobbies, she started up the NEW Academy Yoga Club. Some of her hobbies include reading, writing and taking care of her little Pug “Piggy”.

Gwendolyn Campbell - Ms. Campbell was born in Tarzana and has lived in Southern California her whole life. She received her B.A. degree in Psychology, teaching credential, and M.A. in Teaching from Occidental College. She loves doing anything outdoors, including hiking, biking, running, swimming and much more. Ms. Campbell loves to travel and appreciates learning about new cultures, languages, and geographic areas. She proclaims herself a dorky Harry Potter lover who enjoys many types of books and will spend whole weekends finishing one book. This is her second year teaching at NEW Academy Canoga Park and she looks forward to an exciting year.

Gina Brady - Ms. Brady graduated from the University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Education Reading in 2011. She received her preliminary teaching credential in 2006, a Reading Specialist Certificate and a Reading Credential in 2010. When she's not teaching second graders you can find her at bookstores or reading conferences and workshops in search of fun and exciting activities to bring into her classroom. Ms. Brady's favorite things to do are taking a walk with friends and going on long road trips with her family. The biggest joy in her life is her children, William and Sierra.

Cynthia Womersley - Cynthia Womersley, a.k.a. Cynthia Sley, comes from New York City. Before she became a teacher, Cynthia was a professional singer for 20 years in NYC. She was part of a band named Bush Tetras, as well as several other music projects, one that is releasing a CD in November of this year. She decided to become a teacher soon after her son was born, and she graduated from Hunter College in Elementary Education in 1998. She then got her graduate degree at Brooklyn College in 2003. She taught Art at PS97, now Bard High School, and then in 2001, she taught second and third grade in a mixed class at PS3, an arts based public school in the West Village. She decided to move to Los Angeles for personal reasons and is happy to have the chance to teach second grade at the NEW Academy.

Third Grade

Julie Hermann- Ms. Herrmann earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development: Child Emphasis, through California State University, San Bernardino in 1998. She returned to school to begin coursework in School Counseling and completed a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through the same university. Ms. Herrmann has been teaching elementary school since 2000 and enjoys helping students succeed. She also has training and certification in outdoor education and leadership training. She is very proud of her involvement with Power Teachers, now known a Whole Brain Teaching, and provides workshops in their powerful teaching techniques based on multiple intelligence theory and learning acquisition. Recently she completed coursework in 2011 and received certification in Teaching English as a Second Language through Oxford University in partnership with UCLA. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, cooking and traveling. Her favorite summer vacation of all time was at a language academy in Costa Rica where she brushed up on Spanish and toured the country with other teachers.

Joann Reeve - Mrs. Reeve graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Language and Diversity from Cal State University Northridge in 2007. She received her Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Northridge in 2008. Mrs. Reeve is a swimming instructor and teaches private swim lessons in the summer. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, swimming, running, boxing and loves to teach, both in the classroom and in the water. Mrs. Reeve is thrilled to part of this wonderful team at NEW Academy Canoga Park and is looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year.

Dana Lewis - Mrs. Lewis grew up and attended high school outside of Atlanta, Georgia. She relocated to Southern California during college and received her B.A. in Child Development and Psychology from CSUN in 2007. She went on to receive her Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters in Education from UCLA. Aside from teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading, traveling, watching sports, and learning to play golf.

Kati Davis - Ms. Davis graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2006 with a teaching credential and her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. In 2011 she graduated from California State University Northridge with a Master's degree in Language and Literacy as well as a Reading Specialist Credential. Before coming to NEW Academy, Ms. Davis taught 5 years in LAUSD, kindergarten for 3 years and second grade for 2years. Ms. Davis loves teaching and is very excited about teaching third grade. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and creating great memories with friends and family.

Fourth Grade

Jacqueline Tafoya - Mrs. Tafoya earned her Bachelors Degree from California State University of Los Angeles. She received her BA in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Chicano Studies. She obtained her preliminary multiple subject credential in 2005. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, and doing yoga.

Valerie Greenan - Originally from Northern California Ms. Greenan relocated to Southern California after high school to earn her associates degree at Santa Monica College. She continued her higher education by attending California State University Northridge where she earned her B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development. She earned her multiple subject teaching credential at CSUN through the Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Education program. In her free time Ms. Greenan enjoys playing sports such as softball and basketball. She also loves to read and spend time with her family, friends and dog. She is thrilled to be teaching at such a wonderful school.

Hadas Peters - Mrs. Peters earned her Bachelors Degree from California State University of Northridge. She graduated with a BA in Liberal Studies, as well as her Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Before teaching fourth grade at NEW Academy Canoga Park, Mrs. Peters taught first grade for two years. She is ecstatic to be teaching fourth graders and is happy to be part of the NEW Academy Canoga Park team! She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, snowboarding, and playing with her adorable Chihuahua Quincy!

Fifth Grade

Kenneth Han - Kenny Han graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing at California State University of Northridge in 2005. While at Northridge, he received his preliminary multiple subject credentials. In addition, being an educator is an important facet in his life and an honor to work with people with the same passion and ideals. During his free time, he loves to read, train in karate, play softball, hike trails, play basketball, listen to music, being with family, and drink green tea.

Abra Barrett - Mrs. Barrett graduated with honors from the junior college, Los Angeles Valley College with an AA in Liberal Studies in 2005. She then transferred to California State University Northridge, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies in 2007, and with a preliminary multiple subject teaching credential. When she is not being amazed by her extremely bright and witty students, she loves to spend time doing crafts, shopping and spending quality time with her family and three dogs, Rambo, Roxy and Deuce.

Jirusha Olsen - Ms. Olson graduated from Cal. State University, Northridge in 2007 with her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, her California Teaching Credential, and a concentration in American Sign Language. Before teaching fifth-grade at NEW Academy, Ms. Olson taught third-grade for two years and PE and reading intervention for one year. She enjoys keeping active with learning, dancing, running, hiking, softball, cooking, and playing with her pugs, Emmie and Lucky. She has always wanted to be a teacher and loves empowering children to perform to their greatest abilities. Ms. Olson is so excited to be a member of the NEW Academy family!

Music

Genein Letford - Genein Letford is one of the founding 3rd grade teachers at NEW Academy Canoga Park. Now as the music director, she has created a dynamic award winning music curriculum that not only teaches music standards but also incorporates corresponding math, science, language arts and global studies concepts. In 2009, Letford began the Music For All: Instrument Scholarship Fund, which awarded low-income students with instruments for their ongoing music education. In early 2010, Letford was a finalist for the Bravo Arts Educator Award and was also awarded the National Sontag Prize in Urban Education. Mrs. Letford received her bachelor degree from UCLA and recently completed her master thesis, Integration With Integrity: The Importance of Keeping Music in the Elementary Classroom at California State University, Northridge. She has done numerous professional presentations on this topic and remains focused on bringing arts education to underserved communities. In 2010 Genein was named the 2010 Great American Teacher of the Year.

Specialists

Beth Glazer
Resource Specialist
Ms. Glazer earned her Bachelors Degree of English at UCLA and was credentialed in Georgia through Georgia State University with a focus in Behavior Learning Disabilities. She has taught resource for K-5 grade in Atlanta and is excited for her first year at NEW Academy Canoga Park. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball, running, reading and writing.

April Larson
Librarian
As the librarian at NEW Academy, Ms. Larson challenges students to become more conscious of our world. Most recently, she started The Questioneers, an organization that provides children throughout the world with opportunities to participate in meaningful communication. Through conversations and imagery which they create, kids develop global connections, work together to create solutions to world problems, and implement those resolutions. Her writing and photography began in Seattle. Living and working in Los Angeles has widened her lens and has helped her with writing stories and issues that address social justice.

Ramiro Vazquez
Plant Manager
Mr. Vazquez has helped maintain a safe, positive learning environment for our students since 2006. Skillful with tools and complicated maintenance, Mr. Vazquez's commitment to excellence is evident throughout various areas of the campus. Not only does he assist teachers with their creative ideas, through the preparation of student performances, sound technology, and other areas, but he also makes sure our school stays in compliance with all building codes and permits. Mr. Vazquez keeps NEW Academy running smoothly so our students can receive the best education possible and reach their academic and personal goals.

Support Staff

Adriana Burgana
Fausto Cortez
Cristina Espinoza
Alejandrina Flores
Juan Garcia
Linda Giacopuzzi
Rosario Godinez
Susana Madrigal
Oscar Morales
Juileta Mariscal
Dagmar Masoumi
Stephanie Orellana
Katharine Pun
Maria Dolores Rojas de Perez
Erica Soria
Tiffany Sutton
Josabet Valdovinas
Jose Vazquez
Maria Luz Vides

LA'S BEST
Michele Diggs
Mayra Castillo
Panah Akbari
Leslie Argumedo
Landy Esqueda
Jacqueline Galvan
Andrew Lopez
Tatiana Trent
Miguel Wilson

NEW Academy Board of Directors

Maggie Cervantes
Board President
Executive Director, NEW Economics for Women

Nizar Karimi
Senior Contract Manager, Beyond Shelter

Ed Moreno
Retired Principal and Educational Activist

Marta Sanchez
Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, Loyola Marymount University

Ronald Solórzano
Chair of Education Department, Occidental College

Miguel Ramirez
Attorney

Brent Bradley
Retired