dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres
Our Team
Meet our talented and passionate leaders:
Administration:
Dr. Eric Todd
Principal
Dr. Eric A. Todd is a highly sought after lecturer and speaker on the topic of effective and authentic organization leadership. He has served as a school administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and is the author of A Principled Principal, 12 Life Lessons I Have Learned About Principled Leadership! From 2010 until 2021, Dr. Todd served as principal at NEW Academy of Science and Arts (NASA) in Los Angeles, CA. As of July 2021, Dr. Todd now serves as the principal at the NEW Academy Canoga Park, NASA’s sister school location in The San Fernando Valley. Dr. Todd received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Oakwood University, his Master of Arts in Administration and Leadership from La Sierra University, and his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. He is married to the former Carol Warren, who is also a school administrator. They have two sons, Warren and Sean-Anthony.
Eddie Castro
Manager of Business Operations
Mr. Eddie Castro is going into his 13th year with NEW Academy. He started in the education field back in 2003 with LAUSD. He immigrated from Mexico at the age of 12 and enjoys traveling back to his hometown in Toluca, Mexico. He is married with two children, Ethan and Bethany. Mr. Castro believes that every student at NEW Academy has the potential to become anything they want in life, including the president of the United States. Mr. Eddie Castro is going into his 13th year with NEW Academy. He started in the education field back in 2003 with LAUSD. He immigrated from Mexico at the age of 12 and enjoys traveling back to his hometown in Toluca, Mexico. He is married with two children, Ethan and Bethany. Mr. Castro believes that every student at NEW Academy has the potential to become anything they want in life, including the president of the United States.
Office:
Vanessa Garcia
Parent Liaison
Garcia has been part of the Canoga Park community for over 30 years. She has volunteered at other organizations, including a physical therapy clinic and N.E.W.’s Family Source Center. She outreaches a variety of community services and administers parent workshops. She strives for the growth of parents involved in their community, school, and in the education of their child at home. When school is not in session, she enjoys reconnecting with her culture and family in Michoacan, Mexico!
Christina Han
Office Clerk Student Records
Christina Han started at N.A.C.P in 2011 as an instructional assistant. She then became a Reading Intervention teacher and loved watching the students become stronger readers. She is now an Office Assistant and loves helping the families and staff of N.A.C.P. Han received her bachelor’s degree in illustrations from California State University, Northridge. When she is not at N.A.C.P, she likes to spend quality time with her family and friends.
Alejandro Jimenez
IT Office Support
Alejandro Jimenez is passionate about inspiring students with technology and the performing arts. He’s a first-generation college graduate from Cal State University – Northridge with a degree in Theatre and minor in Entertainment Media Management. He’s proud to be serving the students and parents of his community by offering a helping hand when they need it most.
Patricia Stotzer
Assistant Manager of Business Operations
Mrs. Patricia was born and raised in Germany and graduated in 2007 with a degree in Business Management and Accounting. In 2009 she moved to California and has lived in Los Angeles County ever since. Patricia loves animals, hiking and being active in general. She enjoys all types of cuisine and experiencing new food from all over the world. She also loves to travel extensively and explore new cities all around the world. The most beautiful places she has ever been to were Egypt and the Maldives!
Monica Tovar
Office Assistant
Monica Tovar has been in education since 1998 teaching preschool in a local private school for 22 years. She enjoys serving others and her community of Canoga Park. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for 38 years and together they have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys cooking for her family and spending time with them.
Teachers:
Sara Abronson
Psychologist/Counselor
Description: Mrs. Abronson has worked in the education field for 21 years in three counties in California as a School Psychologist and Counselor. Mrs. Abronson received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002 and her Masters of Science degree in Counseling /Marriage and Family Therapy and a joint specialization in School Psychology / Pupil Personnel Services Credential in 2008. Mrs. Abronson has been a specialty School Psychologist for Autism and Emotional Disturbance. She has also served clients in a private practice and through organizations. Prior to her love for helping students and their families, Mrs. Abronson found her love for acting and cars. To this day she enjoys going to movies, plays, and owns classic cars. Mrs. Abronson is passionate about cooking, traveling, shopping, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
Hilary Anderson
2nd Grade Teacher
Description: Mrs. Anderson graduated from UCLA and then got her teaching credential and Master’s in Education from Antioch University. The latter program taught her the importance of understanding the whole child in order to help students reach their potential. She has taught grades Kindergarten through 6th since 2005 and has enjoyed aspects of all. Mrs. Anderson is currently a 2nd grade teacher at NACP and is thrilled to be a part of this community. She, her teenage son, and her husband love watching movies together or just sitting in their backyard listening to music. She is also a passionate gardener and has planted California native plants, vegetables, and fruit trees.
Jimena Barrera
Kindergarten Dual
Mrs. Barrera, formerly known as Ms Rodríguez, graduated from California State University Northridge in 2007 with the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and a concentration in Music. She returned to California State University, Northridge to earn a Master’s of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in 2009. Mrs. Barrera began working at NEW Academy Canoga Park in the fall of 2007 as a first grade teacher for 15 years. Over the years, Mrs Barrera has served as a mentor teacher to a number of student teachers from California State University, Northridge and Pepperdine University. This year, Mrs. Barrera has decided to be a Kindergarten teacher for the Dual Language Program and is enjoying this new adventure. In her personal time, Mrs. Barrera enjoys spending time with her husband and family and playing with her dog, Chata.
Makaela Blied
Instructional Assistant
Description: Born and raised in Southern California, Ms.Makaela is the oldest with two younger siblings, a sister and brother. She comes from a long line of educators, including her mother, stepmother, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandfather. She has continued that legacy with her passion for education. While in high school she volunteered at a title 1 elementary school in Pacoima and discovered her interest in working with English Language Learners. She has been at NACP since 2021 as a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant. She is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education and plans to become a teacher. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog Saskia, shopping, spending time with friends, and working out at the gym.
Chelsea Bryant
Kindergarten
Ms. Bryant received two Bachelor degrees in Liberal Studies: Elementary Education and Spanish from Biola University in December 2019. She spent a semester as a long-term substitute at a charter school in L.A. in the spring of 2020. The following school year, Ms. Bryant began her two year long Master’s program at Baylor University where she studied Spanish Linguistics. During her time at Baylor, she also taught beginning level Spanish at the undergraduate level. The 2022-2023 school year is Ms. Bryant’s first year at NEW Academy Canoga Park and she is excited to grow in her abilities as an educator and to continue building relationships with staff, students and families. Some interesting facts about Ms. Bryant is that she was born and raised in Pennsylvania (she moved to California when she was 15), this year is her first year living in the San Fernando Valley, she has a dog named Ashlyn who she rescued from a shelter in Texas, and she loves to laugh!
Araceli Carrillo
1st grade dual
Ms. Carrillo graduated from Pepperdine University with her BA in Hispanic Studies and received a preliminary multiple subject teaching credential from Pepperdine’s teacher preparation program. She is also currently in the process of earning her Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) Credential. Ms Carrillo has made many wonderful teaching memories within and near the community of Canoga Park. As a teacher, she hopes to uplift her student stories and empower them to believe they are capable of the extraordinary.
Kaila Carlstrom
5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Carlstrom joined the NACP family this year and is excited to serve the community. She received her Multiple Subject Credential from Cal State Fresno and has experience teaching kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade. This is her first year teaching fifth grade at NACP, however she previously taught 5th grade in Moorpark. She also leads the school’s elected student council organizing fundraisers and exciting events for the student body. When she is not teaching she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her sons.
Adriana Burgara
Custodian
Adriana Burgara started working at NACP back in 2010 and is happy to be a part of the team. She got her start in taking care of students so the transition to custodial staff was easy for her. In her spare time she loves to stay active by taking long walks around the neighborhood and keeping herself busy with nature.
Lascelle Erskine
Instructional Assistant
Mr. Lascelle began working for NACP in 2021 as a Behavioral Interventionist. Mr Lascelle completed his BA in Economics and Business along with course work associated with Child Development at California State University, Northridge. He slowly transitioned his way into becoming an Instructional Assistant as well as working for the NEW Learning Center after school program. He enjoys working with the kids and teaching them new things, he also enjoys being a role model to the kids. During his free time Mr. Lascelle likes to watch sports, listen to and produce music, workout in the gym, travel and also play basketball.
Diana Gonzalez
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Diana joined the NACP team in February 2022 as an Instructional Assistant. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and minor in Child & Adolescent Development. She enjoys taking part in kids’ educational journey as she helps them learn, grow, and develop in many different ways. She has always had a passion for working with kids and has volunteered at several organizations throughout her community. In her free time, she enjoys working out, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Jocelyn Gonzalez
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Jocelyn joined NACP on February 2022 as an IA for 1st grade. She worked with children in the San Fernando Valley and Downtown LA area for a couple years. She enjoys working with students and being part of their education. It is an honor for her to help prepare students for success and help them learn and achieve their goals at the highest levels. In her free time she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, going out to new restaurants, and exploring new places.
Sean Greening
4th Grade Dual Teacher
Mr. Greening was born in Encino and grew up in Northridge, attending local schools and graduating from Granada Hills High School. He then attended L.A. Pierce College for a year, before moving to Santa Barbara, where he attended Santa Barbara City College and UCSB. Mr. Greening graduated from UCSB with two Bachelor’s degrees; History, and Latin American Studies, which is why he learned Spanish. He earned his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSUN along with his Bilingual Credential. He has taught many years in the public schools as a bilingual teacher for LAUSD, Goleta Union School District and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. His hobbies are golf, traveling and speaking Spanish.
Kenny Han
4th Grade Teacher
Mr. Han earned an Associate’s Degree in English at Pasadena City College and transferred to California State University, Northridge and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with the Multiple Subject Credential in 2005. Mr Han is currently a fourth grade teacher at NEW Academy Canoga Park. He has 9 years of experience teaching preschool children and 17 years of experience teaching at an elementary school level. In his free time, Mr Han enjoys drinking coffee, drawing, reading books and comics, playing softball, trains and Tang Soo Do. He likes the outdoors, and loves to spend time with his family.
Diana Hernandez
2nd grade dual
Ms. Hernandez earned her bachelor’s of arts degree in liberal studies and her preliminary multiple subjects teaching credential from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). This summer, she received her master’s degree in elementary education from CSUN. This is her first year teaching second grade at NACP. She has previously taught fourth and kindergarten. Ms. Hernandez loves spending time with her family and her adorable german shepherd named Chester. She loves to travel, read, and try new foods.
Martha Jimenez
4th / 5th Grade Dual Teacher
Ms. Jimenez received her Master’s of Education Administration in 2007. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in 1999 from California State University Northridge in Liberal Studies. She received her Multiple Subject Credential with two preliminary credentials in English and Spanish. She has her BCLAD authorization in Spanish. She has taught Spanish at middle school and has been a regular and long-term substitute teacher across all grade levels ( K – 12th grade ). She has taught three years as a Fifth Grade Dual language teacher at NACP. She loves reading, music, and spending time with her family.
Cindy Jimenez
Playground/Traffic Supervisor
Mrs. Cindy Jimenez was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico. She remembers babysitting for her neighbors at a young age and enjoys going back to visit her family and friends. When her daughter began school, Mrs. Cindy would volunteer at N.E.W. Academy Canoga Park and continues to play an important role in the safety of our parents and students.
Ilda Mendez
Cafeteria Staff
Ilda Mendez was born and raised in Guadalajara and is proud of her success in completing her GED as well as pursuing a degree in business. She has worked in restaurants and restaurant management for thirteen years before joining the NACP family back in 2020. In her free time, Ilda loves to joke around and go out dancing.
Dagmar Masoumi
Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Masoumi was born and grew up in Germany. She completed all her education in Germany as well before moving to the United States 33 years ago. Mrs. Masoumi joined the NACP Family 12 years ago as an Instructional Assistant. She enjoyed working with every grade level throughout the years. She enjoys using her creativity in the classroom. In her free time, she likes spending time with family.
Navelle Molina
Academic Growth & Support Specialist
Ms. Molina is originally from the east coast. She double majored in Elementary Education and Psychology earning her B.A. degree from Kean University in New Jersey. After moving to California at the end of 2015, she attended California Lutheran University where she earned an M.A. in Education Leadership and her Administration Credential. Ms. Molina has taught 1st through 4th grade and has been in the field of education for over 15 years. Since the age of eight she knew she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Teaching has always been her first love and she treasures the years she spent as a classroom teacher. In 2019 Ms. Molina brought her experience in education and joined NACP serving as the ELD Coordinator for three years before entering her current role as Academic Growth and Support Specialist. In her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and trying new cuisines.
Teresa Nunez
SPED Clerk
Mrs. Nunez was born and raised in Mexico. She has been working at NACP since 2013. Raised among educators she also wanted to become a teacher. She taught ESL classes in her native city of Guadalajara, K – 12 grade students. Mrs. Nunez loves listening to music, singing, and dancing. Mrs. Nunez loves spending time with her family and seeing a smile on their faces 🙂
Stephanie Oscal
Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Stephanie has gained much experience throughout her time in NACP as an Instructional Assistant. She was the first IA of the Dual Language Program. Through the years she has had the pleasure of working with students in Kinder, First, Second and Third grade. She really enjoys being part of the growth of little minds and learning from the amazing group of educators at our school. On her days off she likes trying new foods, going on hikes, and spending time with family.
Jasmin Palacios
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Jasmin has been at NACP since 2020 as an Instructional Assistant. She graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2019. She had been an IA for 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade. She loves working with students at NACP and believes in order to succeed in students’ education we need to put ourselves in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. In her free time she loves spending time with her dogs, family and friends.
Lola Perez
Cafeteria Staff
Lola has worked at New Academy Canoga Park since 2006. She enjoys interacting with students and appreciates their gratitude! When she’s not working, Lola loves to listen to music, spend time with family, and go for long walks.
Kaylie Quan
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Kaylie earned her BA in sociology, work in society at California State University, Northridge. She joined the NACP team in October 2021 and is currently the instructional assistant for first grade. She had the pleasure of working with the fifth grade class last year and she enjoys working with both lower and upper grades. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends, going to the gym, and traveling.
Araceli Carrillo
1st grade dual
Ms. Carrillo graduated from Pepperdine University with her BA in Hispanic Studies and received a preliminary multiple subject teaching credential from Pepperdine’s teacher preparation program. She is also currently in the process of earning her Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) Credential. Ms Carrillo has made many wonderful teaching memories within and near the community of Canoga Park. As a teacher, she hopes to uplift her student stories and empower them to believe they are capable of the extraordinary.
Rose Reyes
Instructional Assistant
Ms. Rose is a first generation college student, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a focus in Early childhood development from California State University, Northridge, in 2021. She began working at NACP in March of 2022 as an Instructional Assistant for second grade. She loves working with the students at NACP and has a passion supporting and guiding them as much as she can. She has always loved bringing laughter and smiles into children’s lives. Before working at NACP, she worked with toddlers and preschoolers at a private school for two years. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, playing the ukulele, watching her favorite shows and movies, and spending time with her loved ones, including her dog, Waffle.
Danielle Sanchez
Transitional Kindergarten
Mrs Sanchez started teaching at N.E.W. academy Canoga Park in the fall of 2019. She teaches our youngest scholars in transitional kindergarten and is enjoying every moment! Mrs Sanchez received her bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts with emphasis on cultural studies and graduated from Cal State University of Los Angeles in 2008. She has cleared her multiple subjects teaching credential in 2021. Prior to coming to N.E.W. Academy Canoga Park Ms Sanchez worked as a teacher assistant for 24 years working with the Head Start Preschool Program her experience also included teaching three years of summer school to students in 9th – 12th. Mrs. Sanchez loves spending quality time with her husband and three sons. In her spare time she loves reading, singing, playing piano, family game nights, and going to the beach.
Nancy Sander
Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Nancy has been at NACP since 2014 as an Instructional Assistant. Working here has been an awesome experience because she loves working with kids. She graduated in 2011 with a B.A. in Sociology at California State University of Northridge. She has the opportunity to help out at the school as a Substitute teacher when needed. She has also become the Lead Instructional Assistant for the IAs. She is a first-gen to receive a degree. On the weekends she likes going to her son’s baseball games.
Jacqueline Tafoya
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Tafoya has been teaching 4th grade at NACP since 2005. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from California State University Los Angeles. She also obtained a minor in Chicano studies, as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Tanya Teague
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Teague earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood development with a multiple subject teaching credential, and she is currently working on her Master’s of Education. Mrs.Teague has previously taught fourth grade as well as 4th and 5th grade special education. Mrs.Teague is thrilled to be at NEW Academy Canoga Park teaching kindergarten. In her spare time, Mrs. Teague enjoys traveling, going to the beach, hiking and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
Mario Trejo
Playground/Traffic Supervisor
Mr. Mario first started as a parent volunteer at NACP in 2017. He was excited to join the school family as an employee the following year. Over the years, he has helped the school in many capacities and loves working with the students. Mr. Mario says they are very special to him and teach him new things everyday. Working with the students, teachers, and staff encourages him to do better in his daily life. After work, you can find him watching soccer on television, listening to music, and playing with his daughter.
Judith Vega
Cafeteria Staff
Judith Vega has had an incredibly busy career starting with LAUSD for 15 years during the day and restaurants at night until finally joining New Academy Canoga Park in 2014. She admires all the hardworking teachers and students at NACP.
Jose Vazquez
Custodian
Jose has dedicated his time at NEW Academy Canoga Park ensuring the classrooms and campus are clean and welcoming to the students and staff since 2005. In his free time he is an avid collector of coins and dollar bills.
Ramiro Vazquez
Custodian
Ramiro is the Plant Manager of N.E.W. Academy Canoga Park. He loves supporting the teachers, administrators, staff and students in anything they need. He makes sure that the campus is well maintained and in top condition at all times.
Olga Rosales
Playground/Traffic Supervisor
Ms. Olga Rosales was born and raised in El Salvador. She has lived in the Canoga Park community since 1994. She deeply cares about the health and safety of others, as she carries 18 years of experience as a Dental Technician. During her free time she enjoys listening to Chayanne and dancing with her son!
Sean Wyner
SLP – Speech Language Pathologist
A Dean’s award recipient, Mr. Wyner graduated with honors with a Masters Degree in communication disorders from Cal State University Northridge. He is a bilingual English and Spanish speaking SLP who has been doing speech therapy in K-12 schools for the past 8 years. Mr Wyner currently works primarily as a clinical supervisor and LAS assessor at several schools in and around Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Presently, Mr. Wyner lives in Thousand Oaks with his wife and three sons. When he is not doing speech therapy, he enjoys playing and recording original music.