Meet Our Team
At Southeast DREAMS Magnet, teachers work in a highly collaborative environment to develop cross-curricular and student-centered projects that charge students with employing design thinking strategies with an entrepreneurial mindset. Our teachers embody the same six entrepreneurial mindsets that they help develop in our students: initiative and self-direction, risk-taking, flexibility and adaptability, and creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication and collaboration. Meet our faculty members below:
The Founders
Ms. Yi | Linked Learning Coach
My educational pedagogy is deeply rooted in the belief that all students are primed for greatness. I am proud to be part of an amazing team of movers and shakers at Southeast DREAMS Magnet. We are passionate about helping students realize their potential for academic success and social development.
My activities: In 2009, I earned a Masters of Education in Science Education from UCLA and went on to attend Columbia University to pursue graduate studies in Educational Leadership. In 2013, I published my work on project-based learning called “Developing the Holistic 21st Century Student: Improving Attitudes, Collaboration Skills and Academic Achievement through Project-Based Learning in Middle-School Science” through UCLA’s Teacher Initiated Inquiry Project. I am also a lecturer at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, where I teach an Introductory Course to Middle School Practices in Science Education.
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Project-Based Learning
· The intersections of Art, Design, Science, and Education
· Making learning exciting, relevant, and impactful for all students
Mr. Medina | Magnet Coordinator
My educational philosophy centers on my students having authentic, professional learning experiences. My work in our school community has centered on students meeting exceptional levels of performance, being engaged with challenging tasks, and working collaboratively to create authentic expressions of work.
I have multiple teaching credentials in English, Social Studies, and Computer Applications, and I have my graduate degree in Computer Design. I am a member of the California International Studies Project-School of Education at Stanford University. In 2014, I was awarded a New York Stock Exchange Euronext Teacher Exchange Fellowship to embed financial literacy in Computer Education. In 2016, I received an Innovation in Financial Education award through the MassMutual Foundation. In 2017, I was accepted into a Code.org teaching fellowship to embed design thinking into computer education. I am a National Board Certified Teacher in Career and Technical Education (Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood).
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT
· Working to build a magnet center that exemplifies the National Magnet Standards of Excellence.
· Finding interesting intersections between digital literacy, technology, real-world applications, and the expression of my students' creativity.
Ms. Tarr | Theatre Teacher
Class Website: https://tinyurl.com/y6boqjqo
My educational philosophy is grounded in the authentic belief that all students intrinsically want to learn and succeed. The responsibility of the educational system is to provide a place for them to unearth their passion, their talent, and true calling in life.
My activities include: Graduating from the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Roosevelt University in Chicago, a 15-year acting career, traveling with Southeast Middle School students to NYC’s Tribeca Film Festival, San Francisco Art Institute, and to the Oakland Museum of California for award ceremonies, showcasing student performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Coconut Grove Theatre, InnerArts, Grand Park, and at other LAUSD elementary and middle schools. In 2012, I was awarded Center Theatre Group’s Theatre Educator Fellowship with a $5,000 grant to study Spanish and Theatre Arts in various cities in Mexico. I am a National Board Certified Teacher in ELA Early Adolescence.
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Helping young people prepare for their future
· Creating an engaging program that allows students multiple opportunities to use their voice to create positive change at school, in the community, and beyond through a project-based learning curriculum
· Using mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning to increase resilience, self-efficacy, and empathy
The Team
Mr. Dang | Math Coach | he/him
My education philosophy is based on students participating as active constructors of their own knowledge through extensive collaboration with their peers and engagement in challenging and authentic learning experiences. Furthermore, I believe that all students deserve a space to practice and hone their skills as agents of change within their home, school, and community.
I received a Masters in Education from UCLA with an inquiry study on developing Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) projects with math. Some of my past activities include youth mentorship through Big Citizen Hub and Americorps City Year. I also facilitated a series of Pre-Calculus workshops with freshman students attending UCLA. Currently, I am involved with our SRLA campus chapter and student organizing with Students Deserve.
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· · Mentorship
· Ethnomathematics
· Rehumanizing Math Practices
Ms. Diaz | History and Visual Arts Teacher
My educational philosophy is concentrated on the idea that Knowledge is Power. The empowerment of our youth is for the good of our society. I enable an individual-thinking environment, that allows for freedom of expression, thought, and creativity.
My activities include: 2019-2020 LAUSD/Gilder Lehrman Institute: A More Perfect Union, 2019 UCLA/UC Irvine Women's History in the 20th Century Seminar, 2019 Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History: America in the Age of Discovery (USC), 2018 Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History: California Immigration (Occidental College), 2018 and 2019 Music Center Art Symposium, UCLA History/Geography Project "Places and Time: Los Angeles History and Geography”, Kagan Professional Development: Win-Win Discipline and Cooperative Learning. Proud graduate of California State University, Los Angeles with dual degrees in History and Social Science, and currently working on my Masters in Art History. Current member of the California Council for the Social Studies (CCSS).
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Social Sciences (i.e.: History, Government, Geography, etc) and having my students embrace these topics as a knowledge base to empower themselves and their community
· Go Dodgers!
Ms. Torres | History and Calligraphy Teacher | Linked Learning Lead Teacher
My educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child can and will succeed in ways that reflect their own aptitude and interests. Within the classroom, each child has the opportunity to utilize their individual talents for the betterment of their group in a student-centered curriculum. This curriculum utilizes strategies and methodologies from: Kagan Publishing & Professional Development, UCLA History Geography Project “Places and Time, Los Angeles History and Geography”, and Art Center’s Teacher Institute of Design Based Learning.
My ability to motivate and connect with students helps to create a culture in which they are learning from both the teacher and their classmates. I believe this creates a well-rounded 21st century thinker in which each student has something to offer our modern society. Through the study of social science, I will help guide students on their path to becoming global collaborators and ultimately agents of change.
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Youth empowerment
· Student creativity
· Building empathy
· Making history relevant to students' life and their community
Mr. Zamudio | Physical Education Teacher
The goal of education is an enriching process of ongoing growth and it must prepare students to become valuable members of society. It focuses on the real world and teaches students to read, write, speak, compute and incorporate life long fitness and health clearly and logically in order to become responsible members of society.
The core focus of the curriculum in my class is knowledge and skills of physical education, physical activity, life-long fitness, nutrition and covering the standards as they relate to physical education. I design challenging enriching and innovative activities that address the diverse interests and needs of students. Believing that students learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives and understanding that this can be difficult to do when pertaining to physical education. I try to ensure that each lesson hooks my students and draws them in by using personal interest.
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Helping students ascertain their inner strengths and abilities
· Guiding students toward self-efficacy
Ms. Lipp | French and Yearbook Teacher
My educational philosophy is that schools exist to help learners make sense of the world around them. If students are taught information that contradicts with their personal experiences, they will struggle to understand it. As a teacher, I believe it is my job to bridge students’ home lives with the concepts they learn in school. In a 21st century classroom, my role is more of a facilitator and my students are the knowledge creators.
I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors of Arts in Biological Sciences and a minor in French. Before pursuing further education, I spent a year as a language assistant in France through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF). Upon returning to the states, I entered into a Masters in Education in Secondary Science program at UCLA and graduated in 2019.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Hiking and nature preservation
· Social Activism
· Collaboration
· Travelling
Ms. Lacey | Science and Environmental Studies Teacher
My educational philosophy is rooted in the idea of inclusion, which means valuing and highlighting all intersecting identities that my students may hold. It is also imperative that students are able to think critically about the world around them, and how history has shaped society over time. Specifically as a science educator, I want to foster students’ creativity and curiosity as science. This includes facilitating hands-on student centered sensemaking opportunities that highlight their shared experiences and prior knowledge. I want to foster a community of learners based on these shared science experiences and connect content to culturally relevant phenomena, so that the students can share prior knowledge and engage in academic discourse. One of my favorite things about teaching is hearing those “Ohh!” or “I get it!” moments when they are asking each other questions, which happens in a space that has been intentionally created with students at the heart of it all.
A little about my personal educational journey: Grew up in the South Bay and attended K-12 public schools, earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management (specifically Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation) including a minor in Education from UC Davis, am currently an M.Ed. candidate at UCLA
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT:
- Environmental Justice
- Cross curricular collaboration
- Student’s emotional intelligence and wellbeing
Ms. Mayorga-Garcia | Math and Computer Science Teacher
Class Website: bitly.com/MsMayorga
My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is an ongoing growth process that cannot be done alone. I want my students to come together as a community of learners that is ready to tackle problems and challenges both in and out of the classroom. My goal is for students to know and believe that their knowledge and experiences are valuable. And, most importantly, I want students to believe in the power of their own voice, to know that what they have to say, matters.
Some of my professional activities include being an NSF Robert Noyce Scholar, obtaining a B.A. in Mathematics from Occidental College, and currently pursuing a Masters of Education from UCLA's Teacher Education Program.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Shifting students’ attitudes from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, especially with mathematics, a subject that is often seen as something that one is either good at or not.
· Learning through collaboration where dialogue between students becomes a norm and students develop strong interpersonal skills
· Increasing and strengthening students’ sense of agency
Mrs. Moya | Math and Physical Computing Teacher
Class Website: https://padlet.com/moya9502/moya
My education philosophy is based on the idea that any student can succeed! I believe a student will thrive when given the appropriate tools, resources, and engaging in a hands-on learning environment. Every student is uniquely intelligent, creative and capable. I greet every student with these expectations! Together we create a collaborative, multi-diverse classroom, where ideas and discussions flow because each student feels comfortable and valued. Furthermore, students are empowered and motivated to participate and learn from their teachers and peers.
I have been teaching for over 20 years! I am a proud graduate of Whittier College with a degree in Child Development. I have worked with teachers as a Math Coach and have led my previous 6th grade team in the subjects of Math and Science for numerous years. In addition, I was honored to be nominated for the “Teacher of the Year” award in 2016. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of your child’s education!
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Education: Equal Opportunities for all Students
· My Faith & Family
· Teaching Math
· Learning and Exploring Technology
· Visiting New Places!
· Trying New Recipes
Ms. Garnica | History Teacher
My educational philosophy revolves around culturally relevant pedagogy that extends into students’ funds of knowledge. In the classroom, I aim to cultivate a community of learners. Also, I work to facilitate student communities in which students help each other and with together in educational and social settings. One of my main goals is to instill a sense of responsibility and self-direction in my students so they can take control of their education. In essence, my intent is to promote historical inquiry for students to develop their critical thinking skills thereby becoming active participants in the learning process. I strive to keep my class as a space in which is safe for students to try new things and value their growth over time. My teaching is centered to make content relatable and challenging to further develop students’ problem-solving skills. I also focus on trying to make content engaging and fun.
As a daughter of two immigrants, I was born in Los Angeles County and raised in the Inland Empire. I graduated with a B.A. in History at CSULA. I had begun to specialize in 20th century U.S. History. Additionally, I obtained my Social Sciences teaching credential at the same institution. I was a president of CSULA’s Honors Historical Society Chapter, Phi Alpha Theta. Currently, I am a member of the California Council for Social Studies. It is my hopes that I can return for an M.A. in History at my alma mater.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
- Student-centered learning
- Promoting Student Growth & Agency
- Lifelong learning
- Self-reflective practices
Ms. Perez | Science Teacher
My philosophy of education stems from the idea that every student carries their own individual assets and knowledge which can be used to contribute to the learning of the classroom community as a whole. I strive to create a safe space and welcoming environment in the classroom based on a community of learners. By doing so, l hope to empower students by giving them agency, autonomy, and ownership over their learning. My goal is that students will work collaboratively and view themselves and each of their peers as invaluable resources to thinking critically about scientific inquiry in and out of the classroom.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from Cal State Fullerton and obtained my teaching credential from UCLA's teacher education program. I am currently pursuing a Master of Education from UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies.
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Environmental Sustainability
• Embracing a culturally relevant pedagogy in the classroom
• Empowering students to become agents of change within their communities
Ms. Higgins | English Teacher
Class Website: https://www.hannkhigg.com/
I am guided by my vision of education as a mirror through which we can more deeply know ourselves and the world. I teach students that stories can lead us to understanding and communication, and that knowledge is rooted in our lived experiences. As an educator for social justice, my presence in the classroom is founded on a pedagogy of love.
WHAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Learning and growing
· Creative arts, painting
· Ethnic studies pedagogy
· Rethinking schools
Ms. Magallan | Physical Education and Ceramics Teacher | Linked Learning Lead Teacher
My educational philosophy is deeply rooted in building a sense of community where students feel safe, comfortable, and empowered. I believe students learn best in a welcoming and supportive environment that allows them to reach their full potential. Students will be encouraged to work productively, motivate and encourage one another, and recognize the importance of communication and teamwork. In Physical Education, physical fitness and wellness, social development, and life long participation are concepts I hope to embed not only in my class, but also for life skills after middle school.
I graduated from Cal State Long Beach with my Bachelors and Teaching Credential in Kinesiology. I am currently attending CSULB as candidate for a Masters Degree in Kinesiology.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Youth Empowerment
· Physical Wellness and Literacy
· Anti-bullying
Mr. Vargas | ELA and Contemporary Film Studies Teacher
I am from East Los Angeles and current UCLA graduate student pursuit of a Masters in education. My teaching philosophy aligns with a social justice pedagogy centered around my students. Students are at the center of my teaching philosophy. I am a teacher to serve students, all students in any way I can within my capacity. I will build my capacity by learning from my student's experiences, perspectives and the knowledge they share with me. This way I will always learn. My teaching philosophy involves encouraging students to not only question their education but reflect on their education and transform it by reflecting on who they are within their current schooling and how they will rethink and reintegrate their education. I aim to ensure that my students know that I value their education and most importantly, care about who they are as an individual and as a part of their community. I will be a part of my students’ learning communities, not as a leader, but as a member learning with them, because I am not a holder of all knowledge, I am a constant learner of knowledge.
I have a B.A. from Humboldt State University in Criminology and Justice Studies.
Mr. S Medina | Physical Education Teacher
My educational philosophy is simple, provide students with a safe learning environment that allows them to grow as individuals and reach their full potential. I am a strong believer in the importance of fitness and all of its benefits. Physical fitness plays an important role in developing the brain and supporting essential mental functions. It can also lead to improved motor skills, problem-solving, stronger attention skills and improved learning. These are all vital for students to grow and become strong members in society and their community.
I graduated from Long Beach State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology. I returned to Long Beach to obtain my Teaching Credential in Physical Education and Master’s degree in Kinesiology.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Student Growth
· Physical Fitness and Well-being
· Creating a Safe Learning Environment
· Family
· Sports
Mr. Liwanag | English and Critical Media Literacy Teacher | she/her/hers
My educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that all students are capable of growth and deserve to thrive in a caring and loving learning environment. Within the classroom, my priorities include developing students' critical thinking and conciseness, building empathy in interpersonal relationships, and growing non-violent forms of communication. I aim to hold a classroom space that centers queerness and embraces all students’ cultural and community experiences. I believe that transformative and liberating education occurs in relation with others, in a place that is both supportive and challenging.
I am from San Francisco and graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors in English Education and emphasis in Literature. Before entering graduate school, I worked in after-school programs for 3 years as a site coordinator, poetry teacher, and soccer coach. I recently transitioned my life down to Los Angeles and am currently a UCLA graduate student pursuing a Masters in Education.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
· Anti-Racism and Abolitionist Teaching
· Building Parent/Family/Caregiver Engagement
· Ethnic Studies Pedagogy
· Spending quality time with family and friends
Teacher Olivia | Ms. Olivia | Computer Science Teacher
My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that young people are inherently curious and that an educator’s job is to elevate that curiosity into authentic inquiry, investigation, and creation. I believe that young people have the capacity and ingenuity to drive meaningful change in their communities and that schools can support these endeavors through real-world applicable projects and learning experiences.
At UC Santa Cruz, I studied physics for several years before ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science. During my time in Santa Cruz, I worked at an alternative continuation high school where my mentor teacher and I developed a class around designing and building skateboards. This experience opened my eyes to the amazing things that are possible in education when both teachers and students are encouraged to be authentically creative in their approaches. A few years later, I earned a Masters of Education from UCLA. Aside from teaching full time in LAUSD, I am also an instructor at UCLA, where I co-teach several computer science courses–with Ms. Mayorga-Garcia–for current and pre-service teachers obtaining their authorization to teach computer science. I also co-facilitate professional development within LAUSD to support teachers who are currently teaching or plan to teach computer science. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with other teachers, with the hope of building the capacity and longevity of underrepresented teachers in computer science and creating a supportive community of like-minded educators.
I’m passionate about:
Having fun and learning in community
Project-based learning
Increasing participation of underrepresented students in physics, engineering and computer science
Mr. Quach | History Teacher
My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that education will make the world a better place for everyone. Being educated empowers a person and gives them the skills necessary to navigate through the complex world. It enables a person to think analytically, to solve problems, and to work with one another. Education also creates compassion and understanding of the differences amongst different groups of peoples. This is because the more we understand about one another the less we are willing to judge.
As an educator my goal is to motivate and support students to be the best version of themselves. I believe that all students can learn when given the right tools and proper support. My classroom is predicated on hard work ethics, academic excellence, as well as compassion. I want students who leave my classroom to know that they can achieve anything if they are persistence and willing to work for it!
Education
I have a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Masters of Arts in Sociology from Cal State University, Los Angeles. I have a teaching credential in Social Science (History) from Cal State University, Long Beach.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
History
Motivating and Empowering students.
Showing students that education is relevant and meaningful.
Raymond CangKimVo | Math Teacher
I believe education should be a space where people can learn together in community. The classroom should be an affirming space of care and encouragement for students, and all students should be in a space where they are able to know that they are capable of growth and learning. Students should feel empowered and excited to tackle new challenges with other members in their community and be given the autonomy to define what success and academic accomplishments look like for them.
As someone who believes liberation is something collectives work towards, I prioritize cultivating a classroom that allows for unapologetic queer expression, cultural celebration, and continuous imagination on what the world we can build together can look like.
I am from Garden Grove, CA and graduated from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and minor in Mathematics. I am working on getting my Master of Arts in Education.
I am passionate about:
- Restorative justice, abolition, and mutual aid practices
- Collecting books and Smiski's
- Printmaking (especially woodcuts, screenprinting, and riso-printing!)
Ms. Tran | Math and Computer Science Teacher
As the daughter of an immigrant, I am passionate about providing an inclusive space for all identities and abilities. After growing up in the Bay Area, I attended undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) where I graduated with my B.A. in Economics cum laude in 2017.
As a social justice educator, I want students to leave my classroom feeling capable and excited to tackle any challenges that come their way. In my teaching, I aim to cultivate student autonomy, where they have control over their own education and know the options available to them. In support of my students' developing identity, voice, and empathy for others, I want to exemplify the power of storytelling through mathematics, through the tools of multiple representations and data visualization. High expectations are upheld for all students, including the critical analysis of the ideas they encounter in the world. In our increasingly global community, I want my classroom to be a space where we facilitate conversations about the content students intake, while providing opportunities for empowered creation.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
When I am not in the classroom, I love to practice yoga, go hiking in the mountains, and read at the beach.
Lorena Aceves | Science Teacher
As a teacher, my goal is to create a learning environment that is conducive to active, engaged learning. I strive to be evidence-based, to create a safe space for learning and to make the educational experience fun. My philosophy of teaching is to create an environment that allows for supervised exploration. I believe that the most significant learning occurs in situations that are both meaningful and realistic. The overriding goal of my teaching has been to place learners in these types of situations.
My activities: I have been serving students in our district through various roles since 1998. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach in 2002. I received my Master’s in Educational Administration from California State University Northridge in 2012.
I’m passionate about:
Parenting my children,
Traveling
Mental Health