Mentor Teacher Pool 2023-24
Jennifer Alcaraz, English
CNCA Dalzell Lance High School
Hello! My name is Jennifer and am the 12th grade English teacher at Dalzell Lance. I've been teaching for six years now; it is my passion! and enjoy helping the next generation prepare to take on the world. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, watching films, and cooking vegan alternatives to Mexican food.
Sarah Crawford, Social Studies
Stem Prep Crown Prep Academy
I have been in education for six years and teaching as a 6th grade social studies at Crown Prep Academy for the past four years. Aside from teaching, I've only ever worked at theme parks! My first job was at Knott's Berry Farm and my second was at Disneyland.
Dan Nguyen, English
CNCA Dalzell Lance High School
My name is Dan Nguyen, and I have been teaching English at Camino Nuevo High School Dalzell Lance for ten years: English 10, AP English Literature and Composition currently, and English Language Development, Creative Writing/Contemporary Satire, Young Business Entrepreneurs, in the past. I graduated from the University of California Riverside with a Bachelor's degree in English, with an emphasis on postmodern literature. I obtained my Master's degree in teaching at the University of Southern California. I have an amazing dog named Tonka, and I just recently married the love of my life to which I owe Camino a great deal of gratitude for bringing us together.
Jyoti Uppal, Physics
Stem Prep Math and Science College Prep
My teaching career has been a wild ride of every emotion imaginable and I truly wouldn't change a thing. I currently teach Physics and AP Physics, as well as, coach CIF Swimming at Math and Science College Prep. I am extremely passionate about developing and retaining the dynamic, culturally responsive educators that our students deserve.
Angelica Meuret, 2nd Grade Bilingual
CNCA Sandra Cisneros Campus
As a teacher, I have been in the classroom setting for 15 years, teaching every elementary grade - Kindergarten through 5th grade. I have raised 5 amazing children. My 3 grandchildren are the light of my life.
Rachel Binsfield, 5th grade
CNCA Kayne Siart Campus
I was born and raised in San Diego, but moved to LA at the start of the pandemic. While I've always worked with kids in some capacity, I've only been a teacher for about 8 years. I've actually known from a young age I wanted to work in education -- I had a fifth grade teacher who showed me just how much one teacher can make a difference in students' lives.
Alexandra Peck, ELD
CNCA Dalzell Lance High School
I am an ELD teacher and newcomer coordinator at Dalzell Lance. I love learning new languages and experiencing new cultures. I have lived in four different states and 5 different countries.
Cinthya Coronel, English
CNCA Jane B. Eisner Campus
I was born in Mexico and raise in South Central Los Angeles. I have been teaching for five years now. Most of my experience is with middle school, but I did my student teaching in a high school.
Ashley Mendes, Math
CNCA Burlington Campus
My name is Ashley Mendes, and I am in my 6th year of teaching. I currently teach 7th/8th grade Math and Financial Literacy at CNCA Burlington. I also have a passion for sports, and I coach volleyball and basketball at my school. In my spare time, I like to go to the beach, go on hikes, and travel the world.
Dallas Washburn, SPED
CNCA Dalzell Lance High School
My name is Dallas Washburn and I have been in human services/education field for almost two decades with experiences as a special education teacher(RSP), special education administrator, special education instructional coach, behavior interventionist, and foster care social worker. My greatest professional passion is creating an emotionally nurturing classroom environment where students feel empowered to learn, be curious, make mistakes, and develop self-awareness skills. I am so excited for the opportunity to mentor aspiring RSP teachers entering the profession. One fun fact about me is that I have driven cross country(coast to coast) ALONE four times in my life and it is AMAZING to do!
Maira Ramirez, 2nd grade bilingual
CNCA Jose A. Castellanos Campus
I have been teaching for 4 years, 3 years in Camino Nuevo. I enjoy spending time with my family, painting by numbers, knitting scarves, and working on puzzles. Fun Fact: I can't whistle nor snap my fingers.
Sylvia Perez, TK/Kindergarten
Stem Prep Elementary School
I have been an educator for nearly 20 years. I have had the privilege of teaching TK/Kindergarten at STEM Prep Elementary for the last 5 years. I am a wife and mother of 2 amazing children. When I am not teaching, you will find me at the park cheering for my children at their softball and baseball games.
Charleen Mendoza, 1st grade bilingual
CNCA Jose A. Castellanos Campus
I have been an educator for 7 years, primarily in kindergarten and first grade. My mission is to be an advocate for my students and to ensure that they have a safe and loving environment to learn. In my free time, I enjoy reading gothic horror novels and books about radical teaching methods and strategies.
Gabriela Guizar, 2nd grade bilingual
CNCA Burlington Campus
I am Gabriela Guizar, currently a second grade teacher, at Camino Nuevo Burlington. It is my fourth year at CNCA but I have 15 years of experience being an elementary teacher. I received my bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Loyola Marymount University. Interesting facts about me is that I am one of five daughters, first generation Mexican-American, and love being a mom to my three beautiful children.
Maria Del Socorro Garcia, Kinder bilingual
CNCA Jose A. Castellanos Campus
I have worked as a kindergarten teacher for 9 years, and as a preschool teacher for 2 years. I was also a teacher in Mexico for 6 years. I enjoy running, hiking, gardening, and learning about healthy living.
Jennifer Alfaro, 3rd grade
CNCA Kayne Siart Campus
I’m Jenny Alfaro, this is my 7th year teaching. I’ve taught 2nd and 3rd grade. I am married and have 2 energetic boys. I’ve recently become a baseball mom as my oldest son is in a baseball team. I enjoy doing my own manicures as my self care time.
Vanessa Coover, 4th grade
Stem Prep Elementary School
One of my favorite things about teaching is being able to build lasting relationships with students and learning about their lives outside of school. You will often find me wearing my dinosaur onesie during our movie day and pajama class parties!
Reuben Gonzalgo, Biology
CNCA Dalzell Lance High School
I have taught biology for the past 16 years and have been an educator for almost 20. I love learning and filling my brain with both useful and useless information. I am a big kid at heart and love all things that bring wonder.
Marylu Aguilar, Math
CNCA Dalzell Lance High School
My name is Marylu Aguilar, I've been working for CNCA for 6 years, 3 of them as a Math Teacher at Dalzell Lance. I'm excited to take on this new role and share from other educators.
Interesting fact: I like to visit new coffee shops
Alma Alonso, 4th grade bilingual
CNCA Burlington Campus
I began my teaching career here at Camino Nuevo and have enjoyed every minute of it. I chose this profession because I enjoy working with children. Helping them grow academically, emotionally and supporting them in becoming independent critical thinkers is what I enjoy the most. One interesting fact about me is that I am very easy to get along with.
Omar Rinon, Physical Education
CNCA Kayne Siart Campus
My name is Omar Rinon and I'm in my 9th year in teaching, 7 of them at CNCA Kayne Siart as the TK-8th grade PE teacher. I'm also the athletic director for my campus and have coached basketball for the past two years. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and cycling on the weekends.
Marquetta Nolen, 2nd grade
CNCA Kayne Siart Campus
I have been teaching at Camino Nuevo Kanye Sairt for 2 years as a 2nd grade teacher. I believe that all students have the ability to learn. I know everyone can do something and I love to motivate student practice. I am also an Assistant Scout Master for Boys Scout Troup 42, when needed to assist with outdoor events.
Gabriela Cardenas, 4th grade
Para Los Ninos Elementary School
Gabby is currently a 4th grade teacher at Para Los Niños Charter School and former Demonstration Teacher at UCLA Lab School. Throughout her 17 years of teaching, she has become an advocate for equity in education and a strong believer in instructional practices that support the development of students’ identity and sense of agency. Gabby was the 2016 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Jacob Abriel, Social Studies
CNCA Jane B. Eisner Campus
Melissa Alvarez, 2nd grade
Para Los Ninos Elementary School
Mayra Carrasco, 4th grade
Para Los Ninos Elementary School
Veronica Navarro, 3rd grade
Para Los Ninos Elementary School
Lorena Verduzco, 3rd grade
Para Los Ninos Elementary School