Faculty | Staff


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		Individually and collectively, our administrators, faculty, and staff work to ensure that the academic core of our high school is strong. That ultimately is what parents and students seek, and why they come here. Our outstanding teachers are our most valuable resource. All of our teachers are credentialed in the subjects they teach, and over two-thirds of our faculty hold Master's degrees. Their education, experiences, and dedication creates a multidimensional environment from which our students thrive. Three academic counselors, a Personalized Academic Support instructor, full-time Psychologist, English Language Learner coordinator, English and Mathematics skills instructor, and our Director of Maritime Studies support the teachers and their curriculum. James Cross \| Executive Director \| Email Mr. Cross holds a B.A. in Sociology from Cal State University, Long Beach, and a Master's degree in Behavioral Science from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Prior to founding Cross America, a national student loan and medical collection servicer, Mr. Cross was Vice President of Operations for Academic Financial Services Association (AFSA) in Long Beach. In addition to overseeing company operations, Mr. Cross was directly involved in the national legislative and regulatory process. He was a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and worked closely with members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committees on post-secondary education. Prior to joining AFSA, Mr. Cross served for two years as financial manager at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Mr. Cross has served on several non-profit community Boards and advisory committees. He was appointed by former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn to serve on the Port Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), where he also served on the Steering Committee and as Chair of the Port Master Plan subcommittee. Mr. Cross is a past president of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cross is one of the founding members of POLAHS, and he has served as Executive Director since the school's inception. The continued growth of POLAHS (not only in the number of students and teachers but also in the size of the physical facility) has required an experienced and strategic operations manager. In addition to establishing and overseeing a successful facilities plan, Mr. Cross has managed the school's finances and budget. Gaetano (Tom) Scotti \| Principal \| Email As a native of San Pedro, Mr. Scotti has an extensive family history with the port community and the waterfront. He is excited to be a part of this innovative educational experience that adds personal satisfaction to his professional experience. Mr. Scotti holds a Master's degree in Education and single-subject credential in Social Science from Pepperdine University. He also holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Mr. Scotti also holds an Administrative Services credential from National University. He began his teaching career at Locke High School and then spent four years working for the Torrance Unified School District. His classroom experience includes serving as a special education teacher, middle school social science teacher, and high school history teacher. Before being promoted to Principal, Mr. Scotti served as a Lead Teacher and Dean at POLAHS. Christine Albitz \| Mathematics \| Email Mrs. Albitz's Classes Christine Albitz was born and raised in the South Bay and graduated from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. She later graduated with honors from UC San Diego with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. After moving back to the South Bay, she earned a Master's degree in Economics from CSU Long Beach where she was also named the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year. While at CSULB, Christine completed her single-subject credential in Mathematics. Grace Alcomendas \| English \| Email Ms. Alcomendas received her Bachelor's degree in English and Political Science from the University of Southern California (USC). She earned her teaching credential from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Ms. Alcomendas enjoys teaching literature and writing at POLAHS. Lori Armas \| Psychologist \| Email Ms. Armas lives in San Pedro with her two teenagers Danielle and Alexander. She attended Fresno Pacific University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Organizational Development and a Masters of Arts degree in Education. She holds a School Psychology credential. Experience includes academic advising at the high school and community college level. At College of the Sequoias she was an academic counselor, instructor for student success and career planning courses, and mentor for First Year Students program and the Puente Project. Prior to coming to POLAHS Ms. Armas was the college counselor for a Los Angeles Unified School District charter school and part time instructor for Los Angeles Trade Tech community college. Cheyenne Armstead \| Data Coordinator \| Email Ms. Armstead is currently studying Geography and plans to transfer to Cal State University, Long Beach. She has traveled and studied in Western Europe, Costa Rica and Mexico. She manages the attendance and operating systems at POLAHS. Michael Aspinwall \| Drama \| Email Originally from Great Falls, MT, Michael Aspinwall has made Los Angeles his home for the last eight years. He received his B.A. and his M.A. from the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television. Mr. Aspinwall chose California State University Northridge (CSUN) to pursue his teaching credential in English / Language Arts. He began teaching in 2006 at Mark Keppel High School in the San Gabriel Valley in the English Department. Mr. Aspinwall currently resides in Santa Monica. When he is not in the classroom, he is a working actor and writer. In 2005, Michael cofounded Pretty One Productions, a summer theatre program for students in his hometown in Montana. The mission of Pretty One Productions is to give young actors, directors, and technicians the opportunity to work along side industry professionals in a real world theatre experience. The program produces a blockbuster musical each summer, starring students ages seven to seventeen, along side professional actors and dancers from across the United States. Irene Atristain-Sandoval \| Spanish \| Email Ms. Atristain holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and in Translation and Interpretation of English and Spanish languages. She also holds a single-subject credential from California State University, Long Beach. Ms. Atristain is currently completing her Master's Degree in Counseling at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Ms. Atristain has been working with students since 2000. She has worked for LBUSD and LAUSD as a teacher's aide working with English Language Learners and AVID students. She enjoys teaching beginning to advanced levels of Spanish. In addition to teaching in the classroom, she has taken students on various educational trips to Spain, Italy and France. Lindsey Barfield \| Art \| Email POLAHS Art Class Facebook: POLAHS Art Facebook: POLAHS Yearbook Mrs. Barfield was born and raised in Orange County. She attended California State University of Long Beach where she earned her Bachelors Degree in art as well as her single subject teaching credential in art. While attending CSULB, Mrs. Barfield worked at the Huntington Beach Art Center in the education department, ultimately as the Arts Education Coordinator. Mrs. Barfield has taught in Garden Grove as well as Long Beach, and is very excited to be part of the team at POLAHS. In addition to art, Mrs. Barfield is also the yearbook advisor at POLAHS. Kimberly Barron \| Mathematics \| Email Ms. Barron's Class: Functions, Equations and Modeling Ms Barron's Class: Geometry Ms. Barron was born in Torrance, CA. She earned her B.A. from San Diego State University and her teaching credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills in Social Science and Mathematics. She enjoys working at POLAHS because she appreciates the school's emphasis on math and science. Mark Baucum \| Mathematics \| Email Mr. Baucum is excited to be teaching mathematics as a part of the POLAHS team. Having been born and raised in the South Bay, he welcomes the chance to teach close to home. He attended Pepperdine University where he received his B.A. Rachel Bruhnke \| Spanish \| Email Rachel Bruhnke comes to POLAHS with 18 years experience working with Spanish-speaking populations, both in the US, and while living and studying in Latin America. She attended La Universidad Catolica in Peru, was a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, and directed American high school study abroad programs in Ecuador and Costa Rica. She received her original Teaching Credential in 1992, and her updated Single Subject for Spanish in 2007. In 2001, she received an M.S. in Environmental Engineering, researching renewable energy use in Cuba, and has since taken over 100 U.S. environmental specialists to the island to support informational and cultural exchange between our people. She is delighted at the opportunity to teach Issues in Environmental Engineering, a class she designed combining her environmental and international backgrounds. Elspeth Carden \| Mathematics \| Email Ms. Carden is a Pasadena native. She attended Loyola Marymount University (LMU) where she received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theatre Arts. She went back to school to earn her Master's in Education along with her single-subject math credential at the University of Southern California (USC). Katelyn Childers \| Science \| Email Tammy Clark \| English \| Email Mrs. Clark grew up in the South Bay earned her Bachelor's degree in English and her teaching credential from Cal State University, Northridge. She taught for the Torrance Unified School District for twelve years before coming to POLAHS in 2011. She earned her Master's in Education from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills and her National Board Certification in English Language Arts. Sean Collins \| World Geography \| Email Mr. Collins was born and raised in the South Bay and attended California State University, Long Beach. There he received his Bachelor's degree in History with a concentration in Modern European History and United States History. While earning his single-subject teaching credential in Social Sciences at CSULB, he worked in Torrance as a paraeducator, and later as a substitute. Mr. Collins enjoys sharing his interest in local history to POLAHS students. Roger Cosgrove \| Mathematics \| Email Mr. Cosgrove joined the Port of Los Angeles High School in the fall of 2008 and teaches Basic Math, Algebra 1, and Geometry. He comes to POLAHS after a 27 year business career in the high technology field working for a Fortune 30 company for over 21 years. Pamela Costa \| Leadership \| Email Mrs. Costa began her teaching career as a substitute teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. She received her Bachelors Degree and Clear Credential from Cal State University Dominguez Hills and her Master's Degree in Reading Curriculum from Grand Canyon University. She then took a full time position at Holy Trinity Elementary School, where she taught 6th grade English/Reading and 8th grade Reading. Mrs. Costa was also the Drama Director where she produced over fifteen full productions. Her last production was a culmination of the series, and was performed at the historic Warner Grand Theatre. Amartya De \| Mathematics \| Email Mr. De's Classes Mr. De is originally from the Midwest and teaches Algebra and Geometry. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. After working in the investment management industry in San Francisco for four years, he decided to come to LA to pursue his Master of Arts in Education, which he obtained from Pepperdine University in 2011. He has a great deal of experience in teaching the SAT and the CAHSEE to high school students. Mr. De enjoys keeping up with politics, attending local debate tournaments, and helping young people get into top colleges. Anthony DeSanto \| Maritime Studies \| Email Mr. DeSanto's Class (password required) Born and raised in San Pedro, Mr. DeSanto holds a single- subject credential in Mathematics and has taught at San Pedro and Hawthorne high schools. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the California Maritime Academy and his Master's in Education from National University. In addition, he graduated from the Global Logistics Specialist program (GLS) from CSU Long Beach. Tim Dikdan \| Biology \| Email Mr. Dikdan was born and raised in El Camino Village, California, and attended Bishop Montgomery High School. He later attended Loyola Marymount University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Social Science. He completed coursework for his secondary teaching credential at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Mr. Dikdan taught for two years at Washington Prep High School with the Los Angeles Unified School District. He was then invited to join the staff at Environmental Charter High School, where he taught for three years prior to coming to POLAHS. His teaching experience includes coursework in biology, U.S. history, and California in the 21st century. Brian Emerson \| English \| Email Mr. Emerson is a fourth generation San Pedro resident. He graduated from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, and attended El Camino College and UC Riverside where he earned a Bachelors Degree in English. He then pursued a teaching credential at CSU Long Beach. He taught English at Palos Verdes Peninsula High school for 2 years. Shane Erickson \| Custodian \| Email Etta Finney \| Records and Attendance \| Email Ms. Finney is a California native. She has been with the school system for over five years. She has worked with LAUSD as an IEP Support Coordinator and ISIS Statistics Clerk. Ms. Finney is excited to be a part of the POLAHS family because she enjoys the positive environment, beautiful location in the Port and the advanced education opportunities POLAHS offers students. Patricia Gonzalez \| Resource Specialist \| Email Ms. Gonzalez graduated from CSU, Dominguez Hills with a BA in Liberal Studies, with a minor in Physical Education. She has completed her Multiple-Subject Credential at CSUDH and is currently enrolled in the CSUDH Single-Subject Credential Program. Prior to working at POLAHS, Ms. Gonzalez worked at Elysian Therapeutic Recreation Center, where she discovered her passion for working with special needs students. She loves POLAHS because of the small learning environment and the close family feeling it provides. Erick Gutierrez \| Counselor \| Email The Counseling Corner Erick Gutierrez was born and raised in the South Bay and graduated from Bishop Montgomery High School where he met his lovely wife Alicia. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Cal State University, Long Beach. Mr. Gutierrez then attended the University of La Verne where he received his Master's Degree in Counseling along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Mr. Gutierrez worked in investment banking for Smith Barney while pursuing his masters in counseling. He worked as a counselor at North High in Torrance, before taking advantage of an incredible opportunity to join the team at POLAHS as an academic counselor. Felicia Ivie \| Dean \| Email Felicia started working at POLAHS as a teacher's aide in 2007. She received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Phoenix in Business Management. Felicia qualified for a Single Subject Credential in English Language Arts and received a Master's Degree in Education in 2007. Cynthia Jaime \| Mathematics \| Email Ms. Jaime's Classes Cynthia S. Jaime was born and raised in the South Bay area. She attended Leuzinger High School and later graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics Education and a Single Subject Credential in Math. While at CSUDH, she worked at the Port of Los Angeles in Human Resources as a Professional Student Worker. Cynthia coordinated the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP) Internship Program for four years with Phineas Banning High School. The students she worked with were 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who were a part of the Global Environmental Science Academy (GESA), Global Safety and Security (GSS), International Trade Academy (ITA), and Maritime Agricultural Tourism Cuisine Hospitality (MATCH). At the Port she also assisted with the Human Resources Administration, and was Editor of the College Student's Monthly Newsletter. Overall, Cynthia enjoys helping students through both Education and Business to prepare them for their future and become successful. Jennifer Kelly \| English \| Email Ms. Kelly was born and raised in the South Bay and graduated from North Torrance High School. She received her B.A. in English, her M.A. in Education: Teaching and Curriculum and her single-subject teaching credential in English from California State Dominguez Hills. She began teaching in 2008 at POLAHS. Mrs. Kelly currently resides in Long Beach with her husband. In addition to teaching English, Mrs. Kelly is also the Varsity Girls Soccer Coach at POLAHS. Margaret LaBouff \| Integrated Science \| Email Ms. La Bouff received her B.A. in Biology from California State University, Long Beach. After graduation, she worked as a laboratory technician for a medical research company in Newport Beach. Ms. La Bouff has been working in the field of education since 2003. She earned her Master's degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University. Minh Lee \| Geography \| Email Mr. Lee is a graduate of Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences. He was a member of the Army National Guard for six years during which he served in Iraq in 2004. After his honorable discharge, he attended Claremont Graduate University and earned his Master of Arts in Education. He spent five years teaching in the Rialto Unified School District, first as a middle school World History teacher, then as a high school Government and Economics teacher. He is currently working towards his Master of Arts in History at California State University, Los Angeles. Rob Lines \| U.S. History \| Email Rob received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Southern California and his clear teaching credential in social science through Cal State University, Long Beach. Rob worked on several political campaigns in the South Bay area before entering education. He began his career in education in the catholic school system of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and spent 11 years as a teacher and principal while with the Archdiocese. Prior to being hired at Port of Los Angeles High School, Rob taught United States History and U.S. Government/Economics and coached the girls' varsity soccer team for 3 years at North High School in Torrance. Mary Jane Liverpool \| Government / Economics \| Email Mrs. Liverpool earned a Bachelor's degree in History from California State University, Long Beach and went on to graduate work in Information Studies at UCLA. Prior to joining the POLAHS staff, she taught at Magruder Middle School in Torrance for 12 years. Mrs. Liverpool teaches Economics/Government courses at POLAHS, as well as an elective course in Psychology/Sociology. Rachael LopezLavalle \| English \| Email Mrs. LopezLavalle's Class Ms. LopezLavalle was born and raised in Palos Verdes, and currently resides in San Pedro. She obtained her B.A. in Liberal Studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and obtained her credential at California State University, Long Beach. Before joining the POLAHS family, Ms. LopezLavalle was the Project Manager of Curriculum Development at an after-school and summer camp program for eight years, where she was responsible for planning the curriculum, designing and writing the brochures, and teaching art classes. She later went on to teach fourth grade at a charter school in South Los Angeles. Erin Loveridge \| Development \| Email Ms. Loveridge received her B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in Communication Studies and Business Administration. She has studied at the University of Wollongong, Australia and University College Cork, Ireland. She received a certification in Grant Writing Administration from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. As a communications consultant for the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Loveridge worked on projects for the Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Her passion for writing and event planning led her to the Port of Los Angeles High School, where she focuses on fund raising efforts and public relations. Ms. Loveridge graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg Master of Communication Management program in spring of 2011. She is a Town and Gown of USC graduate-level merit scholarship recipient, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi, USC's oldest academic honor society. Mario Mares \| Biology \| Email Mr. Mares was raised in Los Angeles. Born from a mother who was a teacher and a father who was in the Navy and also a teacher, Mr. Mares' parents greatly influenced his future. Upon completing high school, Mr. Mares joined the Naval Reserves and served his country for over 20 years. As a Reservist, he was able to attend Cerritos College, CSU Long Beach and CSU Dominguez Hills. Mr. Mares received his teaching credential with a major in Biology and a minor in Mathematics. Mr. Mares worked at the junior high level for over 15 years and took advantage of an incredible opportunity to teach high school Chemistry and Biology at POLAHS. Maria Marin \| Spanish \| Email Maria Marin, a native of Torrance, graduated from Bishop Montgomery High School. Ms. Marin attended CSU Long Beach where she studied Public Accounting. After owning a variety of small businesses, she felt the desire to pursue education and began as an bilingual instructional assistant with Torrance Unified School District. She returned to CSU Long Beach to obtain her Bacthelor's degree in Spanish Linguistics and asingle-subject teaching credential. Ms. Marin loves being able to share the language and culture she inherited from her parents. David Martinez \| Physical Education and Athletic Director \| Email Mr. Martinez was born and raised in San Pedro and graduated from Mary Star of the Sea High School. His college years were spent at Cal State University, Long Beach where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Secondary Physical Education. He also completed his teaching credential coursework at CSULB. In the Fall of 2008, he earned his Master's degree in Physical Education from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. In his third year with POLAHS, Mr. Martinez took on the role of Athletic Director. He is also an assistant baseball coach and works at various baseball camps throughout the year. Mr. Martinez was "elected" Honorary Mayor of San Pedro in 2011. He is proud to be representing POLAHS at various community events over the next two years. Erick Miseroy \| Computer Science \| Email Erick Miseroy was born in Northridge where he graduated from Granada Hills high school. He later attended CSU Dominguez Hills receiving his B.A. in Physical Education with a Minor in Business, while playing on the men's soccer team. Erick completed his credential coursework at CSU Dominguez Hills in Business and Technology. Mr. Miseroy taught 12 years at North High in Torrance where he was instrumental in developing their Applied Technologies Department. During his tenure at North he taught Computer Applications, Web Design I & II, and 3D Modeling and Animation. He also was the varsity girls soccer coach for 13 seasons. Many of his students have moved on to work in the web and design industry after college. Lizbeth Molina \| Spanish \| Email Ms. Molina was born in Mexico City, and graduated from Cal State University, Long Beach with her BA in Liberal Studies and MA in Literature. She is currently pursuing her single-subject credential at National University, and has been teaching Spanish for over five years. Ms. Molina teaches part-time at POLAHS and enjoys sharing her extensive travels and studies with her high school students. Ben Montoya \| Plant Manager \| Email June Moon \| World History \| Email Mrs. Moon's Classes Mrs. Moon graduated from West High School in Torrance and received her B.A. in Political Science from UCLA. She received her M.S. in Education from USC. Mrs. Moon comes to POLAHS with 5 years of teaching experience at Magruder Middle School in Torrance and has taught SAT prep classes for 10 years. Mrs. Moon's lifelong dream is to visit every country that she has ever taught about in her career as a history teacher. George Mora \| World History \| Email Mr. Mora is a new 9th grade social science teacher at POLAHS. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from California State University, Long Beach with a concentration in United States and Latin America. As an undergraduate Mr. Mora served as a Peer Mentor for the Learning Alliance and co-taught a college survival skills course to incoming freshmen for three semesters. Mr. Mora is currently working on his Masters in Education at Claremont Graduate University. His focus of study is on establishing social justice and equity in education for low socio-economic students as well as assisting students who have special education needs. His goal is to develop a greater understanding of how students learn and overcome obstacles in their academic careers. Prior to becoming a teacher Mr. Mora worked for five years at a private student loan consolidation company in the South Bay. He also worked for two years as a human resources assistant for a large corporation. His decision to become a teacher was based on the desire to help others and to make a difference in students' lives. Juventino Morfin \| Spanish \| Email Mr. Morfin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Chicano Studies. He has a clear teaching credential and a Masters in Education. Mr. Morfin was born in Los Angeles and loves soccer. He has played soccer for Lincoln High School and Cal State University, Los Angeles and Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Annie Naqvi \| Counselor \| Email The Counseling Corner Ms. Naqvi was born and raised in Culver City, California. She went to UCLA for her undergraduate program where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. While attending UCLA, Ms. Naqvi worked at various LAUSD schools as a Program Coordinator for After School Enrichment Programs. Soon after her graduation from UCLA, she pursued a Master's of Arts Degree in Education with a focus in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Ms. Naqvi worked as a Behavioral Therapist and Counseling intern with Special Education students throughout her time at LMU. Academic counseling and helping others has been a passion of hers from an early age. Joni Narasaki \| Special Education Coordinator \| Email Ms. Narasaki joined the POLAHS team in September of 2006. She earned her B.A. from Cal State Long Beach with a major in Family and Consumer Sciences with an option in Child Development. She also holds her Master's degree and a clear credential in Mild/Moderate Special Education, along with an Autism certification from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Prior to working with high school age students, Ms. Narasaki was at a non-profit organization working as a teacher in early intervention. She is very passionate about helping special education students achieve their maximum potential and find success both in and out of the classroom. Donald Ormsby \| Mathematics \| Email Mr. Ormsby's Classes Don Ormsby was born and raised in the South Bay, graduating from West Torrance High School in 1982. He earned a B.A. in economics and mathematics from UCLA in 1987, and began his professional career as a financial analyst for Allstate Insurance. After a few years in the corporate world, Mr. Ormsby entered USC law school, graduating with a J.D. in 1993. He practiced law for 7 years in California and Oregon, focusing on civil litigation and criminal defense. In 2001, Mr. Ormsby started teaching mathematics full-time at Magruder Middle School in Torrance. After earning an M.A. in education and single-subject credential in mathematics from Pepperdine University, he moved to Peninsula High School in 2005, where he taught all levels of algebra, geometry, and algebra 2. Mr. Ormsby is very excited to be a member of the POLAHS team, and hopes to use his varied professional and teaching experience to reach all students, regardless of background or prior success in mathematics. As 11th grade lead teacher, he will work hard to set the highest standards of professionalism and accountability to students, parents, school administration, and the community. In his free time, Mr. Ormsby enjoys reading and working on his house. He resides in Lomita. Maria Pettyjohn \| Physical Education \| Email Maria Pettyjohn has been teaching since 2002. She joined POLAHS in October of 2005. She taught Physical Education, Coached the Varsity boys soccer, and J.V. Girls tennis at California Academy of Math and Science for four years. Mrs. Pettyjohn earned her Bachelors degree in Kinesiology at California State University of Dominguez Hills, and is credentialed with NCATE. She is currently working on her Masters in education to further assist the POLAHS staff. Besides being the Health and Physical Education instructor, she also coaches the boys soccer team, is a Students Run L.A. Leader and has been the Student Council mentor for three years. Mrs. Pettyjohn teaches with enthusiasm and optimism. She is dedicated, understanding and passionate about teaching. As a mother of two beautiful boys, Mrs. Pettyjohn recognizes the importance of adolescence and individuality. She is known for her caring nature and hard work, and she is proud to say, "I truly love my job!" Danielle Proctor \| Resource Specialist \| Email Ms. Proctor attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, on an athletic scholarship for softball. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Education. She is currently completing her teaching credential in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism, at Azusa Pacific University. Prior to joining the staff at POLAHS, Ms. Proctor worked as a Resource Specialist at Arleta High School in Van Nuys. Lauren Rackemann \| Executive Assistant \| Email Ms. Rackemann was born and raised in San Pedro, California. She received her Bachelor's in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to joining the POLAHS family, Ms. Rackemann worked in administration at Wentworth Recruiting. She has been a Human Resources consultant at POLAHS since 2009, and now oversees business affairs as Executive Assistant. Grecia Reyes \| Teachers Aide \| Email Annie Reynolds \| Mathematics \| Email Ms. Reynolds grew up in northern California and attended school at UC San Diego. There, she graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, Ms. Reynolds started her career as an engineer, working at an aerospace company. During the course of this position, she assisted in high school tutoring programs. From her experience there, she realized that her passion and excitement was in teaching high school students. While in her engineering position, she started a program at CSU Dominguez Hills to get her single subject credential in Mathematics. In the spring semester of 2008, Ms. Reynolds began teaching at POLAHS as a math teacher. She is extremely excited to continue teaching with the community of teachers and students here at POLAHS! Pete Riehl \| English \| Email Mr. Riehl was born in Sacramento and attended Santa Clara University, studying Spanish and creative writing. He came to Los Angeles as a member of the PLACE Corps teaching cohort through Loyola Marymount University. Mr. Riehl previously taught at St. Bernard High School and Daniel Murphy High School, where he taught Spanish, English and religion. Kate Roughen \| Senior Thesis \| Email Ms. Roughen received her Bachelor's degree from Loyola Marymount University. After exploring several different careers, she decided to listen to her heart's calling and embark upon a career in education where she felt she could make an impact and give back to her community. A passionate and lifelong learner, Ms. Roughen went back to school and received her Master's degree in Education and single-subject teaching credential in English. Ms. Roughen has worked at the Port of Los Angeles for three years where she has taught 9th and 11th grade English, Intro to Film, History of the Port, and Life Skills. Currently she is excited about teaching POLAHS' Senior Thesis course. 12th graders have the opportunity to step out into the community and discover their true potential. Ms. Roughen encourages her students to follow their passions, dream big, and persevere until they realize their goals. Teaching at POLAHS continues to delight her as each day she feels truly honored to be surrounded by such an outstanding student body and staff. She enjoys teaching at a unique, innovative, and small school where student learning comes first. Carol Rugh \| World Geography \| Email Mrs. Rugh's Class: Government & Economics Mrs. Rugh's Class: Psychology & Sociology Ms. Rugh grew up in the Coachella Valley on a date farm and spent many family vacations exploring our nation's forts and national monuments. She received her BA in History from Scripps College and her teaching credential in Social Studies from Chapman University. Ms. Rugh began teaching at Huntington Park High School in LAUSD, where she had the great privilege of working on the Content Lead team, developing curriculum for 2 years. She then moved to Torrance USD and worked for Jefferson Middle School, where she was voted History Department Chair in her second year. This lead to the opportunity to plan a Day of Tolerance to co-inside with Black History Month. Ms. Rugh has learned tremendously from her students and colleagues over the past 4 years and is excited to join the POLAHS team and work for the community of San Pedro. She strives to foster a love of reading and writing across the curriculum. She is also dedicated to incorporating technology into the classroom experience. Ms. Rugh brings her love of learning and appreciation of children with her to POLAHS. In her spare time, Ms. Rugh tutors students in math. Katelyn St. John \| English \| Email Katelyn St. John is originally from the Boston area. She holds a duel major in English Textual Studies and Secondary Education from Syracuse University and is currently obtaining her Master's degree in Education at CSU Long Beach. Ms. St. John has worked at high schools in Boston and San Francisco as well as Santa Monica. She is excited to be teaching such bright and intelligent students at POLAHS. Lucia Valdivia \| Counselor \| Email The Counseling Corner Ms. Valdivia received her M.A. in counseling and PPS credential from Loyola Marymount University in 2003, as well as her B.A. in 2000. She had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Germany as an undergraduate. She is originally from Lynwood, California where she returned to serve her community first as a teacher in 2000, and then as a counselor. She has had the privilege to work in the Lynwood and Centinela Valley School districts and is currently very proud of working for the POLAHS community. Daisy Vargas \| Teachers Aide \| Email Angelica Vazquez \| Administrative Assistant \| Email Ms. Vazquez joined POLAHS in September 2005 during the school's first months at the Cabrillo Beach Youth Camp. She started as a teacher's assistant and has now made her way into the office as Principal Scotti's Administrative Assitant. Ms. Vazquez coached POLAHS' first cheer squad as a club sport to its current state as an official athletic team. In May 2009 she received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. She plans to attend graduate school for a Master's in Counseling. Joseph Vega \| Reception \| Email Mr. Vega is currently studying Physical Therapy at El Camino College, and will transfer to Cal State University, Long Beach in spring of 2012. Mr. Vega enjoys working with the POLAHS students because he can set a positive example for students while learning from them as well. Linda Von Slomski \| English \| Email Ms. Von Slomski was born and raised in the South Bay and graduated from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. She received her B.A. in English Education as well as her single-subject teaching credential in English from California State University, Chico. During her time at CSUC, Ms. Von Slomski studied abroad in London where she studied theater, British literature, and art. Ms. Von Slomski currently resides in San Pedro. She is in her second year of grad school at California State University, Long Beach, where she is completing courses toward earning her Master's in Education, Reading, and Language Arts. Lincoln Walden-Schulz \| Physical Education \| Email Mr. Walden-Schulz received an athletic scholarship for football from Washington State University where he received a B.A. in Humanities with an emphasis in Communications. Mr. Walden-Schulz has coached football at Lincoln High School, Loara High School, and Cerritos High School. It was at this time that he realized coaching and teaching were his true passions. Mr. Walden-Schulz completed student teaching at Cerritos High School and received his single-subject teaching credential in Social Science. He is currently completing his Master's in Education and an additional authorization in Physical Education through National University. Nancy Wang \| Integrated Science \| Email Ms. Wang majored in Biology and received her Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of California, San Diego. After taking a year off, she earned both her multiple-subject and single-subject teaching credentials from California State University, Fullerton. She spent her first years of teaching at Torrance High. Ms. Wang loves biology and loves teaching others about how life works. It still amazes her to this day all the little things that take place inside us without us ever seeing them! Ms. Wang loves sharing her love for science with the students at POLAHS. Karen Wang \| Maritime Science \| Email Ms. Wang: Chemistry Ms. Wang: Marine Science Ms. Wang is a Southern California native and can't imagine living anywhere else. After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science degree, she discovered that what made her happy was a career that allowed her to inspire young minds and expose them to the awe-inspiring, amazing and ever-changing world of science. She pursued a teaching credential from CSU Fullerton and later a MS Ed. degree from Walden University. Ms. Wang taught a wide range of sciences in the Torrance school district for five years before joining the POLAHS team. Kevin Yourman \| U.S. History \| Email Mr. Yourman, a native New Yorker and Angelino since 1990, teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History, Honors U.S. History and U.S. History. Mr. Yourman believes that students should be challenged and helped to meet high expectations. He believes there is nothing greater in life than molding and awakening young minds. Mr. Yourman engages students in thought-provoking discussions requiring them to use critical thinking as the class explores the content of American history. A recent student has noted, "The homework he assigns, including a variety of essays, as well as our class discussions allow my classmates and I to fully comprehend the subjects he presents to us. Furthermore, I feel that my writing and critical thinking have improved thanks to this class." Barbara Zaragoza \| Teachers Aide \| Email Dean Zrucky \| Integrated Science \| Email After studying Biology and Science Education, Mr. Zrucky's first teaching assignment was a dream job: Integrated Marine Science in San Diego County. Then he got bit by the travel bug, and spent the next five years working overseas in Costa Rica, Peru, and Mexico. Mr. Zrucky received his single-subject Life Science teaching credential from California State University, Bakersfield. He is very excited about sharing his love for the ocean and nature with his students at POLAHS, and enjoys integrating Science with Maritime Studies.

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