Teacher Innovators

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Mr. Matthew Andrews

Social Science Teacher/HS Activities Director

High School:

Temecula Valley High School

College:

California State University, Fullerton

Something you should know about me…

I was born in England and moved to Southern California when I was about ten years old. I went to high school and college in Southern California where I grew up and lived most of my life. I love history and traveling. I’ve visited Europe, the Middle East, and North America. I’d like to go to Australia, Brazil, Japan and China in the near future. My goal is to help students succeed inside and outside the classroom. I hope to inspire and motivate students to critically think about the world around them.

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Srta. Claudia Bermudez

Spanish Teacher

High School:

Watsonville High School

College:

Sacramento State

Something you should know about me…

Born and raised in Guanajuato, México, Claudia moved to the United States with her family. After graduating from high school she attended CSU, Sacramento. Claudia graduated with a B.A in Spanish and continued her education by obtaining her Single Subject Teaching Credential from Sac. State. Srta. Bermúdez has been teaching Spanish 1 to Sophomores, Spanish 2 to juniors, Spanish 3, Native Speakers and AP Spanish with 100% passing rate. She has also helped students passed the SAT II subject test so they can get a Biliteracy Seal on their high school diploma. She has mentored teacher through the BTSA program as a Mentor/Coach.

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Ms. Amy Bostick

Social Science Teacher

College:

UC Davis (Go Aggies!)

Something you should know about me…

Born in Watsonville, California, Ms. Bostick attended UC Davis earned a degree in Sociology and History. From that point on, she worked ten years as a legal secretary in the Sacramento area before earning a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Phoenix. Since graduation, Ms. Bostick worked as an English and then High School History teacher for Sacramento High School. When not surrounded by students, Ms. Bostick loves to attend plays, live concerts and traveling.

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Mr. Michael Bradford

Social Science Teacher

High School:

Palmdale High

College:

Mesa Community College/UC San Diego

Something you should know about me…

I have two kids and a house in Rocklin. I have two cats as well.

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Ms. Kaylie Brooks

Science Teacher

High School:

Nevada Union High School

College:

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Oregon State University

Something you should know about me…

I graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Biology. Shortly after that I decided to pursue my future career in education and attend the M.S. in Science Education program at OSU. I am so happy to be back in California, doing the thing that I love: teaching! In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends!

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Mr. Greg Darrah

Science Teacher

High School:

Aiglon College, Switzerland

College:

Cornell University

Something you should know about me…

I am excited to be a part of the Lion Pride after a 25-year career in building and running large IT system projects. I am a science nerd at heart, and I am looking forward to imparting my love of science to my students. At home, I have my wife and two daughters (7th and 11th graders), along with our two dogs, a boxer, and a bulldog. I enjoy competitive rowing, spending time with my kids, all kinds of music, and any Marvel movie. I am thrilled to have found what I want to be when I grow up. Please stop in sometime and say hello!

Mr. Shawn Cox

Math Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Ms. Nakia Edwards

Math Teacher

High School:

Vanden High School

College:

IUPUI, Sac State, National University, & University of Phoenix

Something you should know about me…

Born and raised in Vacaville, left Vacaville for college in Indianapolis. Continued and finished college at Sac State with a degree in Accounting. I have lived in Sacramento for 20 plus years. I have taught high school and middle school for over 15 years. I have mainly taught mathematics but had the opportunity to teach a year of English. This is my first year at LGA and I am excited to be here !

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Mrs. Moriah Finch-Odell

ELA Teacher

High School:

Oak Ridge High School

College:

University of Nevada, Reno

Something you should know about me…

 I love helping students of all age and developmental levels. I have taught pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school aged students in the past. I am a very patient, understanding person, and I enjoy seeing the progress that students make throughout each year.

I was born and raised in Sacramento, and even though I moved away for college, I found my way back to wonderful Northern California. I like to stay busy, so I prefer to have activities planned for my free time. Aside from curling up on my couch and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, while reading a good book, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family as much as I possibly can. I like being outdoors, whether it be for a hike in the hills, a weekend of camping, or a relaxing day at the lake. Warm weather is my favorite! In addition to my love for the outdoors, I love watching, playing, and coaching basketball. It has always been such a big part of my life, and will continue to be. Two other activities that make me extremely happy – Road-trips and concerts! Can’t go wrong with some good tunes or exploring a new town.

Lastly, I’d like to add that I am an advocate for acceptance. I believe that everyone is different and awesome in their own unique way, and we all need to learn to embrace that in ourselves and accept it in each other. :)

Mr. Garewal

Mr. Andrew Garewal

Business Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Sr. Alejandro Gutierrez

Spanish Teacher

High School:

Natomas High School

College:

Sacramento State

Something you should know about me…

I am from Natomas and I enjoy teaching in my community. I enjoy traveling with my family and spending time at home. Soccer is my favorite past time and coaching is my other passion. I hope to inspire as many students as I can.

Mr. Daniel Lingenfelter

Performing Arts Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Ms. Lesley Ho

Science Teacher

High School:

Franklin High School

College:

University of California, Santa Cruz

Something you should know about me…

I graduated from UCSC with a B.S. in Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology. Shortly after, I decided to pursue teaching and earned my teaching credential at CSUCI. I have a 2-year-old Husky/Australian Cattle Dog pup named Cali. We like to go on hikes and play tug-o-war. In my free time, I like to rock climb, cook, & CrossFit.

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Mr. Karl Johnson

Performing Arts Teacher

Click here to visit the LGA Performing Arts Page

High School:

Woodcreek High School

College:

Azuza Pacific University & Brandman University

Something you should know about me…

Having spent the last six years teaching science, I’m excited to begin a new adventure leveraging my experience in music and on the stage to inspire the students of LGA to love, and maybe even pursue, the performing arts. When not at school, you’d usually find me singing and dancing on stage. If that doesn’t work, I’m probably out hiking some trail, nose buried in a book, or yelling at the screen, video game controller in-hand.

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Ms. Erin Juneau

Art Teacher

High School:

Shanghai American School/Father Ryan High School

College:

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Something you should know about me…

I am originally from New Orleans and am passionate about art, crafts, yoga, and cooking!  I received a Bachelors degree from SAIC in K-12 art education, prior to teaching in Sacramento I taught within the Chicago Public School system. Growing up abroad as a third culture kid, mostly in Asia, I was able to experience a wide variety of cultures, design, and knowledge of media. I have taught at both private art studios and public schools and we all speak the universal language of art!

I am excited to be part of LGA’s awesome arts pathway to success!  

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Ms. Jenn Kunkle

Math Teacher

High School:

Kokomo High School

College:

Manchester College

Something you should know about me…

I absolutely LOVE teaching math!! I taught for 15 years in Indiana and moved to Sacramento 3 years ago. When I’m not teaching, I’m with my wife and our two dogs, Maggie and Riley. I am a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, and I also enjoy playing the piano. I recently began working out at a kickboxing gym, and I am absolutely loving it!

Mr. Laws

Mr. Eric Laws

Resource Teacher

High School:

Cedar City High School

College:

Utah State and Indiana University South Bend

Something you should know about me…

I have been teaching since 2006 and have taught in 4 different states, including California. I like helping students reach their potential and make progress. I like board games, the outdoors and trying to take pictures of birds.

Ms. Lopez

Ms. Kelsey Lopez

Art Teacher

High School:

Hanford West High School

College:

Sonoma State and California State University Fullerton

Something you should know about me…

I was born and raised in Hanford. If you do not know where that is, it is located at the very center of California. I left to Sonoma State to attain my BA in Liberal Studies while competing in NCAA Div. II Cross Country and Track. During and Post College I worked for Sonoma County Regional Parks Education Branch and later became an assistant coach for Sonoma State women’s Track and Field team. I then moved to Fullerton to receive my Teaching Credential in Art at CSUF. I am now very happy to call Natomas Sacramento home.

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Ms. Morgan Lorentzen

Social Science Teacher

High School:

Vanden High School

College:

Sac State & UC Davis

Something you should know about me…

I am the new Social Studies teacher here at LGA. I am so excited to be a part of this school community! I was born in South Africa and immigrated to the U.S. with my family when I was in elementary school. I have a passion for history and learning about different cultures. I love to travel and visit new places! 

Mrs. McGann

Mrs. Lisa McGann

Science Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

 

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Mr. Daniel Meyer

PE Teacher/Athletic Director

High School:

New Richmond High School

College:

University of Wisconsin-River Falls, East Carolina University

Something you should know about me…

I grew up in New Richmond, WI. I attended the University of Wisconsin River-Falls where I received my teaching degree and received my Masters degree from East Carolina University. I have taught in Minnesota, North Carolina and now California is my home. Health, fitness and overall wellness has always been a large part of my life, which I hope to make it a large part of your life as well. I will challenge you everyday to do your best and be successful. My door is always open if you ever need anything. I am also excited to help build a athletic program here at Leroy Greene.

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Ms. Jessica Mijares

ELA Teacher

High School:

Laguna Creek High School

College:

CSU Sacramento

Something you should know about me…

I’ve worked in education for 11 years and continue to love what I do. I enjoy getting to know students and supporting them through their “school journey.” 

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Mr. Kellen Miller

Science Teacher

High School:

Maria Carrillo High School (Santa Rosa)

College:

Humboldt State University

Something you should know about me…

I love Giants baseball, 49er and Oregon football, and golf! I’m a huge sports fan and coaching football and baseball for LGA! Prior to teaching I working for Dow Pharmaceuticals as a drug chemist for 4 years and working in the wine and environmental chemistry fields for 2 years. Hobbies are endless, I feel like I find a new passion every week! Lastly, I love science and exploration, especially when students use design thinking to solve problems in and out of class.

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Mr. Vincent Payne

Business Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Mr. Jeremy Poss

PE Teacher

High School:

Encinal High School

College:

San Jose State University

Something you should know about me…

Hello my name is Mr. Poss. I am a lifelong learner of physical education who enjoys spreading my knowledge of my content to my students. While I hold high expectations for my students, I do not expect each child to be the best, but I do expect them do their best.

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Mr. Nicholas Rhodes

Resource Teacher

High School:

Woodcreek/ Rio Linda High school

College:

Yuba College/ Idaho State University

Something you should know about me…

I am a proud Sacramento native. Played basketball at Yuba college before transferring to Idaho State University on a basketball scholarship. Played Professional Basketball overseas in Austria for two years and one year in the ABA before settling down and becoming a teacher. This is my 7th year teaching and second year at LGA.

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Mr. Jesus Rubio

Spanish Teacher

High School:

Dorsey High School

College:

University of California, Davis

Something you should know about me…

I discovered my passion for working with youth in college and continue to try and help and motivate those students who need the help. I LOVE THE LAKERS, I am originally from Los Angeles but live in Sacramento now.

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Mr. Matthew Schrock

Math Teacher

High School:

NorthWood High School

College:

Goshen College, Walden University, Pennsylvania State University

Something you should know about me…

Born and raised in Indiana, I’m coming to Leroy Greene Academy after having taught abroad in the United Arab Emirates for three years. Before that I taught in Elkhart, Indiana for twelve years. My favorite number is e, I’m always up for a good jigsaw puzzle, and I’m a fan of neither olives nor daylight saving time.

Mrs. Donja Harding

ELA Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Ms. Samantha Snook

PE Teacher/WEB Coordinator

High School:

Branham HS

College:

SJSU

Something you should know about me…

PE and WEB Coordinator. This is my 6th year teaching and 4th year at LGA. Enjoy playing sports and being outdoors. Excited for the new school year!

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Mr. Bradley Sullivan

ELA Teacher

High School:

 Sonora High School

College:

 UC Berkeley (Go Bears!)

Something you should know about me…

I am an ELA instructor here at Leroy Greene Academy and looking forward to a great year! Please reach out if I can help you in any way.I teach to ensure that every student is ready and inspired to enter college. I also hope that my classes get students more interested in ELA. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing video games, and traveling. I am always open to recommendations, if you have any.

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Mrs. Jessica Thomas-Nelson

ELA Teacher

High School:

Washington High School

College:

California State University East Bay

Something you should know about me…

I am an English teacher who spent the first three years of my teaching career at a high school in Hayward, Ca. I have recently moved to the Sacramento area and I am very excited to expand my career here at Leroy Greene Academy teaching 6th grade English. My free time includes hiking with my three dogs and husband, reading, and recreational kayaking.

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Ms. Diana Wada

Math Teacher

High School:

Sehome High School

College:

UCLA, CSULA

Something you should know about me…

Loves: teaching math, cats, and reading mysteries. Originally I’m from Los Angeles and I’ve lived in Sacramento for the last 4 years. I’m thrilled to be part of the LGA Pride!

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Mrs. Carolyn Walker

College and Career Coordinator

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Ms. Elaine Weaver

PE Teacher

High School:

College:

Something you should know about me…

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Mr. Ben Wickenden

Art Teacher

High School:

Mount Carmel High School

College:

Sonoma State

Something you should know about me…

I was born in Manchester, England and moved around a lot a kid. I moved to Toronto, North Carolina, and San Diego. After graduation high school in San Diego, I moved up north to attend Sonoma State University as a Studio Art Major. I stayed in Sonoma County for a few years after graduation and worked for a Screen Printing Company and with Americorps. At Americorps I helped out in Elementary classes and worked the after school program for 6th graders. After working a there, I decided to pursue my art credential at Sonoma State. This will be my 2nd year teaching and am very excited to be in a Photography and Art classroom this year!