Principal
William Lamb - Mr. Lamb has 29 years of experience in education including 9 years as an LAUSD elementary school Principal. He is a proud husband and father who enjoys reading, learning, and playing/watching many sports.
Teaching Staff
PALs
Danya Hendrick - Ms. Hendrick is an energetic mother, and educator. A graduate of California State University Northridge and National University, she has a Bachelors degree, 2 Masters degrees, and 3 teaching credentials. Ms. Hendrick has been an educator for over 16 years. Her role on campus is the Resource Specialist teacher, and she supports all students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Mother of two lovely children, she is passionate about teaching and learning with students. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and watching movies. Ms. Hendrick enjoys being a role model for today’s youth and volunteers with several mentoring organizations. In Ms. Hendrick’s classroom, students will be supported, and encouraged to use all of the International Baccalaureate learner profiles.
Paolina Lastrapes - Ms. Lastrapes has been teaching preschool for 12 years. Teaching is her passion. As a young girl she noticed that she really enjoyed teaching and helping others. This led her to choose teaching as her career. Ms Lastrapes has her A.A. and B.A. in Early Childhood Education and her Masters in teaching. She has three children of my own who are also glad to call Short Ave their home.
Transitional Kindergarten
Alex Hamada - Alex is thrilled to begin her third year of teaching as one of the new members of the Short Ave team! Though born and raised just outside of Sacramento, she now calls the South Bay her home. She earned her BA in Urban Learning from Cal State LA, then her master's and credential from WGU. As a former MYP/IB student herself, she is curious about this "full circle" moment in her education journey. She whole-heartedly believes her work in the IB program had a significant impact on her outlook; she is eager to experience it now from the perspective of a teacher. She hopes her classroom is a place where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to become change-makers, full of kindness and care. When she's not thinking about school, Alex loves to rock climb, camp, and hike in beautiful and remote corners of California with her husband...or, just putz around at home working on house projects with a good cup of coffee in hand.
Leslie Rosales - Leslie was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She has always loved school and has been passionate about learning. She believes people should have access to quality education, especially in the early years when much of the learning is about how to be a person. Leslie began working at Short Avenue as an aide, then as a long-term sub. She has received two BAs from UC Irvine, one in Anthropology and Psychology, and another in Educational Sciences. In her free time, she likes to read, craft, eat, and go to the beach. She also loves to spend time with my hamster, Joy, and two cats, Barry and Blaze.
Elizabeth Vanbronkhorst - Elizabeth is a proud Minneangeleno- hailing from the good lands of Minneapolis, MN, she and her husband have been living in Los Angeles since 2015. This is her 11th year teaching and her 4th year at Short Avenue. She earned a BS in Early Childhood Education from UW Stout and an MS in Elementary Education from CSU Fullerton. Her educational philosophy is all about educating the whole child through a play-based curriculum while focusing on social and emotional development to support happy children. Outside of school you can find her playing with her son, dog, and two cats, hanging out with friends and husband, or reading a good science fiction book.
Kindergarten
Jessica Hernandez - Born in California but raised in the U.S. and Mexico, Ms. Hernandez is bilingual in both Spanish and English. She earned her Bachelor's degree from UCLA with a focus in early childhood education. She obtained her teaching credential from CSUN. She enjoys teaching and growing alongside her kindergartners at Short Avenue. She believes children bring a natural curiosity and joy for learning that inspires her everyday. She aims to create an engaging and nurturing and nurturing learning environment that fosters a lifelong love for learning in all of her students. When she is not teaching she enjoys trying out new vegetarian restaurants, propagating plants and traveling.
Emily Lowry - Ms. Lowry began her teaching career as a preschool teacher in Massachusetts. She has since earned her credential from WGU. Ms. Lowry believes that Kindergarten is a special milestone in life because of the intersection where play meets academics. As an educator, she strives to make our day full of learning opportunities that are intentional, playful, inquiry-based and centered on the child's interests and needs. She has also taught yoga and mindfulness for the past 10 years and enjoys bringing mindful activities into the classroom. When she is not teaching she loves spending time with her husband, son, and dog usually at the beach, at a park or museum, traveling, eating tacos, or watching movies. She is an avid reader and eternally addicted to coffee.
Crystal Baker - Mrs. Baker knew from the day she set foot into her own kindergarten class many years ago that she would teach kindergarten someday. That dream became true 18 years ago and she couldn't be happier to bring her love of kindergarten to Short Avenue. When Mrs. Baker isn't playing and learning with her students you can find her going on many adventures with her family. Some of her favorites are trips to the beach, hiking, bike riding, and watching all the sports!
First Grade
Amanda Duarte - Born and raised in Southern California, Ms. Amanda has lived in Los Angeles since attending UCLA as an undergrad. She has always enjoyed working with kids at summer camps and volunteering with different children’s organizations, so after undergrad she began working as a TA in an LAUSD school and absolutely loved being in the classroom. She was inspired to return to UCLA to earn her teaching credential and Master’s in Education. She has been working for LAUSD as a teacher since 2014 and achieved National Board Certification in 2018. Ms. Duarte is so happy to be a part of the Short Avenue community since 2019 and to be teaching first grade alongside so many caring and dedicated educators. She believes that the best learning happens through experiences and active participation and she looks forward to growing with my students every year! In her spare time, she enjoy traveling to new places, going on hikes, reading, and relaxing with my dog, Benny.
Monica Jun - Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Ms. Monica was fortunate enough to have parents that encouraged she and her younger sister to follow their dreams. They supported her decision to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Communication. After working in entertainment management and PR for a couple of years, Ms. Jun realized her calling was elsewhere. She remembered how she enjoyed teaching children when she volunteered during high school and found herself pursuing a teaching credential not long after. She is thrilled to be a part of Short Avenue Elementary School, where we are one community working towards positive change. She looks forward to seeing her first grade students grow and become a part of that movement.
Vicky Caluag - Ms. Vicky is am thrilled to be a part of the first grade team. She was born in New Jersey and moved to California with her parents and two older brothers when she was two years old. She grew up in Orange County and moved to San Diego for four years where she received her bachelor’s degree in child development at San Diego State University. There, she worked as an assistant teacher in a preschool classroom for a year and a half in an early childhood center. She moved back to Orange County to pursue her master’s degree and multiple subject teaching credential at Chapman University. As a teacher, Ms. Caluag believe that it is critical to support both the academic and social-emotional needs of her students. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, singing, hiking, embroidering, and going to the beach.
Second Grade
Carly McMahon - Mrs. McMahon was born and raised on the East Coast in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended Clemson University and graduated with her bachelors degree in Elementary Education. From there she decided to move back to Charlotte and teach in the school system she grew up in. She taught 3rd grade and constantly encouraged her students to be risk takers. She decided to "practice what she taught" and she took the leap to the West Coast. At Short Avenue every teacher, student, and parent feels inspired.
Evette Hohman - Born and raised in California, Mrs. Hohman has always wanted to be a teacher. She has worked with kids for as long as she can remember, in a variety of settings. These were pre-schools, summer camps, multiple classroom settings, and coaching multiple sports at the elementary and junior high level. She got my bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from California State University Northridge and a master’s degree in reading instruction from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Hohman started teaching with LAUSD in 2005 and am so happy to call Short Avenue Elementary her forever home. She believes in children as community citizens who can teach and learn from one another. She believes in creating a classroom environment that is welcoming, nurturing, and inspires inquiry through thoughtful provocations and rich materials. Ms. Hohman believes in developing that spark of knowledge and curiosity that children bring to the classroom every day, to make them active participants in their lifelong journey of learning, because a love of learning is the first step in providing a lifetime of learning.
Tyler Geuvjehizian - Ms. Geuvjehizian was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. When not teaching, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling, going to sporting events, and trying new local restaurants. Coming from a family of educators, she was surrounded by people who cared and nurtured our future leaders. It was no surprise that she followed in their footsteps and became an educator as well. She received my Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies-Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University and immediately began teaching kindergarten. Considering herself a lifelong learner, she is constantly looking for ways to learn with children, engage in new experiences, and deepen her practice. Since being in the classroom, she has received her Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University Dominguez Hills. Ms. Geuvjehizian is grateful to be a member of the Short Avenue community, working with colleagues and families who support one another. She believes that the classroom is a space for people to discuss, analyze, collaborate, and create. She believes that children should given opportunities to learn not only about themselves, but the people and communities around the through engaging in student-driven learning.
Third Grade
Erin Epstein - Ms. Epstein is a Los Angeles native, and is so excited to be joining the Short Avenue teaching team this year! She earned her Bachelor's Degree from UC San Diego, and it was after being a mentor in elementary schools across San Diego county that she knew she wanted to pursue a career in education. She returned to Los Angeles and earned her Master's in Education from UCLA. This will be her sixth year teaching, and believes the classroom is a space for students to shine. 3rd grade will be a year filled with growth, inquiry, exploration, and joy. Ms. Epstein's educational philosophy is rooted in working together, asking questions, and learning from each other. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys going to the beach, doing yoga, reading mysteries and thrillers, and going for walks around the neighborhood. She loves to try local restaurants with family and friends. She can't wait to plant roots and continue to grow here at Short Avenue!
Marianne Hayes - Ms. Hayes is thrilled to be apart of the 3rd grade team. She was born and raised in Sacramento, California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University. At her preschool graduation she announced she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up and every experience since has only further ignited her passion. Most recently, she completed a Fulbright fellowship teaching in Taiwan. Ms. Hayes’s educational philosophy is centered around a strong classroom community, an inquiry-based mindset, and developing a lifelong love of learning. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, going to the beach, crocheting, and spending time with her friends and family. She is so excited to be a part of the Short Avenue community!
Fourth Grade
Jan Chantarasompoth - It gives Ms. Chantarasompoth great pride to be a part of the 4th grade team at Short Avenue Elementary. Her passion for the outdoors and working with children was solidified when she became a counselor with UniCamp, as an undergraduate student at UCLA. The pure joy that nature and young people brought to her life from those experiences was such an invaluable gift. Ever since, she's continued to learn alongside children and adolescents in various settings, both inside and outside of the classroom. Raising my two sons has also brought her great joy and continues to do so, as she spend every chance she gets with the two of them and her husband, camping, biking and traveling the world. She came to Short Avenue Elementary, this gem of a place, in 2018 and feel so lucky to call it her home away from home!
Kyle Moss - Mr. Moss is thrilled to be a part of Short Avenue. He comes from a family of educators, and education has been a huge part of his life for as long as he can remember. He got my bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and his teaching credential from Mills College. He believe strongly in providing a joyful, equitable, respectful, and challenging environment for every learner in my classroom. Everything he does is geared towards helping his students leave 4th Grade with a growing identity as an independent learner and critical thinker while keeping their sense of wonder intact! When not teaching he loves to play music, watch and play baseball (go dodgers), cook, and travel. He's been to 27 countries and counting!
Fifth Grade
Jordan Baldry - Jordan was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. Growing up in the northwest, he has an innate love and respect for the outdoors. In his spare time he hikes, bikes, kayaks, and anything else that allows him to be outside. Jordan loves music and has played the guitar since a young child. He was inspired to change communities through education at a young age by two of his most influential teachers. Because of them, he was inspired to become a teacher. He is currently working on a Master of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University in Policy and Administration under the context of Urban Schooling. His educational approach is heavily rooted in inquiry-based thinking, student agency, and using what we know and have learned to take action in our local and global communities. He is beyond grateful to be a part of the family and community of Short Avenue Elementary and cannot wait to learn and grow with everyone.
Marina Davis - Marina is from Los Angeles, CA, so she loves that she is able to continue her career here too. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Special Education, in addition to her teaching credential. She has loved teaching for as long as she can remember, so being able to share her passion for youth and education with her 5th graders. She believes in fostering a warm classroom environment where every student is seen and understood so that they feel comfortable sharing their learning and experiences. She hopes to continue to be an agent for her students to pursue their creative, curious, and kind selves. When she is not teaching, she likes to spend time with her dogs, reading, and going to different cafés. Her favorite activity to do is getting iced lavender matcha lattes and bringing her current book to the beach. She also love to bake, especially cookies and pies!
Primary Promise
Jeanne Comly - Jeanne Comly's mother was a big influence in her decision to become a teacher. Her mother taught art for many years at an elementary school and her passion and dedication to her students was admirable. Ms. Jeanne is proud to carry on her legacy as an elementary school teacher. She was fortunate to be able to take time to raise her two children. When they were both at Short Avenue, she knew she wanted to be a positive influence and contribute to the school. She is grateful to be a part of such a special community. Helping children become confident, successful readers who develop a love for reading is her driving goal. Her mother always said, “Children should see you smile.” She remembers that and always makes a point to greet the children with a smile and to ask how they are doing. She cares deeply about the students and believe in the whole child approach.
Special Education Resource Specialist
Nancy Griffin - Nancy Griffin has a BA in English and an MA in Special Education from UCLA. She has been an educational therapist at the UCLA Fernald School and a Special Day Class teacher, a Resource Specialist (RSP, a Behaviorist (BID)), a Special Education Infant-Preschool Transition Services Facilitator (TSF) and a Primary Promise Literacy Coordinator for LAUSD.
Support Staff
Marquetia Campbell - Assistant Principal EIS
Rachel Burris - Categorical Program Advisor/International Baccalaureate Coordinator
Teresa Garcia and Allyson Szabo - Nurse
Elizabeth Utchel - Speech
Cecilia Morgan - Adapted PE
Alex Acheson - Psychologist
Amanda Melchor - Occupational Therapist
Paloma Baker - Physical Therapist
Avril Lipsky - Community Representative
Na'ama Levy - Library
Rocio Martinez - Administrative Assistant
Hector Garcia - Office Technician
Raul Sanchez - Plant Manager
Josue Alvarez - B & G Staff
Dora Solis - Cafeteria Manager
Martha Gomez - Cafeteria Staff
Ana Santos - Teacher Assistant
Jessica Romo - Teacher Assistant
Annie Cruz - Teacher Assistant
Breanda Croak-Falen - Teacher Assistant
Olma Leon - Teacher Assistant
Jasmin Romero Perez - Teacher Assistant
Shanel Prudholme Malonson - Teacher Assistant
Zabby Ize - Teacher Assistant
Jenna Lesnet - Teacher Assistant
Dylan Hendrick - Teacher Assistant
Desirea Martinez - Teacher Assistant
John Cruz - Teacher Assistant
Kelly Martinez - Teacher Assistant
Jessica Schwartz - Teacher Assistant
Felicia Lopez - Campus Aide
Marisol Olivas - Paraprofessional
Shirley Anaya - Paraprofessional
Nancy Gomez - Paraprofessional
Linda Douglas - Paraprofessional
Tina Ahadi - Paraprofessional
Cynthia Salazar - Paraprofessional
Dara Geuvjehizian - Paraprofessional
Susan Santizo - Paraprofessional
Lemty Araia - School Supervision
Maria Grammatico - School Supervision