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Want to learn more about IVA High?
Meet The Faculty
For a full listing of school email addresses, view our Email Directory.
Directors & Staff
James McGrath
Founding Director
Prior to joining IVA High full-time in August 2015, Mr. McGrath practiced law with a prominent international law firm representing Fortune 100 companies spanning a variety of industries including real estate finance. He was named a Rising Star in Southern California Super Lawyers and Los Angeles Magazine. For seven years, Mr. McGrath served on the Board of Directors of Bright Star Schools in Los Angeles, a small network of high-performing charter schools serving students who are predominantly low-income and non-white. He was also involved in overseeing Bright Star’s development and launch of 6 new schools during his Board tenure. He also served on the Board of IVA for about 2 years, serving as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Academic Committee.
Before law school, Mr. McGrath was an adjunct philosophy professor at Long Beach City College. He also taught mathematics at Santa Margarita High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, where he coached baseball. Mr. McGrath earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy from U.C. Berkeley, a Master’s in the Philosophy of Education at U.C. Irvine (his master’s thesis pertained to developmental virtue theory), and he earned a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where he was co-chief managing editor of the Women’s Law Journal and class president.
"When I taught philosophy at Long Beach City College, I wondered why so many students in my classes came without basic thinking skills. What did that say about our state of education that it spent so much time on things like factoring polynomials, and so little time on developing such things as the curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking skills needed for success in college, careers, and life? So we created a high school (and middle school) in a very small, safe, and caring environment that nurtured students how to think for themselves, not regurgitate what somebody else told them to think."
Summer Sanders
Director, Head of School
Mrs. Sanders was hired as part of the founding team in September 2015 as the Director of Community Engagement and Admissions. Mrs. Sanders now serves as the Head of School, working collaboratively with all members of our community supporting a comprehensive mission and vision. Before IVA High, Mrs. Sanders served in a similar role for six years at an arts integrated, project-based K-8 school in San Francisco, as a K-8 Counselor and Middle School Administrator. She also has experience as a mental health therapist, college counselor, high school guidance counselor, and intervention specialist. Mrs. Sanders provides ongoing, collaborative professional development to teachers/staff and counseling interns, thoughtfully constructing a responsive and positive staff community. She has developed a comprehensive school counseling program, advisory program, positive school culture and supports an innovative, learner-centered model for teaching and learning for IVA High.
Mrs. Sanders is passionate about advocating for students, giving them a voice, and coaching them on how to actively listen. Her education has focused on Human Services, Child/Adolescent Development, Counseling, Mental Health, Social Justice, and Education. She has a Master's degree in Counseling, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, obtained Credentials in School Counseling/Guidance, Administrative Services and is a Certified Parent Educator and Clinical Supervisor. Mrs. Sanders is passionate about equitable learning opportunities, taking a holistic approach to education, and utilizing constructivist inquiry-based pedagogies, with the belief that social relationships are a constructive learning opportunity for both staff and student development. Summer enjoys adventures, walks, and spending as much time with her family on sunny beaches.
"I am inspired to be a part of a group of people who value supporting and challenging students through care, connection, and a growth mindset. Together, we are aware that we are not only educating students in academic subjects, we are also supporting the discovery of who they want to be, what matters most, and inspiring them to make positive contributions to our world now, and in the future. With an open-mind and heart, we learn from our students as much as they learn from us. This school was founded on these beliefs- that is a rare find. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a community committed to manifesting a cohesive vision."
Makenna Briceno
School Counselor
Makenna is passionate about arts integration, empowering youth, and organization. She comes to IVA High with a counseling background from California State University, Fullerton and has a wealth of knowledge in supporting youth. Makenna is actively enhancing our college and career program in order to prepare students for a successful life beyond high school. Makenna’s passion for learning is evident in her constant desire to further her education. She obtained a School Counseling Credential at Brandman University and is the lead supervisor for our counseling team.
"I chose IVA High because it is a place where I can use my voice and encourage students to use theirs. Our voice is heard and valued here. This is our school and we continue to build it together."
Darlin Ortiz
School Counselor, Community School and Homeless Liaison
Darlin graduated from a Long Beach Public High School and received a Bachelors in Human Services at Cal-State Dominguez Hills - Go Toros! She immediately began working as a case manager with domestic violence, substance abuse, and homeless populations. She dedicates herself to serve the underserved. Throughout the years, her dream of working with adolescents persisted; primarily because of her own experiences as a minority student. So, she achieved a Masters of Education in School Counseling at USC and a School Counseling Credential! Darlin's goal is to help guide our youth - our future, with characteristics striving for resiliency and healthy coping.
"I chose to work at IVA High after having the privilege and immense opportunity of completing my school counseling internship at their site. IVA High is definitely not a regular school and definitely nothing I ever imagined a high school can be. I was immediately impressed when I first stepped foot and saw the virtues posted on the wall. I was thrilled; intellectual humility, courage, tenacity?! Where was I ?! IVA High transforms an educational journey, bringing me closer to my dreams. I am grateful to be a part of our youth's journey alongside IVA High; implementing project-based learning, dismantling stigma, and promoting social justice. I will not only stand alongside our youth, I will dance, laugh, and yes, sometimes cry as they embark this difficult yet extraordinary journey."
Megan Gomes
Office Manager
Holding degrees in both Creative Writing and Education from the University of Colorado, Megan initially had hopes of being a children’s book author (…which she still may become!) After college, she taught at a dual-immersion preschool in Taiwan, and led summer camps in Singapore, before returning to California. Megan is passionate about amplifying student voices and spent multiple years in Los Angeles, writing curriculum at a project-based ELA company that helped students write and publish their own stories.
With over a decade spent in Education, she comes to IVA from a K-8 charter school in South LA, where she worked on both the SPED and Counseling teams. Social-Emotional Learning has been a central part of her journey as an educator and she feels that all students must be seen and supported before they can truly learn.
“I enjoy working at IVA in large part because of the staff. We all share an immense passion for education, deep love for children and a willingness to jump in and try new things. I have felt extremely supported by my coworkers and am grateful to be a part of such an incredible team.”
Clarissa Borrayo
Office Administrator
Prior to joining full-time at IVA High in August 2024, Miss Borrayo was employed full-time in the medical field. After five years of dedicated service during the pandemic, she made the decision to return to academia in pursuit of her dream career. Miss Borrayo is currently enrolled at LBCC, where she is actively studying to become a teacher.
"I am excited to be on this new journey at IVA High. I take great pleasure in helping and advocating for students, as I believe in fostering an environment that supports their growth and development. I am committed to empowering each student to reach their full potential, and I look forward to contributing positively to their academic and personal journeys."
Myriam Loeschen
Outreach Team
Myriam brings a balanced blend of formal marketing and event planning experience. Her work is centered in creating connection and is rooted in joy. As an Outreach team member, her goals for IVA High include strengthened community engagement, student recruitment and retention and deepening the school's capacity for diversity, equity and justice. In addition to her work for IVA High, Myriam is a facilitator guiding courageous conversations about race and supporting individuals in becoming more fully human. She is a Long Beach resident.
"A passionate learner and storyteller, I am committed to reframing and changing stories about how we learn and to uncover new and empowering narratives. I am excited to be at IVA High where the virtues lead and shape the educational experience and the measures of success are redefined in a vital way."
Kerry Loeschen
Paraprofessional: Student and Facility Support
Kerry Loeschen, a native of Long Beach, joins IVA High School as Campus Faculty Aide. He brings a myriad of skills that will add significant value to our students academic experience. He is a trombonist with a degree in composition from CSULB. For the past 25 years he has performed in distinguished venues across the country and has toured extensively in Asia and Latin America. In addition, he is a competitive athlete and has served as a head soccer coach in the Long Beach Youth Sports Organization for 8 seasons. He is also an accomplished craftsman skilled in conception and fabrication. While on campus, Kerry will support faculty in tutelage, engage students in physical fitness activities, and lead building exercises.
Jason Rivera
Paraprofessional: Student & Office Support
Jason is passionate about working with students and helping them succeed academically and personally. He has a bachelor's degree in history from UC Irvine, which gives him a strong foundation in research and critical thinking. He is currently pursuing a master's in library and information science at San José State University, further developing skills in information management and educational support with a goal to use the knowledge to create a positive and impactful learning environment at IVA High.
"I chose to work at IVA High because I was drawn to the school's innovative approach to education and its commitment to fostering critical thinking and personal growth in students. My background in providing targeted support and analyzing student data aligns well with IVA High's mission to create a nurturing environment that encourages both academic excellence and character development."
Alice Oueijan
Counseling Intern
Hi! My name is Alice Nicole Oueijan, and I’m a School-Based Family Counseling Graduate Student at California State University, Los Angeles. I earned my Bachelor’s in Communication Studies in 2012 and my Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Long Beach City College in 2023.
"Having grown up visiting Long Beach and now calling it home for the past ten years, I’m thrilled to be giving back to this wonderful community. I speak both Arabic and English, and am very passionate about the arts and helping young people navigate their journey into adulthood. I’m also grateful to be working under the guidance of Makenna Briceno, the School Counselor at IVA High. I can’t wait to meet you!"
Teachers
Daniel Avery
Math Teacher
Daniel comes to IVA High after spending years in education—first as a private tutor and then as a teacher. He received his undergraduate degree from UCLA and his Master's in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. Daniel has taught math in Orange County and San Diego, working with students from both the middle and high school levels in a wide range of courses, including nearly everything from Integrated Math 7 through AP Calculus.
"I chose IVA High because its core virtues look at advancing education in innovative ways. My goal is to find and implement new, research-supported methods to teach math, and to help students think critically while integrating technology in ways that extend and support student learning."
Michelle Bennawy
English Teacher, English Language Support, LBCC Teacher Liaison
Ms. Bennawy holds a BA in History from California State University, Northridge and teaching credentials in Social Sciences and English Language Arts. She has served communities all over Los Angeles as a teacher, curriculum author, and instructional coach. Ms. Bennawy is focused on growing students’ literacy, empathy, and critical thinking skills, while bridging the classroom to the community. Her passion for music, the environment, and social justice regularly spills into classroom activities and service learning projects with students. Outside of school, Ms. Bennawy also enjoys reading in her garden, traveling the world, backpacking and yoga, crushing escape rooms with her husband, and gaming with at least one cat in her lap!
“I am excited to join IVA High because of the focus on intellectual courage, autonomy, and curiosity!
Serena Buie
English Teacher
Serena received her BA in English from Westmont College and worked at a mental health treatment center for teens and then at IVA Middle School for several years before going to CSULB for her credential. Before joining IVA High, she spent two years teaching English in Pamplona, Spain. Serena is passionate about literacy, English as a Second Language, and fostering students' love of reading.
"I love the educational model at IVA High and I'm so excited to join the wonderful community here! It is a privilege to work in an environment that prioritizes student voice and helps students develop into life-long learners."
Ollie Cigliano
Resource Specialist II
Ms. Ollie George Cigliano is a private chef, food educator, fully credentialed Education Specialist Mild to Moderate II, ELL & Autism Authorization, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks Llc, based in Long Beach, California. She believes in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, particularly those with learning differences. Her approach emphasizes building confidence through individualized strategies and hands-on, practical learning experiences. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley (Spanish & Italian), a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate & Medicinal Plants Certificate from eCornell University. Ms. Cigliano finds joy in tending to her community garden plot at the LBCG (Long Beach Community Gardens), where she grows a plethora of herbs, vegetables and edible flowers. Born and raised in Long Beach, she loves the seaside amenities offered by this beautiful city - from paddle boarding, to bike trails, and visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Ms. Cigliano joins the IVA team as a person of many hats, and you will see her in the office and providing support to teachers and students in the classroom. Through her unique perspective, she aims to enrich the IVA High community with diverse experiences, fostering a love for learning. Ms. Cigliano has also joined our team to help launch our garden and culinary program. Stay tuned for clubs and lots of learning fun!
Marisol Marquez
Spanish Teacher/Outreach Team
Marisol graduated with a B.A. in Spanish from California State University, Long Beach, where she also obtained her teaching credential. She is currently enrolled in a School Counseling program. Before teaching, she worked for three years with students with social-cognitive deficits. She joined the IVA High community to show her students that language learning can be personable, engaging, and culturally relevant to their lives.
"I am eager to be involved with the school community and grow as an educator at IVA High. I look forward to pursuing a Master's in Education in School Counseling in the future."
Jose Pinzon
Social Science Teacher
Jose is a native of Long Beach, and a graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a B.A. in History. He has over 6 years of classroom experience, having first started as a migrant education tutor/translator, and later as a teacher at We the People High School. He has experience teaching US History, Big History, Art History, and AP US Government. Jose is fascinated by history, politics, and literature, and is eager to share his passion with students, and help them create real world connections and become stronger writers.
“I chose IVA High School because coming from WTP High School, I learned to value smaller classrooms where I feel I can better focus on the educational needs of my students while also having the flexibility to be innovative and allow my students the space to express their opinions and engage in active learning together as a community.”
Anas Sallam
Science Teacher
Anas comes to IVA High after spending multiple years in education as a tutor and long term substitute teacher. He received his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from UCI and his teaching credential from CSULB. Anas has taught biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and middle school science. Since joining IVA High he has also become a certified Project Lead the Way teacher for Environmental Engineering and Essentials of Engineering. Anas has experience teaching a wide range of classes including Living Earth Biology to AP Chemistry and IB Physics.
"I chose IVA High because its intellectual virtues look at promoting education in innovative ways and students are taught to have courage and take risks. As a science educator that to me is something that is extremely beneficial to students. After all, all the greatest scientific discoveries were made after multiple attempts and multiple failures by great thinkers who took risks even though they knew that their odds of success were very low and yet ended up succeeding in the end anyway.
We promote forward thinking and virtues of autonomy and humility so that our students learn to think for themselves and can admit when they made mistakes. Our students learn to adapt and be better in their thought process in the future. The journey to success in education and in life is filled with obstacles, and here at IVA High we look to help our students push past these obstacles and achieve their dreams as young members of society seeking a great future ahead of them."
Dustin Schmidt
Associate Director of Curriculum and Humanities Teacher
Throughout his academic career, Dustin has been devoted to engaging K-12 students on a variety of topics in the humanities and philosophy. He is currently a PhD candidate with a focus on environmental ethics, at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he has taught a wide range of courses, including Logic, Introduction to Philosophy, and Environmental Ethics. He has a very comprehensive career teaching students of all ages, including earning a fellowship to teach and develop curriculum for a high school International Baccalaureate course.
"IVA High offers a rare opportunity for students and teachers to develop habits of mind that support good lives, strong relationships, and inclusive communities. It allows us space to investigate big, philosophical questions, apply our thinking to real, relevant social issues, and reflect on our thinking in a way that fosters critical, engaged, and compassionate citizens. This is, I think, the best we can hope for as we try to build supportive, forward-thinking communities. I am humbled to be part of such a passionate, intentional community of inquiry."
Desmond Williams
PE Teacher
Desmond grew up playing basketball and participating in the sports scene. His love of competing on a team, as well as being the oldest of 3 children in his family, led him to become a teacher. Desmond loves helping others and supporting them by always being in their corner. As a PE teacher at IVA High, Desmond motivates students to accomplish anything they set their mind to. In his free time, Desmond enjoys going to the gym, listening to alternative rock and spending time with family on the weekends.
“I love IVA High’s vibe and how they are student-centered. They really care about students and try to understand students. Makes me kind of wish I went to a smaller school like IVA where every student is seen and has a chance to make a change at their school.”
