Briana Armstrong

Briana Armstrong

Teacher, Specialized Academic Instruction

Academic Lab and Study Skills

briana.armstrong@sgv.csarts.net

Ms. Armstrong attended San Francisco State University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Art Education. She holds teaching credentials for Elementary Education, Special Education, and Physical Education. She is currently working on a Masters degree in education Technology at California State Long Beach.

Ms. Armstrong has 10 years of teaching experience. She has extensive experience co-teaching and collaborating with teachers to create academic and behavioral interventions. She has training in positive behavior supports, restorative justice practices, and crisis prevention and intervention.

Ms. Armstrong loves taking dance classes, trying out new recipes and traveling. Her favorite quote is, "Everything is figureoutable." She loves being an Education Specialist because it gives her the opportunity think outside of the box to meet the unique needs of her students.

Vanessa Ching

Vanessa Ching

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

vanessa.ching@sgv.csarts.net

Mrs. Ching earned a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Utah State University as well as a bachelor’s degree of Music in Vocal Performance from Colorado State University. She also received a credential as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) through California State University-East Bay. Mrs. Ching has worked in the field of education since 2016 and became a part of the CSArts-SGV Special Services team in 2019 as a special services aide. This year, she is excited to take on the role of Speech & Language Pathology Assistant here at CSArts-SGV!

I have chosen the field of Speech-Language Pathology because I am passionate about helping students find their voices and reach their professional and academic goals!

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Maureen Davis

Maureen Davis

Lead School Psychologist

maureen.davis@sgv.csarts.net

Dr. Davis is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist who comes to CSArts-SGV with over 30 years of experience working with children from infancy through young adulthood. She holds a Doctorate, Master’s of Education and Education Specialist Degree in Educational Psychology. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Services from the University of San Francisco and a Master’s of Fine Arts Degree from the Yale School of Drama. Dr. Davis especially loves getting to know all of the students and helping them to be the best they can be, focusing on their strengths and what they do well. Having worked extensively in theater, she feels that CSArts-SGV is the perfect place for her to bring together the things she loves most…the arts, youth, psychology and education. She is extremely happy to be a part of this amazing school!

Kim Hagan

Kim Hagan

Teacher, Specialized Academic Instruction

Academic Lab

kim.hagan@sgv.csarts.net

Mrs. Hagan has a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Studies, a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist teaching credential (all from California State University, Fullerton). She has taught as an elementary reading intervention/education specialist for the La Habra City School District for 3.5 years, then taught and collaborated with general education teachers in a variety of middle school subjects as an education specialist for the Glendora Unified School District for the past 8 years. This past year she was one of the two teachers at her school who was awarded a Glendora Teacher’s Association HOPE “Innovator” award for “fostering the successful development of students in innovative and creative ways”.

Mrs. Hagan loves being an education specialist because every day is different! I love challenging myself to constantly grow as an educator and figure out new and innovative ways to incorporate creativity in the classroom. In her spare time she loves reading, cooking, thrifting, creating holiday (especially Halloween) decorations, seeing concerts and musicals, walking her dog Daisy, traveling, and visiting theme parks with my family!

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Ann Kang

Ann Kang

Learning Specialist

ann.kim@sgv.csarts.net

Ms. Ann Kim holds both a teaching credential and a master’s degree in elementary and secondary education from University of California, Irvine. She has been with CSArts-SGV since its inaugural year and previously served as a middle school teacher at Community Roots Academy. There she piloted the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, which she eventually helped implement at CSArts-SGV. Additionally, she spearheaded the adoption of standards-aligned instruction and assessments that provided differentiated instruction for all students.

At CSArts-SGV, she has served as Department Lead and Leadership Adviser. She has also worked as an educational consultant for the Orange County Department of Education and a curriculum writer for Bridges to Readiness, an organization that partners with “caregivers, schools, and advocates to ensure all students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, have the resources and guidance they need to realize their aspirations.” She is ardent about serving local communities by building relationships with and educating the youth. Ms. Kim is keen on starting her new role as Learning Specialist so she can continue to serve the students.

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Alisha Medina

Alisha Medina

Teacher, Specialized Academic Instruction

Academic Lab and Wellness Seminar

alisha.medina@sgv.csarts.net

Alisha Medina hold’s a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies and a Master’s degree in Special Education from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Concordia University, Irvine. Mrs. Medina has worked with students with special needs for more than 20 years, 13 of those years as a certificated Special Education Teacher in the Bellflower Unified School District. She has a son that will be a graduating senior at OCSA this year, as well as a daughter that will be a sophomore at CSArts. Mrs. Medina is beyond excited to work with the students at CSArts and to be a part of the founding team.

Nathan Poole

Nathan Poole

Teacher, Specialized Academic Instruction

Academic Lab, Math Strategies

nathan.poole@sgv.csarts.net

Nathan Poole holds a Bachelor's Degree, Multiple Subject Credential, and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix, as well as an Education Specialist Credential from the Teacher's College of San Joaquin. Mr. Poole has been in Education since 2004, and he has been an Education Specialist since 2010. He has worked with students from Kindergarten to High School. Mr. Poole is passionate about helping all students discover their strengths, learn to advocate for themselves, and chase their dreams. He models his belief that it is never too late to learn by continuing his professional development and by being a life-long learner. Mr. Poole is excited beyond words to be a member of the Special Services team at CSArts-SGV!

Amy Wang

Amy Wang

School Psychologist

amy.wang@sgv.csarts.net

Ms. Wang is a School Psychologist, Ed. S with several years of experience working with Duarte Unified School District. She joins us with a unique understanding of our students' needs. 

Ms. Wang's favorite quote: "“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” My favorite hobby is re-watching my favorite television show or movie for the hundredth time. I feel that is always funnier and more entertaining the second time around.

Heather Williams

Heather Williams

Restorative Practice Specialist

heather.williams@sgv.csarts.net

Dr. Heather Williams is a Restorative Practice Facilitator with twenty-two years of experience who has been active in education and training development. Dr. Williams has earned a BA in Sociology, MA in Special Education, and a Doctorate in Education, Organizational Leadership. Dr. Williams specializes in equity and inclusion, social justice, and anti-discrimination. She is passionate about fostering spaces that build community and relationships focused on the dignity, equity, and the value of all people. Dr. Williams enjoys moonlight skies, time with her dog, and swimming in the ocean with her granddaughter and the dolphins.

Behavior Intervention Aides

Our Behavior Intervention Aides are passionate individuals who are in the classrooms daily helping all student learners with their varying needs. Our aides include Cindy Albarran, Phoebe Bessler, Naomi Cortez, Austin Davis, Kricket McKay, Sandy Moses, Jacqueline Palestina, Nicolle Corea Pinto, Cristal Reyes, and Natalie Wilde.