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MUSE FACULTY & STAFF

Get to know our MUSE Global School Teachers, Advisors & Staff. They are the heart of our thriving community and love bringing out the most in each student.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION TEACHERS

Blanca Aris

Early Childhood Education Teacher/ECE Aftercare

Blanca has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over a decade. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development at California State University Northridge, Blanca has developed a strong passion for teaching and an educational philosophy that includes supporting children physically and emotionally while fostering solid foundations for their future education. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on weekend trips, and exploring the outdoors in her free time.


Ani Badakian

Early Childhood Education Teacher/Mentor

Ani’s passion for teaching has grown tremendously throughout more than 20 years of working with children. Ani gained experience as a site supervisor and a Mentor for the California Mentor program of Los Angeles Valley College. One of Ani’s top priorities for the children she works with is to build their self-esteem. Ani believes this along with an emphasis on their language development will provide these future leaders the confidence to get through any challenge they will be faced with. During her free time, Ani loves to spend time with her two children, read and decorate. Romans 12:7 “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.”(NLT)


Nicholette Issavitch

Early Childhood Education

Nicholette was born and raised in Southern California. She has always felt a strong connection to children and feels inspired by their energy and excitement for the world. As an ECE teacher, Nicholette is passionate about creating an environment that supports creativity and social-emotional development. She is eager to be a part of Passion-Based Learning and looks forward to exploring and expanding on each child’s passion.

Nicholette revived her BA in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College and her MA in Psychology from Phillips Graduate University. Her background has been in working in ECE settings such as large preschools as well as smaller pod groups. She also has experience in the mental health field working as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors camping and hiking. She is excited to share her love for nature and is thrilled to explore MUSE’s beautiful campus with children.


Jeneen Metz

Kindergarten Teacher / ECE Manager

Jeneen has been with MUSE since 2014. As an experienced educator, Jeneen brings 16 years of teaching and collaboration experiences across various classroom settings. She holds degrees in Communication, Education, and Theology. During her time at MUSE, she has taught Pre-K, K, 3rd, and 4th grades while also serving as the Elementary Manager. Jeneen loves to learn new things, travel the world, read good books, and consume most things chocolate. She is now teaching in the MUSE Kindergarten classroom and serves as the ECE Manager, where she began her journey at MUSE. Each grade offers something unique to learn and do with your students and, for Jeneen, that journey is one of the best parts of teaching!


Sara O’Donnell

EK Teacher/ECE Aftercare

Sara is a lifelong artist and educator with a mission to empower our youngest members of society. She has a BA in Art History from UCLA and ECE credentials from SMC. As part of the inaugural class of Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School, she has extensive training in Reggio Emilia Pedagogy and Atelier philosophies. Before pursuing a career in ECE, she developed recipes and instructional videos for food brands and commissions. Sara has called Los Angeles home for over 20 years and lives with her husband and their two children. Sara enjoys spending time with family and friends outdoors, and is always ready for a picnic.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Erin Harrigan

1st Grade

Erin has been in the Education field for 10 years. She has primarily taught Pre-K through 2nd grade and has additional experience working with 3rd through 12th grade. She is proud to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Erin was particularly drawn to MUSE in 2018 because of her shared values in communication, self-efficacy, and passion-based learning. She is passionate about encouraging social and emotional development in her students as well as instilling a deep love of learning. In her free time, Erin enjoys going to the beach, hiking, practicing aerial arts, and hanging out with close friends and family.


Emma Jean Sparks

1st and 2nd Grade Remote Teacher

Emma Jean graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree focused on the intersectionality of Education and Diversity.  Emma Jean has now worked in the field of education for over six years and has been a member of the MUSE community since 2021. Emma Jean feels lucky to have worked with many wonderful students and families as a teacher, program director, and mentor. Emma Jean has a passion for working with youth and helping others. Emma Jean’s priority is creating a space safe for students to feel comfortable, collaborative, and curious. Her life’s mission is to create an accessible, equitable, and transformative educational experience for students everywhere. In her free time, Emma Jean enjoys traveling to new places, and spending quality time with her loved ones, especially her dog, Milo!


Jennifer Kaplan

2nd and 3rd Grade/Elementary Manager

Born and raised right here in Southern California, Jen has spent the last sixteen years teaching at the elementary level. Jen serves as MUSE Elementary Manager and joined MUSE in 2017. She is passionate about helping young children become kind, caring individuals who can make the world a better place. She is most passionate about teaching the whole child and utilizing the psychology behind the Process Communication Model here at MUSE. When not at school with her students, Jen is at home loving her family, baking, and trying to save the elephants from becoming extinct.


Zoey Krulick

3rd & 4th Remote Teacher

Zoey has over seven years of teaching experience, working both as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher and teaching English to students of many nationalities in several bilingual programs. During the six years she lived and worked abroad, she had the privilege of traveling the world extensively and encountering many different cultures. Starting in 2020, she used her global experience, aptitude as a teacher, and connections formed with students to create and manage a fully remote teaching schedule.

Zoey is passionate about integrating a passion for exploration and intercultural awareness into her classroom. She is also enthusiastic about transmitting her love for nature to her students, as she believes a deep appreciation for nature increases the desire to implement sustainable practices. She loves studying languages, yoga, traveling, and long-distance hiking in her free time. She is excited for the opportunity to form deep connections with her students and help them explore their passions as well.


Bridget Cundriff

4th & 5th Grade

Bridget began her career working with challenged children in group homes and school settings. From very young children to adolescents and youth with profound special needs to the highly gifted, she discovered that each child formed connections and made progress in their way. With a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology from UC Santa Barbara, Bridget decided to further her education and has 5 years of experience in the classroom, including teaching elementary subjects and high school earth science. Bridget is passionate about helping each child find their authentic voice and pursue their dreams and visions through a caring and collaborative approach. Outside the classroom, Bridget loves spending quality time with her family and swimming! Bridget’s favorite quote is:

“Listen to Mustn’ts, child, listen to the Don’ts. Listen to the Shouldn’ts, the Impossibles, the Won’ts. Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me. Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.”

— Shel Silverstein

MIDDLE & HIGH TEACHERS & ADVISORS

Karen Ford

Middle School Advisor and Middle School
Math and Science Teacher
Remote Manager

Karen’s motto is “Life’s a Journey.” Her journey has taken her to live in ten states and the country of Japan. Karen most recently came from Honolulu, Hawaii where she taught at Punahou School on the island of Oahu.

Her experiences have led her to be a life long learner and instructor. She earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska, her Masters of Science in Education with a Specialization in Educational Technology from National University. Most recently obtaining her CLAD certification from the University of California, San Diego. She is a member of Pi Lamda Theta Honor Society for Educators. She further developed her skill set as a teacher then administrator as a School Improvement Specialist keeping the Blue Valley School District in Kansas, in the top 5% of the Western Consortium of schools. Karen is a true progressive teacher incorporating Inquiry Learning, Project Based Learning, Brain Based Research, Open Mind Set and Design Thinking. Karen encourages her students through Giving, supporting Sustainable Actions, promoting their Passions and exploring their Gifts. Karen adores spending time and traveling with her husband, daughter and extended family members. She enjoys motorcycling riding, scuba diving, traveling, jogging and discovering new Journeys and Adventures.


Megan Grieco

8th Grade Advisor, Resource Manager,
Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Megan’s passion for sustainability, environmental and social justice, and teaching children how to listen to their minds and bodies is ever present in her classroom. With degrees in elementary education and a dual master’s in literacy and special education, as well as certifications in mindfulness and Forest School, Megan has been practicing in the field of education for over 10 years and joined the MUSE Community in 2018. Megan then joined us full-time in 2020. She has taught in a variety of environments and across all ages, including public schools, private schools, daycare, schools for children with multiple and severe disabilities, a high school for children with emotional disabilities, and even an un-school!

Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Megan relocated to Southern California 5 years ago to pursue opportunities in schools that align with philosophy on the role education plays in living in harmony with the Earth and each other. She first joined MUSE in 2018 and with those goals in mind, she is right at home here!


Donna Jeter

Middle School Advisor and Middle School
Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
Remote Resource Counselor

Donna has been a teacher for over 13 years. She has been teaching virtually for four years and has been with MUSE since 2021.  She recently relocated from North Carolina to Colorado and is excited about new adventures that await her! Before joining the MUSE community, she taught 3rd-6th grade at a charter Montessori School and then 4th-5th grade at a rural public elementary school on the coast in North Carolina. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner, an avid traveler, and a reader. Donna loves animals, the outdoors, and most of all, her 5 children and 3 amazing grandbabies! As an educator, she’s passionate about supporting children’s natural curiosity about the world around them, encouraging creativity and outside-the-box thinking. To Donna, the best part of teaching is developing relationships with students and watching them grow!


Russell Mallen

Middle/High School Science

Russ was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago and spent a good portion of his adult life in that area. After majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in economics at MIT, Russ was a materials scientist specializing in microchips and circuit boards. During the stock market bubble, he put his math and economics education to work trading currencies, stocks, and options at the PHLX, CBOE, and AMEX. Russ changed career paths and went into private tutoring because he saw an opportunity to transform math and science education. He has taught math and science at all levels for over 10 years and joined the MUSE community in 2017 where he was instantly attracted to the unique philosophical approach of the school. Russ is passionate about the integration of Seed to Table and Sustainability in the science program. Russ left Chicago in 2012 to fulfill a dream of living in LA with his wife Annie. Together, he and his wife enjoy dog walks, hiking, and bike riding all over Southern California.


Jeffrey Martin

11 & 12th Grade High School Advisor and High School
Humanities & Human Rights Teacher

Jeffrey started teaching at MUSE in 2015. He is an experienced educator, having taught in private, parochial, and public charter settings since 1996. Before joining MUSE, Jeffrey was a founding teacher and Dean of Academics at a charter school in Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and English, and he completed a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from the University of Southern California with a focus on teaching History. Jeffrey’s passions include project-based learning, writing, curriculum design, meditation and mindfulness, and fostering community cohesion. In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys road trips, camping, live music and theater, reading, writing, gardening and landscaping, and spending time with friends and family.


Marija Milosevic

6th & 7th Grade Advisor and
Middle School Math Teacher

Marija has been an educator at private schools in Los Angeles and Seattle for over 18 years. She grew up surrounded by forests, lakes, and hockey in Canada and earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Toronto. After moving to the sunshine and mountains of Los Angeles, she completed her Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education. Early in her career, she specialized in Language Arts instruction and reading intervention. She also holds a CA Teaching Credential and preliminary Waldorf Teaching units. Marija has been a Lead Teacher in various elementary grades throughout her career as well as a Middle School Math Specialist for 5 years. She teaches with an emphasis on conceptual understanding through experimentation and problem-solving and uses games to solidify academic skills. She encourages her students to be risk-takers and creative in every aspect of learning. In her free time, Marija is a regular at the beaches in Malibu and on the island of Kauai, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. She also enjoys live music and dancing, including salsa and country.


Becky O’Mara

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Becky is delighted to be MUSE Global’s middle school social studies teacher! She has lived in Malibu for her entire life and loves serving this beautiful community. Becky graduated from UCLA in 2018 and currently attends Johns Hopkins University, where she is pursuing a master’s in Education. Previously, Becky taught middle school English at MUSE, and previously, she taught third grade for two years in Downtown Los Angeles. Becky has expressed that joining the team at MUSE Global is a dream come true. She is thankful that MUSE has created a space where young people can learn in a thoroughly empathetic environment that fosters their sense of self and champions them to influence others to reach for a higher sense of consciousness. Her vision is to help students learn what their gifts are to feel empowered to spread their many talents to each person, place, and opportunity they encounter. Becky envisions each student becoming fearless while navigating school. Furthermore, when confronted with an academic challenge, each student will rise to the occasion with confidence. Consequently, she has no doubts that this confidence will beget more confidence in other parts of each student’s life. Becky looks forward to continuing this journey together! Becky loves plants, pasta, dinosaurs, and her dog, Bui.


Haven Reininger

9th & 10th Grade High School Advisor,
High School Math Teacher, MH Manager

Haven has been at MUSE since 2014. Haven graduated from Yale College with a B.A. in Economics and a special concentration in Medieval History. After graduation, Haven transitioned from a career in marketing and analysis into high school math curriculum development. He has since co-authored and taught high school math courses to students in a variety of learning environments. Haven’s expertise includes using mathematics and quantitative social sciences as a means to further one’s understanding of her surroundings and passions. Haven’s outside passions include exploring the Santa Monica Mountains, interactive/collaborative story-telling, and game design.


Kirsten Wasson

College Counselor & Writing Teacher

Kirsten has been at MUSE since 2016 as the College Counselor and Internship Coordinator. In addition, Kirsten shares her passion for writing by supporting our upper school students with creative writing and storytelling classes and experiences. For two decades Kirsten was an English professor at Ithaca College and Hobart and William Smith Colleges in upstate New York. She has degrees from Wesleyan University, State University of New York, Binghamton, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is excited about helping students to find valuable experiences in local communities, to help them navigate their way to college acceptance, and to explore other post-secondary options. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, writing, performing at storytelling venues, and spending time with her (grown) son and dog.

SPECIALIST

Jenny Briesch

PCM/SE & Musory Coordinator

Jenny is a Southern California local and was raised in the valley. She currently resides on Chumash, Tongva, and Fernandeño Tataviam land. She first began working with children in 2006. With a background in Psychology and a love for helping children flourish, she began providing in-home respite and behavior therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Jenny discovered her love for teaching in an elementary setting while providing behavior therapy inside the classroom. She was thrilled to join MUSE school in 2015 and cultivate her passion for teaching working in the 1st & 2nd-grade classroom. When she began teaching at MUSE she was immediately drawn to the Process Communication Model. Her passion for Psychology aligned with PCM, and she fell in love. As a base harmonizer phase thinker, she enjoys accessing all of her personality traits to help connect and motivate her students. Jenny became a PCM trainer in the summer of 2018 and enjoys developing her craft by providing training to MUSE parents and high school students. Jenny is also passionate about dedicating her time to MUSE’s DEI community. She strives to provide a safe and inclusive community. Outside of teaching she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, taking road trips, working out, reading, and going on adventures with her dog Kona.


Severine Faure

French Teacher

Born and raised in Paris, France, Severine has been the French Teacher at MUSE since 2018. She has a master’s degree in marketing that she earned at the Université Paris Dauphine, France. After working a few years in marketing in the food industry in France, she moved to Los Angeles with her French husband and fell in love with California.

Passionate about education, nature, travel, and language, teaching French at MUSE was a perfect fit. After raising her three bilingual and bicultural kids, Severine learned that cultural understanding is as important as language acquisition to better understand the world, and she implements this in her classroom. In her free time, Severine enjoys camping, going to the beach, hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, traveling around the world with her husband and 3 children, and visiting her family and friends in France.


Genesis Marine

School Counselor

Meet Genesis, a dedicated school counselor with a heartfelt commitment to nurturing students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. With six years of invaluable experience in school settings, Genesis has honed a profound understanding of the diverse needs of students. Coming from a background in ABA therapy, Genesis brings firsthand knowledge from her time working with children on the autism spectrum and other learning disabilities.

In addition, Genesis also gained practical experience as a substitute teacher while completing her master’s program in School Counseling at the University of Denver. Genesis is passionate about empowering every student to reach their full potential. Believing firmly that every kid deserves an excited adult, Genesis approaches each day with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. With a blend of empathy, insight, and skill, Genesis strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them on a path toward success both in school and in life.


Philip Michalowicz

School Counselor

We are thrilled to have Philip at MUSE as our School Counselor. Originally from the San Fernando Valley, he attended local Jewish schools until attending a Jewish boarding school on the east coast. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational and Clinical Counseling and is currently working on becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. He enjoys hiking, bowling, and pickleball. He also boasts a sizable record collection. He is the Assistant Director of Camp Wildcraft, a summer camp hosted by MUSE during summer and winter breaks.


Ash Miller

Outdoor Education

Ash was born and raised in rural Oklahoma and pursued a degree in Biology and Education at Texas A&M before moving to LA. An avid outdoor and sports enthusiast, Ash is excited to take on the role of Outdoor Education Specialist. Ash has been working in education for 15 years as a coach, behaviorist, tutor, and teacher. When out of the classroom, Ash enjoys playing basketball, hiking, camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and exploring National Parks with his niece, Persephone.


Jen Mujica

Garden Educator

Writer & Author, Garden Educator, Farmer, Mother, Wife & Lover of Organic Living,

Jen (known as “Farmer Jen” by her students) grew up in the agricultural Midwest in northern Ohio near Lake Erie.  After graduating from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelor’s in English & Writing, she studied Shakespearean History for a study abroad in England. She discovered her passion for gardening!

Jen began working in education at a private K-12 school on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona after college as an Americorps volunteer and then as a full time Development Director.  In 2005 with two baby girls and a husband in the U.S. Air Force she began her own business.  Jen explains, “It was the best way I could keep working and care for our family while my husband was deployed.”  She owned Vision Consulting Services offering fundraising, marketing and communications service until 2013.  Her next business, Living Well Organic (now known as Farmer Jen Organics) focused on garden education in the Las Vegas public school district and offering tools for organic earthbound living.

Farmer Jen is thrilled to be educating at MUSE Global Schools where sustainability and Seed to Table living is a core pillar of the education.

“As my father, Jim Gammons, always reminds me when it comes to business, family and life, ‘Keep it simple.’ Here is my simple mission — to help people enjoy healthy and organic farm fresh ingredients in their meals and teach children to be stewards of the Earth. Happy Farming and most of all, happy eating!”


Rick Perillo

Seed to Table Manager/Archery Instructor

After graduating from California State University, Northridge in 2006, Rick traveled to New Zealand to work on organic farms where he discovered his passion for growing food using methods that give back to the Earth. Since then, he has earned two Permaculture Design Certificates, a Master Gardener Certificate, and a Certificate in Global Sustainability from UCLA. Rick came to MUSE in 2014. He believes the garden is an ideal place for students to connect with nature and hopes his students are inspired by what they learn and that they become leaders in the sustainability movement.


Keenan Pimenta

Support Teacher/Elem-High Aftercare

Meet Keenan, an enthusiastic educator and environmental advocate. With a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management, he brings over 25 years of teaching experience from India, Dubai, and internationally. Keenan’s recent role teaching English Language to international students at King’s Young Learners ‚ Pepperdine, Malibu campus highlights his dedication to education. Now a proud member of the MUSE Global School community, he employs innovative teaching methods such as cooperative learning and Mind Maps to inspire young minds.

Beyond the classroom, Keenan’s passion for the environment shines through his involvement as a National Wildlife Federation Volunteer and a Docent-in-training for wildlife conservation initiatives. As a Citizen Scientist with the Globe Program, he’s dedicated to scientific exploration. Keenan’s creativity knows no bounds — he enjoys playing guitar, creating art through drawing and calligraphy, and crafting intricate pop-up cards. An avid bird watcher and outdoor enthusiast, he finds solace in camping and embracing the beauty of the natural world.


Leidy Sierra Pedre

Spanish Teacher

Leidy was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where she graduated from the prestigious Havana University with a bachelor’s degree in Law. Leidy lived in Beijing, China between 2005-2009, where she studied Chinese language at Beijing Language and Culture University. Leidy has also participated in important international meetings sponsored by the United Nations Organization, related to the protection of the environment, among which we can mention the meetings of the Montreal Protocol for the protection of the ozone layer. She joined the MUSE community in 2018 and her passion is not only to teach the Spanish language but also to stimulate her students’ interest in the culture, history, and geography of Spanish-speaking countries. In her free time, she likes to go to the beach, read, paint, travel, visit museums, and visit her family in Cuba.


Ivo Spirov

Art Specialist/Specialist Manager

Ivo Spirov is an exhibiting professional artist whose art has been featured in Japan, Europe, and the US. Originally from Bulgaria, Ivo earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts and Environmental Science from New Bulgarian University. Ivo loves to share his passion for art with his students and encourages their creative expression. Whenever possible he likes to bring students to behind-the-scenes set-ups of galleries and art fairs and introduce them to various artists. Ivo joined MUSE in 2018.


Robin Swallow

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Robin has been cooking plant-based food for over 30 years and has been at MUSE since 2018. In 1995, she and her husband bought Manna Restaurant, one of Europe’s oldest vegetarian and now vegan restaurants. When she returned to California in 2014, she was asked to become Follow Your Heart’s Executive Chef and develop plant-based recipes to help them transition into becoming a vegan restaurant. She loves helping people get excited about vegan meals and showing them how easy and tasty it is to enjoy plant-based meals. Robin also hosts monthly virtual cooking classes for our MUSE parent community!


Gia Larussa

Chef de Cuisine

A first generation Angeleno, Giovanna was first drawn to plant based cooking by the abundance of local farmers markets in Los Angeles. Her entire professional cooking career has been dedicated to her love of seasonality and vegetables. Gia has worked in some of the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles, and has developed two online plant based cooking courses. Gia studied culinary arts at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and holds a BA in art history from UCLA. She is a firm believer in hands-on learning and is honored to share her passion for plant based cooking and sustainability with students at MUSE.

STAFF

Maria Arita

Prep Cook

Maria was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. She moved to California in 1984 and pursued her career as a nanny and chef. After doing work on many farms and learning about growing food, she became a sous chef in the kitchen at Apricot Lane Farms she worked on recipe development and cooking for all of the farm’s employees as well as visitors from around the world.

She is a published chef with recipes in the Apricot Lane Farm Cookbook.

Maria came to MUSE in April 2023 with all of her magic and has been creating wonderful meals for us all.  She also shares her many special gifts of keeping our campus looking beautiful. From taking care of our plants to making our campus clean and beautiful. She adores the children and has been such a wonderful addition to our MUSE Family.


Taylor Calloway

Executive Assistant to Head of School

Taylor is excited to join the MUSE Global Schools team this year. As a Los Angeles native, Taylor has always admired MUSE for its collaborative, nurturing, and creative community. She is delighted to play a part in fostering this vibrant culture. With an educational background, Taylor spent her early career as an Instructional Aide and Enrichment Teacher at elementary schools in Pacific Palisades and Topanga. She holds a degree from UCLA’s Department of Theatre, Film, and Television with a focus on their Teaching Artist Program. Beyond her professional life, Taylor finds joy in building connections with friends and family, as well as tending to the ever-changing interests of her 4-year-old daughter.


Stephanie Cox

Virtual Learning Environment Manager

Stephanie double majored in political science and international studies at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. After completing her undergraduate studies, she immediately worked toward obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching and subsequently taught Kindergarten and 3rd grade for six years. She spent some time working in adult education where she supported teachers in implementing curriculum and pedagogical skills.

Stephanie considers herself from Hawaii, Tokyo, and Texas, having spent significant parts of her life in each place. She enjoys traveling, cooking (and eating), crafting, and spending time with friends outdoors. Stephanie joined MUSE in 2022 and is excited to be working with a passionate community of educators!


Nivia Gomez

Administrative Assistant

​​Nivia has dual citizenship allowing her to grow up in Mexico and complete her studies in the U.S., getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. She has a vast array of work experience which is all focused around children.She knows the benefits of exposing kids to diverse activities, experiences, and knowledge at an early age. Physical activities and sports have been part of her daily routine since she was five years old. She loves dancing, flag football, and field hockey. She has also had the opportunity to visit a few countries on three different continents. Exploring and learning from new cultures is something she is passionate about. She is enthusiastic about showing that there is a whole world to explore with many greats and positive things to offer.


Coral Alvarado

Office Manager & After-School Enrichment Coordinator

Coral was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, CA. As the youngest of three, Coral followed in her brother and sister’s footsteps by continuing her passion for sports as a dual-sport athlete at Birmingham HS in Van Nuys, CA. In high school, Coral also developed a love for coaching youth basketball in her spare time and it was then that she realized how much she enjoys working with children. After high school, Coral continued her education at California State University, Northridge, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.

Shortly after graduating, Coral worked as the Apprenticeship Coordinator at Local Union #761 with over 1,000 apprentices. Working for the Local Union made her feel a part of a team again and she was grateful to be given the freedom to establish more efficient ways of tracking and managing apprentice data while implementing her own organizational practices.

In early 2018 Coral was offered a part-time office position at MUSE School, and in July 2018 Coral began working as the Global Task Coordinator for MUSE Global. It has been a blessing for Coral to work for and be a part of a community where the core values align with her own. Coral’s current role is as the Office Manager and After-School Enrichment Coordinator and she is committed to supporting all faculty, staff, students, and families with any administrative needs and beyond. Coral also takes a special interest in coordinating and implementing new after-school programs for in-person and remote students.

Outside of MUSE Coral loves spending time with her loved ones, husband, daughter, and fur baby Great Danes, going to the beach, bike riding, and reading.


Charles Lee

Sous Chef

Charles was born in South Korea, and then grew up in Hawaii. When he was a teenager, his family moved to California where he completed high school. He got an Associates degree in fashion and textiles at CSUN. He is an avid knitter. He has always had a natural talent for cooking and decided to pursue a career as a chef. He completed a 2-year course in Culinary Arts at Glendale College. Charles came to the MUSE kitchen in 2015. He is one of the original chefs who was involved with starting the food program.  Charles was involved with the development of MUSE’s OMD program and has been cooking up his delicious recipes for us all for 8 years.

We are so lucky to have him with us. His gift of cooking and baking and bringing joy into all of our lives makes him an integral part of our kitchen team.


Ayo Sorrells

Technology Coordinator

Ayo was raised in Maryland and received a full football scholarship to attend the University of Connecticut. He graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Over a decade ago, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting but eventually became a full-time personal trainer. Ayo has always been fascinated by technology and recently decided to transition to a career in I.T. He is thrilled to be part of a school community and is particularly excited to be part of MUSE!


Cisco Argueta

Security & Facilities


Jimmy Calderon

Facilities Manager


Ulises Solis Soto

Facilities/Driver


Cesar Esparza

Facilities

MUSE Global School Silhouette