Staff

MAGNET COORDINATOR

Dr. Saul Duarte

Dr. Duarte is a Guatemalan-American who is a product of LAUSD schools and our local universities from East Los Angeles College, to CalStateLA, to UCLA. Having obtained multiple credentials, M.A's, and a Ph.D. from UCLA, he has dedicated himself to be a life long learner. With 25 years of experience as an educator in K-5, Middle School, and High Schools in both general and special education, his later years he has spent working with STEAM Magnet schools and developing Instructional Technology.  He knows the importance of technology in learning for a 21st century that demands both academic knowledge as well as creativity and applications of knowledge to real life and real world projects. He is bilingual, multicultural, and with a great sense of awareness to diversity and a growth-mindset to learn and to teach in our Los Angeles diverse communities.  On the side, he loves to grow plants, travel, hike, bike, do carpentry projects, and create projects with physical computing and microcontrollers.  " There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking" by Brian Tracy ​ ​Email: [email protected] ​Office Phone: 818.833.3947 ​Cell Phone: 323.547.0797

VISUAL ARTS

Ms. Danielle Devellis, MA, National Board Certified Teacher

Ms. DeVellis was born and grew up in Massachusetts, where she attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. There she received her BFA degree in Studio Education with a concentration in painting and an MA degree in Art Education. While working towards her Master’s degree, DeVellis completed a year-long teaching placement at a full inclusion model school in Dorchester, Massachusetts through a partnership with Open Door Arts: a non-profit organization working to increase access, participation and representation in the arts by people with disabilities. In addition to teaching, DeVellis has also worked on the administrative side of arts education as part of Massachusetts College Art and Design’s Saturday and Summer Youth Studio Programs. DeVellis is in her 5th year at Olive Vista and is incredibly excited for the year ahead. ​When DeVellis is not in the classroom, she enjoys hiking, attempting to learn how to surf, watching movies, hanging out with her dog, Kira, and exploring the new city. Her favorite quote is...  "People hunger for art because it allows them to connect the rational with the intuitive, the brain and the body...It allows them to express a sense of the whole human being." - Lois Hetland, Ed.D ​Email: [email protected]

PERFORMING ARTS

Mr. David Levine, MFA, National Board Certified Teacher

Mr. Levine is a native Angeleno but spent many of his school years in a small town of 400 people in Northern California. He has an M.F.A. in Theater Arts from Florida State Universities' Professional Actor Training Program and is a Nationally Board-Certified teacher in English. He holds a Post Graduate certificate in teaching Shakespeare from The Royal Shakespeare Company at Warwick University in Stratford upon Avon. Mr. Levine has worked as an actor, director, musician, and talent agent in the US and the UK.  He enjoys golfing and gardening in his spare time, and lives with his wife and two dogs. Mr. Levine co-founded the Sotomayor Arts and Sciences Magnet in Cypress Park and was the Director of the theater program at Los Angeles High School of the Arts. He is very excited about joining the talented OVSM staff to help expand its arts offerings for students here. Mr. Levine encourages students to find their voice through creative expression. “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. Whatever you think you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, power, and grace.” - Goethe Email: [email protected] ​Email: [email protected]

6TH GRADE CORE: ENGLISH & HISTORY

Ms. Nora Finch

Ms. Finch was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and comes from a large family of teachers, all of whom have inspired her and helped instill in her an innate passion for education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology with a minor in Education from the University of California, Irvine in 2015 and earned her teaching credential from California State University, Northridge last year. She is extremely excited to join the Olive Vista STEAM Magnet to teach 6th Grade ELA and Social Studies. Outside of school, you’ll be able to find Ms. Finch cheering on the Dodgers, hiking with her German Shepherd, Cooper, or riding one of her family’s three horses.   “If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.” - Roald Dahl ​Email: [email protected]

Mr. Tony Mora, MA

Mr. Mora has had the privilege of teaching at multiple LAUSD schools.  He is entering his 23rd year as an educator.  He has taught multiple grade levels throughout his educational career.  Sylmar, California is near and dear to him.  His entire teaching experience has taken place right here in Sylmar, where he attended Olive Vista Middle School and Sylmar High School.  His most recent experience as an educator has been as the STEAM Magnet Coordinator at Hubbard STEAM Magnet Center.  He attended Los Angeles Mission College (A.A. Interdisciplinary Studies), California State University Dominguez Hills (B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies), and Pepperdine University (M.A. Curriculum and Instruction).  Mr. Mora is excited to join the O.V. STEAM Team.  When he is not planning lessons, grading assignments, or responding to emails, you can find him lounging in his hammock (book in hand, or snoozing), enjoying some Netflix, or rooting on the Dodgers.  "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman ​Email: [email protected] Mr. Mora's Class Website

6TH GRADE CORE: MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE

Mrs. MaryAnn Dortch, National Board Certified Teacher

Mrs. Dortch first started teaching at Olive Vista Middle School in 2002. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics for Early Adolescents. She loves teaching Math, Science and Engineering. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor's Degree. Mrs. Dortch worked in the business world for years, but she never gave up on her dream of becoming a teacher. She earned her teaching credential at CSUN. Three of her favorite things are her spending time with family, learning new things and volunteering to help women in need.  Here is one of her favorite quotes...  "My definition of success is peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable. And only you as an individual know whether you did that or not." ~John Wooden ​Email: [email protected]

 

Ms. Jessica Barnett, M.Ed

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Ms. Emerald Ochoa

Ms. Ochoa is a San Fernando Valley native. She comes from a family of LAUSD employees and has years of experience as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher.  She earned her English bachelor's from CSUN and is, currently, completing her credential there. Ms. Ochoa is excited to begin her first year of teaching at Olive Vista and has had the pleasure of working at O.V. in the past. Her goal is to empower students and their communities. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys graphic design, power-lifting, travel, live music and the Pacific Northwest.  "An educator is one who is engaged in the act of leading people out of ignorance." -Jane Elliot  Email: [email protected]

Ms. Julie Muniz

Coming soon!

MATHEMATICS

Ms. Michelle Bennett

Ms. Bennett joined the OVMS family as the Instructional Math Coach in 2020 and has decided to move back into the classroom as the 8th Grade STEAM Math teacher.  In her over 15 years of teaching, she has taught a variety of grades (from 6th to 12th) and a variety of courses, including Algebra I and II, Geometry, and AP Calculus.  Ms. Bennett received her B.A. in Mathematics Education and Teaching Credential from Cal State Northridge.  While there she was selected to participate in the FERMAT Fellowship funded by the NSF to support emergency credentialed math teachers develop effective lessons.  Since joining the LAUSD in 2007, she’s participated in the Math Leaders Collaborative, collaborating on creating lessons, assessments, and Professional Development for secondary math teachers.  She’s extremely passionate about the importance of math fluency and is excited to get back into the classroom to share that passion with her students.  When not in the classroom, Ms. Bennett enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and family time at home.  One of her favorite quotes is…. "The highest forms of understanding we can achieve are laughter and human compassion.” ~Richard P. Feynman ​Email: [email protected]

Mrs. Amy Simonian, M.Ed, National Board Certified Teacher

Mrs. Amy Simonian is the 7th Grade Math & Accelerated Math teacher. She received her BA degree in Chemistry & Mathematics from Iran. She completed her MA degree & teaching credential here after immigrating to the United States. In her teaching career, she has taught all high school Math subjects & has coached the running team at the high school she taught at before OV, when she successfully ran the Los Angeles Marathon with her students. Mrs. Simonian is an avid hiker & runs the Hiking & Camping Club at OVMS as well. She lives with her husband & two children. During her spare time, she enjoys cooking & baking, reading, getting together with friends, & outdoor activities.  Her favorite quote is from the late Maryam Mirzakhani, Stanford Professor & female Iranian Mathematician:  "The beauty of mathematics only shows itself to more patient followers."  ​Email: [email protected]

SCIENCE

Dr. Nina Klein Chacon, EDD, National Board Certified Teacher

Dr. Klein Chacon has been at Olive Vista Middle School for 11 years. She has been teaching 7th and 8th grade science for 20 years, and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Science. In the past, she has taught AVID, Math Lab electives, Human Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Animal Science/ Zoology for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Dr. Klein Chacon grew up and went to school and college in Germany. She double-majored and received a Bachelors Degree in Biology and English as a Second Language, as well as teaching credential from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. She then came to California, and worked in molecular biology in the fields of cancer diagnostics and research for 2 years. Eventually, she went to UCLA and received a California Teaching Credential and a Masters of Education. Upon completion, she taught in the El Sereno Gifted and Math, Science, Technology Magnet, and then at Lawndale High School. She returned to middle school, as she feels more of a connection to middle school age students, and taught at Berendo Middle School. Dr. Klein Chacon went back to school and completed her doctorate degree at USC in 2009. When moving to Santa Clarita, she transferred to Olive Vista. She currently lives in Acton with her husband Chris, her daughter Josephine, a dog and horses. Her favorite quote is... "You cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." ~ Einstein ​ ​Email: [email protected]

Mr. Robert Bowdoin, M.Ed.

Mr. Bowdoin has dedicated over 27 years to serving the educational community, with a significant portion of that time spent teaching 6th grade math and science across various schools in the Los Angeles area. His extensive career also includes 13 years as an Educational Consultant, where he specialized in designing and delivering professional development for educators and administrators across K-12 settings.  A proud alumnus of Humboldt State University, Mr. Bowdoin earned his BA in Psychology before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education from Simpson University. He also holds an Administrative Credential, further reflecting his commitment to educational excellence.  Outside of the classroom, Mr. Bowdoin is passionate about outdoor activities. You might find him sportfishing, kayaking, or camping on the beach, always seeking new adventures and enjoying the beauty of nature.  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela  Email: ​[email protected]

Mrs. Veronica Salcedo

Mrs. Salcedo was born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically the San Fernando Valley. After high school, she got a degree in elementary education where she worked with LAUSD for 13 years. Her extreme love of science persuaded her to pursue Secondary Education and credentials in Science and Health. This is her fourth year at OVMS. The wonders of the universe bring her joy, as do her husband and two daughters, Iliana and Amaya. Mrs. Salcedo also enjoys reading, baking, and baseball. Go Dodgers! Her favorite quote is... "Keep moving forward!" -Walt Disney ​Email: [email protected]

HISTORY

Ms. Jessica Quinones, MAE

Ms. Quinones grew up in Palmdale, CA, and after high school decided to get a degree in business. After taking several classes she realized that business wasn’t going to fulfill her need to help the community. She changed her major to Secondary Education and transferred from the local community college to Arizona State University. After earning her BA she taught 7th grade Social Studies in Phoenix, AZ for 2 years and decided to move back to California where she has taught for LAUSD since 2016. She is currently working on her masters degree in Instructional Technology and loves teaching other educators how to used technology in their classrooms. When she isn’t in her classroom she is hanging out with her family and traveling. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, going to music and sporting events, watching old movies, and dancing.  "Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward." - John C. Maxwell ​ ​Email: [email protected]

Ms. Samantha Hubbard

Ms. Hubbard grew up and still currently lives in Northridge, CA. Since she can remember, all she has ever wanted to do was be a teacher. After high school she attended Washington State University where she studied elementary education. After two years away she decided to transfer back home and spent a year and half at Moorpark College where she was inspired by one of her professors and found her passion for History. Ms. Hubbard changed her major to History and finished her Bachelor of Arts at California State University, Northridge, and later received her credential in Secondary Education from CSUN as well. She began her teaching career at Olive Vista in 2016 and is continuing to enjoy her OV family and community. When she is not in the classroom she enjoys Sunday family dinners, the beach, working out at the gym, hiking, watching sports, coffee with a good book, and having quality time with her friends. Her favorite quotes are... "If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes." - John Wooden  "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." - John Wooden ​Email: [email protected]