ISSAC teachers are life-long learners who bring culturally rich backgrounds, professionally diverse experiences, and complementary talents to the team.

Each ISSAC teacher has earned at least a bachelor's degree, and several also have Master's degrees.
Our teachers are committed to ISSAC team-teaching methodology by working continuously together to fine-tune lesson plans and regroup students for differentiated learning. So while a teacher may lead a homeroom or subject matter, the role changes periodically. An ISSAC student is a student of all ISSAC teachers.

Insights of an Observer, a Walk Through ISSAC

Our teachers are committed to ISSAC team-teaching methodology by working continuously together to fine-tune lesson plans and regroup students for differentiated learning. So while a teacher may lead a homeroom or subject matter, the role changes periodically. An ISSAC student is a student of all ISSAC teachers.

axolotl Classroom

Ms. Jessica is originally from Texas and moved to California in Summer of 2016 to be closer to her family. She earned her BFA in Theatre from The University of Oklahoma and a MA in teaching from Western Governors University. She also earned her credential from Western Governors University. Growing up, Ms. Jessica was a dancer, musician, and thespian. After moving to California, she began teaching dance to young children and fitness to adults. This spurred on her desire to become a classroom teacher. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, boyfriend and cat. Some of her hobbies include running, yoga, baking and cooking. Ms. Jessica cannot wait to work with the wonderful community at ISSAC!

beluga whale Classroom

Ms. Julie grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to California to attend a performing arts high school in Orange County. She earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Southern California, graduating summa cum laude. During her undergraduate years at USC, she studied theatre and screenwriting, cultivating a deep passion for storytelling.

Drawing on her background in the arts, Ms. Julie brings creativity, joy, and imagination into her classroom. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping every student shine, nurturing their curiosity, building their confidence, and guiding them to become compassionate, engaged members of their communities.

SEASTAR Classroom

Ms. Norely Nava grew up in Costa Mesa California. She received her B.A and Multiple Subject Teaching Clearn Credential at Cal State Long Beach. Norely has a Google Certification Level 1 and Google Education Training for diverse learners. Her teaching focuses on hands-on instruction as part of an engaging experience. This is her fifth year at ISSAC and she promotes a positive classroom environment to build the joy of learning.

She enjoys baking, biking and hiking in her free time.

DOLPHIN CLASSROOM

Ms. Karen is excited to join ISSAC as the 2nd and 3rd grade teacher for the upcoming school year. This is her first year at ISSAC and her third year in the teaching profession. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master’s in Teaching from Pepperdine University.

Karen’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a comfortable, supportive, and engaging learning environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

She looks forward to collaborating with families to ensure a successful, joyful, and memorable year for her students.

Otter Classroom

Ms. Shainna

Shainna is a passionate educator who has been teaching TK / K at ISSAC for four years. Shainna attended Loyola New Orleans for college and graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelors in Media Studies and Politics. She completed her Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach and Clear Credential with Orange County Department of Education. Shainna was born and raised in San Francisco, where her family resides and where she spends her vacations. During the summers, Shainna works at an enrichment program in SF, where she has taught Ancient Egypt, Literature, Math & Mind Games, Journalism, Maker's and Inventions Workshops, and Chemistry. She has had fifteen years experience teaching children in both public and private school and spent some time in homeschooling and outdoor education inspired by Waldorf. Shainna's love of her life is her daughter, Sierra, who will be going into Second Grade and whom she is incredibly proud of.

Shainna is an avid surfer and enjoys camping, playing sports, listening to music, reading, dancing, and spending quality time with her daughter. Shainna feels blessed and grateful to be a member of the wonderful ISSAC Community.

Seahorse Classroom

Ms. Susie

Ms. Susie began her teaching journey 25 years ago as a graduate teaching assistant at Cal State University Los Angeles. While there, she learned and practiced the ideas and philosophies of Paulo Freire and bell hooks. Those are still remarkable, creative, and transformative ideas that she strives to apply in the classroom. After finishing her MA in Language Arts; Communication Studies, she earned her CLAD Credential, and began teaching in K-12 schools, currently with a Multiple Subject Clear Credential. She worked with students of multiple ages, abilities, cross cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds and this is her third year at ISSAC!

When her four children were very young, she became interested in language development and began instructing EFL and ESL students from all over the world. These experiences gave her a varied spectrum of students and cultures, and has informed her instruction to allow for and adapt to various learning styles, cultural strengths, and the various individual talents in our learning environment. Her own learning continues as she takes Art courses and enjoys reading great books. In her spare time she loves to go hiking, swimming, and take in live performances. She believes each student has a story, a hope for a future, and a reason to be exactly where they are. It is her desire to facilitate learning in such a way that the journey to your goals is affirming, insightful, and produces quality results. She is eager to work with you in safe, encouraging, and challenging ways forward.

manta ray Classroom

Mr. Darryl

As a middle schooler, Darryl grew up in South Lake Tahoe skiing and building tree forts. As a Huntington Beach high schooler, he spent his time studying psychology, philosophy, Latin, surfing and playing the harmonica and guitar.. As a Junior, he got invited to teach his own class. At Golden West, he pursued philosophy, music, teaching phonics, mathematics and learning to play several instruments. He discovered his passion for teaching by working with illiterate adults and tutoring mathematics at the Golden West Math Lab. As a result, he earned his Instructional Aide Certificate in Phonics and Mathematics and his A.A. in Music and Mathematics. At UCR, he received his B.A with a major in Psychology, a minor in Education and earned his Multiple Subject Clear Credential and Single-Subject Math Credentials. He has taught for more than 20 years at the primary, middle school, and high school levels.As a middle-school teacher of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies this year, he is particularly excited about implementing the Math for All textbooks (Courses 1,2, and 3), the Supercharged Science curriculum, and the Core Knowledge History and Geography curriculum.

He is married and lives in Huntington Beach. For fun and relaxation Darryl meditates daily, writes songs, plays piano,, takes long bike rides with his brother,, and attends rock concerts. This is his fourth year at ISSAC!

SPED Teacher

Ms. Cheryl Erskine is a retired elementary school teacher and administrator who taught grades T-K through 7th, including many combination classes. Over a ten-year period, she served as both Principal and Vice Principal. In the final eight years of her career, Ms. Cheryl worked in Special Education, holding a credential for mild to moderate learning disabilities. Passionate about inspiring children to love learning, Ms. Cheryl dedicated a career to fostering curiosity and growth in young minds.

In free time, Ms. Cheryl enjoys exercising both at the gym and outdoors, reading, crafting, traveling, and visiting four beloved grandchildren who live in three different states.

Language Teachers

Maestra Estrella (Spanish)

I'm Estrella Luján, I was born in Mexico City, I have a teaching degree in my country. My experience and knowledge in pedagogy and didactics, allows my to know the needs and characteristics of each student, implementing my own teaching methods to ensure a total understanding of the class through the use of playful activities, song, audiovisual material making the teaching to be dynamic and fun at the same time.

PE and Japanese Teacher

Mr. Hiroshi has been dedicated to physical education for over a decade, specializing in working with young children from preschool age through elementary school. Since 2013, Mr. Hiroshi has been a P.E. teacher at Montessori International Academy, where they have been nurturing the physical development of children from ages 3 to school age. In 2022, he expanded his expertise by joining Tampopo Club and Tampopo Bilingual Children’s Center, where he currently teaches physical education to children aged 2 to 5.

Additionally, Mr. Hiroshi has been providing both Japanese language instruction and physical education to students in grades 1 through 6 at East West Language School since 2020. He also serves as a P.E. educator for Kindergarten to 2nd-grade students at Lyceum Village and Higashi Honganji Temple. He is passionate about promoting physical activity and fostering healthy lifestyles in young children, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed for lifelong well-being.

Chinese Teacher

Ms. Linda

More information to come

Academic Interventionist

Mr. Jerrin is a dedicated and passionate educator with 8 years of experience working with

students. He has worked in various positions in the field and strives to inspire a lifelong love of learning in students. Mr. Jerrin holds degrees in both Child and Adolescent Development and Education with a focus on Early Childhood and continually seeks to grow through professional development and collaboration.

Teacher Aide

Mr. Andy, a teacher aide at ISSAC, is from Garden Grove and is in his fourth year at the school. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing his Multiple Subject teaching credential through CalStateTEACH. He teaches math and science alongside Mr. Darryl. In his free time, Mr. Andy enjoys trying new restaurants, going to the gym, watching movies, and playing video games. He is committed to working with students, ensuring each one feels seen, and building meaningful relationships with them.

Japanese Aide

Mr. Felipe has lived in three different countries—Japan, Brazil, and the United States—and comes from a unique multicultural background. Growing up, he learned the importance of speaking multiple languages, which led him to become fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Japanese. This school year, he is excited to help students learn Japanese in a fun and easy way. Mr. Felipe looks forward to spending time with the ISSAC community and sharing his passion for language and culture.

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