Elementary Teacher Bios – SEI 2025
Stefana received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSULB. She has been working for Los Alamitos Unified since 2013 and was an intervention teacher at Hopkinson until the summer of 2015 when she was hired on at McGaugh Elementary to teach 4th grade and then last year she found her home in teaching Kindergarten at McGaugh. She is extremely excited to teach for LAEF again this summer!
Leslie is an experienced basketball coach and player who loves the game dearly. He enjoys all aspects of the game including: playing, watching, teaching, and coaching. He has been playing since age 5 and continues to play in multiple competitive men’s leagues to this day. He has coached all ages ranging from Kindergarten (age 5) up until high school kids. While attending UC Riverside, he even assisted the women’s team as he participated as a practice player. Currently Leslie coaches skills academies and an AAU middle school girls basketball team. Even though he is always playing he makes sure to watch and follow the majority of all NBA games. His favorite team is the LA Lakers. Leslie is excited to teach for LAEF during his third SEI.
Brianne is a creative elementary art teacher who has a strong passion for introducing children to the interactive world of art. Brianne is an imaginative teacher. She is professional and highly trained in a wide array of artistic mediums. Brianne makes instant connections with her students through creative art activities.
Melodie graduated from Hope International University in Fullerton with a B.A. in Human Development and has taught in several private elementary schools throughout southern California for over twenty years. Developing her own curriculum and spear-heading an innovative after school program on the east coast, she moved back to California to pursue her love of hands-on teaching in the classroom. She is currently a projects coordinator at Oakwood Academy in Long Beach and regularly teaches for LAEF after-school and during the summer.
Carrie is in her 9th year as an elementary school teacher at McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach. This is her 22nd year as a teacher. In her career she has taught from 1st grade to 4th grade but has been teaching 3rd grade for the last 7 years. She grew up in Long beach and went to schools in Long beach. She then spent the next 2 years at Long Beach City College and transferred to Oregon State University where she graduated as a Broadcast Journalism Major. She is married now with 3 boys who are 18, 16 and 12. They are a water polo family and that is what she does most weekends. Her oldest will be attending Long Beach State in the Fall to play water polo and they are so excited to cheer him on! She loves being around kids, watching sports and being with her GoldenDoodle, Sailor.
Founded in 2017 by two soccer coaching experts driven by a shared vision for developing inclusive youth programs, First Touch Soccer is committed to delivering world-class soccer initiatives. As the foremost provider of soccer programs for the American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) in Southern California, First Touch Soccer is a local company deeply rooted in the communities.
Our leadership team has over 80 years of combined experience in this space, and we’ve become a leader in the market. Our coaching staff are experienced, reliable, and fully vetted. They are trained to work with players of all ages and abilities.
We have three core principles by which we run our sessions: enthusiasm, knowledge, and fun.
Our classes are engaging. They offer a rewarding experience for students, providing them with physical exercise, skill development, social interaction, and personal growth outside the classroom.
We are very excited to be a part of the LAEF program!
Born and raised in Torrance, CA, Sabrina Fuster-Maldonado is a genre-defying singer, songwriter, pop pianist, and voice-over actress. Years of training and honing in on her diverse skills have led her to some amazing experiences including acting in the feature film “Elena Undone” and writing an original song for the film’s soundtrack (2010), writing songs for other artists (on-going), performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live with Youngblood Hawke & Thirty Seconds to Mars, recording vocals for the Thirty Seconds to Mars album, “LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS,” co-writing with seasoned industry songwriters Billy Steinberg and Ken Hirsch, appearing in a Gap holiday commercial singing background vocals for Janelle Monáe, and singing on The Late Late Show with James Corden. In addition to on-camera acting, singing, performing, and songwriting, Sabrina’s voice can be heard on commercial voice-over campaigns for brands such as Universal Studios, Kaiser Permanente, Pizza Hut, SoCal Gas, The Container Store, Johnnie Walker & T-Mobile. Sabrina is also a performing artist, with released songs under her own moniker, “Sabrina Carmen.” Much of her original catalog of music is signed with top sync licensing companies like Glow Music Group and North Star Media. With all of her firsthand experience, Sabrina is thrilled to be sharing what she loves most with her students. She holds her own teachers and mentors in the highest regard and is passionate about helping others cultivate their creative voice. Sabrina teaches all levels of singing, beginner to intermediate pop piano, songwriting, and voice-over acting.
Tanya Gelder and Carolyn Simon run Fitness For All and are certified personal trainers. They have worked at local gyms as personal and group fitness trainers for adults and children.
Catalina grew up in Whittier, California and is a proud Angeleno. She has a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA and an M.A. in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University. She has been an elementary school educator for the last 5 years at a private school in South Los Angeles.
Catalina is a matcha enthusiast and a dedicated foodie who’s always on the hunt for the next tasty bite!
Natali is a Los Alamitos USD alumna and current employee at Rossmoor Elementary. Natali graduated from CSULB with a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies and is currently enrolled at the university to earn her teaching credential. As a native Spanish speaker, Natali is eager to serve Los Al families by teaching LAEF Spanish classes.
Natali is a Los Alamitos USD alumna and current employee at Rossmoor Elementary. Natali graduated from CSULB with a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies and is currently enrolled at the university to earn her teaching credential. As a native Spanish speaker, Natali is eager to serve Los Al families by teaching LAEF Spanish classes.
Alyssa Kennedy is a fully credentialed teacher with experience in teaching elementary school students. She is deeply passionate about building meaningful relationships with her students and is dedicated to helping them discover and explore their individual passions. Alyssa thrives on creating an environment where students feel free to express their creativity and share new ideas. She believes that fostering a supportive and inspiring classroom atmosphere is key to nurturing young minds. Alyssa is excited to be a part of the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) this summer and looks forward to contributing to the SEI!
Susie received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and her multiple subject credential from CSULB. She has a master’s degree in reading instruction. Currently, she teaches kindergarten at McGaugh Elementary. She has over 14 years of teaching in the primary grades. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, bowling, and attending concerts. Susie is looking forward to teaching for LAEF for her 4th year.
Andrew Maldonado is a Musicians Institute graduate with two decades of live performance experience. Andrew owns his own music school called Blue Box Music in the city of Los Alamitos and has a decade of teaching experience. He was the music director for the JCC Maccabi Games and Artsfest in Long Beach. Andrew is excited to teach Ukulele at his first Summer Enrichment Institute.
Bella has been playing soccer since she was five years old and has loved playing ever since. She is currently a collegiate athlete playing soccer at Mercy University therefore, she knows what it takes to play at a high level. She has coached kids at all different levels ranging from youth programs to high school. She encourages education and fun throughout her trainings. She’s excited to see the development of her players and share her passion for the sport with the next generation.
Kristin is a veteran teacher starting her 17th year teaching, her 12th year with Los Alamitos Unified, and her third year with LAEF’s Jumpstart program. She holds a multiple-subject credential from Cal State Fullerton as well as a Science credential, and during the school year she teaches 4th Grade at Rossmoor Elementary. She has taught several years of summer school with the District as well as LAEF’s summer enrichment program and is excited to once again join the LAEF summer enrichment team. She’s taught all grades and subjects K-8 and loves to make learning hands-on, active, and fun. After teaching Science at Oak Middle School for 8 years, she is happy to return to her elementary roots at Rossmoor Elementary. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family at the beach or a baseball field.
A program designed to inspire the youth through Breaking. As a former athlete, Jason uses skills, drills, and repetition to teach proper dance techniques. Encouraging his students to move with the music, he wants them to build character and design their movements as artistic expressions. Knowledge Breaking Crew shows young dancers that anything is possible by the dint of hard work and dreams.
Miss Redmond is a recent graduate of CSULB with a B.A. in Liberals Arts of ASL Linguistics and Deaf Cultures. As she reaches her goals to become an interpreter to speak for everyone around the world and to all Deaf Communities with her hands, she’s thrilled at the need for teaching the hearing youth the way of speaking with their hands while they are working to achieve standard academic goals. One of Miss. Redmond’s big goals for her students is to them and their families that they can begin to develop a second language at them young age and that teaching them a new language helps make learning fun for the students.
Heather Richmond has over 12 years teaching experience in classroom environments. She is currently a Reading Intervention Teacher at J. H. McGaugh Elementary. Heather graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development. She earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU, Fullerton as well. Heather is active in her son’s Boy Scout Troop and enjoys all outdoor activities. Her family resides in Seal Beach. Her daughter attends McGaugh and her son attends McAuliffe.
Tiffany Salter, former elementary teacher, private tutor, and mom to two recent LAHS graduates, has always been involved with youth. As a Scout leader for the past 15 years, she has created fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages; and as a Kidsguide Magazine staffer throughout that time, she has been immersed in local family events and programming. A creative and engaging out-of-the-box educator, her focus is on fun — her students are always learning …whether they realize it or not!
Toni retired from the Paramount Unified School District after teaching for twenty years. Previous to her teaching career, she was the Children’s Librarian at the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library. Toni conducted pre-school story times, summer reading programs, and lots of other activities. She is still often recognized in the community by many people who still remember me from the library. Toni teaches for LAEF after-school at LAE! She is excited for her first summer with LAEF!
Erin Schmitt will be teaching Fundamentals of Art this summer. She was a substitute for the LAEF program last summer and is looking forward to taking her own class on an adventure through art. Erin currently attends Azusa Pacific University where she is pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies and eventually becoming an elementary school teacher. Erin’s dream is to educate young minds by making learning fun, energetic, and hands-on. Erin is eager to introduce art to young students while helping them produce, appreciate, and understand the basics of art and its masters.
Paul is no stranger to the stages of the Los Alamitos School District, performing with the McAuliffe and Los Alamitos High School show choirs and drama programs, winning best performer, musician, and singer throughout his years in the highly celebrated programs. Paul then studied Musical Theatre at CSUF and performed professionally in regional theater in productions such as Legally Blonde, Shrek, Bonnie and Clyde, as well as the world premiere of the play Jupiter Moon. He continued to study acting under Sue Hamilton in LA (focusing on scene study, on-camera auditions, and improv), as well as working with Central Casting doing background work, featured in shows like Young Sheldon, Scream Queens, American Crime Story: Versace, Silicon Valley, and more. Paul recently graduated from Cypress College with an AA in Film, Television, and Media and certificate in Creative Writing. Now Paul is studying Film (Screenwriting and Production Management) at CSULB while working as Box Office Manager for the Performing Arts Center at Cypress College and Stage Managing Holiday Shows at the Bella Terra. His experience in teaching is quite extensive. Mr. Scott volunteered as a Teaching Assistant for Los Alamitos School District’s Elementary Summer School, working for three summers from 2011 to 2013. In 2019, he was hired as a Teaching Assistant to an Art Teacher through Cypress College Art Gallery and Able ARTS Works. Paul teaches after-school classes for LAEF and he is excited to teach at his first Summer Enrichment Institute!
Nalani owns the mobile gymnastics program Leap of Faith Gymnastics with her husband, Chris. She fell in love with the sport of gymnastics at just four years of age. Nalani competed for Newhope Gymnastics in Fountain Valley where she began coaching in high school, working her way up to recreational supervisor, special events coordinator, and competitive team coach. Nalani has been coaching for over 20 years. She has been a USA Gymnastics professional member and a certified compulsory judge.
Brent currently teaches fifth grade at Hopkinson Elementary School. Before he was hired as a teacher at Hopkinson, he taught intervention classes for the Los Alamitos Unified School District. He is excited to teach again for LAEF at our Summer Enrichment Institute.
Cassie Torres is a fitness trainer who believes every single person needs to find their best movement and healthy lifestyle. She came from a marketing and sales background but has been training professionally since 2021, after feeling the call to help others stay active during the pandemic. She has trained in various settings such as corporate gyms, outdoors and online, from private sessions to large groups for everyone from children to seniors. Cassie’s mission is to encourage everyone to move, enjoy life and to especially lift up those who have felt left behind by the fitness industry. She lives in Long Beach with her husband and enjoys the beach, Disneyland, good food, music, dancing and traveling.
Andrea has been a student of Kenpo Karate for over 30 years and is currently a 5th Degree Black Belt. She has been the International champion six times and has won more than 150 1st place trophies in her tournament career. Ms. Pfefer- Trombi owned and operated a karate school in Telluride, Colorado for 15 years. She has instructed several hundred people over the years, having many advanced students, and bringing several people to the rank of black belt. She moved back to her home state, California, with her husband and two children who attend school in the Los Al school district. Ms. Pfefer-Trombi is passionate about teaching kids and is always excited to be an instructor for the LAEF program!
Mrs. Vida grew up speaking French as her native language. She was raised in the Loire Valley, in France; graduated from college with a language degree, and worked in Paris in an American Company, before moving to the USA in her thirties. She is very familiar with our Los Alamitos Unified School District as she volunteered on PTA Boards for over 20 years. This is Mrs. Vida’s fifth year working for LAEF and she is so excited to get back at it!
Gabrielle has been a third grade teacher in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2018. She was born and raised in Seal Beach and is a LAHS, Oak, and Weaver alumna. Gabrielle attended Northern Arizona University and then decided to continue her stay in Arizona because she loved it so much! Of course she couldn’t stay away from California for too long so she is back here for the summer. She has always enjoyed school, especially writing and can’t wait to share what she loves!
Jerry is the founder of Red Zone Threat Management and travels nationally and internationally teaching seminars to members of the DEA, Local Law Enforcement, and civilians on the topic of personal protection. He is the author of the book “Red Zone Prime: A Foundation for Personal Protection”. In addition he is a passionate instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts which he teaches at the facility he has owned and operated for the last 14 years, Centerline Martial Arts and Fitness. Jerry runs kids classes daily in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as the kids BJJ competition team. He has two children who both attend schools in Los Alamitos Unified. Jerry firmly believes that every child has the right to enjoy their school days without fear of being bullied and is committed to helping them develop the necessary tools and attitude to help them on their journey.