Magnet Staff Biographies

 

Jerone Cooper - Mathematics Mr Cooper is from Burbank, CA.  He studied at Rutgers University and the University of Redlands.  He began his teaching career in 1986 at Sun Valley Middle School.  In 1996, he transferred to North Hollywood High School.  Mr. Cooper came to Sylmar High in 2006 and joined the Magnet Staff in 2011.  He has taught Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Math Analysis (Pre-Calculus.) 

 

Lupe Cruz Uribe - Mathematics  Mrs. Cruz Uribe received her B.S. with honors from California State University in both Applied Mathematics and Statistics.  She is also an alumni of the Sylmar High Math Science Magnet program!  She started her teaching career at Robert Fulton College Preparatory in 2005.  She served as the Math Department Chair at Fulton College Prep.  She joined the Sylmar High Magnet Staff in 2012.  Ms Cruz Uribe has taught Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.  She loves teaching and is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals.

Roy Cuerquez - Mathematics Mr. Cuerquez joined Sylmar High School last September 2006 as a member of the Cultural Exchange Teacher Program from the Philippines of the Amity Institute.   Amity is an international program for cultural understanding and friendship.  He holds Bachelors degrees in Civil Engineering and Secondary Education in Mathematics.   He also has a Masters Mathematics Education.  He has worked as an educator since 1983 in a variety or positions including Math Teacher, Principal, Education Supervisor,  College Instructor and University Executive Vice President.  He enjoys music and lead a youth drum and bugle corps.

Sara Linerio - Science  Ms. Linerio is a proud Sylmar Magnet alumna. She received her B.S. in Psychobiology from UCLA (go Bruins!) and her Masters degree in Urban Education with an emphasis on Educational Policy from LMU. She started her teaching career at a small charter school in Pacoima, teaching 8th-grade science for two years. She is excited to come back home to the magnet this year, and help our 9th graders have a successful transition to high school. 

Brian Smith - Science Mr. Smith teaches Honors Chemistry. Mr. Smith began teaching at the Sylmar Math Science Magnet in 2017. He grew up in Santa Clarita, and went to UCLA for his B.S. in Biochemistry. His mother is an alumni of Sylmar High ('77), so he has high expectations for his Spartans! Mr. Smith believes a mastery of technology is the ticket to his students' success, so he's always looking for new software and gadgets for the class. If he isn't coding or building something for the lab, Mr. Smith is probably enjoying his favorite hobby with his wife; spicy food. He also loves cheesy chemistry puns, so please, capsicum join him in exploring our molecular world.

Barbara Lindsay - Science  Mrs. Lindsay has been a Sylmar resident for many years. Her three children are graduates of Sylmar High School and college graduates. Mrs. Lindsay holds a Bachelors degree in Science Education and a Masters Degree in Chemistry from Syracuse University in New York. For 12 years she taught Biological, Physical and Marine Science at Olive Vista Middle School. She came to Sylmar Magnet in September of 1995 and has taught Physics, Advanced Placement Chemistry, Chemistry and Astronomy. She is very involved in numerous community groups in Sylmar.

 

Anabella Ayala - Science  I graduated from CSUN and got my degree in Biology (BA). I have been teaching since 2005 in the district and I have yet to want to do anything else but being in the classroom interacting with my students in meaningful ways, at least that's my hope. I grew up in Los Angeles but currently reside in the valley with my family. I have had the privilege to teach a range of life science courses and Chemistry throughout my career which has led to my growth as an educator. Science is awesome!!

Bruce Lindsay - Science  Dr. Lindsay is a graduate of Sylmar High School (1987). He earned his B.S. in physics from the University of California at Irvine (1991) and his doctoral degree in physics from Baylor University in Texas (2003). He joined the Sylmar High faculty in 2006 and began teaching the AP Physics course in 2011. Away from school, he spends his time trying to be a good role model for the next generation of Lindsays (his niece and nephew) and usually does well at this.

 

Irese Moxley - English Ms. Moxley teaches 11th grade English and AP English Language and Composition. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbus College of Art and Design and later earned a Master of Education  from National University. She has worked as an educator since 1991 in various teaching and administrative positions. Ms. Moxley joined the Sylmar High Magnet staff in 2015. While not grading essays, she enjoys involvement with her congregation, spending time with her family and grandchildren, and writing poetry. She is also a die-hard "Trekkie." Her goal is to help students "live long and prosper."

Ed Victoria - English Mr. Victoria teaches tenth grade English.  He has also taught Advanced Placement English.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from UCLA.  He began his teaching career in 1988 and came to Sylmar High school in 1990.  He joined the Magnet Staff in 2009.  Mr. Victoria has also been the California Academic Decathlon coach since 1994 where he has helped our school earn numerous medals.  He was selected as Coach of the Year in 2007.  Outside of school, Mr. Victoria likes to cook, play guitar and race cars.  He also enjoys spending time with his wife Erika and their four children.

Larissa Green - English Ms. Green teaches ninth grade English and Advanced Placement Literature.  She attended Olive Vista Jr. High School, and graduated from Sylmar High School in the Fall of 1994.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from UCLA in 1999.  After completing her teaching credential, Ms. Green began teaching at Sylmar High in 2002 and joined the Magnet in 2015.  While not at school, she plays video games, writes recreationally, and reads.  Other hobbies include: Renaissance Faire, historical period dramas, Tolkien, and afternoon tea.

 

Carlos Olivares - Social Studies Mr. Olivares teaches Ethnic Studies and World History and is our Boys Soccer Coach.  He earned his Bachelor degree in International Development Studies from UCLA.  He has a Masters degree in Secondary Education from CSUN. and is completing a PhD in Urban Education Leadership at Claremont Graduate University. He is also a part-time lecturer at CSUN, in the Michael Eisner School of Education. His professional interests are critical race theory, culturally relevant pedagogy, cultural and social capital, and parental involvement issues in education.

Mr. Olivares and his wife have four children. His daughters are graduates of the Sylmar High Magnet and are now in college. His  sons are currently students in our magnet. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family, be outdoors, and work on house-improvement projects.  He also enjoys soccer, video games and cooking for his family.

Scott Craig - Social Studies Mr. Craig was born in Concord, Massachusetts and has lived all over the world. He earned his B.A. in History and Spanish from Brigham Young University and his M. Ed. from UNLV. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for six years, he taught for twenty years in Las Vegas, Nevada where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2001. He joined the Sylmar faculty in 2013 and transferred to the Math & Science Magnet in 2019. In his spare time, he loves to go hiking and write historical fiction. His first novel, Second Chances, has sold copies on four different continents, and other novels are in the works.

Marc McPhee - Social Studies Mr. McPhee is a graduate of Sylmar High School (class of 1993). After graduating from Sylmar, he earned an BA in Social Studies from University of the Pacific with a minor in International Studies. Mr. McPhee later earned his MA in Education from CSU Long Beach. In the Magnet program, Mr. McPhee teaches Honors Principles of American Democracy along with three Advanced Placement courses: Government and Politics, US History, and Macroeconomics.

In his career with Los Angeles USD, Mr. McPhee has gained extensive experience with the integration of technology into the curriculum. Mr. McPhee is a textbook author and former school technology coordinator and college lecturer. He is a National Board Certified Teacher, soccer referee and proud father of four children.

Ana Campos-Spanish  Ms. Campos graduated from CSU, Northridge in 1996 with a Master’s Degree in Spanish Literature.  She came to our Magnet School to teach all levels of Spanish including Advanced Placement in 1996.  She is the sponsor of our Teatro Latino Club helping students to learn more about the Language, Dances, Music and Culture of Spanish speaking countries.  Her favorite activity is spending time with her husband and young daughter.

Michelle Peraza - Spanish Ms. Peraza graduated from Cal State University, Los Angeles in 2004 with a bachelor in Liberal Studies and English Literature and a single and multiple bilingual subject credentials.  She has worked for LAUSD since 2006 and is currently working on her National Board.   She loves to work with parents hand in hand to promote student learning and success in school and life in general.  She is always up to the challenge to find innovative ways to teach language to students.  She is life a learner and continues taking classes for self-development at the university and nearby community colleges.  

 

Marina Gonzalez - Spanish Mrs. Gonzales teaches Spanish 1 and 2.  She is a proud graduate of the Sylmar High Magnet! She earned her B.A. in Spanish from UCLA in 2021. She started her career in education as a Special Education Assistant. She became a Spanish teacher for the Sylmar High Magnet in 2023.  

Dr. Escamilla - Health  Dr. Escamilla graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from California State University, Northridge, and completed his Master's of Science in Biology from CSUN.    Dr. Escamilla furthered his education with an Master's in Education and a Doctorate in Education from California Lutheran University.

 

Nabil Montez - Counselor Ms. Montez was born and raised in Sylmar. She graduated from Sylmar Magnet in 2008 and played Varsity Soccer during her high school years. She graduated from CSUN with a B.S in Psychology and a minor in Family and Consumer Science in 2013. She returned to CSUN and earned her Masters of Science School Counseling in 2015. She began her career as a high school counselor at the Apex Academy, a charter school in Hollywood. It was a pleasure and honor for her to return to Sylmar High as the Magnet Counselor in 2019. She is passionate about her career, soccer, and traveling.

Debbie Steinert - Coordinator Ms. Steinert has lived in Sylmar since 1964.  She graduated from Sylmar High in 1980. She earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Geology from CSUN.  She began teaching Science, Health and Computers at Olive Vista Middle School in 1984.  While at Olive Vista, she served as Science Department Chair, Technology Coordinator, and School Based Management member.  She was involved in writing several grants bringing technology to students and has led workshops in Earthquake Safety and Geology.  Ms. Steinert came to Sylmar High School as the Magnet School Coordinator in 1994.  Her children are graduates of the Sylmar High Math Science Magnet.  She has attended every homecoming football game since 1977.

 

 

Math

Nguyen Vu - Math 1994-1996

 

Larry Friedrich - Mathematics Mr Friedrich was born in Mitchell South Dakota in 1948 where he lived on a farm until he was 10. In 1959 he moved to Reseda and graduated from Reseda High School in 1966. He earned his B.S. degree in physics from San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN) in 1972. He has worked as a lab technician and an engineer. For seven years he was self employed as a swimming pool technician (Yep. He cleaned them.) In 1985 he was admitted to the Teacher Trainee Program with LAUSD. Mr. Friedrich comes to us from San Fernando Middle School where he taught math for ten years. His wife Deborah is also a teacher and Mr. Friedrich's inspiration. They have two grown children, Angela and Joseph and one grandchildren. 

 

Claudia Reyes-Mathematics Mrs. Reyes received her B.S. in electrical engineering from California State University, Northridge. She earned her M.S. in Mathematics at CSUN. She came to Sylmar Magnet in September of 1996. Mrs. Reyes was born in the San Fernando Valley and has been a resident of Sylmar all of her life. She attended El Dorado Elementary, Olive Vista Junior High and is a graduate of Sylmar High. She enjoys reading and drawing, but most importantly, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.

 

Social Studies

Keith Kurlander - Social Studies Mr. Kurlander comes to us with a wide variety of experience. He served in the Navy. While stationed in Japan, he taught English in private schools. In 1977 he earned his B.A. in History from California State University, Northridge. He earned his M.A. in History from CSUN in 1983. He taught all levels of Social Studies and Human Relations at Maclay Middle School for eighteen years before coming to the Sylmar High Magnet in 1995. In his free time, Mr. Kurlander likes to travel with his wife and two children.

 

John Grande - Social Studies Mr. Grande grew up and attended school in the San Fernando Valley, graduating from Van Nuys High School’s Math and Science magnet in 1996. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where he majored in history. He has been teaching social studies since 2004 and joined the Magnet in 2013. His favorite subjects to teach and learn about are world history, human geography, sociology, anthropology, and ecology. Outside of school, he enjoys camping, backpacking, biking, bird watching, and napping with his wife, Brigid and kids Vincent and Vivienne.

 

William Winkes - History Mr. Winkes graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in History. He received his teaching credential from Pepperdine University. Mr. Winkes was a Keck Fellow in Seaver College at Pepperdine University and has a Master's Degree in American Studies. Before joining the Sylmar Magnet in 1994, Mr. Winkes taught at Locke High School and Palisades High School. Since 1986 he has taught grades 9 through 12 Social Science classes including World History, U.S. History, A.P. U.S. History, Government, Economics, Cultural Awareness and Future Studies. Previous to his career in education, Mr Winkes was a manager in business for 15 years. Outside of the Sylmar Magnet, Mr. Winkes interests include his wife Janet, Military History, Science Fiction, woodworking, scale modeling, travel, auto racing and Max (his dog.)

 

Steven Richmond - Social Studies Mr. Richmond grew up in the San Fernando Valley.  He earned his BA in History from CSUN in 1988.  Before joining the Magnet in 1996,  Mr Richmond was a musician and comedy writer.  He also was private tennis instructor.  He has worked for private companies for the several years tutoring students for the Advanced Placement Exams, the SAT and helping them to prepare for college.  He loves to help students become actively  involved in the political process.   He enjoys listening to many types of music and spending time with his son.

 

 

Jeff Dellisanti - Counselor - Born in Phoenix, he moved to LA in 1980 to finish his degree in music at CSUN. After graduating in 1983, he spent many years working as a living as a touring musician, playing in a wide variety of situations. He was a substitute teacher in LAUSD for 16 years to help make ends meet and also taught privately. The economy and music industry being somewhat bleak, he got smart and decided to use his degree and pursue a career in education. He earned his credential form CSUN. Mr. Dellisanti joined the magnet as a temporary advisor in 1999 and became our permanent counselor in 2002.

 

Bruce Towar - Counselor  Mr. Towar grew up in Flint, MI. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, with a major in Physical Science and a minor in Mathematics. He also holds a School Counseling Credential earned at Cal State University, Northridge. Joining the Sylmar HS staff in Sept. 1982, Mr. Towar has had a number of roles. He has taught a variety of Math and Science classes, coached track and baseball, served as the assistant athletic director, sponsored clubs and been a mentor teacher. He was the College Counselor for 7 years.  He joined the Magnet Staff as counselor in 2013 and gets tremendous satisfaction from helping Spartans realize their goals for College.  When not working, Mr. Towar enjoys time with his wife and two sons, involvement with his church, an occasional round of golf and preparing to someday compete on Jeopardy!