Moving Around and Moving In: New Faculty & Staff Bios 2024-2025

Evelyn Barrientos will be Poly’s new World Languages Chair starting this fall. Evelyn joined Poly in 2020 as an accomplished Spanish instructor, bringing with her extensive experience in teaching both Honors and AP courses. She has also played a key role in implementing comprehensive input strategies to enhance student language acquisition. In 2022, Evelyn successfully co-led our first Global Initiatives Program (GIP) trip to Puerto Rico after the pandemic. Her dedication to both her students and colleagues is evident, and we are delighted that her professional journey will continue at Poly.

Steven (Stevie) Clark ’05 has been hired as a full-time Fourth Grade Teacher after serving as the interim fourth-grade teacher during the 2023-2024 school year while Anushka Rai was on maternity leave. Based on Stevie’s extensive experience at Poly through the years, both in the classroom and on the athletic field, the decision was made that he will remain part of the Poly community, and we are happy that Stevie will continue his journey in academia in the Lower School.

Melanie Davis is now a Third Grade Teacher at Poly. Melanie served as a long-term substitute teacher for third grade during the 2023-2024 school year, so we are pleased that she will continue her journey here at Poly. Melanie has enjoyed an extensive career in the Lower School, as she taught fourth grade at The Gooden School and also served as its Director of Curriculum and Lower School Director. 

Daniel Frazier will take on the role of Physical Education Chair in addition to teaching Lower School PE and coaching soccer and softball at Poly. His expertise in physical education and enthusiasm for promoting health and wellness will benefit our entire school community.

Jackie Lewis will be the Program Head for Poly's Dance Team. In addition to her new role, Jackie is a first-grade teacher in the Lower School and a member of the Lower School DEI Faculty Committee. The dance program could not be in better hands, as her extensive background in dance and cheer will inspire the Poly team to reach new heights.

Justin Riddle will be Poly’s new 10th-Grade Dean and Coordinator come the fall. Justin came to Poly in 2022 as our Upper School Counselor and Human Development teacher. In his short time at Poly, Justin has proved to be an invaluable asset to our community, especially to our students, as he has helped them develop both life and academic skills. We look forward to Justin continuing his career at Poly.

Heidi Strauss will transition to the role of Middle School Sports Coordinator while still maintaining her role as a PE teacher and head of our Girls’ Soccer Program. Heidi’s commitment to our athletes and vision for our Middle School athletic programs make her the perfect fit for this position.

Barry Vargo will be Poly’s new Mathematics Chair this fall. Barry came to Poly in 2020 and his impact was immediately felt. Barry has taught advanced Algebra and Geometry and is deeply committed to the academic experience. He served as an Upper School Admission Liaison, was involved in Athletics as a coach, and shared a love for theater. Barry’s commitment to our students and colleagues is evident in his dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. As the new Mathematics Chair, Barry is poised to bring his innovative teaching methods and leadership skills to the forefront, ensuring that the department continues to thrive and evolve in the years to come. 

Samuel Anderson joins our Upper School faculty team as Poly’s new History Teacher. Samuel comes to us from Pomona College, where he served as a Westergaard Postdoctoral Fellow and a Visiting Assistant Professor in the history department. At Pomona College, Samuel designed and taught introductory and advanced courses in African, European, and Islamic history. Samuel counseled and supported undergraduates in group settings and in one-on-one meetings, especially through writing-intensive courses and first-year seminars. He also implemented programming in Black European history by organizing a lecture series, mentoring an undergraduate student, and collaborating with library staff to develop resources in the field. Prior to joining Pomona College, Samuel worked at the University of California, Los Angeles, as a Lecturer, PhD student, and Graduate Writing Consultant. Samuel earned his PhD and MA in History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Please say hello to Samuel when you see him on campus.

Bryan Armas joins our Advancement teams as Poly’s new Associate Director of Annual Giving. Bryan comes to us from the Roman Catholic Diocese in Garden Grove, CA, where he has served as the Development Manager and acting Director of Pastoral Services Appeal and Development. At the Roman Catholic Diocese, Bryan was responsible for the organization’s annual appeal of $12 million and 20,000-plus donors, impacting more than 615,000 families and individuals. Bryan coordinated all administrative and fundraising functions of the Pastoral Services Appeal and increased annual appeal funds raised from $10 million to more than $12 million. Bryan also managed the Raiser’s Edge database for all 62 parishes within the diocese, which encompasses 300,000 records, while also overseeing and maintaining donor relationships from cultivation to stewardship. In the past two years, Bryan worked to create and implement a donor communication strategy—such as email communication and the use of ringless voicemail systems—to increase donor giving and also expand donor retention year over year. Bryan earned his MS from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, and his BA from the University of La Verne, CA. Please reach out to Bryan when you see him on campus.

Crystal De La Torre joins our Lower School faculty team as a long-term substitute Art Teacher. Crystal will be filling in for Marissa Reece-Jackson, who is out on maternity leave. Crystal is an experienced and dedicated Lower School art educator with more than 15 years of service in fostering the creative development of students across diverse age groups. Crystal is proficient in designing engaging and dynamic lesson plans tailored to stimulate artistic expression and cognitive growth in young learners. Crystal comes to us from Sheridan School in Washington, DC, where she served as a Lower School Art Teacher and was also a Middle School Electives Instructor. At the Sheridan School, Crystal instructed and facilitated arts education for 135 students in K-4 and middle school electives. Crystal earned her MA from the California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA, and her BA from California State University, CA. Please say hello to Crystal when you see her on campus.

Hazel Diaz joins the Poly community as our new Director of Health Services. Prior to being a school nurse, Hazel gained invaluable clinical experience working in the emergency room and intensive care unit that taught her to work effectively under pressure, and her critical thinking and problem-solving skills enabled her to provide patients with the best possible care. Hazel noted, “My goal is to deliver health care services that are compassionate, professional, and efficient, taking into account patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs.” Hazel comes to us from Westridge School in Pasadena, CA, where she served as its Head School Nurse. In this role, Hazel administered prescribed and over-the-counter medications to students according to physician orders, dispensed medication per established procedures, and assisted students with physical care when needed. Prior to joining Westridge, Hazel was the School Nurse for Pilgrim School in Los Angeles. In her role at Pilgrim, Hazel created health plans for individuals with specific health needs (e.g. asthma, diabetes, severe food allergies, and ADHD). Hazel conducted screening for all students in hearing, vision, and scoliosis, and worked with the school safety and emergency teams. Hazel earned her BS in Nursing from West Coast University, Irvine, CA. Please give Hazel a warm welcome when you see her on campus.

Corina Evans joined our Advancement team last fall as Poly’s new Associate Director, Alumni and Community Relations. Corina comes to us from Carlsquare in San Francisco, where she served as Chief of Staff at this independent tech investment bank. In this role, Corina partnered with executive leadership to build and manage a high-functioning team and platform and provided operational support and strategic management across business functions to drive growth, advance key business objectives, and optimize cross-functional coordination. Prior to joining Carlsquare, Corina worked for Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, FL, as their Director of Annual Giving. In this position, Corina led annual giving and constituent engagement programs for the top private PK-12 school in the region. Corina increased engagement and maximized financial contributions from parents, alumni, and friends through direct marketing, volunteer programs, events, individual donor cultivation, and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining Lake Highland Preparatory School, Corina worked at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, as their Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Assistant Director of Annual Giving. Corina earned her BA and MBA from Rollins College, FL. Please give a warm welcome to Corina when you see her on campus.

Stephanie Gardner joins our Advancement team as Poly’s new Database Manager. Stephanie comes to us from a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, where she served as a Database Manager. In this role, Stephanie was responsible for overseeing the quality, integrity, and accuracy of all donor information and gifts entered into Blackbaud CRM. Stephanie developed and maintained data entry standards and procedures, making certain all coding and entries were consistent and adhered to established protocols. Stephanie collaborated closely with the CFO to set up new funds campaigns, and reconciled bank statements to General Ledger, and provided supporting documentation as requested for the annual audit. Stephanie has more than 10 years of experience developing and executing database and operational strategies to enhance fundraising efforts for nonprofit organizations. Stephanie has a BA in political science. Please say hello to Stephanie when you see her on campus.

Olivier Harménil joins our Upper School faculty team as Poly’s new French Teacher. Olivier comes to us from the St. Paul’s School for Girls, located in Brooklandville, MD. In his role at St. Paul’s, Olivier provided meaningful and rigorous lessons to grades 9-12 and developed and implemented a communicative program that promotes verbal expression. Olivier has taught French 1 through French 4, including honors-level classes. Prior to joining St. Paul’s, Olivier taught at Moorestown Friends School in New Jersey, where he instructed French to students in grades 8-11 and advised 11th- and 12th-grade students on social and emotional growth and study habits. Olivier also shares a love for athletics, and he has coached a variety of sports, including soccer, tennis, and badminton. Olivier earned his BA in both French and Spanish from Bordeaux University, France. Please extend a warm welcome to Olivier when you see him on campus.

Tim Huang joins our After School and Summer Programs as our new Assistant to the Director of Summer and Extended Day Programs. Tim comes to us from The UPS Store, where he served as a Sales Associate. In this role, Tim exhibited exemplary customer service and provided guests with the correct shipping information that fitted their needs. Tim facilitated new skills and procedures with his colleagues as directed by the corporate office. Prior to joining The UPS Store, Tim worked as a Food and Beverage Supervisor at Sodexo/Centerplate here in Pasadena. In this position, he established operating procedures for the reopening of the Pasadena Convention Center after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim also provided support at other Sodexo facilities, including the Hollywood Bowl and the Ronald Reagan Library. Please give Tim a warm welcome when you see him on campus.

Jessica Lopez joins our Lower School faculty team as Poly’s new Lower School Teaching Fellow. Jessica comes to us from the Rosemead School District, where she worked as a TK-Instructional Aide. In this role, Jessica maintained a supportive learning environment by utilizing teacher assistance for lesson planning and implementing enriching activities that fostered developmental growth. Jessica also managed classroom activities, including structured lessons and playtime, and collaborated with lead teachers, school psychologists, and staff to support students’ needs. Jessica was also a Hixon Intern at Poly and served as a Polytechnic Summer Instructor, teaching courses that varied from introductory writing for elementary school-aged children and beginner game design to storytelling through book and film. Jessica earned her BA from California State University, Los Angeles. Please say hello to Jessica when you see her on campus.

Snow Lu joins our Upper School faculty team as Poly’s new Science Teacher. Snow comes to us from Level Up Learning, where he served as a one-on-one tutor for all levels of high school math and science and worked to reinforce student understanding of key concepts. Before joining Level Up Learning, Snow worked at Marymount High School, located in Los Angeles, where he served as their Physics Teacher. In this role, Snow taught and prepped multiple levels of high school physics (Physics 1 Honors, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C), served as Advisor for ninth-grade students, and spearheaded the AP Physics 1 program. Snow stated he is “deeply committed to nurturing students’ logical, analytical, and critical thinking skills, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal and professional lives.” Snow earned his Master’s of Engineering and his BS in Physics from the University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA. Please extend a warm welcome to Snow when you see him on campus.

Nicole Luque joins our Middle School faculty team as Poly’s new eighth-grade Mathematics teacher. Nicole comes to us from Oakwood School in North Hollywood, CA. In her role at Oakwood, Nicole taught seventh-grade math, eighth-grade math, algebra, and geometry. Nicole was heavily involved in choosing and implementing the illustrative math curriculum for the algebra and geometry courses. Nicole also served as the Middle School Advisor and was a member of the school’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee. Additionally, Nicole chaperoned eighth-grade trips and tutored math in the school’s Academic Resource Center twice a week. Prior to joining the Oakwood School, Nicole taught at the Los Angeles Public Charter Schools, where she taught sixth-grade and seventh-grade math, as well as algebra and geometry. Nicole earned her BS in Mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Please make sure to say hello to Nicole when you see her on campus.

Natalie Mattox joins our Upper School Library team as Poly’s new Assistant Librarian. Natalie comes to us from Brawerman Elementary School, located in Los Angeles, where she served as a Library and Digital Literacy Specialist. In this role, Natalie created a curriculum for grades K-6, taught weekly library instruction classes for all grades, and focused the library curriculum on building a research skills tool kit through hands-on research projects, understanding and practicing good digital citizenship, and media literacy skills. She ensured students were prepared for the requisite information-seeking, critical thinking, and analytical skills they would need in secondary school. Prior to joining Brawerman Elementary, Natalie was the Library Assistant at Windward School, where she conducted library visits to classrooms to offer research guidance and instruction, gave book talks to students, and participated in senior research capstone projects. Natalie earned her MLIS from the University of California, Los Angeles. Please say hello to Natalie when you see her on campus.

Kristy McCarthy joins our Advancement team as Poly’s new Major Gifts Officer. Kristy comes to us from After-School All-Stars (ASAS), which is an organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kristy served as Chief of Staff and spearheaded the annual Arnold Schwarzenegger-Westime Charity Night, which has raised $25 million since 2013, with a remarkable $5.8 million raised in 2022 alone. In her role as Chief of Staff, Kristy oversaw all aspects of this annual event, such as production, logistics, guest outreach and relationship management, sponsorships, and in-kind donations. Kristy worked closely with the CEO on all high-profile celebrity, sponsor, and donor relationships that expanded the event’s success while tracking and exceeding year-over-year revenue goals. Kristy supported the CEO and the Board of Directors with relationship management, communications, personal fundraising outreach, and board meeting preparation and material creation. Kristy earned her BA from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Please give Kristy a warm welcome when you see her on campus.

Kiley McKay will join our US Debate team for the 2024-2025 school year. Kiley served as the Head Debate Coach at Pacifica Christian High School in Santa Monica, CA, where she built the high school debate team from “the ground up.” Kiley recruited team members, coordinated practices—with lessons on the basics of public speaking and styles of argument—chaperoned students’ trips to debate tournaments and organized all communication and interaction between the National Speech and Debate Association, students, and the school. Most recently, Kiley participated in the Disney College Program in Orlando, FL, where she worked as a Photopass Photographer and was responsible for the creation of portrait and specialty photographs throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Kiley earned her Communication Degree from the University of Southern California. Please say hello to Kiley when you see her on campus.

Alex Melonas joins our Upper School faculty team as Poly’s new History Teacher. Alex comes to us from The Altamont School, located in Birmingham, AL. In his role at Altamont, Alex managed the full range of teaching responsibilities for 20-plus college-level courses and multiple high school-level courses within diverse learning environments. He instructed, mentored, and assessed high school students in a demanding and highly selective college-preparatory program, where 98% of the students were admitted to at least one highly competitive school, and more than 60% were admitted to at least one Ivy League school. Alex redeveloped the sophomore-level core history course to emphasize the development of the modern global rather than a narrower focus on European development. He also created senior-level college prep seminars that interrogated issues of race, class, and gender from a global perspective. Additionally, Alex served as the Chair of the Community Standards Committee and was also the co-chair of the Honor Committee. Alex also worked as an Assistant Professor and Lecturer for the Department of Political Science at Temple University. Alex earned his PhD from Temple University, Philadelphia, and his MA from the School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington DC. Please give Alex a warm welcome when you see him on campus. 

Michael Murray will join the Upper School Debate team for the 2024-2025 school year. Michael comes to us from San Marino High School, where he served as the Director of Debate. In this role, Michael held regular practice sessions after school and also attended and coached tournaments, including the CHSSA and NSDA Championships. Michael planned and coordinated travel to tournaments, which included field trip forms, room and board organization, and all travel logistics. Previously, Michael worked at the Nova 42 Academy in Pasadena, CA, where he served as the Social Studies and Debate Instructor/Coach. At Nova 42 Academy, Michael taught both social studies and speech and debate classes. He prepared students for tournaments and managed/coached students during the competitions. Michael earned his MA in Debate and Communications from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Please give Michael a warm welcome when you see him on campus.

Alyssa Richards joins our Athletic team as Poly’s new PE teacher. Alyssa comes to us from El Rio Community School, located in Los Angeles. In her role at El Rio, Alyssa taught physical education classes to students grades one to six, including Waldorf-focused lessons in javelin, discus, rhythmic arts, and circus skills. During her time at El Rio, Alyssa developed the scope and sequence of the physical education program, adapted this framework to the available resources and space at a new public charter school, and coordinated field trips and cross-curricular opportunities for students both locally and regionally. Before joining El Rio Community School, Alyssa was the PK-8 Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director for The Nueva School, where she developed and implemented an evidence-based curriculum for the PK-8 physical education program that integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion content; social and emotional learning; and design thinking. Alyssa earned her BS in Kinesiology from California State University, Monterey Bay, CA. Please give a warm welcome to Alyssa when you see her on campus.

Sam Robinson joins our Upper School faculty team as Poly’s new Performing Arts Teacher. Sam comes to us from Rolling Hills Preparatory School in Los Angeles. At Rolling Hills, Sam served as the Art Department Chair and Director and Theatre Teacher. Sam taught drama to grades six through eight and instructed improvisation, monologues, scene work, Greeks, and realism to grades 9-12, as well as classical theater, directing/playwriting, and solo performances. Sam also served as the Faculty Coordinator for the school’s student trip to England and oversaw the construction of the Adam Rice Memorial Theater at Rolling Hills. Prior to joining Rolling Hills, Sam was the Art Department Chair for Mayfield Senior and was professionally active with the Southern California Shakespeare Festival. Sam noted, “My long commitment to multicultural education is demonstrated by advanced studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, through overseas programs with participants from around the world, and by my work as Managing Director for the multicultural education-based theater group Will and Company.” Sam earned his Certificate of Completion from the London Academy of Dramatic Arts and his BA from California State University, Fullerton, CA. Please reach out to Sam and say hello when you see him on campus.

Alexin Tenefrancia joins our Advancement team as Poly’s new Director of Annual Giving. Alexin comes to us from Pratt Institute, located in New York, where she served as the Associate Director, Annual Giving and Marketing. In this role, Alexin led strategic direction for Pratt’s annual fundraising operations, with a 5% increase in the 2023 fiscal year, and she also managed a portfolio of 25-30 prospects in the Los Angeles area. Alexin developed and implemented email, direct mail, and digital strategy—reaching 40,000 alumni, parents, and faculty/staff—and oversaw segmentation, data analysis with an emphasis on retention, and recent grad acquisition. Alexin launched five fundraising initiatives—inaugural Pratt Giving Day, Giving Tuesday, Text to Engage, Phonathon, and the Matching Gift Program—to increase participation and generate donor engagement. Alexin earned her MA from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and her BA from California State University, Northridge, CA. Please give a warm welcome to Alexin when you see her on campus.

Theresa Tran joins our Polytechnic School community as our Lower School Director come the fall. Theresa comes to us from Francis Parker School in San Diego. At Francis Parker, Theresa served as the Assistant Head of the Lower School, where she designed and implemented a structure for teacher evaluation and goal setting. Theresa also crafted professional learning for faculty and staff, which focused on responsive classrooms, restorative practices, small group instruction, and diversity, equity, and belonging (DEIB). Additionally, Theresa created and led the New Faculty Orientation, provided ongoing plans of support for new teachers, and collaborated with the Leadership Team to execute and prioritize school-wide goals, such as teacher professional development, curricular alignment, and DEIB initiatives. Prior to taking on the role of Assistant Head of the Lower School, Theresa served as the school’s Associate Director of Lower School Admissions, creating and training proctors on a modified Gesell Early Screener assessment for JK-1, designing virtual assessments, and interviewing and assessing more than 200 applicants independently during the 2020-2021 admissions season for junior kindergarten through fifth grade. Theresa earned her MS in Educational Administration from National University, San Diego, and her BA from the University of California, San Diego. Please give Theresa a warm welcome when you see her on campus.

Cheyanne Yao will join the Upper School as Poly’s new part-time Mandarin Teacher. Cheyanne has extensive experience teaching Mandarin, as she has taught at Lick Wilmerding High School, City College of San Francisco, and Creative Arts Charter School, all based in San Francisco, CA. Additionally, Cheyanne was also a Chinese lecturer at the City University of Hong Kong. Cheyanne has also extended her talents outside the world of academia by teaching senior business professionals Mandarin Chinese (English speakers and local Cantonese). Cheyanne, earlier in her career, worked for Phoenix TV, covered major news stories, and interviewed important figures in different industries. Cheyanne earned her MA in Linguistics from the University of Hong Kong and her BA from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA. Please say hello to Cheyanne when you see her on campus.