Contact Us

Office Main Line: (714) 628-5479

Fax: (714) 538-8941

Leyla Akansel

Attendance/Health Clerk

(714) 628-4214

lakansel@orangeusd.org

Experience:

Completing my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

"I appreciate working at Parkside because it allows me to engage with both students and parents, creating a positive first impression as one of the first points of contact. Being part of a school environment is especially rewarding as I enjoy witnessing the students' growth and development over time."

Berenice Palma-Montes

Administration

Julie Lucas

Julie Lucas

Academic Staff

Jennifer Bergeron

Jessica Viehmann

School Psychologist

(714) 628-5479

jviehmann@orangeusd.org

Experience:

Bachelor of Arts, Communication - UCSD
Master of Arts, Educational Psychology – Brandman University
EdS, School Psychology – Brandman University

"I enjoy having the opportunity to work with students of all different ages and ability levels. Parkside is a wonderful community of educators, students, and families focused on student growth and progress."

Elizabeth Morlet

Jessica Perez

Paola Rastavan

Adult Transition

Mickie Bledsoe

Maria Nguyen

Katherine Sampson

Brooke Garrett

ASPIRE Academy

Jennifer Aguirre

Jennifer Aguirre

ASPIRE Teacher

(714) 628-5857

jaguirre@orangeusd.org

Experience:

University Nebraska, Kearney- Bachelor of Science, Sociology
California State University, Fullerton -Master of Art, Sociology
National University -Education Specialist Credential
Project Optimal - Early Childhood Credential
Brandman University - BCBA trained

"Throughout my career in education, I have been an instructional aide, positive behavior interventionist, Special Education teacher, Instructional Coach for Autism, Assistive Technology, and Instructional Specialist. I am now back in the classroom at Parkside. I work with Aspire High School students in grades 9-12. I can't wait for another year with amazing staff and students."

EDGE Virtual Academy (Elementary)

Kelly Acosta

Math Teacher

(714) 628-5482

kacosta@orangeusd.org

Experience:

Bachelor's degree in liberal studies (2004) from Concordia University (teaching credential)
Master's Degree in Administration (2016) from Concordia University
Teaching in OUSD for 19 years
Taught at Palmyra, La Veta, and Taft

"I teach because I love kids! At EDGE Virtual Academy we build relationships with student and foster their inner techie-selves! You can do a lot in the virtual world, and I love it!"

Raven Anderson

English Teacher

(714) 628-5899

raven.anderson@orangeusd.org

Experience:

Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development - Cal State Fullerton
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential- Chapman University
Master of Arts in Teaching - Chapman University
2019-2020 TK through 5^th grade Math and Reading Intervention teacher in Tustin Unified
2020-2021 Kinder through 6^th grade Reading Intervention and Support Teacher in Newport Mesa Unified
2021-2022 3^rd grade EDGE Virtual Academy teacher
2022-2024 2^nd and 3^rd grade EDGE Virtual Academy teacher
2024-2025 3^rd and 4^th grade EDGE Virtual Academy teacher

"EDGE Virtual Academy is an amazing alternative option to the traditional in-person school. I love being able to work with a diverse population of students with a small class size and be able to meet the individual academic and social emotional needs of all students."

Thanh (Annie) Vu

Science Teacher

(714) 628-5483

tvu@orangeusd.org

Experience:

Teaching for 12 years. BA, Teaching Credential, MA at CSUF
Mothering for 12 years. Ph.D in momming with an emphasis on surviving.

"I've been teaching Kindergarten and 1^st Grade at Edge Virtual Academy for 4 years and have loved every minute of it. I feel a better connection with families teaching virtually because I can connect with families almost instantly. I enjoy seeing moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and aunties and uncles put their little ones first and sit there with them through all my talking, singing, and dancing. All my stories that I have shared about my life and family to my students, are also shared to family members who are in the room with them. I feel like I know about my students' lives and they know about mine."

Jeffrey Segal

EDGE Virtual Academy (Secondary)

Mario Acosta

Steven Babnick

Adriana Chrispens

Susan Damon

Shannon Duncan

EDGE Teacher

Middle School Subjects: Science

High School Subjects: CTE Computer Science Pathway

(714) 628-4143

sduncan@orangeusd.org

Education

US Army School of Sciences: Depth of Water Sciences & Chemical Interactivity
BA: Interdisciplinary Studies- Depth of Multicultural Education from National University
MA: National University Education -Depth of Multicultural Education from National University

Credentials

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential: Additional Depth in
- Cross-Cultural Education
- SDAIE Certification
- Language and Academic Development
Single Subject K9 Science Authorization:
- Focus on Earth, Life & Physical Science
Career Technical Education Teaching Credential
- Information and Communication Technologies

Experience:

7th Grade Reading/ Science Teacher: Lynwood Middle School, Lynwood USD, 8/2003 – 11/2005
5/6th Combo Teacher: Taft Elementary, Orange USD 11/2005 – 7/2007
Technology TOSA: District Office, Orange USD, 8/2007 – 8/2008
Science & Math Teacher: Community Day School, Orange USD 8/2008 – 8/2013
Middle School Science Teacher: McPherson Magnet, Orange USD 8/2013 –6/2022
EDGE Program: Parkside Education Center, Orange USD 6/2022-Present

"Teaching is such a blessing to me. I believe it is a huge honor that people entrust their kids with me and I strive to ensure I not only address their learning needs, but who they are as a person as well. I really enjoy the challenges of creating a connection with my students in the EDGE program because it has to be done differently than in a traditional in-person classroom. I work hard to ensure I provide a fun, welcoming, and yet challenging experience for all my students. A place where they feel safe to ask for help, to participate in the online discussions, and the challenges that science brings. Working on Science in an online format requires more interaction with each other and that all starts with how we work to build our classroom culture. I truly love what I do."