List of 30 members.

• 

  Dr. Marina Kheel 

  Head of School

  Bio

  Marina Kheel has enjoyed being an educator for 25 years. Originally from Boston, she began her career as an elementary teacher in the Teach for America program in Long Beach and has taught both elementary and middle school students. She has served as Elementary Principal and Vice Principal at Stephen Wise School, and Middle School Principal and Associate Head of Teaching and Learning at Campbell Hall. She loves the contagious enthusiasm, joyful optimism, and adorable charm of elementary school students and adores the insatiable curiosity, deep courage, and unmatched humor of middle school students. Throughout her career, she has focused on providing challenging, meaningful, and relevant programming that helps students discover who they are and what they love. Marina is honored to serve as Mirman’s sixth Head of School.
• 

  Brad Barry 

  Director of Admission and Enrollment Management

  Bio

  Brad Barry began his time at Mirman as a classroom teacher and loves working with gifted students and their families. Previously, Mr. Barry worked at ACE Academy, a school for the gifted in Austin, where he taught and served as the Head of the Elementary School.

  Mr. Barry is passionate about expanding access to gifted education and helping families find the best school fit for their students.
• 

  Richard Benfield 

  Chief Financial Officer

  Bio

  Joining us in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer, Rick Benfield is a successful executive and versatile leader with extensive experience leading independent schools and organizations of all sizes across multiple industries. Prior to joining Mirman, Mr. Benfield was the Director of Finance & Operations at The Archer School for Girls for eight years. In addition to supervising finance and accounting, he is responsible for overseeing Operations, Facilities, Human Resources, Risk Management, Compliance, and Legal. Mr. Benfield currently serves as member of the American Camp Association National Audit & Finance Committee. He is Past-Chair of the California Collaboration for Youth and has held numerous positions on other non-profit boards. Mr. Benfield holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science cum laude from Amherst College.
• 

  Angela K Brown 

  Director of Athletics

  (818) 940-4977

  Bio

  Coach Brown took over as Athletics Director in 2015, and chairs the Physical Education department at Mirman. A NCAA Long Jump Champion and 8 time All-American and PAN-AM Games-Silver Medalist, she has transferred her experience as an outstanding athlete to the areas of administration and education.
  
  

  Coach Brown has served most recently as Athletics Director at the ICEF Public Schools, where she forged community partnerships, developed new teams, and advanced athletic opportunities for both boys and girls. Coach Brown has her B.S. in Exercise Science from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She holds a Double-Goal Coach: Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons certification through the Positive Coaching Alliance.
• 

  Tony Castellanos 

  Facilities Supervisor

  Bio

  Mr. Castellanos has 33 years of experience working on facilities/maintenance. Prior to joining Mirman in 2023, he worked at Brentwood School, Mount St Mary's University and Marymount Los Angeles. He enjoys working on projects for his home in his free time and spending time with friends and family. 
• 

  Lizeth Castellon 

  Human Resources Coordinator

  Bio

  Lizeth Castellon has been in the accounting field since graduating from California State University, Los Angeles in 2016. After graduation, she gained accounting experience in Accounts Payable, Payroll and Accounts Receivable for organizations such as Life Steps Foundation and Garden Grove KIA.
• 

  Cesar Chavez 

  Facilities Staff

  Bio

  Mr. Chavez has 30 years of experience in janitorial/maintenance services. Before joining Mirman in 2022, he was employed by Lee's Maintenance Service for 28 years. In his free time, Mr. Chavez likes to BBQ, travel, and enjoy time with friends and family. 
• 

  Alec Colantonio-Ray 

  Data and Advancement Coordinator

  Bio

  Alec Colantonio-Ray joined the Advancement team in June of 2014 as the Data and Advancement Coordinator. Previously, he was the Database Manager at Crossroads School for two years, and before that he was their Advancement Assistant for two years. Prior to Crossroads, Mr. Colantonio-Ray worked in the Development Offices of Marlborough School in Los Angeles and Harlem Day Charter School in New York City. Mr. Colantonio-Ray is originally from the Bay Area in Northern California and received his bachelor's degree from New York University.

   
• 

  Ray Cunningham 

  Head of Upper School

  Bio

  Prior to becoming the Head of Upper School, Ray Cunningham served the Mirman School community as its Director of Technology. An experienced educator with certifications in educational leadership, educational technology, and middle childhood education, Mr. Cunningham served as the Director of Innovation and Technology at GEMS American Academy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, prior to coming to Mirman. Before entering into administration, he served as a Digital Learning Coach, a Learning Coach in Communications and a middle school teacher in Language Arts and Social Studies. Mr. Cunningham holds principal licensure from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, a M.A. in teaching educational technology from National University in La Jolla, CA, and a B.A. in Middle Childhood Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, OH.
• 

  Jessica Curry 

  Assistant to Division Heads/Registrar

  Bio

  Jessica Curry joined Mirman School after serving as an Executive Assistant at Headspace in Santa Monica. Ms. Curry attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland as well as Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is a New York Times Bestselling Author of children's picture books, "Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment, Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment, and Ready-to-Read series books Parker Dresses Up, and Your Friend, Parker, Parker Grows a Garden and Parker's Big Feelings. In 2020, Ms. Curry was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
• 

  Ericka Dean 

  Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community

  Bio

  Ericka Dean joined the Mirman community in December 2020, and since that time, has partnered closely with executive leadership in advancing the School’s DEIJ initiatives. In 2022, Ms. Dean accepted the position of Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community and brings a combination of expertise related to organizational development, change management, communications, community building, and developing initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and belonging within diverse communities. 

  
  

  Prior to joining Mirman, Ms. Dean led both non-profit organizations and higher education institutions, including Teachers College, Columbia University, and Stanford University, in centering their outreach efforts from the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

  
  

  For the past decade, Ms. Dean has served as a disabilities advocate having championed the rights of those with different abilities and special needs within hospitals, healthcare systems, organizations, and schools across the city, and currently coaches and mentors special needs families. 

  
  

  Away from Mirman, Ms. Dean's favorite title is “Mom,” and proudly enjoys spending her free time with her son, and favorite student, Miles.
• 

  Justin H Dove 

  School Psychologist

  Bio

  Justin H. Dove is beginning his fourth year as Mirman's school psychologist. Mr. Dove is nationally certified and licensed as an educational psychologist (LEP). Over fourteen years, his professional journey has spanned several Ohio, Georgia, and California schools. Mr. Dove earned his B.S. in Human Ecology, M.A. in Education (School Psychology), and Ed.S. in Education (School Psychology) from The Ohio State University. His professional interests include mental health, social justice, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and culturally sensitive assessment. Mr. Dove chairs Social Emotional Learning at Mirman. 
• 

  James Fonteneaux 

  Mobile Learning Support Specialist

  Bio

  James Fonteneaux has been with Mirman School in 2016. Mr. Fonteneaux was previously employed in a similar capacity at Sinai Akiba Academy, and has been working in the field of educational technology starting at the age of 15. Outside of Mirman, he works as a graphic designer, a video editor, and a cameraman.

   
• 

  Allen Foster 

  Dean of Students

  Bio

  A seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, Allen Foster brings a unique blend of social and emotional learning, behavioral expertise and leadership skills to the role of Dean of Students. Holding a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and having attended Pepperdine Law School, Allen Foster possesses a deep understanding of policy and governance. As Dean of Students, Allen Foster is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all students. With a keen focus on student well-being and academic success, Allen Foster is dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. Through effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, Allen Foster works closely with students, faculty, staff, and parents to create a positive and thriving school community.
• 

  Dr. Jorge Galarza 

  Director of Technology

  Bio

  Dr. Jorge Galarza has more than ten years of experience as a director of technology and program coordinator. A Southern California native, he graduated from Huntington Park High School. Dr. Galarza has earned an associates degree from East Los Angeles College, a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in history from California State University Dominguez Hills, a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University Long Beach, an Employee-Employer Relations certificate from California State University Long Beach; a Personnel Management certificate from California State University Long Beach; a doctoral degree in Public Administration from California Baptist University; and a Human Resource certificate from Loyola. He is also certified in numerous other areas of expertise. He is happy and proud to work at Mirman and be a part of this wonderful community and employees.
• 

  Aida Gharapetian 

  Controller

  Bio

  Aida Gharapetian joined Mirman School in June 2010 as Director of Financial Reporting, transitioning to Controller in 2019. Prior to joining Mirman School, she worked as Accounting Manager in various cable TV parts import/export and installation/integration companies. She holds a B.A. from Boston University.
• 

  Tri Vo Huynh 

  Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  Bio

  Tri Huynh currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Mirman, as well as the interim chair of the Science department. He is a passionate educator with an academic background and extensive experience in science education and curriculum development. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular and cellular biology from Harvard University, where he developed a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Huynh pursued graduate studies in the field of education and earned a master's degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mr. Huynh has over a decade of teaching experience primarily in middle school science. He joined Mirman in 2021 as a STEAM coordinator and taught innovation classes to both lower and upper school students. He currently teaches Mirman X, an upper school elective where students cultivate entrepreneurship through project-based learning. He has presented some of his work at the California Association for the Gifted's Summer Access Institute and the William and Mary's Center for Giftedness National Curriculum Networking Conference. 
• 

  Noah Kaufman 

  Director of Advancement

  Bio

  Noah Kaufman has been Mirman's Director of Advancement since fall of 2016, and served as Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations starting in January of 2014. Mr. Kaufman came to Mirman from Milken Community Schools, where he was Associate Director of Advancement & Director of Alumni Relations. Mr. Kaufman also co-teaches Mirman's Electronic Music Productive Elective, teaching our students how to engineer, produce, compose, and perform original music that lies at the intersection of art and technology.
  
  

  Mr. Kaufman enjoys the strong partnership between the Office of Advancement and Mirman's community, fostering opportunities for connection and collaboration in support of our students and school. He is passionate about gifted education, and is inspired and energized by our students love of learning, our dedicated faculty and staff, and the enthusiasm of Mirman's volunteers.
• 

  Grace Kelly 

  Director of Marketing and Communications

  Bio

  Grace Kelly joined the Advancement team in June of 2022 as the Director of Marketing and Communications. Previously, she served the same role at de Toledo High School for six years where she oversaw the name change and rebranding of New Community Jewish High School. Prior to de Toledo, Ms. Kelly worked in branding and graphic design at Looking, whose clients included Google and Worthe Real Estate Group, as well as the Fowler Museum at UCLA and the Getty Center. Ms. Kelly is a native Angeleno and received her bachelor's degree from UCLA.
• 

  Anne Hutton 

  School Nurse

  Bio

  Nurse Hutton has an extensive background over the past 18 years both as a Certified School Nurse and a Certified Case Manager. She has worked with multiple schools, school districts, special education schools, and non-profit organizations focused on student health. She also has an additional specialty focus in emergency preparedness and managing natural disasters. 
• 

  Stephanie Leung 

  Assistant Head of School / Head of Lower School

  Bio

  Stephanie Leung joined Mirman School as its Head of Lower School in 2016. A seasoned educator with certifications in school leadership, early childhood education, special education, and gifted education, Ms. Leung was most recently the Head of Lower School at John Thomas Dye School in Los Angeles. Previously, she was the Head of First Grade at Avenues: The World School in New York City. Prior to moving to administration, she taught kindergarten, first and second grade at PS334M The Anderson School, a public school for the highly gifted in New York City. She has been a presenter and led workshops for gifted and talented teachers, a curriculum design facilitator and author for the New York City Department of Education, an early childhood gifted and talented assessment administrator, and has co-authored “A Case of Responsibility: Preparing Community-Minded School Leaders” in Scholar-Practitioner Quarterly: A Journal for the Scholar-Practitioner Leader. She holds a master of arts in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education from Columbia University, Teachers College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California-Irvine. In 2019, she was named Assistant Head of School in addition to her role as Head of Lower School.
• 

  Alberto Avendano Medina 

  Facilities Staff

  Bio

  Mr. Avendano-Medina brings almost 20 years of contracting experience to Mirman’s facilities team. Prior to joining Mirman, Mr. Avendano-Medina worked for Oxnard Pallet, The Promised Landscape, and Edward Enterprise.
• 

  Ronald Morales 

  Director of Campus Operations

  Bio

  Beginning in 2019, Ronald Morales joined Mirman's Facilities and Operations staff as the school's full-time Lead Security Officer. Mr. Morales has been a vital part of the Mirman community since 2013, providing security services through Centurion, the school's private security contractor. He has more than a decade of security experience.
• 

  Jasmine Rivas 

  Interim Assistant to the Head of School
• 

  Zachary Rutkin 

  Accounting and Operations Associate

  Bio

  Mr. Rutkin previously served as the accounts payable and accounts receivable clerk at Kadima Day School in West Hills. Before that, he was a business operations associate for TEKsystems Inc. He has a B.A. in Business Communications from Arizona State University. 
• 

  Jenn Salcido 

  Advancement Communications Coordinator

  Bio

  Jenn Salcido served as Mirman's Director of Marketing and Communications from 2016-2021, and completed additional special projects for the Advancement Department in 2021-2022. She rejoined the staff as Advancement Communications Coordinator in 2024. Ms. Salcido is a published journalist, ghostwriter, and fiction writer. 
• 

  Rita Anne Smith 

  Associate Director of Admission / Director of Extended Day Programs

  Bio

  Rita Anne Smith joined Mirman School in 2006 as Registrar and now serves as Associate Director of Admission and Director of Extended Day Programs. Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of California, Irvine, and recently completed her Master of Arts in Diverse Community Development Leadership from California State University, Northridge. 
• 

  Sanam Smith 

  Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations

  Bio

  Ms. Smith comes to us from the Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences where she served as Director of Annual Giving and later Leadership Giving Officer. Before Crossroads, Sanam was Director of Development and Alumni Engagement at UCLA Lab School. She has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from USC Marshall School of Business as well as a B.A. in Fine Arts, Magna Cum Laude from Amherst College. In addition to her wealth of experience in engagement and alumni relations, Ms. Smith is herself a Mirman alumna ('91) and mother to a current Mirman student. 
• 

  Allison Wang 

  Accounting Manager

  Bio

  Allison Wang joined Mirman as Accounting Manager in 2024 and is responsible for accounting and finance functions for the business office. Before Mirman, she held roles such as Accounting Manager for PCCP, Senior Accountant for 9Dot Education Solutions, and Auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers where she served clients in the Financial Services sector. She received M.S. Accounting from SUNY Binghamton and is a Certified Public Accountant.
• 

  Adriel Velazquez 

  Administrative Office Manager

  Bio

  Before coming to Mirman, Adriel worked in the film and television industry in various capacities on a variety of projects including NBC’s “Manifest,” “Wonder Woman 1984,” and the Netflix film “The Perfect Find.” He brings over six years of administrative experience to Mirman. When he’s not at the front desk, he’s playing board games and watching movies.