Staff

Alyssa Anthony (Swoboda)- Integrated Science Design 8 and STEM-Research & Development 

As a student who attended TUSD schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, Mrs. Anthony is thrilled to be a part of the Legacy Magnet Academy family and TUSD! She has worked in the field of education for nearly a decade and taught middle school science at a private school in Irvine. Mrs. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fullerton. She also obtained a post-baccalaureate certification in Speech-Language Pathology from Metropolitan State University of Denver, as well as a passion for science. She then returned to her alma mater, CSUF, to earn her multiple subject teaching credential, and her single subject science credential. Mrs. Anthony prides herself on having a unique educational philosophy. She believes education is a mindset and it extends beyond the scope of the classroom. She plans to teach with a multifaceted and compassionate approach to reach all scholars, producing 21st-century learners. In her free time, she enjoys deep sea fishing, exploring the outdoors on her bike, and spending time with family, friends, and her adorable puppy!

Contact:   aswoboda@tustin.k12.ca.us

Sara Blair- Design Thinking CORE 8 and Dramatic Production

Mrs. Blair is thrilled to be part of the Legacy team! She has been teaching in TUSD for fifteen years having previously taught at Hicks Canyon Elementary, Ladera Elementary, and Hewes Middle School. Mrs. Blair has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Redlands, her teaching credential from Chapman University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching with distinction from National University. She has her preliminary CTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. As a lifelong thespian she is a member of The Educational Theatre Association. The highlight of her schooling was spending a semester abroad in Mozart's hometown of Salzburg, Austria where she studied voice through the Mozarteum.  Mrs. Blair was Ladera's Teacher of the Year in 2019, has coached reading and writing workshops, directed and choreographed elementary musical theatre productions, and has taught Drama as well as Core at the middle school level. Mrs. Blair loves teaching Core and is excited to bring her love of The Arts to Legacy, as well! Mrs. Blair has worked professionally in musical theatre and is currently a resident artist at The Redlands Theatre Festival. Mrs. Blair's husband is an administrator with Coastline ROP, and her son is an eighth-grader at Pioneer Middle School. When she is not teaching she can be found reading, doing yoga, watching her son play the drums, or binging episodes of The Office with her family! Mrs. Blair can't wait to meet all of the incredible students and families at Legacy!

Contact:   sblair@tustin.k12.ca.us

Molly Healey- Design Thinking CORE 8, World History by Design, Business Economics and Communication and Marketing Government

Mrs. Healey is so excited to be a part of the Legacy family here in Tustin Unified!  She graduated from UC Davis in northern California with a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Masters of Education.  Mrs. Healey has a love for history and studying the world around us.  She first started teaching history at Benicia Middle School in northern California and then continued teaching history at El Rodeo Elementary in Beverly Hills Unified.  She then moved to Orange County with her husband and began teaching at Fairmont Private Schools in Anaheim.  Mrs. Healey and her husband have 3 boys, all under the age of 5!  She loves spending time in the great outdoors with her kids from playing at the beach to camping to exploring Lake Tahoe.  When she is not chasing her boys around or teaching, Mrs. Healey loves to read, swim and play tennis! 

Contact:   mhealey@tustin.k12.ca.us

Brittany Bruley- Design Thinking CORE 7

Mrs. Bruley is excited to join the Legacy family. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in  Liberal Studies as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Fullerton.  Mrs. Bruley continued her education at UC Riverside earning a Single Subject Credential in English and a Single Subject Authorization in Mathematics for grades K-9.  She holds a Masters of Science in Educational Theory and Practice. Mrs. Bruley is a life-long learner and always tries to make learning authentic and applicable to real life situations.  She is GATE certified and AVID trained. Before joining Tustin Unified, Mrs. Bruley taught 7th grade English for the Diocese of Orange and also served as an Academic Decathlon coach, ASB Advisor, and Grade Level 7 Advisor.  Prior to joining the team, Mrs. Bruley taught 7th Grade Core and Drama at Currie Middle School (which is now Sycamore Magnet Academy). Additionally, she coached Currie’s Academic Pentathlon 7th and 8th grade teams.  In 2018, she was honored to be Currie’s Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Bruley spent last year teaching at Tustin Memorial Academy. She is proud to call Legacy her new home. In her free time,  Mrs. Bruley loves spending time with her husband and twin girls, Irish dancing, researching sharks, and writing.

Contact:   bbruley@tustin.k12.ca.us

Hannah Byun- Algebra II for Business and Business Statistics

Mrs. Byun is ecstatic to be part of the LMA team! She graduated from UC Irvine with Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies. In 2005, she became a Fulbright Teaching Fellow and taught English at an all-boys middle school in Cheongju, South Korea. Since then she realized her passion for teaching and thrived on interactions with her students. She earned her teaching credential in math at CSU Fresno. She was an intern math teacher at KIPP Academy, Fresno. Since 2008, she has taught middle school math at various areas of California, including Selma, Whittier, Lawndale, and of course, Tustin. In 2019 she was awarded Teacher of the Year from Currie Middle School which is now known as Sycamore Magnet Academy. She is a committed lifetime learner to become the best teacher she can be and help make sense of math to all students who come to her classroom. When she’s not teaching, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons, baking, gardening, crocheting, and sewing. 

Contact:   hbyun@tustin.k12.ca.us

Lynda Chung- Business Finance Algebra and Marketing, Advertising & Graphic Design

Mrs. Chung has taught in Tustin Unified since 2004. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from CSU Fullerton, followed by her Masters in Intermediate Math Education from Walden University. Mrs. Chung worked in Public Accounting for a few years before pursuing her passion of teaching. Prior to joining LMA, she taught at Hillview and Columbus Tustin Middle School. During her free time, Mrs. Chung enjoys hosting and cooking dinner events in her home or throwing block parties for her neighborhood. She also enjoy painting, crafting, sewing, and going on hikes and bike rides with her family. 

Contact:   lchung@tustin.k12.ca.us

Traci DiLellio- Technology Applications for Business and Virtual Enterprise Junior Ventures

Traci DiLellio is so excited to be a part of the Legacy family!  She is looking forward to continuing to be a part of this amazing school and to getting to know the students better.  She has been in education for 26 years (all in Tustin).  Prior to coming to Legacy she was a Tustin Unified Instructional Connect Coach.  In this role she developed and coordinated teacher training workshops on a variety of topics, coached teachers in a variety of educational practices, and worked on the integration of instructional technology in the classroom.  Before that she taught grades 3-5 where she helped to develop Ladera Elementary’s Innovation Lab and the use of Digital Storytelling.  She served on her school’s Leadership Team and as her site’s Elementary Teaching Assistant Principal.  She is a 2002 and 2013 Teacher of the Year, and has led several professional development workshops, including presenting at the Fall CUE Conference and the California STEAM Symposium.  She holds Master’s Degrees in Educational Administration and Reading and Literacy as well as Administrative and CTE Credentials.  She has a passion for technology, education, project based learning, and preparing students for the future.  When she is not teaching, Mrs. DiLellio loves to spend time with her family.  Her husband Jim is a professor at Pepperdine’s business school, and she has two daughters who attend Tustin schools (grades 8 and 12) who are involved in soccer and karate.  She also must mention her dog Tater Tot, an adorable rescue who brings joy to her family and others as well.  

Contact:   tdilellio@tustin.k12.ca.us

Ethan Falat- Integrated Science Innovations 7 and Math II Finance and Economy

Mr. Falat is so excited to be a part of Legacy Magnet Academy. Growing up in a household of teachers, he knew at an early age that he had a passion for teaching and empowering students. This is his fifth year as a teacher and his second year teaching in TUSD. Mr. Falat and his family recently moved to Southern California from San Jose where he spent three years teaching 6th grade. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Minor in Mathematics from San Jose State University. He also earned his Teaching Credentials and his Masters of Arts in Education from San Jose State University. When Mr. Falat is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time outside playing sports, going on bike rides, and going to the beach. For the past six years Mr. Falat played semi-professional Ultimate Frisbee for the San Jose Spiders, where he won a national championship in 2015. He and his wife welcomed their first child this summer and are looking forward to watching their daughter grow up in such a beautiful community and school district. He is looking forward to making Legacy his home and getting to know each one of you.

Contact:   efalat@tustin.k12.ca.us

Kayla Fowler- 6th Grade and Graphic Design

Ms. Fowler is thrilled to be a part of the 6th Grade team at Legacy Magnet Academy. Ms. Fowler has been a part of the Tustin Unified School District for 5 years, starting her career as a 6th Grade Core teacher at Pioneer Middle School as well as working as a teacher on special assignment in the Educational Services Department, where she supported secondary teachers with strategies and resources to enhance teaching and learning. Ms. Fowler completed her Bachelor's of Science in Child and Adolescent Development, Master's of Science in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and her teaching credential at California State University, Fullerton. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Fowler loves to spend her time reading, gardening, and hiking on the coast. 

Contact:   kdfowler@tustin.k12.ca.us

Melissa Freeland- Specialized Academic Instruction

Ms. Freeland has been teaching for 18 years.  She holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Cal State Long Beach and a Masters degree in Education from Concordia University Irvine.  She has taught in both public and private schools in Orange County and in international schools in Prague, Czech Republic and São Paulo, Brazil.  She joined TUSD in 2017, spending 4 years at Foothill before joining the Legacy family.  Ms. Freeland spends her free time running, reading, and traveling.  She is excited to make Legacy her home.  

Contact:   mfreeland@tustin.k12.ca.us

Hunter Gray- Specialized Academic Instruction

Mr. Gray joined Legacy Magnet Academy for his first year teaching in TUSD. Mr. Gray graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors in Cinema and Television Arts. He also received his teaching credential from CSUF and is currently working on his Masters of Education in Special Education. When he is not in the classroom, Mr. Gray likes to go for walks on the beach, watch new movies, listen to audiobooks, and learn new recipes to cook at home. He is very excited to work with the Legacy team.

Contact:   hgray@tustin.k12.ca.us

Matt Ireland - STEM- Research & Development and Rapid Prototyping

Mr. Ireland has been teaching for 11 years, 10 in Tustin Unified. He graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from UC San Diego and received his Teaching Credential and Masters in Education from National University. Mr. Ireland has been teaching STEM, science, and coaching robotics for the majority of that time. He has been very lucky to work with talented and professional colleagues who have helped to teach him and shape him into the teacher he is today. Mr. Ireland loves hobbies and probably has more than he can manage, but in his free time he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing music, hiking, road tripping, golfing, working with leather, photography, and fishing. Mr. Ireland truly loves teaching and getting to know his students. He's looking forward to getting to know each of you!

Contact:   mireland@tustin.k12.ca.us

Tiana Isaacs- Virtual Enterprise Junior Ventures

Tiana Kallenberger joined Legacy Magnet Academy from Pioneer Middle School and is proud to teach Legacy Magnet Academy’s 8^th grade Virtual Enterprise course and be the ASB co-advisor. Ms. Kallenberger has a Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs and a minor in Business Administration from George Mason University, where she also played four years of Division I soccer. She also has a Master of Education in Educational Technology from Concordia University. Before joining the field of education Ms. Kallenberger has experience working in various business roles in market research, real estate development, and marketing. Ms. Kallenberger utilizes her industry background and Career Technical Education Credentials in Business and Finance, Marketing, Sales, and Services, and Hospitality and Tourism to bring real career experiences to her students. She has both Multiple Subjects and Social Studies teaching credentials and is constantly in the pursuit of knowledge and ways to support her students.  When Ms. Kallenberger is not teaching she is traveling, cooking, playing soccer, or enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family.

Contact:   tisaacs@tustin.k12.ca.us

Deanna Johnson- Design Thinking CORE 7

Mrs. Johnson is thrilled to be joining the Legacy team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Seattle Pacific University. Later, she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching and Multiple Subjects teaching credential from UC Irvine, where she wrote her thesis on the impact of metacognition on student reading groups. Prior to teaching,  Mrs. Johnson worked in the non-profit sector designing children’s programming and supporting her team of volunteers. She is excited to bring her passion for students, real-world learning, and research-based teaching to her classroom at Legacy. When she’s not at school, Mrs. Johnson loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, go to amusement parks, listen to audiobooks, and bake.

Contact:   dejohnson@tustin.k12.ca.us

Roland Jones- World History by Design and Music Technology for Entrepreneurs

Mr. Jones was educated at K thru 12 level on the Isle of Wight, England, one of only 3 school districts in the country to use the model of elementary, middle, and high school. He loved school so much, thanks to wonderful teachers and opportunities, and as a result he has always had a strong appetite for learning.  Mr. Jones attended Durham University for 3 years and studied Modern History (with a focus on US History). He remained at Durham after graduation for a 4th year where he was a college and student employee having been elected College President.  Between graduating college (1991) and moving to the United States (2003) Mr. Jones worked as a professional musician and an owner of a recording studio. Writing, performing, recording, and producing music has always been central to his life.  He began his teaching career at Tustin High School in 2006 as a long term sub and discovered his passion for working with students. In the years since, Mr. Jones has gained dual credentials in History/Social Science and CTE Arts, Media, and Entertainment. He has used these to teach AP and CP World History, CP US HIstory, CP Geography, and Music Technology. In 2013 Mr. Jones was honored to be selected as one of TUSD’s first Digital Learning Coaches (later known as Connect Coaches) and since that time he has carried the dual role of classroom teacher and district coach. His strong desire is to offer and share all the experiences from these dual roles to the community that is LMA.  Mr. Jones is a husband and father of three boys who have all moved through the TUSD school system and beyond. His youngest son is at Tustin High, along with his wife, a THS English teacher. Mr. Jones lifelong passions are music (consuming and creating), reading, cooking, and Liverpool Football Club.

Contact:   rsjones@tustin.k12.ca.us

Erica Kelly- ^6th Grade and Entrepreneurship & Personal Finance

Mrs. Kelly is ecstatic to be part of the LMA team as a 6th grade teacher. She graduated from the University of La Verne, where she was also an All-Conference soccer player, earning a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, and two Master's degrees in Education and Reading. She has been teaching for 18 years- 11 years in middle school and 7 years in elementary. This will be her 7th year in Tustin Unified. 

She is excited to be joining her husband, Coach Kelly, in this new adventure. They have 3 children in TUSD schools. Mrs. Kelly can be found at the baseball, softball, and football fields cheering on her kids! 

Contact:   ekelly@tustin.k12.ca.us

Dr. Steve Kelly- Physical Education

Coach Kelly is fired up to be a part of LMA's inaugural team, where he will be teaching Physical Education. Prior to his time at Legacy he has served as the PE teacher for five TUSD elementary schools. He is also a baseball coach at Foothill High School. Previously, he was a professor of Kinesiology at Vanguard University. Coach has the unique experience of having taught every grade from TK through College throughout his career! Coach Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University, Irvine, where he also played for the baseball team. He then went on to a Master's degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton, and a PhD in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness from Arizona State University. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.  Coach Kelly and his wife live in Tustin, and they have three children in TUSD schools. He spends almost all of his afternoons and weekends at the baseball field!

Contact:   skelly@tustin.k12.ca.us

Meghan Krogstad- 6^th Grade and Speech & Debate

Mrs. Krogstad is incredibly excited to be part of the team at Legacy Magnet Academy. She has been part of the Tustin Unified School District for 7 years, and enjoyed 4 years at Utt Middle School where she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Core as well as ASB.  Mrs. Krogstad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She also attended California State University, Fullerton where she earned a Master of Science degree in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, as well as her teaching credential.  Some of Mrs. Krogstad's favorites include her two adopted kittens, camping, hiking, traveling abroad, and spending time with her family and friends.  At Legacy Magnet Academy, Mrs. Krogstad intends to encourage her students to think critically and creatively, and to be caring friends and brave leaders. Mrs. Krogstad is eager to build relationships and empower students to find and explore what they’re passionate about. 

Allison Ku- Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship and Intervention Lead Teacher

Mrs. Ku has been in education for over 14 years. Prior to joining TUSD as a Teacher on Special Assignment in 2016, she taught high school and middle school English in the San Francisco Bay Area. Most recently, Mrs. Ku has supported district-wide programs such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, social-emotional learning, and alternatives to suspension. She is excited to get back into classrooms and work directly with students, and to be work alongside the innovative, dedicated staff at LMA!  Mrs. Ku graduated from Stanford University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, Master of Arts in Education, and teaching credential. She and her husband (a fellow educator) have a son in first grade at Sycamore Magnet Academy's Spanish dual immersion program and a daughter in preschool. When not teaching, Mrs. Ku enjoys reading, running, and yoga. 

Contact:   amccartyku@tustin.k12.ca.us

Claudia Le (Hardi)- Technology of Biology and The Physics of Making Things

Ms. Hardi is honored to be a part of the incredible Legacy Magnet Academy family and having the opportunity to serve at this unique school! Prior to working at Legacy, Ms. Hardi taught Biology, AP Biology, and Physics at Beckman High School. At Beckman, she also led the PBIS team on campus where her team promoted positive school culture. Though Ms. Hardi has been a teacher in TUSD for the past four years, she has been in TUSD for over seventeen years! In fact, Ms. Hardi was a product of TUSD, having graduated from Myford Elementary School, Pioneer Middle School, and Beckman High School. She loved TUSD so much that the moment she decided to become a teacher, she knew she wanted to give back to the community that played an instrumental role in making her the person she is today. After graduating from Beckman, Ms. Hardi earned her bachelor's degree in Psychobiology at UCLA, taught in an upper division behavioral neuroscience class at UCLA, and finally pursued her Master's in Teaching at UCI. Ms. Hardi's goal as a teacher is to help her students realize the incredible potential they have as well as to help them become confident in who they are not only as students, but as people. She hopes to help her students grow in resilience as well as to believe in themselves. She cannot wait to get to know her students and hear their stories because that is her favorite part of teaching! Outside of school, Ms. Hardi loves to travel, read, listen to podcasts on walks, try out new plant-based recipes, take photos, spend time with friends and family, and play with her brother's French bulldog, Doobie. 

Contact:   chardi@tustin.k12.ca.us

Dylan Licciardo- Design Thinking CORE 8 and ELD

Mr. Licciardo is overjoyed to be part of the Legacy team! He has been teaching for five years, three of which have been in TUSD. Mr. Licciardo has previously taught at Currie (now Sycamore Magnet Academy), Pioneer Middle School, and Orchard Hills. Mr. Licciardo has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University and his teaching credential from Sonoma State University. Mr. Licciardo is a lifelong learner and is always trying to improve and become the best teacher possible for his students. Outside of the classroom Mr. Licciardo works on podcasts and written articles along with organizing or participating in video game competitions. Mr. Licciardo wants to create a fun and safe learning environment for every student who enters his classroom. He wants the students to leave his class with the same belief in themselves that they can achieve anything as he has in them.

Contact:   dlicciardo@tustin.k12.ca.us

Rafael Madueno- Integrated Science Innovations 7, Math II Finance and Economy, and Business Finance Algebra

Mr. Madueno is beyond thrilled to be a part of the LMA family!!  He has been teaching for 11 years, all in Tustin Unified. Mr. Madueno graduated with a B.S. in Political Science from California State University, Northridge and received his Teaching Credentials from California State University, Fullerton.  Before teaching, Mr. Madueno served in the United States Air Force for 8 years, including on September 11, 2001.  He started as an Airman and left the service as a First Lieutenant.  After the Air Force, Mr. Madueno served as a police officer with the County of Los Angeles.  During that time, he repeatedly ran into troubled youth which influenced his decision to become a teacher.  Mr. Madueno is an alumnus of the Cotsen Foundation Fellowship Program, which focuses on Cognitively Guided Instruction and inquiry strategies in mathematics.  He believes that all students have the ability to excel in math.  Mr. Madueno and his family live in Tustin and his two children attend TUSD schools. In his off-time, Mr. Madueno loves working with his hands, whether it is remodeling his garage, rewiring his home, or working on a friend’s car.  If it’s broken Mr. Madueno will find a way to fix it. 

Contact:   rmadueno@tustin.k12.ca.us

Christian Manalo- Physical Education

Coach Manalo is entering his 4th year of teaching as a part of Tustin Unified as a Physical Educator. He graduated and received his teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton, where he majored in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Teacher Education. Coach Manalo was most recently an Elementary PE Teacher for five different school sites in TUSD (Beswick, Hicks Canyon, Nelson, Estock, Ladera). He also has the opportunity to work with high school student athletes as Head Coach for a Boys Basketball program at Northwood High School in Irvine. Coach Manalo is excited to be a part of the Legacy Magnet Academy team and Tustin community!

Contact:   cmanalo@tustin.k12.ca.us

Justin McIntosh- 6th Grade and Coding

Mr. McIntosh is riding the wave and taking the plunge into Middle School. He is very excited to be joining the Legacy family! He has been in TUSD for all 7 years of his teaching career and has taught Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. He graduated from CSUF with a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Studies in 2015 and got his master's degree in education in 2017. In his free time Mr. McIntosh loves going on adventures with his wife and 3 children. He also enjoys any hands on activities from gardening to golf. He has chickens and makes his own jam too! One of his goals is to have every student leave 6th grade loving school and for them to be excited for their future at Legacy. He can't wait to start the year filled with fun, learning, representing the steel and teal and riding the wave of adventure!!!

Contact:   jmcintosh@tustin.k12.ca.us

Jordan Moe- Business Finance Algebra and Virtual Enterprise

Mr. Moe could not be more excited to be a part of the Legacy family and community! He spent his first 9 years teaching in TUSD at Pioneer Middle School. He taught math and STEM (3D Design and Modeling & Robotics). Before teaching he spent over a decade working in sales and product development in the action sports industry where he worked with many of your favorite surf and skate brands. He earned his bachelor's degree in Business Marketing, Teaching Credential, and master's degree in Educational Technology, all from California State University Fullerton. When he is not in the classroom, Mr. Moe loves spending his time outdoors with friends and family (wonderful wife and two beautiful children). While he is willing to try just about anything, his favorite hobbies include surfing, rock climbing, running, traveling and DIY projects.

Contact:   jlmoe@tustin.k12.ca.us

Jennifer Murphy- Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship and Technical Business Communications

Mrs. Murphy is proud to be a part of Legacy Magnet Academy! She joined us from Tustin High School where she taught 10th and 11th grade English for three years.  Mrs. Murphy earned a bachelor's degree in Business (emphasis in small business and entrepreneurship) from University of Phoenix and a master's degree in Secondary Education (emphasis in culturally and linguistically sustaining teaching) from Cal State Fullerton.  Before teaching, Mrs. Murphy worked in banking and managed several small businesses.  She has also spent much of her life actively involved in theatre arts.  While not teaching or designing curriculum, Mrs. Murphy spends time going to the beach, the park, and on other various adventures with her husband and 1-year old son.  

Contact:   jmurphy@tustin.k12.ca.us

Sarah Ortega- 6th Grade and Intro to Spanish

Mrs. Ortega is excited to be joining the 6^th grade team at Legacy Magnet Academy. Before joining TUSD, Mrs. Ortega taught for 4 years in a public charter school in Mission Viejo. Though she grew up in Santa Ana, Mrs. Ortega traveled east for school and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish with a minor in Psychology from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. After spending a year after graduation working for the AmeriCorps program in urban school in Boston she returned to sunny Southern California. Mrs. Ortega earned her teaching credential from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa and will be completing her Master of Arts in Education from Vanguard in May 2023. Some of Mrs. Ortega's favorites include biking, spending time at the beach, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and their adopted cat April. Her family roots for the University of Alabama during football season, so she hopes to tie in a little bit of the Crimson Tide into the Legacy Tide pride! This year Mrs. Ortega is looking forward to empowering her students to be curious thinkers, collaborative teammates and compassionate members in class, at home and in the greater community. Let's have an amazing year! 

Contact:   seortega@tustin.k12.ca.us

Sarah Pflueger- Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship and Integrated English & Marketing

Ms. Pflueger is beyond thrilled and grateful to be a part of this inspiring staff at LMA. She is in her 19th year of teaching and 9th year in Tustin Unified- having most recently taught at Foothill High school. She earned her B.A. in Literature and Culture at UCLA while also being a part of the PAC-10 championship women's basketball team. While at UCLA she also had extensive experience in the movie industry. She earned her single subject teaching credential from Chapman University and has a CTE Credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. She is finishing her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University, Irvine. Besides teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Legacy Magnet Academy, she will also be teaching Journalism and Yearbook. When not teaching she spends time with her two daughters (both attend Arroyo Elementary) and her dog, Yosemite. She enjoys the beach, working out, cooking, painting, and being with friends, family, her dog Yosemite and her cat Nala.

Contact:   spflueger@tustin.k12.ca.us

Andrew Stadel- Business Finance Algebra and Engineering Geometry

Often times, students get frustrated when math doesn't make sense. For over 17 years Andrew Stadel has devoted his talents and energy to providing secondary math students with relevant and meaningful learning experiences that promote sense-making, problem-solving, and effective communication so students gain confidence in their ability to do math. Andrew believes that all students deserve the chance to make sense of math.  Andrew and his family love living in Orange County. His amazing wife is an elementary teacher and together they love spending time with their two awesome kids. Their 12-year old son loves building, tinkering, and messing with anything that has gears and motors. Their 9-year old daughter loves to play with her neighborhood friends, draw, and do puzzles. 

Contact:   astadel@tustin.k12.ca.us

Jennifer Taberski- Specialized Academic Instruction 

As a strong proponent for inclusive practices, Mrs. Taberski is proud to be part of the Legacy Team, supporting learning across subjects and grade levels. Mrs. Taberski has worked in education for 23 years, teaching in private, NPS, and public settings. This is her 17th year in TUSD, previously teaching at Ladera Elementary, and supporting K-12 special education programs as a Special Education Facilitator at the district office. She holds an Education Specialist credential and received her M.S. degree in Special Education from Cal State University, Fullerton. Recently, she completed the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) from Cal State University, Northridge. Mrs. Taberski is also an adjunct faculty member for CSUF providing instruction for Special Education credential students and supervising future educators completing their student teaching. She also enjoys speaking at state conferences for TASK as well as previously presenting at the national conference for NAEYC. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, reading, and listening to every podcast!

Contact:   jtaberski@tustin.k12.ca.us

Eleanor Zechiel- US History Through Media Design & Arts, Business Economics and Communication and Marketing Government

Mrs. Zechiel has been teaching for 11 years, 9 in Tustin Unified. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History from UC Berkeley and received a dual credential in English and History, along with a Master of Arts in Teaching, from UC Irvine. She also earned a GATE specialized studies certificate from UCI. Mrs. Zechiel spent the last nine years at Tustin High School teaching AP World History, AP US History, and Model United Nations. In her free time, Mrs. Zechiel loves to read and paint wooden toys for her children. She is so excited to join the legacy family, and she hopes to foster a global mindset in her classes, empowering future global leaders and problem solvers! 

Contact:   ezechiel@tustin.k12.ca.us

Dr. Jennifer Harrison- Principal

Dr. Harrison has worked in public education for 22 years – During the 2019-20 school year, she worked out of the district office, preparing Legacy Magnet Academy for opening. The four years prior, she served as principal of Ladera in TUSD. Prior to TUSD, Dr. Harrison was a Director of Curriculum and Instruction, overseeing math, science and technology. She previously opened a magnet school for transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade students and has served as a site administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Dr. Harrison has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from California State University, Long Beach; a Master’s degree in Education Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills; and a Doctorate in Education (K-12 Leadership) from the University of Southern California.  When she's not at work, Dr. Harrison enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.  As a family, they enjoy taking road trips in their travel trailer, spending time outdoors, and adventuring.  

Contact: jharrison@tustin.k12.ca.us

Parisa Mazandarani- Assistant Principal

Ms. Mazandarani has worked in education for nine years and, most recently served as the founding assistant principal at Legacy College Prep in Santa Ana.  She led the instructional team as the college preparatory school grew to serve students in 9th through 12th grade.  Mazandarani started her career as a seventh/eighth-grade science teacher and ninth-grade physics and health teacher in Hartford, Connecticut.   Ms. Mazandarani has a bachelor's degree in psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in school leadership from California State University, Dominguez Hills. 

Contact: pmazandarani@tustin.k12.ca.us

Christine Hughes- Counselor A-L

Mrs. Hughes is honored to be a part of the Legacy family! As an undergraduate, Mrs. Hughes was a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame where she majored in Psychology and Sociology. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Educational Counseling and her Pupil Personnel Services credential from Azusa Pacific University. Prior to Legacy, Mrs. Hughes worked at the high school level focusing on college and career opportunities for students. In addition, she took on a coordinator role in the school’s technology academy where she was instrumental in growing the program and connecting students with internship opportunities. When not working, Mrs. Hughes enjoys spending time with her family, coaching softball, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Contact: cnhughes@tustin.k12.ca.us

Janet Le- Counselor M-Z

Ms. Le is excited to be part of the Legacy Magnet Academy family! She has worked in education for the past 10 years as a school counselor as well as a college counselor. Ms. Le attended the University of California, San Diego where she earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology and Economics, with a minor in Music. She also has a master's degree in School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services credential from the University of Southern California. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, going to amusement parks, and trying new foods.  

Contact: jple@tustin.k12.ca.us