Staff
Teachers
Alyssa Anthony - Integrated Science Design 8
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: aanthony@tustin.k12.ca.us
Sara Blair- Design Thinking CORE 8 and Dramatic Production
Mrs. Blair is thrilled to be back for her third year with the Legacy team! She has been teaching in TUSD for sixteen years having previously taught at Hicks Canyon Elementary, Ladera Elementary, and Hewes Middle School. Mrs. Blair has a BA in Musical Theatre from the University of Redlands, her teaching credential from Chapman University, and a MA in Teaching with distinction from National University. She has her preliminary CTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment. Mrs. Blair was Ladera Elementary's Teacher of the Year in 2019. As a lifelong thespian, she is a member of The California Educational Theatre Association and has spent her life performing. She has found teaching middle school and high school to be the greatest joy of her teaching career. Every day is a wonderful adventure teaching Core! Mrs. Blair is the director of Legacy Productions, a new and flourishing performing arts program, where students are involved in learning and producing live productions. She is also the leader of Legacy's International Thespian Society Troupe 10432. When she is not teaching or directing she can be found reading, traveling, doing yoga, rocking out at her son's rock concerts, or binging episodes of The Office with her husband! Make sure to check out the Legacy Productions website and Instagram to learn about our upcoming productions. https://tinyurl.com/legacyproductions
Contact: sblair@tustin.k12.ca.us
Brittany Bruley- Design Thinking CORE 7 and Integrated English & Marketing
Mrs. Bruley is excited to be part of 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. Prior to Legacy, Mrs. Bruley spent her last year teaching at Tustin Memorial Academy. She is proud to call Legacy her 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
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
Julie Chang- Technology of Biology and Chemistry and Engineering Design: Solving Local and Global Challenges
Mrs. Chang graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience and received her secondary science credential from Cal State Fullerton. She has taught middle school science, Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Peer Counseling and Peer Leadership in Irvine and Valencia. Mrs. Chang has been recognized with Teacher of the Year awards at two different school sites, contributed to establishing wellness centers at multiple high schools, and loves to instill a passion for learning and curiosity in her classrooms. She enjoys spending time watching movies, eating and traveling with her family. When she is not with her family, she is catching up with former students and staying connected with many of them for years after they leave her classroom.
Contact: jchang@tustin.k12.ca.us
Lynda Chung- 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 28 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/attended Tustin schools (grades 11 and junior year in College) 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 seventh year as a teacher and his fourth-year teaching in TUSD. Mr. Falat and his family 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 Master of Arts in Education from San Jose State University. Mr. Falat used to play semi-professional Ultimate Frisbee for the San Jose Spiders, where he won a national championship in 2015. When Mr. Falat is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time outside playing sports, going to the beach, and being with his family. His wife Allison is a CPA and works in Orange at SA Recycling. His daughter Lilyana is three and in preschool, while his son Levi is 8 months and is enjoying life with Nana. Mr. Falat loves being part of the LMA community and is looking forward to getting to know each one of you.
Contact: efalat@tustin.k12.ca.us
Danielle Fancy- Business Finance Algebra and Algebra II for Business
Mrs. Fancy is an energetic and compassionate educator who is excited to be a part of the Legacy family! She began her career teaching Algebra and AVID, and she is passionate about helping students find success and unleash their inner mathematician. Mrs. Fancy graduated from Cal State University Long Beach with a BS in Mathematics Education and a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. Prior to teaching, she spent 15 years in the hospitality industry working in Training & Development, Facilities Management , and IT which helps her incorporate real world experience within her teaching style. Mrs. Fancy enjoys cooking, watching TV, and hanging out at the beach with her husband, two kids (1 in high school and 1 in middle school), and two dogs (Dutch Shepherds).
Contact: dfancy@tustin.k12.ca.us
Melissa Freeland- Specialized Academic Instruction
Ms. Freeland has been teaching for 19 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
Mackenzie Fuller- Design Thinking CORE 8
Mrs. Fuller is very excited to be part of the Legacy team. She graduated from San Francisco State University with her bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis in Photography. In 2016 Mrs. Fuller graduated from the teaching credential program at Cal State San Marcos with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. The next year, Mrs. Fuller started teaching 7th grade Humanities at Design 39 Campus in Poway Unified School District. In 2023 she moved here to Orange County with her husband and taught 6th grade Core at Pioneer Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and going to the beach with her golden retriever Honey Bear!
Contact: mgrimmer@tustin.k12.ca.us
Tyler Gray-Burrell - Physical Education
Coach Gray is beyond thrilled to be a part of the Tustin Legacy community! He is looking forward to working alongside a wonderful group of staff members to continue to build a strong Physical Education program for years to come. He graduated and received his teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton, where he majored in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Teacher Education. During the past 4 years, Coach Gray was an Elementary PE Teacher for four different school sites in TUSD (Beswick, Hicks Canyon, Estock, and Ladera). Additionally, he works with student-athletes as a coach at Portola High School for girls’ Flag Football in Irvine. He enjoys kayaking, playing basketball, and relaxing on the beach on the weekends!
Contact: tgrayburrell@tustin.k12.ca.us
Alex Ha- 6th Grade and Coding
Mr. Ha is so excited to join the LMA team as a sixth-grade teacher. He holds a Master's of Education from San Jose State University and received his B.A. from UC Irvine. Mr. Ha has taught for twelve years with the past three years at Ladera Elementary in Tustin. His first nine years of teaching were done in the Bay Area in the Sunnyvale School District where he was recognized as the Sunnyvale School District Teacher of the Year in 2018. Mr. Ha comes with experience coaching elementary robotics, basketball, and wrestling. He hopes to instill a lifelong love of learning in his students and will be your student’s #1 supporter. Mr. Ha has two wonderful daughters entering the first and third grade at Ladera Elementary. Outside of school, he loves playing sports, doing all kinds of outdoor activities, weight training, and of course...thinking about teaching. Mr. Ha cannot wait to meet the LMA students and connect with their families!
Contact: aha@tustin.k12.ca.us
Molly Healey- World History by Design and US History Through Media Design & Arts
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 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 that keep them busy! She loves spending time in the great outdoors with her kids from playing at the beach to exploring National Parks and spending time in 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
Matt Ireland - Technology of Biology and Rapid Prototyping
Mr. Ireland has been teaching for 13 years, 12 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, wife and children, 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 Isaacs joined Legacy Magnet Academy from Pioneer Middle School and is proud to teach Legacy Magnet Academy’s 8th grade Virtual Enterprise course and be the ASB co-advisor. Mrs. Isaacs 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 Mrs. Isaacs has experience working in various business roles in market research, real estate development, and marketing. Mrs. Isaacs 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 Mrs. Isaacs 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 and Technology of Biology
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 wife is an English teacher at Tustin High School. 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 B.A. in Liberal Studies and Master's degrees in Education and Reading. Additionally, she holds three CTE credentials: Business & Finance, Marketing, Sales & Services, and Manufacturing & Product Development. She has taught for 20 years- thirteen years in middle school and seven years in elementary. This will be her 9th year in Tustin Unified. Her 18-year-old daughter just graduated from Foothill, and her 15-year-old son attends Legacy. She enjoys everything baseball, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Contact: ekelly@tustin.k12.ca.us
Dr. Steve Kelly- Physical Education
Coach Kelly is fired up to be a part of the LMA team, where he teaches Physical Education. Prior to his time at Legacy, he served as the PE teacher for five TUSD elementary schools. He is also a baseball and softball 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, and holds three CTE Credentials: Business & Finance, Health Science & Medical Technology, and Marketing, Sales, & Services. He is thrilled he gets to work with his wife, Mrs. Kelly. He spends almost all of his afternoons and weekends at the baseball field.
Contact: skelly@tustin.k12.ca.us
Meghan Krogstad- 6th Grade and Public Speaking
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 8 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.
Contact: mkrogstad@tustin.k12.ca.us
Allison Ku- Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship
Mrs. Ku has been in education for over 15 years and joined the Legacy staff in 2021. Prior to coming to TUSD as a Teacher on Special Assignment in 2016, she taught high school and middle school English in the San Francisco Bay Area. 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 and daughter at Sycamore Magnet Academy's Spanish dual immersion program.
Contact: amccartyku@tustin.k12.ca.us
Yoojin Lee- Technology of Biology and The Physics and Engineering: Motion by Design
Mrs. Lee is super excited to join Legacy Magnet Academy. She has been teaching various levels of math and physics since 2018. Mrs. Lee earned her bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley and worked as an engineer in biotechnology. After having careers in engineering and intellectual property, she went back to school in order to pursue her passion for teaching and earned a master's degree in Teaching from UC Irvine. Mrs. Lee aspires to connect classroom learning to the real world, so that students become problem solvers and create real-world values. Outside of school, Mrs. Lee loves spending time with her family, like hiking, watching movies, and cooking. She is looking forward to seeing her students learn and grow!
Contact: yolee@tustin.k12.ca.us
Dylan Licciardo- Design Thinking CORE 8, TV, Film, and Digital Media, Business of Gaming, International Business
Mr. Licciardo is overjoyed to be part of the Legacy team! 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. These passions have allowed for Mr. Licciardo to create fun and engaging CTE classes like Business of Gaming and TV, Film, and Digital Media for Legacy. 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- Business Statistics, and Computer Science
Mr. Madueno is beyond thrilled to be a part of the LMA family!! He has been teaching for 12 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
Justin McIntosh- Integrated Science Innovations 7, Math II Finance and Economy and Business Finance Algebra
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 8 years of his teaching career and has taught Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th 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 7th 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- 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- Integrated English & Marketing and Technical Business Communications
Mrs. Murphy is proud to be a part of Legacy Magnet Academy! She 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. She is also a lifelong leader and passionate about student leadership! While not teaching or designing curriculum, Mrs. Murphy loves to see live music, read great books, and go on adventures with her husband and 4-year old son.
Contact: jmurphy@tustin.k12.ca.us
Sarah Pflueger- Integrated English & Marketing, Innovation to Commercialization: English & Product Development
Ms. Pflueger is beyond thrilled and grateful to be a part of this inspiring staff at LMA. She is in her 21st year of teaching and 11th 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 received her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University, Irvine. Besides teaching 10th and 12th grade English at Legacy Magnet Academy, she will also be teaching Yearbook. When not teaching she spends time with her two daughters (both attend school in TUSD). She enjoys the beach, working out, cooking, painting, and being with friends, family, her dogs Yosemite and Betsy, and her cat Fuji.
Contact: spflueger@tustin.k12.ca.us
Andrew Stadel - Business Finance Algebra & Engineering Geometry
Often times, students get frustrated when math doesn't make sense. For over 20 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 14-year old son loves building, tinkering, and messing with anything that has gears and motors. Their 11-year old daughter loves to swim, draw, and do puzzles.
Contact: astadel@tustin.k12.ca.us
Bob Valdez- Design Thinking CORE 7
Mr. Valdez is joining Legacy Magnet Academy from Utt Middle School and is excited to be a part of the Legacy team. He has 30 years of experience in education, all at the middle school level, with 21 of those years spent in TUSD. Mr. Valdez holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies, a Master of Education in Reading, and a Reading Specialist Credential from California State University, Fullerton. He also earned a Multiple Subject teaching credential from Concordia University, Irvine, and an Administrative Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Valdez enjoys traveling around the country with his wife and dog in their camper.
Contact: rvaldez@tustin.k12.ca.us
Kayla Vuono- 6th Grade and Graphic Design
Mrs. Vuono is thrilled to be part of the 6th Grade team at Legacy Magnet Academy. This will be Mrs. Vuono’s 8th year in Tustin Unified School District. She started her career as a 6th Grade Core teacher at Pioneer Middle School, then moved into the Educational Services Department as a teacher on Special Assignment. Mrs. Vuono completed her BS in Child and Adolescent Development, MS in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and her teaching credential at California State University, Fullerton. She also has her CTE Credentials in Business and Finance as well as Marketing, Sales, and Service. When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Vuono loves to spend her time reading, crafting, and hiking on the coast.
Contact: kdfowler@tustin.k12.ca.us
Nicholas Warburton- Specialized Academic Instruction
Mr. Warburton is excited for his 2nd year at Legacy and to foster a positive learning environment for students and teachers alike. His 7th year in TUSD, he started as an SDC teacher at Myford Elementary School before joining LMA. Mr. Warburton has a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine, and is currently pursuing his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus in Special Education at Concordia University Irvine. His interests include the Los Angeles Kings, music, video games, friendship bracelet-making, roller coasters, random facts, and all things Taylor Swift!
Contact: nwarburton@tustin.k12.ca.us
Eleanor Zechiel- International Business, Business Economics and Communication and Marketing Government
Mrs. Zechiel has been teaching since 2010, mostly in TUSD. 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 holds a GATE specialized studies certificate from UCI, and multiple industry CTE credentials in marketing, design, and entrepreneurship from her experience working with family small businesses. In her free time, Mrs. Zechiel enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games with her two kids. She joined the legacy family in 2021, and she works to foster a global mindset in her classes, empowering future global leaders and problem solvers!
Contact: ezechiel@tustin.k12.ca.us
Office & Support Staff
Dr. Jennifer Harrison- Principal
Dr. Harrison has worked in public education for over 20 years 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
Ryon Tanara- Assistant Principal
Mr. Tanara is thrilled to join the LMA team! He has served as both a teacher and administrator in TUSD. Most recently, he worked as the Community School Specialist at Sycamore Magnet Academy. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Tustin High School for four years. Mr. Tanara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of California, Irvine; a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UNLV; and a Master’s degree in School Leadership and School Design from Harvard University. While at Harvard, he led a team to design a project-based high school aimed at empowering students to address local issues in their community. He is dedicated to helping students succeed both academically and personally. Outside of work, Mr. Tanara enjoys playing basketball, eating ice cream, and hiking. He is also a proud new father to a baby boy.
Contact: rtanara@tustin.k12.ca.us
Taylor Tsang- Counselor A-L
Ms. Tsang is a School Counselor who is passionate about serving her students. She began her college journey at IVC & Saddleback College before transferring to CSU Long Beach. At CSU Long Beach, she received her BA in Anthropology, focusing on human culture and identity studies. Pursuing her love of working with students and mental health, she earned her MS in Educational Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the University of La Verne. She also added a Concentration in School and Family Based Counseling which provided an emphasis on clinical mental health services. Ms. Tsang joins LMA after serving as a Lead High School Counselor in SVUSD. She has additionally worked within IUSD’s Prevention & Intervention Department providing mental health counseling to students and has spent time serving first generation & low-income students through an after-school program in Costa Mesa. Prior to working in education, Ms. Tsang worked within the IT industry specializing in marketing and graphic design. Outside of the office, Ms. Tsang can be found spending time with her husband and their two dogs. She enjoys road trips, collecting books & vinyl, going to concerts, and relaxing at home.
Contact: ttsang@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 11 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
Holly Smyth
Secretary
Contact: hsmyth@tustin.k12.ca.us
Teresa Ledford
Library Media Tech
Contact: tledford@tustin.k12.ca.us
Aaron Armenta
Secretary
Contact: aarmenta@tustin.k12.ca.us