Teacher Profiles
Administration
Keith Corpus
Principal
B.A., English, Swarthmore College
M.A., Education, Brown University
Mr. Corpus has over twenty years experience as a high-school teacher, administrator and coach. He worked at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in New Jersey from 1989 to 2006, where he chaired the English Department and was the Dean of Faculty. Prior to his work at St. Benedict’s, he taught and coached for two years at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. In 1994-95, he also taught English at East China University of Science and Technology (Hua Dong Li Gong Da Xue) in Shanghai.
Faculty
Jasmine Hsu
Director of Student Affairs
Single Subject Teaching Credential (English),
Cal State Fullerton
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate
B.S., Psychology and Social Behavior, UC Irvine
Having tutored international students since her college days at UC Irvine, Ms. Hsu brings linguistic expertise and boundless enthusiasm to the classroom. With over two hundred hours of training in the methods, theories, and practice of teaching English as a foreign language, Ms. Hsu employs the latest techniques in English instruction with her international students.
Venessa Shiloski
Admissions Counselor
and School Ambassador
B.S., Behavioral Health Grand Canyon University
Counseling Program Complete 2021
Science Department (Cypress College)
Prior to coming to PA, Ms. Shiloski had over a decade of experience in private school education. Having worked in admissions for both international and domestic students, she has a deep respect for students and understands the challenges that face each demographic. Administratively she has contributed to many facets of the management and leadership in schools. Ms. Shiloski's down to earth approach allows her to connect with students to guide and help them achieve their goals.
Xin Li
K-6 Program Director
Single Subject Teaching Credential, Mandarin
M.A., Education, Michigan State University
B.A., History, Education, Jinan University
Ms. Li began her journey in education as a Mandarin teacher in 2014. She has a passion for supporting all children to reach their potential and loves to nurture students’ imagination and creativity. Prior to working at PA, she gained diverse experience and skills through working in several positions at educational institutions. While teaching Mandarin and coaching students in Career and College Ready Lab, she developed curriculum and created a positive learning environment with high expectations for all students. Ms. Li values every students’ voice and talents. She strives to be better, to give more, and to guide all her students to higher levels of success.
Chris Bonneau
Director of Counseling Services
B.S., Communications, Boston University
After graduating from Boston University with a degree in Communications, Mr. Bonneau moved to Southern California where he became an award-winning writer (of screenplays and educational texts) and a teacher at a number of highly regarded Academies throughout the Los Angeles area. After writing courses for both SAT Writing and College Essay Writing, he took on the role of adviser and has since helped more than 2,000 students with the college selection and application process. During this time frame, he has guided students through more than 4,000 college statements. Many of the students that he has counseled have gone on to Ivy League and other prestigious universities.
Roseanne Greenfield
Sheltered English Literature/History
Ed.D., Education/TESOL, Leicester University
M.A. TESOL, United States International University
M.A. American Studies/History,
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. American Studies/Communications,
California State University, Fullerton
Dr. Greenfield has over 15 years of experience teaching and developing English, ESL and History programs for K – 12th grade students in the USA and in Asia. She has taught college English Writing, Reading, Speaking and Communication Skills at Hong Kong University SPACE, Hong Kong City University, Feng Chia University and National Taiwan Normal University. Roseanne is also an award-winning writer, who specializes in Asian Children’s Literature and short fiction. She has authored over 20 children’s books and educational materials, and has written for the Register, Orange County News and Huntington Beach Independent.
Kelly Corwin
English Department Chair
Ph.D. Candidate, English & Feminist Emphasis,
UC Irvine
M.A., English, UC Irvine
B.A., English, SUNY - Buffalo
After a few years away to further her own education, Ms. Corwin returns to the Academy to enlighten the minds of its students with her vast insight into the English language and English literature. Ms. Corwin has accumulated countless hours of classroom experience as a teaching assistant at UC Irvine where she led classes on poetry analysis, literary criticism, writing, and women’s studies. Students seeking to master the nuances of understanding the English language find the instruction they desire in Ms. Corwin’s classes.
Christie Stroupe
Social Studies Department Chair
Multiple Subject Credential,
California State Fullerton
M.A., History, University of Texas at AustinB.A., History, University of Texas at Austin
B.A., History, University of Texas at Austin
Mrs. Stroupe received her M.A. and B.A. with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds California multiple subject and social studies credentials. Previously Mrs. Stroupe taught English and World History at Mater Dei High School and AP Language and Rhetoric at JSerra High School. In her spare time, she loves to read, swim, and travel. She has lived and studied in France and Germany and speaks fluent German.
Erika Saito
Reading Literacy Consultant
Multiple Subject, Professional Clear Credential
Supplementary Authorized Credential,
English Reading Certificate
Ph.D. Education, Emphasis on Teaching, Learning, & Culture, Claremont Graduate University
M.A. Education, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education & Psychology
B.A., Humanities & English, Minor, Ethnic Studies, University of Colorado at Boulder
For more than a decade, Dr. Saito has worked within a variety of roles in the field of education. Most notable are her K-6 grade experiences where she served as a classroom teacher and a language arts intervention teacher in the Los Angeles Unified and Anaheim City School Districts. She is also an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education & Psychology and University of Redlands working with graduate students pursuing their teaching credential and Masters in Education/TESOL.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Saito has also co-published research articles in academic journals, and presented her work at numerous education and research conferences on Asian Americans in education, co-ethnic communities, identity, transnationalism, and generational status.
Kevin Tran
PE & Health Teacher
Director of Activities & Athletics
Multiple Subjects Clear Credential, UC Irvine
M.A., Candidate, Education, UC Irvine
B.A., Social Ecology, Education, UC Irvine
Mr. Tran’s love for teaching has not only allowed his students to be successful, but also to enjoy learning. His effectiveness in his teaching has allowed his students to score in the top 5% of the state. In addition to teaching academic classes, Mr. Tran also teaches physical education and health. Students who have taken his PE and health class have found it to be beneficial to their physical and mental well-being.
Ben Chen
Math Teacher
SAT Mathematics Specialist
B.A., Economics, UC Irvine
More than 50% of Mr. Chen’s students have achieved perfect SAT II Math scores. Mr. Chen is an expert in all levels of high school Mathematics (through AP Calculus and AP Statistics), as well as on the curriculum and textbooks used at every high school in Irvine. He teaches problem-analyzing strategies and test-taking skills to his students to help them solve every type of question. His students commend his friendly and fun, yet very effective, teaching style.
Donald Cicchino
Science Teacher
B.A., Physics, Applied Mathematics, Philosophy, Rutgers University
Mr. Cicchino was born in New Jersey where he ultimately earned a triple major B.A. from Rutgers University in Physics, Applied Mathematics and Philosophy. He has worked in luxury hotel management in NYC and LA, and was an infantryman in the NJ Army National Guard. He lived in Taiwan for one year where he was a kindergarten teacher, followed by eight years teaching in Shanghai, two as a high school math teacher and six as a middle school science teacher. He enjoys motorcycles, martial arts and scuba diving.
Bill Jang
Physics Teacher
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, UCLA
MBA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung Univ. Taiwan
Dr. Jang has over 20 year experience in developing high-tech rotational devices and robots using mechanics, physics, and control. He worked at Western Digital Corporation, Irvine as an Engineering Program Manager and Principal Engineer from 2004-2016. In his spare time, he has coached youth basketball and swimming, and was a commissioner for Irvine Youth Basketball League for a number of years.
Steven Jang
Science Teacher
M.S., Computer Engineering / Science, USC
B.S., Electrical Engineering, CSULA
Community College Teaching Credentials: Computers
& Electronic Technology
Mr. Jang began his college career exploring Math Education before entering into the high tech world of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He has been involved in several large biotechnology companies in Orange county developing blood analyzers, cataract surgical products and an implantable heart defibrillator. Today he returns to Education and brings his enthusiasm of Computer Science, Math and Science with him. As a Computer Science instructor at ACI, Steve shares ideas and techniques from industry: "this is how professional programmers design a product".
At Northwood High School, Steve is a Science Olympiad coach for the past four years. Spanning from youth to adults, he volunteers at two Irvine organizations providing computer literacy training to the community.
After hours, Steve bikes, is involved in photography, PhotoShop editing, travels several times during the year and writes about his experiences in a private photo-blog.
Alexandros Vassilakis
Social Studies Teacher
B.A., International Politics, Middlesex University
Alexandros (Lex) is an experienced educator with a passion for project-based learning aimed at helping students develop empathy and global mindfulness. Lex is a southern California native who has spent seventeen years of his life living abroad, first as a university student in London and Wales, and then as an international school educator in his adopted country of Taiwan. In addition to his twelve years as a history teacher with a specialty in Chinese and East Asian history, Lex has also spent a large part of his career overseeing debate and public speaking programs from Model United Nations to competitive high school forensics and Mock Trial.
Ruby Mar
College Counselor
M.A., Education, School Counseling, Point Loma Nazarene University
B.A., Psychology, University of Guam
Ms. Mar has always known that she wanted to be a counselor. She realized early on how much she enjoyed listening to people. After graduate school she realized her passion for talking about colleges and working with high school students. Having worked in education for more than 10 years prior coming to PA, Ms. Mar enjoys getting to know her students and helping them through the college process. She also aspires to find the best in her students and guides them to a college or career that is a good fit for who they are and what they want to be.
Yeh Pei Lu
Chinese Teacher
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Ming Hsin Taiwan Engineering College
Ms. Lu has over 20 years of experience teaching Mandarin Chinese and Culture to high school-level students. She currently teaches at Irvine Chinese School and Tzu Chi Academy. In 2006, she received a certification to teach Advanced Placement Chinese Language & Culture from the College Board, and has been teaching AP Chinese since then. Outside of the classroom, she has facilitated teacher training courses and attended national Chinese teacher conferences, where she has shared her experiences with students. She often uses events and topics students would be familiar with to make connections between Chinese and English culture. When she is not teaching, shei enjoys traveling to different countries to explore their culture.
Therese Conte
Art Teacher
M.F.A., Painting, Laguna College of Art and Design
M.A., Studio Art, Painting/Drawing, CSU Northridge
B.A., Studio Art, Painting/Drawing, CSU Northridge
Ms. Conte has also studied at at the prestigious Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, and the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, Los Angeles. Ms. Conte’s exhibits nationally and is the recipient of numerous grants and awards. She has an extensive background as an arts educator teaching art for the Los Angeles Unified and La Canada Unified School Districts, Columbia College Hollywood and most recently The Orange County School of the Arts. She maintains a studio in Laguna Beach and continues to work with the figure and related subjects in her paintings.
Anice Bradley
English Teacher
B.A., Communications, Cal State Fullerton
After spending a few years living in South Texas, Ms. Bradley moved back to California with her family to teach at Pacific Academy. She has taught English to students in 3rd-12th grades at several schools in both states, and has had the privilege of coaching cheerleading where her teams have won many national titles. She enjoys utilizing technology and project-based learning to help her students master the skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Ms. Bradley believes in the value of hard work, and is determined to help her students reach their academic goals.
Francesca Santoro
Foreign Language Teacher
Fellow of the American Academy in Rome
Phd., History, University of Missouri-Columbia
M.A., Ancient History and Mediterranean Archaeology, University of California, Berkeley
B.A., Classics; BA History, UC Irvine
Francesca Santoro L’hoir is the author of two academic books on rhetoric and tragedy in ancient Roman historiography. She was a Fulbright Scholar, and in 1996 the Congress of the United States awarded her the NEH/Archaeological Institute of America Rome Prize in Classical Studies at the American Academy in Rome, a city where she lived for many years. At Macalester College, where she was a Visiting Assistant Professor in Classics, 1991-97, she organized and taught month-long onsite study tours in art history and archeology to undergraduates. She was also a Visiting Associate Professor at Claremont McKenna College and an adjunct lecturer at the University of California, both at Santa Cruz and at Irvine. Dr. Santoro can teach many languages: Italian, French, German, Dutch, Latin and Greek. Her interests include literary analysis, British history and politics.
Vanessa Green
English Teacher
California Single Subject Teacher Credential, English
M.A., English, UC Irvine
B.A., English with an Honors Minor, Chapman University
After almost seven years at two universities and a private high school in Los Angeles, Vanessa is excited to work with the students of Pacific Academy. Ever since her first tutoring job in grade school, Vanessa has wanted to empower students to pursue their dreams and become lifelong learners. She brings with her a passion for literature and language, as well as a love of student-driven education.
Jennifer Kile
Math Department Chair
Single Subject Teaching Credential, Mathematics,
Cal State Fullerton
B.A., Mathematics, Cal State Fullerton
A.A., Liberal Arts, Saddleback Community College
Ms. Kile has been fortunate to teach and tutor students in mathematics for six years prior to joining Pacific Academy. Her passion and excitement for the subject helps her students enjoy the subject as well as gets them excited to learn. She empathizes with students who struggle in Mathematics, which allows her to approach the subject in a manner that helps her students feel confident when approaching new concepts.
Don Rutti
Science Department Chair
Science teaching credential, California State University, Fullerton
M.E., Education, Concordia University Irvine, Graduating 2017
B.S., Biology, California State University, Fullerton
Since he was a young boy Mr. Rutti has had a passion for the life sciences. Don studied at California State University Fullerton where he received both his BS in Biology and his secondary teaching credential in science. Ecology, biodiversity and conservation are his particular areas of expertise. Over the past four years he has been using his passion for science to teach anatomy, biology, AP environmental science and zoology to underprivileged students in Santa Ana. Mr. Ruttie considers himself a lifelong learner and earned his Masters in Education at Concordia University Irvine in 2017. Excited to be part of the Pacific Academy team, Don engages his students through hands-on activities and authentic learning opportunities.
Catherine Chu
Math Teacher
M.S., Computer Science and mathematics,
Cal State Long Beach
B.S., Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University
While in school, Ms. Chu always enjoyed helping classmates in various fields. She has had the privilege and pleasure of working with students for 10 years as a teacher and an administrator. She loves to help students build a successful future.
Joyce Chu
Chinese Teacher
B.A., Chinese, UC Los Angeles
Ms. Chu received her B.A. in Chinese from the University of California, Los Angeles. She also teaches Mandarin at the Irvine Chinese School and EFCI Chinese School on the weekends. In addition, she is a teacher of Digital Huayu Learning Center in Orange County. Ms. Chu is a big fan of CI (Comprehensible Input). She likes to attend the conferences and workshops for Foreign Language Teachers and Educational Technology.
Kramer Sullivan
English & History Teacher
Single Subject Teaching Credential, Social Science, University of Redlands
M.A., Education, University of Redlands
B.A., English, California State Univ. San Bernardino
Mr. Sullivan has been working in education in one form or another since 2014. The son of a retired Air Force pilot, Mr. Sullivan's childhood was mostly spent abroad, living in Belgium, Italy, and Germany. The opportunity to travel at a young age created a strong passion for history and geography. However, despite his passion for history, Mr. Sullivan got his B.A. in English from Cal State San Bernardino. After working as a journalist, and spending a brief period in the army, he realized how rewarding teaching was and earned his M.A. in Education and a single subject credential in social science from University of Redlands. Since earning his degree, Mr. Sullivan has taught primarily English and history to middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students, most of whom were English language learners. The key aspect to Mr. Sullivan's teaching is his passion. He hopes that he can help the students find English and history as interesting as he does. In his free time, Mr. Sullivan kayaks, plays video games, and makes educational videos.
Alan Su
Math Teacher
B.S. California Polytechnic State University,
San Luis Obispo
J.D. Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Even before graduating high school, Mr. Su already knew he had a passion for teaching. He has worked as a tutor, coach, and teachers assistant for 4 years before even leaving home to attend college. During his years in university, he continued to spend his time outside of class working as a tutor and a coach. After graduate school, Mr. Su is ready and excited to put his experience and passion to practice in the classroom. Prior students of Mr. Su have complimented him for his clear and concise explanations, use of visuals when teaching, and for his flexibility in accommodating students according to their needs. He endeavors to create an atmosphere in his classrooms where students can master the subjects needed to succeed in college, work, and life while also enjoying their precious time in high school.
Billy Sooksavath
ELD & English Teacher
M.A., Teaching English to Student of Other Languages, Cal State LA
B.A., English, UC Irvine
Prior to joining Pacific Academy, Mr. Sooksavath attained valuable experience working with international students and adult learners in English language, Citizenship, and Computer Literacy. He motivates his students with engaging activities and projects that support different learning styles and interests. Mr. Sooksavath uses his experience and compassion to help English learners navigate the language and the challenges they face in their new environment.
Macarena Feijoó
Spanish teacher
B.A., Education Sciences, University of San Andrés
Professor and Credential in Education Sciences, University of San Andrés
Ms. Feijoó is a Spanish native speaker, born and raised in Argentina. She has a Bachelor's degree in Education Sciences as well as a teaching credential from the University of San Andrés (Buenos Aires, Argentina). She is passionate about teaching and has had 8 years of teaching and tutoring experience in Argentina as well as 2 years in History of Education at the University of San Andrés as a teaching assistant. At the beginning of 2019, she moved to California and continued working as a Spanish tutor. She enjoys meeting new students and challenges them to learn different expressions of the Spanish culture, costumes, history, cuisine, literature, and art, among others. Ms. Feijoó engages students in her classes by connecting the topics taught with their daily life and personal experiences. In her spare time, she loves traveling, reading, and playing sports.
Susan Zhang Frazier
K-6 Immersion Teacher
B.S., Resources and Environment Urban and Rural Planning, Chengdu University of Technology
Postgraduate Education of Administration in Southwest Jiaotong University
Education Training Program for Oversea Chinese Teachers, College of Chinese Language and Culture, Jinan University 2017; Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College 2019
Senior Grade, Certificate of Teaching Chinese as A Foreign Language, International Chinese Language Teachers Association
Certificate of Accreditation for Overseas Chinese
Language Teaching by Committee of Overseas
Chinese Education of the State Council of China
National Putonghua Proficiency - Level 1A
Ms. Zhang is an experienced Chinese teacher with a unique background in Business, Media, and Teaching. Prior to relocating to California, she was the Mandarin Master Teacher in The Westwood School, a Montessori and IB K-12 school in Dallas, Texas. There she was trained to teach multi-age classes with individual pacings. She was also the Master Mandarin Teacher for students at Chinese After School and Weekend Schools in Dallas. She has tutored students from kindergarten to grade 12, and has prepared high school and adult students for the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Tests), SAT Subject Test, and AP test.
Iris Liao
K-6 Chinese Teacher
Ed.D., Educational Administration, Specialization Adult and Higher Education,
University of South Dakota
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction,
William Woods University
B.S., Business Management,
William Woods University
Dr. Liao is an internationally recognized teacher, administrator, inventor, and author. Her work in education prior to coming to PA spans over twenty years, and she has served as a professor in Taiwan at the Kaohsiung Normal University, Tajen University, and Cheng Shiu University. She also is a Mandarin Chinese and Culture teacher at the Irvine Tzu Chi Academy. An award-winning inventor, Dr. Liao has created over a dozen patents. Passionate about stimulating creativity in young kids, she has designed educational materials for patents and prepared students for international invention competitions. As a teacher, her philosophy is to discover each child’s unique voice, strengths, and gifts by stimulating their creativity. Her deep interest in global issues resonates in her students, present and past. Every student she nurtures thinks deeply about the world and cares for its future. Her dream is to create leaders and problem solvers in our world.
Diana Negrete
K-6 Spanish Teacher
B.S., Child and Adolescent Development,
California State University Fullerton
Ms. Negrete is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching children and helping students be enthusiastic about learning in a fun, engaging way. She has worked and volunteered with children of all ages from infant to middle school. She taught Spanish for six years at a private school prior to starting her journey at PA. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, dancing, crafting, and spending time with her loved ones.
Stephanie Anderson
Academic / Social-Emotional Counselor
PPS Credential in School Counseling,
Cal State Long Beach
M.A., School Counseling, Cal State Long Beach
B.A., English Education, Cal State Long Beach
From a young age, Ms. Anderson knew she wanted to work in education. In 2008, she began her career in education and has loved every moment. After teaching ESL to students of all ages, she decided to pursue a degree that would allow her to help children become more successful students. Ms. Anderson became passionate about helping students reach their full academic, social and emotional potential. She wants to inspire them to do their personal best in their lives. Ms. Anderson has a love for traveling, learning about cultures, and trying new foods.
Alyssa McBrearty
K-6 English Teacher
Multiple Subject Clear Credential,
Vanguard University
M.A., Education, Vanguard University
B.A., Liberal Studies, Azusa Pacific University
Mrs. McBrearty has been teaching primary school students for over five years prior to teaching at PA. She has taught in Shanghai at an international school working with families from an array of cultures. Previously, she taught in Northern California and Irvine working with English language learners. Mrs. McBrearty is passionate about learning and loves getting to know her students well. She strives to create a classroom environment where her students feel a sense of belonging and significance. Apart from school, Mrs. McBrearty has taught for over 10 years teaching dance locally in Irvine. She has a heart for dancing, traveling, camping, and rock climbing!
Melissa Horgan
K-6 English Teacher
Multiple Subject Credential, Lone Star College, Texas
M. Ed., Gifted And Talented Education, Grand Canyon University
B.A., Fine Art, San Diego State University
Ms. Horgan began her formal teaching career in Houston, Texas where she lived before moving back to California. Her training in gifted and talented education is evident in the high standards she applies to all content areas. She knows how to develop and deliver meaningful standards based lessons ensuring all learners produce their personal best. She has a natural gift for personalizing content, enhancing energy and motivating on every topic. Differentiation is consistently evident for all levels of learners ensuring their acquisition of knowledge. Ms. Horgan’s students grow in confidence personally, academically and socially because she invests her faith, genuine concern, and attention in each one.
Andy Luong
Math and Science Teacher
M.S., Biomedical Science, UC San Diego
B.S., Biochemistry, UCLA
Mr. Luong has been an aspiring teacher even before graduating high school, when je was the club officer for an after school tutoring program. During his years of university, he continued to spend his time working as a tutor and guest lecturer at local Los Angeles middle schools and high schools. After graduating, he spent even more time working as a tutor, a counselor, and substitute teachers at various schools in the Orange County and Irvine area. He has brought his passion in science and teaching everywhere he goes. At Pacific Academy he not only helps students master math and science, but also inspires students to pursue their dreams.
Christine Jiang
K-6 Chinese Teacher
Single Subject Teaching Credential, Math
M.A., Education, University of California Irvine
B.A., English Literature, Huaihai Institute of Technology
Ms. Jiang comes from a family of generations of teachers and has a passion for teaching. She started tutoring students in Chinese, English, and Math when she was in college. She has teaching experience in both China and the U.S., and has taught different levels of students including elementary, middle, and high school. She sets high standards for her students and has been successful in helping her students make improvements academically and socially. She has become very interested in Chinese Immersion programs and would like to be both a teacher and a culture ambassador in the immersion program to benefit and develop her students.