Staff

Alyssa Anthony- 6th Grade and Coding

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 7  and Intervention

Mrs. Blair is thrilled to join the Legacy team! She has been teaching in TUSD for fourteen 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

David Bowers- Integrated Science Innovations 7 and Integrated Science Design 8

Mr. Bowers has been involved in education for the past 20 years.  He possesses a Masters degree in Education from Hope International University and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.  Mr. Bowers moved to the Tustin Unified School District in 2014 and spent the first six years of his career here at Pioneer Middle School.  He has taught a mixture of Core and Science for the past six years.  In his free time, Mr. Bowers enjoys spending time with his family and playing chess.  He is extremely excited to be a part of the Legacy Magnet Academy family and looks forward to the innovation we will make in education! 

Contact:   dbowers@tustin.k12.ca.us

Hannah Byun- Business Finance Algebra and 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

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- Design Thinking CORE 7 and Technology Applications for Business 

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 25 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- 6th Grade and College & Career Exploration

Mr. Falat is so excited to join Legacy Magnet Academy and TUSD as a 6th grade teacher. 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 fourth year as a teacher and his first year teaching in TUSD. Mr. Falat and his family recently moved to Southern California from San Jose where he spent the past 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 joining the 6th Grade team at Legacy Magnet Academy. Ms. Fowler has been a part of the Tustin Unified School District for 4 years, starting her career as a 6th Grade Core teacher at Pioneer Middle School and spending the past year workings 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 17 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

Claudia Hardi- STEM- Research & Development and Technology of Biology

Ms. Hardi is honored to be joining 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 three 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

Matt Ireland - STEM- Research & Development and Rapid Prototyping

Mr. Ireland has been teaching for 10 years, 9 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

Roland Jones- World History by Design and Design Thinking History 8

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 17 years- 10 years in middle school and 7 years in elementary. This will be her 6th 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 5 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- Intervention Teacher

Mrs. Ku has been in education for over 13 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

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

Mr. Madueno is beyond thrilled to be joining the LMA family!!  He has been teaching for 10 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 3rd 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

Gia Meade- Design Thinking CORE 7 and Technology Applications for Business 

Mrs. Meade is thrilled to be a part of the Legacy Magnet Academy team! She has worked in education for over 16 years and spent the early years of her career teaching elementary students in San Diego and Palo Alto. In 2013, she joined Tustin Unified and worked with the amazing team at Hicks Canyon Elementary before helping to open Heritage STEAM Magnet School. During her teaching tenure, Mrs. Meade was also a Cotsen Foundation fellow and focused her work on Cognitively Guided Instruction. Most recently, she has been an Instructional Coach supporting middle school classroom teachers as they implement CPM Math and Reading/Writing Workshop. Mrs. Meade has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Binghamton University in New York and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of LaVerne. She is also a proud parent of 4 vibrant kids who all attend Tustin schools. Mrs. Meade enjoys family road trips, photography, and camping in the great outdoors. Mrs. Meade feels that teaching at Legacy Magnet Academy will be an incredible opportunity to build relationships with students, provoke their curiosity and inspire them to be bold and innovative in everything they do.

Contact:   rmeade@tustin.k12.ca.us

Jennifer Murphy- Design Thinking English 8 and Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship

Mrs. Murphy is proud to join the students and staff at Legacy Magnet Academy! She joins us from Tustin High School where she taught 10th and 11th grade English for the past 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 Pflueger- Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship and Integrated English & Marketing

Ms. Pflueger is beyond thrilled and grateful to be joining this inspiring staff at LMA. She is in her 18th year of teaching and 8th 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

Dr. Brandee Ramirez- Intervention Lead Teacher

Dr. Brandee Ramirez has been in education for over twenty years. She has taught all levels, coached and created professional development around technology integration and worked for the educational technology company, Age of Learning as their Director of Instruction. In 2019-2020, she taught the Career and Technical Education Pathways: Information and Communication Technologies and Arts, Media and Entertainment and helped open Legacy Magnet Academy in 2020-2021 by teaching the Virtual Enterprise program, advising ASB and facilitating the following clubs:  FBLA, AME, Gamification and Girls Who Code. She is a UCI Writing Project Fellow, and was 2013 Teacher of the Year. She was an OCCUE Board Member, has worked with the COTSEN Foundation as a Principal Tech Network Facilitator. She has written over $15,000 in start-up grants for innovation in education and has presented for the Asia Society Global Education Forum, CUE National Conferences, E-Learning Symposium, National Head Start Association, ISTE and TCEA.  She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, which focused on instructional coaching, self-efficacy and technology. She has a passion for educational technology but most importantly academic equality for all children and that “If you BELIEVE in children, they will do AMAZING things!” In her spare time you will find her with her four children, watching their sports and activities, riding roller coasters, kayaking, paddle boarding or traveling to new places in search of the best nachos! 

Contact:   bramirez@tustin.k12.ca.us

Staci Spencer- Design Thinking CORE 7 and Technology Applications for Business 

Ms. Spencer has been an educator for 16 years and has been fortunate to have all of these years in Tustin Unified. Her teaching career began at Myford Elementary School and while there she was honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Year. Then, Mrs. Spencer moved on up to Pioneer Middle School to pursue her passion of teaching reading and writing as a 6th grade teacher. Her love for reading and writing grows as she continues to learn from some of the best educators at Teachers College in New York. The last two years, Mrs. Spencer has used her passion as an instructional coach to support middle school teachers in the implementation of Reading and Writing Workshop.  She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Fullerton and a Master’s degree in Education: Educational Administration from Concordia University. Outside of work, Mrs. Spencer volunteers in the local community helping those in need. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors, especially going hiking and traveling to new places. She also has a love for live music which has recently inspired her to learn to play the guitar.  Mrs. Spencer is thrilled to have the opportunity as a teacher to cultivate relationships and learn alongside innovative students and staff at Legacy Magnet Academy. 

Contact:   sspencer@tustin.k12.ca.us

Andrew Stadel- Math II Finance and Economy and Engineering Geometry

Often times, students get frustrated when math doesn't make sense. For over 16 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 11-year old son loves building, tinkering, and messing with anything that has gears and motors. Their 8-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 22 years, teaching in private, NPS, and public settings. This is her 16th 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- World History by Design and US History Through Media Design & Arts

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 21 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 eight 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

Staci Koski- Counselor M-Z

As an undergrad Mrs. Koski attended San Diego State University and received a BS in Psychology.  Her Masters Degree and Pupil Personnel Services credential were earned at National University.  Mrs. Koski is entering her 20th year of school counseling - all in TUSD. #wearetusd. Mrs. Koski is passionate about supporting students through a 21st century educational journey and she is dedicated to helping all students find their passion and reach their potential.  When not working, Mrs. Koski can be found hanging with her family...(husband Scott, sons Dane 10 and Ben 7)...probably on a baseball field or on a mountain bike trail.  She and her family also love to camp and get to the beach as much as they can.  Mrs. Koski is from New Jersey originally, and she tries to get back home often to visit family and eat real pizza.  

Contact: skoski@tustin.k12.ca.us