Staff

David Bowers- Intergrated Science Innovations 7 and  Design Thinking CORE 7

Mr. Bowers has been involved in education for the past 19 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

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 being a part of this great school and to getting to know the students better.  She has been in education for 24 years.  Last year 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 has 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 an Administrative Credential.  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 (grades 7 and 11) who are involved in club 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

Matt Ireland- Freshman STEM- Research & Development and Integrated Science Industry & Design 8

Mr. Ireland has been teaching for 9 years, 8 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

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

Tiana Kallenberger- 6th Graade

Tiana Kallenberger joins Legacy Magnet Academy from Pioneer Middle School and looks forward to teaching Legacy’s 6^th grade students. Ms. Kallenberger majored in Global Affairs and minored in Business at George Mason University, where she also played four years of Division I soccer. Before joining the field of education Ms. Kallenberger has experience working in various business roles in market research and marketing. She has both Multiple Subjects and Social Studies teaching credentials that allows her to teach grades K-12.  Ms. Kallenberger is currently completing her Masters of Education in Educational Technology at Concordia University.  When Ms. Kallenberger is not teaching she is traveling, cooking, playing soccer, or enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family.

Contact:   tkallenberger@tustin.k12.ca.us

Erica Kelly- 6th Grade

Mrs. Kelly is ecstatic to be joining 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 16 years- 9 years in middle school and 7 years in elementary. This will be her 5th 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- Math II Finance & Economy and Physical Education

Coach Kelly is fired up to be a part of LMA's inaugural team, where he will be teaching Physical Education. For the past two years, 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

Christian Manalo- Physical Education

Coach Manalo is entering his 2nd 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 Southlands Christian High School in Rowland Heights. 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- 6th Grade

Mrs. Meade is thrilled to be a part of the Legacy Magnet Academy team! She has worked in education for over 15 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

Sarah Pflueger- Reading, Writing & Research in Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking English 8

Ms. Pflueger is beyond thrilled and grateful to be joining this inspiring staff at LMA. She is in her 17th year of teaching and 7th 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. Besides teaching 8th and 9th grade English at Legacy Magnet Academy, she will spearhead our digital newspaper. When not teaching she spends time with her two daughters (both attend Arroyo Elementary) and her dog, Mama. She enjoys the beach, working out, cooking, painting, and being with friends and family. 

Contact:   spflueger@tustin.k12.ca.us

Dr. Brandee Ramirez- Technology Applications for Business and Virtual Enterprise Junior Venture

Dr. Brandee Ramirez has been in education for over twenty years. She has taught elementary and middle school 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 at Utt Middle School. 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 and is an active member of Educators Cooperative. 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. She recently started Passion2Educate with its focus on how to support the love of learning for all learners….If you BELIEVE in children, they will do AMAZING things! In her spare time you will find her on various adventures with her four children (and two dogs, two guinea pigs and numerous fish), riding roller coasters (not with the pets), kayaking, paddling boarding or traveling to new places in search of the best nachos! 

Contact:   bramirez@tustin.k12.ca.us

Staci Spencer- 6th Grade

Ms. Spencer has been an educator for 15 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 & Economy and Engineering Geometry

Often times, students get frustrated when math doesn't make sense. For over 15 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 10-year old son loves building, tinkering, and messing with anything that has gears and motors. Their 7-year old daughter loves to play with her neighborhood friends, draw, and do puzzles. 

Contact:   astadel@tustin.k12.ca.us

Michelle Turkington- Specialized Academic Instruction 

Michelle Turkington is excited to be a part of Legacy Magnet Academy! She has her Undergraduate Degree in Elementary Education cross-endorsed with Special Education from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford Connecticut. While earning her undergraduate, she was a collegiate soccer player and the captain for her junior and senior year. She also has her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction also from the University of Saint Joseph. For the last four years, she has been teaching in a middle school in Hartford Connecticut. Her primary title remained Special Services Provider but she held multiple additional titles. She just moved to California in June and is enjoying the new experiences.

Contact:   mturkington@tustin.k12.ca.us

Meghan Wolf- 6th Grade

Ms. Wolf is incredibly excited to be joining the team at Legacy Magnet Academy. She has been part of the Tustin Unified School District for 4 years, and enjoyed that time at Utt Middle School where she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Core as well as ASB.  Ms. Wolf 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 Ms. Wolf's favorites include her two recently adopted kittens, camping, hiking, traveling abroad, and spending time with her family and friends.  At Legacy Magnet Academy, Ms. Wolf intends to encourage her students to think critically and creatively, and to be caring friends and brave leaders. Ms. Wolf is eager to build relationships and empower students to find and explore what they’re passionate about. 

Contact:   mwolf@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

Staci Koski- Counselor

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