Our Faculty & Staff

I am blessed to serve as principal of Assumption BVM School. My professional background is rooted in students’ and adults’ education and leadership. I have taught in elementary, middle, and high school settings, serving students and mentoring teachers. My administrative experience includes various leadership roles, including Head of School. The skills and lessons learned from these experiences will help me better serve our community as your principal.

As a product of Catholic schools in Los Angeles (elementary, high school, and university), I understand and know the sacrifices parents and guardians make to send their children to Assumption BVM School. With that in mind, our school community works together to give your child a nurturing environment that will allow for the best experiences to develop their faith, academics, leadership, and ability to serve others.

If you are looking for a school community supporting your child’s growth and faith, then you belong at Assumption BVM School. Please call us at (626) 793-2089 to schedule an appointment and tour our school. Great things are happening, and we would love for you to be a part of our family. Become, Bless, Believe.Blessings and Go Gators! Mr. R. Bringas, Jr. Principal

• Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice | Chaminade University of Honolulu
• Master of Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education Teaching | Chaminade University of Honolulu Hawaii State Standard Teaching License 
• Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• Crosscultural Language and Academic Development Certificate | UCLA extension

Hello!  My name is Ms. Demyla Rodriguez, I am the 8th Grade homeroom teacher, Jr. High Social Studies teacher, and Jr. High Religion teacher.   I have been working in an archdiocesan school since 2014 and working at ABVM since 2019. 

I truly believe God has called me to assist, teach, and guide students in their education and faith journey.  Prior to my work experience in Los Angeles, I worked as a Kindergarten teacher and preschool special education teacher in Honolulu, Hawaii (less than a mile from the beach).  My personal education journey has been highlighted by Catholic Schools.  I attended St. Mary of the Assumption School in Whittier, CA for my elementary studies, graduated from St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, CA and I earned both my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

I enjoy running 5k’s, half marathons and marathons. I have completed marathons in California, Hawaii, and Dublin, Ireland! If it’s summer time you can find me on the lake jet skiing with my family.  In the fall and winter months you can find me enjoying my season tickets for the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Kings.  I also enjoy traveling to watch the Los Angeles Kings play; I’ve been to games in Arizona, Colorado, Washington and Canada! Fun fact: I am recently engaged!  In addition to being a teacher, I have a “part-time job” as a wedding planner.  

I am blessed that God placed me within this school location.  I am eager to immerse myself in the culture and community of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School and Parish!

• Bachelor of Arts, English – California State University, Northridge
• Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential – California State University, Los Angeles
• Master of Arts in Education, Option in Reading Instruction – California State University, Los Angeles
• Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential – California State University, Los Angeles
• Dyslexia Screener  and Consultant

Hello!! My name is Amanda McGeough and I am the Learning Specialist and STEP Coordinator for Grades K-8. I am the product of Catholic education. I attended St. Patrick School in North Hollywood for my elementary education and graduated from St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City. I chose the secular route for my post-secondary studies and went on to earn a BA in English from CSUN (Go Matadors!) , and then later my Multiple Subject Credential and Masters of Art in Education from CSULA (Go Eagles!).

My journey on the path to becoming an educator was not a straightforward one. My mother kept insisting I was going to become a teacher. I resisted! After graduating from CSUN, I worked as a PR account executive. After six years, I realized that I wanted to do something more impactful and life-changing. Education here I come! From 2002-2008, I served as the 5th grade teacher, and later junior high Math and Science teacher at St. Thomas More School in Alhambra. I joined the Assumption community in 2010. I guess Mom was right (but aren’t they always)!

I’m an avid fan of YouTube and enjoy watching food and travel vlogs. On the weekends, I like to take long walks while listening to true crime podcasts.

I’m blessed to be a member of the ABVM community. Go Gators!

• Bachelor of Arts, History – University of Northern Iowa
• Master of Arts, Teaching – University of Southern California
• Professional Clear California Teaching Credential – University of California San Diego

Hello and welcome to 6^th Grade! New challenges, opportunities and spiritual discovery are a hallmark of the middle school experience. I am eagerly awaiting motivated students to join me in the classroom so that we can learn to transition and embrace these new experiences together.

I have been teaching since 2012. Before relocating to Los Angeles, I first worked at a private school in downtown San Diego. At that school, I taught elementary reading, as well as elementary through high school history. When that school was on summer break, I was fortunate enough to teach English and American Government in China. After that school relocated to Escondido, I was blessed with the opportunity to teach 7^th grade at St. Columba in San Diego.

I love the enormous benefits that come with Catholic education, and I am truly grateful to be a part of the Assumption community. When I am not devising ways to enhance the learning of young minds, I enjoy watching baseball, playing with my dog Fred, grilling on the Traeger and spending time with my family.

My name is Zhanna Makhyan. I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from University California of Irvine, as well as gained Teaching Credentials in Mathematics (k-12) from Azusa Pacific University. Being a versatile individual, I have  had the opportunity to teach students who functioned below and above grade level. I have been very successful at accommodating diverse students’ needs by facilitating styles of learners, offering individualized and extracurricular support, and integrating effective materials. Since I am trilingual in English, Russian and Armenian, I was also able to help the students who were not fluent in English. Being a hard working and well-rounded educator, my extensive experience, collaborative nature, and innovative skills would benefit your mathematics program.

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – University of California, Riverside. 
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential – California State University, Los Angeles.

I have always been interested in helping others and teaching. Since my days at La Salle HS, I used to tutor for the National Honor Society, a practice I continued by leading study groups with my classmates in college. I eventually realized that the best way I could help others was through teaching, and so I committed to becoming a classroom teacher. 

Teaching is one way that I try to make a positive impact on the world around us. I believe that the best way to help build a bright future is to mentor and teach the future, our children. This is why I have decided to teach because effective and positive teaching can shape a student’s life for the better, and they can then grow up to pass that kindness on to others. 

If there is one thing I try to do out of school it is to read stories about popular culture, so I am always at the movies or discovering new shows. I also enjoy live music, so I try my hardest to go out to  concerts when I can. Finally, I also collect celebrity autographs with a collection ranging from Bryan Cranston to Jon Hamm. 

I am a dog parent to two beautiful dogs, a Border Collie named Oreo and a Chihuahua named Eggo. I am also a graduate of La Salle High School, Pasadena. 

• Bachelor of Science – California Polytechnic University, Pomona 
• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential & Master’s of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education Degree – in progress.

• Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies – California State University, Northridge
• Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential – California State University, Bakersfield
• Masters of Education, Early Literacy – Walden University

Greetings, I am Sonia Sison, and this is my first year of teaching at the ABVM School. I am so excited tobe a part of this prestigious institution. To use Krista Mc Auliffe’s words, “I touch the future I teach.” What a great privilege to have been given this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the young people entrusted to my care here at ABVM.

I take pride and great responsibility in my teaching profession. Teaching is my passion. I think I was born to teach. I am at my best when I’m in the classroom. I enjoy learning along with my students. I was fortunate enough to spend many years as a teacher in my native country in the most prestigious school for the gifted in Science and Math, the Philippine Science High School.

I was also blessed to have encountered so many talented educators when I started my teaching journey here in California in 2003. This is my 12th year teaching in the Archdioceses of San Francisco and Los Angeles. I graduated BSE in Don Bosco College Philippines. My Salesian education has prepared me to have a strong faith in God, in the Church, and a great love for Mary. I had my MA in Reading at Philippine Normal University. I took Early Childhood Education at LA City College. I have been a member of Flat Classroom and Classroom2.0 and since then through these associations my classroom has never been the same.

It is my wish to pass on to my students my love for reading because I believe reading will not only give us an edge but also will take us to places – Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss is one of my favorites.

• Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential- Mount Saint Mary’s University 
• Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate- Brandman University
• Elementary Education Certification – Michigan
• Early Childhood Special and General Education Certification – Michigan
• Bachelor of Arts in General Education – Aquinas College; Grand Rapids, MI

Hello! I am Nicole Ostrander, the First Grade teacher at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I have been in education since 2016 and taught First Grade at ABVM since 2019. I previously taught Transitional Kindergarten at ABVM for three years. 

First Graders are active learners. Our classroom strives to be a safe and loving learning environment for all students. The students will be invited to apply their knowledge daily to the real world. Each day will be filled with Reading, Writing, Religion, Math, Social Studies, Science, along with their special classes. Reading and writing are at the core of each of our subjects and students will have multiple opportunities to practice both daily. We will have a lot of fun moving around the classroom and singing along with educational songs. The students will engage in academic conversations with one another to build their understanding of concepts.  

I am a graduate of Annunciation Catholic School in Arcadia, Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, and Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a graduate of Catholic Schools at the Elementary, High School, and Collegiate levels, it was the involvement and support of students, families, faculty, and staff that drew me to a career in education. In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with family, going to Dodger games, and traveling. 

I look forward to a wonderful year with the 1st Graders!

• Bachelor of Arts, Theater- Loyola Marymount University
• Master of Science, Education- University of Southern California
• Professional Clear Multiple-Subject Credential (Bilingual)- University of Southern California

I am a proud graduate of Assumption (class of ’91) and I’ve been a teacher at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary since 2011. ABVM prepared me well for high school at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. The skills I learned as a theater major at LMU continue to be useful tools in my “bag of tricks” as a primary grades teacher. I’ve enjoyed using my theater background as director of the annual Assumption Spring Concert and, starting 2022, as the director of our full-length musical production. I received my Master’s degree and teaching credential at USC. 

Upon completing my program I worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 3 years as a 1st grade teacher at Hobart Elementary. I helped open up Mariposa-Nabi Primary Center, a new LAUSD school in Korea town. I was a first grade teacher there for 6 years before I had the wonderful opportunity of coming back to Assumption as the first grade teacher for 9 years. I’ve been teaching TK at Assumption since 2019..

I enjoy teaching primary grades because I love teaching my students how to grow academically by learning the phonetic building blocks that unlock reading and writing. I enjoy incorporating singing, dancing, skits, and structured play to learn. I strive to guide my students to not only become proficient readers & writers, but to be mathematicians, scientists, athletes, artists, caring citizens and loving Catholics.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy going to the movies, having dance parties at home, singing karaoke, cheering on the Dodgers and Trojans, going to the beach, and eating out at “foodie” restaurants. I’m married to Mike, a fellow educator, and the proud parent of three wonderful children: Rose Mia, Jack Sebastian, and Hope Marie.