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Our Staff

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The core of San Fernando Valley Academy is our passionate team of teachers who follow a high academic standard to guide their values, creativity and leadership. Take a look below to learn more about each of our team members.

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Principal

Chris Ebeneezer

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Mr. Chris Ebeneezer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and School Superintendent Certification and is currently completing his Master's in Education Leadership. Mr. Ebenezer has worked for the Seventh-Day Adventist organization for the past 40 years, in several capacities, such as: Hospital, publishing house, schools, etc. He has worked the most number of years in schools.

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Biology Instructor

Chemistry Instructor

Spanish I and II Instructor

Health/Careers Instructor

National Honor Society Sponsor

Junior Sponsor

Deborah Baroi

"For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the Lord, plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jer. 29:11

Dr. Deborah Baroi is not only a faculty member at SFVA, but she is also an alumna. After her secondary education, she earned a Bachelor of Science from La Sierra University and a Doctor of Medicine from the Universidad de Montemorelos. In her nearly three decades of teaching at SFVA, she has seen many of her students go on to become professionals in the medical industry. 

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Third and Fourth Grade Teacher

3rd to 8th Grade Science Instructor

Professional Development Coordinator

Emergency Training Coordinator

WASC Coordinator

Shelly Morris

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me,

and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:23-24

Mrs. Shelly Morris holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Oakwood University, and a Master’s in Education from University of Phoenix specializing in Diverse Learning. She also has a TEFL certification. She loves to combine traveling with her teaching as she introduces her students to the world. She has taught in Florida, Arizona, South Korea, Guam and California. She has taught at SFVA since 2015.

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TK & Kindergarten 

Violet Edwards

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

John 4:1-3

Mrs. Violet Edwards has B.A. in Childhood and Education Administration from Ashford University. She also has a A.A. in Educational Liberal Studies. She has worked all levels of elementary students at several institutions.

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5th and 6th Grade Teacher

3rd to 8th Grade Reading & Writing Instructor

AP Psychology Instructor

AP Coordinator 

WASC Coordinating Assistant

Web and Pamphlet Publication Designer

Alondra Gutierrez

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Alondra Gutierrez is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at La Sierra University and has received training in WASC and SBL. Mrs. Gutierrez is a member of the Van Nuys Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church and has served in several church roles, including Youth Director, Adventurers Subdirector and instructor, and Sabbath School teacher. She now teaches multiple subjects at SFVA. She is passionate about integrating faith and learning while helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

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Child Development Center Director (Preschool)

Milagros Carhuamaca

"A friend loveth at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity." 

Proverbs 17:17

Mrs. Milagros (Mrs. Mily) Carhuamaca obtained her B.A. degree in Education from the Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón in Lima, Peru in 2002. In 2008, she completed her equivalency through Educational Credential Evaluators, fulfilling the requirements for a B.A in General Education with emphasis in Special Education, Speech Pathology and Audiology. Before being a full-time teacher at SFVA she substituted here for two years. Working at SFVA is personal blessing for her because she loves teaching the Lord’s little and creative minds. Her class goal is for her students to end the school year reading, writing, computing basic mathematics and being able to read the Bible at the preschool level.

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Seventh and Eighth Grade Teacher

3rd to 8th Grade Math Instructor 

National Junior Honor Society Sponsor 

Orbel Lastima

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct your paths."

Psalm 3:5, 6

Mr. Orbel Lastima holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has eight years of teaching experience in the Marshall Islands, where he has taught at both elementary and middle school levels. Additionally, he has worked with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as a paraeducator in special education and as a substitute teacher. Mr. Lastima is dedicated to fostering a classroom environment that promotes enhanced learning and development for his students.

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First and Second Grade Teacher

Genesis Carrillo

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Ms. Carrillo holds a B.A. in Child Development with an Option in Applied Developmental Science from California State University, Northridge. She has worked as an pre-Kindergarten instructional aide in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has also worked alongside paraprofessionals, supporting children with diverse learning needs through one-to-one support, and working as a lead teacher to students with disabilities. Ms. Carrillo is passionate about supporting students’ academic growth while fostering a caring and inclusive learning environment where every child can succeed.

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Algebra I and II Instructor

Geometry Instructor

Pre-Calculus Instructor

Physics Instructor

Government/Economics Instructor

P.E. Instructor

Olympic Day Coordinator

Calendar and Schedule Coordinator

Freshmen Sponsor

Frank Crosgrove

"He who testifies to these things says 'Yes I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

Revelation 22:20

 

Mr. Frank Crosgrove has been teaching at SFVA for over three decades. Hundreds of his students have been prepared for and gone on to receive degrees of higher education. He previously taught at Valley View Jr. Academy for three years. He graduated from Pacific Union College with a B.A. in Math. He has been married to Julie Aguilar Crosgrove, an alumna of SFVA, for 35 years. He has a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Nikki. He likes to read and play the drums. He loves sports, especially baseball, and spending time with his wife at Disneyland.

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English I, II, III and IV Instructor

World History Instructor 

U.S. History Instructor 

Yearbook Sponsor

ASB Sponsor

Senior Thesis Advisor

Sophomore Sponsor

WASC Secretary

Student/Parent Handbook Secretary

 

Joel Kindrick

"God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1

Mr. Joel Kindrick has an M.A. in military history from Norwich University and four B.A.s from Pacific Union College: History, Communication, International Communication, and Spanish. He also holds four TESOL certificates as well as Post-Secondary Vocation Certificate in ESL. During his 30 years of teaching, he has been an instructor of history and English on the higher-education campuses of Pepperdine University, California Lutheran University, College of the Canyons, and Pacific Union College. He has taught middle school and high school at Chaminade College Preparatory and Bellarmine-Jefferson High School. His writing and research continues to be published in periodicals such as Vietnam, Vietnow and World at War. His book Pronunciation Supplements is used by teachers of English as a second language and is distributed and produced by his educational research company, Brookside Education. He is also an accomplished actor whose work has been portrayed in film, TV, and theatre for over 30 years.

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SFVA Band - 7 - 12

SFVA Choir - 9 - 12

SFVA Theater - 7 - 12

SFVA Singers - 5 - 6

SFVA Elementary Music K – 4

Religion I, II, III and IV Instructor

Keyboarding and Computer Instructor

Senior Sponsor

Musical Director for Special Events

Leopold Rugless

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5,6

Mr. Rugless has a B.A. in Commercial and Media Writing (scoring for film, television, and radio degree) from California State University, Northridge. For over 30 years, he has performed, taught, and recorded with Grammy award winners, Tony nominees, and Stellar award winners. His recordings and performances have been reviewed in periodicals and newspapers such as the L.A. Times, Maui News, and the Huntington Beach Independent. He has served for over 20 years in various churches (Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal and Presbyterian) as worship leader, conducting choral, and orchestral arrangements. He also has experience in areas of corporate America, specializing in B2B vertical markets and current technology sales. Some of his areas of past-time include all genres of music, watching movies, sports, traveling, and meeting people. All his gifts and talents are God-given, and it is his goal to use them to show God's love for humanity, by following Jesus's example.

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Registrar

Academic Counselor

Cristina Perdomo

"For I am the Lord your God who takes

hold of your right hand
and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.."

Isaiah 41:13

Mrs. Cristina Perdomo's knowledge on what students need to graduate and where they are in their credits makes her a very valuable member of SFVA. She holds certification in Upper School Automated Scheduling, Closing Out a School Year in FACTS SIS, Tracking Progress and Enrollment Management Reporting. Whether a student has attended all their life at SFVA or if they are just transferring in from another school, Mrs. Perdomo will be able to help the student find their best path toward graduation.

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Administrative Assistant

Erika Olivares

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for he Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Ms. Erika Olivares is probably the first face that will be seen when entering the campus. Ms. Erika will greet with a smile and will be happy to answer all of questions. She is a paralegal who has child development training. Her education also covers primary health and COVID hands-on training and she is HIPAA certified. Not only does she keep the office running smoothly, but she also is often the first person to help with sick and injured students. Her skills as a liaison between the school and the guardians is essential.

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Day Care Director

Sandra Guzman

"I waited patiently for the LORD;

he turned to me and heard my cry."

Psalm 40:1

Mrs. Sandra Guzman has worked with the young children of SFVA for many years. She holds an A.A. in early childhood education and has a preschool director certification. Before becoming the day care director, she was a preschool teacher and director of the Child Development Center at SFVA. Often parents are unable to pick up their children right when school is over. The day care center is the place where children can safely go and be in good hands with Mrs. Guzman.

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Business Manager

Aaron Yu

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

Mr. Aaron Yu is a graduate of La Sierra University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance. His most important goal as the school's Business Manager is to serve the school community with integrity and dedication. He is committed to ensuring financial stability, transparency, and supporting the mission of the school. He splits his time between SFVA and Simi Valley Elementary. 

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School Maintenance

School Custodian

Gerard Hariston

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths."

Ps. 3:5,6

Mr. Gerard Hariston is responsible for keeping SFVA tidy and maintained. This is a mammoth job for one person, but Mr. Hariston keeps a smile on his face and does his best not to let all of the projects get too far ahead of him. If there is anybody who'd like to volunteer to give him a hand, he will certainly be willing to accept the assistance.

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School Maintenance

School Custodian

Roberto Velado

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths."

Ps. 3:5,6

Mr. Roberto Velado is responsible for keeping SFVA tidy and maintained. This is a mammoth job for one person, but Mr. Velado keeps a smile on his face and does his best not to let all of the projects get too far ahead of him. If there is anybody who'd like to volunteer to give him a hand, he will certainly be willing to accept the assistance.

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Substitute Teacher
Seventh and Eighth Grade Aide

Cherrie Flores

"Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Dr. Cherrie Flores is an optometrist who takes time from her busy schedule to assist teachers when they get called away on official assignments like special training, field trips or other class activities. She a wonderful supporter of the school who is happy to assist whenever needed.

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Athletic Director

Coach Benny 

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths."

Ps. 3:5,6

Coach Benny joined our team in 2024

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Substitute Teacher

Football and Basketball Coach

Andrew Baroi

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will up hold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Mr. Andrew Baroi is an alumnus of SFVA. He is a championship winning coach who spends many hours training junior varsity and varsity teams in football and basketball. He is also a substitute teacher.

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