Beatriz Gutierrez
Founder & Executive Director

Beatriz Gutierrez is passionate about providing children in her hometown with a vibrant, viable educational opportunity in Lynwood, California. As a Teach For America ("TFA") Corps member, Beatriz taught in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Dallas, TX. During this time, she focused on developing her own abilities as an educator so that she reached every single student who walked through the door of her classroom. After her tenure with TFA, Beatriz continued teaching and later served as an instructional coach in the Dallas Independent School District, implementing a data-driven system for 25 teachers and 450 students, and leading weekly professional development for Pre-K to fifth grade teachers. She went on to become Dean of Instruction at Uplift Education. As a leader, Beatriz has consistently aimed at moving the needle even more for her scholars. Beatriz is the Executive Director of Soleil Academy. She was part of the 2016 Building Excellent Schools Fellowship, a rigorous, yearlong, comprehensive training program in urban charter school creation and leadership. Soleil Academy is goal-oriented, data-driven, and systematic and most importantly provides a safe learning environment for all scholars. Beatriz moved back to her hometown with the sole purpose of creating a school for her community that would provide students an excellent education.

Beatriz holds a B.A. in Sociology from University of California, Santa Barbara. ​

Carolyn Fernandez
Principal Fellow

Carolyn Fernandez is a mission-driven educator who strongly believes every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their race or socio-economic status. It is because of this belief that she has dedicated her entire educational career to working with schools in urban communities. She began her career in Information Technology, first working in the financial and pharmaceutical sectors, before switching to a career that she was truly passionate about.  After returning to school in pursuit of her Masters Degree she worked as an Early Elementary Teacher for 11 years before becoming a Literacy Coach.  As a teacher, Carolyn had always prided herself in setting a high bar of excellence for her scholars and watching them achieve great things. Through standards-driven math and literacy lessons and engaging cross-curricular units, she motivated scholars to take an active role in their learning in an environment that was supportive of their diverse needs.  As a Literacy Coach, she provided valuable job-embedded professional development to build the capacity of teachers that translated into increased student achievement.  She served as the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction in our founding year and is now looking forward to leading as the upcoming Principal of Soleil Academy.
 
Carolyn holds a B.S. in Management Science/Information Systems from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and a M.A. in Early Childhood Education from New Jersey City University.  She has also completed the NJEXCEL Program in pursuit of her Principal Certification.

Raquel Avina
Operations Manager

Raquel Avina grew up in South Central, Los Angeles. She believes that all scholars deserve a high-quality education and a successful pathway to college, and that it can begin as early as Kindergarten. Ms. Avina has dedicated over 10 years  within charter schools supporting operations. While working for the Los Angeles Conservation Corps with at-risk youth, a program that provides a second chance for youth to complete their high school diploma, Ms. Avina began to appreciate the work schools and dedicated staff provided to their communities. She continued her career as an administrative clerk and then moved on to lead a founding operations team for a middle school as the School Operations Manager. She is thrilled to join Soleil Academy and support best practices in safety and support the learning environment of our scholars.
Ms. Avina obtained her Bachelor’s in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

​Catrina holds a B.A. in English Education from California State University, Long Beach. 

Catrina Weston
Family Liaison

Catrina Weston is an enthusiastic advocate for high-quality education and youth development. In college, she studied English acquisition and planned on joining the teaching world. It was her dream to travel the world as an English teacher, but she soon fell more in love with working with inner city youth through after-school programs and summer camps with the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. While in Long Beach, she developed a passion for creating relationships with parents and youth. She was determined to support families by ensuring they felt prepared and empowered in their education path. She has since developed and trained on best practices across southern California for youth workers, managed charter school youth and adult culture practices, as well as health and wellness best practices. Catrina is a strong advocate for the implementation of meaningful youth development and parent involvement in all opportunities of education.

​Catrina holds a B.A. in English Education from California State University, Long Beach. 

Gricelda Ramirez-Garzon
Office Manager

Gricelda was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. She is passionate about providing families and students with resources, services, and opportunities. Before joining Soleil Academy she worked at Youth Policy Institute After School Program as Parent Coordinator. There she aimed to provide families with resources, workshops, and activities to educate and engage families. Later, she attained a position in Camino Nuevo Charter were she took on several roles such as attendance, records, and IEP Clerk. She is extremely excited to start her role here at Soleil Academy and to provide families and students with quality service that she has garnered from her past experience.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Chicano/a Studies from California State University, Northridge. 

Michelle Miranda
TK/Kindergarten Teacher

Michelle Miranda is a dedicated and hard-working educator who believes in all her students. She is passionate about educating her scholars because the more they know, the more places they will go! Her goal for all her students is for them to graduate from college. For that to happen, she works hard every day to provide a structured learning environment with academic rigor and character development and a focus on literacy. She provides opportunities for her students to take charge of their learning and grow in their responsibility.

For as long as she can remember, she has always wanted to become a teacher. She did her best in school because of her goal to attend her dream school: CSULB, due to their great teaching program. After high school, she was accepted to CSULB and graduated with her BA in four years. Before becoming a teacher, she traveled the world and visited places like France, England, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and even lived in Canada for a year. Since then she has student taught Kinder through 6th grade at various points in her career. She is very excited to start teaching TK/K at Soleil Academy.

She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a focus in Educational Studies from California State University Long Beach. She also holds a valid California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Natalia Guerieri
TK/Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Guerieri is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who believes all students regardless of their circumstances deserve the opportunity to have a high-quality education. She believes in setting high expectations for every child and developing meaningful relationships in the classroom. Mrs. Guerieri believes communication is essential when working with culturally diverse students as learning and understanding about different cultures and backgrounds can help develop more effective and positive relationships in the classroom. She strives to foster a student-centered learning environment where every child can feel successful.

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Mrs. Guerieri immigrated to United States when she was three years old. She was raised in Downey, CA where she attended school and was an active part of her community. With the support of her parents and through hard work and dedication she was able to learn English and succeed through college and beyond. For this reason, Mrs. Guerieri strives to maintain good relationships with the parent community as she believes this is a key factor in students’ overall achievement.

She holds a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Spanish Language from California State University, Long Beach.

Sonia Rodriguez
1st Grade Teacher

 ​Sonia Rodriguez is a compassionate and caring educator who seeks to bring out the best in every child. She strives to create a safe learning environment where students can take risks, develop their self-esteem, and learn to respect others. She engages students in a standards based-education that focuses on fostering meaningful student understanding and growth.   

Having arrived in the U.S. from Mexico when she was seven years old, she is especially equipped to work within a culturally diverse community. This experience sensitized her to address the unique learning and emotional needs of each child. Mrs. Rodriguez finds it crucial to involve parents/caregivers in their children’s education. Through meaningful communication between teacher and parents/caregivers, students are better supported to achieve their full potential.  

She holds a B.A. in History with a minor in Spanish Cultural Studies from Occidental College and a M.A. in Education from Whittier College.

Chelsea Adams
1st Grade Teacher

Chelsea Adams is a goal driven educator who drives high achievement through relationships that capture the educational experience of the whole child. She is committed to providing equal access and equal outcomes to every student’s education, and she believes that career and college success starts with a strong, rigorous, early childhood education. 

Raised in a military family, Chelsea has lived in several states across the U.S., but is a recent resident of Los Angeles moving from Washington, D.C., where she had worked as a kindergarten teacher for the past two years. Her experience in moving throughout her childhood education has inspired her to create consistency in her classroom to promote the greatest success for her students.


She holds a B.A. in Leadership and Public Policy from the University of Virginia and is completing her M.A. in Education at Johns Hopkins University.

Stephanie Kim
2nd Grade Teacher

Stephanie Kim is an educator with a passion to teach the whole child. She attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art in Liberal Studies. She simultaneously worked towards obtaining a Multiple Teaching Credential with a focus and determination to teach English Language Learners. 

Born and raised in Southern Los Angeles, Mrs. Kim completed her student teaching and the first 4 years of teaching in the Downtown Los Angeles area and continues to pursue her work towards educational equality. She has worked 3 years as a 1st grade teacher and 1 year as a Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Kim is thrilled to join the Soleil Team as a 2nd grade teacher and eager to work with students and families on their path to college and greatness!

She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Mount St. Mary’s University.

Jennifer Gomez-Nevarez
Special Education Teacher

 ​Jennifer Gomez has worked as an educator in the Lynwood community for the past 5 years. She believes all children should be taught in a way that nurtures the individuality of the students. Providing students with confidence and the tools for success is important to build the foundation for college. Giving children the extra support they need and introducing them to new things can open up opportunities. Jennifer knew she wanted to be a teacher at a young age. Having family members working in the education field gave her the opportunity to go into classrooms and experience it for herself. She strongly believes that doing what you love doesn’t make it feel like work, which is why college is important. One can choose a career in the field they are most interested in.  
​
She holds a BA in Special Education and is working on her Masters at Cal State Dominguez Hills. 

Courtney Bradley
Culture & Data Coordinator; Dance Teacher

Courtney Bradley is a passionate teacher who believes arts in education is invaluable. She studied creative dance for children at the University of Illinois. The program ignited her passion for dance education, and she has been committed to providing youth with high quality dance programming since.
 
Upon graduating, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her teaching career. She has been a dance educator for the past 8 years and has taught a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. In 2013, she created the elementary dance team. The team of 60 scholars performed at various Family Nights, community meetings, and talent shows.
 
Ms. Bradley is very excited to be a part of the Soleil team and is looking forward to dancing through the school year with all of the scholars! 

She obtained her B.F.A in Dance from the University of Illinois in 2010 and studied creative dance for children. 

Viviana Villasano
Nutrition Support

Viviana Villasano grew up in South Central Los Angeles. Viviana believes that all scholars from any community deserve the right to go to college. She attended a charter school during her four years of high school and believes strongly in the mission of Soleil Academy.  Viviana talking to scholars about healthy eating habits as we she hands them their meals with a smile.  Viviana takes pride in the work she does and enjoys supporting Soleil in any way she can.

Aileen Ramos
Instructional Aide

Aileen Ariana Ramos is from Lynwood, CA. She attended El Camino College in Torrance, CA before she transferred schools. She currently attends California State University of Long Beach where she is pursuing her B.A in Liberal Studies. She believes everyone has the right to go to college and believes in having a great foundation will lead scholars to a bright future. She loves children and hopes to help those in her community get the education they deserve in order to get into college. She started to volunteer at Soleil Academy August 2018 to help her community. She fell in love with the school and is thrilled to be working at Soleil Academy. 
 
 
She holds her A.A. Degree in General Studies from El Camino College and is pursuing a B.A. in Liberal Studies at CSULB.

Jessica Morales
Instructional Aide

Jessica Morales grew up in Lynwood, CA. While being a tutor, she has worked with elementary students in providing academic support while scaffolding teacher instruction. In addition, she has worked as a youth mentor where she was committed to mentoring youth and promoting positive relationships in the community. Teaching students the skills necessary for attaining success and promoting college as a realistic aspiration is essential. She believes that every student has the right to quality education and that a safe and challenging learning environment encourages students to reach their full potential. She looks forward to giving back to her community and contributing to the success of each and every student.

 She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a focus in Human and Child Development from California State University, Long Beach.

Leticia Robles
Instructional Aide

Leticia Robles is a passionate educator, who strongly believes that students nationwide, including those living in poverty, have the ability to achieve high academic levels. As a Lynwood Alumni and resident, she is passionate about serving her community and plans to do so by utilizing innovative instructional techniques in her classroom. She also believes that individualized instruction is key to not just academic success, but life-long success as well, and looks forward to increasing student achievement as an instructional aide at Soleil Academy.

Leticia holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from San Diego Christian College and is an active member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society. She is finalizing her Multiple Subject Credential through National University.

Marlayna Gomez
Instructional Aide

Marlayna Gomez grew up in San Diego, CA. After graduating high school she moved to Los Angeles to attend California State University, Dominguez Hills. There she received her Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. She would like to obtain her multiple subject teaching credential in the near future. Marlayna has worked with both elementary and middle school students in school environments, tutoring, and summer camps. Her passion for teaching was sparked in 2014 when she became a Program Leader for a charter school. Marlayna enjoys working with children because she can watch them grow academically and socially and enjoys watching them learn new things daily. She is excited to begin this new journey and develop new relationships with Soleil staff, scholars, and parents. 

She holds a BA in Criminal Justice from Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Jenny Perez
Instructional Aide

Jenny Perez is a from Compton, CA and is passionate about giving back to her community. Having grown up in an underrepresented and underserved community, she wants to provide students with the opportunity to help them achieve the goal of attending college. She believes that everyone is capable of achieving this goal if given the appropriate resources and wants everyone to view college as a right rather than a privilege. She is interested in working with children and helping them develop their educational potential. Jenny is thrilled to begin her journey at Soleil Academy and ready to make a difference in the lives of the scholars.
 
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Policy and a minor in Urban Studies from the University of California, Irvine.

Melissa Jeong
Instructional Aide

Melissa Arianna Jeong was born and raised in the City of Paramount.  She has a Bachelor degree in German Studies with a minor in Linguistics.  She has worked as an English teacher in an elementary school in South Korea.  There she reaffirmed that teaching was her passion, especially in under-resourced communities. Her experience working in South Korea  made her realize the need for equity in education. The program she participated in hired teachers from abroad to provide students the same educational resources as those who could afford private education. This experience has led her to pursue a career in education.

Holds a B.A. in German Studies with a minor in Linguistics from the California State University of Long Beach