Meet the GALS Team

Ms. Garza's previous educational leadership roles include: Director of Teacher Development, at Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, where she served multiple LAUSD schools and as an Assistant Principal at Green Dot Public Schools and PUC Schools.  In these roles, she collaborated with Principals and teacher leaders to support and coach the effectiveness of their instructional practices as measured by the district's teaching standards and teacher evaluations.  Ms. Garza was born and raised in Los Angeles and proud of earning her Masters in Education from UCLA while serving as a middle school teacher in LAUSD.  Ms. Garza earned her bachelor degree from Tulane University and her administrative credential at the Charter School Leadership Academy at Loyola Marymount University.

Ms. Younan's previous educational leadership roles include serving as the Middle School Lead at iLEAD Pacoima and the Assistant Principal and ELA Department Head at GALS LA.Ms. Younan's previous educational leadership roles include serving as the Middle School Lead at iLEAD Pacoima and the Assistant Principal and ELA Department Head at GALS LA. In these roles, she collaborated with teacher leaders to support student achievement and growth, oversaw school activities and functions, created schoolwide systems to increase academic performance, and provided professional development for teachers and staff. Although Ms. Younan was born and raised in California, she left the state to attend college at the University of North Dakota upon receiving a full scholarship for athletics. Ms. Younan returned to her home state and has since spent her time working with students and families in the San Fernando Valley.

In her role, she leads the school operations team and oversees student enrollment, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for every family. Mayra brings years of experience in charter schools, including her work as Food Program Manager at Alliance MIT with Revolution Foods.

Passionate about building strong connections, Mayra loves working with families and students—providing guidance, connecting them to resources, and encouraging students to be the best version of themselves. She chose GALS because of its genuine commitment to treating families like family, not just a number.

Outside of work, Mayra enjoys celebrating Halloween, collecting Starbucks cups, and embracing the GALS value of Power, which she believes fuels both mental and physical strength.

With an AA in Psychology, Lisa began working in schools right out of high school, starting in classrooms and after-school programs before advancing to manage after-school programs at multiple sites.

Since joining GALS LA in 2025, Lisa has loved engaging with students, staff, and parents to ensure the school is a safe, welcoming place for all. She was drawn to GALS’ mission of empowering young women, appreciating the unique, holistic support the school provides beyond a traditional academic setting.

Lisa aims to foster an organized, structured environment where staff can collaborate effectively and students are encouraged to participate fully in class while building confidence and positive behavior. Outside of work, she collects Hello Kitty items, enjoys graphic design and content creation, and is the proud “fur mom” of three cats and one dog. She connects most deeply with the GALS value of power, believing that everyone has the ability to shape their future through self-belief and confidence.

She later served as an instructional aide at a high school, leading small group Algebra 1 instruction, before becoming the school’s first after-school program coordinator—building the program from the ground up to create a safe, engaging space where students could lead their own clubs and grow as leaders.

Passionate about empowering young women, Isabel returned to GALS LA in July 2025, inspired by the school’s mission and by her own role as a mother to a daughter. She hopes to help students value themselves and their education, while fostering confidence and leadership skills. Outside of work, Isabel enjoys going on walks and reading with her two children. She especially connects with the GALS value of balance, believing it’s essential to find harmony in all aspects of life.

Over the course of her career, she has taught every grade level, including working with students in juvenile detention, and has developed a deep passion for advocating for middle schoolers—students she sees as having a unique perspective on the world.

She hopes to make a lasting impact by empowering her students to grow in confidence, curiosity, and self-expression.

Outside the classroom, Angie is a talented singer and songwriter with an online fan base, and she has performed as a background vocalist for legendary artists such as Barry White and The Temptations. Among the GALS values, Balance resonates most deeply with her as she juggles her teaching role with her graduate studies—modeling for students the importance of managing responsibilities while pursuing personal passions.

Since joining GALS LA in 2024, Andrew has loved the opportunity to inspire students, foster curiosity, and build confidence in their mathematical skills. He especially enjoys starting the day with morning movement, encouraging alertness, health, and readiness to learn. Andrew embodies the GALS value of flexibility—always ready to adapt and support wherever needed to keep things running smoothly.

Outside the classroom, Andrew enjoys watching movies weekly and attending concerts, fueling his creativity and love for the arts.

She is credentialed in California (Biological Sciences, ELA) and Colorado (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and ESL), with additional certifications in Literacy and Language Development for Diverse Learners.

Since 2008, Ginneh has taught middle and high school science while serving in leadership roles such as team lead, garden program coordinator, mentor teacher, and outdoor science program director. At GALS, she is passionate about creating hands-on, joyful learning experiences that integrate science, movement, environmental awareness, and student wellness.

Her goal is to empower students to see themselves as curious scientists, confident leaders, and compassionate environmental stewards. Beyond school, Ginneh volunteers with animal rescue organizations and environmental nonprofits, and enjoys gardening, hiking, and exploring California’s natural beauty. She most connects with the GALS value of balance, believing that integrating academic success with physical, emotional, and social well-being is essential to lifelong growth.

She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the College of the Holy Cross with concentrations in Creative Writing and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, as well as an M.A. in Education from Loyola Marymount University with an emphasis in Disability Studies.

Megan’s experience spans from teaching swim lessons at age 15 to leading Make-A-Wish fundraising initiatives in college, coordinating food justice projects, and mentoring new teachers as a Teach For America Corps Member Advisor. Since joining GALS LA in 2022, she has valued working in a community where every staff member is deeply committed to students’ well-being, academic success, and growth.

Her goal is to help GALS students develop confidence, self-love, and the skills they need to navigate life—whether that’s reading, writing, or emotional regulation. Outside of school, Megan enjoys crocheting, music, poetry, and exploring the outdoors with her dog. She lives by the GALS value of balance, focusing on maintaining joy and well-being both inside and outside of work.

where she focused on equity-driven leadership and language policy, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Spanish from UCLA, building a strong foundation in civic engagement, research, and bilingual communication.

In addition to her classroom role, Yulisa has held leadership positions such as Content Facilitator with Teach For America, supporting new teachers and leading professional development. At GALS LA, she values building deep, meaningful relationships with students and creating a classroom where they feel seen, heard, and empowered. She was drawn to GALS for its commitment to movement-based learning, social-emotional development, and creating a safe, inclusive space for girls and gender-expansive youth.

Outside of teaching, Yulisa enjoys hiking, long bike rides, trying new fitness classes, and decorating and organizing spaces. She connects most with the GALS value of power, striving to help students recognize the strength they carry within themselves and their ability to make an impact.

As one of the few African American male teachers in the field, Mr. Van is passionate about representation, showing students that educators come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. He chose GALS LA for its strong leadership and supportive staff, which have helped him thrive in his first year of teaching.

Mr. Van hopes to instill in his students the belief that fitness and exercise are just as important as academics. He connects most with the GALS value of focus, believing it’s essential to keep your eye on the goal and work steadily toward it. Outside of school, he enjoys adventure—his longest road trip was a 10-day, 8-hours-a-day drive from North Carolina to Alaska, where he lived for two years.

Cynthia’s background includes tutoring programs in college, teaching coding to middle schoolers through the Society of Women Engineers, and coaching youth swim programs as a lifeguard. At GALS, she strives to show students that math can be fun and accessible, while also inspiring them to pursue STEM fields—especially in areas where women are underrepresented.

Outside the classroom, Cynthia manages a pool in the summer, coaches a junior lifeguards team, and once participated in novice synchronized swimming. She most identifies with the GALS value of flexibility, believing it’s essential for adapting to diverse schedules, student needs, and life’s challenges while staying calm and motivated.

He also earned his English Credential from Loyola Marymount University and Social Sciences Credential from UCLA Extension.

Alongside his work at GALS, Ben has served as an adjunct philosophy professor at multiple colleges, including Azusa Pacific University, Citrus College, Rio Hondo College, Irvine Valley College, and Long Beach City College. A Teach For America 2018 Cohort member, Ben values the humility, skill, and passion of his GALS colleagues and continually learns from their creativity and resourcefulness.

Ben hopes his students discover that “the way things are is not the way things have to be.” He connects most with the GALS value of focus, believing that the most important things in life require patience, concentration, and an openness to changing one’s mind. Outside of school, Ben is a longtime Dave Matthews Band fan, attending their concerts nearly every year since 200

Before transitioning into education, Hannah worked in leadership roles as a restaurant manager and apartment assistant manager. She joined GALS LA through Teach For America and quickly fell in love with the school’s mission and community. Her goal is to foster a lifelong love of learning and science in her students while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and resilience.

Outside the classroom, Hannah enjoys camping, lifting weights, reading, and—most of all—coffee, which she happily drinks throughout the day. She connects most with the GALS value of balance, believing it’s essential for personal and academic growth.

She also earned a Wellness Coach Certificate, which she integrates into her classroom to support students’ well-being alongside their academic development.

Before joining GALS LA in 2020, Caroline was a 2017 Teach for America Corps Member in Dallas–Fort Worth, where she honed her skills in building inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous learning environments. At GALS, she values the school’s holistic approach to education and the strong sense of community that empowers both staff and students. Her goal is for every student to leave her class with a stronger command of reading, writing, and speaking skills, as well as the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Beyond the classroom, Caroline enjoys playing tennis, crocheting, and exploring new creative hobbies. Guided by the GALS value of Balance, she strives to model for students how finding equilibrium between mind, body, and heart is essential to a happy and healthy life.

She has been teaching and working with English Learners since 2015. She is passionate about helping guide all students to their own success. Elaina is also a true lover of both nature and travel. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, surfing, reading, and taking road trips.

Edrees began working with GALS LA as a coach for After School All Stars, where he was inspired by the dedication and care of the staff. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, he understands the impact a supportive school community can have and is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. He enjoys collaborating with general education teachers to co-teach, plan, and develop innovative ways to deliver content that engages all learners.

Passionate about inspiring students to be their best selves, Edrees also brings a background as a certified personal trainer and former boxer. A proud Lakers and Dodgers fan, he treasures the memory of meeting Kobe Bryant. He values both flexibility—the ability to adapt to life’s challenges—and balance—maintaining effectiveness as both an educator and movement coach.

She is also currently pursuing her preliminary administrative credential.

Before entering education, LaTrice honed her leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills in professional roles that required managing complex operations, leading diverse teams, and building strong client relationships. This diverse background equipped her with exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments.

Since joining GALS LA in 2018, LaTrice has been driven by the belief that the work she does today directly shapes a student’s future. She loves helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and approach challenges with resilience. Guided by the GALS value of Balance, she encourages students to care for all parts of their lives—work, relationships, and self—so they can grow into happy, strong, and confident people.

A self-proclaimed “mall explorer” who’s terrified of nature, LaTrice believes that setbacks aren’t failures, but opportunities to grow stronger, wiser, and more determined.