Our diverse group of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic teachers share a passion that doesn’t end when the bell rings. Southwestern teachers share meals with students, join students on field trips and excursions, and provide personal college counseling and advice throughout the entire process.
Ridwan Angkasa
Photography, Technology
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 219
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Geological Science, University of California, Riverside
- Master of Theological Studies in Philosophical Theology, Calvin Seminary
- 11 years in photography instructor
- 25+ years in commercial photography
Carlos Baffigo
Director of Operation
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 209
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration; University of La Verne, La Verne, CA
- 25+ years in the field of building management and construction
Morris Bird
History
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 210
Education:
- BA in Media Arts; University of Arizona; 2000
- JD; Southwestern University School of Law; 2005
- Years of experience teaching: 1
- Years of experience in law: 18
Thomas Bornt
Director of Residence/Athletic Director/Drama
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 234 (Student Office)
or 236 (Classroom)
Education:
- Associate of Arts - Pasadena City College
- 29 years @ Southwestern - various positions (P.E. teacher, baseball coach, jr. high boys basketball, teacher, girls basketball, dorm parent, director of residence, athletic director)
- 1 year @ Pasadena Towne & Country School - P.E. Teacher and Girls Basketball Coach
Lauren Brunjes
Director of Academics, Math and Science Department Chair
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 290
Education:
- Bachelor’s of Science - Applied Computer Science in Aerospace Engineering; Parks College of Saint Louis University
- Bachelor of Art - Communications with focus in Television Production (University of North Dakota)
- Teaching for 17 years
- 24th year at Southwestern Academy in various roles
Cruz DeLeon
Maintenance
Wuilson DeLeon
Maintenance
Humberto DeLeon
Maintenance
Susana Duran
Kitchen Staff
Tom Holton
Science
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 239
Education:
- Bachelor in Music, University of Tennessee
- Bachelor in Chemistry, University of Tennessee
- Master in Chemistry, Texas A&M University
- 1 year teaching experience
- Research analyst in the fields of structural biology and genomic informatics at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Christian Hoppenjans
History Department Chair
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 232
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in History from Webster University
- Master’s Degree in American History from University of Central Oklahoma
- Teaching Experience: 3 years, TA and substitute teacher 2 years.
Trey Hughes
Music
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 244
Education:
- Bachelors in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music
- 7 years teaching music professionally.
Jami Jacobs
English Department Chair
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 237
Education:
- English degree from Cal State Hayward (now East Bay)
- Teaching credential from Chapman University
- Teaching Experience-middle school and high school for 24 years.
John Kohn
Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 245
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts- Fine Arts, Indiana University
- Bachelor of Fine Arts- Graphic Design, California College of the Arts
- M.A. Education, Azusa Pacific University
- California Teaching Credential, Single Subject-Art
- 20 Years of Teaching Experience
Daisy Lopez-Barrios
Admissions, Marketing, and Alumni Relations
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 204
Education:
- Bachelor of Art in English Literature from California State Polytechnic University—Pomona
- 7 years Admissions Experience
- 1 year of teaching experience
Maria Maldonado
Kitchen Staff
Thomas Nord
Math
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 230
Education:
- Bachelor of Art Political Science, Luther College
- Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, Minor Computer Science, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
- Computer Programmer: 18 years
- Years of Experience Teaching: 19 years in public and private education
Lou Pulgencio
Director of International Studies/ELL
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 220
Education:
- Applied Behavioral Science (BS), University of California, Davis
- TFL Language Certification, University of California, Los Angeles
- Years of Experience Teaching: 48 years in public and private education
Ana Maria Reyes
Kitchen Staff
Chris Rosas
ELL/English
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 218
Education:
- Bachelor of Art in Linguistics, minor in Queer Studies from Cal State Northridge
- Currently Masters in Linguistics with TESOL certification from Cal State Northridge
- 1 year teaching experience
Charlie Ruiz-Vazquez
English and Language Departments
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 233
Education:
- English Literature from Glendale Community College
- Bachelor's of Art in English Literature and Creative Writing from California State University, Northridge.
- 3 Years Teaching Experience
- 7 years Community Organizing
Michelle Russo
Science/Math
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 221
Education:
- Bachelor of Science University of Montana
- Masters from Northern Arizona University
- 45 years teaching experience
Brian Shriwise
PDSO and Registrar
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 208
Education:
- Ft. Hays State University, Bachelor of Art- History (Education Emphasis)
- Years of Experience Teaching: 47
Melissa Starkey
Admissions
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 205
Education:
- Bachelor of Art- Interdisciplinary Studies, Plymouth State University
Maria Torres
Kitchen Staff
Reve Tortel
Dean of Student Support
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 206
Education:
- Bachelor Science Psychology - Utah State University
- Masters in Education Westminster University
- 4 years in residential life experience
- 10 years in restorative practices
Dr. Gary Wilkins
Assistant Head of School
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 238
Education:
- Doctorate in Education; Fielding University
- Masters in Psychology; Chapman University
- Masters in Education; Chapman University
- Bachelors in Psychology; CSU Long Beach
- Bachelors in Business Administration; CSU Long Beach
- 30 years in Education as an Administrator and Teacher
- 15 years in the Aircraft Industry as a TQM Engineer
Tim Wong
Math
Email: [email protected]
Extension: 229
Education:
- Bachelor and Masters in Electrical Engineering- CCNY (City College of New York)
- Years of experience: teaching math for over 18 years.
- Years of experience as an engineer and a computer analyst: over 10 years