Our Staff
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.
Principal
Oscar Withmory
"The Lord is MY shepherd."
​
Mr. Oscar Withmory holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and the and a Master's in School Administration from Concordia University Irvine. Besides these degrees, he has specialty certificates in taxation and real estate and is an IRS enrolled Agent as well as notary public and real estate broker. From 2005 to 2018, he worked as the associate business manager for SFVA.
High School Vice Principal
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.
Vice Principal
Third and Fourth Grade Teacher
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.
Child Development Center Director (Preschoool)
Alma Wesley
“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions.
If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also.”
John 4:1-3
​
Mrs. Alma Wesley holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts/Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She has been the director of the Child Development Center since 2008. Prior to this time she was a substitute teacher with the preschool.
1st and 2nd Grade Teacher
WASC Coordinating Assistant
Web and Pamphlet Publication Designer
Jump Rope for Heart Organizer
Tutoring Organizer
Library / Garden Organizer
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. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development. She is currently a graduate student at the La Sierra University. She a member of Van Nuys Spanish SDA Church. Her most important goal as a teacher is to create a family of learners in her classroom. She is committed to creating a safe classroom environment where each student s a valued, trusted, and an integral part of the class family.
Kindergarten Teacher
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 kindergarten level.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Teacher
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 has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in General Curriculum.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher
National Junior Honor Society Sponsor
Professional Development Committee Member
Brian Baroi
"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
​
Dr. Brian Baroi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and a Doctor of Medicine from Universidad de Montemorelos. Before coming to coming to SFVA full time, he taught at the Buckley School and at Highland Hall Waldorf School. He has also been a volleyball, basketball and golf coach for many years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home Economics
Doreen Sevilla
"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
​
Mrs. Doreen Sevilla uses her knowledge to run a fun and efficient home economics program for the students. They learn how to cook, sew and other basic home needs.
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.
Substitute Teacher
Seventh and Eighth Grade Aid
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.
Substitute Teacher
Gerardo Morales
"Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6
​
Mr. Gerardo Morales holds a B.A. in sociology and an M.A. in teaching. He is adeptly able to fill in for the elementary and high school subjects when needed.
Child Development Center Aid
Alena Murashka
"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
​
Ms. Muraska has a kindergarten teacher certificate, secondary certification and a high vocational school secondary education office assistant certificate. Her love for the little ones is infectious. She takes care of each child as if he or she were her own.
Substitute Teacher
Nirsa Oshon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
​
Mrs. Oshon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has dedicated her present and future life in service to God, allowing Him to use her in making a difference in the lives of each student she comes in contact with.
Substitute Teacher
David Guzman
"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. David Guzman has an A.S. in Health Science. He covers elementary and high school subjects when needed.
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.