Leadership Team

PUC SCHOOLS LEADERS

Concepción Rivas

Chief Executive Officer

Concepción Rivas has worked for PUC Schools for over twelve years. Her passion for education is deeply rooted in both her personal narrative which includes being among the first in her family to graduate from college along with her own critical consciousness related to social justice. The various capacities in public school settings in which she has served span eighteen years and have all positively influenced and continuously reaffirmed her commitment to education reform in service of students, families, and communities. She has worked closely with students, parents, teachers, administrators, professors, social workers, policy makers, and public figures to continuously engage in the dialogue related to education reform. She is a champion for students and a zealous advocate for special education, quality teaching and learning, inclusivity, data driven practices, cultural competence, social-emotional learning and development, home-to-school partnerships, service learning and college and career education in support of all students. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from California State University, Northridge and later received a Master of Science in Special Education from National University. She is dedicated to ensuring that schools serve as a vehicle for all students to find their purpose, voice, identity, and develop the cognitive and non-cognitive skills to self-actualize in order to uplift themselves, their family, and their communities now and forever.

Veronica Alonzo

Chief Academic Officer

Ms. Alonzo has been an educator for nearly 20 years. She graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology with a Minor in Biological Anthropology and went on to earn a teaching credential from Alliant International University. She has been an educator at PUC for 17 years. She started as a science teacher at PUC CALS Early College High School and became the Instructional Leader at that school in 2011, where she served in that role for seven years. In 2018, she became the Instructional Leader at PUC Lakeview Charter High School and in 2019, became the Deputy Superintendent of PUC Schools. Shortly thereafter, she became Chief Academic Officer for the schools.

Zenzontl Kuauhtzin

Director of Student & Parent Engagement & Advocacy

Mr. Kuauhtzin has worked in the field of education for the last 22 years in a variety of positions. He has earned two bachelor’s degrees from California State University, a multiple subject professional clear credential from UCLA, and a Master’s of School Administration and a Tier 1 Admin Credential from Loyola Marymount University. He began as a history teacher in LAUSD and he taught for nine years before becoming an assistant principal at Academia Semillas Del Pueblo. He became the Principal at PUC Excel Charter Academy in 2011 and served in that role for five years. In June 2016, he became the Director of Parent Engagement & Advocacy, which evolved into the role of Director of Student & Parent Engagement & Advocacy.

Meredith McOlvin, Ed.D.

Director of Inclusion and Special Education

Dr. McOlvin is the Director of Inclusion and Special Education for PUC Schools. In this role, she oversees the special education departments in all PUC schools and helps to support teachers and leaders in developing effective special education practice that promotes inclusion. She also manages the PUC Special Education Support Team. Dr. McOlvin is an active member of LAUSD’s Charter Operated Programs SELPA (Option 3) and maintains collaborative relationships with LAUSD and local charter agencies. Throughout her career, she has held a multitude of roles in special education from paraprofessional, to vocational tech lead, wrap-around care provision, and special education teacher, and special education teacher support provider. Dr. McOlvin worked in a residential school setting in New York, in traditional district and community day schools in Philadelphia, as well as in charter schools in Los Angeles. This cumulative experience has inspired the need for life-long learning to best support systems that provide access to quality education for students with diverse needs. Dr. McOlvin holds a B.S. in English and Education from Villanova University, an M.Ed in Special Education from Chestnut Hill College, and she gained her doctorate in the Educational Leadership Program at UCLA in June of 2018.

Francisco Prieto

Director of Behavior Intervention

Francisco Prieto was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the Historic West Adams District. He currently serves as the Director of Behavior Intervention and Title IX Coordinator for PUC Schools. Francisco is the first in his family to earn a college degree, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology from California State University, Northridge. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a second Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from National University.

With over 14 years of experience, Francisco has directed behavior intervention programs in both home and school settings, overseen restorative justice initiatives in schools and communities, and supported efforts to maintain positive, inclusive, and safe school cultures. His mission is to empower youth to understand that education and knowledge are the pathways to leadership, upward mobility, lifelong personal growth, and a fulfilling quality of life.

Miguel Saenz

Director of Operations

Mr. Saenz has worked for PUC Schools for the past 16 years. He started out as an office manager for PUC Excel Charter Academy and worked at the school for five years before transferring to PUC CALS Early College High School, where he became the Operations/Project Manager. In July 2016, he became the Site-Based Operations Manager, supporting both the middle and high school grade levels for PUC CALS. In October 2018, he became the Senior Operations Manager for PUC’s Los Angeles-area schools. In July 2020, he became the Director of Operations, a role he proudly serves today.

Dr. Christine Sartiaguda

Director of Clinical Counseling

Christine Sartiaguda is Director of Clinical Counseling at PUC and founder of the Clinical Counseling Program. She has over 17 years of clinical experience. Christine is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist who clinically supervises Marital and Family Therapy Trainees/Interns as well as Art Therapy Interns. Having graduated with honors with a Bachelors in Psychology, Christine continued on to graduate with honors with her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy specializing in Art Therapy, both degrees from Loyola Marymount University.

Prior to coming to PUC, Christine worked at G.L.A.S.S., a non-profit agency helping at-risk youth in foster care. In her position as Director of Training, Program Director of a Day Program, Senior Therapist and Group Home Therapist, Christine was able to demonstrate her versatility, leadership and clinical expertise. In addition to having worked in residential care, Christine has worked at psychiatric hospitals as an Art Therapist, co-facilitating groups for mentally ill adult patients as well as out-patient clinics and schools as a marital and family therapist. Christine has also been an associate professor at Phillips Graduate Institute and has been a guest speaker at graduate classes at Loyola Marymount University and CSUN.

In her current position as Director of Clinical Counseling, Christine over sees the Clinical Counseling Program, Psychological Testing Services, contracted clinical services to outside agencies and all other clinical services within PUC as well as provides direct counseling services and individual and group supervision to the clinical counseling trainees/interns. She is committed to providing optimal clinical services to the students and families at PUC.

NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES SCHOOLS

St. Claire Adriaan

Principal, PUC CALS Charter Middle & Early College High School

Biography coming soon.

Gloria Gasca, Ed.D

Principal, PUC Excel Charter Academy

Dr. Gasca graduated from Georgetown University in May 2003, with a double major in Government and Psychology. Gloria was born and raised in Los Angeles and takes pride to live in a community that strives for their excellence. Dr. Gasca was inspired to pursue a career in education during her time as a Research Assistant for Georgetown University/NIH’s sponsored grant entitled DESARROLLO (Developing Educational Supports And Reading Resources Of Limited English and Literacy Of parents).  The passion for education was also reinforced during her time as a Coro Fellow where she realized the strengths, and discrepancies of our educational system.  She has continued her commitment to education through her time with PUC Schools.  She began teaching with PUC Schools at PUC Milagro Charter School during the 2006 school year. She has developed through PUC and has grown in her leadership.  She is a current principal at PUC Excel and was an integral part at securing the charter renewal for another 5 years.  She constantly seeks local partnerships with non-profits to improve the opportunities that her students have to grow in their leadership. Gloria received her masters degree in educational psychology and teaching credential at Pepperdine University and received her Administrative Credential along with certificates in special education and charter school leadership from Loyola Marymount University.   She earned her doctoral degree from Loyola Marymount University in Education Leadership for Social Justice.

Sascha Robinett

Principal and Co-Founder, PUC Milagro Charter School

Sascha Robinett, principal and co-founder of PUC Milagro Charter School, has dedicated her career to developing an elementary school committed to critical and creative thinking, lifelong learning, and social justice. The school’s goal is for each student to graduate knowing how uniquely special they are—and to carry forward the collaborative, compassionate, and creative thinking that defines a Milagro Butterfly.

Ms. Robinett has devoted over thirty years in education to developing students’ potential and eliminating the achievement gap. Prior to founding PUC Milagro Charter School, she worked as a national consultant for the Galef Institute/Different Ways of Knowing, an organization focused on school reform through arts integration and inquiry-based learning. Before joining the institute, she served in the Pasadena Unified School District as both a teacher and a Title I/Language Development Coordinator.

Ms. Robinett earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a teaching credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills; and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Los Angeles.

NORTHEAST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Rachel Lipson

Principal, PUC Lakeview Charter High School

Marco Valdez

Principal, PUC Triumph Charter High School

Mariesa Earl

Principal, PUC Triumph Charter Academy

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Mariesa Earl’s love for teaching and developing adolescents began in high school where she taught tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and gymnastics to kids ages 6 – 17. This side job peaked her interest in pursuing a career in Education as she grew to love working with children. Mariesa made her way to Northern California to attend Menlo College where she played soccer and basketball, and majored in Business management, with a concentration in Sports Management, in hopes to one day open her own dance studio. After graduating from Menlo College, Mariesa moved to Southern California to pursue a career in dance.

After receiving her teaching credential from California State University Northridge (CSUN), Mariesa entered her first-year teaching, as a math teacher, at Triumph Charter Academy in 2007. As a founding teacher, and over the next six years, Ms. Earl increased student achievement in mathematics, and in her last year at TCA, increased math proficiency to 98%. After being a classroom teacher for six years, Ms. Earl joined the PUC Instructional Team as a Math Coach for the next four years. During this time Mariesa received her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administrative Credential from CSUN. In 2018, Mariesa came full circle, and transitioned into a new role as the Instructional Leader for PUC Triumph Charter Academy where she began her educational career. In 2019, Ms. Earl became the Principal of TCA, and is honored and excited to lead the community of Sylmar, and plans on continuing growth in student achievement and preparing students for college and career readiness.

Claudio Estrada

Principal, PUC Community Charter Middle School

Claudio Estrada, Jr. is a transformational school leader, educator, and adjunct professor committed to building equitable and inclusive school communities. A proud first-generation American, he was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley to Mexican immigrant parents whose work ethic and resilience continue to inspire his lifelong dedication to justice and service. 

He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where his passion for social equity came to life through powerful experiences in ethnic studies, mentoring youth in local schools, and a transformative semester abroad in Paris, France, an experience that broadened his global perspective, deepened his appreciation for language and culture, and shaped his belief that education must open minds and expand worlds. He later earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education Policy and Administration from Loyola Marymount University, solidifying his commitment to advancing justice, leadership, and opportunity within public education.

Claudio began his career through the highly selective Teach For America program, teaching middle school English in under-resourced communities, where he quickly became known for his culturally responsive and student-centered approach to teaching and leadership. He is also a Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation Fellow and a participant in the REALITY Israel and Mexico experiences, where he connected with global changemakers and strengthened his commitment to leading with empathy and purpose.

Today, Claudio proudly serves as Principal of PUC Community Charter Middle School in Lakeview Terrace and as an Adjunct Professor at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Education, where he helps prepare the next generation of equity-driven educators. His leadership is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: strong schools create stronger communities, and every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Cinthya Gonzalez

Principal, PUC Inspire Charter Academy

Born in Mexico and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Cinthya Gonzalez brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her role as principal. As a former English learner who once faced the challenge of navigating an English-only classroom, she developed an early commitment to ensuring that all students—particularly those from immigrant backgrounds and multilingual communities, receive equitable access to high-quality education and meaningful support.

Ms. Gonzalez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Multiple Subjects in 2004 and her Liberal Arts teaching credential from California State University, Northridge in 2008 while teaching Kindergarten as an intern with the Los Angeles Unified School District. She later pursued a Single Subject English credential for California State University, Northridge and went on to teach middle school English for 14 years at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center. In 2021, she earned her Master's Degree and Administrative Services Credential from Loyola Marymount University.

After more than a decade in the classroom, Ms. Gonzalez transitioned into educational leadership, serving as Assistant Principal at Valley Charter Middle School before joining PUC Inspire Charter Academy, where she now proudly serves as Principal. She finds great joy and purpose in leading the PUC Inspire community and is honored to support such a vibrant and compassionate school dedicated to student growth and success. A committed educator, leader, and advocate, Ms. Gonzalez is passionate about fostering inclusive, academically rigorous, and culturally responsive learning environments. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children, finding balance and fulfillment in family life.

Monique Hernandez, Ed.D.

Principal, PUC Community Charter Early College High School

Dr. Monique Hernandez grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She attended Notre Dame High School located in Sherman Oaks, CA. After graduating from high school, she had her heart set on becoming a lawyer. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and minored in Pre-Law and International Relations. During that time, she traveled around the world to study other countries’ government structures and nation-wide education systems. Through these experiences and many conversations with family, she decided to change her career trajectory from law school to education. After graduating from college, she pursued a Master’s in Education from the University of Southern California and started teaching History at a charter high school located in South Los Angeles. After many years of teaching and inspired by her students, she decided to pursue her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Education in Multicultural Settings from the Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California. As she earned her doctorate, she transitioned into administration as a Dean of Students for a parochial high school. She joined PUC Community Charter Early College High School as their Assistant Principal and is now honored to serve as their Principal.

Max Valadez

Principal, PUC Lakeview Charter Academy

Max Valadez was born and raised in Pacoima, California. He assisted Pacoima Elementary School, Maclay Junior High School, and graduated from San Fernando High School. He has been in education after he graduated from high school for over 20 years. He started as a teacher’s assistant and a librarian for an elementary school and became a 5th grade teacher. He started working for PUC Community Charter Early College High School as a 9th grade integrated science teacher in 2005. Max then moved to work as an 8th grade science teacher for PUC Community Charter Middle School. Then served as a college counselor at PUC CCECHS. After PUC CCECHS, he became the assistant principal for PUC CCMS for 5 years. He came to PUC Triumph Charter Academy as the Dean of Students in February, 2014. In April 2014, he became the interim principal for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year and became the principal until 2017.  In 2018, he became the PUC Schools Parent Coordinator and the Behavior Intervention Specialist.  In July 2020, he became the principal of PUC Lakeview Charter Academy.

Jocelyn Velez

Principal, PUC Community Charter Elementary School

Jocelyn M. Velez was raised in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and at a young age had aspirations to become an educator.  While a student at San Fernando High School, she worked at a local middle school helping students improve their reading skills and grow their reading levels. Ms. Velez studied at the University of California Riverside where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and later received a Master’s of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University. While a student at Pepperdine University, she was introduced to the charter school movement and she spent her time working at a charter elementary school. Ms. Velez’s love for teaching prompted her to pursue a Multiple Subjects Credential and a Single Subject Credential in English Language Arts allowing her the opportunity to teach at the elementary, middle school, and high school level. She began her teaching career as a 7th grade English teacher at PUC Lakeview Charter Academy and went on to teach 9th grade at PUC Lakeview Charter High School where she later served as the Assistant Principal. Her love of learning and commitment to her students pushed her to attend Loyola Marymount University where she received a Master’s Degree in School Administration. Ms. Velez is deeply connected to her community and she has grounded herself in the belief that all students will succeed when provided with the right tools; she has dedicated herself to providing equal opportunities to her students. She is honored to continue her work in the community she grew up in as the principal of PUC Community Charter Elementary.

Monica Wagner

Principal, PUC Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy

Mrs. Wagner attended and graduated from Occidental College. In her time there, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Politics, Masters of Arts in Teaching as well as completed her teaching credential. She has worked with PUC Schools since 2012. Beginning her time at PUC NECA as a History and English teacher, she has also worked at PUC LCA as an English teacher and PUC LCHS as an Administrator. In the 2019-2020 school year, she returned to PUC NECA as Principal. She feels extremely grateful to work with such a caring staff and such wonderful families.