Administrator's Corner
Juan Alba - Administrative Director, Secondary Counseling Services
About Me:
Proud to say I am born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. After graduating from CSUN, my career in education began in 2002 with LAUSD at Cleveland High School where I served as a school counselor and college counselor. I moved to U.S. Grant High in 2007 to continue working as a counselor and be their Magnet coordinator. In 2015, I was hired by the College Board to serve on their Counselor Engagement team. The move to College Board offered me a unique multi-faceted perspective to the college admissions process, and I am grateful for the experience.
Why I love/chose El Camino:
Although working for the College Board was an amazing opportunity, working on a high school campus is what feels natural to me. I enjoy working with both students and staff, and my background in school counseling consistently provides me with fulfilling opportunities to help our community. I feel fortunate to be part of a remarkable school community here at El Camino.
My Favorite Quote:
“But how could you live and have no story to tell?” - Dostoevsky
My Hobbies:
Travel, golf, following Dodgers/Lakers, and finding any excuse to either hit the beach or the mountains.
Dean Bennett – Administrative Director, Alternative Education, Independent Studies, STEAM Program
About Me:
I've lived in Simi Valley for almost my entire life. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Biology and then went to CSUN for my teaching credentials (life science, chemistry, computer science) and masters degrees (educational technology and administration).
Why I love El Camino:
El Camino is home. This is my 33rd year at El Camino and I've been fortunate to work with amazing students, parents, and staff members.
Favorite Quote:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". Maya Angelou
Hobbies:
I love hanging out with my family, running (slowly), working on STEAM projects, and playing Pokemon Go.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Alternative Education, Independent Studies, STEAM Program, Instruction (Science, Business/Technology, Health/CCR)
Jason Camp - Administrative Director, Student Discipline, Curriculum & Technology
About Me
Over the course of my twenty-three years as an educator in Los Angeles, I have enjoyed working in several different educational roles beginning in the classroom and on the athletics field, later extending to include various administrative assignments for both comprehensive high school and Educational Options.
My journey has given me the opportunity to be the Principal of two Model Continuation High Schools in the LAUSD and ACSA Continuation High School Administrator of the Year Award in 2017. I look forward to new experiences here at El Camino Real Charter High School and consider myself fortunate to work for the students, parents and community of ECR!
Why I love El Camino Real Charter High School
Watching students learn and develop is inspirational – I consider myself fortunate to be a part of that process.
My Favorite Quote
“The whole purpose of an education is to turn mirrors into windows.” Sydney J Harris
My Hobbies
My family is my greatest passion – I spend as much time with them as I can!
Minita Clark – Administrative Director, Curriculum & Student Activities
About Me
I had one foot in the door at law school, but circumstances changed. Although I had dreamed of becoming an attorney and running my own corporation since a little girl, the prospect of law school was less colorful than I had imagined after graduating college. My undergraduate major, Professional English and Communications, had introduced so many options that I believed were worth exploring. Programs like TRIO, where I had served as summer teacher and counselor, had inspired me to work with youth. Surprisingly, a few months after graduation, I was offered a job teaching English at a local middle school…and here I am 15 years later. In addition to a Bachelors in English and Communications, I have a Masters in English Education, Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership: K-12 School Administration and Literacy Coach Endorsement. Additionally, I’m 2 courses (plus dissertation) away from getting my doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction, but am on a brief “hiatus” since moving to L.A. I’ve been a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. Also, because of my passion for empowering and inspiring youth, I started a nonprofit organization for girls in 2010. I hope to share it with schools here in LA at some point.
Why I love/chose El Camino
El Camino is a phenomenal school with strong roots. Since being here I’ve found a support administrative team and teachers with a vested interested in the school and community; that speaks volumes. I believe I was sent to El Camino to make a difference in the lives of students and teachers and strive to do so daily. There are certain things in education I am really passionate about such as building capacity in schools, teacher empowerment, teaching innovation, and educational equality. In this regard, our school vision statement was one of the first things that spoke to me because I wanted to know how the school views itself. Sure, there’s been some valleys and that is not unique to just El Camino, but sometimes “good things fall apart, so better things can be put together.” I want to do all I can, so that we can be the best.
My Favorite Quote:
“To thine own self be true”
My Hobbies:
Spending time with my children/family, writing, reading, traveling, listening to music, and I love water/nature (mountains, ponds, lakes, beaches, waterfalls, nature trails, etc.)
Roles & Responsibilities: School Curriculum, Classroom Instruction (English and Mathematics), Student Activities/Clubs, and EL/ESL Instruction
Parents (and other stakeholders) may contact Ms. Clark about Student Clubs and Organizations, Instruction related to English and Math classes and/or teachers, Curriculum inquiries, concerns, questions, and Student Activities.
Emilie Larew - Administrative Director, Special Education Services
About Me:
Originally from Utah, Ms. Larew moved to Los Angeles to get her BA from the University of Southern California in Cinema and Television. While at USC, she discovered a passion for sailing. That passion ultimately led to her career in education. While working in the entertainment industry, Ms. Larew started volunteering with “at-risk” youth through a sailing program in San Pedro. While sailing tallships with these middle and high school students, she discovered another passion - working with students who were struggling and those who had special needs. This ultimately led her to get an MA in Special
Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her passion for sailing never diminished and she is also a licensed ship captain and Merchant Marine officer.
Why I love/chose El Camino:
I love that there are so many possible opportunities for students to be involved in the school community, not just in academics but also in whatever area their passion or interests may be – clubs sports, the arts, etc.
Thoughts about education:
Education is the key that unlocks the doors to the future. People often think of education as only the academic piece, but it is vital for students to learn and develop a variety of skills they will need to succeed after high school and not only focus on the grades they get on a report card. That means learning not just the academics, but also learning life skills such as effective strategies for time management, appropriate self-advocacy, and developing self-confidence.
Favorite quote:
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” - C.S. Lewis
Hobbies:
In her free time, Ms. Larew enjoys sailing, teaching sailing and navigation, and quilting.
Greg Wood - Chief Business Officer
About Me:
I am a 3rd Generation Californian having grown up in the Bay Area, High School and College in the Central Valley and in Los Angeles since 1979. I have two grown children who were very fortunate to obtain a great education, largely in the Public School system of LAUSD.
Why I love/chose El Camino:
I have recognized that El Camino Real Charter HS is one of the elite Charters in Los Angeles. Having previously worked as a Chief Business Officer for 16 years, the lure to work and make an Operational and Financial difference at El Camino was something I could not ignore.
Thoughts about education:
Public Education in Los Angeles should not be that difficult to navigate for families. Charter Schools provide the options and alternatives that families may seek. My role at El Camino Real Charter High School is to use my combined years of experience in the Public and Private Sectors to maximize the amount of funds into the classroom.
Favorite quote:
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.-Ghandi
Hobbies:
Collecting and Researching Wine and travel to various parts of the world (when possible).
Roles & Responsibilities:
I oversee the development and manage the annual $45+ million School Budget. Ensure that the appropriate fiscal procedures are in place and being followed. Oversee the operations of the Cafeteria and manage the reporting and Investments of the two School Portfolios.