Meet the New IVA High Staff

Get to know our new staff and why they chose our small, tuition-free high school. Welcome to IVA High - we’re so glad you are here! 

Desmond Williams- P.E. Teacher

Desmond grew up playing basketball and participating in the sports scene. His love of competing on a team, as well as being the oldest of 3 children in his family, led him to become a teacher. Desmond loves helping others and supporting them by always being in their corner. As a PE teacher at IVA High, Desmond motivates students to accomplish anything they set their mind to. In his free time, Desmond enjoys going to the gym, listening to alternative rock and spending time with family on the weekends. 

“I love IVA High’s vibe and how they are student-centered. They really care about students and try to understand students. Makes me kind of wish I went to a smaller school like IVA where every student is seen and has a chance to make a change at their school.”

Jason Rivera - Student & Office Support Paraprofessional

Jason is passionate about working with students and helping them succeed academically and personally. He has a bachelor's degree in history from UC Irvine, which gives him a strong foundation in research and critical thinking. He is currently pursuing a master's in library and information science at San José State University, further developing skills in information management and educational support with a goal to use the knowledge to create a positive and impactful learning environment at IVA High.

"I chose to work at IVA High because I was drawn to the school's innovative approach to education and its commitment to fostering critical thinking and personal growth in students. My background in providing targeted support and analyzing student data aligns well with IVA High's mission to create a nurturing environment that encourages both academic excellence and character development."

Michelle Bennawy - English Teacher, LBCC Teacher Liaison

Ms. Bennawy holds a BA in History from California State University, Northridge and teaching credentials in Social Sciences and English Language Arts. She has served communities all over Los Angeles as a teacher, curriculum author, and instructional coach. Ms. Bennawy is focused on growing students’ literacy, empathy, and critical thinking skills, while bridging the classroom to the community. Her passion for music, the environment, and social justice regularly spills into classroom activities and service learning projects with students. Outside of school, Ms. Bennawy also enjoys reading in her garden, traveling the world, backpacking and yoga, crushing escape rooms with her husband, and gaming with at least one cat in her lap!

“I am excited to join IVA High because of the focus on intellectual courage, autonomy, and curiosity!”

Megan Gomes - Office Manager

Holding degrees in both Creative Writing and Education from the University of Colorado, Megan initially had hopes of being a children’s book author (…which she still may become!). After college, she taught at a dual-immersion preschool in Taiwan and led summer camps in Singapore, before returning to California. Megan is passionate about amplifying student voices and spent multiple years in Los Angeles, writing curriculum at a project-based ELA company that helped students write and publish their own stories. With over a decade spent in education, she comes to IVA from a K-8 charter school in South LA, where she worked on both the SPED and Counseling teams. Social-Emotional Learning has been a central part of her journey as an educator and she feels that all students must be seen and supported before they can truly learn. 

“I enjoy working at IVA in large part because of the staff. We all share an immense passion for education, deep love for children and a willingness to jump in and try new things. I have felt extremely supported by my coworkers and am grateful to be a part of such an incredible team.” 

Clarissa Borrayo - Office Administrator

Prior to joining full-time at IVA High in August 2024, Miss Borrayo was employed full-time in the medical field. After five years of dedicated service during the pandemic, she made the decision to return to academia in pursuit of her dream career. Miss Borrayo is currently enrolled at LBCC, where she is studying to become a teacher.

"I am excited to be on this new journey at IVA High. I take great pleasure in helping and advocating for students, as I believe in fostering an environment that supports their growth and development. I am committed to empowering each student to reach their full potential, and I look forward to contributing positively to their academic and personal journeys."

Jose Pinzon - Social Science Teacher

Jose is a native of Long Beach, and a graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a B.A. in History. He has over 6 years of classroom experience, having first started as a migrant education tutor/translator, and later as a teacher at We the People High School. He has experience teaching US History, Big History, Art History, and AP US Government. Jose is fascinated by history, politics, and literature, and is eager to share his passion with students, and help them create real world connections and become stronger writers.

“I chose IVA High School because coming from WTP High School, I learned to value smaller classrooms where I feel I can better focus on the educational needs of my students while also having the flexibility to be innovative and allow my students the space to express their opinions and engage in active learning together as a community.”

Kerry Loeschen - Paraprofessional: Student and Facility Support

A native of Long Beach, Kerry joins IVA High School as Campus Faculty Aide. He brings a myriad of skills that will add significant value to our students' academic experience. He is a trombonist with a degree in composition from CSULB. For the past 25 years he has performed in distinguished venues across the country and has toured extensively in Asia and Latin America. In addition, he is a competitive athlete and has served as a head soccer coach in the Long Beach Youth Sports Organization for 8 seasons. He is also an accomplished craftsman skilled in conception and fabrication. While on campus, Kerry will support faculty in tutelage, engage students in physical fitness activities, and lead building exercises.

About IVA High

IVA High is a fully accredited, tuition-free public high school in Long Beach, California with a mission to empower students to think well: creatively, critically, and with a capacity for self-growth. Our learner-centered approach puts students in charge of their education, while dual enrollment and paid internships transform learning into action. Students come for college prep, STEAM and limitless options for their future; they stay for smaller, safer learning in a vibrant, caring community. IVA High - Curious Minds, Empowered Community - Join Us.