Meet The Faculty

James McGrath

Founding Director

james.mcgrath@ivahigh.org

Prior to joining  IVA High full-time in August 2015, Mr. McGrath practiced law with a prominent international law firm representing Fortune 100 companies spanning a variety of industries including real estate finance. He was named a Rising Star in Southern California Super Lawyers and Los Angeles Magazine.  For seven years, Mr. McGrath served on the Board of Directors of Bright Star Schools in Los Angeles, a small network of high-performing charter schools serving students who are predominantly low-income and non-white. He was also involved in overseeing Bright Star’s development and launch of 6 new schools during his Board tenure.  He also served on the Board of IVA for about 2 years, serving as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Academic Committee.  

Before law school, Mr. McGrath was an adjunct philosophy professor at Long Beach City College.  He also taught mathematics at Santa Margarita High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, where he coached baseball. Mr. McGrath earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy from U.C. Berkeley, a Master’s in the Philosophy of Education at U.C. Irvine (his master’s thesis pertained to developmental virtue theory), and he earned a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where he was co-chief managing editor of the Women’s Law Journal and class president.

"When I taught philosophy at Long Beach City College, I wondered why so many students in my classes came without basic thinking skills.  What did that say about our state of education that it spent so much time on things like factoring polynomials, and so little time on developing such things as the curiosity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking skills needed for success in college, careers, and life? So we created a high school (and middle school) in a very small, safe, and caring environment that nurtured students how to think for themselves, not regurgitate what somebody else told them to think."

Summer Sanders

Director, Head of School

summer.sanders@ivahigh.org

Mrs. Sanders was hired as part of the founding team in September 2015 as the Director of Community Engagement and Admissions. Mrs. Sanders now serves as the Head of School, working collaboratively with all members of our community supporting a comprehensive mission and vision. Before IVA High, Mrs. Sanders served in a similar role for six years at an arts integrated, project-based K-8 school in San Francisco, as a K-8 Counselor and Middle School Administrator. She also has experience as a mental health therapist, college counselor, high school guidance counselor, and intervention specialist. Mrs. Sanders provides on going, collaborative professional development to teachers/staff and counseling interns, thoughtfully constructing a responsive and positive staff community. She has developed a comprehensive school counseling program, advisory program, positive school culture and supports an innovative, learner-centered model for teaching and learning for the Academy.

Mrs. Sanders is passionate about advocating for students, giving them a voice, and coaching them on how to actively listen. Her education has focused on Human Services, Child/Adolescent Development, Counseling, Mental Health, Social Justice, and Education. She has a Master's degree in Counseling, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, obtained Credentials in School Counseling/Guidance, Preliminary Administrative Services and is a Certified Parent Educator and Clinical Supervisor. Mrs. Sanders is passionate about equitable learning opportunities, taking a holistic approach to education, and utilizing constructivist inquiry-based pedagogies, with the belief that social relationships are a constructive learning opportunity for both staff and student development. Summer enjoys adventures, walks, and spending as much time with her family on sunny beaches.

"I am inspired to be a part of a group of people who value supporting and challenging students through care, connection, and a growth mindset. Together, we are aware that we are not only educating students in academic subjects, we are also supporting the discovery of who they want to be, what matters most, and inspiring them to make positive contributions to our world now, and in the future. With an open-mind and heart, we learn from our students as much as they learn from us. This school was founded on these beliefs- that is a rare find. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a community committed to manifesting a cohesive vision."

Makenna Briceno

School Counselor

makenna.briceno@ivahigh.org

Makenna is passionate about arts integration, empowering youth, and organization. She comes to IVA High with a counseling background from California State University, Fullerton and has a wealth of knowledge in supporting youth. Makenna is actively enhancing our college and career program in order to prepare students for a successful life beyond high school. Makenna’s passion for learning is evident in her constant desire to further her education. She is currently enrolled at Brandman University to complete her Pupil Personnel Services Credential in order to expand her knowledge in school counseling. 

Patricia Franklin

School Coordinator/Office Manager

patricia.franklin@ivahigh.org

Patricia is a Long Beach native who fell in love with education. Growing up in a home with a tenacious mother who wanted to exemplify the importance of education she found it only natural to do the same. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis of Journalism from CSU Dominguez Hills and furthered her educational endeavors by receiving her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. She has a strong educational management background and has previously worked at a charter school. Her pursuit is to engage, encourage, guide, support, promote and lead students into understanding the statement; “Knowledge IS power, and no one can take that away from you”

“As a native Long Beach Afrolatina,  I felt compelled to work at IVA High because I felt like I could relate to the students and the community. I find the charter school system to be such a unique institution for students who need a second chance or for those who need a “community approach“ to education. IVA High shows that they care about their students, they are empathetic to their needs, and put their ideas first. I am grateful for the opportunity to be apart of such a well-diversified organization and look forward to changing students lives everyday”.

Darlin Ortiz

School Counselor/Office Assistant

darlin.ortiz@ivahigh.org

Myriam Loeschen

Outreach Team

myriam.loeschen@ivahigh.org                

Myriam brings a balanced blend of formal marketing and event planning experience. Her work is centered in creating connection and is rooted in joy. As an Outreach team member, her goals for IVA High include strengthened community engagement, student recruitment and retention and deepening the school's capacity for diversity, equity and justice. In addition to her work for IVA High, Myriam is a facilitator guiding courageous conversations about race and supporting individuals in becoming more fully human. She is a Long Beach resident.