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Dr. Scheckel is a visionary and transformative arts educational leader with extensive experience spanning K-12 teaching, IB coordination, arts specialization, principalship, adjunct professorship and central office administration. Benita has toured nationally with the Gilbert and Sullivan opera company, Opera a la Carte and has been a featured guest star on several television series including Miracles and Close to Home however, she is best known for voicing the character of Lacie in Disney's hit animated series, Phineas and Ferb. Benita co-wrote Bend in the Road, The Anne of Green Gables Musical that was featured in the New Musical Festival in NYC in 2013. Dr. Scheckel's research on the academic and social emotional affects for long term English Language Learners who participated in a music class instead of a second hour of ELD titled "Language through Music: Bridging the Opportunity Gap in the American ELD Classroom" has been published in the peer reviewed Journal for Learning through the Arts. Benita is most proud to share her life with her husband, Caltech seismic analyst, Dominic and her beautiful, amazing, artistic children; musician, Wolfgang and visual artist, Anna. Dr. Scheckel is proud to serve the students and families in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District as their Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts.
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I was born and raised in South Korea and moved to California at the age of 16. I completed my B.A. in Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures at UCLA and went on to earn my M.A. in Multilingual and Multicultural Education at CSUN. Additionally, I pursued Visual Arts studies and obtained a supplementary teaching authorization in Introductory Art. I have 18 years of experience teaching Korean, ELD, Creative Writing, and Visual Arts in various districts.
I enjoy traveling with my teddy bear, capturing the beauty of landscapes and architecture through photography. I also love drawing, writing, and meeting new people. I’m a big fan of Baroque music and the color seafoam blue.
Veronica McGuire has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of 3, mastering a diverse range of genres including ballet, hip hop, jazz, Polynesian, Bollywood, contemporary, and Latin ballroom. She honed her skills at renowned studios such as Millennium N Motion, Athletic Garage, and Quest Dance Studio, and has performed and completed extensively along the West Coast, including Hawaii and at Dance Worlds in Florida. With 15 years of experience instructing dance across various age groups—from kindergarteners to adults—Veronica has also served as a Song instructor for the United Spirit Association for 11 years, teaching high school and college dance teams. She combines her extensive dance expertise with her academic background, holding a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Education, to offer a well-rounded approach to both teaching, movement, and choreography.
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Marjani Elgenedy is thrilled to embark on her journey as an elementary instrumental and choral music teacher within the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. She is well-equipped to inspire her students as this is her eighth year as a dedicated music teacher. A proud graduate of Cal State Northridge, Ms. Elgenedy holds two baccalaureate degrees, a teaching credential, an administrative credential, and a Master’s Degree, showcasing her commitment to education and music. Her two children are her driving force, inspiring her daily. Recently, her choir had the honor of performing at the prestigious Walt Disney Concert Hall for the Los Angeles Master Chorales 35th Annual High School Choir Festival, a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. Ms. Elgenedy eagerly anticipates the unique experiences she will create for her students in the Hacienda La Puente District this year, aiming to foster a love for music in every child she teaches.
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As a self-taught artist, I was born in Central Persia in 1974. Throughout my life, my father has been my mentor and inspiration. His artistic talent ignited a strong passion for art in me, and I have been painting and drawing for over 25 years.
In 2023, I obtained my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art from Cal Poly Pomona. In 2022, I graduated with a master’s degree in visual arts from Azusa Pacific University. I left Iran in 2002 and have lived in London, Dubai, Vancouver, and finally settled in California. The opportunity to experience different cultures and traditions has opened my eyes to the fact that we live in an international world. Equity and diversity are principles that guide our lives and our interactions.
I am a strong believer that art not only helps students deal with their inner selves and emotions on a deeper level, but it also prepares them for other academic studies, such as language and math. Through art, I believe students can become better versions of themselves—more responsive and caring individuals ready to participate positively in their communities. My goal is to transfer my knowledge to younger generations and motivate young people to create a positive impact. Art has the power to touch many souls, and that is its true beauty.
Living in various parts of the world has enriched my understanding of different artistic expressions and techniques, which I incorporate into my teaching. I aim to create an inclusive and stimulating environment where students feel free to explore their creativity. By fostering an appreciation for art, I hope to inspire them to embrace diversity and contribute meaningfully to society.
Michael Hamilton grew up playing sports in the Sacramento area. He played football and danced throughout high school and moved to Los Angeles shortly after graduating. After dancing at multiple community colleges Michael attended CSU Fullerton and focused on modern dance and ballet. Michael loves nature, food, and his dog, Moofy.
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Hello my name is Aimee Acevedo and I am the itinerant music teacher for the La Puente Quad.
I grew up in La Puente and was once a student in the HLP district. I attended Grandview for elementary and middle school and graduated from Workman High School. In 2019, I obtained my Bachelor's in Music Performance and Music Education from Azusa Pacific University and in 2022, I obtained my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music from Cal State Fullerton.
I am very proud to be a music teacher in the same district that encouraged my love of music. I spent 2 amazing years teaching band at Lassalette k-8 and look forward to continuing working with students in this community!
In my spare time, I enjoy playing clarinet or saxophone in different ensembles, crocheting, hanging out with my family, watching movies, and spending time with my fiancé and bearded dragon, Pepita.
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Hello My name is Francesca Verdugo and I am one of the new Itinerant Elementary Dance Teachers. I am a first generation college graduate from Azusa Pacific University.
I have been working and specializing in physical education and dance for over fifteen years. I have a huge passion for learning and allowing my students to reach their fullest potential. I enjoy listening to music, dancing, laughing and staying active during my free time. My favorite thing to do is to create new memories with my family and spend time together having fun!
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Sophie Pipia is a classically trained pianist, sousaphonist, accordionist and music educator. Over the past ten years, she has shared her love of music with thousands of students throughout the West Coast. She started her teaching journey as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Madras, Oregon, where she taught kindergarten through 5th grade music classes in the Jefferson County School District, and co-founded the Madras Children’s Choir. Since moving to California in 2018, she has taught music in public schools in the San José Unified School District and San Mateo Foster School District through the nonprofit organization, Music for Minors, and in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Lawndale Elementary School District through P.S. ARTS. Ms. Pipia studied music, psychology, and Spanish at Laney College in Oakland, where she graduated with Associate Degrees with highest honors in all three areas. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts, completing a major in Music Education and a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. In addition, she holds a Grand Diplôme in Pastry Arts from the International Culinary Center. Ms. Pipia is excited to join the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, and looks forward to making music with students, families, and the community this year.
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Justin McTeer: This will be my fourth-year teaching art and third year at HLPUSD. I received my BFA attending Cal State Fullerton and my credential/master's through National University. Previous to teaching I have experience as an intervention tutor and freelance artist. I look forward to this coming school year as one of the Elementary VAPA Teachers.
Jennifer is a California State Credentialed Teacher with 12 years of dedicated service in Adapted Physical Education (APE). Her career includes 3 years with San Diego Unified School District and 9 years with Los Angeles Unified School District. Now, she is thrilled to have returned to her roots at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, where she once attended Los Molinos Elementary, Newton Middle, and Los Altos High School. Jennifer's extensive experience in APE highlights her commitment to making physical education inclusive and accessible for all students, but her true passion lies in dance. For 10 years, Jennifer performed at the Disneyland Resort, dancing in iconic shows like Mickey's Halloween Treat, A Christmas Fantasy Parade, High School Musical, and Fantasmic. Her love for dance is more than just a profession—it's a personal journey that transformed her from a shy child into the confident and vibrant teacher she is today. This transformation fuels her passion to help students build confidence, form friendships, and express themselves through dance. Jennifer’s decision to transition from APE to dance instruction reflects her desire to unite her two passions. With her years of experience and unique skill set, Jennifer is excited to bring her love of dance to all students at Hacienda La Puente Unified Schools, encouraging them to break out of their shells and pursue their dreams.
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Hello, my name is Anthony Carmona and I will be the itinerant music teacher for the Workman Quad.
I've spent the first 10 amazing years of my teaching career at Valinda and Baldwin Academy were I taught k-2 general music, 4th grade recorder, 5th-8th grade band, jazz band, and rock band.
I received both my Bachelor's of Arts in Music Education and my teaching credential in music from California State University, Fullerton. I also hold a Master of Music in Music Education degree from Central Washington University.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and my 15 month old daughter. We like going to Disneyland and hockey games. I enjoy watching anime and playing video games as well.