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Samantha Matamoros Principal

Where are you from? I am from California. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, however, I did live in Honduras for a couple of years when I was much younger. What were you doing/have you done before Ánimo Venice? Before Ánimo Venice I taught Spanish 1 and 2 for natives and AP Spanish Literature at Environmental Charter High School in the city of Lawndale. What is your educational background? I received by Bachelor's degree from UCLA with a major in Spanish Literature and a minor in Public Policy. I then received my teacher's credential from Cal State Dominguez Hills. What is one thing that people find interesting about you? I have been highly invloved in various missions projects-one of which took me all the way to the Mississippi Delta in Arkansas-imagine that! What are your hobbies and interests? I have so many! I love dancing to just about anything! I enjoy traveling and eating-which go very well together. I try to go to the gym six days a week and I like scrapbooking very much!

Patricia Millan Office Manager

Where are you from? I was born in East Los Angeles and raised in the spectacular city of Venice. What will you be doing for Ánimo Venice? I have the pleasure to serve as the Office Manager for Ánimo Venice students, staff, and parents. What were you doing before Ánimo Venice? For the past 4 years, I was employed as a Program Assistant at Career Planning Center in Marina del Rey a non-profit organization providing referrals to social and supportive services for lower income residents of the City of Los Angeles/Westside Community. Prior to CPC I worked at UCLA as a Payroll/Personnel Assistant for 4 years. What is your educational background? Graduate of Venice High, graduate of Victory Educational Training Institute in 1997, graduate of CHE Program (Community Humanities Education) at Antioch University in 2003. I earned a Bachelors in Christian Ministry in 2004 majoring in urban city ministries through an extension course of APU at Facultad de Teologia. What are your future plans? My next step is to attend Azusa Pacific University to receive my Masters. What is one thing that people find interesting about you? My willingness to go out of my way to help people for a cause. What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy reading, love music. I like volleyball, walks on the beach, sunsets and camping.  My personal interests are in creating opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. What is one of your favorite restaurants in LA? Pacos Tacos.

Jessi Blanco, Marilyn Perez, Jessica Guevara Office Assistants