Faculty and Staff

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 About Ánimo Venice

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Tommy Chang
Principal

Born in Tainan, Taiwan, Principal Chang immigrated to the US at the age of 5 and grew up in California. He began his career in education through the Teach-for-America (TFA) program. After he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in Biology and Religious studies, TFA dispatched him to Compton High School in Los Angeles, where he acheived tremendous success as a teacher and leader. He created an AP Biology program at Compton High, and succeeded in having the first students in Compton Unified history to pass the exam. He also coached a year-round softball program that won its first league game in 27 years, and, moreover, graduated all nine of its 2001 seniors, 6 of whom attended UC schools. Mr. Chang also held positions as the science department chair, new-teacher trainer and mentor teacher. However, Mr Chang feels that his greatest accomplishment at Compton High School centered around his students--"motivating my students to attain their educational goals of going to and being successful in college."

During his seven years at Compton, Principal Chang continued his education at UCLA, first through the Teacher Education Masters Program, and then through the Prinicipal's Leadership Institute. After receiving his administrative masters and credential, he looked to Greendot for chartering opportunities. At Ánimo Inglewood, he taught AP, Honors, and General Biology, and assumed administrative responsibilities as the WASC coordinator and 10th grade coordinator.

For fun, Mr. Chang enjoys spending time with his wife, friends, and colleagues, especially over food and drinks. Chang: "I love the camaraderie I share with the people that I am most close to and take their friendships very seriously." He also enjoys reading a good book, playing basketball, camping outdoors, traveling, and of course, watching TV.

Samantha Matamoros
Assistant 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 and Marilyn Perez
Office Assistants

 

 

 

In Loving Memory of "Auggie" Agustin Millan

Patty Millan’s husband and best friend, Agustine Millan passed away in 2006. “Auggie” had been a constant supporter of our school, lending a helping hand whenever called upon. He organized the car show in 2005, built us a stage for our end of year award ceremony, mentored our students, and helped with countless other tasks. He will be sorely missed by the Ánimo Venice family.

click to enlarge pictures

 

Ánimo Venice High School
5431 West 98th Street • Los Angeles • CA 90045
Phone: 310-392-8751 • Email: Ánimo Venice
 

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