MEET THE TEACHERS
Valley Environmental Academy
I am the proud coordinator of Valley Environmental Academy and champion of gifted students.
Gifted education has been my passion since I began teaching way back in 2002. In fact, I am the product of gifted education in Nevada and California and earned my BA in English and my Master’s in Professional Writing at USC.
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t live at VNMS (but I do live nearby). When I’m not coordinating amazing field trips or working with students at VNMS, you can probably run into me hiking all around LA County or dragging my two kids on an adventure.
STEPHANIE MINOR
GATE/SAS COORDINATOR
Not only is Ms. Sosa an amazing history and art teacher, but she also is a talented musician! In fact, you can hear one of her songs on “Cobra Kai!”
TRACY SOSA
6TH GRADE
ENGLISH, HISTORY, YOGA
Jamez Clements
6th Grade Math/Science/Art
Hello! I’m Mr. Clements, and I teach Math, Science, and Art here at Van Nuys Middle School.
I’m originally from Virginia, where I spent much of my life before moving to California in 2016. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Graphic Design from Ferrum College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy riding e-bikes, playing Nintendo with friends, and traveling the world. I’m always looking for new experiences, places to explore, and opportunities to learn something new.
Hello! My name is Ms. Salvaggio. I am a first generation California Native and earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master's degree in Education and a Multiple Subject Teaching credential. I have been an educator for 13+ years! I absolutely love teaching middle school and am happy to be a part of the VEA team!
SARA SALVAGGIO
7TH GRADE WORLD HISTORY
8TH GRADE U.S. HISTORY
Cynthia Perez
7TH GRADE HEALTH/SCIENCE/AVID
Hi there! I’m proud to have been an educator at Van Nuys Middle School for the past 11 years and to have spent the last 5 years as a teacher.As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand the importance of education and the opportunities it can create. I attended Glendale Community College and California State University, Northridge (CSUN), experiences that have shaped my commitment to helping students recognize the value of education.
Throughout my teaching career, I have taught 6th and 7th grade Math, Science, Health, and AVID. I strive to help students build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to succeed while encouraging them to see themselves as college- and career-ready.
I’m especially proud to work with students in the Residential and VEA programs. My goal is to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued, has the opportunity to grow, and is empowered to succeed.
Mr. Sanchez
7TH GRADE HEALTH/SCIENCE
8th GRADE SCIENCE
My name is Jose Luis Sanchez I love teaching science and health because of all the hands on projects and interesting topics. I earned a degree in Biology at UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Education at Fresno State. In my free time I like to walk my dog or watch a fun show.
My name is Mykala Listorti, and this is my 3rd year teaching science at VNMS. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in aquatic biology. Before coming to the classroom, I was an educator at a touch tank aquarium, at a tidepool school, and for an Outdoor Science School in the mountains.
I love going outside looking for and taking photos of wildlife (like the baby octopus in my photo), and I especially love sharing my passion for science with my students! My goal is to foster their curiosity and problem solving skills.
Ms. Listorti
8TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER
CHRISTIAN RADOMSKI
7TH GRADE MATH
7TH GRADE ACCELERATED MATH
Hello!
My name is Christian Radomski and I teach 7th grade mathematics at Van Nuys Middle School. I facilitate Pride Club during lunch time on campus to help support and bring community to LGBTQIA+ identifying students and allies on campus. My passion is to bring joy into learning and promote a growth mindset within students.
I originally grew up in Ventura County where I attended Ventura College, then transferred to UC Berkeley where I received my B.A. in Mathematics with a teaching concentration.
Outside of school, I love to read, cook, and find great food spots!
SIRANUSH PARSADANYAN
8TH GRADE MATH
8TH GRADE ALGEBRA
Hello, my name is Siranush Parsadanyan. This is my 4th year at Van Nuys Middle. I am teaching Math, Geometry and Algebra to 8th graders. Teaching is a second career for me and my greatest passion. I was born in Armenia and have Bachelors and Masters degrees from Yerevan State University. I love reading and spending time with my 2 daughters.
Ms. Valencia
7TH GRADE MATH
Hello! My name is Minette Valencia, and I teach 7th Grade Math. I earned my Bachelor’s degree major in Math and completed graduate coursework in Math Education in the Philippines.
I am passionate about helping students build their confidence in math and become better problem solvers. Outside the classroom, I enjoy cross-stitching, taking care of plants, reading, and watching movies.
I am excited and happy to be part of the VEA team!
Hello! I’m Ms. Huynh and I’m excited to be starting my third year at Van Nuys Middle School teaching 7th & 8th grade English Magnet and VEA. I believe in every child’s ability to learn and grow and am honored to be a part of that process.
KAREN HUYNH
7TH GRADE ENGLISH
My name is Blanca Miranda and this is my 5th year at VNMS. I am originally from Guatemala, but I’ve lived most of my life in the San Fernando Valley, and I’m a product of LAUSD schools. My goal is to create a supportive environment where every student feels empowered to find their voice and express themselves with purpose.
Blanca Miranda
7TH GRADE ENGLISH
Hi! I’m Ms. Zambrano
Ms. Zambrano
7TH GRADE ENGLISH
My name is Jazmin Gomez and I teach 8th grade English. This is my 18th year teaching. I hold a Bachelor's degree from UCLA and a Master of Science in Education from Mount St. Mary's University. I strive to inspire creativity and confidence in my students every day. Reading and writing is not just my profession; it's my passion!
JAZMIN GOMEZ
8TH GRADE ENGLISH