Meet our Current Mentors

BRANDY BROWN

Middle School English

Brandy Brown grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. She discovered her passion for teaching during her early days in kindergarten and has been a life-long learner ever since. Brandy earned her degree in English Teaching from the University of Utah in 2014. After moving to Los Angeles with her family, she began her career as a 6th-grade English teacher at PUC Community Charter Middle School, where she honed her skills working alongside talented educators and coaches. While teaching, Brandy returned to the classroom herself, earning a Master’s degree in Education and Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist credentials. Brandy became a mentor teacher for the TRP program in 2019. Her curiosity about the learning process and commitment to educational equity have driven her to support both students and fellow educators. As a mentor teacher at CCMS, Brandy is excited to co-teach alongside her TRP resident, Michelle Penado. She hopes to continue inspiring students and colleagues to embrace their intellectual curiosity and share their talents with their communities.

ROBIN NISTICO
Middle School Science

Robin Nistico is originally from the East Coast, where she began her teaching career. She graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a dual degree in Psychology and Education. Robin moved to California 12 years ago to continue pursuing what she loves—teaching. For the past 11 years, she has worked at PUC Community Charter Middle School, where she enjoys teaching 6th grade science. Passionate about both teaching and learning, Robin also finds great fulfillment in mentoring new teachers, sharing her experience and helping them grow in their practice. She looks forward to starting her 12th year in the classroom, continuing to spark curiosity and confidence in her students every day.

GABY REYNOSO 
Middle School History

Gaby Reynoso earned her BA in Political Science and Psychology from the University of California, Merced. Born and raised in San Fernando Valley, she is a proud alumnus of the CCMS class of 2004 and was part of the first graduating class of CCECHS. She is also a proud alumni of the PUC Teacher Residency Program and is delighted to give back to the program and community by mentoring new Residents,

Reflecting on her experience with PUC TRP, Gaby says, “It's been such a learning and fulfilling experience. I give credit to my time in ATP/TRP for helping me establish a strong foundation as a teacher. This is one of the main reasons why I've been able to stay in education for as long as I have, because of the support and training I received during my time as a resident. Through my time in the program, I was so fortunate to have such a supportive mentor, Julia Brown-Bernstein, because she gave me the space to try different teaching techniques and strategies. Through her guidance, she instilled in me the value of risk-taking, of  trying new ways to teach content and engage students in the learning process. Throughout my own growth and development as a teacher, I have realized that being able to support new teachers would be a way to not just give back to TRP but to fulfill a PUC commitment as an alumni. I feel I have come full circle, having gone through this program as both a Resident and a Mentor – now I am able to give back by providing the same level of support, guidance, and safe space that my own mentor provided me.”

ROBERT THAIN
High School Inclusion Specialist

Robert Thain was born in sunny Santa Monica, CA, grew up in Ventura County, and now resides in Lake Balboa, CA.  Robert began his journey as an educator in 2003, and he has worked with at-risk youth and students with learning differences across many unique settings and with diverse populations ever since.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and earned his education specialist credential (mild/moderate) from UCLA. Robert is currently starting his 3rd year as an Inclusion Specialist at PUC Lakeview Charter High School in Sylmar, CA, where he is very lucky to work with an amazing team of teachers and leaders on a campus where students can truly feel welcome each day.  Robert’s path in this field has been filled with twists and turns, breakthroughs and setbacks, and life-changing experiences for which he is forever grateful.  He is very excited to be a TRP mentor this year, as it is an opportunity to share some of the knowledge he has gained over the years so the next generation of educators can take up the torch and let it shine brightly into the future.

ERICK HERNANDEZ
Middle School Physical Education

Erick Hernandez was born and raised in North Hollywood. He holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from California State University, Northridge. Erick began his career in education as an instructional aide both for high school and middle school. During his time in this role, he developed a strong connection to the community and a passion for education. His dedication to education and a deep love for all sports is what sparked his interest in becoming a physical education teacher and sports coach. Erick believes in the power of team building as a key component of both effective teaching and learning. As a teacher, he is dedicated to creating engaging and collaborative environments where students thrive both academically and personally. In addition to teaching, Erick coaches several school sports teams, where he helps student athletes develop confidence and lifelong wellness. Erick is excited to continue his journey as a TRP mentor this year, knowing that he is not only a better classroom teacher for it but also a stronger teacher leader for his school and students.

YSEL TORRES
Middle School Inclusion Specialist

Ysel Torres received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from CSUN and shortly after graduating she began her career in education when she started as a Reading Tutor.  After a year of tutoring, she went on to pursue a career in the world of Behavioral Health. When she was laid off in 2007, Ysel was uncertain what career path she wanted to take. She had always hoped to work with at-risk youth due to her upbringing; her own experience  of  being raised by a single mother with an absent father helped her develop compassion and empathy for struggling youth. She was offered a teaching position at the same parochial school she attended as a child;  she began by teaching 7th and 8th grade ELA.  At first, Yself felt that teaching was just a temporary position and she would find her dream job as the year went on, but Ysel realized that teaching was indeed her passion. She decided to go back to school to obtain her teaching credential and attended Mount St. Mary’s University where she received her Masters Degree in Education and dual credentials: Multiple Subject and Special Education. As a credentialed teacher, Ysel has taught 3rd grade and middle school ELA, and in 2017 became part of the PUC family as an Inclusion Specialist. Even after seventeen years of teaching, Ysel continues to have the same passion for teaching and has fulfilled her goal of working with at-risk youth such as students with disabilities. Her commitment to her students is also driven by her personal life; she is a proud  mother of three  beautiful girls aged 9, 12 , and 15.  She hopes they may also follow in her footsteps one day of helping the underprivileged.

DAISY ARIAS
High School Math

Daisy Arias is a San Fernando Valley native, born and raised in Pacoima. Daisy has always had a natural strength in math. However, during her 4th-grade year, she remembers struggling with it for the first time. She disliked the experience, but chose not to ask for help, even though many offered. That moment left a lasting impact on her—it was then that she decided she wanted to become a math teacher. During her undergraduate studies, Daisy began working at her local high school and saw how many students were struggling, and she knew she wanted to be a part of the solution. Earning her teaching credential wasn’t easy. She faced many challenges that made the process harder than it might have been for others, but she persevered. Since 2016, Daisy has been teaching at PUC Triumph Charter High School, having earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from CSUN. Daisy values  giving back to her community however she can, through her time, commitment, and belief in students—helping them become the best versions of themselves. Now, as a mentor teacher, Daisy hopes to continue giving back to her community by offering guidance and support to new educators, committed to growing and learning alongside my students and colleagues.

SHERRY HIGGINS
High School English

Sherry Higgins grew up in Southern California, where she earned her BA in English from California State University, Northridge as a Division I college athlete on the women’s basketball team.  She has been an enthusiastic coach and educator for over twenty years, sharing her passion for life and her commitment to learning and growing each day.  She earned her MA in secondary education from the University of Phoenix and has been teaching high school English since 2017. She has been serving the community at PUC Lakeview Charter High School since 2018, in her roles as the 9th Grade English Teacher, Induction Mentor, Grade Level Lead, Content Lead, Summer School Coordinator and Ed Tech Champion.  She believes in the importance of a solid foundation in character development, and growth mindset, and strives to inspire everyone around her to be the best version of themselves.  She is a loving wife and proud mother of three children, and is an avid reader who enjoys sharing her passion for literature with her students and colleagues.  She is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue her service to the community in her role as a TRP mentor and she is looking forward to learning and growing as an educator in this endeavor.