Our Staff

With over twenty-five years of experience at all levels of education, Gina Lynch brings a wealth of expertise to the Superintendent position. Ms. Lynch came to TPAA as the Director of Human Resources after six years as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction as well as serving as a principal, assistant principal, mentor, English/STEM/Maker teacher and ACSA State and Local Board member. She has experience with many professional development programs as a leader and/or participant including the ACSA Superintendent’s Academy, ACSA Human Resources Academy, and the North Coast School of Education. Ms. Lynch earned two Master’s degrees, Educational Leadership and English, after completing her undergraduate work in English at Dominican College. She currently teaches part-time at Antelope Valley College, and this work is giving her additional insight into the preparation and pathways needed for TPAA students to be successful. With experience in college and high school athletics, along with performing arts, Superintendent Lynch also appreciates and understands the value of student, parent and staff participation in extra-curricular activities and the overall school environment.

As a parent of two children, Ms. Lynch understands the needs and challenges of students, parents and educators. She also knows the importance of community participation as TPAA’s leader. With a focus on culture, communication, continuous improvement, and innovation, Superintendent Lynch is dedicated to empowering teachers, engaging students and enhancing learning outcomes for all.

Hello!  My name is Helen Arevalo, and I’m honored to support our Jr. Griffin learners here at TPAA! I serve as the school counselor for grades TK through 5th, working closely with students, families, and staff to build a strong foundation for academic success, social-emotional growth, and personal development. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development and my Master of Science degree in School Counseling. 

My passion lies in helping students recognize their strengths, develop positive relationships, and build the skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. My goal is for all students to feel included, valued, and heard every day. I believe that every child deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can grow and reach their fullest potential. Outside of my counseling role, I’m just a mom who enjoys shopping, doing arts and crafts, and who enjoys spending time with family and friends. I look forward to connecting with students, and families throughout the year to foster a caring and inclusive school environment. 

Book an appointment with Mr. Flores.

Hello, my name is Mr. Flores, and I have been working in education for over 10 years. I have worked closely with special education and English learners in my past roles. I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology at CSU, Northridge and later earned my master’s in School Counseling from UMass Global. My goal is to help every student reach their highest potential in high school and beyond. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends doing outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. I look forward to working with you and your students!

Book an appointment with Ms. Caldera, (A – Castro, E.)

I’m Alma Caldera, a dedicated high school counselor with 8 years of experience in guiding students through their academic and personal journeys. I earned my Master of Social Work from University of Southern California (USC) in 2016, specializing in children and families, child welfare and attendance, and school social work. My passion lies in helping young people discover their strengths, set achievable goals, and navigate the challenges of high school and beyond. I specialize in college readiness, academic support, emotional support, and I believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse student populations and collaborating with educators and parents to create tailored strategies that promote student success. Outside of my counseling role, I enjoy being a mom, traveling, reading, and I’m committed to continuous learning in the field of education and counseling. I look forward to connecting with students and families as we work together to achieve their goals. Feel free to reach out to me at any time!

Book an appointment with Ms. De Dios.

Hello, everyone! I’m Ms. DeDios, a passionate high school counselor here at TPAA! I began my journey in education in 2012, driven by a desire to positively impact young individuals. This journey, which included collaboration with diverse populations in various educational settings, has given me a solid foundation for understanding students’ mental and emotional needs, and it has strengthened my commitment to guide them through their academic challenges and personal growth. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CSU Bakersfield and a Master’s in School Counseling from Concordia University of Irvine.

My passion lies in helping students navigate the often-complex path to graduation and preparing them for life after high school. I do this by helping them discover their strengths, set meaningful goals, and overcome obstacles, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed throughout their high school journey and beyond. Every student has the potential to excel through individualized support that addresses each student’s unique needs, using evidence-based strategies and a compassionate approach that empowers students to reach their full potential. I am committed to building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, as these relationships are essential and necessary to create a cohesive support system and a positive school culture.

Outside of my dedication to my role as a school counselor, I love being a mom; I enjoy painting, listening to music, and exploring new places and ideas. Let’s work together to support and empower our students in their journey toward growth and success!

Book an appointment with Mr. Malcomb.

Book an appointment with Mrs. Ramirez.

Hi! I’m Mrs. Ramirez, and I’m excited to be your school counselor. As a proud first-generation college graduate, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sacramento State University and then pursued my master’s in School Counseling from UMass Global specializing in child welfare and attendance. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in education and Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy, always with the goal of supporting students in their academic, personal, and career growth.

Family is everything to me, and I’m passionate about building strong communities. I love learning about different cultures and have just started traveling to different countries. When I’m not at school, I enjoy being a mom and spending time with family, learning something new, or planning my next adventure. I’m here to help you navigate high school and beyond, I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

Limits of Confidentiality – There are times that we will need the help of other adults and the student’s guardians to keep them and others safe. If a student is thinking about hurting themselves, hurting others, or someone is hurting them we have to get help; this may include calling parents, DCFS or law enforcement. If you have any questions about the limits of confidentiality you may call me at 661-273-3680 or check out the Law and Ethical Standards for School Counselor HERE.

Kevin Rocha is the Co-Athletics Director and teaches Physical Education at The Academy.

For questions about athletics programs, team schedules, or physical education classes, please contact Coach Rocha.

Coach Tapp is the head coach of The Academy’s Varsity Boys Basketball team and teaches Physical Education for our Junior Griffins. 

For questions about Varsity Boys Basketball tryouts or the upcoming season, please contact Coach Tapp.

Coach Helmy is the head coach of Griffin Athletics Varsity Boys Soccer team.

Have questions about the Boys’ Soccer program including tryouts, schedules, or the upcoming season? Reach out to Coach Helmy.

Coach Otieno, is the head coach of Griffin Athletics Girls Soccer program. 

For questions about Girls Soccer, including tryouts, schedules, or the upcoming season reach out to Coach Otieno.

Coach Velasco is the head coach of Griffin Swim.  

Want to dive into swimming at The Academy? Reach out to Coach Velasco for questions about practice, tryouts, or the upcoming season.

Coach Torres leads The Academy’s Junior Varsity Boys Basketball team and teaches Physical Education. 

Questions about JV Boys Basketball? Reach out to Coach Torres.