Valor Academy Staff
Hrag Hamalian: Head of School
Valor Academy’s lead founder and head of school, Hrag Hamalian holds a double-major degree from Boston College in Biology and Honors English. He began his professional work in urban education as a Teach for America Corps member, teaching 9th grade Biology and Honors Biology at Locke High School in Watts. At Locke, Mr. Hamalian helped found the School of Math and Science and became head of the Biology department – while earning a Master’s in Secondary Education at Loyola Marymount University with high honors. To design Valor Academy, he completed a year-long Fellowship with Building Excellent Schools, a nationally-recognized charter-development organization, and a leadership residency at KIPP: Academy of Opportunity, a high-performing Charter Middle School in L.A.
Jessica Taylor Boro: Director of Instruction
A native of Los Angeles and local Teach for America alumna, Jessica T. Boro firmly believes every child has a right to a highly rigorous and enriching education. As a graduate of Spelman College, in Atlanta, she is committed to service and giving back to the community. After receiving her M.A. in Education from Loyola Marymount University, she earned her National Board Certification for Teaching (NBCT). Mrs. Boro taught at urban schools in Los Angeles before joining the faculty of a high-performing charter school. She obtained her M.S. in Administration from Pepperdine University and she is now pursuing her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Educational Leadership Administration and Policy.
Elijah Sugay: Director of Business and Operations
Mr. Sugay is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Business Economics. Prior to Valor Academy, Mr. Sugay was the Manager of Business and School Operations at Edison Charter Academy in San Francisco. Returning to Southern California and discovering a new charter school was opening up in the neighborhood where he grew up, he is thrilled to be a member of the Valor Academy team and is excited to see the positive effect the school will have on the surrounding communities.
Veronica Chavez: Office Manager
Veronica Chavez was born and raised in Arleta. Prior to joining Valor Academy Ms. Chavez owned a financial consultation company for five years. She is currently furthering her college education at College of the Canyons and is enthusiastic to see children at Valor succeed with a top notch education.
Valor’s Teachers:
Angie Trae: History/Science Teacher
Angie Trae earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri, in Columbia, Missouri, and joined Teach for America, teaching math, science and history to 6th graders.While teaching, she earned her Master’s degree in Urban Education at the University of California – Los Angeles. Ms. Trae loves to ask “why?” and teach through inquiry and exploration.
Alice Huguet: English Writing Teacher
After graduating from the University of Oregon, in Eugene, Oregon, Alice Huguet began her career in education by joining Teach for America. Moving to Southern California, Ms. Huguet completed her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles and taught Language Arts, History, and Violin at Belvedere Middle School’s Latin Music Magnet in East Los Angeles. At Valor, she looks forward to share her enthusiasm and appreciation for literature to encourage young readers.
Nicole Diamond: English Reading Teacher
Nicole Diamond was born and raised in the wonderful San Fernando Valley. She graduated from San Francisco State University, double majoring Political Science and International Relations. Upon graduating, Ms. Diamond became a member of Teach for America, and received her teaching degree in Elementary Education at Cal State University, Northridge. After teaching at Hubbard St. Elementary in Sylmar, Ms. Diamond is joining the Valor team, excited to lead students to perform above and beyond their own expectations.
Kimberly Vawter: Math Skills Teacher
Kim Vawter began her career in education as a Teach for America Los Angeles Corps Member. Prior to Valor Academy she taught 6th grade Math and Science in South L.A. Originally from Zionsville, Indiana, she graduated from Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana, with an Honors Bachelor of Arts. She is currently enrolled at Loyola Marymount University to obtain her Master’s in Education with a focus on School Administration. She is excited to be part of a founding team dedicated to opening a new charter school with high academic demands for all students.
Leila Jelloule: Math Problem Solving Teacher
Born in London, Leila Jelloule received a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s Degree in Urban Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. She began her career in education as a Teach for America Corps member, and taught 6th grade English and History at a middle school in Los Angeles. She strongly supports Valor’s mission: to prepare students to excel at the top universities of the nation.
Valor Academy
8755 Woodman Ave
Arleta, CA 91331
(818) 830-1700
h.hamalian@valoracademy.org