Movses Tarakhchyan

Hesby Oaks Principal

Known affectionately as “Mr. T”, Movses Tarakhchyan is Hesby’s fearless leader. He thinks of Hesby as one big family, and cares deeply about every student, parent, and teacher that passes through its gates. He strives for excellence in all areas of education and is devoted to providing the best possible experience for his students.

We at Hesby are fortunate to have the best teachers, best students, and of course, the best families. Thank you for believing in public education, and thank you for trusting us with your children’s safety and education.

Heather Gittins

Counselor

Ms. Gittins is the dedicated school counselor at Hesby, serving students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from California State University, Northridge and her Master’s degree along with a Pupil Personnel Services credential in Counseling from California Lutheran University.

With a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, she helps students navigate their academic, social, and emotional journeys. At Hesby, Ms. Gittins is dedicated to ensuring every student thrives both in and out of the classroom.

Parisa Collier

2^nd Grade, Room 4

Parisa Collier has been teaching in LAUSD for the past 18 years. She graduated from
California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor and Masters degree in
Administration. She is married and has two kids who also attended Hesby Oaks.

Mrs. Collier believes the classroom community is a place for students to learn
through inquiry. She strives to cultivate a classroom of independent learners that
are critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and active collaborators. She is
passionate about teaching because she enjoys watching her students grow into
independent learners.

On her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling,
shopping, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Suzanne Conway

3^rd Grade, Room 7

This is my fourth year teaching at Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter, and I have been teaching TK and Kindergarten for over ten years. Both of my children attended Hesby. My oldest child started the first year it opened in Mrs. Preuss’s class and now attends UC Berkeley. My youngest is a senior at Notre Dame High School. I love teaching TK and Kindergarten, and enjoy cooking, reading, and hiking on the weekends.

Nika Esmailizadeh

1^st Grade, Room 6

Renee Gustafson

TK, Room 2

Renee Gustafson has been teaching since the fall of 1997. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts’ Degree in Liberal Studies. She has a multiple subject teaching credential with a supplementary authorization in Mathematics. Ms. Gustafson joined the staff at Hesby Oaks in the fall of 2011.

Ms. Gustafson believes the classroom community is a place for students to learn through inquiry and play. She strives to cultivate a classroom of independent learners that are critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and active collaborators.

Annie Kurkjian

5^th Grade, Room 17

Annie Kurkjian has been teaching since 2009. She has experience with grades 3-5. She believes that education is the key to success. She hopes to continue to motivate students to reach for their goals and to discover what truly inspires them.

Her aim is to always provide an environment that encourages students to be confident in order for them to realize their full potential. She looks forward to a fun and challenging school year.

Kelly MacDonald

3^rd Grade, Room 8

Ms. Mac is a California native that enjoys being outdoors.  She is a good Samaritan and always willing to help out a complete stranger. According to her, celery juice and laughing are the best medicine.  An athlete once, she now plays golf and tennis. She is an especially gifted napper, and dogs are her best cuddle buddies.  Ms. Mac likes long, romantic walks down every aisle of Costco. She prefers her puns intended. And most of all, she believes that the best things in life are not things, but experiences.  Let’s enjoy our time together.

Catareena Mazer

Kindergarten, Room 1

My mission as a kindergarten teacher is to motivate, inspire, encourage, and support my students in a positive safe and caring environment where they are educated and can grow emotionally, cognitively, and socially while building a foundation for success and life-long learning.

Ashley Mehrsaz

Kindergarten, Room 11

Ashley Mehrsaz is thrilled to be one of the newest editions to the Hesby family! She attended undergraduate school at CSUN with a B.A. in Child Development: Applied Developmental Science and graduate school at USC with a Masters of Arts in Teaching and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Ashley loves teaching kindergarten and hopes to instill a love for learning and play in her classroom in addition to guiding her students to develop their own sense of agency and identity as learners!

Jen Preuss

1^st Grade, Room 5

Jen Preuss has been teaching elementary school since Fall of 2001. Her passion is teaching children to fall in love with reading and writing. She was part of the opening staff at Hesby in 2006!

Rachel Ritter

5^th Grade, Room 14

Rachel Ritter is a recent graduate of California State University Northridge and has been at Hesby Oaks since 2018. She loves working with children and seeing the joy they have in learning and life in general. When she is not teaching, you will find her trying new cookie recipes, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying time with friends and family.

Stefani Romero

4^th Grade, Room 10

Stefani Romero has been teaching since 2016. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction at California State University.

Mrs. Romero loves to sing & bring music into the classroom as often as possible. She cultivates a community of kindness & altruism in her classroom. Her goal is to empower the littles to strengthen their foundational skills & have fun along the way!

Melanie Torossian

2^nd Grade, Room 3

Mrs. Torossian has been an elementary teacher for 12 years with a passion to guide young minds. She graduated from California State University in Liberal Studies and Masters in Teaching at USC. She encourages students to think deeply, explore their interests independently, and cultivate a classroom community built on kindness, respect, and understanding.

Outside of school, Mrs. Torossian cherishes family time, enjoys a good book, and finds peace in gardening.

Kathie Yonemura

4^th Grade, Room 9

Kathie Yonemura teaches fourth grade; she has been teaching since 1987. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and LAUSD Teacher of the Year. She loves all things California history! Her goal is to create lifelong readers, to encourage students to find the joy in learning and to develop a growth mindset!