Our Teachers

Jennifer Arana

Art, 9-12th

Ms. Arana uses art to cultivate free thought and helps students develop skills that can be used to better our communities and self as well as to fight back against oppressive colonial systems that have often silenced students of color. We love her warm and cheerful disposition and appreciate her leading the way with volleyball!

To contact Ms. Arana, please email her at: [email protected]

Mason Kapp

English, 9-12th

Ms. Kapp uses literature as a way to connect with self and others while helping students deeply analyze and make meaning of complex texts. This year she’s worked hard to diversify our students’ reading options and ensure that the traditional Eurocentric approach is dismantled. She considers herself a life-long learner and is so excited to continue growing with LACPA. We love her willingness to reflect and always lend a helping hand when needed!

To contact Ms. Kapp, please email her at: [email protected]

Emerson Guardado

Math, 9-12th

Mr. Guardado is a proud first-generation college graduate who is passionate about being an example for our students. He wants to share his love for math with our students and is excited to be in his second year teaching math. We love his persistence and determination to become an inspiring math educator!

To contact Mr. Guardado, please email him at: [email protected]

Cynthia Opsahl

Social Science, 9-12th

Ms. Opsahl has been with LACPA for the past 8 years! She teaches history with an emphasis on criticality, always supporting students in analyzing and connecting to the past as a means to creating a better future by dismantling and resisting systems of oppression while building on hope. She places high value on relationships and student connections. We love her kind and gentle spirit!

To contact Ms. Opsahl, please email her at: [email protected]

Damian Jurado

Science, 9-12th

Damian is our environmental sciences and science teacher. He is passionate about cultivating curiosity and imagination in the fields of Science as a way to reconnect with our ancestral knowledge. He hopes to continue to grow our Science department into one that is hands-on and helps all students make clear connections between science, self, and community. We love Damian for his intellect and innovation! He also tends to our campus gardens and helps our students do the same – inspiring the stewardship of our land!

To contact Damian, please email him at: [email protected]