Karina Salazar is a dedicated administrator in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

At the heart of Mrs. Salazar’s educational philosophy is her belief that high quality instruction along with nurturing learning environments that honor every child are essential practices for transformational learning. She has ushered innovative practices that have resulted in positive learning outcomes that cultivated equitable and inclusive environments where equity and inclusion are the norm.

Combined with Mrs. Salazar’s extensive public-school experience, she served on a work team for the California Environmental Literacy Taskforce to provide strategic direction on the California Department of Education’s A Blueprint for Environmental Literacy.

Most recently, Mrs. Salazar served as the instructional leader for 19 schools in the Venice Community of Schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. During her leadership, Venice CoS outgrew graduation rates to unprecedented levels.

Mrs. Salazar is married and has one son and three daughters. She enjoys traveling with her family and attending triathlon competitions as two of her daughters are high school triathletes.

Mrs. Salazar is delighted to join the Franklin Avenue Elementary School community and is honored to partner with students, staff and parents to contribute to its tradition of academic excellence.

Heidi Motzkus holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts, a Master's Degree in Theater History/Literature/Criticism and a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies. She is the Resource Specialist Teacher at Franklin and works with students in grades K-5 in meeting individualized learning goals. She has taught at Franklin for over 20 years as a Special Education Teacher. Outside of school, she enjoys backpacking in the Sierras, traveling internationally, hiking, spending time with family, and attending the theater.

Ms. Pineda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Learning, a Multi-Subject Clad Credential and a Master’s Degree in Education with emphasis on Reading and Language Arts. She has been with the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 20 years as a Teacher Assistant, Categorical Coordinator and classroom teacher in Kindergarten and 4th grade. Ms. Pineda has been part of the Franklin family since 2015 and is a proud parent of a Franklin alum!

Aimee Young Hopkins has worked extensively in literacy and arts education since 1988. Originally from Rhode Island, Aimee achieved her B.A. Magna Cum Laude from Middlebury College in Vermont and her M.A. in Theatre from Trinity Rep Conservatory in Rhode Island. Holding both the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and the Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate, Aimee received the prestigious “Golden Apple Award” from LA Unified School District in 2002. Aimee has taught English in Latin America and toured the U.S. as an Artist-in-Residence. Before settling in Los Angeles, she won First Place in Rhode Island’s NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing) Vocal Competition and several honors at the Solo/Ensemble Competition for Vocal Music. Since coming to the west coast, Aimee has performed in musical theatre and in her own musical one-woman shows and original plays. With her company, Aimee Art Productions and with the Music Center of Los Angeles, Aimee continues to offer quality arts instruction at schools and non-profits throughout the Los Angeles area. She is passionate about using the arts as a tool to build literacy and self-esteem and about sharing her expertise with classroom teachers. (Program Director; Private Teacher – piano, voice; Teaching Artist – Music, Dance, Musical Theatre, Art). "Ms. Aimee" considers Franklin to be her "Home School". She has been a Franklin Fox since 2002 and continues to celebrate the amazing families and children at her beloved Franklin every day. Go Foxes!

Yolanda Viramontes is super excited to be joining Franklin Avenue Elementary School. Some of her favorite things are hiking, going to Disneyland, and spending time with my family. She is looking forward to getting to know this school community.

Elisa Alamillo joins us with 17 years of classroom experience both in the private and public sectors. She completed her undergrad work at Pacific Oaks College in Child Development and earned a Master's Degree in Education at National University. Mrs. Alamillo is thrilled to be joining LAUSD and Franklin Avenue Elementary School. She is excited to demonstrate her passion and enthusiasm for education while promoting lifelong learning to students.

Ms. Garvey has worked in LAUSD since 1995. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Multi-Subject/B-Clad Credential, and a Master's Degree as a Reading and Writing Specialist. She has taught at Franklin since 2010; after teaching for 15 years at Los Feliz ES. She has taught a variety of ages/grades, including Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd, and also served as a Literacy Coach for 9 years working with grades K-6th. Her favorite hobbies/interest are dance, architecture, and being an international world traveler!

Amazon Wishlist

Rosalinda Aleman holds a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject teaching credential. Mrs. Aleman is bilingual; speaks English and Spanish. She has taught Kindergarten at Franklin since 2014 however, Mrs. Aleman is relatively acquainted with the school setting and neighborhood as she was born and raised in the beautiful Los Feliz/ Hollywood area. Mrs. Aleman is a proud alumni of Franklin having been a student at Franklin from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Mrs. Aleman has worked within LAUSD since 2005. Her favorite hobbies/interests include, reading, arts & crafts, hiking/nature walks, and baking.

Amazon Wishlist

A Franklin alumni, MrJ returns to his elementary school with happy memories still echoing. It’s a family thing: MrJ has black-and-white photos of his mother and her two brothers playing baseball on the yard when they too were Franklin students; his grandfather lived across the street from our school.

MrJ’s background is in the visual and performing arts; he holds a BA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. In recent years, MrJ has been a long-term substitute at his neighborhood schools and is currently earning his credential via LAUSD's iCAAP Program. MrJ incorporates the arts, especially storytelling, into his lessons to put a fresh spin on familiar topics.

MrJ is thrilled to return to Franklin at the dawn of its transformation; he strives to facilitate memories as happy as his own for the next-generation of Franklin students.

Fun Fact: Mr.J can walk the halls of Franklin Avenue School with his eyes closed!

Amazon Wishlist

Christina Casutt Waimrin holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from University of California, San Diego. and a Multi-Subject/B-Clad Teaching Credential from California State University Northridge. She started her teaching career at Los Feliz Elementary in 2000 and later joined the team of teachers at Franklin in 2010. From 2000 to present Mrs. Waimrin has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. Her daughter graduated from Franklin and her son is currently a student at Franklin. Mrs. Waimrin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, outdoor activities, and traveling. She is proud to be part of the Franklin community and enjoys working with the dedicated staff, parents, and students.

Melita Lewis has more than 16 years of teaching experience in grades second, third, and fifth. She’s originally from Long Island, New York. Mrs. Lewis started her teaching career in Georgia and recently moved to Los Angeles. Mrs. Lewis has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She believes that fostering positive relationships with students and parents is important and can build a stronger sense of community. We’re all in this together.

Amazon Wishlist

I am Janet Ramdeen-Banks and have been a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 28 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Education. I have a multiple subject credential, and also a reading specialist credential. I am pleased to be apart of the Franklin Avenue family, and am dedicated to working in partnership with an amazing faculty and staff as well as parents who are extremely supportive.

Amazon Wishlist

10 Fascinating Things About Me, by Wendy Bescher Perez

1. I grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. After high school, I went to Rockford College, outside Chicago, and later transferred to Radford University in Virginia (near Roanoke).

2. I spent my junior year of high school as a Rotary Exchange Student to Orange, New South Wales, Australia. It was life changing!

3. I started out as an English major in college, and then switched to Fashion Design. This may have been my first true love. My claim to fame in the fashion world? Some freelance work, yes, but I had a paying job as a designer of shoulder pads! :)

4. I was fortunate enough to have the spectacular Maya Angelou as one of my professors when I was in school in Virginia. I only regret I was too young to fully appreciate all she had to offer.

5. Another job I had when I landed in Los Angeles was as a personal assistant to a celebrity. It seemed like a dream come true to go from detassling corn to spending time on movie sets and handling fan mail!

6. Before I became "Mrs. Perez" and had a family, I spent time in Central America and did some volunteer work with a school in El Salvador.

7. I love to read! And I consider it my mission to find the right books for my 2nd graders, books that will give them a taste of what losing themselves in a story feels like. It's a great era to be a new reader!

8. I love being a mom! Our 2 girls are proud Franklin graduates. Such a special time of our lives.

9. I started as a substitute teacher. I knew after just a few days that I wanted to be a teacher. I still love it!

10. I've had my own classroom - Room 18 - since 1997 and I think I have the best job in the world. I feel so fortunate to have found such a great family at Franklin!

Amazon Wishlist

My name is Jessica Juarez, I hold a BA in Spanish Literature and an MA in Educational Administration. In my almost 20 years of teaching, I’ve taught every grade K-6. I am a product of LAUSD, I attended West Hollywood Elementary many moons ago. Both my children are proud Franklin Foxes! I enjoy teaching at Franklin because the parents are so involved and this creates a real sense of community, that is palpable throughout the school.

Amazon Wishlist

Amazon Wishlist

Carolina Orozco-Smith has 15 years of experience teaching students in various grades ranging from second through fifth grades. An LAUSD student first, she is re-joining our wonderful district as a fifth-grade teacher this year. She has ample experience in Restorative Justice and social-emotional behavioral training. She believes that the key to advancing any work with students is through building relationships with students and families.

Judy Murray’s journey as a Franklin teacher began in 1994, when she was hired fresh out of the UCLA Credential-M.Ed. program by then-principal Dr. Verna B. Dauterive. This diehard fourth-grade teacher considers Franklin her other family. Her own two children, Erin and James, attended Franklin and were a part of the school community long before they started kindergarten, often coming to school events such as FAME and the annual Halloween Costume Parade. A native So. Cal. girl, Mrs. Murray is proud to say she, too, is a product of LAUSD. Upon graduating from Pali High, she became a Cal Bear. After receiving her BA in French Literature & Civilization, she spent much of her twenties working in the fitness industry, as an aerobics instructor, personal trainer, and health club program director. Eventually, she realized her true calling was to be in a classroom with kids. In addition to teaching 4th grade, she serves as the school’s GATE Testing Coordinator, a hat she has worn since 2002. Look for her at the top of the middle stairs in Room 8!

Amazon Wishlist

Qball Wishlist

Mrs. Murray will also gladly accept donations of hand wipes and tissues.

Marco Serrano has taught several classes at our school as a substitute teacher. He immediately became one of our preferred subs and teachers and students alike were happy to have him in the classroom. He joins us from 24th Street Elementary where he served in a full-time position as a fourth-grade teacher. He often finds himself engaged in professional development to continue to perfect his teaching. Most recently, he participated in the District’s Future Ready Certification Program for teachers.

Jamie Halpenny is joining our Franklin family with 12 years of teaching experience in the private sector where she taught middle school (6th-8th grade) math while moderating the student council and acting as the school's testing coordinator.

Ms. Halpenny has a strong belief that collaboration, communication, and cooperation are key components to allowing students to experience success and joy throughout their education. She enjoys having the opportunity to engage with and contribute to students by ensuring they understand the inherent value they each possess while also developing their skills to be able to actively contribute to their communities in a positive way.