Leadership

Larry Boone has over 20 years of experience as an educator. He has held teaching and administrative positions in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. In 2018, he was named principal of Dalzell Lance High School. Previously, he oversaw the restructuring and revitalization of a high school in San Diego that struggled with declining enrollment and low student achievement. Mr. Boone, who grew up in South Central Los Angeles, is a firm believer that every neighborhood should have great schools. When he was a teen, his mother insisted that he and his sister ride the bus for more than an hour-and-a-half every day to attend safe, high-quality schools in the San Fernando Valley. Mr. Boone completed undergraduate studies at UCLA and became a teacher. He taught middle and high school English, humanities, health, and physical education. He also coached football, track, and cross-country. Mr. Boone has masters’ degrees from Pepperdine University and the Principal Leadership Institute at UCLA.

Amber Green is the Assistant Principal of Math and Science Instruction. As a secondary science educator with over 18 years of experience teaching STEM in both private and public schools, Ms. Green has also served as a mentor teacher, instructional coach and program coordinator at LAUSD, USC and UCLA. Born and raised by a single-mom in East San Jose where she attended K-12 public schools, she recognizes the impact of teachers on their students’ well-being and future trajectory. In that spirit, Ms. Green is committed to personalizing and improving the quality of education in urban schools. She believes that the gateway to educational equity and opportunity for students is in the preparation and support of teachers in implementing culturally responsive curriculum and building positive relationships with students and families. Ms. Green earned a BA degree in Biological Anthropology from San Jose State University, a MSc degree in Paleopathology from Durham University, England, and a MA degree in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University. She is currently a doctoral student completing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at UCLA.

Dr. Lucrecia Nava has worked in education for more than 15 years. She was a middle school and high school teacher, and also a lecturer in the Teacher’s Education program at Cal State University Los Angeles (CSULA). Dr. Nava strives to always learn and grow in her practice by continuing her education. She earned undergraduate degrees in English and Chicana/o Studies from Cal State University Northridge and a master’s degree in Public Art from USC. She holds a teaching credential in Single Subject English and master’s degree from UCLA. She also earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from CSULA, with her dissertation focusing on how indigenous practices could redefine and revolutionize school leadership. Her strong dedication to social justice is embedded in all her work. She works to lead with empathy and vulnerability. Ultimately, she works to be an example of how with dedication, support, and creativity, students can achieve their goals.

Vanessa Ornelas is the Assistant Principal of Support Services. With over 14 years of experience working in education, she began her career at USC in the School of Cinematic Arts, advising graduate students seeking advanced degrees in Television, Film, and Screenwriting. She also advised undergraduate and graduate students at UCLA in the Comparative Literature Department. Working in higher education was rewarding, but it wasn’t until she took on a part-time teaching position at California State University, Northridge that she fell in love with the high school population. Vanessa served as the assistant principal at a K-12 STEM School primarily working with students with special needs. Her passion lies in empowering underrepresented students and families in urban and under resourced communities. Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Northridge as well as a master’s of science degree in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University. She is currently completing her second master’s program with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Alliant University.

Elizabeth Nicho is the 9th and 11th grade College Counselor. She has worked in education since 2001 with combined experience in K-12 and higher education. For over 10 years, she provided direct services to children in special education, grades K-12, and supported parents in understanding their rights in the IEP process. Prior to coming to Dalzell Lance, she was a counselor/advisor at Citrus and Pasadena City College for five years where she provided personal, academic, transfer and career counseling to a diverse student population. She has taught courses at both colleges and is currently an instructor at Pasadena City College.  Elizabeth graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a B.A. in Human Development with a minor in English and an M.A. in Educational Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services credential. Her passion for helping students reach their maximum potential stems from her own personal background. She is the proud and grateful daughter of immigrants who came to America to give her and her siblings a better future. She understands the importance of mentors who not only believe in the potential of students but help them realize their own potential. Each day, she strives to be that counselor who motivates, supports and advocates for students and their right to reach every goal they have set for themselves.