Balboa Elementary School

I was born in Yerevan, Armenia, and immigrated to the United States with my parents and brother in December of 1992. My parents made the courageous decision to move in search of hope and opportunity for their children. At the age of 17, I began attending Glendale High School, a time that was both frightening and transformative, as I spoke very little English. With determination, faith, and countless late nights spent studying and reading the dictionary, I found my voice. Through perseverance and the support of caring educators, I graduated with honors in just one year—an experience that forever shaped who I am as a learner, an educator, and a leader.

I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Southern California, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, also from USC. These milestones strengthened my belief that education has the power to open doors, change lives, and create endless possibilities. I truly believe that educators do more than teach—they inspire, uplift, and leave lasting imprints on the hearts of their students.

My personal mission has always been to ensure that every child is seen, valued, and supported. I believe deeply that all children can and will learn when surrounded by a school community that is united in love, compassion, and commitment to their personal, social, and academic growth.

I have proudly served in the Glendale Unified School District for the past 18 years. My journey began at Toll Middle School, where I served as an Assistant Principal for three years, followed by one year at Roosevelt Middle School, and then three years at Wilson Middle School. Before becoming an administrator, I spent nine years teaching English and had the privilege of serving as a Title I Coordinator, BTSA provider, GATE Coordinator, and supervising teacher in LAUSD—roles that taught me the true meaning of service and dedication.

As an educator, a professional, and a mother of a 24-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son, my heart is rooted in family. This is why I believe so strongly that every child, every parent, and every staff member deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. Becoming the principal of Balboa eleven years ago was both a humbling honor and a leap of faith. As I enter my eleventh year here, I do so with a full heart and deep gratitude.

To our families: thank you for trusting me and our staff with your most precious gifts—your children. Your trust is something I never take lightly. Partnering with you in your children’s education and well-being is one of the greatest responsibilities and privileges of my life.

Our staff, parents, and community welcomed me as family, stood beside me through challenges, lifted me during difficult moments, and continue to inspire me every single day. Together, we have shared joy and sorrow, celebrations and struggles. We have grown, learned, laughed, and even cried together. Through it all, we have remained united—one school, one family—working toward a single purpose: to provide a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where our Balboa students can dream, grow, and thrive.

As parents and educators, we often measure time through the milestones of our children, and before we know it, the years seem to fly by. In the rush of daily life, it is easy to forget to pause and truly appreciate the beauty of these moments.

So I encourage you to slow down, hold your loved ones close, and live each day with gratitude. Love with your whole heart, laugh freely, lead with kindness, and always choose compassion. Parents, treasure every moment with your children—they truly do grow up far too fast. And students, cherish your parents and guardians, for their love is unconditional, and they will walk beside you through every joy and challenge life brings.

It is the greatest honor of my life to serve as the principal of Balboa and to walk this journey hand in hand with our incredible school family