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What if there was a middle school where students were asked to care about how their mind works? Where students were asked to wonder out loud. Imagine a place where kids are excited to learn. What if this place allowed students to struggle and helped them view perseverance through struggle as an opportunity for growth?

Lindsey Baur

b_342_513_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Baur-Lindsey-StudentID-01599.jpgMathematics Teacher

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Lindsey came to Long Beach for school from the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated with her BA in kinesiology from CSULB in 2021. While happily working at a local coffee shop, her passion for holistic health, wellness and development has led her to an intern position at Kevala Ayurveda Wellness and to IVA.

In her free time this past year, Lindsey has become an avid runner taking part in many SoCal race events. She is always up to some new activity as she seeks adventure and new experiences every day.

"I was drawn to IVA through its focus on the holistic development of their students as individuals, and their mission to teach habits of learning which supports students’ passions and lifelong exploration of themselves and the world around them."

Tiffany Salazar

b_351_438_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Salazar-Tiffany.jpgPhysical Education Teacher 

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Tiffany was born in Los Angeles and raised in the city of El Monte. From an early age, she discovered sports as a positive and empowering outlet—one that fostered personal growth, connection, and resilience. She received her B.S. in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona and her Physical Education Teaching Credential from CSULB. As a competitive soccer player and member of the Women’s Soccer Team at Cal Poly Pomona, Tiffany developed a deep appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and emotional growth that athletics cultivate.

Her experiences as a PE teacher and soccer coach have shown her how physical activity can support social-emotional growth, build adaptability, and contribute to lifelong well-being.

Tiffany is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can grow not only physically, but also socially and emotionally. She appreciates that PE is about more than just the physical skills—it’s about learning how to work together, building confidence, and taking care of our bodies and minds. "I was drawn to IVAs unique approach to teaching that invites students to explore and practice the virtues in a learning environment that is safe and allows room for individuality. I appreciate how thoughtful, kind, and reflective the IVA community is, these practices help establish a solid foundation for growth in and out of the classroom setting.

Michele Bolanos

b_346_520_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Bolanos-Michele-StudentID-01138.jpgScience Teacher

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Michele graduated from UC Irvine with a bachelors in Environmental Science and education along with a single subject science/ biology teaching credential through their CalTeach program. She has taught middle school science for the past 5 years. Before coming to IVA, Michele was teaching 7th grade science at Beverly Vista Middle School in BHUSD.

Michele loves singing and making art. At the end of a long day, she will decompress with some video games or look forward to a fun board game night. She also has an escape room addiction and a love for anime and Disney movies.

"When I learned about IVA's 9 master virtues, I saw that they aligned very well with my personal teaching philosophy. They focused on growth and depth of learning and the real process of critical thinking. But even more than that, what made me want to be a part of IVA was the people. When I met the staff and faculty, I saw people who truly believed in their message and mission, people who cared about their students and each other. I am so thankful to be able to be a part of a school that is so diverse, welcoming, and passionate about learning."

Sarah Marsh

b_350_438_16777215_00_images_bioimages_sarahmarsh.jpg

Mathematics Teacher

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Sarah Marsh teaches 8th grade Literature and Composition at IVA.  Before staying home with her five (yes, five!) children, Mrs. Marsh taught in Paramount Unified as a 9th grade English teacher and curriculum specialist.  During her hiatus from full-time teaching, she kept her foot in the door through teaching adult school, supervising student teachers, and substituting at IVA.  She holds a California Clear Credential in English, and has a Masters in Education with a curriculum emphasis.

"I'm glad to at last be a part of the IVA family.  The commitment to raising good thinkers and, more importantly, good people has been a personal endeavor of mine; I've tried it out on my guinea pigs (also known as my children), and I'm eager to put it into practice in the IVA classrooms.  There is so much to learn and do and investigate in this beautiful world of ours, and so much that we can easily miss if we're not paying attention. Curiosity, attentiveness, and carefulness make life so much richer, and I hope for rich lives for all the young people I encounter."

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