Administration

Dr. Kernan served as the Executive Director of Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter Schools, where she oversaw three schools with a total enrollment of over 1800 students. During her tenure at OPA, Dr. Kernan successfully opened a new middle school campus and led the organization to build a waitlist of over 3000 students. Additionally, both K-8 campuses were named as the top charter schools in Orange County and  earned the CA Distinguished Schools Awards, National Schools to Watch Awards, and the CA Awards for Civic Learning.  With a career in education spanning over 20 years, Dr. Kernan has performed a variety of roles including Director of Assessment and Accountability, Director of Education, middle school principal, middle and high school assistant principal, and middle and high school science and AVID teacher. Dr. Kernan holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Additionally, her doctoral degree in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California focused on improving and building organizations, as well as preparation for a role leading diverse and innovative organizations, such as IIA.

 

Grant Schmitter - Principal
Mr. Schmitter brings a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record in educational leadership and classroom instruction, making him an invaluable addition to our community. Mr. Schmitter has dedicated 17 years to the field of education, bringing teaching experiences that ranged from elementary to high school. He has served the previous 4 years as a principal in Rowland Heights, CA, and an additional 3 years before that as an assistant principal. In these roles, he collaborated with all stakeholders to increase academic achievement school wide, and his efforts led to improved student outcomes and teacher performance. He holds his BA in History from UC San Diego, and his Masters in Educational Administration from Hope International University. Mr. Schmitter is excited about joining the IIA community and working with families to promote academic excellence and develop student character.

 

Marybeth Chen - Director of Business and Operations

Ms. Chen has been with the administrative staff of Irvine International Academy since the beginning and witnessed the school's growth from its first year.  Besides front office logistics, she also manages back office data, systems, and business relations.  She works to ensure that the school operates smoothly and in line with IIA's bylaws, goals, and overall mission.  She earned her BA in English Lit from UC Berkeley and Masters in Education from the University of Oklahoma.  Having been a high school teacher for many years, she appreciates the invaluable experience of language immersion and the depth of curriculum that IIA offers to our students and community.

 

Jose Fernandez - Director of Student Services

Jose Fernandez is an accomplished individual who pursued higher education at both UC Santa Cruz and the University of the Pacific. With a passion for reading and a love for cycling, he makes the most of his free time. However, what truly sets him apart in our field  is his unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student has the necessary resources to succeed.

 

 

Betsy Serrano - Director of Human Resources

Betsy Serrano is a dedicated Human Resource professional with a strong background in fostering positive workplace cultures and enhancing employee engagement within the education sector. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, she began her career at Capistrano Unified School District, gaining valuable experience in public education. Currently, as the Director of Human Resources and Operations at Irvine International Academy, Betsy oversees all HR operations, including talent acquisition, performance management, and compliance. Committed to supporting educators and staff, Betsy ensures a supportive and efficient working environment that enhances student outcomes and strengthens relationships within the school community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and adventuring with her partner and her Husky-mix, Buddy.

 

Tiffany Zhang - Assistant Principal                                                               

Ms. Yiyuan (Tiffany) Zhang was born in China and has been involved in language education in the United States. She graduated with a B. A. in English from China, a M. Ed. from University of California, Riverside, a M. A. in TESOL from Pepperdine University. She possesses a clear California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (with BCLAD in Mandarin) and taught multiple grades in an elementary dual immersion school in Pasadena Unified School District. She serves as the Vice President of CABE Mandarin to partner with schools and organizations to support Mandarin teachers and also works as a University Field Supervisor at Pepperdine University to evaluate and coach student teachers in their teaching credentialing program. She believes that “education can turn mirrors into windows” and is certain that learners can reach their optimal potential in a rigorous and robust learning environment. She has enjoyed working with the IIA community and being part of this rigorous and robust family. She is committed to collaborate with the team and support the Mandarin immersion program at IIA.

 

Mario Escalante - Campus Operations Manager