Administration, Support, and Staff
Brooke Merryfield
Principal
Brooke Merryfield is an LA transplant originally from Ohio. As an English major at Ohio University, she was drawn into heated discussions about the inequities in public education. Before long, she switched majors and completed a BA in Integrated Language Arts Education. Brooke was accepted as a teaching fellow at Federal Hocking High School and taught high school English while completing her masters in Cultural Studies in Education. Inspired by progressive education and the small schools movement, Brooke went on to take a position at Wildwood School in Los Angeles, which is nationally known for its best practices in education. At Wildwood, Brooke served as a teacher leader and chair for the Humanities department. Brooke also coached middle school athletics and was an advisor for both middle and upper school students, until moving into administration to lead the school’s Outreach Program. As Outreach Coordinator, Brooke coached fellow educators and worked with public and charter schools nationwide to assist in the implementation of small, learner centered school programs. After school hours, Brooke enjoys eating green chilies from New Mexico, concert-going, cheering for her favorite NFL football teams, and leading a healthy and active lifestyle in Southern California. She is also planning a wedding to her fiancé, Reggie, slated for next summer. Brooke is inspired by the mission of New LA and loves serving the school as principal and supporting all members of the community.
Kira Hubbard
Resource Specialist
Kira Hubbard was born and raised on Whidbey Island in Washington state. As a child she enjoyed attending a K-8 Waldorf school where music, art, and theater were integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. Kira earned her Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from Whitman College. She moved to Los Angeles as a Teach For America corps member and earned her Master’s in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University while working as a middle school Resource Specialist. Kira is excited to join the New LA community because she believes that community engagement and collaboration are corner stones of an excellent education. Beyond teaching, Kira’s passions are traveling the world and dancing. From first grade through college she trained in and performed ballet; through dance Kira learned teamwork, self-discipline, confidence, and creativity. Now that she lives in LA, she is a member of a small salsa dance company that performs throughout the city. Kira hopes to someday share this passion for dance with her students. Kira is really excited to join the New LA team next year.
Shauntel Goodman
School Operations Director
Shauntel Goodman is entering her third year at New LA. Ms. Goodman makes sure the school runs every day!
Karla Ward
Facilities and Business Director
Karla Ward has dedicated herself to her home community by teaching middle school children. Her teaching background developed a desire to learn management of the operational aspects of a school. During the past four years, Karla has dedicated herself to her role as School Operations Coordinator at another Los Angeles charter school in South L.A. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Liberal Arts while attending San Diego State University. Karla eagerly joins New Los Angeles Charter School as Facilities and Business Director to continue her dedicated work in supporting education, students, staff, and the community.
