AVID Staff

AVID Freshmen Teacher

Gabriel Lespron
[email protected]
562-698-8121 ext. 2103

Gabriel Lespron has been teaching AVID 9 for 8 years. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a B.A. in English and received his single subject credential from CSU Fullerton as well. In high school, Gabriel joined a program called Upward Bound (similar to AVID). Mr. Lespron contributes many of his life successes to this program. The Upward Bound program taught him that it doesn't matter how much you know but how hard you are willing to work and as a result, a strong belief in himself. Mr. Lespron loves trying out new food places and watching movies with his family.

AVID Co-Coordinator

AVID Sophomore & Senior Teacher
Michael Robinson
[email protected]
562-698-8121 ext. 2237

Mr. Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Health and a Master of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University. Michael Robinson has been teaching for 22 years and has been teaching AVID for more than 10 years at Whittier High School. Mr. Robinson also teaches Human Anatomy. In his spare time, Mr. Robinson likes to spend time with his family and stay physically active.

AVID Junior Teacher
Norma Sanchez
[email protected]
562-698-8121 ext. 2205

Mrs. Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from Cal State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Mrs. Sanchez has been teaching for 23 years. She especially loves the AVID program since it allows her to help first-generation students go to college and be prepared for it. In her spare time, Mrs. Sanchez enjoys spending time with her family and staying active.

AVID Senior Teacher & Co-Coordinator
Oscar Martin

[email protected]

562-698-8121 ext. 2107

Mr. Martin attended California State University, Long Beach, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics. He then attended the University of California, Los Angeles where he earned a Masters in Secondary Education as well as a teaching credential. Mr. Martin is currently in his 13th year teaching at Whittier High School and 17th overall.

AVID Counselor
Rosemary Gurrola
[email protected]
562-698-8121 ext. 2034

Horizon's Director
Norma Sierra
[email protected]
562-698-8121 ext. 2060

AVID Site Team Teachers

The AVID Site Team includes teachers in various subjects that embrace AVID philosophies within their classes.

Roberto Valadez - Math
Khelsie Mercado - English 11
Christy King - Art
Thelma Krikorian - Chemistry
Willie Pittman - US History

AVID Tutors

The AVID tutors are college students who support our AVID student population by providing a safe and positive learning environment. They attend a variety of colleges, including La Verne, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach and many more. Many are also alumni of the Whittier Union High School District and were AVID students in the past.

They conduct weekly tutorials with the students and provide further insight on their academics and share their college advice. They also grade student planners, Cornell notes, and binders so that students develop their skills to be prepared for college. Tutors also form strong bonds with the students, and help serve as the bridge between them and their AVID teachers, motivating them along the way.

Justin Hooper

Mr. Hooper is attending Cal State University of Dominguez Hills pursuing a B.S. in Math Education and is working toward being a high school math teacher. He has been an AVID Tutor for over a year and loves to help students navigate their high school courses and prepare them for college.

Celina Kemm

Ms. Kemm attended Cal State Long Beach where she received her B.S. in Molecular Cell Biology & Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. Ms. Kemm is a California High School alumni and has been an AVID tutor for almost a year. She thinks AVID is a great program that helps students get into college by preparing them with all the necessary tools they need to succeed.

Vanessa Saenz

Ms. Saenz is currently working toward her master's degree in education after graduating from Cal State Dominguez Hills with a B.A. in English Education. She has been working as an AVID Tutor for over a year and hopes to be a high school English teacher in the future. Her favorite part about being an AVID Tutor is supporting and helping students throughout their college admissions journey.