Suzette Torres, MA.Ed. is a seasoned and visionary educational leader with over 15 years of experience driving transformational change in K–12 schools. She specializes in leveraging data-driven strategies, systems thinking, and inclusive practices to improve student outcomes and build strong, equity-centered school cultures. Suzette leads strategic initiatives focused on personalized learning, social-emotional development, and continuous instructional improvement.

Previously, Suzette held principal roles at TEACH Public Schools and Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, where she successfully led WASC accreditation renewals, implemented Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and fostered restorative, trauma-informed environments. Her leadership consistently resulted in improved academic performance, staff development, operational efficiency, and strong family-community partnerships.

Suzette holds a Master’s in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a B.A. in History from Occidental College. She is recognized for her expertise in instructional leadership, charter accountability, school operations, and building collaborative school cultures that prioritize both academic excellence and student well-being.

Claudia Castillo is the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Jose Castellanos. She is responsible for coaching and supporting teachers in classroom management, curriculum, instructional strategies, school and community routines and expectations, and other aspects of teaching and learning. She joined Camino Nuevo Charter Academy as an Assistant Principal during the 2022-2023 school year. Before transitioning into an administrative role she taught for 11 years in South Los Angeles. Claudia earned her Undergraduate Degree in Spanish Literature and Masters Degree in Liberal Studies and Teaching Credential at Occidental College.  Most recently, she attended California State University, Dominguez Hills where she earned a second master's degree in educational leadership with a preliminary administrative credential. In her spare time, Claudia enjoys playing soccer and tennis and spending time with family and friends. 

Kara Lorenzana is the Assistant Principal of Student Supports at Jose Castellanos. She is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of school-wide systems that promote a safe and positive school culture and environment, a restorative and trauma-informed approach to accountability and discipline, and socioemotional learning within the frameworks of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Kara currently has 10 years of classroom teaching experience. Before transitioning into an administrative role, she enjoyed being the TK-5 STEM specialist at Castellanos from 2017-2022. Kara earned her Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University in Manila, Philippines. Kara holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a multi-subject credential from Loyola Marymount University and a Master's Degree in School Leadership with a preliminary administrative credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Most recently, Kara was awarded a Fulbright for Global Teacher's Fellowship from the US Department of State which allowed her to participate in a rigorous year-long professional development on best practices in Global Education alongside a diverse group of K-12 educators across the United States. This culminated in a two-week long international field experience in a different country. During this time, Kara traveled to Colombia to immerse herself in the Colombian education system and participate in cultural exchange with Colombian educators, students, and families.

Kara endeavors to integrate what she has learned about Global Education at Jose Castellanos. In her spare time, Kara enjoys learning salsa dancing, ballet, and exploring the diverse food, music, arts, and culture scenes in Los Angeles.

Yesenia Rivas-Hernandez is the Family Services Coordinator for families for both the CNCA Jose A. Castellanos and CNCA - Jane B. Eisner MS campus. This year, she is excited to officially serve families for 10 years at Camino Nuevo. Prior to joining the school's leadership team, she worked for Youth Policy Institute for nine years. There she developed a passion for working with children and families as a tutor, serving students in the Pacoima and San Fernando area. She has an extensive background in coaching, budget management, workshop development and facilitation, and cultivating connections from school to home. Yesenia graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from California State University, Northridge. In her spare time, Yesenia enjoys doing family activities and going out to explore new places.