John "Jay" Laughlin is honored to have the opportunity to serve as the principal of Castellanos and Eisner. Since 2009, Jay has worked in public schools as a teacher and school leader with a focus on ensuring every student is empowered with access to opportunity through an excellent education. Most recently, Jay served as the principal of The Chicago Academy Elementary School, a public preK-8 school on Chicago’s northwest side. At The Chicago Academy, Jay led efforts to implement vertically aligned standards-based curriculum, build school-wide capacity for educators to leverage student-centered teaching practices, and launch culturally responsive approaches to instruction that equitably serve all students. Jay engages in this work with an understanding that the success of every individual student is dependent on a network of supports. He is pleased to work with Camino Nuevo Charter Academy where family partnerships are not considered supplemental to, but rather foundational to the success of the educational program. Jay earned an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, a Masters in Teaching from Dominican University, and a Masters in School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education. As new to the Los Angeles community from Chicago, Jay is excited to explore southern California with his wife Alexandra and (eventually) their baby boy who is expected in December.

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. 

Yesenia Rivas-Hernandez is the liaison between the school and the families at the Jose Castellanos and Jane B. Eisner MS. 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.