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Meet the Unity Middle College Team

WELCOME TO UNITY MCHS

Unity Middle College High School prepares all students for four-year university success, leading to professional careers through a blended high school and college curriculum. Unity MCHS welcomes all students from diverse backgrounds and communities.

TEACHER PROFILE

Mr. Jun Chung is the founding Unity MCHS science teacher. Upon graduating from Troy High School in Fullerton, California, Mr. Chung graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. He earned his teaching credential for biology and chemistry at CSUF.

Mr. Chung has a wealth of experience working with youth. He has worked in both middle schools and high schools around Orange County. He has served in the youth group at his church ministry, Open Book Community, for over eight years.

Mr. Chung is married to his beautiful wife, Melanie. He loves spending time with people, and in his free time he is often found making plans to grab a meal with someone. He loves reading the Bible, playing and watching sports, playing the guitar, and learning new dishes to cook for others.

Jun Chung, Founding Science Teacher

jchung@unitymchs.org

Austin Kim, Founding Mathematics Teacher

akim@unitymchs.org

Austin Kim is ecstatic to be the founding Unity MCHS Mathematics Teacher! Mr. Kim grew up in Las Vegas and attended Ed W. Clark High School. No, there was no time spent learning how to gamble and he did not live in a casino. Upon graduating high school, Mr. Kim attended the University of California, Irvine and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Concurrently, Mr. Kim also earned his single subject teaching credential through the Cal-Teach program at UCI.

Mr. Kim has a passion for working with the young generation. For four years, he tutored middle and high school students in math levels from Pre-Algebra all the way to Calculus BC. He also enjoys serving at the youth group a part of Thanksgiving Church.

During his free time, Mr. Kim enjoys spending his time with friends and eating delicious food around the Orange county area. In addition, Mr. Kim likes to read good books, play board games with friends, and play the piano and guitar.

Marcus Maher is the Social Science Teacher at Unity MCHS. Since graduating from California State University, Long Beach with his BA in History and his clear credential in Social Science he has taught, a plethora of courses from AP Human Geography, AP United States History, World History to Government and Economics before joining the Unity family. In Mr. Maher’s class, students get the opportunity to analyze historical documents from around the world and discover what happened in the past for themselves. His classes focus on critical thinking, diversity, and argument development.

Mr. Maher is blessed to come home to his wonderful wife, Megan and to his sweet daughter Emma. When he isn’t mentoring your students, he loves spending time with family, watching sports, and watching people.

Marcus Maher, Social Sciences Teacher

mmaher@unitymchs.org

Haley Talbert, Founding English Teacher

htalbert@unitymchs.org

Ms. Talbert is ecstatic to meet her future students and their families as we begin our founding year at Unity Middle College High School. Haley, having attended Kennedy Middle College High School, is excited to provide a similar student-focused, rigorous academic experience characterized by genuine care and compassion for her students.

Upon graduating from a Middle College High School with a year of college courses already completed, Haley attended Biola University in La Mirada, California. During her time at Biola, Haley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education and credential to teach Secondary English. During the completion of her music program, she spent a semester studying songwriting, music recording, and performance arts at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

In her free time, Haley can likely be found outside with good book accompanied by a great cup of coffee. The way to Ms. Talbert’s heart is through her stomach, as she enjoys soft pretzels and Junior Mints. Her favorite authors include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Oscar Wilde. In addition to the classics, she is nearly obsessed with the sense of adventure and bravery characterized by J.K. Rowling’s created world in the Harry Potter series. Haley was born and raised in Corona, California, the land of citrus, and is still transported back to her childhood when she smells orange blossoms on a warm spring day. She now resides in Newport Beach, California.

Meet a Founding team member and the Spanish Teacher of Unity MCHS, Emily Perea! Miss Perea graduated under Dr. Craig’s leadership at an Early College High School and graduated from Vanguard University of Southern California with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May of 2018. Miss. Perea is also the CALPADS Coordinator for Unity.

In her spare time, Miss. Perea enjoys spontaneous adventures with her friends to new coffee shops and restaurants in different cities across the OC and LA County. Her favorite place to travel and rest is Cancun, México. She also loves the adrenaline rush from rollercoasters, ziplining, racing and one day hopes to go skydiving.

Emily Perea, Spanish Teacher

eperea@unitymchs.org

Keshya Locksley, English Teacher

klocksley@unitymchs.org

Miss Keshya Locksley is a new team member to the Unity family. She was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. Miss Locksley ventured out to Moscow, Idaho to achieve her goal of becoming an educator. She graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English.

Miss Locksley is excited to be given the opportunity to be the 11th and 12th grade English teacher, as well as the new P.E. teacher. Her passion is to guide and support the younger generation reach their goals—academically and mentally.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to new places, trying new foods, attending sporting events, playing with her puppies, and going to the beach.

Ms. Linda Ly graduated from UC Irvine in 2015 with her bachelor’s and teaching credentials in math. She then became a curriculum editor for the Irvine Math Project before teaching at El Sol Science and Arts Academy. There she taught 6th and 7th grade math and geometry. She enjoyed overseeing math club, competing against other schools around Orange County.

She briefly took a break from teaching after two years to become a web developer. She briefly worked for an advertising agency, maintaining websites for car dealerships and various companies. Missing the various personalities of high school and middle school students, she went back into teaching here at Unity Middle College High School.

Ms. Ly enjoys playing video games, board games, and photography! Food is her best friend. Korean BBQ, sushi, and boba are only a small list of her favorite foods.

Linda Ly, Math Teacher

lly@unitymchs.org

Chris McCarthy, Music Teacher

cmccarthy@unitymchs.org

Chris received his Bachelors in Instrumental Music from California State University Long Beach’s Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, studying under Dr. David Garrett, cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Joon Sun Jung. He has attended master classes with Johannes Moser, Matt Haimovitz, Andrew Shulman, Joon Sun Jung, and the Alexander String Quartet. He is a registered teacher with the American String Teachers Association and Suzuki Association of the Americas. Chris has completed Suzuki pedagogy with Rick Mooney and Tanya Carey.

Currently, Chris performs with the Dana Point Symphony as associate principal cello. He was a member of Symphony Irvine, the Montage Civic Orchestra, and the Crystal Cathedral Hour of Power Orchestra. He is a founding member of Love4Cello, a cello quartet based in Los Angeles, where he also serves as the group’s arranger. In 2014, as a member of the Southern California Chamber Ensemble, Chris performed in Nagoya, Japan, with renowned urhu virtuoso George Gao. He is a string coach for Oak Middle School in Los Alamitos and Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, and is the cello instructor for the Casa Romantica Music Festival Academy.

Craig Casperson is the new Education Specialist here at Unity Middle College High School and he could not be more excited to be with us. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Leadership and a Minor in English. He has over ten years of experience working with students with special needs of all ages and abilities. He has worked as a Paraeducator and a caseworker for the Westminster School District, as a Registered Behavior Technician for Garden Grove Unified School District, and as an In-Home Behavior Therapist for the Non-Profit Agency, Creative Behavior Interventions. He is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Special Education through National University.

Mr. Casperson lives right here in Orange County, is married to his awesome wife Ally, and is a father of two. In his free time, you can find him surfing, kayaking, hiking, playing baseball, riding bikes with his kids, playing the ukulele or watching the Dodgers or Lakers.

Craig Casperson, Educational Specialist

ccasperson@unitymchs.org

ADMINISTRATION PROFILE

 Erin McKenzie Craig, Ed.D., Founding Executive Director

Erin M. Craig, Ed.D. has over 12 years of experience in charter teaching, leading, and operating schools. Dr. Craig specializes in K-12 charter schools, instructional leadership, middle and early colleges, innovative school reform, blended learning, and dual enrollment. Dr. Craig has redesigned the developmental math department at Golden West College and instructs a doctoral-level K-12 school finance course at USC’s Rossier School of Education.

Previously, Dr. Craig served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Principal for NOVA Academy Early College High School in Santa Ana for almost three years. Prior to NOVA, Dr. Craig was an assistant principal, department chair, college math professor, and math teacher. Since 2013, Erin has led the statewide Early and Middle College High School efforts, support, and development through her service as the Treasurer for the California Coalition of Early and Middle Colleges (CCEMC). CCEMC is the only organization in California dedicated to sustaining and supporting Early and Middle Colleges.

Dr. Craig received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership specializing in K-12 Urban Schools at University of Southern California, and a MS and BS Mathematics. Dr. Craig holds her single subject teaching credential in mathematics, clear administrative credential, and certificate specializing in charter leadership from Loyola Marymount University.

Rashi Seth is excited to join the Unity Middle College High School team as the Assistant Principal and Social Studies teacher this year. Ms. Seth has taught at NOVA Academy Early College High School for the last 5 years, as the Government and Economics teacher, and is well versed in the early college model.

Ms. Seth received her Bachelors of Arts in International Relations with a focus on Counterterrorism and International Political Economy from the University of Southern California. She then went on to get her Masters of Arts in Teaching from USC as well. Ms. Seth is currently enrolled in an Ed.D for Learning Technologies program at Pepperdine University and hopes to graduate in 2021 with her doctorate.
In her free time, Rashi can be found at Disneyland or Lakers Games. In addition, she likes binge watching TV shows on Netflix and Hulu or catching an epic Hip-Hop Concert.

Rashi Seth, Principal

© Unity Middle College High School 2017. Nondiscrimination Statement Unity Middle College High School is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities including membership in student clubs shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnic group identification, age, religion, actual or potential parental, family, or marital status, or the exclusion of any person because of pregnancy or related conditions, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Unity Middle College High School does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the activities and programs available. Admission to these programs is based on age appropriateness, class space, interest, aptitude, and prerequisite coursework where applicable. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission to or participation in the Unity Middle College High School's activities and programs. Unity Middle College High School also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.  

Students are dismissed March 16 - April 12

As things continue to evolve and change at the state and local level, we can now confirm that Unity will remain closed through Spring Break, through April 12, 2020. Based on the governor’s press conference earlier this week, we are preparing for a longer closure and will keep families updated as this unfolds.

Today
● Ms. Nieblas and Ms. Limon are reaching out to each Unity family by phone TODAY to verify they are receiving our messages, their child has access to internet, learning, and food as well as to help families troubleshoot any areas needed.

Today through April 3, 2020 - School Closed
● Through April 3rd, Unity students have the opportunity to revise, improve, and resubmit any past assignments they did not receive full credit on. This will ensure students can build on their previous knowledge rather than try to learn new content on their own.
● Teachers have already reached out to your student through Google Classroom.
● Family teachers will also communicate and check in on your students each week.
● On Friday April 3, 2020 families will receive the School wide Unity Distance Education Plan for instruction and special education service implementation for the coming weeks.
● If you have questions as it relates to your child accessing learning please reach out directly to Ms. Seth by email at rseth@unitymchs.org or by telephone at 313-509-8689

April 4, 2020 - April 12, 2020 - Spring Break
● Our school and office are closed and teachers/staff will be on break.
● If you need urgent assistance during this time please email Dr. Craig ecraig@unitymchs.org AND Ms. Seth rseth@unitymchs.org.

April 13, 2020 - Online Distance Education and Special Education Services Begin
● The Schoolwide Distance Education Plan including special education services provided will be emailed to our Unity families and students before Spring Break and begin on Monday April 13, 2020.
● This plan will include details about how students will learn, communicate with their teachers, submit assignments, and most importantly get the help they need.

Students with Disabilities
● Our goal is to continue to provide each student with equity and access through innovation for their education and services during this time.
● Between now and April 3rd, Mr. Casperson and Mr. Trulin will continue to reach out to our students with disabilities to provide them with service and support on their past assignments and any past work.
● Unity is currently working with their special education service providers to develop a plan for “remote services”. This plan will be communicated to families on or before April 3, 2020 and will begin on April 13, 2020.
● If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Mr. Casperson and Ms. Seth.

School Events Including Spring Picnic
● All school events until the end of April have been canceled (to be rescheduled).
● As things continue to change, we will keep you updated on events in May and June.
● Students, please practice social distancing even though hanging out with your friends is more fun.
● We do not have answers about Graduation 2020 and activities yet, so please be patient with us. As soon as we receive more information from the state and county, we will share that information with you. We can’t wait to celebrate your success!
● Our goal is to celebrate the graduating class of 2020, we ultimately want to make sure everyone is safe.

Students Taking College at SCC
● Students should now be working online for their SCC classes and should check their emails and Canvas for further information from SCC and individual professors.
● Students who need support with wifi should contact Ms. Seth.
● Ms. Seth will still be doing college grade checks every other week with students via email. Student Meals Each School Day
● Throughout the closure on school days each week, Unity students can go to the Orange United
Schools listed below for:
○ Grab-N-Go Breakfast from 8 am to 10 am &
○ Grab-N-Go Lunch 10 am to noon
● Locations serving food are:
○ Handy, California, Esplanade, Taft, Yorba, & Lampson Elementary Schools
○ Portola Middle School
○ Orange HS, El Modena HS, & Canyon HS. (served out of snack bars, not in the cafeteria or multipurpose rooms, to prevent students gathering)

● Students are not allowed to stay on campus or congregate to consume meals and must be present to pick up food. We are in this together as a Unity family, and we will get through this. Thank you for your responsiveness, support, and ongoing communication. As always, please reach out to us and let us know what you and your family need. Stay safe and take care of your loved ones.