A highly skilled, relationship driven, passionate and fun staff

All RSI faculty members go through a detailed credentialing process that includes alignment to our mission, vision and values, classroom training and subject matter testing. They are not only experts in their areas, but are masterful at making learning fun for the students. This is primary at RSI. Equally as important, they walk alongside students in times of need and trouble to help build their leadership skills as well as social and emotional strength. Fair, but firm is standard practice here because we care about each student as an individual and are dedicated to the success and potential of every child.

RSI Story

Administration

Mrs. Mizera
Executive Director

Mrs. Mizera

Mrs. Mizera brings a blend of business acumen and a passion for education excellence to the Renascence School International. She was educated in the U.S. and China and received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of California, Irvine. In addition to working in the investment management field, she is a past President of the Orange County Chinese American Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Mizera believes learning is fun and is passionate about providing Orange County children with an education option that combines advanced academics and foreign language learning.

Ms. Bleeker
Media Coordinator

Ms. Bleeker

Ms. Bleeker is a Southern California native, having grown up in Orange, CA. Her desire to help others thrive in their daily lives led her to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. Over the last six years, she has gained experience in educational administration, adolescent development, and person-centered care. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading poetry, and trying new recipes.

Mrs. Flournoy
Campus Director

Mrs. Flournoy

Mrs. Flournoy is a “third culture kid.” She was born in Brazil, and at age five her family became missionaries and moved to Mozambique, Africa. She believes in the value and beauty of exposing children to different languages and cultures. In addition to fulfilling various administrative roles, Mrs. Flournoy has past experience as a preschool, kindergarten, and second grade teacher. She is honored to be your Campus Director this school year, which also marks her 10th year at Renascence School International. Mrs. Flournoy enjoys building relationships with students and honoring the greatness in them. She aims to foster an environment where students feel safe, valued, and heard. Mrs. Flournoy is committed to partnering with staff and parents to provide the best education and overall school experience for the whole child. During her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and exploring new coffee shops with her husband and son.

Ms. Hong
Campus Coordinator

Ms. Hong

Ms. Hong was born in Vietnam and grew up in Orange County, CA. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Development. She has over 17 years of experience working with school-aged children. Her passion is to help children and families thrive. Ms. Hong believes in building authentic relationships with parents and working in partnership for the best interest of each child to help them be successful. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, her two daughters, painting kindness rocks, doing crafts, and being in nature.

Ms. Peng
Accounting and HR

Ms. Peng

Ms. Peng brings new vitality to RSI that encompasses a breadth of experience as a professional in the accounting and finance fields. At RSI, Ms. Peng has the opportunity to bring together her expertise in accounting and her passion for education. Ms. Peng earned B.A. degrees in both Finance and Business Administration from Cal State, Northridge while minoring in marketing and economics. Subsequently, she earned her master’s degree in Professional Accountancy at UC, Irvine and became CPA eligible upon graduation. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, swimming, good food, and time with her friends and family.

Ms. Sanchez
Admissions Coordinator

Ms. Sanchez

Ms. Sanchez grew up in Southern California and has 5 years of experience working in the field of Child Development. She has worked with children ranging from infants through age six. Ms. Sanchez believes that learning can be fun, and is invested in providing a loving, nourishing and positive environment for the students. She encourages children to express themselves through creative play, art, communication and more. Ms. Sanchez enjoys supporting her staff and students every day. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, hiking and exploring new places. You may also find her on Pinterest always looking for new ideas!

Ms. Wong
Dean of Academics, Honorary

Ms. Wong

Ms. Wong embodies a deep dedication to our school community, contributing her expertise and passion for education. Ms. Wong brings over two decades of educational experience to RSI, with a strong background in curriculum development and execution, student success initiatives, pedagogical practices, new program development, and facilitating a continuous cycle of growth honed through her prior work in the field. She has served RSI in numerous capacities, contributing many hours behind the scenes based on her love for education and giving back. Her contributions to RSI have been significant, including spearheading the WASC accreditation process, Inventions grant writing, solidifying AP class offerings, developing Middle School and High School Major Exploration programs, and implementing the Canvas learning management system. Ms. Wong is results-driven and passionate about elevating learning in the K-12 classroom. Ms. Wong enjoys working closely with students; she particularly enjoys engaging directly with students to ensure they have the best possible learning experience.

Preschool

RSI Preschool Staff
transitioned to ECRSI. You can visit the ECRSI website here: https://seasidecostamesapreschool.com

Elementary, Middle School & High School

Sra. Barrera
C9, C10, and C11/12 Spanish Teacher

Sra. Barrera

Sra. Barrera was born and raised in Mexico. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Modern Languages from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. Sra. Barrera has experience teaching both Spanish and English, in public and private schools. In 2005, she was accepted by the Institute of International Education in New York to teach her native language to children in a Spanish immersion school in Minnesota. Since then, Sra. Barrera developed a passion for teaching young language learners. As a language educator, she strives to teach the different varieties of the target language and the culture of its speakers, as well as positively contributing to the learning process and personal growth of her students. In her free time, Sra. Barrera enjoys reading, working out, and learning something new.

Chen Laoshi
L10 Chinese and Science, Academic Support, and Portfolio Teacher

Chen Laoshi

Ms. Chen brings over 20 years of teaching experience to her classroom. She began her career in China as an English teacher, where she taught for seven years after earning her bachelor’s degree in International Trade. After moving to the U.S., she followed her passion for early childhood education and received her Montessori Preschool Teacher Credential. Since then, she has spent 5 years teaching in Montessori schools and created and launched the first Chinese Immersion Program at a preschool.

Ms. Chen is deeply committed to helping every child grow into a confident and independent learner. She believes that every child has the ability to succeed when given encouragement and opportunity, and she works hard to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment each day. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and cooking.

Mr. Fedalizo
K-12 PE Teacher and Athletic Coordinator

Mr. Fedalizo

Mr. Fedalizo is a native Northern Californian from the city of Cupertino (home to Apple). He grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, till he was 5 years old, then moved back to California. Mr. J was a competitive gymnast for 20 years where he had the opportunity to compete for the Filipino National Gymnastics Team in Singapore. He studied Kinesiology at West Valley College and has been coaching kids from 5 years old to 18 years old for the past 10 years. Mr. Fedalizo likes to assist in developing and inspiring young adults to do the impossible! It has always been his passion to make a positive impact on the younger generation.

Sra. Ferrand
L10 Enrichment, C6, C7, and C8 Spanish Teacher

Sra. Ferrand

Sra. Madeleine Ferrand is a native Spanish speaker from Peru and an experienced school teacher. She received her Bachelor’s in Special Education from Unife ( Lima, Peru ). Sra. Ferrand believes learning a new language increases creativity and opens hundreds of new opportunities! This is why she loves sharing her experience and knowledge of the beautiful language of Spanish with kids! In my spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Mr. Grajales
C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, and C16 English/History Teacher, Student Council Lead

Mr. Grajales

Mr. Grajales was born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in Costa Mesa after moving here at the age of five. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University in Japan where he lived for two years. While overseas, he was humbled by the power of education to transcend language and culture. Mr. Grajales graduated with his masters from Chapman University where he earned his teaching credential as a multiple subject teacher while also working as an in-home behavioral therapist. As an educator for more than five years, the only things Mr. Grajales likes as much as learning are music, traveling, and chocolate. He believes education is a personal journey for each student, and it’s his job to support that success.

Ms. Huang
C10, C11, C12, and C13 English Math, and Math Olympiad Teacher

Ms. Huang

Ms. Juang
C10, C11, C12, C13, and C16 Science Teacher, Science Olympiad

Ms. Juang

Ms. Hannah Juang was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Her parents were immigrants from Taiwan so she grew up immersed in Chinese culture. She graduated with a B.A. degree in Molecular Biology from Scripps College in Claremont, CA and received her M.A. in Education from UC Irvine. Ms. Juang also has more than 4 years of experience coaching middle and high school students in speech and debate. Ms. Juang became passionate about teaching after she taught middle schoolers biology at a summer enrichment program in college. Her favorite part about teaching is forming relationships with students as they learn and explore. When Ms. Juang is not in the classroom, she enjoys reading, dancing, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Ramos
L10, C6, C7, C8 English Teacher

Ms. Ramos

Ms. Ramos graduated from the University of La Verne with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Education. Ms. Ramos’s experience of working with children began in high school as a volunteer for the ASES program where she provided students with teaching that was active, collaborative, and meaningful. Since then, Ms. Ramos was able to develop a great passion for serving children and learning the ways children learn and grow, both academically and mentally. Ms. Ramos’s philosophy is to provide each student with a safe and fun environment that will allow them to receive academic support, participate in new enrichment opportunities, and learn positive social values. Besides being in the classroom, Ms. Ramos loves to work out, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Shao Laoshi
C6 and C7 Science, C9 Math, and C9 Chinese Teacher

Shao Laoshi

Shao Laoshi is an experienced educator from China. She has seven years of teaching experience in Chinese language and math with young elementary-age children. Shao Laoshi has a passion for teaching students and creating a stimulating and motivating learning environment. She loves to engage students and help them find their love for learning. In particular, Shao Laoshi has a strong belief in learning Chinese in an immersive environment, where students can naturally adapt the language to their everyday lives. Shao Laoshi will teach math and science through active classroom interactions and joint student exploration. She is excited to help her students master the practical applications of Chinese in math and science.

Sra. Valenzuela
C13, C16 Spanish, and Conversational Spanish Teacher

Sra. Valenzuela

Sra. Valenzuela was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She became a lawyer and practiced law in her home country for 10 years before moving to Huntington Beach, CA where she now resides. She has taught Spanish at different levels for children and adults since 2015 when she founded Gate Languages. Sra. Valenzuela has pursued post-graduate education at the Peruvian Catholic University, Harvard University, Pepperdine University, and the University of California, Irvine. She is passionate about teaching languages with cultural components, especially Spanish, to children because she believes that multilingual citizens can most effectively foster understanding and tolerance among nations, thus bettering their communities and the world at large.

Xiong Laoshi
C6, C7, C8, and C10 Chinese Teacher, and Chinese Academic Support Lead, and Family Liason

Xiong Laoshi

Xiong Laoshi earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Literature and Education from Sichuan Normal University in China. She pursued her post bachelor study at California State University Long Beach, where she received a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Chinese. Xiong Laoshi enjoys teaching Chinese to students of all different levels and backgrounds. Years of teaching experience has developed in her a love for helping students find their inner strength and embrace their full potential.

Zhang Laoshi
C11, C12, C13 and C15 Chinese

Zhang Laoshi

Ms. Zhang is an experienced language educator with a diverse background, having worked in K–college programs across the globe, including China, Japan, Belgium, and the United States. She currently teaches C12 and AP Chinese at RSI and serves as an adjunct Chinese professor at Cypress College. Ms. Zhang holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a graduate degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, and a Translation Certification from California State University, Long Beach. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a proud mother of three wonderful children. During her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Ms. Zhang treasures every meaningful moment she shares with her RSI students and takes great pride in fostering an engaging and enriching learning environment.

Zhou Laoshi
L10, C6, C7, and C8 Math Teacher

Zhou Laoshi

Zhou Laoshi was born and raised in Shanghai, China, where she graduated from Nantong High Normal College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Later, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Shanghai International Studies University. Zhao Laoshi taught in China for over 10 years before teaching at St. Anne School in Orange County for 2 years. Her love for teaching sprouts from her joyful interactions with children. She enjoys seeing their curious faces transform into knowledgeable smiles. The children’s sweet voices and inquisitiveness drive her passion to teach. Zhou Laoshi’s teaching style employs a strong responsibility. In her spare time, Zhou Laoshi loves reading, biking, playing tennis with her family!

Elementary & Middle School Support Staff

Huang Laoshi
Chinese TA

Huang Laoshi

Lin Laoshi
Chinese Enrichment and Support Staff

Lin Laoshi

I am Lin Laoshi (Sabrina). I was born and raised in China. I first developed a love for teaching during my college years. Then I decided to pursue a teaching career and spent years volunteer teaching at college and church. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Development. I also obtained the American Montessori Society Certificate from UC, Irvine and worked at a Montessori school. I have been working with students for 6 years now. Teaching is my passion and I love to see young children growing and learning. I believe that each child is individually unique. Therefore, it is important to understand each child’s interests and potential. My goal is to create a fun, secure, safe, and warm environment for children to learn and develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. In my spare time, I love to cook, travel, explore museums, and learn new things! I also love teaching Chinese! I am very excited to be your Chinese teacher this year. I am looking forward to teaching, supporting, and building a relationship with the students and parents by providing the best and most fun educational experience.

Mr. Millington
Custodian

Mr. Millington

Bobo Laoshi
Chinese Conversational Instructor

Zheng Laoshi (Bobo Laoshi)

Zheng Laoshi grew up on the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China, and studied Chinese Language Arts at Nanjing University. Before coming to the United States, Zheng Laoshi worked in a Chinese TV station for more than 25 years where he trained rigorously to have perfect pronunciation in Mandarin Chinese. As a well-known TV host in China, he has years of experience as a media producer related to Chinese culture and history. Zheng Loashi is passionate about researching Chinese culture/history and loves sharing his knowledge with the next generations by using his previous media experience to bridge the East and the West. When Zheng Laoshi is not working, he enjoys reading, playing sports, and watching movies with his family.

Arts Program Staff

Sage Carmona
Arts Instructor

Sage Carmona

With a BFA in Entertainment Arts and Animation from California State University, Fullerton, I’ve spent years honing my skills as an artist and teacher. I’m passionate about helping students discover their creativity and express themselves through art, whether it’s through drawing, painting, or digital media.

In the classroom, I strive to make every lesson exciting, hands-on, and full of inspiration. Art is not just about technique—it’s about discovering new ways to see the world and expressing yourself without limits. When I’m not teaching, you can find me sketching, animating, or looking for new ways to bring creativity to life.

A fun fact? I’m also a firm believer that the best art supplies are a little imagination and a lot of paint!

Diana Farrell
Arts Director

Diana Farrell

A winner of the 2023 American Prize, Women in Opera Division and 2023 AIMS in Gratz Vocal Competition, American lyric spinto soprano, Diana Farrell, has been hailed for her “golden voice.” She is best known for her portrayal of the titular role of Puccini’s Tosca, Magda in Menotti’s The Consul, Jake’s Heggie’s Krystyna Zywulska, and Verdi’s Lady Macbeth, for which her “passionate intensity…” earned high praise as she “consistently sang with beauty and sensitivity.” This season Ms. Farrell makes her Carnegie Hall debut as both a singer and the librettists for Brooke deRosa’s The Yellow Wallpaper. In 2023, she made companys debut with San Diego Opera, Pacific Symphony, and Pacific Opera Porject. She has also appeared in the roles of Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus), Contessa Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro), Micaëla (Carmen), Anna Maurrant (Street Scene), Berta (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Miriam (Lee Hoiby’s The Scarf), and the title role of Amelia Goes to the Ball, among others, with companies such as Opera Western Reserve, The Crested Butte Music Festival, Nightingale Opera Theatre, Pacific Lyric Association, and Simsbury Light Opera.

Behind the scenes, Diana has garnered attention for her insightful work as a stage director and librettist. Her debut librettos include deRosa’a The Yellow Wallpaper (January 2025 debut at Carnegie Hall) and Derrick Skye’s Gilgamesh for the Assyrian Arts Institute (March 2026 Premiere in LA). She is the Artistic Director for Lyric Opera of Orange County, which was named Emerging Arts Organization of the Year for 2022 by Arts OC. In 2022 Diana was also named a Women Leader in Orange County Arts, and an OC Visionary by the LA Times. She has recently become engaged with The Assyrian Arts Institute as a librettist and Resident Master Artist. Diana has become a frequent judge and panelist for competitions, grant committees, and young artist training programs around the country. She has worked as a director at multiple opera and musical theatre programs around the Great Lakes area and for companies like Pacific Lyric Association and Opera Western Reserve.

When not focusing on opera, Diana performs with the Grammy award winning Pacific Chorale. Highlights from past concert engagements include Beethoven’s 9th Symphony Soprano Soloist with Poway Symphony Orchestra, a performances of Strauss’s Vier Lied with Peninsula Symphony Orchestra, Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été with the Dana Symphony Orchestra, an appearance with the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the soprano soloist with the Centre Chorale for Mozart’s Requiem and Saint Saën’s Oratorio de Noël. Diana is the winner of multiple awards throughout her career, completing her formal studies with an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Nels Jenstad
Guitar Instructor

Nels Jenstad

Nels Jenstad, teaching Piano, and Guitar, in Orange County since 1989. Ph.D. in Psychology of Music in 1999 through a theosophical university in Hawaii. He studied the Art of Songwriting under Paul Chiton, San Francisco, Modern Chorus (new music) under Dr. Herrmann LeRoux, SF Conservatory of Music. He studied Music Theory, Piano, Voice, and Jazz Improvisation under NEA Jazz Master, David Baker, at Contra Costa College, Richmond, CA., Electronic Music, Piano, Recording, and TV Production Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA. Listed on the IMDb for music for two films, he also has numerous other media and film music placements internationally. He has published over 20 digital albums. He also signed and released an EP on vinyl with European record on the Fri Form Records label in 2019. OCMD, 2018, Nels recorded the guitar parts for Alex Boyes’ “Sign of the Times” song by Harry Styles and took part in the video in conjunction with Orange County Music and Dance.

Cris Law
Piano Accompanist

Cris Law

Cris Law was born in OC, raised in Hong Kong and moved back to SoCal at the age of sixteen. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from CSU. Fullerton, a graduate certificate in Historical Performance from USC, and possesses two masters from Claremont Graduate University in Vocal Performance and Arts Management. Mr. Law works extensively as a voice teacher, performer, music director, accompanist, and recording artist throughout SoCal. As an educator for more than twelve years, the only things Mr. Law likes as much as music are traveling, and animals. He believes music & arts is essential in each student’s personal development, and it’s his job to support that success.

A highly skilled, relationship driven, passionate and fun staff

Administration

Mrs. Mizera Executive Director

Ms. Bleeker Media Coordinator

Mrs. Flournoy Campus Director

Ms. Hong Campus Coordinator

Ms. Peng Accounting and HR

Ms. Sanchez Admissions Coordinator

Ms. Wong Dean of Academics, Honorary

Preschool

RSI Preschool Staff transitioned to ECRSI. You can visit the ECRSI website here: https://seasidecostamesapreschool.com

Elementary, Middle School & High School

Sra. Barrera C9, C10, and C11/12 Spanish Teacher

Chen Laoshi L10 Chinese and Science, Academic Support, and Portfolio Teacher

Mr. Fedalizo K-12 PE Teacher and Athletic Coordinator

Sra. Ferrand L10 Enrichment, C6, C7, and C8 Spanish Teacher

Mr. Grajales C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, and C16 English/History Teacher, Student Council Lead

Ms. Huang C10, C11, C12, and C13 English Math, and Math Olympiad Teacher

Ms. Juang C10, C11, C12, C13, and C16 Science Teacher, Science Olympiad

Ms. Ramos L10, C6, C7, C8 English Teacher

Shao Laoshi C6 and C7 Science, C9 Math, and C9 Chinese Teacher

Sra. Valenzuela C13, C16 Spanish, and Conversational Spanish Teacher

Xiong Laoshi C6, C7, C8, and C10 Chinese Teacher, and Chinese Academic Support Lead, and Family Liason

Zhang Laoshi C11, C12, C13 and C15 Chinese

Zhou Laoshi L10, C6, C7, and C8 Math Teacher