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Meet Our Team
Meet Our Administrators
The administrators at iQ Academy California – Los Angeles (IQLA) are ready to share their innovation, expertise, and enthusiasm with your family. The leadership is dedicated to empowering our school community.
Nickolas Stecken | Head of School
Nick is a third-generation teacher in his family and has worked in online schools for 10 years. He firmly believes that the online setting is a more flexible, accessible, and effective way to educate our students. Academically, he earned his credential from California State University – Northridge after achieving a degree in history. Prior to joining the online education system, he worked in the technology sector. Nick has a great appreciation for IQLA’s ability to personalize the educational approach and find ways to serve each student better.
Dr. Erin Wiebe | School Culture and Climate Coordinator
Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from UCLA, as well as a Master’s degree and doctorate in educational leadership from Cal State LA. She began her educational career as a high school English and drama teacher in brick-and-mortar schools. Erin joined the iQ Academy team as a HS English teacher in 2017. She taught 9th and 12th grade English for three years before becoming iQLA’s Lead Teacher Trainer. She thoroughly enjoyed working with and supporting iQ’s newest teachers for three years. Erin engages with her passion for social emotional learning and fostering inclusive practices while currently serving as iQLA’s School Culture and Climate Coordinator.
Dr. Cathy Wilson | Director of Student Engagement
Cathy received her bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos and her master’s in educational administration with an administrative credential from National University. She completed her Doctorate in Applied Learning Sciences at the University of Miami, October 2022 and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Counseling Psychology program at National University to earn a Marriage and Family Therapy license as well as become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She began her career teaching in brick-and-mortar schools and has taught in classrooms from kindergarten through 8th grade. Cathy started teaching online in 2012. Prior to becoming the director of student engagement for iQ Academy, she served as an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, kindergarten–2nd grade lead teacher, and academic administrator for the elementary and middle school programs. Cathy believes whole-heartedly in the individualized model of education that iQ offers our families. iQ offers customized academic plans to our students and opportunities to engage with their teachers and peers in a meaningful way.
Jazmine Prinn | Director of Elementary
Jazmine holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She began her career teaching in a brick-and-mortar school in 2005 and taught high school English for about eight years before becoming an instructional coach and eventually a literacy director for one of the largest charter districts in Los Angeles. Jazmine then joined DirectEd, an educational management firm, where she could marry her institutional knowledge with online learning across several schools and hundreds of teachers and school support staff. That’s where her spark for online education started, thus carving her pathway toward the endless opportunities that online schooling provides. She is excited and committed to making this option accessible to all families as they explore the best fit for their student’s academic journey.
Juliette Pinzon | Middle School Principal
Ms. Pinzon graduated from the University of California San Diego and completed her teacher certification through the University of California Los Angeles. She commenced her educational journey as a science teacher in 2012. In 2018, she made the transition to online education, as an Academic Advisor, Curriculum Specialist and now Middle School Principal. Juliette’s diverse experiences have enabled her to collaborate effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, all united in the common goal of enhancing student achievement.
Eileen Abe-Mesias M.ED | High School Principal
Eileen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communications Design and Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Although she loved design, she felt drawn to make a difference in her community. Hence, the start of her educational journey as an educator. In the brick and mortar she taught students from Kindergarten – 8th grade. In 2013 she joined California Virtual Academies, our sister school, as a middle school teacher and quickly moved over to the Regional Lead position. Eileen comes with over 10 years of virtual expertise and has watched education go exponentially in the online platform. Eileen strongly believes that IQ Academy is a safe place for students to grow and thrive emotionally and academically. Eileen has a genuine heart for people and is building a culture of trust and mutual respect among families and staff at IQ. She is very excited to facilitate opportunities for CTE and Dual Enrollment courses so IQ Academies High School students can reach their full potential in high school, career, and college.
Kristy Alexis | Director of Middle and High School
Kristy Alexis is a dedicated education professional with a passion for innovation and student success working in education since 2012. Kristy earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s in Education Administration; she embarked on her journey in education as a biology and environmental science teacher in South Florida. Her early experiences included active participation in environmental research teams and endangered species projects, showcasing her dedication to practical and hands-on learning.
Over the years, Kristy’s career trajectory evolved to encompass diverse roles, including involvement in Project Based teaching, STEM and CTE. Her broad skill set and unwavering belief in school choice led her to iQ Academy, a school she passionately believes caters to the unique needs of many students. She firmly believes that virtual schooling represents the future of education for numerous students and families. In her current role as the Director of Middle and High Schools, Kristy is excited about leading and fostering a growing successful secondary program.
Madonna Johnson | Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program Coordinator
Madonna Johnson has a double bachelor’s degree in human services and sociology from Black Hills State University in South Dakota, a master’s degree in school counseling from Capella University in Minnesota and is a licensed school counselor in multiple states. She has worked in education and work force development in multiple capacities for many years. Madonna Johnson spent some time in Alaska where she worked at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). In her position there, she traveled the state promoting community outreach and engagement with secondary and post-secondary students. Prior to that, Madonna was the tech prep program coordinator at the UAA Community and Technical College. In that role, she worked with secondary students involved in career and technical education. Before entering the post-secondary world, she worked with the military community as a transition and workforce development counselor for service members transitioning out of the military. Madonna Johnson is passionate about offering college and career readiness for all students and providing them the unique educational opportunities through CTE that will allow them to rise to their potential.