Education Staff
The Education Staff consists of a Director of Education, Learning Coaches, and Content Specialists. The Learning Coaches increase academic motivation, ensure integrity in the learning process, develop study skills, and foster the use of self-regulation strategies. The Content Specialists (Math, Science, English, and History) supplement the student-athletes' online curriculum with face-to-face instruction, facilitating small group discussions, assisting with mastery of the content, and providing 1-1 instruction.
Director of Education
Dr. Stefanie Baduria
Dr. Baduria earned her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Education and a concentration in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University. At LMU, Dr. Baduria competed as the captain of the Women's Soccer Team and completed the coursework and requirements to obtain her Preliminary Teaching Credential. Dr. Baduria also obtained her Master's degree in Child & Adolescent Literacy at LMU.
Being a former Division I student-athlete and classroom teacher, gives Dr. Baduria the knowledge and experience of using effective teaching and pedagogical practices to make a positive, student-centered learning environment for elite student-athletes. She understands the rigor of pursuing goals both on and off the field.
As an expert in the field, Dr. Baduria graduated from USC’s Educational Leadership Doctoral program, with a concentration in Educational Psychology. Dr. Baduria published her dissertation: "A Qualitative Analysis of Student-Athletes' Engagement in Synchronous, Virtual Learning Environments." Understanding the specific needs for student-athletes, Dr. Baduria ensures the LA Galaxy Academy is tailored to enable elite soccer players to excel in the dual paths of soccer and education.
Learning Coaches
Mr. Jawaan Delaney - Lead Learning Coach
Mr. Delaney earned his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University while competing on the Men’s Soccer Team. He received his Master's in Education with a concentration in Technology Integration. Mr. Delaney has worked in education for over a decade and has gained experience that align with the needs of the LA Galaxy Academy.
Mr. Delaney has worked with students ranging from kindergarten to high school in academic and athletic environments. Having been a student-athlete on the LMU Men’s NCAA soccer team, and working in education for many years, he has acquired and implemented a wide range of teaching strategies. He has coached individuals at the high school and college level and has been inducted into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame. Mr. Delaney is also a technology enthusiast, but understands that there needs to be a balance in how it is implemented. Lastly, as a former collegiate athlete, he understands the demands and stresses that come with being a student-athlete, which helps him relate, guide ,and motivate the LA Galaxy Academy student-athletes.
Mr. Delaney earned his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Loyola Marymount University while competing on the Men’s Soccer Team. He received his Master's in Education with a concentration in Technology Integration. Mr. Delaney has worked in education for over a decade and has gained experience that align with the needs of the LA Galaxy Academy.
Mr. Delaney has worked with students ranging from kindergarten to high school in academic and athletic environments. Having been a student-athlete on the LMU Men’s NCAA soccer team, and working in education for many years, he has acquired and implemented a wide range of teaching strategies. He has coached individuals at the high school and college level and has been inducted into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame. Mr. Delaney is also a technology enthusiast, but understands that there needs to be a balance in how it is implemented. Lastly, as a former collegiate athlete, he understands the demands and stresses that come with being a student-athlete, which helps him relate, guide ,and motivate the LA Galaxy Academy student-athletes.
Mr. Frank Alanis - Learning Coach & English Content Specialist
Mr. Alanis earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Stanislaus. Following his time in Central California, Mr. Alanis came back to Southern California to finish his Master of Arts in English at California State University, Fullerton. While at Fullerton, he studied 20th-century literature and rhetoric and composition. Additionally, Mr. Alanis spent time as Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society, at both the Stanislaus and Fullerton chapters.
Professionally, Mr. Alanis has a diverse background in education, which includes being a writing tutor at various universities and colleges, working at a literacy non-profit with elementary school children, and teaching college writing at Cal State Fullerton. While at Stanislaus, Mr. Alanis spent three and half years working in the school’s Admissions and Outreach department as a Student Ambassador that helped navigate prospective students through the college admissions process. He has also spent the summer of 2016 studying Literature in Dublin, Ireland and has presented at academic conferences in London, Toronto, and across California.
Mr. Alanis brings a unique perspective to the LA Galaxy Academy with his background in education as both a student and an educator. He emphasizes the importance of the learning process, thoughtful communication, and the appreciation of one’s community. Mr. Alanis supports the LA Galaxy Academy students in their growth as academic students and global citizens.
Mr. Alanis earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Stanislaus. Following his time in Central California, Mr. Alanis came back to Southern California to finish his Master of Arts in English at California State University, Fullerton. While at Fullerton, he studied 20th-century literature and rhetoric and composition. Additionally, Mr. Alanis spent time as Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society, at both the Stanislaus and Fullerton chapters.
Professionally, Mr. Alanis has a diverse background in education, which includes being a writing tutor at various universities and colleges, working at a literacy non-profit with elementary school children, and teaching college writing at Cal State Fullerton. While at Stanislaus, Mr. Alanis spent three and half years working in the school’s Admissions and Outreach department as a Student Ambassador that helped navigate prospective students through the college admissions process. He has also spent the summer of 2016 studying Literature in Dublin, Ireland and has presented at academic conferences in London, Toronto, and across California.
Mr. Alanis brings a unique perspective to the LA Galaxy Academy with his background in education as both a student and an educator. He emphasizes the importance of the learning process, thoughtful communication, and the appreciation of one’s community. Mr. Alanis supports the LA Galaxy Academy students in their growth as academic students and global citizens.
Content Area Specialists
Ms. Teresa Villarreal - Science Content Specialist
Ms. Villarreal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Grinnell College in Iowa. During her undergraduate, Teresa was involved in many campus activities including playing softball and co-leading Crecemos Unidos, where she created college prep workshops for high school students from the Latinx community. After graduating, Teresa worked as a 7th grade science teacher in Sacramento, California as a TFA corp member. Teresa’s interest in science and education have led her to return home to Carson to encourage scholars to analyze and think critically about the scientific phenomena of the world.
Ms. Villarreal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Grinnell College in Iowa. During her undergraduate, Teresa was involved in many campus activities including playing softball and co-leading Crecemos Unidos, where she created college prep workshops for high school students from the Latinx community. After graduating, Teresa worked as a 7th grade science teacher in Sacramento, California as a TFA corp member. Teresa’s interest in science and education have led her to return home to Carson to encourage scholars to analyze and think critically about the scientific phenomena of the world.
Math Content Specialist - TBD
History Content Specialist - TBD