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Dr. Robert Whitman
Dr. Robert Whitman has been an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for over 20 years. During his career at LAUSD, he has served as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator, Community of Schools Administrator, and Educational Transformation Officer. Through each of these experiences, he has acquired expertise in several areas of education (e.g., curriculum and instruction, special education, college readiness, school leadership, and education reform) that have enabled him to advocate strongly for underserved student populations.
Throughout his career, Dr. Whitman has maintained a philosophy of “leaving it better than he found it,” an attitude that inspires him to embrace challenges and take pride in his work. As a product of public schools, he remains steadfast in his belief that all students can learn and has firsthand experience—as a student and educator—that responsive public schools empower students to recognize their immeasurable potential. Dr. Whitman recognizes the continuous nature of school reform and upholds a reflective attitude that enables him to remain committed to educating all students.
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Dr. Travis Brandy
Dr. Travis D. Brandy is a life-long educator, who has spent the last 20 years working in public education, having served communities across Los Angeles. Dr. Brandy began his career as a mathematics special education teacher at Washington Preparatory High School before serving as an administrator in the Division of Special Education. Since, he has been a High School Assistant Principal, served as both middle and high school Principal, Director of Secondary Instruction, Administrator of the Hollywood Community of Schools, and is now excited to take on this new role as Administrator of Instruction in the Educational Transformation Office supporting the some of the most vulnerable schools in the District.
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Susana Gutierrez
Susana Ansley-Gutierrez is the proud Administrator of Instruction for the Educational Transformation Office. She has been in Education for 21 years as a teacher, coach, coordinator, school site administrator and District leader dedicated to serving students in Los Angeles.
Born and raised in Lennox, CA, Susana is a first-generation college student. Her love for education and drive for equity defines her work in school transformation. As a school leader, she has led transformational efforts at elementary, middle and high school levels. Her mission as the Administrator of Instruction is to ensure that all students in Priority schools are provided with a culture of care that provides the highest quality instruction to prepare students to reach their greatest potential in college and beyond. -
Dr. Afia Hemphill
Dr. Afia Hemphill has been an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for over 25 years. During her career at LAUSD she has served as a Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, Principal Supervisor, and currently serves as Administrator of Instruction in the Educational Transformation Office.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hemphill has maintained every student deserves a high quality, well - rounded education; that is delivered in a warm, caring and affirming environment. She has sought to ensure that all the learning spaces in which she has been fortunate to serve exist with the highest levels of engagement and support. Dr. Hemphill asserts that her chair has not been a throne, but rather a footstool; and her role, regardless of capacity, is to prioritize and establish the scholarly growth and well-being of the students and staff.
