Meet the Dual Teachers

Mrs. Sandy Yang

TK Dual

I was born and raised in Taiwan and immigrated to the US in 2008. I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at UCSD and Bilingual Authorization at UCLA. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Chinese Literature, and a Master's degree in Literature from Taiwan. Prior to coming to the U.S., I taught Mandarin and English for several years at a public elementary school in my hometown, Taiwan. I currently live with my husband and two lovely children in San Dimas. I love teaching because I love making learning a language fun for younger children. I am so proud to work with amazing students at Mesa.

Ms. Angela Munoz

Kindergarten Dual

Being a teacher holds a very special place in my heart.  My mom worked in a Kindergarten classroom for over 25 years. I volunteered many hours in her class and from that moment on, I knew this was my path! I loved working with the kids, helping them learn, and seeing their bright smiles every day.

I am currently the Dual Immersion Kindergarten English teacher. This marks my 10th year teaching for the Covina-Valley Unified School District. I’ve taught Kindergarten here at Mesa for the past 9 years, and this is my 8th year as part of the Dual Immersion Program.

I am a proud alumni of the University of La Verne.  In 2011, I graduated Cum Laude receiving a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Human Development.  In 2014, I earned my Master's degree in Education.

I believe in creating a great, student-teacher-parent connection, which promotes a positive learning environment.  I strive to incorporate differentiated learning styles in my instruction, provide engaging material that makes learning fun, and create everlasting bonds among classmates and families.

Ms. Lilu Li

Kindergarten Dual

I was born in Mainland China, where I completed my K-12 education and earned my Bachelor's and Master's degree.  I obtained my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Los Angeles.  I am also Bilingual authorized by the state of California.  I have been teaching Kindergarten in the Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program since 2016.  I am a strong advocate of Learning Through Play and Project Based Learning.  I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, drawing, and playing musical instruments in my spare time.

Ms. Kathy Liegler

1st Grade Dual

I have taught for 30 years in Covina Valley Unified School District.  I taught for 23 years at Lark Ellen Elementary until it closed.  This is my seventh year teaching at Mesa.  This is my fifth year teaching in the Dual Language Program.  I have taught 3rd grade, 1st grade, Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, and combinations of these grades.  I am excited to be teaching in the dual language program again this year!  I enjoy working in the garden, playing with my pets, and going on adventures with my son.

Ms. Miaomiao Xu

1st Grade Dual

I’ve lived in the United States for ten years. Before moving here, I worked as a journalist in Mainland China. After immigrating, I shifted my focus to education and earned my teaching credentials along with a Master’s degree in Education. For the past five years, I’ve had the joy of working with young children. I believe that every child is a unique world, and I grow alongside them through our shared journey of learning. I’m also a mother of two girls.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, good food, music, meditation, and all things connected to a natural and mindful way of life.

Mr. Brandon Gilden

2nd Grade Dual

Hello. If you are reading this, hopefully you are considering placing your child/children in our Dual Language Instruction program. My name is Brandon Gilden and I have been at Mesa since 1999 where I have taught second through fifth grades. For the past 5 years I have had the privilege of teaching in the DLI program as the second grade English teacher. I grew up locally, attending public schools in Glendora and Covina. After graduating from Cal Poly, Pomona, I attended California State University, San Marcos where I received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Additionally, I earned my M.S. Degree in Education with an emphasis on literacy development from Walden University.  

On the personal side, I enjoy spending time traveling and doing outdoor activities with my family and friends. My outdoor passions include off-roading in my 4x4, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. I am a member of a fishing club and am often on a boat fishing for tuna and yellowtail. I also enjoy playing board and card games with my family, as well as reading and watching British mystery shows and movies.

Ms. Christina Hsu

2nd Grade Dual

Hello, my name is Christina Hsu, and I’m thrilled to join the team at Mesa Elementary. I bring more than seventeen years of experience in Mandarin dual language immersion education, having taught in various Southern California schools and contributed to curriculum development to enhance immersion programs. I hold a Multiple Subject Credential with BCLAD authorization, an M.A. in Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a B.S. in Chemistry from UC Riverside. I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education at Claremont Graduate University, with a research focus on dialogic reading to support Mandarin language development in young learners.

Before entering public education, I served as the director of a community Chinese school and actively promoted heritage language education throughout Southern California. I’m passionate about the potential for dual language immersion to help students become bilingual and biliterate (or multilingual and multiliterate) and culturally competent global citizens. I look forward to collaborating with the Mandarin dual immersion team to build a strong, unified program that supports student growth and celebrates language and culture.

Ms. Linda Wu

3rd Grade Dual

Hello. I'm Ms. Wu, the third grade Mandarin Dual Immersion teacher. Having taught nearly every elementary grade, I’m excited to bring my experience and deep passion for bilingual education to our classroom. Dual immersion is especially close to my heart. My own niece and nephew are part of our school’s program because I truly believe in its power. I’ve seen firsthand how it opens doors and expands young minds. Outside the classroom, you might find me spending time with my family and friends at Disneyland, attending concerts, or cheering on the Dodgers at the stadium. In our classroom, we’ll create a warm, supportive environment where your amazing children can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially while forming meaningful friendships across cultures. I believe every child brings something unique and valuable to our learning community, and I’m so looking forward to a wonderful school year together.

Mrs. Christine Guzman

4th Grade Dual

I'm Mrs. Guzman, this is my first year with the dual language Mandarin program and my 9th year teaching. My teaching approach is all about making learning hands-on and transforming content into memorable experiences for my students. I take pride in fostering a warm and inclusive classroom environment where students collaborate on projects and learn from one another. Outside the classroom, you'll find me spending time with my family and embarking on exciting adventures on tropical beaches.

Ms. Yumi Lin

4th Grade Dual

Hello! 你好!
I’m the 4th grade dual language teacher here at Mesa. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UC San Diego. Learning a new language can be challenging, but my goal is to make it engaging and enjoyable for all of my students. I try to utilize a variety of strategies to support each child in reaching their full potential.

I’m excited to be part of this wonderful community, and I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth together!

Mr. Gary Shea

5th Grade Dual

Hello! I am delighted to be a part of the dual immersion team here at Mesa.  Learning two languages at once can prove to be challenging. My goal is to make the process fun and engaging. A few of my hobbies are line dancing, playing chess, riding my motorcycle, traveling, and trying new things (food, coffee, tea etc). 

Let's work together to have an unforgettable year

Ms. Keri Findley

5th Grade Dual

Last year was my first year with the Dual Langauge Program at Mesa, teaching ELA, Science, & Social Studies. This is my 21st year at Mesa, my 20th year in fifth grade. I have my Bachelor's Degree in PreCredential Liberal Studies from Cal Poly with a special authorization in Mathematics, and have my Master’s Degree in Elementary Reading and Mathematics. 

My hobbies include reading, singing, playing piano, and playing in a handbell choir. I also enjoy traveling and hanging out at the beach with my family. I have been married for almost 20 year to my husband, Shawn. My nephew and niece attended Mesa and my children, Samuel and Karina are both Mesa Mustangs too. 

My experience with our Dual Language program has been amazing and I’m looking forward to another great year of preparing our students for middle school and encouraging them to be lifelong learners.