Brandon Backhaus
Hi, I’m Brandon. I began my life at Community as a TA in 5th grade in the spring of 2001. This is my 19th year as an LAUSD teacher. I am originally from New Orleans. I am a former high school/college athlete. I am an artist, writer, avid gardener, and insatiable reader. I am a father and a husband. I earned my degree from Antioch University of Los Angeles and benefitted from an educational setting not unlike Community’s. Antioch is one of the oldest liberal arts institutions in the nation. It was the first school to hire female faculty and the first to hire an African-American professor. I strive to bring that sensibility and awareness into my classroom.
Kirsten Griffone
My name is Kirsten, and the 2020-21 school year will be my 20th year as a part of the Community family: first as a CATCH Mentor, then as a parent to three Community kids, substitute teacher, technology teacher, and classroom teacher. Prior to teaching at CMCS, I was a high school and middle school English teacher, and I also taught at an elementary science magnet in LAUSD. I love reading, writing, music, art, coffee, dragons, and dogs – not necessarily in that order.
Isaac Kim
Hello, my name is Isaac and I am a 2nd generation Korean-American who was born and raised in Los Angeles. I was here as a 5th grade TA during the 2019-2020 school year. After receiving my teaching credential this past spring from Azusa Pacific University, I am now teaching in the same classroom that I worked in as a TA. In my spare time, I enjoy taking scenic drives, reading about finance/investing and walking my dog at the beach.