Experienced leaders step into new roles to support students, schools, and districtwide excellence.

GLENDALE, CA, July 1, 2026 — As Glendale Unified prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year in August, Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments and management changes. These experienced educators and administrators will help strengthen schools, support staff, and continue the District's longstanding tradition of academic excellence while advancing its mission of preparing every student for their future.

David Beard has been promoted to Athletic Coordinator at Hoover High School. Mr. Beard has served as a PE teacher at Roosevelt Middle School since 2019.  Prior to that, he was also an Adaptive PE teacher.  Additionally, Mr. Beard has previously served as the head wrestling coach at Hoover High School for over seven years.  Mr. Beard holds a Master of Arts degree in Special Education and Adapted Physical Education from Western Michigan University.    He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Physical Education from Western Michigan University. 

Amy Besoli has been promoted to Teacher Specialist, Math in Teaching, Learning & Family Engagement. Ms. Besoli brings more than 25 years of experience in mathematics education and instructional leadership, serving as a mathematics teacher at Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS).  Throughout her career, Ms. Besoli has also served as Math Department Chairperson, Instructional Leadership Team member, and a curriculum writer within Glendale Unified.  Ms. Besoli earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Studio Arts from Linfield College and a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of La Verne.

Darrin Browne is joining the District as Coordinator I in Special Education. Mr. Browne brings 20 years of experience in public education and extensive expertise in special education leadership.  Most recently, Mr. Browne has served as a Teacher on Special Assignment-Instructional Specialist in Special Education for the Alhambra Unified School District.  Throughout his career, he has also served as a Department Chair, Resource Specialist, Special Day Class Teacher, and instructional mentor.  Mr. Browne holds a Master of Fine Arts through the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at the Moscow Art Theatre School and Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Marymount Manhattan College.

Krista Ghaman has been assigned as Coordinator of Special Education. Ms. Ghaman has most recently served as the Assistant Principal at College View School, the FACTS Transition Program, and Pacific Preschool since 2023.  This new assignment will continue to support FACTS at Pacific Avenue Education Center and will also support special education functions within the District.  Prior to her work as an Assistant Principal, Ms. Ghaman was an Assistive Technology Specialist in GUSD from 2016 to 2023, and previously served as a Special Education teacher in GUSD and the Bonita Unified School District.  Ms. Ghaman holds a Master of Arts degree in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Curriculum from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from  California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Miguel Gonzalez has been promoted to Athletic Coordinator at Crescenta Valley High School. Mr. Gonzalez has served as an Assistant Principal at Crescenta Valley High School since 2021.  Prior to his work at Crescenta Valley High School, Mr. Gonzalez was a teacher, athletic director, and head track coach in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  Mr. Gonzalez holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University.  He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Missouri.

Dr. Nare Hakobyan has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Crescenta Valley High School. Dr. Hakobyan has served as the Teacher Specialist at Wilson Middle School since 2021.  Prior to that, Dr. Hakobyan was an English Language Development and English teacher at Glendale High School and served as an Armenian teacher at Wilson Middle School.  Dr. Hakobyan holds a Doctor of Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from California State University, Los Angeles, along with a Master of Arts in Educational and Instructional Leadership from California State University, Northridge.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dr. Sandra Halajian has been promoted to Teacher Specialist, English in Teaching, Learning & Family Engagement. Dr. Halajian began her teaching career in Glendale Unified in 1993 and most recently served as Dean of Instruction and Educator Culture at Geffen Academy at UCLA.  Prior to this role, she served as an ELA Secondary Instructional Coach and English teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  Dr. Halajian earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from California State University, Los Angeles; a Master of Arts in Education and Administrative Services Credential from Concordia University; and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).  She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from UCLA.

Dr. Romela Khachikyan has been assigned as Assistant Principal at Glendale High School. Dr. Khachikyan most recently served as Assistant Principal at Hoover High School.  She will be moving to Glendale High School for the 2026-27 school year.  Dr. Khachikyan holds a Doctor of Education with an emphasis in K–12 Leadership from the University of Southern California, along with a Master of Arts degree in Administrative Policy Studies and a Master of Arts in Educational Curriculum from California State University, Northridge.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.

Dr. Mary Mardirosian has been assigned as Assistant Principal at Hoover High School. Dr. Mardirosian most recently served as Coordinator II, English Learner Services.  She will be moving to Hoover High School for the 2026-27 school year.  Dr. Mardirosian holds a Doctor of Education with an emphasis in K–12 Leadership from the University of Southern California, along with a Master of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California State University, Northridge.

Tadeh Mardirosian has been promoted to Athletic Coordinator at Glendale High School.  Mr. Mardirosian has served as a math teacher, coach, and athletic director at Glendale High School since 2006.   He is currently the head coach of Armenia’s women’s national basketball team.  Mr. Mardirosian holds a Master of Arts degree in Athletic Administration from Concordia University.  He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Armenian Heritage and Economics from California State University, Northridge. 

Megan McGee is joining the District as Child Development and Child Care (CDCC) Program Supervisor. Ms. McGee has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Operations Executive Director for Youth Development, Senior Child Care Specialist, Licensing Program Analyst for the California Department of Social Services, Director, Lead Teacher, and Supervisor.  Ms. McGee earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master of Arts in Human Development with a concentration in Leadership in Education and Human Services from Pacific Oaks College.

Tamar Mirzayan has been promoted to Teacher Specialist, Dual Language Immersion - Western Armenian. Ms. Mirzayan has served as a teacher at R.D. White Elementary School since 2013.  She has also served as both a mentor teacher and a consulting teacher.  Ms. Mirzayan holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Arts degree in teaching from the University of Southern California.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. Laura Seese is joining the District as Assistant Principal at Mark Keppel Elementary. Dr. Seese started her career as an English and Theatre teacher. Most recently, she has served as Assistant Principal in the Burbank Unified School District. Dr. Seese earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Science in Educational Technology from California State University, Fullerton. 

Hasmik Simonyan has been assigned as Coordinator of English Learner Services in the Dual Language Immersion and English Learner Services Department. Ms. Simonyan most recently served as Assistant Principal at Glendale High School.  Ms. Simonyan holds a Master of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages from American University in Armenia.  

Dr. Valerie Sun is returning to the District as Teacher Specialist of ETIS. Most recently, Dr. Sun has served as a principal in the Garvey School District.  Prior to her work in Garvey, she was a coordinator and Teacher Specialist in ETIS in GUSD, and has served as a classroom teacher in GUSD and the Covina Valley Unified School District.  Dr. Sun holds a Doctor of Education from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics from the Université Lumière de Lyon in France.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.

Margarita Tubbs is joining the District as Assistant Principal at Jefferson Elementary. Ms. Tubbs has served as a classroom teacher, Response to Intervention teacher, and Curriculum Specialist.  Most recently, Ms. Tubbs served as an Induction Mentor Support Teacher on Special Assignment in Burbank Unified School District.  Ms. Tubbs earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Arts in Elementary Education from California State University, Northridge.

Narine Yapundjian has been promoted to Teacher Specialist of Gifted and Talented Education. Ms. Yapunjian has served as a teacher at Balboa Elementary School since 2018.  She also taught at Columbus Elementary School beginning in 2014.  Ms. Yapundjian holds a Master of Arts degree in Primary Education from Pepperdine University.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles. 

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