Joe Herzog, Executive Director
Mr. Herzog has served as the Executive Director of Ivy Academia since July, 1, 2017. Prior to joining Ivy Academia, he was a principal at Monte Vista Middle School in Pleasant Valley School District for nine years, an Assistant Principal at Las Colinas Middle School in Pleasant Valley School District for three years, and a Dean of Students at Medea Creek Middle School in Oak Park Unified School District for three years. Before that, Mr. Herzog served as a Band Director at Adolfo Camarillo High School in Oxnard Union High School District for four years and a Band Director at El Rodeo/Hawthorne School K-8 in Beverly Hills Unified School District for four years. He has a background in curriculum and instruction, employee and community relations, budget administration and student activities, and his expertise lies in organizational administration management and policy making. Mr. Herzog graduated with a Bachelor of Music, Instrumental from California State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge. He has also received his California Single Subject teaching credential in Music, California Administrative Services credential, California School Personnel Commissioners Association Merit Academy certification, and Association of California School Administrators Personnel Administrators Academy certification.
Maria Gennaro, Director of Business and Operations
Ms. Gennaro has been with Ivy Academia since 2005 and has held several positions over the years, including Director of Administrative Services, 7-12 Principal, TK-6 Assistant Principal, Administrative Designee, Interim Administrator, Summer School Administrator and teacher. At Ivy Academia, she is currently the Title IX Coordinator and School Wellness Committee Ms. Gennaro is an active member of the West San Fernando Rotary and has been a Rotarian since 2011. She is also the Board President of Lashon Academy Valley in Van Nuys, CA and Lashon Academy City in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, Ms. Gennaro is a member of the Alternative Schools Foundation currently serving as Treasurer. Ms. Gennaro graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University. She also holds two credentials in Multiple Subject Teaching and Administrative Services.
Vickory Steinman, Director of Education Services
Ms. Steinman has been with Ivy Academia since July 2019. She has served as Director of Curriculum and Interim Principal prior to her current position, Director of Education Services. Before joining the Ivy Academia team, Ms. Steinman spent twenty years teaching grades TK-8 within the Pleasant Valley School District in Camarillo. Additionally, she served in various leadership roles including Administrative Designee and LEA for IEP's. She has served on several Boards of Directors including the Boys and Girls Club, Ventura County Women's Economic Roundtable, California State University, Channel Islands, Student Teacher Advisory Board, and Savings Lives-Camarillo. Ms. Steinman has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University. In addition, Ms. Steinman holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and an Administrative Services Credential.
Deirdra Brasch, Ed.D., Director of Information Services
Dr. Brasch has been with Ivy Academia since August 2013 and has served as the Director of Information Services since 2021. Prior to this position, she also served as Director of Compliance and Technology, Middle and High School Principal, Teacher Leader and Teacher. Dr. Brasch previously taught Middle and High School Business, World History, Visual Art and Drama at Ivy Academia. She has also held the following adjunct roles: President of the School Site Council (2018-2019 & 2019-2020), Curriculum Council Member, Chair of the E-Convention Committee (Fall 2013 - Spring 2019), Ivy Academia WASC Committee Member and Charter Co-Author and Petitioner. Additionally, Dr. Brasch is a member of the Alternative Schools Foundation currently serving as Secretary and previously held the role of Board President. Dr. Brasch has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Ashford University and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership both from the University of Southern California. In addition, Dr. Brasch holds a Single Subject - Social Science Teaching Credential and an Administrative Services Credential.
Thomas Kuhny, TK-12 Principal
Mr. Kuhny has been with Ivy Academia since 2006 and has served as the TK-12 Principal since Fall 2020. Prior to this position, he also served as Assistant Principal and Dean of Students. Mr. Kuhny previously taught social science, entrepreneurial education, math, science, business and art. Mr. Kuhny earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts in Education both from California State University, Northridge. In addition, Mr. Kuhny holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Administrative Services Credential.