Meet the WTP Team
As the old adage says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’
In order to take our students far, the staff and Board of Directors have made a commitment to work together.
We’d like to introduce you to the We the People Team.
Staff
The founding board members and staff of We the People reflect the diversity of the student body we serve. Together, we have experience in politics, finance, lobbying, facilities, special education, and higher education. We share a commitment to empowering the next generation to ensure the future health and prosperity of our city, our region, and our world.
Anita Ravi
Founder, Executive Director, Principal
Anita is a history teacher and school district leader with over 20 years of experience working in urban public schooling. Her work is based on a core belief in effort-based education for ALL students, with an emphasis on equity and access.
Patrick Cuaresma
Civics, Big History
Patrick’s interest in education began in elementary school when he had to write what he wanted to be in his school’s yearbook. Ever since then, he decided to pursue his dream of teaching. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science…
Courtney Mauter
Physical Education
As a lifelong athlete, health and fitness is a passion that has been instilled in Courtney from a young age. While competing as a collegiate water polo athlete and attending Azusa Pacific University, Courtney decided to turn this passion into a career.
Ryan Oxford
Film & Media Studies
Ryan is a highly creative individual who has spent 25 years in various innovative industries as both a content creator and entrepreneur. He has thrived in the Hollywood ecosystem having written and produced multiple television and film projects…
Holly Takashima
English
Like much in life, Holly’s path to teaching wasn’t a clear, predetermined line. She spent time trying things out, seeing other ways of living, and thinking about what doing good in the world might look like.
David Lee
Mathematics
From a young age, David was introduced to many areas of study. This included playing the cello and playing tennis, among others. David showed promise in many areas, including in academics. He was the Valedictorian…
Karina Bennett
Spanish
Karina was born and raised in the country of Mexico until the age of 23. She moved to Southern California in the summer of 1999 to learn English for the first time. I studied my first Bachelors degree in Mexico and completed a second Bachelors degree in Southern California in 2013.
Angel Alcantar
Science
Angel is a Los Angeles native. He graduated from Whittier College with a B.A. in English and a minor in French. While studying at Whittier College, he branched out to also study various scientific disciplines in search of new knowledge or inspiration for new pathways in an ever-changing world.
Lauren Barragan
Special Education
Lauren was born into a home of activism, with her parents placing picket signs in her hands before she could read and taking her to marches and protests before she was walking. It set the tone for her passion for social justice and activism.
Have Any Questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a message or give us a call. We are passionate about our students’ success and we welcome your support.