2009 Cohort Bios
Leighangela Brady
Born and raised in New England, Leighangela Brady received both her B.S. and M.A. degrees from the University of Connecticut. Now living in San Diego, Mrs. Brady has taught in various teaching assignments from kindergarten through fifth grade including a bilingual placement and specialized pull out instruction for English Learners. After leaving the classroom, Leighangela became an academic literacy coach for teachers. This position ignited an already sparked passion for curriculum and instruction and helped to further develop her strength as a curriculum leader. Within a few years, Leighangela became a vice principal in a unique K-8 setting. She is currently serving as a principal of a K-6 elementary school.
As a site administrator, educational consultant, and instructional leader, Mrs. Brady is passionate about quality teaching. She continually participates in and presents timely professional development. Leighangela has presented at conferences such as CTA, CRA, WCLC and ASCD. This fall, she and a colleague released a book through Eye on Education called Test Less Assess More: A K-8 Guide to Formative Assessment. Leighangela is a wife and mother and co-founder of a small company called Teaching Simply. She plans to retire one day at her home in the Fiji Islands.
Marian Phelps
Marian Kim-Phelps is currently Principal at Zamorano Fine Arts Academy in the San Diego Unified School District. Prior to Zamorano she was the Principal at Dailard Elementary School. Marian has served as an administrator for SDUSD for over 10 years and as an educator for both elementary and secondary levels for 20 years. She serves as a District Mentor for new and aspiring administrators. Marian was named the 2009 National Distinguished Principal Finalist for the State of California.
Marian graduated from the University of California San Diego with a B.A. in Psychology and a double minor in Biology and Theatre. She earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University, graduated Magna Cum Laude. Prior to entering education Marian worked in hospital business administration with Scripps Health for 10 years.
Marian is actively involved with various community organizations, and serves as a choir member and deaconess for her church. She is married and has a beautiful three year old daughter. Marian’s hobbies and interests include cooking, scrapbooking, photography, traveling, singing, and spending time with her husband, daughter, family and friends.