Principal's Message

Ani Shahinian
Ani Shahinian | Principal

It is with great pride and excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the newly appointed Principal of Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school that simultaneously fosters a love of learning while cultivating the Armenian identity in our children--our most sacred treasure.

I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than nineteen years. Upon graduating UCLA, my career as an educator started at Ferrahian Armenian School where I taught upper elementary to 3rd and 4th graders. After moving to Orange County, I was luckily afforded the opportunity to work at AGM. My passion for the Armenian schools’ mission has always led me back to what I feel is home. I am also a proud product of the Armenian school system; therefore, I know about the unique element Armenian schools possess--an element that creates a certain amount of what I like to call “magic.”

This “magic” is what takes place daily at AGM: a home away from home where students are able to connect to their roots and feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. A safe, nurturing nest where students feel comfortable enough to stretch their wings and take risks knowing that even their mistakes are opportunities for growth. We know here at AGM that our youth is our most vital investment; our biggest struggles as an Armenian nation can be addressed within this small microcosm in the Diaspora, where we can work to provide the most rigorous education to help create future community leaders. With Ari Guiragos Minassian School serving as the only Armenian school in Orange County, we must work even harder to protect this rare gem with the utmost care and integrity.

I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader to AGM and work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child's success. I am ready to apply my professional and years-long background in teaching to play a leading role in helping propel our school forward. I place an extremely high value on the quality of instruction being delivered to our students, so I also will strive to provide instructional leadership to improve student learning outcomes. Along with the teachers and staff, I will work hard to provide consistent implementation of the curriculum in a rigorous manner so that we can continue to increase all students' achievement.

All of us at AGM are eager and excited to begin what promises to be one of our best years yet! As your Principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors--teachers, students and parents--are excited to be here! This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of today in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment.

In closing, please know that my door is always open to you. I heartily welcome your conversation and positive input throughout this year. Let us always keep our students the primary focus of our work. I look forward to celebrating our collective successes during the 2021-22 school year.

Most Sincerely,

Mrs. Ani Sarkissian

Administration

We are extremely proud of our faculty and staff at Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School. Our teachers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school. Read on for more information about each of our wonderful teachers and dedicated administration.

Margo Baghjajian
Margo Baghjajian | Office Manager

Mrs. Baghjajian has been with A.G. Minassian since 1989, as the school secretary. Her voice is usually the first you hear when you contact our school. She is responsible for many duties and interacts on a daily basis with the children, staff and parents. Margo's organizational skills and dedication to our students are a tremendous asset to the school.

Shogher Wartan
Shogher Wartan | Director of Student Affairs
Taline Jermakian
Taline Jermakian | Administrative Assistant

Pre-Kindergarten Faculty

Talin Wartan
Talin Wartan | Preschool Director

Talin Wartan was a Pre-KII Teacher's Assistant from 1999-2007. She has received her Degree in Early Childhood Education and recently she obtained her Preschool Director Degree. Currently Mrs. Wartan is the Preschool Director & Pre-KII teacher. She also taught Kindergarten and first grade Armenian language at ARS "Sevan" chapter Saturday School 2008-2013.

Astrid Ashkarian
Astrid Ashkarian | Teacher, Orange Class

Mrs. Ashkarian began her teaching career as a music and dance instructor. Through the years she has held various teaching positions, most notably working for 12 years as a head Preschool teacher. She has received her Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been at A.G. Minassian since 1998 as our Pre-KII teacher. Currently, Mrs. Ashkarian is the Preschool Outdoor Activities Coordinator as well as the Pre-KII co-teacher.

Maria Khajadorian
Maria Khajadorian | Teacher, Orange Class
Tsolaire Tamoukian
Tsolaire Tamoukian | Teacher, Blue Class

Mrs. Tamoukian joined the A.G. Minassian Armenian School in 2017 as the Pre-KI A lead teacher and Preschool Assistant Director. She has an A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State Fullerton and a Child Development Site Supervisor permit. Her educational credentials are only outmatched by her genuine love for working with children.

Roubena Avedikian
Roubena Avedikian | Teacher, Blue Class

Mrs. Avedikian joined the AGM team in 2019 as our Blue Class (I) Lead Teacher. Roubena Avedikian earned her B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Cal State Northridge. She recently moved to Orange County from Los Angeles and we love having her as a part of our AGM family!

Anoush Merdjanian
Anoush Merdjanian | Teacher, Red Class
Madeline Keshishian
Madeline Keshishian | Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Keshishian joined A.G. Minassian in 2014 as a Teacher's assistant. She is currently the lead teacher for our youngest Red group. Mrs. Keshishian has trained at Head Start School and has earned multiple certifications in Early Childhood Education.

Grade School Faculty

Brooke Walker
Brooke Walker | Teacher, Kindergarten
Talin Artinian
Talin Artinian | Teacher

Ms. Artinian has been with A.G. Minassian Armenian School since 2001. She is the Armenian language instructor for Kindergarten and 1st grade as well as "Mayrig & Me" class and as an assistant teacher for Preschool. Her previous experience includes teaching Armenian religion and language in Syria. In 2005, she completed her certification in Early Childhood Education.

Lauren Abajian
Lauren Abajian | Teacher, 3rd Grade Homeroom

Ms. Easley joined the Ari Guiragos Minassian staff as the first grade homeroom teacher and the third grade language arts teacher in 2016. She has specialized in first and third grade for three years, in a diverse range of classrooms, and is beaming at the thought of continuing that emphasis. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, as well as a Multiple Subjects Credential from Concordia University Irvine. Miss Easley has worked in education for five years and with children for twelve. She has donned many hats, from an after school homework helper, to a Sunday school teacher, to an RTI teacher, to a substitute for both the Irvine and Anaheim City Unified School Districts, and finally to her own long term substitute and summer school classrooms for Irvine Unified. Her goal as a teacher is to have every student reach their highest potential through a classroom focusing on the culture of respect and collaborative, as well as individual, growth.

Alina Aslanyan
Alina Aslanyan | Teacher, 5th Grade Homeroom

Mrs. Aslanyan joined AGM in 2013 as our 3rd grade teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a life science concentration from California State University of Northridge. She then obtained a Master’s degree in Education with a psychology emphasis from Pepperdine University in 2009. She has previously taught middle school Science at Rose and Alex Pilibos for 4 years. Prior to that, she served as the youth assistant sports supervisor at the Burbank YMCA for 6 years. Mrs. Aslanyan has also been a part of the Los Angeles Chapter for Homenetmen both as a coach and an athlete.

Safwan Ibrahim
Safwan Ibrahim | Teacher, 5th Grade Homeroom
Ani Geloian
Ani Geloian | Teacher, 6th Grade Homeroom

Mrs. Ani Geloian has been employed at AGM since 2004. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Haigazian University as well as a Bachelor’s degree from American University of Beirut. Mrs. Geloian has taught the Armenian language and Armenian History at various educational institutions. She teaches the Armenian language in Armenian Relief Society “Sevan” Chapter since 2006 and is currently the principal of the Saturday school. She is a member of the Hamazkayin "Siamanto" Chapter and A. R. S. “Sevan” Chapter.

Rev. Father Karekin Bedourian
Rev. Father Karekin Bedourian | Teacher, Religion

Father Bedourian, who is the Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Orange County, has been teaching at AGM for the past 5 years. Fr. Karekin was ordained into priesthood on March 8, 2009 in Kessab, Syria. He offers weekly classes to our upper elementary grades, as well as monthly services prepared especially for our students. His two young daughters also attend AGM.

Other

Anahid (Anna) Der Parseghian
Anahid (Anna) Der Parseghian | Librarian

Ms. Anna joined AGM in December of 2009 as a volunteer in the Library. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music from New England Conservatory, Boston, MA., a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature from Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Followed by a Master's Degree in Library Science from Concordia University in Montreal. Over the years she has worked in a variety of positions at a number of university and technical libraries. Her latest post was as a Branch Manager with the San Diego Public Library System, from which she retired in 2006. She is responsible for our school's Library operation including acquisition, processing, and circulation services.

Margo Bartoumian
Margo Bartoumian | Cafeteria Coordinator

Mrs. Bartoumian has been providing hot Armenian lunches for students since the establishment of our school. Whether its letsoug (dolma) or chicken kebab,her meals are tasty and nutritious.

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