Drumroll, please! This season of learning begins with a group of fresh faces, ready to bring warmth and excitement to our school. Please welcome our new faculty for the 2024-2025 school year!
Ms. Cordón-Pérez – Room 909
Introducing Ms. Kimberly Cordón-Pérez, Oxford’s latest English teacher! With a dash of lively expressions, a sprinkle of seriousness, and a pinch of humor, she keeps her 7th and 9th graders entertained and attentive. Inspired by her own English teacher, Ms. Cordón-Pérez is excited to bring her passion for the subject to Oxford!
She is at her most comfortable in sweatpants and an oversized hoodie, even while hiking (one of her favorite hobbies). Ms. Cordón-Pérez also has a passion for exploring new cuisines, and harbors quite the sweet tooth — she loves Halo-Halo (a Filipino dessert) and Korean-shaved ice! Despite her adventurous taste, Ms. Cordón-Pérez has a soft spot for Latin cuisine, although her hatred for beans garners much teasing at family gatherings.
Mr. Okula – Room 908
Mr. Eric Okula began his teaching career in 2012 as a substitute teacher. Despite once considering math his worst subject, he has now gone from a struggling student to teaching the subject.
Before finding his passion in the classroom, Mr. Okula was set to take over his dad’s real estate business. “I wanted something more interactive, where I could engage and communicate with others,” he said. This led him to becoming a traveling salesman for Oakley before transitioning to a career in education.
Mr. Okula’s an adventurer at heart, enjoying hiking, traveling, and surfing. He’s chased waves from Southeast Asia to Costa Rica, and now Portugal’s next on his list. As a frequent flier, his least favorite plane passengers are those who eat stinky foods, especially seafood.
Mr. Harlan – Room 852
From playing piano at his grandma’s house to performing at the 2000’s Olympics opening ceremony, Mr. Dylan Harlan’s musical fervor is unwavering. This early love inspired his teaching career, which took him to Katella High School and Saddleback High School, before joining Oxford Academy this year!
Outside of work, Mr. Harlan’s an avid marathon runner with a love for cashews and dark chocolate. When he’s not running marathons across the country he enjoys quality time with his wife and two children.
In terms of teaching, Mr. Harlan strives to keep his students engaged with his animated and exciting teaching style. His biggest pet peeve is when students act lazy or start checking out, but he hopes with his enthusiasm and energy, the students will push through these challenges!
Mrs. Green – Room 910
Meet Mrs. Melanie Green, Oxford’s Speech Language Pathologist! With a long-time interest in linguistics and the medical field, she found this career to be the perfect blend of both her passions.
Although a typical day at work for Mrs. Green is extremely busy, she always makes sure to spend time with her playful puppy and quartet of cats. A baking enthusiast, she can whip up any delectable treat, whether it’s cakes or plum walnut jam. Mrs. Green also loves to travel in Europe. Although she’s not a fan of Finland’s kebab meat topping on her pizza, she does enjoy pineapple, but only when it’s paired with jalapeños and pepperoni!
Mr. Romero – Room 910
Mr. Timothy Romero’s own high school years were far from perfect — “I wore a football jersey, but never thought of myself to be the cool jock,” he recalls. After struggling in community college and taking time off, he returned with determination and aced his classes. These experiences inspired him to become a school psychologist.
Outside of school, Mr. Romero’s story gets even more remarkable. As a cancer survivor who battled through treatment during his last year of college, he gained a new appreciation for life — a perspective he brings to work. This appreciation extends over to his personal life, where he embraces his passions with equal fervor. From strumming his guitar to craving In-N-Out burgers, Mr. Romero lives life to the fullest every day.
Teachers bring more than just academics; they help shape the overall Oxford experience for both students and the community. Whether in the portables, labs, or classrooms, they are here to inspire and make this year unforgettable, so don’t be shy — feel free to knock on any of the teachers’ doors and say hello to our school’s newest staff members!
