Teachers & Staff
Susan Deshpande
Teacher
Mrs. Deshpande has dedicated nearly 30 years to sparking a love for learning in grades one through four. As a California-credentialed educator, her true passion lies in building strong literacy skills and helping young students grow into confident, independent readers and writers. She brings a strong academic background to the classroom, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education from the University of British Columbia. She became a teacher because she loves helping others grow, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, and she considers herself successful when her students can run the classroom on their own, choosing to read, write, and problem-solve because they want to. Outside of school, Mrs. Deshpande can often be found on her bike, chasing the same independence she builds in her students.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
Snow Treasure
by Marie McSwigan
Coffee order:
Grande decaf, non-fat latte
Outside of school:
Biking
"I consider myself successful when my students can run the class without me."
~ Mrs. Deshpande
Ani Kakoussian
Teacher
Mrs. Kakoussian is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in independent schools. She holds a master's degree in education from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education. She's known for her hands-on approach to teaching and her ability to create an inclusive, welcoming classroom. Her experience and academic background reflect her commitment to student growth and to meeting a wide range of learning needs. Mrs. Kakoussian's passion for education and her patient, student-centered approach have made her a valued and respected teacher among students and families alike.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
Coffee order:
Caramel macchiato,
hot or iced
Outside of school:
Shopping, and watching tennis (especially when Indian Wells is in session)
"When students feel safe and connected, they are more confident and excited to learn." ~ Mrs. Kakoussian
Lily Bianchi
Teacher
Mrs. Bianchi has been inspiring young learners since beginning her teaching career in 2007. With a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and nearly two decades of experience in both public and independent education, she brings a thoughtful, nurturing approach to her classroom. Building strong partnerships with families and creating a classroom community where every child feels valued and free to be themselves are at the heart of her teaching. She believes children thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and have the chance to share their ideas, curiosity, and perspective. Outside of the classroom, Lily enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and leisurely bike rides.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Velveteen Rabbit
Coffee order:
Flat white with coconut milk and cinnamon
Outside of school:
Hiking in the desert, biking the coast in summer
"Building confident, independent thinkers happens through a warm, joyful, and responsive approach that pairs high academic standards with movement, rich discussion, and hands-on learning."
~ Mrs. Bianchi
Kerry Maguire
Teacher
Ms. Maguire has been teaching learners from grade six through adulthood at independent schools and institutions of higher learning in New York and California since she was 22. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University at Buffalo. Ms. Maguire designs her pedagogy to give students autonomy within supportive scaffolding, helping them build confidence and independence. She gives students voice by creating a democratic classroom environment and designing learning tasks that students can personalize. Ms. Maguire believes happy children learn best, so she works to make the learning process fun and rewarding. Outside of school, she reads voraciously, cooks and bakes, gardens, cheers on the Bills and Dodgers, and gets crafty.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Coffee order:
Decaf, except for a Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade
Outside of school:
Cooking, baking, gardening, and cheering on the Bills and Dodgers
"Happy children, people really, learn best, so try to keep them happy." ~ Ms. Maguire
Joel Timothy Bible, “Mr. B”
Interim Administrator
Joel is joining us during VIPA's inaugural year as interim head administrator while we conduct a search for our permanent leader. He brings a wide-ranging career in education, with experience across private schools, public education, higher education, and the entertainment industry. He has served as a school owner and administrator, classroom teacher, college instructor, educational diagnostician, and studio teacher.
Joel holds an M.Ed. in Educational Diagnostics and a B.S. in education from Texas Christian University, a B.A. in psychology from Baylor University, and a B.F.A. in music from the University of Texas at Austin. His experience includes school ownership, administration, and classroom instruction at a highly regarded private school, along with teaching at both the elementary and college levels. He is a licensed studio teacher and holds current teaching credentials in both California and Texas, with certifications spanning general elementary education, secondary English, language learning disabilities, music (K to 8), psychology (K to 12), and gifted and talented education.
In public education, Joel served in a number of leadership and instructional roles, including grade-level chair, gifted and talented coordinator, resource teacher, and reading coach, and was recognized as Teacher of the Year. His higher education experience includes serving as a graduate fellow at Texas Christian University and teaching English at a public college. His work at TCU included the Starpoint School, a nationally known laboratory school specializing in teaching and assessment for students with language-based learning differences.
Joel is recognized as one of the nation's leading film and television set educators. Top young performers and their families trust him to provide academic instruction and educational support on major television and film productions around the world. This experience has given Joel the ability to work with students individually, adapt instruction to different learning styles and circumstances, and maintain academic continuity in demanding environments. As a sought-after child welfare expert in the entertainment industry, he plays a vital role in ensuring the health, education, safety, and well-being of minors, advocating for their best interests in every aspect of their professional environment.
We're glad to welcome Joel to Valley Independent Preparatory Academy and look forward to the experience, creativity, and leadership he brings to our school community during this founding year.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
Sophie's Masterpiece
Coffee order:
Latte with two pumps of hazelnut
Outside of school:
Piano, hiking, and travel