Be passionate
Every Valley International Academy team member shares a unique contribution with our campus and our student body, always willing to go the extra mile to prioritize our students and deliver educational excellence.
All of our staff are highly qualified, internationally experienced teachers and administrators. With one teacher to every 10 students, you’ll receive personalized attention and growth.
Richard Louie
Richard Louie
Science Instructor
Richard Louie
Richard Louie
Science Instructor
While in his 21st year in education, Richard joined the Valley International Academy community three years ago. Rick has also taught locally at Saint Lawrence Academy, Magnolia Science Academy, and Garces Memorial High School. Rick completed his education locally. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from San Jose State University. His teaching credential allows him to teach chemistry, physics, physical science and mathematics.
During the 2019-20 school year, Rick is teaching Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Ecoolgy and Physics. Rick’s Chemistry lectures can all be found on Youtube so students can hear his lectures and read his lecture notes as many times as they wish.
What many people don’t know about Rick is that he can play the ukulele.
[e] r.louie@valleyacademy.org
Dennis Hong
Dennis Hong
Mathematics Instructor
Dennis Hong
Dennis Hong
Mathematics Instructor
Dennis Hong has joined the Valley International Academy community this school year. Dennis has previously taught locally at Pioneer and Branham High Schools. Dennis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The University of California at Berkeley. He subsequently went on to San Jose State where he earned his Single Subject Teaching Credential in Math. He also has a credential in Career Technical Education in Engineering.
During the 2019-20 school year, Dennis is teaching Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III, PreCalculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Statistics. He is continuing the tradition of supporting students by hosting the California Mathematics League competitions.
Outside of the classroom, Dennis enjoys spending time with his wife and son.
[e] d.hong@valleyacademy.org
Leah Carlon
Leah Carlon
English, Social Science, and Physical Education Instructor
Leah Carlon
Leah Carlon
English, Social Science, and Physical Education Instructor
During the 2019-20 school year, Leah is teaching English 3. US History and Physical Education. According to Leah, “High school students are at an age where they can really begin to think critically and question the world around them. I have the wonderful opportunity to help them stretch their thinking and challenge themselves during this important stage of learning development. I l love being able to support them in their journey to becoming educated, mindful, and inspired young adults!”
Leah’s hobbies include playing guitar and tennis. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and yoga. Having just recently moved to the Saratoga area, Leah spends weekends exploring the area.
[e] l.carlon@valleyacademy.org
Paul Gacioch
Paul Gacioch
ESL and Social Sciences Instructor
Paul Gacioch
Paul Gacioch
ESL and Social Sciences Instructor
Paul has the distinction of being the longest serving employee at Valley International Academy. While he has been teaching at the high school level for nine years, he has spent the last nine years at VIA. Paul began his educational journal at Northern Arizona University where he earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and English. He then went on to earn a Master’s in English from New York University. Before entering the education field, Paul worked as a writer at marketing firms in Sausalito and San Francisco. He has had some short fiction pieces published in literary journals.
During the 2019-20 school year, Paul is teaching World History, US History, Government, Economics, ESL Intermediate and Advanced ESL. In the past he has taught Physical Fitness, World Religions, Creative Writing and several other electives. “I like working with high school students because I can guide them, and fill their heads with possibilities, as they grow dramatically during these years.”
Paul and his wife have three young sons which keep him extremely busy. Paul is always reading several books at a time. He plays the guitar and drums, both badly he states, and makes himself suffer by lifting weights and jogging.
[e] paul@valleyacademy.org
Christie Filios
Christie Filios
Head of School
Christie Filios
Christie Filios
Head of School
Christie is in her 39th year in education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Following her bachelor’s degree, she attended Stanford University where she earned an Master’s in Education and a teaching credential. Throughout the years, she has earned a Certificate in College Counseling and completed coursework in Educational Therapy, in addition to completing coursework in a number of educational-related fields. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to serve in a number of roles: classroom teacher, Activities Director, Director of College Counseling, Dean of Discipline, class and club moderator, as well as principal.
Christie is in her sixth year at Valley International Academy. She served as the Dean of Faculty and Students from August 2014 until January 2018 when she was named Head of School. She is currently teaching Creative Writing during the 2019-2020 school year.
Outside of school, Christie’s favorite activity is spending time with her granddaughter Savannah. She can frequently be found watching Savannah’s sports games (soccer, volleyball, softball or basketball), helping with homework, or hanging out with Savannah. Christie enjoys watching sporting events and reading, especially murder mysteries.
[e] c.filios@valleyacademy.org