Nyssa Tsakiris - LA Galaxy Academy Director of Education

Nyssa brings over 20 years of experience in the education field to the LA Galaxy Academy. After graduating from UCLA with a Master's in Education, Nyssa taught high school and middle school, serving a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As an educator, she has served on many leadership committees and mentored several young teachers beginning their careers. Nyssa was honored as a Distinguished Educator in her previous district, where she taught for 13 years. During the pandemic, Nyssa resigned from the classroom. She developed a micro-school that focused on educating students through an individually curated, standards-based curriculum while building and teaching life skills. Nyssa’s passion for education and cultivating student growth is evident in her daily interactions with her students.

Married to a soccer coach and having three kids who play soccer, Nyssa understands the demands of high-level soccer and the challenges it presents to balance life, academics, and soccer. Her personal experience has given her a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the student-athlete's journey.

Teresa Villarreal - LA Galaxy Academy Senior Academic Advisor

Villarreal began her journey with the LA Galaxy Academy in August 2019 as the Science Content Specialist, where she supported students in biology, chemistry, physics, and AP science courses. Before joining the Academy, she started her educational career as a middle and high school science teacher in Delano and Sacramento, California.

Currently in her fourth year as the Academy's Academic Learning Advisor, Villarreal plays a pivotal role in managing student academic goals, monitoring course progress, and assisting with the implementation of the Academy Enrichment program.As a student-athlete, Villarreal competed in collegiate softball at Grinnell College in Iowa, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in education. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Cal State University Dominguez Hills.

Brian Irvin - LA Galaxy Academy Academic Advisor

Brian Irvin brings a wealth of experience to LA Galaxy Academy both in the classroom and on the soccer field. Irvin is currently in his first year working with the LA Galaxy Academy. Prior to working with the Academy, he was an educator and a soccer coach at the college and high school level. Irvin has experience coaching and teaching throughout the youth game and in the classroom in Southern California and holds a USSF "A" License. Irvin also has a Master of Education in Special Education and has completed all academic requirements in the Teaching Credentialing program.

Irvin is a former NCAA Division 1 Soccer student-athlete from UCLA where he graduated with a Bachelors in Geography/Environmental Studies. He was a three-year starter for UCLA from 1994-1996 and started during the Bruins’ Final Four appearance in 1994. Irvin was honored as UCLA’s Most Inspirational Player following the 1994 and 1996 seasons. After UCLA, Irvin played one year of professional indoor soccer for the Anaheim Splash of the Continental Indoor Soccer League. Irvin also spent 9 years as the men’s assistant soccer coach at Loyola Marymount University where he earned his MBA. In his nine seasons at LMU, Irvin helped guide the Lions to five straight winning seasons and four consecutive trips to the NCAA College Cup.

In addition to his extensive experience in the college ranks, Irvin has also been very active in youth coaching from ODP to club to high school soccer. He has served as a Cal-South ODP coach and as a Region IV ODP Staff Coach. He has also worked with club soccer teams from the South Bay to the Long Beach area. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Irvin was inducted into the Wilson Hall of Fame following graduation. Irvin currently resides in Long Beach with his family.

Alonso Martinez - LA Galaxy Academy Academic Advisor

Alonso Martinez is in his first year with the LA Galaxy Academy bringing his math expertise to the team. He is born and raised in the San Fernando Valley with a great passion for education, which was instilled by his parents who migrated from El Grullo, Jalisco. Prior to working with the academy, he began a career as a high school Math teacher in Northridge, CA. While integrating inquiry based learning and sociocultural theory into his classroom, he also mentored students as a sponsor for various clubs including an e-sports team and a physical fitness center for students.

Alonso completed his undergraduate education at the University of California, Santa Barbara obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a minor in Science and Math education. He studied abroad in Chile to learn about the educational reform and history student advocacy in the country as a Gilman Scholarship recipient. Upon his completion of his undergraduate studies, he obtained his secondary teaching credentials through the Accelerate Collaborative Teacher Residency program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

He grew up loving all kinds of sports but dedicated himself to soccer for the majority of his childhood. His passion for sports remains as well as for physical fitness and the outdoors. He hopes to bridge the work ethic, logic, and strategic problem solving youth have on the field to their approach in mathematics.

Ian Baca - English Content Specialist

Ian arrived at the Academy with several years of experience in college tutoring and assisting professors. Although Ian specializes in College-level English, he has tutored hundreds of students over the years for any subjects involving reading or writing. He spent several years as a professor’s assistant at East Los Angeles Community College working with students from
various backgrounds. During his time at ELAC, Ian also worked with student athletes and learned how to help guide a balance between sports and education.

Ian earned his degree from California State University Los Angeles with a BA in English. During his time at CalStateLA, Ian was a part of the student run publication Statement magazine and worked on submissions and editing. In his senior year, Ian was enrolled in English pedagogy classes and learned the pivotal role personalized lesson planning has on the classroom at a
middle and high school level.

Although Ian was born and raised in North East Los Angeles, he has been living in the south bay for the last few years and adores the ocean breeze. When he’s not in the classroom, Ian can be found smoking Tri-tip while he watches his favorite sport, college football.

Heather Meyers - History Content Specialist

Heather Meyers is new to the LA Galaxy Academy, bringing more than 15 years of experience in public school librarianship. She moved to California from Michigan as a young child and developed a love of education through her local public libraries and as the daughter of a public school music teacher.

Throughout her career, Heather has worked with students of all ages and has been recognized for her commitment to library inclusion by the Southwest SELPA and by the Los Angeles County Office of Education for building engaging educational programs across multiple school sites for students of all ages and abilities  She has presented on innovative library practices, research skills  and media literacy. 

Heather earned her BA in Humanities from California State University, Northridge and completed her librarianship training at Cuesta College. She believes that building positive relationships with students is the key to their success.

As a longtime LA Galaxy fan, Heather is excited to combine her passion for education with her love of soccer to support the academy students with their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, sewing, and reading.