Anahit Abajian
Pre-K/Kindergarten
My name is Anahit Abajian, and I was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California. I graduated from Saugus High School in 2017, earned my Associate’s degree from College of the Canyons, and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). As a graduate of St. Sarkis Armenian Saturday School, I was a volunteer helping in various classrooms from 2017 to 2021. From 2021 to 2022, I served as an assistant teacher in the Kindergarten class, gaining valuable early childhood education experience. Since 2022, I have been teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten, where I take pride in helping young students build a strong foundation in the Armenian language and traditions.It is a pleasure to be part of such a dedicated and growing community, and I am proud to contribute to preserving our heritage through education.
1st Grade
Anahit Torosyan
My name is Anahit Torosyan. I was born and raised in Armenia and moved to the United States in 2021.
I graduated from Brusov State University in Yerevan with a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Foreign Languages (English) and later earned a Master’s degree in Communications, specializing in International Tourism.
I have four years of experience working in public schools in Santa Clarita as an instructional, office, and teacher assistant. These roles have allowed me to support students, teachers, and staff while gaining valuable insight into creating a positive and effective learning environment. I am honored to join St. Sarkis Armenian Saturday School as a teacher starting in January 2025. Teaching Armenian gives me the opportunity to share our beautiful language and culture with the next generation. My goal is to create a fun, welcoming classroom where students can learn the Armenian alphabet, develop basic reading and writing skills, and feel proud of their Armenian heritage. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, crocheting, and reading. I look forward to a wonderful school year with my students and their families.
1st Grade
Shushanik Margaryan
My name is Shushanik Margaryan. I was born in Armenia and earned my Bachelor’s degree from the Armenian State Pedagogical University, followed by a Master’s degree in Psychology. In 2016, I moved to the United States to continue my professional journey in education. From 2018 to 2019, I worked at Coldwater Canyon Elementary School, gaining valuable experience in a diverse learning environment. Since 2022, I have been a dedicated teacher at St. Sarkis Armenian Saturday School, where I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for education with my students.
2nd Grade
Lusine Ghevondyan
My name is Lusine Ghevondyan. I was born in Armenia, where I graduated from high school and earned a master’s degree in engineering from the Armenian Agricultural Academy. After relocating to the United States, I pursued English language studies and completed courses in psychology at College of the Canyons. Since 2022, I have been teaching at an Armenian Saturday School. It is my great pleasure to teach students the Armenian language, and I truly enjoy every lesson I share with them.
3rd Grade
Narine Grigoryan
My name is Narine Grigoryan. I was born in Russia and raised in Armenia, where I completed my education and graduated from Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov. I began my teaching career shortly after graduation, teaching English for three years at Yerevan Juridico-Law College. After relocating to Los Angeles, I continued working in several schools, teaching both English and Armenian. Since 2019, I have been teaching Armenian at Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, where I truly enjoy helping students strengthen their connection to the Armenian language and culture. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Teaching is not just my profession—it is my passion. I love inspiring students and believe that every child has the potential to grow, learn, and succeed.
4th Grade
Sofi Henrik Orujyan Parsadanyan
My name is Sofi Henrik Orujyan Parsadanyan. I was born in Vanadzor, Armenia. After graduating from Vanadzor College No. 1, I was admitted to the Faculty of Biology at Vanadzor State Pedagogical Institute named after Hovhannes Tumanyan (now Vanadzor State Pedagogical University), where I earned a master’s degree in biology and chemistry teaching in 2005. From 2006 to 2014, I worked at Vanadzor State Medical College as a computer operator, graphic and layout designer for the college’s newspaper and magazine, and concurrently as a chemistry lecturer. In 2014, I moved to the United States, and since 2019, I have been teaching Armenian language at the St. Sarkis Armenian Saturday School in Santa Clarita.I enjoy working with children and take great pleasure in sharing the rich knowledge of the Armenian language, literature, and culture, helping them fulfill the important mission of remaining Armenian.
5th Grade
Rima Arami Hovhannisyan
My name is Rima Arami Hovhannisyan, and I currently teach Armenian Language and Literature at St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita. I was born in Yerevan, Armenia, and graduated from the Pedagogical University, Faculty of Philology. I began my career teaching at Khachatur Abovyan School, and later worked as a proofreader and article writer for Aravot newspaper. From 1981 to 1993, I served in the Orjonikidze District Police Department in Yerevan, eventually becoming head of the personnel department. In 1993, I moved to Bremen, Germany, and later relocated to the United States in 2006. I taught at the Armenian Saturday School of North Hollywood from 2009 to 2022, and have been part of the St. Sarkis teaching team since 2022. With many years of experience, I am committed to preserving the Armenian language and culture through education.
6th Grade/1st Grade
Gayane Khatchatrian
My name is Gayane Khatchatrian. I was born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia. From 2005 to 2011, I studied at the Armenian State Pedagogical University after Khachatur Abovian, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching, with concentrations in Armenian Language and Literature. Between 2011 and 2017, I worked as an editor for the Historical-Philological Journal of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. During this time, I also provided private tutoring in Armenian Language and Literature to both school students and prospective university applicants. Since 2017, I have been residing in the United States and teaching at the Armenian Saturday School of St. Sarkis Church in Santa Clarita. The Armenian alphabet, a unique script born from the creativity and vision of Mesrop Mashtots, with its ancient history and rich culture, has been a source of inspiration for me. I strive to convey that spiritual wealth and love to my students living far from their homeland.
7th Grade
Izabella Badalyan
My name is Izabella Badalyan. I hold a Master’s degree from Yerevan State University and have extensive experience teaching mathematics, physics, and astronomy in Armenia. After relocating to the United States in 2009, I continued my education at Seminole State College in Florida and began leading the Sunday School at Saint Haroutiun Armenian Church in Orlando.
Since moving to California in 2021, I completed a Child Development Certificate at Glendale Community College and have worked as a camp teacher at the Sound of Children Cultural Center. In addition, I taught at Saint Peter Armenian Church Saturday School and, since 2023, have been teaching at both the Sunday and Saturday Schools at Saint Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita.
I am passionate about working with children and committed to preserving Armenian culture and identity in the diaspora.