Administration

Dr. Stephanie Henry, Ed.D. - Executive Director

Dr. Stephanie Henry brings over 30 years of educational experience in Orange County schools to her role as Executive Director of Irvine International Academy. Her career reflects a deep commitment to student success, innovation, and equity across diverse educational settings.

Dr. Henry began her career as a high school English teacher, serving in the classroom for 13 years before transitioning into administration. She has held leadership roles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, including serving as principal of a GATE magnet school and helping to launch a new charter middle school. She has also led districtwide initiatives to provide academic and social-emotional supports for over 30,000 students.

In addition to her K–12 leadership, Dr. Henry spent seven years teaching at the university level, mentoring and preparing new educators for success in the classroom. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, with a focus on using data to improve student outcomes.

Dr. Henry is passionate about creating systems of support for all learners, nurturing the whole child, and designing innovative instructional programs that engage students and empower teachers. She believes that strong schools are built on collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision for excellence—and she is honored to lead Irvine International Academy as it continues to grow and thrive.

 

Grant Schmitter - Principal
Mr. Schmitter brings a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record in educational leadership and classroom instruction, making him an invaluable addition to our community. Mr. Schmitter has dedicated 17 years to the field of education, bringing teaching experiences that ranged from elementary to high school. He has served the previous 4 years as a principal in Rowland Heights, CA, and an additional 3 years before that as an assistant principal. In these roles, he collaborated with all stakeholders to increase academic achievement school wide, and his efforts led to improved student outcomes and teacher performance. He holds his BA in History from UC San Diego, and his Masters in Educational Administration from Hope International University. Mr. Schmitter is excited about joining the IIA community and working with families to promote academic excellence and develop student character.

 

Marybeth Chen - Director of Business and Operations

Ms. Chen has been with the administrative staff of Irvine International Academy since the beginning and witnessed the school's growth from its first year.  Besides front office logistics, she also manages back office data, systems, and business relations.  She works to ensure that the school operates smoothly and in line with IIA's bylaws, goals, and overall mission.  She earned her BA in English Lit from UC Berkeley and Masters in Education from the University of Oklahoma.  Having been a high school teacher for many years, she appreciates the invaluable experience of language immersion and the depth of curriculum that IIA offers to our students and community.

 

Jose Fernandez - Director of Student Services

Jose Fernandez is an accomplished individual who pursued higher education at both UC Santa Cruz and the University of the Pacific. With a passion for reading and a love for cycling, he makes the most of his free time. However, what truly sets him apart in our field  is his unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student has the necessary resources to succeed.

 

 

Eva Opanasik - Director of Human Resources

Eva Opanasik is an experienced Human Resources leader with a proven track record of cultivating positive workplace environments and strengthening employee engagement in the education field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Science in Leadership with a concentration in Human Resources from Northeastern University. Over the past nine years, Eva has built extensive experience within public charter school education, spending the last six years specializing in human resources.

 

As the Director of Human Resources and Operations at Irvine International Academy, Eva leads all aspects of HR functions—from recruitment and performance development to organizational compliance. She is passionate about empowering educators and staff, ensuring that every team member feels supported and valued. When she’s not working, Eva enjoys spending quality time with her spouse and two teenage children and discovering new outdoor adventures together.

 

 

Ms. Yiyuan (Tiffany) Zhang was born in China and has been involved in language education in the United States. She graduated with a B. A. in English from China, a M. Ed. from University of California, Riverside, a M. A. in TESOL from Pepperdine University. She possesses a clear California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (with BCLAD in Mandarin) and taught multiple grades in an elementary dual immersion school in Pasadena Unified School District. She serves as the Vice President of CABE Mandarin to partner with schools and organizations to support Mandarin teachers and also works as a University Field Supervisor at Pepperdine University to evaluate and coach student teachers in their teaching credentialing program. She believes that “education can turn mirrors into windows” and is certain that learners can reach their optimal potential in a rigorous and robust learning environment. She has enjoyed working with the IIA community and being part of this rigorous and robust family. She is committed to collaborate with the team and support the Mandarin immersion program at IIA.

 

Mario Escalante - Campus Operations Manager