Empowering Students, Inspiring Families

AVANZA provides families with resources to build a strong foundation for a better future based on a whole-child and whole-family approach. Our MIP Toolkit is centered on trauma informed supports that promote healing. This includes a curriculum for art-centered parent engagement groups and art expression groups for at-promise students, expanded learning opportunities and wrap-around services, as well as developed Care Closets on every school campus for students and families.

We hope you find this Toolkit helpful! We encourage you to explore!

Lennox, CA

Lennox, a relatively small community, is located in Los Angeles County, California. It is an unincorporated area situated in the northernmost section of the South Bay region with a land area of approximately 1.1 square miles. One notable aspect of Lennox is its proximity to the Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport. 

As an unincorporated area, Lennox falls under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. The community does not have its own municipal government but instead relies on the county for various services and governance. 

Lennox is a diverse community with rich culture and known for its strong sense of community pride. 

We are the Lennox School District serving the educational needs of the Lennox community. Over time, the district has grown and now accommodates over 5,100 students. The district offers a preschool, five elementary schools, and a middle school. We are committed to educating the whole student, focusing on the academic and life skills necessary for success. Our vision is dedicated to providing our students with an education that emphasizes cradle to college, culture of caring, community and continuity. 

  • Giovanna Diaz, MA

    Family Service Coordinator

    Giovanna was welcomed onto the team through our HIP grant in 2023. Giovanna was born and raised in the Central Valley by a farmworking family and made her way to Southern California to complete her Masters in Chicanx and Latinx Studies at Cal State LA. Giovanna has experience in mental health, case management, community resources, building partnerships, and college and career mentoring and has a passion for social justice and serving our disadvantaged communities. Through these roles, Giovanna has been able to serve youth, young adults and families in different ways. As the Family Service Coordinator at our school district, Giovanna has dedicated her time in enhancing the program serving our students and families facing housing insecurities as well as leading and developing this Toolkit.

  • Eva Muñoz, MA, PPS, CWA- MA Ed. Leadership

    Director of Student Support Services

    Eva returned to the Lennox community as Director of Student Support Services in December 2022. She started her journey with the Lennox School District 25 years ago as a classified employee in various positions. Eva was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico, and is a first-generation college graduate. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree in 2005. Eva has a Master’s in School Counseling, PPS & CWA, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University.

  • Emily Cummins-Polk, MSW

    Social and Emotional Wellness Coordinator

    Emily has been a practicing social worker in Lennox School District for 20+ years providing school-based services to children and families as well as professional development to teachers and staff members in the district. Responding to the community’s need for more comprehensive services, Emily co-founded Juntos, a thriving school-based wellness center serving students, families, community members and staff with a focus on trauma informed care. Emily is currently in a newer role as Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator for Lennox School District which allows for systems change work and community outreach. Emily is a native of Los Angeles and received her B.A. from Northwestern University in 1998 and her Masters in Social Welfare from UCLA in 2002.

  • David Hurtado, BS

    Clerk Typist, Student Support Services

    A recent graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology and Specialization in Child Development. A born and raised native to Lennox, servicing the Lennox School District for 2 years. Originally started my roots as an Instructional Aide for the Special Education Department and branched off to grow as a Clerk Typist for the Instructional Services department with the Lennox School District. Currently aide in alleviating the barriers students may face that affect their academic journey, such as assisting with Inter and Intra-district permits, Student Attendance Review Boards, and Suspensions. However this role has allowed me to assist with projects outside my general duties such as helping with the promotional aspects of Avanza and requisition of supplies to assist in their mission statement and projects.