Our Leadership

Marcus Puccioni, Principal

Education:

I have a Master’s of Education from Pepperdine University. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from Lewis & Clark College. I have recently completed courses for my Administrative Credential through Eastern Michigan University.

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I began teaching in 2002 at Cathedral Chapel School in Los Angeles. My first year was spent teaching Math and Science for grades six, seven, and eight and coaching Boy’s Basketball. The following year I transferred to Johnnie Cochran Junior Middle School in Los Angeles to teach sixth grade. While at JCJMS I taught grades six, seven, eight, publications, and ESL. After my family relocated to Michigan I spent a year teaching future educator’s at MSU.

What do you like most about working here?

While serving as Principal, and as Dean of Instruction from 2009-2011, I have most enjoyed helping students in our community. I feel strongly about providing the best opportunity for each student. Seeing our students grow and succeed provided great satisfaction.

Personal Information:

I have been married thirteen years to my beautiful and intelligent wife, and we have a wonderful eight year old son. Our family has three cats, two dogs, and a rabbit. We enjoy reading, fishing, and playing soccer together.

Samantha Enayati, Dean Grades Y5-2

Education:

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum with a Literacy focus from Michigan State University.

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

During my first three years here at LCA, I taught kindergarten. Prior to moving to Michigan, I taught in Illinois for two years. I taught both second grade and kindergarten.

What do you like most about working here?

I love working at LCA because of the community that exists within our school. Each day, I am surrounded by the smiles of my fellow co-workers, students, and their families.

Personal:

My husband and I just celebrated our second wedding anniversary in July. We have a Boston Terrier/Pug mix named Stella who we love to bring on walks. Family is very important to me, and I spend as much time with my parents and four siblings as possible. I love to read and travel. My husband and I have enjoyed exploring Michigan since moving here three years ago.

Cassandra Trawitz, Dean Grades 3-5

Education:

Western Michigan University- Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Certificates in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Middle School Science
Western Michigan University- Master's Degree in Educational Leadership: K-12 Principal

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I have been in education for 12 years and have worked in a variety of settings. I have taught 2^nd, 5^th and 6^th graders in a classroom setting as well as kindergarten through eighth grade in a computer lab setting. I started as an administrator in Kalamazoo running the grant funded programs. After leaving Kalamazoo I was hired as assistant principal and then became principal of a K-6 Charter School in Battle Creek where I enjoyed three years with them. After moving back to the Lansing area I found a job closer to home at Lansing Charter Academy.

What do you like most about working here?

Lansing Charter Academy is full of positive, professional and caring individuals who will go out of their way to give 150% to all kids. The students and families are warm and welcoming as well. LCA is supportive and having Mr. Puccioni as principal has been fantastic! He’s great with the kids and ensures that all students and staff are supported and that the people in our school community abide by our mantra: safe, respectful and responsible.

Other work experience we might want to mention:

I have held management positions during college at Chi Chi’s and Outback Steakhouse and I used to wash and detail cars. I was also an exchange student in Australia when I was in high school.

Personal:

My family lives in a town east of Lansing. My mother and father live close by as well. We have a son in first grade my husband works with computers and motorcycles. We share our home with Monty and Brewster, our dog and cat. I love to go to movies, ride bikes and am trying my hardest to get to the gym whenever I can!

Celsius Magbitang, Middle School Dean

Education:

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University majored in Mathematics and minored in Integrated Sciences. I am pursuing a Masters degree in K-12 Administration from Michigan State University.

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

My first 2 years at LCA, I taught math and science to 6th graders. This year I taught math to 7th and 8th graders.

What do you like most about working here?

LCA is full of amazing, positive, hardworking, and flexible staff. Everyone is so supportive of each other and are willing to go out of their way to help students achieve. With that said, the staff isn’t my favorite thing about LCA. The students are what I like most about working at LCA. The students are so inquisitive and eager to learn. They are the reason I truly enjoy working at LCA.

Personal Information:

I am getting married this summer in the Grand Canyon. My fiancé and I enjoy the outdoors with our puppy, Starbuck.