Welcome to Vista Lago Global Academy

Miles Durfee is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in public education, advocacy, and leadership. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Community Leadership Strategies, a firm specializing in leadership strategies, community engagement, and tailored advocacy for nonprofit and educational organizations. His work emphasizes fostering organizational growth through leadership strategies that align with community needs. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Miles served as Vice President of Local Advocacy and Member Support at the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), where he championed policies to advance the growth and sustainability of charter schools across the state. His extensive experience includes working directly with school leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and other public officials to ensure student success and operational excellence in public education. Miles’ dedication to advancing public education is further exemplified through his earlier roles, including his tenure as Manager of Administrative and Legislative Services for the San Diego Unified School District. In this role, he championed legislative and regulatory policies that positively impacted 125,000 students and collaborated with district leadership to implement forward-thinking strategic initiatives. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, Miles has consistently demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning and applying these lessons to better serve his community. Beyond his professional contributions, his involvement with organizations such as the Copley-Price YMCA and the Old Mission Rotary Club underscores his dedication to fostering community growth and support. Miles’ leadership continues to shape the public education landscape, advancing innovation and equity for students and communities alike.

Mr. Gaytan is a founding parent of Palm Lane Elementary Charter School, the second parent trigger school in the State of California. Mr. Gaytan worked tirelessly to help the parents of Palm Lane convert the school into a charter school. He has served with dedication and loyalty on the school board since that time and continues to be a powerful advocate for parents at all Vista Charter Public Schools. Mr. Gaytan is a proud employee of Disneyland where he has worked formany years and is held in high regard by his supervisors and employees in the food services division. Mr. Gaytan has a child enrolled at Palm Lane Elementary Charter School.

Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2025

Tuan Pham is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation, enhancing organizational resilience, and delivering transformative results. As Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Symmetry Lending and Golf Acceptance, Tuan has led high-impact, strategic initiatives that safeguard organizations against emerging cybersecurity threats, streamline complex operations, and propel transformative growth. By challenging the status quo and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Tuan ensures technology investments not only address today’s challenges but also anticipate future opportunities, positioning organizations for sustained success in competitive environments.

As a member of the Board of Directors for Vista Charter Public School, Tuan leverages his leadership, strategic vision, and expertise to support the school’s mission of fostering academic excellence and preparing students for success in a technology-driven world. His extensive experience in digital transformation and cybersecurity provides a forward-thinking perspective that strengthens the school’s operational integrity and long-term vision. A lifelong advocate for education, Tuan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business. His commitment to strategic innovation, governance, and continuous improvement makes him a vital contributor to the school’s growth and success.

Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2026

Kelley Le has been in the educational field for over 15 years as a high school science educator, instructional coach, and educational leader. She serves as the Executive Director of the Grades of Green nonprofit in Los Angeles, and former inaugural Executive Director of the UC–CSU Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects (ECCLPs). She was also the former director of the UC Irvine Science Project, Friends of the Planet NCSE Award recipient (2022), and author of Teaching Climate Change for Grades 6-12: Activating Science Teachers to Take on the Climate Crisis Through NGSS (2024 Ed. 2). She also supports as a CLEAN advisory board member, LEVERS expert advisory board member, and a Climate Reality Corps mentor.

Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2026

Michael Hoover is a seasoned educational leader with over a decade of experience in shaping equitable school culture and advancing student success. As the Vice President of School Culture at Bright Star Schools, he has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategic plans that promote positive behavioral interventions, social-emotional learning, and multi-tiered support systems across nine schools. His leadership has led to significant improvements in school practices aimed at fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all students.