Torry Thompson
Executive Director
& Teacher/Advisor for 5th-8th Grades
Mr. "T" as Torry prefers to be called, has been with the Lab since we started in 2016. He is assuming directorship of The Lab starting August 1st 2021 after serving 2 years as The Lab's Academic Director and 4 years as the instructor for the Lab's 4th-8th grade classes.
Mr. T will continue to teach in the classroom in addition to his new role as ED. A credentialed teacher and math expert who is known for his ability to inspire and engage his students,
Mr. T was one of the first educators in LA County to introduce personalized, self-guided learning approaches into the classroom, including the Khan Academy. His students continue to seek him out for advice and support years after finishing their classes at The Lab. He was described by one of our parents as, "the teacher you always wish your child could have." And we agree!
Father of four, we are delighted that Mr. T calls The Lab his educational home!
Ashleigh Biggs
Teacher/Advisor for 2nd -4th
Ms. Biggs is a passionate and creative addition to our team this year. She has been in the classroom since 2013 filling the role of classroom aide, substitute, and fourth grade teacher. To fulfill her passion of teaching this summer, she created and ran a summer camp for children in Adoption Clinical Services focusing on social emotional lessons, gardening, and outdoor adventures.
Ms. Biggs has a positive demeanor and develops meaningful bonds with her students. Through her implementation of social emotional lessons, collaborative projects, and a classroom economy students walk away with a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Teacher/Advisor for Tk-1st
Cindy Castro started her teaching career in 2000. Her work in education spans from
teaching high school students and adult-learners working for Regional Occupational
Programs and private and post-secondary education. Prior to teaching, she worked in
physical therapy, and as a contractor for Pearson Education as a curriculum developer
for allied health programs for schools nationwide.
Her goal in education is to teach not only literacy and math skills but also life skills and
technology applications.
Cindy is a mom of three and a grandma of a 5-year-old.
Cindy Castro
Bertha Leon
Administrative Support
Bertha Leon is the mother of a 20-year-old daughter who learned in non-traditional settings.
Bertha is bi-lingual English-Spanish and loves engaging with and supporting parents in their educational journey with their children.
Fun, engaging and full of empathy, Bertha is committed to making educational options available to any family in Long Beach who wants it.