Principal

B.A., English, Cal State Northridge
M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Cal State Northridge

Ph.D., Urban Leadership, USC

Dr. Cindy Guardado is the Founding Principal of our newest Environmental Charter School in Gardena, ECHS-Gardena. Dr. Guardado graduated from Los Angeles Senior High knowing she wanted to pursue a career in education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cal State Northridge in English followed by a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Later, she pursued and earned a Doctorate Degree from USC in Urban Leadership with an emphasis in Outperforming Non-Traditional Schools.

Dr. Guardado has successfully completed over 12 years in the education field. She is a former English teacher, high school senior advisor, and has held several teacher-based leadership positions. She was a middle school assistant principal and a middle school principal for over four years. Dr. Guardado has led instructional change through coaching; part of her educational philosophy is understanding the needs of both students and educators to better support their development. She has coached teachers of multiple disciplines and grade levels.

Dr. Guardado seeks to create a culture where students, parents, faculty and staff can come together to better support and develop not just the students, but the school community as a unit. She is committed to ensuring that all students are met where they are and are provided with opportunities to thrive within their community. She leads with strong values and a dedicated sense of responsibility to ensure that the Environmental Charter Schools values are present in every decision made and at the forefront of our students’ lives.

Dr. Guardado enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She is a first-generation Latina and a proud educator.