Hoover High School Welcomes Keristineh Zakarian to the ELD department. With her rich background and diverse experiences, Ms. Zakarian brings a unique and inspiring presence to our educational community. Ms. Zakarian’s educational journey began at a young age when she dreamed of becoming a teacher.

When asked she responded, “Being a teacher has been a dream of mine since a young age.” During the Armenian Atam Hatik ritual—where symbolic items placed in front of the child predict their future profession—Ms. Zakarian chose a pen. This lifelong passion has become her career, and she can hardly imagine doing anything else. 

Ms. Zakarian earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a concentration in law, politics, and policy, from California State University, Long Beach. Her master’s degree in Education, with a single-subject credential in English, is from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Her academic achievements are a testament to her commitment to education and her dedication to her students.  Before coming to Hoover she “taught high school seniors last year at Crescenta Valley High School.”

Beyond her professional life, Ms. Zakarian is an avid cook and baker. She shared, “If I am not teaching, I love to cook and bake.” Cooking isn’t just a hobby for her; it’s a fun way to express her creativity and spread joy. 

She loves traveling and has explored Spain, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Mexico, Armenia, Russia, and Norway. Each destination has given her unique cultural insights and experiences. 

Ms. Zakarian’s dedication, passion for cooking, and diverse experiences make her a great addition to our school. We are excited to see her positive impact on our students. Welcome, Ms. Zakarian!