CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

bounrod@archsmke.org

Bounrod’s experience in education ranges from elementary through high school. She has been a self-contained classroom teacher who’s taught all subjects, specialized in English Language Arts from 4th-12th grades, and taken on an assistant principal role for a high school. She has ample experience selecting and implementing high-quality curricula across middle and high schools, coaching teachers, and creating school-wide systems. As the founding Development Manager of Forward Scholars, she brings her knowledge of fundraising and grant writing to her current role at ARCHS.

Bounrod is passionate about getting young people to question what they think, and why they think it. As a 1.5 generation Hmong-American, she knows what it's like to translate at her own parent-teacher conferences, navigate the ebb and flow of ethnic and American identities, and figure out college solo. Opening doors and supporting young people through similar experiences is a priority.

She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with her B.A. in sociology and Asian American Studies in 2013 and received her M.A. in Education from Alverno College in 2015.  

CO-FOUNDER & SPECIAL EDUCATION CORE ADVISOR

Larissa is a second career educator, having first worked as a structural designer in the greater Milwaukee area. She received her Master’s in Structural Engineering and Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2015. She discovered the power of project-based learning firsthand in this field. Connecting abstract concepts to the real-world application of how buildings function transformed how she approached learning. For the past eight years, Larissa has brought that same applied, hands-on philosophy to every lesson she teaches.

Larissa has worked with 3- to 20-year-old students in various educational settings including Montessori, traditional, and project based learning schools. She earned her Master's in Science in Special Education from UW-Madison in 2025. Most recently, she served as a special education case manager for an inclusive program serving fourth through sixth graders.

More than anything, Larissa believes that learning is what makes us human; therefore, education should be a rich, wonderful, and rigorous experience for everyone. Too often, school becomes a dehumanizing experience, particularly for students who qualify for Individual Education Programs (IEPs). Research has shown that when we center student voice, and include students with IEPs in the general education classroom, all students achieve more. When school is safe, welcoming, and responsive, it benefits all students and our future society.

FAMILY & ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR

socorro@archsmke.org

Socorro’s professional experience includes a decade of outreach experience across the legal, community health, and banking sectors. She is committed to connecting families with the resources they need to thrive. Her work is rooted in youth and community empowerment; helping the next generation find their voice and place in the world is of great importance to her. Socorro brings invaluable experience to her role as an MPS graduate and South Side resident. 

As the Family and Enrollment Coordinator, making sure the enrollment process from start to end is as welcoming and seamless as possible for every family is a priority. Be on the lookout for Socorro at community events and don’t hesitate to connect!