Guest Bios
In This Book Matters, Dr. Bloomfield interviews an eclectic group of guests to discover the books that have most influenced their lives. Through thoughtful responses and personal stories, each guest brings a unique perspective as they reflect on the transformative power of books. Read guest bios and click on the episode title to watch.
JAMES DOMINGUEZ
Duration: 14:05
Topics: Mental Health, Bullying, Identity
James Dominguez graduated from Whittier College with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in the arts and religious studies. He works for Disneyland Resort and is a member of the Premium Services department which provides exceptional VIP services for its clients. He is thoughtful, gracious and creatively inclined. He enjoys gardening, art, music appreciation, travel, vintage fashion and pop culture. In this interview, James discusses self-acceptance and how reading expands consciousness. Book(s): Oscar Lobster’s Fair Exchange by George Selden, Blubber by Judy Blume, and Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
KATHY ANDERSON
Duration: 14:20
Topics: Childhood Trauma, How Children Connect to Books
Kathy Anderson has been an educator for over 20 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential at CSU Fullerton. She completed her Administrative Credential in Education from CSU Los Angeles. She has been a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and elementary principal. She specializes in teaching reading and writing to young children. She loves the beach, spending time with friends, and beautiful sunsets. In this episode, Kathy discusses why reading is vital and how books can break the silence. Book(s): Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
LARRY NATIVIDAD
Duration: 10:10
Topics: Life Skills, Identity
Larry Natividad is a loving husband, father, friend, activist, athlete, educator, administrator and…whew! He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in public policy from UC Berkeley and later graduated from UC Irvine and CSU Fullerton with a Doctorate in Education. He is currently a high school principal with tremendous energy and passion for life. In this episode he talks about how books have helped him become more intentional and receptive to feedback, especially from his own family. Book(s): The Way of the Owl by Frank Rivers and Dare to Lead by Brené Brown.
CAMILA TRINIDAD
Duration: 7:55
Topics: Book Genres, Family Traditions, How Children Connect to Books
Camila Trinidad is in fifth grade. She has two dogs, two snakes, and one guinea pig. She is a Girl Scout who enjoys listening to vinyl records and playing guitar. In this episode, Camila discusses stories that remind her of family traditions and she shares insightful life lessons. Book(s): Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds, Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.
AUNDREIA M. CAMERON
Duration: 18:20
Topics: Black History, Life Skills, Empathy
Aundreia M. Cameron is a graduate of UC Berkeley where she majored in Political Science and minored in African American Studies. She earned her Master’s Degree in Public Policy at USC and her Juris Doctorate at the University of Iowa College of Law. Aundreia currently works as a Senior Investigator for Healthcare at USC. She is passionate about civil rights, flowers, and going to tea. In this episode, she shares why reading is a privilege is also therapeutic. Book(s): Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
JOSE LOPEZ
Duration: 13:00
Topics: The Purpose of Books, Mexican Culture
Jose Lopez is Assistant Nurse Manager for the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Procedure Center. After earning his A.A. at Cerritos College, he majored in Nursing at CSU Dominguez Hills. In addition to working in the medical field, Jose was commissioned as a Nurse Officer in the US Navy Reserves. Jose enjoys traveling, riding duffy boats, and karaoke. He is currently teaching himself how to play the guitar and accordion. In this episode, Jose talks about perseverance and why you don’t have to finish a book for it to matter. Book(s): Passing by Nella Larson
JODI IMPROTA
Duration: 13:00
Topics: The Value of Books, Connecting to Authors, Historical Fiction
Jodi Improta is an actress-turned-high school English teacher. She attended CSU Long Beach where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. Jodi taught high school English and Theater for over 30 years, and directed over 100 productions. For many years she sang in a cover band with her husband. Jodi brings positivity and inspiration everywhere. In this episode, she talks about the immersive experience of reading books and how books eventually shapes our character. Book(s): Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman and Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.
RON MENDOZA
Duration: 19:55
Topics: Childhood, Trauma, Parenting
Ron Mendoza attended San Diego State University for a year before enrolling at the Los Angeles Fire Department. He found his calling at the United Parcel Service (UPS), where he has worked for over 30 years. Ron enjoys playing golf, spending time with his children and close friends, and fish tacos. In this episode, Ron describes how a book represents his longing for a loving father, and how his own pride as a father grew watching his daughter overcome reading difficulties. Ron discusses how books connect to early reading memories and the significance of how a book can evolve over the course of our lives. Book(s): Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers & The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
KARA CHIU
Duration: 13:00
Topics: How Children Connect to Books, Hobbies, Childhood
Kara Chiu is a first grader who loves swimming, painting, gaming, drawing, spending time with her family, and watching musicals. She likes playing board games and making art. Did you notice she is wearing a pie beret? Kara shares memorable book characters and how reading helps her learn words. Book(s): Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! by Bill Martin, Jr., Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Pug by Kyla May, The Good Egg by Jory John, and Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate Di Camillo.
THE HONORABLE CHRIS FRISCO
Duration: 15:33
Topics: The Value of Books, Philosophy, Law
Judge Frisco served as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County for over 25 years, trying nearly 200 jury trials. He is currently a Judge for the L.A. County Superior Court. He is a graduate of Pitzer College, and earned his J.D. from Southwestern Law School. Judge Frisco enjoys spending time with his family and friends and happens to be an excellent cook! In this episode, Chris talks about how books have shaped his life’s philosophy and the importance of truth, meaning, and fairness. Book(s): A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, The Night Before Christmas, From Socrates to Sartre: The Philosophic Quest by T.Z. Lavine, The Allegory of the Cave by Plato, and The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus.
SILVIA TRINIDAD
Duration: 19:50
Topics: Personal History, Gender Bias, Home Libraries
Silvia Trinidad is a proud mother of three children, a wife, and an avid photographer. She works for the Division of Instructional Services at the LA County Office of Education. Silvia enjoys hiking, cooking, Girl Scouts and traveling. She recently completed a family trip to Japan. In this episode, she talks about family dynamics growing up and how books continue to open doors to new experiences and learnings. Book(s): Chiquita’s Cocoon by Bettina Flores.
ARTHOR SHIN
Duration: 21:12
Topics: The Parenting Experience, Life Skills, The Value of Books
Arthur Shin is a dedicated husband, father, dog-owner, and lawyer. Arthur is a hard-ass who earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at the University of California and his law degree at Whittier Law School. Arthur is ethical, analytical, and dependable in all situations. He is honest, caring, thoughtful… and actually quite hilarious! In this episode, Arthur is upfront about the unconditional love of a parent and draws upon the wisdom within a children’s book. Book(s): The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
LAN PHAM ZENTIL
Duration: 10:30
Topics: Career Pivot, Trusting Your Gut, Identity
Lan Pham Zentil was born in Vietnam and raised in Southern California. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC Berkeley. After working in the corporate world, she made a life pivot and started her own tea company, Jadetiger Tea®. Jadetiger Tea’s mission is to share tea culture and create meaningful connections, one organic cup at a time. Lan is also a creative humanitarian. She is building a preschool classroom and water filtration system in a remote, mountainous area of Vietnam. In this episode, Lan recalls books that have left a mark on her life, weaving in stories and lessons learned along the way. Book(s): Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel, Chimpanzee Politics by Frans de Waal, and Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell.
OLIVIA RODRIGUEZ
Duration: 10:10
Topics: Friendships, Reading Challenges, How Children Connect to Books
Olivia Rodriguez is a fourth grader who loves painting, drawing, and the performing arts. She has a cat, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and loves Hello Kitty. In this episode, Olivia discusses her favorite books and how she relates to characters. She also talks about why reading is important to her. Book(s): Wild Robot by Peter Brown, Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes.
HENRY CANALES
Duration: 11:56
Topics: Life Lessons, Childhood Memories, Adolescence
Henry Canales is a senior in high school. He is also Dr. Bloomfield’s son! Henry enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and wearing cologne. In this episode, he discusses childhood memories of books when he was a child and the impact of one-on-one reading moments. He also talks about the importance of choice when deciding what to read. Book(s): Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton, Detective Dinosaur by James Skofield, Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.
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