Introducing Our 2026 Hixon Interns

Welcome to our 2026 Hixon interns! The Hixon Teacher Preparation Program is a joint program between Poly and Pasadena Community College (PCC) to develop future teachers. Founded in 2000 by philanthropists Alexander and Adelaide Hixon, longtime champions of teachers and education, the program allows interns to work in Poly classrooms under the guidance of Poly mentor teachers. Hixon interns can build teaching skills at the community college level before matriculating into a bachelor’s degree program. Hundreds of students have continued their pathway into teaching after leaving PCC and matriculated into one of many colleges and universities.

 

Please take a moment to learn a little about our 2026 Hixon Interns. And, of course, please give them a warm Poly welcome whenever you see them on campus!

 

What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? I was inspired to apply because I have a deep love and appreciation for the teaching profession, and I have made the decision to dedicate my life to teaching. I am honored to have the opportunity to begin my journey in the profession with Polytechnic School!

What is a fun fact about you? One fun fact about me is the fact that I am a musical theatre performer! I have been in multiple productions of musicals, including In the Heights and Hairspray, as well as a number of cabaret shows throughout my life. Musical theatre has always felt like a home to me, giving me a form of expression that I am forever thankful for!

 

Nelli Danielyan
What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? As someone who wants to become an early childhood teacher, I am especially interested in lower school classrooms and the chance to help shape young learners’ first experiences in school. I have always admired Poly’s strong reputation, and I believe the Hixon program is a great opportunity to learn from experienced educators. Every day in the program, I am inspired by Sarah Ferrell’s teaching style and professionalism, as well as the students' focus and dedication. Moving to the United States at age 24 has also allowed me to experience the school system alongside Poly students, giving me a greater appreciation for effective teaching practices.

What is a fun fact about you? I am a mother of two young boys and had the special experience of being my older son’s first preschool teacher. Family values are very important to me and guide both my personal life and my work as a future teacher.

 

What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? I am pursuing a teaching career and working toward a teaching credential, even though I am in my 60s. I homeschooled my four children and have taught in the homeschooling world for many years. However, I hope to work at a village school in Kenya in the future, so I am earning a teaching degree so I can teach in places where I can’t right now without a BA. I thought it would be a really good experience to work in a traditional school classroom, so when I saw the Hixon internship, I wanted to learn hands-on and from master teachers like Katie Ward, whom I am assisting in sixth-grade history!

What is a fun fact about you? One fun fact about me is that I love the world—I grew up in Australia, and I’ve traveled to over 20 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, China, Fiji, and most of Europe.

 

What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? The influence of amazing teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in education. My interest in education stems from the countless educators who influenced my academic career in a positive light from elementary to high school. Being an educator means a lot to the person teaching and the students they teach. The Hixon program has allowed me to explore myself as a future educator, giving me the amazing opportunity to explore the world of teaching here at Poly. Being introduced to an environment with phenomenal educators will absolutely allow me to become an amazing educator, like the teachers at Poly. As a current English major, I aim to become a secondary school English teacher. Though my career has yet to launch, I am also planning to teach English as a Second Language somewhere along my journey as an educator.

What is one fun fact about you? A fun fact about me is that I am a hardcore Beatles enthusiast. Throughout middle school into adulthood, The Beatles were my #1 top artist/band (and will always be). My favorite song is “Do You Want to Know a Secret,” sung by my favorite Beatle, George Harrison.

Rohan Mehta

 

What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? I felt inspired to apply to the Hixon program because of my commitment to finding community in college. In the beginning of my college journey, I felt lost on what career I wanted to pursue, but I knew that I wanted to work in academic settings. I expressed these feelings to my counselor and she recommended I join the Hixon program as a way to seek opportunities and mentors that can help bring out my passion. The Hixon program has allowed me to find peers, mentors, and opportunities that have enabled me in my position at Poly and as a writing tutor at Pasadena City College. 

What is a fun fact about you? One fun fact about me is that I love running and taking long walks with a coffee in my hand! I prioritize my physical movement because it helps my mental health and allows me to enjoy the present. 

 

What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? I was inspired to apply to the Hixon program because I hope to become an elementary teacher who creates a more equitable, culturally responsive classroom for bilingual and historically underserved students. The Hixon program gives me the opportunity to grow into that educator through mentorship, hands-on experience, and a strong commitment to educational equity, and I am especially grateful to have Nicole Taylor as my mentor.

What is a fun fact about you? One fun fact about me is that I naturally look for the positive side of things and try not to dwell on the negative. I focus on what I can control and use poetry to acknowledge my worries and frustrations, release them in a creative way, and find the courage to keep moving forward.

 

Amaya Ynequez
What inspired you to apply to the Hixon program? I applied to be a Hixon intern because I would love to continue gaining experience toward becoming a teacher, and Poly is one of the best places to do so!