Staff

Administrators

Jessica Guzzi

Executive Director

Jessica Guzzi has been a teacher and teacher leader for 20 years in traditional and alternative educational programs. Her career in education began the same year MBCS opened in 1998. Before teaching elementary she taught in the field of early childhood education for 12+ years as a Master Teacher in California and Pennsylvania. In 2012, Jessica graduated from Chico State University with a double credential in English and Multiple Subjects. She recently completed her master’s degree at Brandman University. Locally, she worked in Salinas for two years teaching 6th and 3rd grade and Bay View Academy for four years as a 3rd grade teacher.

Jessica and her husband are transplants from Pennsylvania. Mr. Guzzi is a teacher in Carmel. They moved here from the mountains near Truckee with their 3 children about 7 years ago. The Guzzi family loves the natural beauty of the peninsula! Jessica is new to Waldorf education and knows she would have loved to be a Waldorf student because of her interests in folk tales of the world, eco-literacy, fiber arts, drawing, sewing, puppetry, gardening, herbal medicine, and singing.

Felicia Nance

Director of Education Pacific Grove Campus

With over twenty years of experience in education, Felicia Nance has worked in leadership roles to coordinate services for students and families at the K-12 and university levels. During her time with the University of California, Santa Cruz, she worked with academic preparation and college readiness programs that prepared participants to successfully navigate postsecondary options. She has previous management experience within a K-12 school district as a College and Career Planning Coordinator. She has a variety of experience working with K-12, community, and college partners to achieve common goals.

Felicia grew up in Seaside, graduated from Monterey High School, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a Master’s degree in Education Counseling and Pupil Personnel from San Jose State University. Additionally, she has Single Subject, Pupil Personnel Services, and Administrative Services credentials. She comes from a large family and enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews. Traveling, time outdoors, and admiring flowers are her favorites.

Jazmin Aminian Ventura

Director of Education Foothill Campus

Jazmin grew up in Los Angeles, earned her B.A. and M.A. in English from Loyola Marymount University, her M.A. in creative writing from UC Davis and attended the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. She served on the Highland Hall Waldorf School faculty for over ten years and worked as a third grade dual language Title I teacher at an IB charter school in Lubbock, Texas.

Jazmin was a member of the summer faculty at Rudolf Steiner College and, most recently, graduated her eighth grade class at Live Oak Waldorf School in Meadow Vista, CA. She is the recipient of a creative Fulbright and is co-publisher of LettersAt3AMPress with her husband, Michael.

Managers

Perla Ortiz

Office Manager

Perla was born and raised in Salinas and attended Hartnell Community College. She worked for the Monterey County Office of Education as an Instructional Assistant in the Special Education Department, which she found rewarding. Perla completed a certified nursing program and worked with the elderly and with children and adults with disabilities. She loves working with children and families making their day better. Perla enjoys the outdoors, hiking, yoga, traveling and spending time with her husband and family.

Kim King

Business Manager

Kim brings over 10 years experience working in a school administrative setting, over 30 years experience in business management and a B.S. in Anthropology from the University of Santa Clara. She recently comes from Bay View Academy Charter School in Monterey where she served as it’s inaugural Office Manager for 4 years. Kim has also worked in retail sales, banking, food service, medical offices, and ran her own small business. Kim has also been an active volunteer at many local organizations. Kim is 4th generation born and raised in Monterey. Kim enjoys time with her family and friends, reading, and exploring our local history and beautiful environment.

Candace Villarta, M.I.S.

Communications & Development Manager

Candace Villarta was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She is the mother of four children who attend Monterey Bay Charter School. Candace graduated from Humboldt State with a BA in Organizational Leadership. Candace also received a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, and Public Relations, from Southern Utah University. Candace is currently working towards her Fundraiser Executive Certification. Candace served as the MBCS Parent Circle Chair for three years and was a member of the MBCS Development Team and Foundation Board. In the last eight years, she has helped plan numerous MBCS school events and fundraisers. She plans to incorporate her extensive background in hospitality, special events, and fundraising to help Monterey Bay Charter School build community relationships and achieve new levels of fundraising success.

Jessica Lewis

Enrollment Coordinator

Jess is a true Midwesterner, hailing from the heart of Illinois, and her journey eventually brought her to Monterey in 2014. Her professional odyssey began in the realm of purchasing and management, where she honed her skills working for various small businesses, amassing eight years of invaluable experience. Her path took a twist when she decided to pivot her career to the world of photography. She pursued this artistic endeavor for over a decade, capturing moments that would become cherished memories. In 2014, Jess’s path led her to the doors of Monterey Bay Charter School, a decision influenced by her prior experience homeschooling her own children. Her aspiration was clear: she wanted her children to immerse themselves in the enchanting Waldorf-based educational environment. Jess began as a parent volunteer, where for seven years, she enthusiastically engaged with students sharing her love for learning. Her commitment to the school is unwavering, stemming from the remarkable experiences her two children enjoyed during their time here.

Laurel Flaherty

Assistant Business Manager

Laurel Flaherty brings over 30 years of Business Management in the Hospitality Industry.  She has a culinary degree from San Francisco City College and a B.S. in Hospitality Management from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.  She is native to northern California, and feels blessed that she and her 12 year old son, Cassidy, have settled here in Pacific Grove.  She has called Pacific Grove home for the past 14 years. Laurel enjoys working with children and has coached many of her son’s sporting teams over the years. She is proud to be a part of the Monterey Bay Charter School and loves to bring her many years of customer service to do whatever it takes to support the staff and families.

Staff

Faculty

Michelle Vine

Rosemary Kindergarten Teacher

Michelle Vine

Rosemary Kindergarten Teacher

Michelle Vine is eagerly anticipating her role as the Rosemary Kindergarten teacher for the upcoming year. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, Michelle has been residing in Monterey for a decade alongside her husband and two children, both of whom attend MBCS. Outside of her professional endeavors, Michelle finds joy in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, tending to her garden, and indulging in good food and music. Fluent in French and currently learning Spanish, Michelle embarked on her career as a French immersion teacher in Vancouver. Having relished her time as a kindergarten aide for a year and a half, she is thrilled to further her professional journey as a Waldorf teacher at MBCS.

Malia Rives Smith

Lavender Kindergarten Teacher

Malia Rives Smith

Lavender Kindergarten Teacher

Malia River-Smith has been working in the field of education since 1997, and in 2015 found her love in the Waldorf Kindergarten. “I look forward to continuing the beautiful and sensible system that is Waldorf and combining it with all that I love about teaching Kindergarten-age children. I believe that Early Childhood education is profoundly important as a foundation for life, and I have a deep reverence for maintaining the magic and wonder that is a part of the Kindergarten years.”

Malia earned her B.A. in Fine Art from Humboldt State University, MFA from the University of Colorado, Boulder and holds her Waldorf Early Childhood Education certification from Rudolf Steiner College. Some of her passions include international travel, bike touring, sculpting with wool, metalsmithing, enameling, and ceramics. She was trained as a ballet dancer for over two decades, and has been practicing yoga and meditation since 1997.

Email: m.rivessmith@mbcharterschool.org

Ellie Paolini

Morning Glory Kindergarten Teacher

Ellie Paolini

Morning Glory Kindergarten Teacher

Ellie Paolini started her education in the Morning Glory kindergarten at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula in Los Altos, California. She is thrilled to have come full circle and found her way back to Morning Glory! Ellie earned her B.A. in English and French at Santa Clara University, her M.F.A. in creative writing from Hollins University, and most recently her multiple subject teaching credential from Sonoma State University. From 2017-2020, she was an assistant teacher in a Montessori classroom for grades 1-3. During the pandemic, she switched gears and spent a year as volunteer coordinator for Peace of Mind Dog Rescue in Pacific Grove. This past year, she student-taught in a transitional kindergarten classroom in Petaluma, where she fell in love with the creativity and curiosity of her young students. She knew that the early childhood classroom was where she wanted to stay!

Ellie is happy to be returning to the Monterey Peninsula, where her family has lived since 2006. When she’s not in the classroom, she can be found hiking, reading on her porch in the sun, playing with her dog, or planning her next international travel.

Email: e.paolini@mbcharterschool.org

Rebecca Shawo

First Grade Teacher

Rebecca Shawo

First Grade Teacher

Rebecca Shawo is a passionate and dedicated educator, thrilled to embark on a new journey as a teacher at Monterey Bay Charter School. She graduated from University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and later received her master’s in education from the University of the Pacific. Rebecca holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development Certification, and has over 10 years of elementary and high school teaching experience. She has taught both public and independent schools in the bay area. Rebecca loves that Monterey Bay Charter School is dedicated to educating the whole child and raising people of character. When she is not in the classroom, she spends time exploring the beautiful Monterey Peninsula with her daughter, Harper. Rebecca also enjoys painting, gardening, and practicing yoga.

Maddi DeMatteo

First Grade Teacher

Maddi DeMatteo

First Grade Teacher

Maddi DeMatteo is excited to join MBCS as a first-year teacher for the upcoming year. She recently graduated from CSU Monterey Bay. Having had the privilege of subbing throughout Monterey County, her passion for teaching has only grown. Maddi enjoys reading, playing with her labradoodle named Willow, and savoring coffee. She eagerly looks forward to sharing the next school year with her sweet first graders!

Jessie Anderson

First Grade Aide

Jessie Anderson

First Grade Aide

TBA

Hailey Fanger

Second Grade Teacher

Hailey Fanger

Second Grade Teacher

Hailey’s kindergarten teacher predicted she would grow up to be a teacher, and sure enough she has spent the past 15 years working in education. Hailey has served hundreds of families and individuals ranging from preschool age to university level. Hailey received her teaching degree and licensure in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and Teaching English Language Learners. Hailey founded a tutoring company, designed curriculum for public schools, and taught in a private Reggio-Emilia school. Her experience revealed the major impact of the caregiver-child relationship along with gaps in current education models. During this time she embarked on a quest of education philosophy which included introductory Waldorf training from local Waldorf leaders.

Hailey seeks holistic education techniques to reach the head, heart, and hands. Her love of education led her to receive vinyasa yoga teaching and meditation certifications. Hailey received her Master’s of Education in Education Leadership, Policy, and Social Impact. Her recent work includes running federal programs to move resources into local schools, support conservation initiatives, and design new education models. Hailey found a deep bond with this second grade class calling her to return to early education in this special learning community.

Email: h.fanger@mbcharterschool.org

Kylie Guilinger

Second Grade Teacher

Kylie Guilinger

Second Grade Teacher

Kylie was born and raised in Hawaii and has known that she wanted to be a teacher since she was in the second grade. She attended Boise State University to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in K-8 mathematics and then taught 3rd grade in Boise and 2nd grade in Pocatello. After moving to southern California with her husband, she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Concordia University Irvine and taught kindergarten for three years in Rancho Cucamonga. Kylie is excited to set down roots in the Monterey Bay area and join the MBCS community. She is passionate about cultivating a welcoming and developmentally-appropriate learning environment for her students and is excited to be at a Waldorf-inspired school. When she’s not teaching, Kylie enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and spending time at the beach. Kylie’s extended family is spread across the country from Hawaii to Colorado to Boston, and she enjoys visiting whenever she gets a chance.

Email: k.guilinger@mbcharterschool.org

Mimi Stokes

Second Grade Aide

Mimi Stokes

Second Grade Aide

TBA

Lauren Gamblin

Third Grade Teacher

Lauren Gamblin

Third Grade Teacher

TBA

Chloe Ferguson

Third Grade Teacher

Chloe Ferguson

Third Grade Teacher

Chloe was born and raised in Singapore, as the child of two teachers. Upon moving to the United states, she attended University of the Pacific, earning a California Teaching Credential and concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language. Throughout college she worked with elementary schools across Stockton and Manteca student teaching, substitute teaching, tutoring, and coaching soccer.

Chloe loves cooking and past summers have been spent teaching local culinary classes to elementary students. She has spent the 2020-2021 school year working towards earning a Master’s of TESOL (teaching English as a second language), to further her ability to assist non-native English-speaking students during my teaching career. Chloe loves working with families and providing the support students need to become creative and successful community members. Growing up abroad taught Chloe the value of learning from other cultures and forming a community in the place she lives, giving her an appreciation for both travel and home. Chloe is excited to join the MBCS and Monterey community and cannot wait to share her passion for cooking, the outdoors, and teaching.

Nicolle Frazee

Fourth Grade Teacher

Nicolle Frazee

Fourth Grade Teacher

Nicolle is a passionate educator and artist with over 30 years of experience empowering, inspiring, and educating young learners. She comes to us from Highland Hall Waldorf School in Los Angeles, where she taught 1st and 2nd grades.

Nicolle completed her Waldorf Teacher training at the Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene (WTEE) program in Oregon. Prior to that she earned her teaching credential and BA from Concordia University in Irvine, California.

Nicolle is a lover of art, the sea, vegan food and all life, especially animals. She volunteered at a marine mammal center for two years rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing seals and sea lions in Laguna Beach. Nicolle is thrilled to relocate to the Monterey Peninsula among an abundance of marine life, sprawling seascapes, and in a community that values Waldorf Education. Nicolle is mom to Eden, who lives and teaches in the bay area and has two cats, Buddha and Freyja.

Alison Dominquez

Fourth Grade Teacher

Alison Dominquez

Fourth Grade Teacher

Alison is a long term sub and has been teaching for a little over a year. She comes from a family of educators. She has enjoyed subbing and getting to know all the students. Alison understands that not all students learn the same and hopes to be able to provide many approaches to a subject to insure that all students get an equal chance of success. Alison has lived in Monterey County her whole life. She recently graduated from Monterey College of Law with her Juris Doctorates degree. She is excited to teach and grow with the students in the upcoming school year.

Alison approaches learning with fun and understanding. She believes that honest communication is the best communication and strives to create a welcoming and safe environment for all students.  She will teach with creativity and kindness. Alison is excited for the 2023/2024 school year and all the adventures that lie ahead.

Email: a.dominguez@mbcharterschool.org

Anne Wyatt

Fifth Grade Teacher

Anne Wyatt

Fifth Grade Teacher

Anne Wyatt was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She received her BA from Santa Clara University in Theatre and Dance. Before beginning her second career in teaching, Mrs. Wyatt was the Artistic Director for the City of Milpitas and headed the Milpitas Rainbow Theatre for 10 years, working with youth aged 8-18, directing and choreographing plays, coordinating special events, and was a founding member of the Youth Program Team, whose mission it was to partner with families to promote the healthy development of youth in our community.

Upon moving to Arizona in 2008, Mrs. Wyatt pursued her career in education and taught in Mesa, Arizona for seven years before moving back to California and finding her dream job teaching here, at Monterey Bay Charter School.

When she is not teaching, Mrs. Wyatt is enjoying her family of four children, one husband, one rescued cat, and four chickens. She loves cooking (!) and outdoor adventures.

Kaitlin Davis

Fifth Grade Teacher

Kaitlin Davis

Fifth Grade Teacher

Kaitlin Davis has worked in education for the past 5 years in a variety of classroom settings where she has discovered a love for working with children. She received her teaching credential from Cal State Monterey Bay and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Kaitlin is thrilled to share her passion for learning, art, and the natural world with her students, and cannot wait to embark on her journey as a Waldorf teacher.

Kaitlin grew up in Carmel Valley and moved back to the Monterey Bay in 2018. She has a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Central Coast and all that it’s outdoors have to offer. When she is not at school, she enjoys running, hiking, scuba diving, cooking, and reading. Kaitlin is ecstatic to be joining the team at Monterey Bay Charter School and is looking forward to a wonderful year filled with discovery, inspiration, and connection.

Email: k.davis@mbcharterschool.org

Marcus Chapple

Sixth Grade Teacher

Marcus Chapple

Sixth Grade Teacher

Marcus Chapple is thrilled to be joining the Monterey Bay Charter School community. He was born and raised in the Berkeley/Oakland region of the Bay Area and made the decision to relocate to the Monterey area five years ago in order to pursue a teaching credential and Master’s Degree in education. Marcus possesses a diverse range of interests and hobbies, which include reading, cooking, archaeology, video games, capoeira, singing, and photography. As he enters his fifth year of teaching, Marcus is excited about the prospect of personal growth and learning alongside the new group of young individuals he will have the privilege of guiding.

Anna Hoch

Sixth Grade Teacher

Anna Hoch

Sixth Grade Teacher

Anna is filled with pride as she embraces MBCS and Monterey as her new home. Originally from Madison, WI, she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont and pursued her Masters of Environmental Conservation Education at New York University. With over 10 years of experience in educating students throughout the United States, Anna has cherished roles such as teaching environmental science with the NYC Parks Department, serving as a K-5th elementary science specialist in Jackson, WY, and guiding place-based experiential learning student programs in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Excited to become a part of the MBCS community, Anna eagerly awaits the opportunity to explore California’s magnificent ecosystem.

Erica Behler

Seventh Grade Teacher

Erica Behler

Seventh Grade Teacher

Erica is a passionate educator who aims to inspire students by helping them cultivate ecological identities and form connections with the natural world. Her love for the outdoors stems from her California upbringing, where she spent time exploring the wonders of the coastline, redwood forests, mountains, and deserts. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Monterey Peninsula College and her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from CSU Monterey Bay. She received her Multi-Subject Teaching Credential and her Master’s Degree in Education from Sonoma State University. During her education, she was able to work at schools in Salinas, Seaside, Carmel Valley, and Sebastopol.

Erica’s admiration for Waldorf education arose when her brother started attending MBCS. She truly resonated with the teaching philosophies and incorporated the methods into her studies when working in a Waldorf-inspired classroom during her student teaching.

When she is not teaching, Erica enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors and in the garden, traveling around the country with her two dogs, Leroy Brown and Nola, and learning about the local flora and fauna in the places they visit.

Amanda Hoff

Seventh Grade Teacher

Amanda Hoff

Seventh Grade Teacher

Growing up in San Jose, Amanda always knew that teaching would one day be her profession. On her journey to becoming an educator, the ebb and flow of life presented her with many adventures. After attending college in Redding, and brief return home to San Jose, love brought her to Fresno, where she and her husband made a home. During her time in Fresno, she graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a BA in Liberal Arts and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, earned her teaching credential, welcomed her daughter, Berkley, and began collecting animals (two dogs, five cats, and one chinchilla).

Having embarked on her latest escapade, moving to Monterey, Amanda is thrilled to plant new roots and use her passion for teaching to serve her students at MBCS. Her experience teaching 7th grade English Language Arts for the past three years proved that students confidently achieve their aspirations when classrooms center around creativity and wonder. Therefore, she brings to MBCS her excitement for designing innovative and supportive lessons that proactively provide her students with multiple means of engagement and discovery.

Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys hiking, reading, practicing yoga, taking road trips near and far with her family, and playing with and cuddling her many animal friends.
Email: a.hoff@mbcharterschool.org

Natalie Croft

Eighth Grade Teacher

Natalie Croft

Eighth Grade Teacher

Through teaching, Natalie Croft inspires students to thirst for knowledge through creativity. She is very excited about her move to Monterey Bay Charter School from Carmel Unified, where she was the head teacher at the Cachagua Children’s Center. She also taught 2nd grade, ELD, preschool, sewing, photography and mixed media arts in Carmel. With a credential from Cal State Teach and a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, she teaches her students how to observe the world around them through activities and lessons that promote curiosity. Mrs. Croft is looking forward to blending her passion for the arts and education together as a Waldorf educator. Through a Waldorf approach, her goal is to give students the skills and tools they need to achieve academic success and become confident members of their community.

Mrs. Croft lives in Carmel Valley with her husband Rusty Croft and their three children. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Croft has a passion for learning anything and everything in the science realm. It is quite possible, that is if you run into Mrs. Croft outside of school, you will find her looking down. That’s because she is fascinated with geology, which has turned her into a bit of a rock hound. On the weekend she also enjoys making art with her sculptor husband, crafting with her girls and reading astrophysics books. Yes, she likes the outer space realm too… even her cat’s name is Jupiter.

Robert Ballard

Eighth Grade Teacher

Robert Ballard

Eighth Grade Teacher

After many years working as an accountant and five years of teaching woodworking and games at Monterey Bay Charter School, Robert Ballard is obtaining his multiple subject credential and will be teaching in the classroom this year.  When he is not teaching, Robert spends his time renovating his house, one project at a time, traveling with his family, and fishing when he can.

Faculty

Subject Teachers

Lili Blalock

Subject Teacher: Handwork/Woodworking

Lili Blalock

Subject Teacher: Handwork/Woodworking

Lili has been teaching Handwork at MBCS since 2000 and a volunteer in Waldorf handwork classes since 1990. Her handwork experience began as a child with sewing and knitting and progressed to include spinning and weaving. Lili’s hand spun, hand-woven rugs and saddle blankets have received Best of Show awards at local fairs. She began working on her Waldorf Foundation and Special Subject teacher training at Rudolf Steiner in 2008 and has B.A. in Music from the University of California, Berkeley. She has taught piano lessons since 1980 and performed with many soloists and chamber groups.

Email: l.blalock@mbcharterschool.org

Steve Vaden

Subject Teacher: Blacksmithing

Steve Vaden

Subject Teacher: Blacksmithing

TBA

Name TBA

Subject Teacher: Music / Strings

Name TBA

Subject Teacher: Music / Strings

TBA

Sarah Leininger

Subject Teacher: Spanish

Sarah Leininger

Subject Teacher: Spanish

Sarah Leininger earned a BA from Brigham Young University in Theatre Education and Spanish Teaching, and holds California single subject credentials in both theatre and Spanish.  She is the mother of 5 children who will all be attending MBCS in 2023-2024.  Sarah has lived in Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, and the UK, as well as in several US States, but settled in Monterey County with her family in 2020.  She has five years experience teaching Spanish in various settings, and is thrilled to be returning to the classroom to bring the joy of language learning as a window to the broader world to MBCS students.  Sarah enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, camping, and reading, and has come to love exploring the incredible California coastline.

Faculty

Special Education

Vanessa Sorvetti

Education Specialist

Vanessa Sorvetti

Education Specialist

Vannesa is a traveler at heart and has called many places home. The redwoods in Northern California are one of her favorite places in the whole world. She received her BA in Social and Behavioral Science with a Concentration in Social History at California State University Monterey Bay. Vannesa recently finished her Masters in Special Education Mild/Moderate with Licensure at Grand Canyon University.

In her spare time, she and her daughter who also attends Monterey Bay Charter travel and explore as much as possible. She is also an avid reader and tends to read three to four books at a time. Feel free to chat books with her she is always looking for recommendations and new things to read.

Email: v.sorvetti@mbcharterschool.org

Lauren Ball

Education Specialist

Lauren Ball

Education Specialist

Lauren comes to MBCS with 14 years teaching experience in special education. She obtained her B.A. in Communication Studies from SDSU (2005). After spending time as a substitute teacher in special education classrooms, she knew she had found her passion. Lauren attended Cal State San Marcos and received her multiple subject credential as well as education specialist credentials to serve students with mild/moderate and moderate/severe support needs (2008). Her teaching career began in San Marcos as an elementary special day class teacher. Lauren then moved to the Bay Area to be near her family and continued her teaching career serving a variety of special education programs in both elementary and middle schools.

Lauren was the district teacher of the year for the Mountain View Whisman School District in 2018, where she helped develop a program for medically fragile children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The pandemic motivated her family to seek a change of pace and more time in nature. Her family moved to Monterey in 2021. Her son attends MBCS as a fourth grader. She is thrilled to now work alongside the creative, passionate and knowledgeable educators at MBCS. Lauren loves spending time with her family at local beaches and a good cuddle with her dog Bandit. 

Email: l.ball@mbcharterschool.org

Amber Brumley

School Counselor

Amber Brumley, LCSW, PPSC

School Counselor

Amber Brumley is thrilled to return to MBCS as a school counselor in addition to supervising Master’s level clinical interns. Amber graduated with honors from CSUMB with a B.A. in Psychology. She continued her graduate studies at CSUMB and graduated with a Master’s of Social Work and a P.P.S credential specializing in School Social Work as well as Child Welfare and Attendance. Having worked in higher education for ten years, Amber is enjoying the transition to K-12 education and becoming an integral part of the MBCS community. 

Amber is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also works within the community to offer mental health services and care. Amber values equity and believes in the personal dignity and value of each student and family that she serves. She is committed to helping all students reach their full academic, social, and emotional potential.

Email: a.brumley@mbcharterschool.org

Maria Mishkind

School Counselor

Maria Mishkind, LCSW

School Counselor

Maria is excited to return to MBCS as the school counselor as well as being the field instructor for the two CSUMB clinical interns. Maria is a mom of three school-aged kids and two rescue puppies. Her life as a busy mom has informed her clinical approach to working with students and their families. Maria attended Wellesly College for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education. She then attended New York University where she graduated with her Master’s in Social Work. Maria has been a child and family therapist for nearly 25 years.

Originally from California, Maria has also lived extensively along the East Coast and has traveled around Europe, Africa, and has studied in Spain. Maria moved to the Monterey Peninsula a few years ago. Her biggest love is hanging out with her kids. She also likes to walk on the beach, camp, travel and read.

Sara Rose Munoz

Behavior Technician

Sara Rose Munoz

Behavior Technician

TBA

Email: s.munoz@mbcharterschool.org

Mandy Werk

Paraeducator

Mandy Werk

Paraeducator

Growing up in Modesto, Mandy was always the go-to babysitter from the age of 12. In her twenties Mandy became a nanny for a family with 4 children which included a daughter who had a sever syndrome. The experience and the responsibilities of taking care of her inspired Mandy to pursue an Associate’s Degree at Heald College in Medical Assistant. Her love was always psychology though so she went back to school and received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University of Monterey Bay.

Mandy lives in Monterey with her husband. She’s an avid reader, proud to be called a book nerd, loves being on the beach and traveling; especially to Florida and visiting her family in New York. She loves to stay active and has found a new love for pure barre. While at CSUMB, she studied ASL and although she can carry on a conversation, Mandy knows there’s still so much more to learn. She hopes to become fluent while continuing her education.

Email: m.werk@mbcharterschool.org

Erica Fultz

Paraeducator

Erica Fultz

Paraeducator

TBA

Sonia Alcala

Behavior Technician

Sonia Alcala

Behavior Technician

Miss Sonia Alcala has been working with youth for over 20 years. She begin working in school settings while attending to college. She obtained her Associates of Arts in Behavioral sciences in 2001. She soon found passion working with youth with emotional and behavior needs after getting he’s first job assisting youth in residential care treatment program. She has gain experience and training working in mental health settings since 2002. She soon began to work and learn about ABA therapy (Apply Behavior Analysis) when working with Youth in the Autism spectrum as well. She has learn different methods to assist youth with behaviors needs in school, community and home settings. Miss Sonia also has experience background working with adults in psychiatric hospital setting. However, Miss Sonia prefers and enjoys interacting, assisting and helping the youth population.

Email: s.alcala@mbcharterschool.org

Faculty

Intervention Teachers

Donna Kiernan

Compliance Officer & Schoolwide Assessment Coordinator

Donna Kiernan

Compliance Officer & Schoolwide Assessment Coordinator

Donna is a retired Elementary Principal. Her 22 year career in education includes being a Special Education Teacher, an Intervention Specialist, a Resource Specialist, and an Assistant Principal. Following retirement, Donna supervised student teachers from both Chapman University and Northern Arizona University, and was a photographer for the P.G. Chamber of Commerce for 6 years. Donna has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, a Masters in Education in Educational Psychology from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education, and a Masters in Education in Special Education Administration and Supervision from Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds clear California credentials in Administrative Services, Specialist in Special Education, Multiple Subjects, and life credentials as a Resource Specialist, and Community College Special Education Instructor. Her work experience includes 5 years at Hewlett-Packard where she trained new employees, coordinated advanced degree programs, did event photography, and wrote the HP Labs Division Newsletter. She has been a professional photographer for 25 years. Donna enjoys visits from her grandchildren, all activities in the outdoors, especially photographing family and ocean wildlife, and walking her Golden Retrievers in Pacific Grove and along the coastal bike trail.

Email: d.kiernan@mbcharterschool.org

Elaine Baca

English Language Development (ELD) Services

Elaine Baca

English Language Development (ELD) Services

Elaine was a public school teacher for 32 years in the Alisal Union School District in Salinas. She has a B.A. and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU San Francisco. At AUSD, Elaine was a 4th-6th grade Literacy Facilitator and Coach for six years. She consulted with teachers, observed lessons, modeled lessons with students, and served as the upper grades teacher instructor. She had a similar assignment as Literacy Coach for K-3 teachers for four years. She has presented seminars with the California Association of Teachers of English, Asilomar Reading Conference, and Monterey County Office of Education. Elaine worked as a substitute teacher for MBCS before becoming the school’s Reading Specialist. She enjoys reading, writing, exercise classes, and spending time with her husband gardening at their Monterey home.

Email: e.baca@mbcharterschool.org

Amy Neiman

Reading Specialist

Amy Neiman

Reading Specialist

Originally from downtown Chicago, Amy Neiman graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder with a BA in anthropology/archaeology before moving to California where she earned both a multiple subject teaching credential and a single subject teaching credential in the Social Sciences. She has since been involved in education in the Los Angeles and the Bay area where she taught 2nd, 3rd and 6th-8th grades in addition to co-founding a charter school which emphasized social-emotional learning and culturally responsive practices.

She has spent the past three years in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland teaching middle school Humanities at a project-based, expeditionary learning school.

Amy is an avid runner and loves nothing more than fresh air, mountains, music, travel and getting her hands dirty in the veggie garden. She is moving to the central coast where she is thrilled to be closer to family, nature and all the amazing things the peninsula has to offer. Needless to say, she will not miss the traffic of the big city.

TBA

Occupational Therapist

TBA

Occupational Therapist

TBA

Julie Cole

Math Specialist

Julie Cole

Math Specialist

Julie graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, earned a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Chapman University, and completed her student teaching in Costa Rica. She has worked as a classroom teacher in Washington Union and Alisal Union School Districts and has been part of the MBCS community since 2008 when her oldest child started in the Lavender kindergarten. Eventually, her two younger children followed. Waldorf education has made an invaluable impression on her life. Julie believes math can be accessible to all children with the right tools and mindset. She is driven by the idea that students who become confident and capable in math will become our future leaders in science and can help create a healthier planet for all. When she is not puzzling over a good math problem, Julie can be found hiking, camping, identifying wildflowers, walking on the rec trail, gardening, drawing, and spending time with her amazing family and 3 adorable cats.

Email: j.cole@mbcharterschool.org

Staff

School Support

Addison Edwards

COVID-19 Coordinator

Addison Edwards

COVID-19 Coordinator

Addison has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from San Jose State University, and has been teaching Anatomy & Physiology at CSUMB for 12 years. She has a background in healthcare through her previous work as a clinical exercise physiologist for Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, and has held numerous positions in the health and fitness field within the community. She was looking for a way to become more connected with MBCS when her oldest child began kindergarten there, and saw the position of covid tracking & tracing as a way to both help the school and be part of its community.

Email: covidcoordinator@mbcharterschool.org

Jenny Wood

Kindergarten Aide

Jenny Wood

Kindergarten Aide

Jenny obtained her B.F.A. in Textiles with Distinction in 1985, and earned an M.A. in Art Therapy from the College of Notre Dame in 1992. Ms. Wood has held positions as an Art Therapist in hospitals over the last 10 years; prior to that she was a Textile Lab Assistant, Production Weaver and Camp Counselor. Ms. Woods has also been a very active volunteer as an Art Therapist in educational and convalescent environments since 1988. She became a Kindergarten Assistant in 2002.

Jenny Wood is also part of the Before Care Program Staff in the Foothill Campus.

Email: j.wood@mbcharterschool.org

Zanub Shah

Kindergarten Aide

Zanub Shah

Kindergarten Aide

Zanub Shah grew up in Lodi and moved to the Peninsula in 2008. She is the mother of four children, three of which attend Monterey Bay Charter School and one who graduated from MBCS. Besides sipping on chai tea, Zanub loves the beach and the outdoors and enjoys going for walks and hikes. Cooking, decorating & designing are some of her favorite things, and recently has grown fond of plants and gardening.

Zanub was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. During that time, she was volunteering with the Play & Learn Program’s PTA where her kids attended, and eventually became the Vice President for the PTA for a few years. Most recently, she worked at the Waldorf Inspired Rosebud Preschool in Pacific Grove and now has joined Monterey Bay Charter School. At first a parent and now an employee, Zanub is excited to join the team.

“It’s great to be a part of a school that not only teaches with the eyes, ears & mouth but with the head, heart, and hand. This school has done wonders for my children and overall family. It has not only brought our family out of its comfort zone but made us feel like we belong to a wonderful community. It is my goal to give that same warmth & love back to the children and their family.”

Amanda Isaac

Kindergarten Aide

Amanda Isaac

Kindergarten Aide

Amanda Isaac was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Art Studio and Art History. After working as a lead graphic designer and assistant wedding photographer for ten years, she decided to make a career shift and joined The Parenting Connection of Monterey County as a children’s art teacher in 2015. At the time she had two young children and had been attending classes with them at Parent’s Place in Pacific Grove for six years. She was delighted to find a position which combined her professional background in art and her new found passion for parent education. After many years of experience as a mother, a teacher, and a nanny she was promoted to Early Childhood and Parent Education Specialist in 2021, and for the past two years has enjoyed leading family wellness circles. In these circles she uses a culturally appropriate, play-based curriculum to foster positive parent/child relationships, teach parent education, create community, provide mental health support, and connect families to community resources. In the past year she has also earned certifications through First 5 and Postpartum Support International in Infant-Family, Early Childhood, and Parental Mental Health.

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