Rosemary Kindergarten Teacher

Michelle, our Rosemary Kindergarten teacher, hails from Vancouver, BC, Canada, and lives with her husband and two children. Ms. Michelle found Waldorf education as an MBCS parent and began to assist in the Rosemary class before assuming the role of lead teacher. Her love of Waldorf pedagogy runs deep; she attends professional development sessions at the Marin Waldorf School, the Alliance of Public Waldorf School Education summer training sessions and through our MBCS HeArt of Teaching offerings.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Michelle is fluent in French and studies Spanish. She finds joy in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, tending to her garden, and indulging in good food and music.

Lavender Kindergarten Teacher

Malia Rives Smith has worked 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.”

Ms. 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

First Grade Teacher

Ms. Holmes always loved school and teaching, often playing “teacher” with her younger cousins. Born and raised in California, she moved to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University, earning a bachelor’s in liberal studies and a multiple subject teaching credential. She spent five years as a substitute teacher before teaching fifth, third, and eventually first grade, which became her favorite.

Volunteering in Ms. Malia’s TK class, Ms. Holmes grew to appreciate the Waldorf method. After further volunteering and substituting in her daughter’s kindergarten class at MBCS, she felt at home. Excited to positively impact her students, she looks forward to teaching first grade and welcoming new students, aiming to become a well-rounded Waldorf teacher.

First Grade Teacher

Kacie Mixon recently relocated to the West Coast from New Jersey, where she earned her BFA in theater from Rutgers University and a master’s in elementary education from Montclair State University on a full scholarship. With over three decades of teaching experience, she has worked at the Omega Institute for Holistic Learning, Montessori schools, private schools, and inner-city public schools. She won two Folger Grants, helping Newark, NJ achieve top honors in the Elementary Shakespeare Competition.

Ms. Mixon also worked for the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance department, developed the civics game “VoteQuest,” and served as Education Coordinator at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She co-founded a Creative Dramatics program for homeschoolers and has been involved with the Utah and Great River Shakespeare Festivals. She is excited to implement Waldorf practices at her new school.

Outside of teaching, Kacie enjoys hiking, camping, biking, swimming, and nature. She is also proud of her son, who recently graduated with a journalism degree.

Second Grade Teacher

Maddi DeMatteo continues to share her joy and talent as a true educator as she takes her class into their second grade year at MBCS. She earned her B.A. at CSU, Monterey Bay though she says that being the daughter of an elementary school teacher, she’s been learning how to become one since the age of one. Previous to joining MBCS, Ms. DeMatteo substituted throughout Monterey County where her passion for teaching became clear. Ms. DeMatteo says that what she loves most about our school is that she gets to learn and implement Waldorf methods that are hands-on and that bring a gentle rhythm to the students. She enjoys reading and loves being a puppy-mom to Wesley, a golden retriever.

Second Grade Teacher

Sara Elley, who grew up loving the natural beauty of Pacific Grove, has been a dedicated elementary school teacher for nearly ten years. She earned her B.A. in Fine Arts with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz and completed post-graduate work in education in New Zealand. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in both California and New Zealand.

Ms. Elley’s passion for Waldorf education began as an MBCS kindergartner. She served as a reading specialist at MBCS from 2016 to 2018, gaining insights into public Waldorf charter school practices. After teaching in New Zealand and starting her family, she returns to MBCS as a Waldorf-inspired class teacher, with her two children joining the school.

She enjoys painting, creating, drama, singing, cooking, and connecting with nature, which she plans to incorporate into her teaching. Outside of school, she loves hiking and playing by the rivers and beaches of Big Sur with her family.

Third Grade Teacher

Nicolle Frazee is a passionate educator and artist with over 34 years of experience. She joined MBCS from Highland Hall Waldorf School in Los Angeles, where she taught first and second grades. At MBCS for the past four years, she recently completed the lower grade loop, teaching her class from first through fourth grade.

Ms. Frazee completed her Waldorf Teacher training at the Waldorf Teacher Education Eugene (WTEE) program in Oregon and earned her teaching credential and BA from Concordia University in Irvine, California. She loves art, the sea, vegan food, and animals, having volunteered at a marine mammal center for two years. Relocating to the Monterey Peninsula, she is excited to be in a community that values Waldorf education. Ms. Frazee has a daughter, Eden, who teaches in the Bay Area, and two cats, Buddha and Freyja.

Third Grade Teacher

Ms. Fanger’s kindergarten teacher predicted she would grow up to be an educator and sure enough she has spent the past 15 years doing so. She has taught at the preschool to university level. She received her Master’s of Education in education policy studies from BYU, where she also did her undergraduate work in elementary and early childhood education, with a TESOL minor. Her certificates include ESL, vinyasa yoga teaching, and meditation.

Before joining MBCS, Ms. Fanger founded a tutoring company, designed curriculum for public schools, and taught in a private Reggio-Emilia school. She discovered Waldorf pedagogy and responded to its holistic education techniques. Ms. Fanger found a deep bond with her MBCS second grade class last year and is excited to travel with them to the third grade at the Pacific Grove campus.

Email: h.fanger@mbcharterschool.org

Fourth Grade Teacher

Emily Miller grew up in Pacific Grove, CA. Since then, she has lived in Utah, Texas and Japan before returning home this year. Emily has been an elementary and middle school teacher for 20 years. She holds a BA in English from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Library Science from Sam Houston State University. She has also taught English, ESL, Spanish, Theater and has spent the last five years as an elementary school librarian.

Ms. Miller’s favorite place in the world is Pacific Grove, and she is excited to be back home and teaching at MBCS where she can learn and practice Waldorf teaching methods. When she is not in school, Emily likes to read, travel and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Fifth Grade Teacher

Natalie Croft, an artist and teacher, inspires students through creativity. She taught at Carmel Unified, heading the Cachagua Children’s Center and teaching various subjects including second grade, ELD, preschool, sewing, photography, and mixed media arts. With a credential from Cal State Teach and a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, Natalie promotes curiosity and observation through her lessons. Recently, she led her MBCS class from fourth to eighth grade and is excited to guide another class through upper grades.

As a Waldorf educator, Natalie combines her passion for arts and education, aiming to equip students with skills for academic success and community confidence. Outside teaching, she is passionate about science, particularly geology, often indulging in rock hounding. On weekends, she enjoys creating art with her sculptor husband, crafting with her daughters, and reading astrophysics books.Yes, she likes the outer space realm too… even her cat’s name is Jupiter.

Sixth Grade Teacher

Anne Wyatt, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, earned her BA in theater and dance from Santa Clara University. At Monterey Bay Charter School (MBCS), she has served as a class teacher, director of education, and chair of the Hand Mandate Committee. She has undergone Waldorf teacher training at various institutions, including the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education and Rudolf Steiner.

Before teaching, Anne was the artistic director for Milpitas, leading the Rainbow Theatre for ten years. She worked with youth, directed plays, coordinated events, and helped found the Youth Program Team to promote youth development.

After moving to Arizona in 2008, Anne taught in Mesa for seven years before returning to California to teach at MBCS. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes four children, her husband, a rescued cat, and four chickens. She loves cooking and outdoor adventures.

Sixth Grade Teacher

From California’s Great Central Valley, Robert Ballard discovered MBCS for his sons, fell in love with the school and shifted his career as an accountant to begin as a Waldorf charter educator. In 2018, he joined the MBCS faculty as the woodworking and then as the games teacher. In 2023, he became an MBCS middle school class teacher with the eighth grade class. As a professional accountant, educator and great storyteller, Mr. Ballard appreciates the MBCS Waldorf charter as it allows him to work in main lesson cross-curricular instruction and the pedagogical story of each block.

When he is not teaching, Mr. Ballard spends his time renovating his house (one project at a time), traveling with his family, and fishing.

Seventh Grade Teacher

Anna Hoch joined MBCS in 2023 and continues to be filled with pride for her MBCS community and Monterey 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. At MBCS, she is learning to meet common core standards through Waldorf practices at the MBCS HeArt of Teaching training and workshops. With over 10 years of experience in educating students throughout the United States, Ms. Anna has loved 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. When Ms. Anna is outside of the classroom, she enjoys exploring California’s magnificent ecosystem.

Eighth Grade Teacher

Erica Behler joined MBCS in 2021 as a fifth grade teacher and has now guided that class to eighth grade. She values the community and care for students at MBCS. Erica holds an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Monterey Peninsula College, a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from CSU Monterey Bay, a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master’s in Education from Sonoma State University. She has worked in schools in Salinas, Seaside, Carmel Valley, and Sebastopol.

After mentoring with Mark Jensen at Apple Blossom Elementary in Sebastopol, Erica joined MBCS and has continued her Waldorf training through the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education and MBCS workshops. She aims to foster ecological awareness and connections with nature in her students, inspired by her California upbringing exploring coastlines, forests, mountains, and deserts.

Living in Carmel Valley near her grandmother, Erica enjoys family time, outdoor activities, gardening, traveling with her dog Nola, and learning about local flora and fauna.

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

Subject Teacher: Blacksmithing

TBA

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Instructional Assistant

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

Instructional Assistant

Bedda Stewart earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Political Science from Baghdad University in 2004 and is a certified dental assistant. She is married to her husband Ken Stewart and is the mother of two lovely boys, William and Ali Stewart. She has been with Monterey Bay Charter School for two years – first as an after school care provider and she currently serves as a paraprofessional in addition to her after school care responsibilities. She is very happy to be a part of the Monterey Bay Charter School.

Instructional Assistant

Rebecca Munoz has been a part of the Monterey Bay Charter School community, serving as an instructional aide at the PG campus for three years. Before discovering her passion for working with children, Ms. Rebecca gained valuable experience in the hospitality and service industries. Ms. Rebecca enjoys the outdoors traveling and spending quality time with her family. Ms. Rebecca is also the twin sister of the beloved Sara-Rose Muñoz.

Special Education Compliance Officer/Schoolwide State Assessment Coordinator

Donna is a retired Elementary Principal. Her 32 year career in education includes being a Special Education Teacher, an Intervention Specialist, a Resource Specialist, and an Assistant Principal. Donna has been with MBCS for 13 years. 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 37 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

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

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

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

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.”

Long Term Substitute

Brian Sheffield is an educator and performance poet dedicated to amplifying diverse experiences and voices. He integrates arts and activism into his teaching, encouraging students to develop their own sense of justice and vision for the future. He continually seeks to learn and grow as an educator.

Mr. Sheffield earned his BA in Humanities and Communications from CSUMB in 2013. He discovered his passion for teaching through various roles and moved to New York City in 2015 to further develop his poetic voice. There, he graduated as a Teaching Fellow from Citizen Schools New York, founded a small press, and performed at the National Poetry Slam.

Returning to Monterey County in 2020, Mr. Sheffield began working as a Spanish teacher at Monterey Bay Charter School in Fall 2021. He loves the school culture and Waldorf principles and is proud to be part of the MBCS community, aiming to build a long-term career there.