Our Educators
LOWER SCHOOL
Ana Gomez
Community Programs Team
Biography
What is your preferred name? Ana
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Aftercare Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The collaborative environment and the focus on student well-being.
What does progressive education mean to you? Emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world applications.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I play the violin.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Secret Garden
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? enthusiastic, empathetic
Andrew Emer
K-8 Librarian
Biography
coming soon
Amanda Meyer
LS Associate Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Amanda
What is your job at Blue Oak School? K/1st Grade Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. Napa Valley College and Irvine Valley College: Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Western Governors University: BA in Education (current)
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love that our school has a strong community feel.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means we explore our classrooms interests and curiosities. We support the whole child and meet them where they are at. It means we learn by doing, we work on cooperation, and develop community.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? My dance career allowed me to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the NFL ProBowl halftime show.
What is your favorite childhood book? Stellaluna
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Kind, caring and smart.
Brit Estep
K-8 Learning Specialist
Biography
What is your preferred name? Brit
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Learning Specialist
What is your hometown? Lafayette, IN
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The supportive and inclusive community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Fostering a love of learning and encouraging critical thinking.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an avid gardener.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Velveteen Rabbit
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? curious, compassionate
Carey Truitt
K/First-Grade Lead Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Carey
What is your job at Blue Oak School? K/1st Grade Kindergarten Teacher
What is your hometown? California
List your degrees and institutions. University of Colorado, Boulder: BA Psychology, University of Nevada: M.Ed. Literacy
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love the progressive education model and the focus on diversity and inclusion.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education is student driven, experiential, integrated curriculum that fosters cooperation, communication and critical thinking.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? 80’s music makes me happy!
What is your favorite childhood book? The Lorax – Dr. Seuss
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious and confident
Charlie McNeil
Biography
What is your preferred name? Charlie
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Lower School Art, and TK-3rd Grade PE Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. UC Berkeley: BA in Art Practice
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The creative freedom and the supportive community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Encouraging students to think outside the box.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a painter.
What is your favorite childhood book? Where the Wild Things Are
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? creative, curious
Culea Abraham
Librarian and Information Technology Specialist
Biography
coming soon
Dan Parker
Biography
What is your preferred name? Dan
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 4-8th Grade P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director
What is your hometown? Hollywood, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The diverse community and the focus on student well-being.
What does progressive education mean to you? Emphasizing cultural awareness and language skills.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a salsa dancer.
What is your favorite childhood book? Don Quixote
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? enthusiastic, open-minded
Erika Arechiga
Biography
What is your preferred name? Erika
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 1st Grade Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love that we have passionate, dedicated faculty and staff that love what they do. Can’t forget the kids!
What does progressive education mean to you? Child centered learning, learning to understand, child can be who they are.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love to cook and bake.
What is your favorite childhood book? Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? unique, curious
Gretchen Jensen
Biography
What is your preferred name? Gretchen
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 1st Grade Teacher
What is your hometown? SF born/St. Helena raised
List your degrees and institutions. Cal Poly: BS Human Development, College of NJ: MA Global Education
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? Reciprocal respect and collaboration among all school constituents.
What does progressive education mean to you? Caring for the whole child. Taking student interest into consideration when creating meaningful learning units.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I used to get grounded for going out without my shoes on. I lived and taught in Brazil for 6 years during which I began giggin regularly and also taught English to adults in the town square.
What is your favorite childhood book? Amelia Bedelia/I Love You Forever
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? thoughtful, creative, collaborative & engaged
Kate Koval
Biography
What is your preferred name? Kate
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 4th Grade Teacher
What is your hometown? Boulder, Colorado
List your degrees and institutions. University of Arizona, Tucson: BA Elementary Education
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The innovative teaching methods and the close-knit community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Integrating student interests into the curriculum.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I have run a marathon.
What is your favorite childhood book? Matilda
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? curious, motivated
Mercy Bloch
Biography
What is your preferred name? Mercy
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 4th Grade Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Utila, Honduras Bay Island
List your degrees and institutions. Mirinda Park Community College, Melbourne Australia: Certified in Early Childhood Education
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The supportive community and the emphasis on creativity.
What does progressive education mean to you? Encouraging students to explore and express themselves.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a certified scuba diver.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Very Hungry Caterpillar
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? imaginative, kind
Monica Macias
Biography
What is your preferred name? Monica
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Aftercare Coordinator
What is your hometown? Ensenada Mexico
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The supportive community and the emphasis on creativity.
What does progressive education mean to you? Encouraging students to explore and express themselves.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a certified scuba diver.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Very Hungry Caterpillar
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? imaginative, kind
Paul Wells
Biography
coming soon
Rashelle Casillas
3rd-Grade Lead Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Rashelle
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 3rd Grade Teacher
What is your hometown? Sacramento, CA
List your degrees and institutions. UC Berkeley: BA Economics, St. Mary’s College: MA Teacher Leadership
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The collaborative environment and the focus on student well-being.
What does progressive education mean to you? Emphasizing hands-on learning and real-world applications.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I play the violin.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Secret Garden
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? enthusiastic, empathetic
Raúl Pimentel
Biography
What is your preferred name? Raúl
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Lower School Spanish Teacher
What is your hometown? Yucatán, México
List your degrees and institutions. Escuela Normal Superior de Yucatán: Lic Math
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The diverse community and the focus on student well-being.
What does progressive education mean to you? Emphasizing cultural awareness and language skills.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a salsa dancer.
What is your favorite childhood book? Don Quixote
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? enthusiastic, open-minded
Renee Palace
Biography
What is your preferred name? Renee
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Lower School Campus Coordinator
What is your hometown? Los Angeles, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The supportive and inclusive community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Fostering a love of learning and encouraging critical thinking.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an avid gardener.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Velveteen Rabbit
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? curious, compassionate
Sahar Darwish
2nd-Grade Lead Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Sahar
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 2nd Grade Teacher
What is your hometown? Chicago, IL
List your degrees and institutions. Augustana College: BA, University of Illinois: MPA
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The sense of community and the dedication to student growth.
What does progressive education mean to you? Fostering critical thinking and creativity in students.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
What is your favorite childhood book? Charlotte’s Web
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? inquisitive, resilient
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Brit Estep
K-8 Learning Specialist
Biography
What is your preferred name? Brit
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Learning Specialist
What is your hometown? Lafayette, IN
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The supportive and inclusive community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Fostering a love of learning and encouraging critical thinking.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an avid gardener.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Velveteen Rabbit
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? curious, compassionate
Culea Abraham
Librarian and Information Technology Specialist
Biography
coming soon
Dan Parker
4-8 PE Teacher and Athletetic Director
Biography
What is your preferred name? Dan
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 4-8th Grade P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director
What is your hometown? Hollywood, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The diverse community and the focus on student well-being.
What does progressive education mean to you? Emphasizing cultural awareness and language skills.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a salsa dancer.
What is your favorite childhood book? Don Quixote
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? enthusiastic, open-minded
David Dickson
Biography
coming soon
Diana Castillo
6-8 Spanish Teacher and MS Advisor
Biography
What is your preferred name? Diana
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Middle School Spanish Teacher
What is your hometown? Elgin, IL
List your degrees and institutions. Wellesley College: BA Spanish & Sociology
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The commitment to student success and the supportive environment.
What does progressive education mean to you? Integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I have traveled to over 20 countries.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Little Prince
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? curious, adventurous
Jarah Dev
6th-Grade Math and 7th-Grade ELA Teacher and MS Advisor
Biography
What is your preferred name? Jarah
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 6th Grade Math and Science Teacher
What is your hometown? Long Beach, NY
List your degrees and institutions. SUNY Geneseo: BA Political Science, CUNY Lehman: MS Childhood Education, CUNY City College: MS Educational Leadership
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The collaborative and innovative teaching environment.
What does progressive education mean to you? Encouraging students to think critically and creatively.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a certified yoga instructor.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Phantom Tollbooth
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? inquisitive, motivated
Kim Harrington Bell
6-8 Grade Art Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Kim
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Middle School Grade Visual Arts Teacher
What is your hometown? Manchester, NH
List your degrees and institutions. New College: AA Design, BA Liberal Studies
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The emphasis on creativity and the supportive community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Encouraging students to express themselves through art.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a sculptor.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Giving Tree
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? imaginative, thoughtful
Kristina Webster
7/8th-Grade Math Teacher and MS Advisor
Biography
What is your preferred name? Kristina
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 6th-8th Grade Math Teacher
What is your hometown? Central Valley California
List your degrees and institutions. Sonoma State University: BA Liberal Studies – Hutchins, Concordia Portland: M.Ed. Math Curriculum Development and Design
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love how everyone feels connected and seen. Myself as a teacher and a parent, my students feeling connected to community and their value as part of it.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education allows teachers and students to explore, learn from each other, foster creativity and curiosity. Students are inspired to be lifelong learners and make connections between themselves, their learning, and the greater community to which we all belong.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I can speak Indonesian. I still ride a skateboard.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Giving Tree
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Inquisitive, thoughtful, self-advocate, kind
Marisol Fernandez
MS Campus Coordinator and Receptionist
Biography
What is your preferred name? Marisol
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Middle School Campus Coordinator
What is your hometown? Mexico/Saint Helena, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The sense of community and the dedication to student growth.
What does progressive education mean to you? Fostering critical thinking and creativity in students.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
What is your favorite childhood book? Charlotte’s Web
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? inquisitive, resilient
Mary Smartt
K-8 Grade Librarain
Biography
coming soon
Melinda Cooke
7th-Grade Social Studies and 8th-Grade Humanities Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Melinda
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 8th Grade Humanities Teacher
What is your hometown? Winnetka, IL
List your degrees and institutions. University of Colorado, Boulder: BA & MA Experiential Education
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I enjoy being in a small community of learners and that everyone cares about making our school and the world a better place.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education is meaningful, experiential, and multidimensional.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love to throw pots.
What is your favorite childhood book? Miss Rumphius
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Ready to engage and learn.
Paul Cooke
6-8 Science Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Paul
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher
What is your hometown? Ridgewood, NJ
List your degrees and institutions. University of Colorado, Boulder: BA Geography, MA Experiential Education
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? Access to high quality laboratory equipment and being able to work with interesting, curious and diverse students in a progressive school.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education is an educational philosophy and approach that places an emphasis on the individual needs and interests of students, as well as the development of social/emotional awareness, critical thinking skills, creativity and social responsibility.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I can speak Indonesian. I still ride a skateboard.
What is your favorite childhood book? Goodnight Moon
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious and diverse.
Sean Allen
6-8 Grade Music Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Sean
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Middle School Music Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love working in a fully developed, well equipped music program.
What does progressive education mean to you? A student lead learning environment greatly increases personal investment on the part of the students.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am not a vegetarian.
What is your favorite childhood book? Stranger Than Science
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Blue Oak Students are gems!
ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
Dawn Carleton
Assistant Head of School for K-8 Program
Biography
What is your preferred name? Dawn
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Assistant Head of School for K-8th Grade Program
What is your hometown? Minnetonka Beach, MN
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The dedication to student growth and the supportive environment.
What does progressive education mean to you? Fostering a love of learning in students.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an avid hiker.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Chronicles of Narnia
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? engaged, thoughtful
Etta Williams
Director of Advancement
Biography
What is your preferred name? Etta
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Director of Advancement
What is your hometown? Bridgewater, NJ
List your degrees and institutions. College of New Jersey: BA Elementary Education, MS Communication Sciences
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love seeing the individuality of all our students celebrated and honored. Blue Oak School is a place where a variety of different personalities and learning styles can thrive.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means a continuous focus on innovation and best practices in education. It means that our professionals have the agency to treat their craft as both a science and an art to help it continuously evolve to meet the needs of the students in classroom each year.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, and prior to that I taught in the classroom for 10 years. I adored my teaching years spent in grades: Kindergarten, First & Second!
What is your favorite childhood book? The Paperbag Princess
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Current and future changemakers.
Jeremiah Nicholis
Community Programs Coordinator
Biography
What is your preferred name? Jeremiah
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Auxiliary/Community Programs Coordinator
What is your hometown? Novato, CA
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The creative freedom and the supportive community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Encouraging students to think outside the box.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a painter.
What is your favorite childhood book? Where the Wild Things Are
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? creative, curious
Joe McKown
Chief Finance Officer
Biography
What is your preferred name? Joe
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Chief Financial Officer
What is your hometown? Bainbridge, NY
List your degrees and institutions. University at Albany: BA, New York University: MA, Stanford University: MA, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth: MBA
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The positive energy that permeates the community and all in it!
What does progressive education mean to you? Kids operating with a sense of joy and security, and with pedagogically sound adult guidance, at the boundaries of their knowledge.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I used to race canoes.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Hobbit
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? A young person learning to explore the world around her/him.
Jon Fulk
Head of School
Biography
What is your preferred name? Jon
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Head of School
What is your hometown? Ashland, OH
List your degrees and institutions. N/A
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The innovative teaching methods and the close-knit community.
What does progressive education mean to you? Integrating student interests into the curriculum.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I have run a marathon.
What is your favorite childhood book? Matilda
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? curious, motivated
Meredith Wilson
Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management
Biography
What is your preferred name? Meredith
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management
What is your hometown? Petaluma, CA
List your degrees and institutions. UC Davis: BS Human Development
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love that Blue Oak School has a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, creating an environment that welcomes students, families and educators from various backgrounds.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means putting the students at the center of the curriculum and prioritizing their needs and interests by valuing their intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and individuality. This approach focuses on students actively participating in their own learning, rather than being passive recipients of knowledge.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? In college I won a gold medal in the national intercollegiate racquetball tournament.
What is your favorite childhood book? Charlotte’s Web
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Confident, curious and creative!
Sandra Luebke
Controller
Biography
coming soon