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

Art and TK-3rd Grade PE Teacher
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

4-8 PE Teacher and Athletic 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

Erika Arechiga

LS Associate Teacher
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

TK Lead Teacher
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

4th-Grade Lead Teacher
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

LS Associate Teacher
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

Community Programs Team
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

5th-Grade Lead Teacher
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

K-5 Grade Spanish Teacher
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

LS Campus Coordinator and Receptionist
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

6th Grade Humanities Teacher
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