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? I love how thoughtful and supportive teachers are towards their students.
What does progressive education mean to you? Deeper understanding and meaningful learning.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? N/A
What is your favorite childhood book? Diary of a Worm
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Adventurous, spirited and kind
Andrew Emer
TK-5 Music Teacher
Biography
coming soon
Amanda Meyer
LS Associate Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Amanda
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 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
TK-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 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
TK-2 Body & Movement Teacher/ TK-5 Art
Biography
What is your preferred name? Charlie
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Lower School Art, and TK-2nd 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? If I had to choose just one thing it would be working with our amazing students.
What does progressive education mean to you? As an educator, it means meeting each student where they are at, and adapting lessons to provide universal access to the learning.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I used to jog to work (from Richmond to Berkeley)
What is your favorite childhood book? Where the Sidewalk Ends
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Brave, creative, and curious
Culea Abraham
TK-8 Librarian & 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? 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. Cant 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? TK 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 kids!
What does progressive education mean to you? Student led learning with intentions of understanding the process of learning rather than the result of achievement
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I wake up at 5 in the morning to go to spin class
What is your favorite childhood book? Paper Bag Princess
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Vibrant and curious
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? I love the people I work with.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education allows for a freedom to be yourself, unlike many other educational institution.
What is your favorite childhood book? Pinocho
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Strong and independent.
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? I love seeing the kids being happy at school while learning.
What does progressive education mean to you? Caring for the whole child. hands on expiriences, kids can express and be themselves.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? puzzles relaxes me
What is your favorite childhood book? Brown bear brown bear
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? kind, smart, confident
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? I love the ability to be responsive to the educational and emotional needs of my students.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive educaation means that we address the whole child through project based actvities that focus on the collaboration, creativity and the process of learning.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an “expert” pumpkin carver.
What is your favorite childhood book? Goodnight Moon
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious, confident and kind
Raúl Pimentel
TK-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? How students are approached with love and assistance.
What does progressive education mean to you? The opportunity for students to build thier own educational path.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m a certified Scuba diver. I used to have a rock band in Mexico.
What is your favorite childhood book? The love bug
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Confident to speak and share own opinions.
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. College of Marin: AA
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The genuine attention and effort that is made by all of the staff to create a healthy, positive place for young minds to expand and grow.
What does progressive education mean to you? Respect for the individuality of each child and how they learn, and how what they learn affects them and the world around them. Allowing the natural curiosity to motivate the learning process, and become active participants in solving the problems of the the community they share.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was a dancer in the Lido de Paris in Las Vegas in the ’80’s
What is your favorite childhood book? Black Beauty
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious and confident
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? I love the collaboration, curriculum development and the diversity of colleagues.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means that we are teaching the children in front of you at that time and following their interests within the context of the curriculum, being responsive to their ideas and providing authentic hands-on project-based experiences that are relevant in the real world.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I grew up with 5 brothers and no sisters.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Little Prince
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? confident, joyful, curious
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Brit Estep
TK-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.Indiana University: BA Humanities & Biology, Louisiana State University: MFA Creative Writing
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love our school is a place students can both be themselves fullly and also become their best selves.
What does progressive education mean to you? Children leading with their own educational curiosities creates young people who know themselves and can also hold space for what they have yet to learn, making them flexible and often creative in their thinking. It’s really amazing to watch and participate in.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am pretty tech savvy! I learned from the best (shout out to Mario, Blue Oak’s IT wizard!)
What is your favorite childhood book? Dinosaur encyclopedia
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Diverse and Inquisitive!
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? 3-8th Grade P.E. Teacher, Athletic Director
What is your hometown? Hollywood, CA
List your degrees and institutions. Touro University: M. Ed.
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The freedom to be yourself.
What does progressive education mean to you? Forward/Free Thought
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was casted in the movie My Blue Heaven at age 9.
What is your favorite childhood book? Where’s Waldo?
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Free spirit
David Dixon
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? I love the freedom to integrate my creativity and new ideas into the curriculum.
What does progressive education mean to you? Creating exploratory learning spaces while centering student curiosity, well-being, and engagement.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I spend a lot of my spare time (attempting) to learn K-pop choreography!
What is your favorite childhood book? Amelia’s Notebook Series
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious, confident, unique, and 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? Middle School Math and Humanities 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? Blue Oak is a community of people who value education and everyone is always willing to go above and beyond for our students.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education is about educating the whole child. It allows students to learn and grow as people, while ensuring they become advocates for themselves and others.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was voted Most School Spirited in high school.
What is your favorite childhood book? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? A Blue Oak student is someone who speaks their mind, challenges themselves and asks questions about everything.
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? Connecting with the students
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education is educating the whole child offering a space that allows for exploration, wonder and development.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I coached a girls basketball team in Mozambique.
What is your favorite childhood book? Bread and Jam for Francis
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious, friendly, confident, articulate, aware
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. Certified as a Front Office Receptionist and Administrative Medical Assistant
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love how Progressive Eduation makes our students feel more open to not being shy about learning, trying out, doing and speaking up for what they believe/feel. I love working alongside all my coworkers too.
What does progressive education mean to you? Students enjoying the learning and understanding of the work they do versus having to memorize it.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was in a few Elementary school Plays, not by choice but because the teachers would just tell me to sign up for the play and I was raised to listen to my teachers.
What is your favorite childhood book? El Principito (The Little Prince)
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Compassionate and Unique
Paul Cooke
6-8 Science Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Paul
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Middle School 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.
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? Middle School 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.
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. Connecticut College: BA, Notre Dame de Namur University: M. Ed.
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love the location in the heart of Napa!
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means student-centered learning with student voice included
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I went “clubbing” with Prince in downtown Minneapolis.
What is your favorite childhood book? Charlotte’s Web
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Wonderfully quirky in all the best ways.
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. Certifed Crisis Prevention Interventionist, Certified Anger Management Specialist, Registered Behavior Technician
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The intentional steps BOS takes to create a community with meaningful relationships.
What does progressive education mean to you? Breaking away from tradition
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I can quote almosy every line from the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding
What is your favorite childhood book? Hatchet & Enders Game
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Unique
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. University of Toledo: BA History, Michigan State University: MA Educational Administration, University of Alabama: MA Elementary Education
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The joy for learning students bring to school with them every day!
What does progressive education mean to you? A progressive education to me begins by creating a place where students feel seen, known and valued, creating the safety necessary for them to explore who they are and the world around them. This environment also encourages and supports them to pursue their natural curiosities and answer their authentic questions. This process supports their love of learning and fuels their desire to know and understand, a foundation of our democratic society.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I grew up on a dairy farm in Ohio, was active in 4-H and FFA growing up and served as Ashland County Junior Fair King.
What is your favorite childhood book? The House at Pooh Corner, A.A. Milne
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Joyfully curious.
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