Our Educators
LOWER SCHOOL
Amanda Meyer-Lavoie
Transitional-Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Amanda
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Transitional-Kindergarten Lead 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.
Berenize Marcelo Amezcua
Associate Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Berenize
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. BA Education Democracy and Justice and BA in Spanish Studies (language and linguistics) Univeristy of California, Santa Cruz
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The sense of community throughout both the schools, everyone is always open to helping one another in order for everyone to succeed
What does progressive education mean to you? It means being able to see how every student is not one fit for all, every student is unique when it comes to growing and leanring. Progressive education is like a garden every plant grows in their own pace and blooms when its ready.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I bake and decorate cakes for fun!
What is your favorite childhood book? Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Inquisitive, vibrant, joyful
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
1st 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
Carly Johnson
Associate Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Carly
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. BA Sociology & Minor in Spanish Oregon State University
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love how welcoming the staff were from the start and how the learning is student centered.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progresive education means the are able to focus on the students needs and being there to support them in their process of learning.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am fluent in Spanish and have been learning Spanish since I was in preschool.
What is your favorite childhood book? Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Confident, Open-Minded
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
Dan Parker
3-8 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
Gretchen Jensen
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
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
Jennifer Hunt
Lower School Music Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Jenny
What is your job at Blue Oak School? LS Music Teacher
What is your hometown? Dillon, Montana
List your degrees and institutions. BM Flute Performance & minors in Spanish and History (University of Montana) ; MM Flute Performance (The Hartt School-Universtiy of Hartford); GDP Flute Performance (The Hartt School-University of Hartford)
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I love the collaborative culture, student-centered learning, and focus on curiousity and joy of learning.
What does progressive education mean to you? A focus on process rather than product and hands-on learning.Focus on whole-child learning
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love gardening. One of my favorite things to do is have my hands in the dirt.
What is your favorite childhood book? Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Curious, Independent and Excited to Learn
Jess Steffens
Biography
What is your preferred name? Jess
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa, CA
List your degrees and institutions. BA Early Education and Speech Language Pathology University of Vermont, Orton-Gillingham, Visualize and Verbalize (Linda Mood Bell), EBLI, Montessori Trained (3-8 yr olds), USA Certified Girls Lacrosse Coach (PK-8th grade)
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The community, Blue Oak School sees everyone as part of the school community.
What does progressive education mean to you? A progressive education for me is never linear, always growing and moving like the children it serves.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love knitting! I think the amount of yarn I have outnumbers the days in the year.
What is your favorite childhood book? Number the Stars, By Lois Lowry
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? My child… fiercely independent, a lover of learning, an educational advocate, open-minded, and amazing!
Julie Inalsingh
Senior Curriculum Coordinator
Biography
Preferred Name: Julie, and my last name is pronounced (In all sing)
Job: Senior Curriculum Coordinator. I have also taught 2nd grade and 4th grade at Blue Oak School
Degrees:
B.S The Ohio State University -Elementary Education
M.A. San Francisco State University-Special Education
Certificate in Educational Leadership from Harvard Business School online
One Thing I love about BOS: The caring community where every student is seen and known by all of the faculty members.
Progressive education: Our progressive education approach taps into a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them through a project-based & integrated approach to learning.
A surprise about me: I am a huge sports fan! Warriors, 49ers, Grand Slam tennis, and college football & basketball. I love it all!
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
Kaytie Anderson
LS Associate Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Kaytie
What is your job at Blue Oak School? TK Associate Teacher
What is your hometown? Gladstone, OR
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? Their way of accepting everyone here, staff and students, just as they are 🙂
What does progressive education mean to you? Treating each student with respect, by honoring their individual strength and needs. Not only with academics, but as a whole child.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I’ve had a wide range of titles in my career path. I now know that this is where I’m meant to be.
What is your favorite childhood book? I Love You More (First Little Golden Book)
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Creative, accepting and confident.
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
What is your preferred name? Paul
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 5th Grade Lead Teacher
What is your hometown? Beebe, AR
List your degrees and institutions. Bachelor of Science in Finance – Arkansas State University, Postgraduate Certificate in Education – The University of Buckingham, MA in Education – The University of Buckingham
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? Everyone has been so warm and welcoming since I’ve gotten here.
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means focusing on the whole child, meeting them where they are, and encouraging hands-on, student-driven learning that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love really spicy food and I have triplet nieces.
What is your favorite childhood book? Hatchet
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.
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
Steff Villagran
Lower School Receptionist
Biography
What is your preferred name? Steff
What is your Job at Blue Oak school? Lower School Receptionist
What is your hometown? American Canyon, CA.
List your Degrees/Institutions (CCMA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? One of the things I love most about Blue Oak is how they encourage creativity in all areas, whether it’s through projects, art, or innovative learning methods. It really helps students discover and nurture their passions.
What does Progressive Education mean to you? Progressive Education to me is about putting students at the center of their learning. It focuses on their interests and allows them to explore topics in a hands on, meaningful way. Rather than simply absorbing information, students actively engage in their education in ways that are relevant to their lives and the world around them.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I’m into both makeup and Golf. One’s all about artistry, and the other is about strategy and skill. Which might seem like an odd combo, but I love balancing creativity and precision!
What is your favorite Childhood Book? Fancy Nancy
In a couple of words how would you describe a Blue Oak Student? Curious thinkers, compassionate, and confident leaders.
Tito Fuentes
LS Associate Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Tito
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 3rd Grade Associate / Aftercare Teacher
What is your hometown? Napa
List your degrees and institutions. Sonoma State University
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? Our uniqueness and our sense of community
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means teaching the whole student through project based activites, open minded communites, and creative intuitive thoughts.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love to create/be creative, whether that be music, art, films, skits.
What is your favorite childhood book? No, David! By: David Shannon
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Unique, confident, extraordinary
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!
Dan Parker
3-8 PE Teacher and Athletic 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 & MS Advisor
Biography
What is your preferred name? David
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 6th Grade Humanities Teacher/Advisor
What is your hometown? Monterey, CA
List your degrees and institutions. BA History and English, University of Texas, Austin
-MA International Curriculum Development, University of San Francisco
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The eagerness to share.
What does progressive education mean to you? Students learn to take personal responsibility for their quality and depth of learning and study.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was a nationally ranked swimmer in the 1980’s
Dawn Carleton
7th Grade Humanities Teacher
Biography
What is your preferred name? Dawn
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 7th Grade Humanities Teacher
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.
Diana Castillo
6-8 Spanish Teacher & 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 Science Teacher & 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.
Josephine Lee
7th and 8th Grade Math & MS Advisor
Biography
What is your preferred name? Josephine
What is your job at Blue Oak School? 7th and 8th Grade Math & Advisor
What is your hometown? N/A
List your degrees and institutions. BA in Linguistics at UC Davis
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? I appreciate how the students show a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity about new ideas and projects.
What does progressive education mean to you? For me, progressive education means viewing the learning material through real-life examples, of which we can learn and explore through our own personal experiences.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m left-handed.
What is your favorite childhood book? Animorphs by K.A. Applegate
Julie Inalsingh
Senior Curriculum Coordinator
Biography
Preferred Name: Julie, and my last name is pronounced (In all sing)
Job: Senior Curriculum Coordinator. I have also taught 2nd grade and 4th grade at Blue Oak School
Degrees:
B.S The Ohio State University -Elementary Education
M.A. San Francisco State University-Special Education
Certificate in Educational Leadership from Harvard Business School online
One Thing I love about BOS: The caring community where every student is seen and known by all of the faculty members.
Progressive education: Our progressive education approach taps into a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them through a project-based & integrated approach to learning.
A surprise about me: I am a huge sports fan! Warriors, 49ers, Grand Slam tennis, and college football & basketball. I love it all!
Kim Harrington Bell
6-8 Grade Art Teacher & MS Advisor
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
Melinda Cooke
8th Grade Humanities Teacher & High School Readiness Director
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.
Paul Cooke
7th and 8th Grade 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.
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
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
Director of Community Programs
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!
Mario Flores
Information & Technology Associate
Biography
What is your preferred name? Mario
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Tech Associate and Opperations Coordinator
What is your hometown? Fairfield, CA
List your degrees and institutions. CCNA Cisco Networking & Security, ITU Online
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? The strong feeling of family among the staff, students, and overall community. There are many unique individuals but we all have the same goal.
What does progressive education mean to you? Education that is inclusive and flexible for all types or learning profiles. Child development varies widely and progressive education focuses on what works best for the individuals rather than a global standard.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was the Drumline captain my junior and senior year in high school. I love winter percussion and drum corps more than anything.
What is your favorite childhood book? Harry Potter
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Seeds, potential, limitless, and our future.
Megan Reilly
Community Outreach Associate
Biography
What is your preferred name? Megan
What is your job at Blue Oak School? Outreach and Engagement Associate
What is your hometown? Scituate, MA
List your degrees and institutions. AA in Humanities and Social Sciences, BA in Global Studies with a concentration in Latin American development from Sonoma State University, Masters of Public Adminstration from University of San Francisco
What is one thing you love about Blue Oak School? How welcoming and kind everyone is at the school, both staff and students. The community has a warmth to it that is so refreshing and wonderful to be a part of,
What does progressive education mean to you? Progressive education means meeting students where they are and giving them opportunities in the subjects they are passionate about. It addresses learners as creative problem-solvers rather test scores and teachs students to love learning.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I have studied or lived abroad in eight different countries. I love traveling, learning new languages, dancing, and learning how to cook new foods from my trips.
What is your favorite childhood book? The Chronicles of Narnia
In a couple of words, how would you describe a Blue Oak student? Fearless and confident in themselves and their abilities.
Sandra Luebke
Controller
Biography
coming soon