Faculty & Staff
Asha Pandya, M.S.
Mathematics
M.S., Aerospace Engineering and Computational Fluid Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University; M.Tech., B.Tech., Aeronautical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1996
"The students and the teachers at Mount Madonna School are very special. The students are eager to learn and by the time they come to my calculus class, they have been trained to think, form their own values and relate to the world around them so well that it is possible to concentrate on teaching the subject and impart some of my enthusiasm for math. To be able to do so in beautiful surroundings, in an environment of mutual respect and support and without any administrative constraints is a sheer joy."
Becca Hope Stuhlbarg, M.A.
Voice, Music
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2007
Bob Caplan, B.S.
Art, Advisory, Communication Skills, MS Service Learning
Teacher Certification, Metropolitan State College, Denver CO
B.S., Design, University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA
B.A., Liberal Arts, Temple University, Philadelphia PA
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2006
"When I accepted the teaching position offered to me by Mount Madonna School, I anticipated an environment in which individual teachers and learners would be recognized for our strengths, supported in our growth and challenged to expand our roles as global citizens. I have not been disappointed! I feel academically stimulated and personally fulfilled in this family-oriented community of learners. The school administration sets a tone of high expectations and responsible delegation for faculty and students, inspiring in me a sense of empowerment and commitment to the school's three pillars: academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. This is especially appropriate for me as a teacher of visual arts and social/emotional intelligence. I am honored to share my passion for lifelong learning with the Mount Madonna School community."
Carrie Symons, M.A.
Fourth Grade Teacher
M.A., Eudcation & Elementary Teacher Licensure, Elementary Master's plus program, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO B.F.A., Theatre, University of Colorado, Boulder;
Taught in Denver Public Schools 3rd, 4th and 5th grades;
National Demonstration Teacher and Presenter on Teaching Writing for teachers K-5, Public Educ. and Business Coalition "Lab Classroom" Teacher;
Yoga Instructor; Acting and Vocal Coach
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2006
"I teach because it is my vocation; it is what I am called to do. My 4th grade teacher planted this seed simply by being who she was. Perhpas it was no accident that her name was Mrs. Goodenough because she taught me just that: that I was good enough just the way I was. From that place of self acceptance, I fell in love with learning and reached beyond my perceived limitations.
Now, I am honored to teach at Mount Madonna. Before coming here, I was searching for an educational environment in which teachers were diverse in their styles and methods, yet aigned in their vision. I longed to teach in a school where the natural environment facilitated the students' sense of connectedness to the earth, where outdoor education and the performing arts were consistently integrated into the curriculum.. I dreamed of a school where the parents, teachers and students worked together to create a safe and supportive teaching and learning community, where I could continue to grow personally and professionally through my work with students, colleagues and parents. I have found what I was looking for here at Mount Madonna School."
Carol Rentschler, M.A.
First Grade
M.A., Latin American Studies, San Diego State University; Multiple Subjects Credential, University San Diego; Bilingual Certificate of Competence (Spanish); B.A., English Literature, UC Santa Cruz.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2006
"What I like about teaching is the opportunity to be creative and to share my own love for learning with my students. I strive to create a classroom environment that fosters a cooperative community of learners. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to teach at Mount Madonna School. I appreciate the school's commitment to excellence in education, geared to instructing the whole child: and I can't think of a school in a more beautiful setting. It's inspirational!"
Charmaine Moniz, B.A.
Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher
Certificate in Elementary Education, University of Hawaii at Hilo; B.A., Liberal Studies, University of Hawaii at Hilo
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2004
"I love that my work involves playing and spending time with joy filled little beings. I love their enthusiasm for learning and exploring the world. I feel fulfilled knowing I am doing one of the most important jobs on earth! I love teaching at MMS because of the integrity of the faculty, staff and families that make up this school. I appreciate the open dialogues and open ended questions that are always being asked of everyone working at the school."
Dayanand Diffenbaugh, B.A.
World Religions
B.A., Cum Laude, Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1979
"The main focus of World Religions class is for students to claim and take responsibility for their own philosophy. This is done in the context of discussion of some of humanity's deepest philosophical ideas. As a teacher, the reward is seeing the awakening of inner understanding in the students."
James Premdas "PD" Rohan, M.A.
Mathematics and Science
M.A., Secondary Education Science, San Jose State University; California Clear Teaching Credential: Elementary (Multiple Subject) and High School (Single Subject), Mathematics; B.A., with honors, Mathematics, University of California, Santa Cruz; Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Credential; Service Learning 2000 Training; Lead Teacher Monterey Bay Area Math Project '85-'04; Monterey Bay Area Research Institute (MBARI) Lego Robotics Training; California Math Council Member
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1981
"I was attracted to teaching as a career not in college but ten years after when I visited a Montessori children's classroom in my hometown. The children were happy, engaged and learning. The children were treated with respect and, even more, as the princes and princesses that they would grow up to be. Thirteen years later, what attracted me to teaching mathematics at the middle and high school level were recollections of my first year of high school (ninth grade) where I was blessed with a mathematics teacher who not only knew the material (calculus) but was able to present it in a way that I could learn. He had high standards and we had to work hard. It was the most enjoyable course I have ever taken partly because of the material and partly because I identified with the teacher. I want students to feel the beauty, power and fun of mathematics."
James Sri Gyan "Sri" McCaughan, B.S.
Fifth Grade Teacher
California State Teaching Credential Work, San Jose State University; B.S., Business and Economics, University of Delaware; Former Governor's Advisor for Youth, State of Delaware
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1983
"There are so many reasons that teaching here is such a wonderful experience. The students are first - so intelligent, curious, imaginative, and full of enthusiasm. The Mount Madonna School experience for me is also the presence of involved and supportive parents and the association with creative and innovative faculty and administration. Finally, there is the campus itself, a beautiful mountain setting with hundreds of acres of land overlooking the Monterey Bay."
Jessica Cambell, B.A.
Elementary Physical Education and Science Teacher
B.A., Liberal Studies with Language Arts and Literature Emphasis, California State University Monterey Bay;
Elementary Teaching Credential
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2002; Took leave of absence to start a family; Returned Fall 2007
Jot S. McDonald, B.S.E.E.
Mathematics, Physical Education, Athletic Director
B.S., Electrical Engineering, Seattle University
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2003
"Teaching allows me to explore the richness and challenges of mathematics along with the students. With a dedicated and motivated student body the mathematics curriculum is more of an exciting exploration than a repetition of facts. Teaching within the environment of Mount Madonna allows the students, and myself, a more contemplative atmosphere. Knowing all the students personally allows for a bonding which encourages each of us to strive to higher levels of understanding by supporting each other."
Lorraine Kinnamon, B.A.
Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher, Elementary Dance Teacher
California Teacher Credential, UCSC; B.A., Environmental Studies, UCSC; Dance Instructor & Performer since 1974
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2002
"I am sure I receive more than I give working with the children because they are so alive. I treasure reflecting that light back to them, hopefully helping to keep alive their curiosity and joy. Mount Madonna School's commitment to positive character development is an essential foundation to the success of the school as well as the child. The school provides an incredibly rich environment for learning. The faculty is infused with a sincere passion to teach and the children thrive in the beautiful natural surroundings. The creative process is strongly valued at Mount Madonna and, as a teacher, I treasure the freedom to be creative and to experiment, especially in the context of dance. Here it is not so much that I teach dance, but that I give the children the necessary tools and together we explore the makings of dance. Where else in this region do the children get to study drama, music and dance and feel so accomplished exploring them all! There is magic that happens up here!"
Mark Tabler
Art
Cabrillo College, CA, Apprenticeships: Printmaking with Joseph Funk & Daniel Stolpe (Native Images, Santa Cruz, CA, Oil Painting with John Maxon) Theatre Design, Watsonville High School, Watsonville, CA.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2001
"For me, teaching is the act of cranking up the intensity of the learning process. Involving the energy of others in any project diminishes self-imposed limitations, and allows other visions to be accessed. Teaching here at Mount Madonna School allows me to pursue long time interests and share my excitement at the same time."
Martin Sampad Kachuck, M.A.
English, Performing Arts Department Head
M.A., Directing Children's Theater, San Jose State University; B.A., Theater Arts, University of California, Santa Cruz; Professional Actor and Director.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1983
"I treasure and appreciate teaching at Mt. Madonna School for a variety of reasons, including the setting of the school within an intentional community whose philosophical foundation is built upon ideals and values similar to my own. I greatly value the small class sizes and resulting magnified opportunity of getting to know my students personally. I am truly appreciative of the freedoms I am given as a teacher to develop curriculum and to experiment creatively in a supportive atmosphere. Both faculty and students are part of a dynamic learning community, where we all strive to be better at our craft, to be better in our roles as student/teacher and most importantly, to be better as people."
Matthew Meachen, B.A.
US History
B.A., History, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2005
Mayana Clarissa Lisboa, B.A.
Dance, Choreographer
B.A., Latin American and Latino Studies, UC Santa Cruz. A.A., Dance, Cabrillo College. CMP and Certified Yoga Instructor.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2007
Melissa Sanders-Self, B.A.
English, Creative Writing
B.A., Literature and Creative Writing, Highest Honors, University of California, Santa Cruz; Published author and filmmaker.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2001
"I love teaching at Mount Madonna School because it is a unique and special environment where emphasis is placed on the kind of learning that really matters. Our students inspire me with their intelligent questions, their motivation and their dedication to a thorough understanding of the material we are engages in. The small class size allows us to discuss literature deeply until they understand the ramifications of the great literary themes on their personal lives as well as their connection to the universal human condition. I also love my fellow faculty and consider it an honor to work alongside so many dedicated educators who consistently strive to impart knowledge through authentic teaching, meeting each individual student where they're at in the place where they can learn."
Nicole Tervalon, Ph.D.
Mathematics, Science, Technology, Yearbook
Ph.D., MIT, Cambridge, M.A. and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole; M.A. (Joint Program), M.S., Oceanographic Engineering, MIT; B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2004
"My passion has always been teaching. Not only do I like the challenge of inspiring students, but the thrill of seeing someone grasp a difficult concept they have been working on is extremely satisfying. I am very excited about teaching at MMS because it blends so many strengths I feel are essential for the most effective teaching/learning experience. The small class size, beautiful environment, supportive community, and up-to-date facilities all allow educating to be the focus of each day."
Robin Hamsa Heinrich, B.A.
Third Grade Teacher
California Teaching Credential Work, University of California, Santa Cruz; B.A., American Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1985
"It is exciting to spark the learning process with children. Getting to know a group of students and the different ways that they learn is always a unique and somewhat mysterious process. No two students are alike. I am also always learning from them. At Mount Madonna School we are encouraged to be creative and imaginative. The faculty is supported to take the students on field trips and life adventures, as well as to perform and present their own works. I enjoy working in the open environment that Mount Madonna School provides."
Sadanand Ward Mailliard, B.A.
Government in Action, Values in American Thought
B.A., English, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1981
"Each day I go into the classroom I am excited to be there because I am teaching what I love. In this wonderful academic setting that is Mount Madonna School, I am committed to bringing forth the ideas and concepts that will inspire our students to do those things in life that will, as Leon Kass says, 'make them worthy of their own admiration'."
Sarah Peterson, M.Ed.
Social Studies, Social Studies in Action, Study Skills
M.Ed., Goucher College; B.A., Comparative Religions, Mount Holyoke College; TESL Certificate, University of California, Santa Cruz Extension
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1998
"I love history and want to make this fascinating subject come alive for students. I hope government students will become active participants in American political life through their study of the people, events and structures that make up politics and government in America. It is exciting to watch students in Social Studies in Action act out the philosophy that 'individuals make a difference'."
Sephy Elizai, B.A.
Middle School Spanish and Advisor, High School Advisor
B.A., Business Administration, Seattle University; U.S. Air Force (1983-1987); experience teaching, linguistics (multilingual – English, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian)
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2004
"My philosophy on learning is to create an environment where the student strives for excellence, where the focus and intention are on the learning process and where my role is that of a guide and facilitator. The small classroom size at MMS enables me to be creative and flexible with the material; it promotes more personal attention, concentrating on the individual student's needs. My experience with MMS students is that they care about and are interested in their learning. Learning Spanish is a way for us as a group to learn about the cultures that have colonized the Americas, how we have changed this land, our effect on the indigenous population and how interrelated we truly are."
Shireen Hema Walker, B.A.
Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher
B.A., Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Phi Beta Kapa; A.S., Early Childhood Education, Cabrillo College
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2002
"I love teaching children because they are so close to the magic of life. At Mount Madonna School children are supported in growing at their own rate and in a positive direction."
Stanton Rentschler, M.A.
Second Grade Teacher
M.A., Latin American Studies, San Diego State University, CA; Professional Clear Multiple Subject Credential with Bilingual Certificate of Competence (Spanish), University of San Diego, CA; B.A., with honors in major, Psychology, UC Santa Cruz.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2007
Viktorija Susinskas , M.A.
High School Spanish, Advisory
M.A., Teaching Foreign Language (Spanish), Language Program Administation Certificate, Monterey Insititute of International Studies.
B. A., Spanish Language & Literature and International Affairs, Marquette University, Milwaukee WI
Study Abroad, La Pontificia Universidad Catolica De Chile, Santiage, Chile
Spanish Teacher Monetery High School, Monterey CA
Spanish Teacher Lyceum of Monterey, Monterey CA.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2006
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