Faculty and Staff

About

Faculty

Aliya Taylor

Middle School Math and Science, Third Grade Language Arts

B.A. Literature & Linguistics, UC Berkeley, Summa Cum Laude, M.A. Teaching, UC Santa Cruz (Summa Cum Laude per narrative evaluations), C.L.A.D. Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, C.L.A.D. Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, M.A. Ayurvedic Medicine, Mount Madonna Institute, Ayurvedic & Yogic Therapist, Ph.D. Clinical Neuropsychology

Aliya Taylor has a Master of Arts in teaching, holds a single and multi-subject credential, and has a wide range of professional teaching experience. At Mount Madonna School (MMS), she teaches sixth grade math, sixth and seventh grade science and third grade English and language arts. Aliya strives to create an inclusive and secure environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. She works to apply innovative strategies and differentiate learning so all students feel they can access and engage in learning.

At Charter School of Morgan Hill, Aliya designed and implemented inquiry-based, interdisciplinary curricula using understanding by design methods. She believes that teachers should help students discover how they learn best, so they develop skills, make connections and apply their knowledge to solve challenging problems.

She enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, hiking with her children, cooking and gardening. Aliya plays several musical instruments, including cello, guitar, piano and African and Afro-Cuban percussion.

Andrew Brinton, B.S.

Middle School Math Teacher, TA, Librarian

BS, Electrical Engineering, San Francisco State University

“Among the most gratifying experiences of my entire life have been teaching my children to read, reading with them and sharing together our love of books, in doing so, I found the act of teaching is also an experience of learning.” He has volunteered at MMS for the past two years and worked last year as a lower school substitute teacher. He is the parent of four children, including three MMS students, one in elementary and two in middle school.”

Angela Doriot

Life Lab teacher, Children’s Garden Coordinator

Education and credentials TBA

Angela Doriot is returning as the elementary Life Lab garden science teacher. Angela is an active MMS parent volunteer. This past summer, she served as a preschool summer camp leader and has previously led a summer camp in the elementary. Angela is passionate about sustainable, organic gardening. She is once again excited to teach hands-on life science and believes that teaching the value and importance of sustainability and respect for the environment and all living things is an important lesson for the students to glean. Angela is the parent of one MMS elementary student.

Angela Willetts, M.F.A.

Art Teacher

M.F.A., Studio Art, University of Davis, Davis CA; Ed., Education, Specializing in Literature, University of Camridge, UK

In Angela’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2019

“I’m looking forward to teaching again within a school that emphasizes values-based education. It was important to me to find a community of people who care about each other and strive to be accountable to shared values. In Mount Madonna’s mission statement I was especially drawn to the acknowledgement of the “transformative power of the creative process”. I hope to make the art studio a hive of collaboration, experimentation and critical thinking – a place where students can discover, navigate and harness this power for themselves. I aim to foster an art studio culture that emphasizes growth mindset thinking. I believe art-making should be joyful and sparked by curiosity, and it should also be a place to practice persistence, adaptability and problem-solving. I’m really looking forward to getting started and seeing what the MMS students bring to the art studio and each other.”

Blythe Collier ('12), M.A.

Dean of Students, Middle/High Orientation Teacher, Middle School Coordinator

M.A. in Organizational Psychology, Alliant International University, California School for Professional Psychology; B.S., Psychology, Santa Clara University

In Blythe’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2022

Mount Madonna School Graduate, Class of 2012

Chelsea Otterness, B.A.

Elementary Creative Expressions/Dance Teacher, Performing Arts Director, Values I: Constructing Self Teaching Assistant, and High School Yoga Instructor

B.A., International Development Studies + emphasis on Chinese Language & Culture, University of California, Los Angeles

In Chelsea’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2021

“I am very grateful to be part of a community centered in the ethos of ‘work honesty, meditate everyday, meet people without fear & play.” As a choreographer, I hope to empower each being with the confidence and fearlessness to embrace creative & conscious movement, to fall in love with their beautiful self.”

Claire Otterness, B.A.

Choreography Teacher

B.A., Philosophy, Minor in Chinese, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2023

“I feel so grateful to join the Mount Madonna School community. I am here to share my love for embodied creativity through movement—specifically yoga and dance,” said Claire Otterness, middle and high school choreographer. “My passion in life is to provide consistent and unconditional support to youths on their journey to becoming the most authentic, creative, and joyful version of themselves.”

Dustan Holmdahl

Physical Education Teacher

B.A. Speech and Communication Studies, San Francisco State University; Montessori Northwest, Portland/Milpitas Primary Guide Credentialed

In Dustan’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2022

Greg Shirley, Ph.D.

High School Humanities Teacher

Ph.D., Philosophy, University of California, San Diego; M.A., Philosophy, University of California, San Diego; B.A., Philosophy, Reed College

In Greg’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2021

“I want to work at Mount Madonna School because I share its commitment to teaching the whole person, where the development of the whole person is intellectual, creative, and moral. I also share the School’s commitment to social justice and the values of a democratic society.”

Hema Walker, B.A.

Kindergarten Teacher

B.A., Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Phi Beta Kapa; A.S., Early Childhood Education, Cabrillo College

In Hema’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

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.”

Holly Ota, M.M.

Performing Arts Music Director, Middle and High School Music Teacher

M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Northwestern University; B.M.E., Western Kentucky University

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2023

Jessica Cambell, B.A.

Fifth Grade Teacher, Lower School Program Director

B.A., Liberal Studies with Language Arts and Literature Emphasis, California State University Monterey Bay; Elementary Teaching Credential

In Jessica’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2002

“I chose to teach at MMS because I was looking for a school where I could teach while pregnant with my first child, that embodied my educational philosophy. I believe that teachers and education act as a mirror and a window. I believe my teaching should help children to see and find themselves and look into others’ perspectives. MMS presents the teacher with an arena to do just that! After my hiatus to raise my family I returned to MMS because I knew after that first year that this was the only school I ever wanted to teach at and the only school for my children to attend. I have never experienced such genuine love, support and care from any other teaching environment!”

John Welch, B.A.

High School Science and Engineering Teacher

B.A., Physics and Biology, State University of New York

In John’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2021

“I love helping students discover the amazing world around us, make connections, and become mature thinkers. I enjoy and teach the processes of ‘finding things out’ and I strive to help students develop their agency, curiosity, and scientific literacy, rather than focusing on collections of facts. I’m excited to teach at Mount Madonna School because the school sees students and staff as whole people and global citizens, and the small class sizes allow for rich educational dialogue. Previous to MMS, I coordinated the physics teaching laboratory at Cabrillo College for 20 years. I have a varied background that includes teaching preschool, welding bells and bike trailers, working at NASA, teaching outdoor skills and natural history, helping build houses with natural materials, playing music, and traveling extensively in Latin America.”

June Bonacich, M.A.

Lower School Music Teacher

M.A., Music, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2023

June has taught in the pre-college division at San Francisco Conservatory of Music for over 25 years. Her major was composition and she composes in her spare time. June plays both percussion and piano in the Community Women’s Orchestra in Oakland and is their composer-in-residence. She has taught in different schools over the years, as well as working with the San Francisco Boys Chorus. June will be working with MMS kindergarten through grade five students and we are grateful for the talent and experience she brings to our program.

Kami Pacheco, B.A.

Preschool Director, Elementary Health Teacher, MMS Board of Directors, Summer Camp Director

B.A., Psychology, San Diego State Universit; 30 Units in Early Childhood Education, West Valley College; California Commission on Teacher Credentialing: Site Supervisor Permit; ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Crisis Prevention Certified (working with special needs children)

In Kami’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2018

“Since a young age, I have known my gift is working with and educating young children in a meaningful way. With over 20 years of education and experience, it is my passion to make a difference in the education of our youth, instilling self-confidence, self-reliance, and a life-long love of learning. I am so happy to be offering my service at a school that resonates with how I believe children learn and thrive and grow into their best selves. Incorporating these beautiful surroundings with meaningful learning experiences makes this an amazing educational community that I am so grateful to be a part of!”

Karla Phillips

Preschool Teacher

Education and credentials TBA

Karlee LaHue, B.S.

Second Grade Teacher

Eight years experience private elementary educator, Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University

Certifications: Illinois Teaching Credential Birth - Third Grade
Georgia Teaching Credential PK - Fifth Grade
California Multi-subject Teaching Credential

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2024

“As an educator, I am passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences with students that uncover connections within the world around them. My role combines enhancing a student’s academic skills while creating opportunities that pave the way for new discoveries. I believe in cultivating joy and lasting memories that inspire students to embark on a lifelong journey of learning and exploration.

I am committed to ensuring that every child is seen and feels a sense of belonging. It is my goal to create a safe and inclusive environment where students’ needs are met, allowing them the freedom to explore, create, learn, and thrive.

I enjoy spending time with my family. I love visiting the library and discovering new books, spending time outdoors, writing, and baking.”

Lisa Catterall, M.A.

Elementary T.E.A., Middle/High Science and Engineering Teacher

M.A., Education, Concordia University, B.A., Golden Key Scholar, Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder; M.A.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University, Six-Sigma Black Belt, Genentech

In Lisa’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Luis Hernandez, M.S.

Middle School Spanish and Middle/High Math Teacher

M.S. Civil Engineering, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences, Lima, Peru; B.S. Civil Engineering Civil Engineering, Pontifical University of Peru

In Luis’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Manjula Stokes, M.A.

Middle School Humanities Teacher

M.A. Special Education; B.A., Creative Arts; Multiple Subjects Credential; Special Education Credential, San Jose State University

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2023

“I am excited to teach at Mount Madonna School because it is a place where people, education, creativity, the environment, empathy and growth mindset are valued. Plus, it’s beautiful! I believe students achieve personal success if they feel loved, safe and seen. I look forward to participating in the learning journey program, as I’ve observed how it fosters worldviews, builds kinships and promotes connection. ‘Ramayana!’ has been in my life for the past 41 years, as a parent, grandparent, actor, and monkey mask-maker in Ma Renu’s studio. I am interested in teaching myth and storytelling to discover more about ourselves and our relationships with other cultures.”

Mark Jones, Ph.D.

High School Spanish Teacher

Ph.D. & M.A. Literature, University of California, Santa Cruz; B.A. English, Reed College

Nicholas Cabassa, M.A.

Fourth Grade Teacher, Middle School Athletic Director, Cross Country and Basketball Coach

M.A., Education, Specialization in Teaching Best Practices, National University; B.A., Liberal Studies, Minor in American Popular Culture, San Jose State University; A.A., Gavilan College; Cengage Online Teacher Training Program; CBEST and CSET Certified

In Nick’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2015

“It is a pleasure to get the opportunity to work at such a highly respected and community oriented school like Mount Madonna. As a teacher, I recognize the important role creativity and self-expression play in the development of early childhood learners, and I enjoy the fact that those concepts make up the main pillars of the MMS mission and culture. The outdoor environment at MMS is the kind of atmosphere that just doesn’t exist at other schools. It offers valuable learning opportunities as well as chances for students to participate in authentic real life experiences. The small community and family centered environment at MMS is what makes it such a desirable place to teach. I am excited to get to know everyone this year and to become part of the MMS family.”

Nicole Silva Culbertson, M.Ed.

Middle and High School Science Teacher and Coach

M.Ed., Education, University of California, Santa Cruz; B.A., Biology and Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz; Credential-Single Subject Biology, Health (Supplemental), University of California, Santa Cruz

In Nicole’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Nicole Tervalon, Ph.D.

Director of Technology, High School Math Teacher, Math Department Chair, "Ramayana!" Co-Producer

P.h.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), (Joint Program), M.S., Oceanographic Engineering, MIT; B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, Washington State University

In Dr. Nicole’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

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.”

PK McDonald ('04) , B.S.

High School Athletic Director, Mathematics and Physics Teacher, Volleyball Coach

B.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles

In PK’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Reginald Sunga M.B.A.

Chef & Culinary Arts Teacher

B.S., Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz; M.B.A.,Golden Gate University

Rochelle Saxton, M.A.

First Grade Teacher

A.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences, Cabrillo College, B.S., Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, M.A., Education and Curriculum, San Jose State University, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Rochelle Saxton is the new first grade teacher. As a teacher, her educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the ethics of care. She believes that every student is a unique individual with their own strengths, weaknesses and experiences that shape their learning journey. She is drawn to the Mount Madonna School’s holistic approach to education, which focuses on the development of the whole child. This approach fosters a nurturing and supportive environment that allows students to thrive and reach their full potential.

Rochelle supports the school’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in its community. This is at the crux of developing students who are critical thinkers, compassionate problem solvers with a sense of social responsibility needed in today’s world. Rochelle looks forward to working in MMS’ close-knit community where she can build strong relationships with students, families and colleagues. is a married mother of four, with two children in college, one who is a current MMS student, and another who will be joining MMS soon. Her husband is also in education, working with kids with special needs.

Sam Lee, B.A.

High School Math Teacher

B.A., Mathematics, California State University, Fresno; Ryan Single Subject Clear Credential; CLAD Certification

In Sam’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Joined Mount Madonna School in 2021

“I come to Mount Madonna School with 35 years of teaching experience in the public school system. I cut my teeth in Fresno teaching middle school for ten years then came to San Jose and taught at Oak Grove High School for 25 years. Mount Madonna School became an integral part of my life when we enrolled our son, Ronan, in Pre-K in 2007. I’ve appreciated the environment that has helped my son grow and become a well-rounded, open-minded young adult. I look forward to joining the staff that has made an important impact on my son’s life.”

Sangita Yolanda Diaz-Houston ('99), Ph.D.

High School English, Creative Writing Teacher

Ph.D., Education, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC); M.A., Education, UCSC; M.A., Education, California State University, Monterey Bay; B.A., Race and Gender Studies, Pitzer College

Shannon Kelly ('92), B.A.

Director of Upper School, "Values in American/World Thought" Teacher, College Counselor

B.A., Politics, Minor in History, University of California, Santa Cruz

In Shannon’s Words:
A Teacher Video Highlight

Staff

Aumao Toalepaialii

Maintenance, Productions Crew

Beth England

Accounts Receivable, Tuition/Contracts

Christie Orozco

"Ramayana!" Co-Producer, Inland Bus Driver, Operations Manager, Transportation Co-Coordinator

In Christie’s Words:
A Staff Video Highlight

Diane Turk

Transportation Co-Coordinator

Erika Rosendale ('05)

Performing Arts Set Design and Build, Performing Arts Team

Gina Kasznar

Accounts Payable

“I feel so fortunate for this wonderful opportunity to work for Mount Madonna School. I am proud to be a part of this community not only as an employee, but as a parent as well. I am so grateful to be working near my children and help contribute to the wonderful school they are blessed to be a part of. Everyone I have encountered in this community has been nothing but welcoming, warm, kind, and generous. I value what the school stands for and teaches, focusing on individuality, creativity and expression, compassion, respecting nature, and a very well rounded academics program. Not to mention the absolutely beautiful scenery and delightful energy that surrounds you when visiting the campus; it is truly breathtaking. I feel honored to be a part of the MMS staff and look forward to growing in this brilliant community.”

Jessica Vargas

Performing Arts Coordinator, "Ramayana!" Co-Producer, School Office Receptionist

“My first introduction to Mount Madonna School was in 2013 at a leadership retreat hosted on the upper campus. It was there I met MMS educators who believed that the student-teacher relationship is built on sacred reciprocity, an exchange that extends beyond traditional methods of instruction and instead makes teaching a profound act of community. In the 10+ years that I have been in alternative education, I have always felt my primary job is to witness, acknowledge, and invoke the inherent wisdom in young people. Mount Madonna School was a place where we could embrace a common understanding of the “implicit curriculum,” a pedagogy of seeing and being seen. At MMS I not only learned about, but participated in shared vulnerability as a conduit for creative expression. They had created conditions in which I felt safe enough to take risks and be my most authentic self, transforming the classroom into a cauldron of curiosity. This brief visit to the mountain left me with a deepened sense of presence and a renewed appreciation for the importance of embodying the values I teach. If I could be so profoundly impacted in such a short time, I could only imagine the magic that happens at MMS on a daily basis and all of its implications. I strongly believe Mount Madonna School has called me back to it through my own children, and it is an honor for me to return and be of service to this inspiring community.”

Juan Gonzalez

Lead Facilities Member

Lauren Reece

Performing Arts Costumer

B.A., Fashion, Arizona State University, with emphasis in design
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to create and work with intricate costumes for the amazing, enchanting productions like the Ramayana. The magnitude of these performances is something that is not typical to most schools and it is a privilege to be a part of it. I look forward to working with students to put their best selves out there and build their confidence through theater and design.”