Meet our Team
Moni Alvarez
Bilingual Assistant & Aftercare Toddler Teacher, Cygnets Class
Originally from Oakland, CA, Moni relocated to Sonoma County for college, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Studies. The shift from advising high school seniors to teaching toddlers marked a significant turn in her career, aligning more closely with her interest in early education. Now a Toddler Preschool Teacher, Moni is committed to the development and learning of young children, leveraging her background to create a positive impact in their formative years.
Alex Aquino
K-8 Physical Education Teacher
Alex holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education. Before coming to The Spring Hill School, Alex taught physical education in Oakland, Sausalito, and Mill Valley School Districts. In addition, Alex has led after-school sports programs at his schools. We’re excited to continue building our after-school sports program under his leadership.
Alex's teaching philosophy and approach is to create a positive, organized, high standards, and engaging PE program that impacts students’ acquisition of healthy lifelong habits regarding physical exercise, nutrition, and social-emotional health. Alex is captivated by watching students work together towards common goals in the physical education environment. He creates daily opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking skills and find solutions to complex problems.
Alex lives with his wife and children in Petaluma and speaks Spanish fluently.
Zachary Asher
7th & 8th Grade Humanities Teacher & Advisor (Long Term Substitute)
Zachary is a seasoned middle school humanities educator with a passion for fostering student creativity and engagement. He recently completed a long-term 7th-grade English Language Arts and History substitute position at Roseland Accelerated Middle School (RAMS) in Santa Rosa. Before that, he spent ten years at Harvard-Westlake Middle School in Los Angeles, teaching English to 7th-9th graders and leading electives in public speaking and creative writing. He also advised the student-run literary magazine, supported the gardening club, and mentored new 9th graders in social-emotional learning and multicultural engagement.
Zachary holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Vanderbilt University and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Michigan: a B.A. in English Literature and Language and a B.A. in Approaches to Transcendent Thought, a self-designed major exploring psychology, comparative religion, and creativity & consciousness studies. He also holds a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English.
Jen Klem-Clarke
K-8 Division Head
Jen brings to Spring Hill her passion for progressive education and 25+ years of middle school teaching, leadership, and advisory experience, including six years of teaching in MDUSD and SFUSD, four years at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland, and eleven years at Marin Primary and Middle School in Larkspur. She holds a BA in Liberal Studies, an MA in Educational Administration and Curriculum Development, a credential in Administrative Service, a California K-12 Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential, a Giftedness: Realizing the Potential certification, and a Clear, Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Certificate (CLAD). Over her career, she has focused her love of learning on positive youth development, the science of learning and the brain, inspiring students to be citizens of the world, project and inquiry-based learning, student leadership, and social and emotional learning (SEL). Jen wholeheartedly believes that students are driven to do their best when engaged, focused on their unique interests, and driven by curiosity.
Susan Dalton-Guzman
Lower Elementary Office Coordinator & Reading Support Teacher
Susan joined the Spring Hill faculty team in 2016. Susan holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Barbara City College as well as a California Child Development Teacher Permit and Site Supervisor Credential. Susan is a fluent Spanish speaker and offers her students an engaging introduction to Spanish and the opportunity to build Spanish language skills each day. Prior to joining the faculty at The Spring Hill School, Susan was the director and owner of her own preschool for 10 years, where Spanish language and multicultural activities were her focus. She also spent seven years as a Lead Teacher and Program Manager and two years as a Site Supervisor at North Bay Children’s Center. She has volunteered as an assistant coach for Sonoma County Girls on the Run and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. In her free time, Susan enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, and being out in nature with her son Morgen and daughter Maya.
Cynthia Diaz
1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Cynthia joined the Spring Hill faculty team in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Sonoma State University and a Montessori Elementary credential from the American Montessori Society. With a career in education starting in 2009, Cynthia has worked with 1st through 5th graders in various roles, including as a behavior and education specialist, student support instructional assistant, tutor, after-school classroom director, and classroom teacher.
A native Spanish speaker, Cynthia integrates cultural studies into her Spanish lessons and is dedicated to encouraging conversational Spanish throughout the school day, connecting it with real-life experiences. Her commitment to education is underscored by her extensive training, including Lucy Calkins’ Writing and Readers Workshop, the Nueva Giftedness Institute, Toolbox Training (Social Emotional Learning), Mindful Schools, and multiple Early Math Symposiums. She has also pursued Youcubed’s professional development courses, including Teaching the Important Ideas of Number Sense & Data Exploration K-2, and How to Learn Math from Standford University, which have equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and skills.
Cynthia is known for her grace, respect, positivity, and strong organizational and leadership skills. She is deeply committed to honoring and nurturing a child's academic, social, and emotional growth. She finds great fulfillment in guiding their development as they explore themselves, understand others, and engage with the world around them. Creating and cultivating a safe, engaging, and joyful community encompassing students, families, and colleagues is fundamental to her professional values and priorities. Cynthia absolutely loves being with children and finds joy in listening to them sing, speak Spanish, and engage in playful learning.
Outside of school, Cynthia enjoys a variety of activities that enrich her life. She loves cooking, spending time with her farm animals, and exploring the great outdoors through hiking and camping. These activities are often shared with her husband, Arthur, and their son, Rylan, who is a student at Spring Hill.
Susan Dieli
Spanish Teacher Grades 3rd-8th
Susan Dieli is the Spring Hill Spanish Teacher for grades 3 through 8. Susan is a graduate of Webster College, St Louis. MO, where she designed her own B.A.- Minstrelsy: the Art of the Medieval Minstrel in the 20th Century. After many years spent as a jack-of-all-trades in the fine and performing arts, Susan earned her teaching certification in Spanish at Goshen College and has been teaching for 14 years in both public and private schools. Most recently, Susan spent six years at Oak Farm Montessori School in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she developed the program and taught Spanish, grades 4 - High School.
Lisa Flato
Theatre Teacher Grades 3rd-8th
Lisa Flato is thrilled to be joining The Spring Hill School as a Theatre Arts Teacher.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from San Francisco State University.
After living, performing, and honing her craft in San Francisco, she moved to New York to do the same, before moving to Petaluma in 2007. One of her greatest joys is watching others grow and learn, whether in front of an audience or in a yoga class.
From working with Shakespeare or building an original collaborative piece, it's the process that excites her the most.
Grateful to call Petaluma home, Lisa loves to hike, practice Yoga, do puzzles and make silly voices with her family.
Denise Gage-Collins
Lead Teacher, Snowy Egrets Primary Class
Denise Gage-Collins is the Lead Teacher of Spring Hill’s Snowy Egrets Primary classroom. Her love for learning and her students shines as she brings her experience in both Waldorf and Montessori into the classroom. She holds an Early Childhood Education AMS Teaching Certificate and has spent 25 years teaching in a Montessori classroom environment. She is also Waldorf (Lifeways) Certified. Denise is also a dance teacher and holds a Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate. When she is not in the classroom Denise enjoys yoga, dancing, music, hiking, backpacking, camping, gardening, paddle boarding, being in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Raul Góngora Pérez
Buildings & Facilities
Raul Góngora, a Mexican artist and lover of nature, embarked on a new chapter in his life by moving to the quaint town of Petaluma in the United States. Accompanied by his family, Raul embraced his role as a building and facilities worker, utilizing his creative skills to enhance the surroundings. With a degree from an art academy in Amsterdam in 2006, Raul's passion for art extended beyond traditional boundaries. He fused his artistic vision with culinary expertise, establishing a remarkable restaurant that seamlessly connected art and gastronomy. Known for his creative spirit and affinity for children, Raul is always prepared for any challenge that comes his way.
Loryn Hatten
Director of Communications and School Life
Loryn Hatten is our Director of Communication and School Life. Loryn holds a BA in Teledramatic Arts and Technology from CSU Monterey Bay, and an MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University. Before coming to The Spring Hill School, Loryn served as the Production Manager and then the Producing Artistic Director for Peninsula Youth Theatre in Mountain View, California. She has always found great joy in supporting children and families. She loves the vibrant and supportive community at Spring Hill and is grateful to work with so many talented and passionate educators.
Cara Hicks
Lead Teacher, Sparrows Primary Class
Cara Hicks joined Spring Hill in 2020. She has a Montessori Primary teaching credential from the American Montessori Society and is completing her B.A. in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori emphasis from the University of Massachusetts. Cara has been involved in Montessori her entire life, attending a Montessori school during her elementary years. She also has experience assisting in a Montessori Primary and Lower Elementary. She was drawn to the Headstart program where she served in a variety of roles; Center Director, teacher, and family service advocate. “As a Montessori student, I learned what it means to be a global citizen, respect the wisdom of other cultures, and to think outside myself. My mission, as an educator is to create an environment that encourages children to follow their passions and curiosities; one that fosters independence and empathy.”
Her travels have taken her to India, Nepal, and most currently she spent time in Thailand studying the technique of QiGong. Cara enjoys hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family.
Cinthya Hoyle
Bilingual Assistant Toddler Teacher, Cygnets Class (Long-Term Substitute)
Cinthya was born and raised in Peru, where she went to school to pursue an Early Childhood Education Bachelors at the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. After completing school, she had the opportunity to come to the US to deepen her education, she obtained an Associate’s in Arts and Humanities, and another in Behavioral Studies from San Francisco City College. Her love for educating children started when her parents opened a kindergarten in Peru. She has been educating children for more than 20 years, and her priority is to create an environment where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to learn. Cinthya is also a yoga teacher, and she practices breathing techniques and yoga poses with children.
Ed Longnecker
7th Grade Advisor, 7th & 8th Grade Math, & 6th Grade Humanities Teacher
Ed Longnecker joined Spring Hill in 2020. He holds a BA in Communications from Sonoma State University and has also earned a California K-12 Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential, a Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Certificate (CLAD), and an Administrative Service Credential from Sonoma State as well. Ed brings a lot of enthusiasm and experience to Spring Hill. He has been working with middle schools in Sonoma and Napa Counties for the last 17 years. During that time he has worked as both an assistant principal and a teacher. Ed comes to us from the Napa Unified School District where he has recently had three teacher of the year nominations, as well as nominations for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics, and won runner up as Napa Valley’s Male Role Model of the Year in 2019.
Griselda Lopez
Office and Bilingual Classroom Support Teacher
Griselda has been with Spring Hill since August 2004. Griselda grew up in Jalisco, Mexico, and came to Petaluma in April 1999. Since she was little, her dream has been to become a teacher, and thanks to the former Head of School, Tom Sipes, her dream came true. Griselda holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Teaching Certificate. Griselda is a fluent native Spanish speaker; she enjoys introducing young learners to the Spanish Language. Griselda has taken different roles during her time with Spring Hill. She has been an assistant teacher, a lead teacher, a Spanish teacher, a substitute teacher, a floater, and an office support worker; she enjoys working in the different areas of our Early Childhood Campus. Currently, she works as a Classroom Support teacher, a Spanish teacher in the Hummingbirds classroom, and office support.
Griselda is happily married to the love and joy of her life, and she has three wonderful boys. In her free time, Griselda loves hanging out with her family, observing nature, taking walks, cheering her three boys during soccer games, playing board games with her boys, and, of course, being a teacher and working for Spring Hill.
Katie Lopez
1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Katie has over 10 years of excellent 1 - 5 grade teaching. She holds a Masters degree in Education and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization, and a BA in Communication Studies. Katie has been a teacher trainer for the Lucy Calkin’s Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop through Columbia University. She has also been a district VAPA (visual and performing arts) site leader for her previous school for 4 years. She has advanced knowledge of outdoor education and Play Space practices. She has assisted in leading the HEART Program (Health Education through Art) for elementary aged children. Katie has a great positive and collaborative attitude, and commitment to her teaching and her students' success.
Kat Malone
3rd-8th Grade Art Specialist and Main Campus Aftercare Coordinator
Kat has over 15 years of experience in Montessori education, including owning her own Montessori-based preschool for 10 years. Before joining the Spring Hill team, she worked at River Montessori Charter School, where she was the director of the after-school and summer programs. Her favorite things about working with children are using art to inspire creativity and learning and her relationships with their families as they grow through her care. Outside of work, Kat enjoys boogie boarding and spending time with her family and friends. She is originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and majored in graphic design at The Center for Creative Studies of Art and Design in Detroit.
Aileen Markovich
3rd & 4th Grade Teacher, Language Arts & Social Studies
Aileen holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, California Cleared Teaching Credential with a Teacher Leadership Authorization., a California Multiple Subject Credential with EL/Clad, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Spanish Concentration. She is highly trained in Social and Emotional Learning and Lucy Calkins language arts programs from Columbia University. Aileen has eight years of excellent teaching experience in a prestigious independent school in Mill Valley. As a talented and committed educator, Aileen teaches the whole child imparting academic content through differentiated and creative instruction, life skills through project-based learning imitating real-life situations, and character-building skills utilizing methods from the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning.
Kevin Markovich
Upper Elementary Math Teacher
Kevin holds a Master's in Teaching and Learning, a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Cleared Multiple Subject Credential with English Learner Authorization, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Kevin has eight years of excellent teaching experience in a prestigious independent school in Mill Valley. He has extensive training in Context for Learning Mathematics and How to Learn Math from Stanford University. He has experience with various math curricula, including California State and Common Core standards, Math in Focus, Bridges in Mathematics in K-5, and Context for Learning Mathematics. Kevin provides differentiated, scaffolded lessons to meet each student's strengths and needs.
Eveyln Martinez
Bilingual Lead Toddler Teacher - Pufflings
Evelyn Martinez has been with The Spring Hill School for over 14 years, as a teacher in our Montessori Toddler program. She earned her early childhood education certification from The Santa Rosa Junior College and began her career with Spring Hill.
Evelyn lives in Rohnert Park my husband and three amazing boys. Evelyn shared that her "priority is creating a warm and nurturing environment where my students feel safe and learn through exploration, play and developmentally appropriate activities. I believe in partnering with parents and making sure to engage them with their children’s learning, progress, and success."
As a native speaker, she incorporates Spanish throughout the whole day and is dedicated to providing the children an enriched bilingual experience.
When not at school, Evelyn loves to spend time with her family, take nature walks, and cooking.
Sarah Mead
Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
Sarah holds a Master of Arts in Education with emphasis in Social Justice Education from New York University, and a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sarah holds clear credentials from the State of California in Multiple Subjects (K-6), and Visual Art (K-12 ). Sarah has proudly taught every grade K-12, and believes that this multi-grade level perspective helps her in teaching foundational skills to our youngest elementary learners. Her background in visual arts is deeply integrated into all Kindergarten subjects through hands-on project based learning and visual inquiry. She is a passionate teacher. Her heartfelt mission is to help each child realize their unique passions and talents, and develop an intrinsic love of learning. One of her favorite parts about teaching kindergarten is helping students gain robust vocabularies and skill sets for social and emotional growth so that they feel equipt to make new friends, advocate for their needs, resolve conflict and empathize with others. Sarah is a practitioner of Liberatory Education - the pedagogy that each person in the classroom - regardless of age or experience - has something to teach, as well as something to learn. Sarah like's to allow the Kindergarteners to take the lead as much as possible, so that learning comes from all the voices in the room. The classroom environment that Sarah builds with her students is joyful, collaborative, engaging, consistent and kind.
Jamie Mitchell
5th Grade Teacher, Language Arts, & Upper Elementary Science Teacher
Jamie’s has over 15 years teaching in private independent schools teaching 5th and 6th grade. Jamie is much loved by her students, who thrive in her classroom with a joy of learning and academic success. Jamie has served on school leadership teams, as Director of Testing and the Director of Technology for the Presentation School, and lead Science Olympiad. She holds a BA in Art Studio and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. She is a leading educator who has also served on the independent schools' re-accreditation teams.
Jamie is specifically passionate about teaching math and science. Jamie is a trained Social and Emotional Learning educator through Yale University. She believes in creating a welcoming, joyful, positive, exciting, and creative learning environment that encourages her students to be their best selves. She utilizes a variety of differentiation in the classroom, including scaffolded lessons, projects, and creating assignments tailored to the strengths and the needs of different learners. She is an organized and a master educator who evaluates her students' learning through a variety of methods and assessments, making sure each student demonstrates learning for understanding and for mastery in the areas of math, science, English, and social studies through subject matter and cross-curricular learning. She also has a passion for outdoor education and looks forward to the 5th-grade field trips including to Westminster in May 2025!
In her free time, Jamie enjoys swimming and hiking. She resides in Sonoma County with her husband, a high school teacher, and has two adult children.
Clara Munoz
Bilingual Associate Teacher, Sparrows Primary Class
Clara has been with Spring Hill since 2018. She is a Bilingual Associate Teacher, in our Sparrows Primary Classroom with teacher Cara. Clara earned her Associate Teacher certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College and will complete her Early Childhood Montessori Assistant certificate this summer!
With over 15 years of early childhood experience, Clara loves to utilize her bilingual skills to introduce young learners to the Spanish language. She works diligently to create a positive and supportive learning environment.
Clara has lived in Petaluma since 2000 and choose to make it home with her husband and 3 children, Ittai, Sarah, and Zair. In her free times she enjoys cooking, camping, playing volleyball, and most importantly, spending time with her family.
Andrea Nava
Bilingual Assistant Teacher, Ducklings Toddlers Class
Andrea is deeply passionate about education and is excited to be part of extraordinary team of teachers at Spring Hill. She is currently pursuing a degree in Child Development and has prior teaching experience at Luther Burbank Elementary School. Andrea also spent a year serving in Americorps. Her work was focused on community engagement and disaster preparedness, specifically for fire emergencies in our region. A significant aspect of her work involved educating children on coping strategies and response mechanisms in the event of disasters.
Katie Oelschlager
Assistant Teacher, Hummingbirds Primary Class
Katie Oelschlage brings a wealth of experience in education, having taught Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten at River Montessori and Art for eight years at a K-12 private school in the Cayman Islands. She holds a BA from Trinity International University and a postgraduate degree in Education.
Katie’s passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and her diverse teaching background make her an excellent fit for our community. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, camping, and paddleboarding with her husband and two teenage sons. As a family, they love traveling and recently explored southern Africa.
Dara Olandt
Director of Advancement & Development
Dara brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, partnering with staff, volunteers, donors, and boards to catalyze change. She has held executive-level roles at several organizations, with portfolios including fundraising, strategic operations, volunteer management, partnerships, and community-building. Prior to joining The Spring Hill School, Dara served as Executive Director and CEO of Full Circle Fund, an engaged philanthropy organization. She also built educational programs and led a student-life department at Mills College in Oakland for five years, where she raised funds for a pilot international student leadership experience. Dara loves working collaboratively to advance a future worthy of the next generations. She has helped many organizations pursue their dreams, including bringing in over $1.2 million in new funding to purchase a historic building and expanding initiatives related to immigration justice and affordable housing in the Bay Area. She holds an undergraduate degree in American Studies and Politics as well as a master's focused on Society and World Religion. On a personal note, Dara loves going to the beach with her kids and is a proud Spring Hill parent!
Elif Ozhan
Assistant Teacher, Pufflings Toddler Class
Elif holds her Child Development training from Mission College and Santa Rosa Junior College. She has over 15 years of excellent early childhood teaching experience, including five years as an Instructional Assistant at Old Adobe Union School District-Petaluma. We deeply appreciate Elif’s kind, graceful, positive, caring presence, and high professional ethics.
Karen Payne
Lead Teacher, Hummingbirds Primary Class
Karen is an experienced and extraordinarily knowledgeable early childhood educator and Lead Montessori Primary teacher. She has an International Montessori teaching credential from St. Nicholas' College in London, a Bachelor of Arts degree focused on Early Childhood Studies with a Minor in Geology and a Master of Arts in Education specializing in Early Childhood.
Karen’s teaching experience includes 25 years as a Lead Montessori and Garden teacher, as well as Assistant Director positions in Marin County. Karen has been a Sonoma State University lecturer. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Petaluma Wildlife Museum at Petaluma High School and has led their summer camp very successfully for three years. She is committed to Montessori teaching and passionate about bringing nature, gardening, and environmental studies to her students' learning.
Christine Phang
K-8 School Counselor
Christine Phang (she/her/hers) is a Singaporean artist, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), and Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). She holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Dominican University of California and is currently pursuing her PhD in Art Therapy. Christine works with clients of all ages in private practice and especially enjoys supporting teenagers and young adults in navigating life transitions and understanding their identities. Her therapeutic practice is grounded in the values of compassion and creativity. She has extensive experience with multiple art media and uses this knowledge to support clients in better understanding themselves through creative expression.
Rosalva Reyes
Bilingual Assistant Teacher, Snowy Egrets Primary Class
Rosalva Reyes, our Assistant Primary Teacher for the Snowy Egrets class is one of our talented team of bilingual teachers. Rosalva holds a Preschool Teacher Certificated and an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Having taught prior at Bethlehem Children’s Center, Rosalva is applying her nearly 20 years experience in early childhood education at The Spring Hill School and has quickly adapted to the Montessori philosophy. She loves sharing her native language with the students and watching them blossom in the Montessori environment! In Rosalva’s free time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, hiking, kayaking, gardening, reading and quality time with love ones.
Pablo Rodriguez
Music Specialist Grades PK-5th Grade
Pablo Rodriguez is a well-known singer, guitarist, and teacher in the North Bay area. He has performed in a wide variety of styles including classical, Brazilian music, jazz, gospel, pop, and Eastern European music. He has collaborated for years with songwriters, poets, dancers, choirs, and multi-media artists in many venues. He is an experienced teacher both in classroom and private instruction.
Rosie Ruiz
Bilingual Lead Teacher, Ducklings Toddler Class
Rosie, a native Spanish speaker who is also fluent in English, has worked in early childhood education for over ten years. She has an Associate Teacher Certificate and CNA certification (Certified Nursing Assistant). She also has a TALLK project certificate (Teacher Acquiring Language Learner Knowledge), a program that provides preschool teachers with training and coaching in specific strategies for interacting with English learner children to best support language acquisition.
Rosie is passionate about promoting children’s desire to read and write, and she focuses on engaging her young students in acquiring age-appropriate language skills. She brings to her students and colleagues a perennial positive outlook and good humor in approaching teaching and life. She is devoted to her young students and offers them a loving environment each day. She values the trusted relationships she develops with parents. Rosie’s greatest joys are her sons Anthony and George and her husband Tony. She loves spending time with her family, cooking for them, and cheering for her sons and husband when they play their favorite sport—soccer. An animal lover, she enjoys walking her five dogs and caring for her farm animals.
Eric Saibel
Head of School
Eric Saibel is a 27-year educator who has served as a Spanish teacher, coach, assistant principal, middle school principal, and Director of Student Services in three Marin County districts (PreK-12). He believes education is the foundation of a just, inclusive, and innovative society.
As a school leader, he fosters student-centered environments where trust, inclusion, and strong community connections help every child thrive. In 2015, he co-founded Global School Play Day, a movement promoting free play now celebrated in 80+ nations. As Principal of Hall Middle School, he led it to become Marin’s first School to Watch and an ESEA National Distinguished School.
A Bay Area native, he holds degrees from UC Santa Cruz, CSU Hayward, and San Francisco State. He lives in Marin with his wife and two daughters and enjoys sports, painting, and coaching youth teams.
Katie Saran
8th Grade Advisor, Humanities Teacher Grades 7th-8th
Katie has a BA in Liberal Studies, as well as a Multiple Subject Bilingual California Teaching Credential. Katie also holds a Master's Degree in Reading and a Reading Specialist Certificate from Sonoma State University. Katie has over 15 years teaching experience in both Mammoth Lakes, CA and Petaluma. She has great passion for working with middle school students, guiding them as they realize their unique potential. Utilizing tailored lessons and curriculum that build lifelong readers and confident writers is important to her. She enjoys being out in nature with her family, and dog, Charlie Girl.
Shane Schlick
Middle School Music Specialist
Shane Schlick is a dedicated music educator and accomplished musician based in Petaluma, CA. With over a decade of experience, Shane has been inspiring students of all ages through tailored music lessons and innovative teaching methods. He specializes in a wide range of instruments including drums, mandolin, banjo, guitar, ukulele, and bass, fostering a creative and engaging learning environment.
Shane holds an associate degree in Audio Production along with minors in Audio Recording, Music Business, PsychoAcoustics, and Music Theory. He co-created the Rock 101 Elementary School Music Program and is a founding member of the award-winning bands The Highway Poets and Hillside Fire. In addition to teaching at various music shops, schools, and youth centers, Shane directs open jams at The Phoenix Theatre and runs his own recording studio, contributing to the vibrant SF Bay Area music scene.
Nicole Silvester
Montessori Preschool Floating & Support Teacher
Nicole Silvester brings a wealth of experience to her role as a floating and support teacher for our Montessori preschool program. She holds a BA in Human Development from Sonoma State University, along with associate degrees in Psychology and Social and Behavioral Sciences from Santa Rosa Junior College. She is also a certified Registered Behavior Technician.
Nicole has worked as a preschool teacher for over eight years, fostering young children's development through creative and structured activities. Her expertise extends to developmental therapy, providing behavioral and social skills interventions for children.
Known for her organizational skills, positive attitude, and commitment to helping others, Nicole excels at creating inclusive and nurturing environments for learning and growth.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys staying active and engaging in community-oriented activities.
Reina Starke
Associate Teacher, Pufflings Toddler Class
Reina Starke joined the Spring Hill faculty in 1992. She has been an important part of the Spring Hill community for many years as a member of the administrative team, an Elementary after-school program teacher, a classroom substitute teacher, and a teacher in Spring Hill’s Toddler program. Reina’s mother was Spring Hill’s office manager when she was growing up, and when Reina welcomed her first child, she began working alongside her mother as an after-school teacher. With her mother’s passing in 2014, she is committed to carrying on her legacy of creating a warm and fun educational environment for the children of our community. Reina lives in Petaluma with her husband and two of her three daughters, all Spring Hill alumni. When she’s not with her Spring Hill family or her young granddaughters (one of whom is a Spring Hill student), Reina enjoys long walks, reading, and spending time at the beach.
Sandy Stack
Interim Head of School
Sandy holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Studies, a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology, a graduate certification in Finance and Accounting, and a BA in Communication. In addition, she is a certified International Coaching Federation (ICF) leadership coach and trained in Organizational Culture, and DEI work. Her extensive enrollment, operations, and research experience in secondary and higher education is aligned with Spring Hill's mission and vision.
Before joining independent schools, Sandy held vice president and executive director-level leadership positions in nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She has also been co-owner of two successful small business franchises, overseeing their finance and operations with great success. In addition, Sandy served on the Spring Hill Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2021. She is enthusiastic and excited to join the Spring Hill team to help the school achieve its operational and financial goals.
In her free time, Sandy enjoys hiking, yoga, making art, and practicing mindfulness. She lives with her husband in Petaluma and has two wonderful children.
Alida Stromberg
Lead Primary Aftercare and Support Teacher
Alida holds a Bachelor of Arts from U.C. Berkeley and brings over a decade of experience as a lead Preschool Teacher. Her dedication lies in nurturing the emotional, social, and academic growth of young children. With extensive training in child development, she excels in creating a safe and nurturing environment that stimulates learning while supporting overall health and wellness.
Amy Tanti
Director, Toddler & Primary
Amy has over 15 years of experience as an early childhood director and preschool teacher. She is passionate about her work, teaching, and how early childhood education can profoundly shape a student’s love of learning. She also believes that any program is only as good as its teachers. She actively works to create and maintain a welcoming, positive, supportive, friendly, and professional community and workspace for all.
Amy holds a BA in Liberal Studies and a Minor in Recreation Administration. She has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her ECE teaching and Supervising permits.
Amy has a positive, confident, calm, kind, and professional presence. She is experienced in the field, organized, creative, and a strong problem solver.
Natalie Whetstone
Lead Toddler Teacher, Cygnets Class
Natalie is an accomplished educator with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori teaching credential. She has held prominent positions, including Montessori Lead Toddler Teacher, Assistant Head of School, and Director at a Montessori institution in Chicago. Renowned for her compassionate approach and expertise, Natalie is dedicated to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant learning environment. She prioritizes establishing meaningful, clear, and consistent communication with parents, ensuring a collaborative and enriching educational journey.
Rachel Wiebe
6th Grade Advisor, 6th Grade Math, Middle School Science Teacher, & K-8 STEM Coordinator
Rachel holds a BA in Communications from Lewis & Clark College, and a California Multiple Subject teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur University.
With over a decade of teaching experience at the upper elementary and middle school level, Rachel brings a blend of passion and practicality to our progressive independent school. Her strength lies in science curriculum development and STEM instruction, always ensuring that her lessons align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Rachel's teaching philosophy involves creating meaningful connections between academic content and real-life experiences. She's a firm believer in the power of a robust STEAM program to help fulfill Spring Hill’s mission and promote our Global Citizenship goals. Her approach encourages students to learn through inquiry, fostering a genuine appreciation and love for science.
Outside the classroom, Rachel has dedicated 15 years to coaching swimming for various age groups, enhancing her understanding of building authentic student-teacher relationships. This experience taught her that connections made beyond the classroom walls often pave the way for trust and mutual respect inside the classroom.
Since moving to Petaluma in 2020, Rachel spends her free time exploring the world with her young daughters, her husband, and their fluffy cat, Mikayla. She views every day as an opportunity to learn something new, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning we cultivate here at Spring Hill School.
Alyssa Wolfe
Admissions Associate
Alyssa holds a BS in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the University of Washington. After receiving her degree, she moved to Pueblo, Colorado to teach 7th Grade Science and STEM. Since returning home to Sonoma County, you can find her at our local farmers markets, hiking around the Bay Area, or spending time with her family and friends. She is a dedicated environmentalist who has always had a passion for supporting students and advocating for her community. Alyssa is excited to share these passions with The Spring Hill School.
Deborah Zitrin
K-8 Learning Specialist
Deborah is a highly experienced, talented, and passionate Educational Specialist. She holds an Educational Specialist Credential from San Jose State University, a Juris Doctor/Law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a BA in psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Additionally, Deborah has over 25 years of successful teaching experience as a learning specialist, including ten years as student advocate and a special learning tutor.
Deborah’s teaching philosophy and approach is to honor and develop each child's unique potential. She is a positive and passionate advocate for students' learning and believes in building close and safe relationships with her students so they can trust her and be excited to work with her and reach out to her when they need support.
In her position, Deborah closely assesses her students, creating individual learning support plans for them with clear goals, follow-up steps, and consistent assessments. Her teaching includes 1:1 sessions or small group lessons in the support learning class. She also believes that, at times, it’s best for her to be in the students’ regular classrooms and support them in their own learning environment. She works closely with other teachers and offers suggestions and differentiated instructions for her students' lessons and activities to get deep into the learning process and students' achievements. Deborah also works closely with her students’ families. She believes building strong relationships with students and their parents is essential.
In addition, Deborah offers an after-school homework support club for her students as part of our Learning Support program free of charge to our families. Deborah’s students will have the opportunity to stay after school and work with her regularly or as needed.