WOODLAND HILLS PRIVATE SCHOOL - Key Persons
Ailin holds a degree in MA in Early Childhood Education and a BS in Human Services; she is in the final year of her PsyD program. Ailin has been with WHPS since 2009, starting as a teacher at both the Collins and Oxnard campuses, as well as a part of the administration team at both campuses. She has been a Certified Developmental Screener from the Child Development Institute since 2015. Ailin uses her years of experience and her extraordinary expertise in child development to support students, teachers, families, and the overall program. Ailin is a proud WHPS preschool alumni parent and current elementary parent.
Ms. Lexi is a fully qualified preschool teacher with 21 ECE units. Ms. Lexi has been working with young children since 2014 and joined WHPS in 2019.
Ms. Smith holds a BS in Education & Structured English Immersion from the University of Arizona. Ms. Smith has been in the field of education since 2017, serving as an elementary teacher and an upper elementary learning coach before joining WHPS in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Preschool Director
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Physical Education Teacher
Coach Albert teaches a wonderful physical education program at WHPS. With an AA in Child Development and courses on coaching and athletics for children, Coach has a unique understanding of the needs of elementary-age students. His physical education program strives to help develop coordination and physical fitness skills, teach the rules of various sports and playground games, and encourage teamwork and good sportsmanship. Coach's students are eager to participate and there are always smiles and cheering when Coach arrives.
Mrs. Lusetich holds a BA from American University in Washington DC and has been working in education since 2005. Before joining WHPS in 2023, Mrs. Lusetich ran an elementary (K-6) learning intervention program and has been trained as a behavioral intervention specialist in Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Mrs. Baroudi holds an MA in Education from Cal State University as well as a BA in Child Development. Mrs. Baroudi has been in the field of education since 2014, serving as a Pre-K teacher at WHPS before moving into the elementary division.
Ms. Danielle is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Child Development. Ms. Danielle has been working with young children and families since 2020 and joined WHPS in 2022.
Ms. Dora is a fully qualified preschool teacher with over 24 ECE units. Ms. Dora has been teaching since 1981 and joined WHPS in 1992. Ms. Dora is a proud former WHPS parent.
Ms. Eli joined as a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. She has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2007 and joined WHPS in 2015.
Mrs. Bleicher holds an MA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a BA in Health & Human Performance from the University of Montana. Mrs. Bleicher began her elementary teaching career in 2018 and has found kindergarten to be her favorite age group. Before joining WHPS in 2023, Mrs. Bleicher received the Rising Star award, which is awarded to one teacher in the school district each year for demonstrating highly effective teaching practices, and became a mentor for new teachers getting started in the field.
Ms. Erica joined WHPS in 2016 and is a fully qualified infant/toddler teacher who has been working in the education field since 2008. She has 30 ECE units from Valley College. Ms. Erica is a proud WHPS parent.
Ms. Evan is a fully qualified preschool teacher with over 20 units in ECE. She has been working in the education field since 2013 and joined WHPS in 2020.
Ms. Gina is a fully qualified preschool teacher with an MS in Family and Environmental Sciences and a BA in Child Development. Ms. Gina has been in the education field since 1987 and joined WHPS in 2018.
Ms. Franchi has had a wide range of teaching experience since 2008 and joined WHPS in 2021. In addition to her teaching background, Ms. Franchi has an MS in Civil Engineering from Lund University in Sweden and has worked in city planning for the Swedish Office of Science & Technology and the Swedish Consulate here in Los Angeles. Ms. Franchi is one of our most passionate STEM experts.
Ms. Jasmine is a fully qualified preschool teacher, with a BA in Child & Adolescent Development. Ms. Jasmine has been teaching since 2022.
Mrs. Baker holds a BA in Liberal Studies from CSUN. Mrs. Baker has been teaching at the elementary level since 2010 and joined WHPS in 2016.
Job Titles:
- Elementary Teacher Upper Elementary Division Lead
Mrs. Foster holds a BA in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education with a focus on Science and is Responsive Classroom Certified. Mrs. Foster began her elementary teaching career in 2009 and joined WHPS in 2014. Mrs. Foster also serves as a resource specialist for the Upper Elementary literacy program. Mrs. Foster is a proud WHPS parent.
Mrs. Moros holds a BS in Elementary Education from Green Mountain College in Vermont. She has been teaching elementary and Early Childhood Education since 2012 and joined WHPS in 2017.
Job Titles:
- Technology Integration Specialist & Teacher
Mrs. Miller joined WHPS in 2013 and has an MA in Educational Technology. Mrs. Miller oversees technology integration for TK-5th grade, including the school's VEX IQ Robotics program. Mrs. Miller teaches weekly technology classes to all grades and provides technology integration support to the entire elementary team.
Ms. Jocelyn is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Child Development. Ms. Jocelyn began working with children at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in 2021 and joined WHPS in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Teacher & Preschool Administrative Assistant
Ms. Judith is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Early Childhood Education. She joined the WHPS team in 2018 and has been teaching since 2017.
Ms. Charters has an MS in Music Education with Kodaly Emphasis, a BS in Music Education, and a CA Single Subject Music Teaching Credential. She is passionate about teaching music theory, choral music, and WHPS instrumental music, making learning fun and upbeat.
Ms. Kaitlyn is a fully qualified preschool teacher with an AA in Liberal Arts & Sciences, plus ECE Administration courses. Ms. Kaitlyn started teaching in 2013 and joined WHPS in 2020. Ms.Kaitlyn is a proud WHPS parent.
Kat joined WHPS in 2023 and is a fully qualified preschool teacher and director with a BA in Child & Adolescent Development and is finishing her MA in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Northridge. Kat has served as an Assistant preschool director, mentor teacher, and kindergarten director, in addition to years of teaching experience. Kat has also served as a Head of Practicum, mentoring teachers from multiple school sites on effective teaching practices.
Ms. Kathy is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Kathy has been working in the education field since 2011 and joined WHPS in 2018.
Ms. Kendall is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Early Child Development and Child & Adolescent Development. Ms. Kendall has been in the education field since 2019 and joined WHPS in 2021.
Ms. Kiersten is a fully qualified preschool teacher with an MA in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Kiersten has been teaching since 2018 and joined WHPS in 2022.
Ms. Kirsten is a fully qualified preschool teacher with 24 ECE units and experience in the education field since 2004. Ms. Kirsten joined WHPS in 2011.
Ms. Lidia is a fully qualified preschool teacher who has worked with young children since 1998 and at WHPS since 2003.
Ms. Lina is a fully qualified preschool teacher who has an AA in Child Development and a Preschool Site Supervisor Permit. Ms. Lina has been in Early Childhood Education since 2005 and previously served as director of a childcare center before joining WHPS in 2022.
Job Titles:
- Elementary Substitute & Support Teacher
Mrs. Levy holds an MA in Education from Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education & Psychology and a BA in Communication from UC Davis. Mrs. Levy began her elementary teaching career in 2008, serving as a classroom teacher and Dean of Students before joining WHPS in 2019. Mrs. Levy is a proud WHPS parent.
Ms. Lori is a fully qualified preschool teacher with 18 units of Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the education field since 2010 and joined WHPS in 2021.
Lynn has been in the field of education for over 45 years, many of which were passionately spent here at Woodland Hills Private School-the school she founded with her own children in mind. Lynn had a vision for a school that was responsive to a wide range of cutting-edge educational research and that would provide an individualized education while harnessing the power of collaborative learning and exploration. That vision led Lynn to start her own school at what is now the Collins campus. With the overwhelming support of families, the school has continued to grow with the addition of elementary in 1990 and the expansion to the Oxnard Street Campus in 2000.
Lynn continues to stay involved in the school community and is a proud former WHPS parent, now a WHPS grandparent.
Mrs. Ancrum holds a BA in Liberal Studies, with an emphasis in Elementary Education from San Diego State University. Before joining WHPS in 2014, Mrs. Ancrum taught in an international dual language school, where she served as a Cultural Resource Teacher and English-Learner Coordinator. At WHPS, Mrs. Ancrum provides instructional coaching for curriculum design/implementation and social-emotional learning to the Lower Elementary (TK-1st grade) team. Mrs. Ancrum is a proud WHPS parent.
Mardon is the MacGyver of the WHPS team, and we are grateful for all his hard work keeping the campuses running smoothly! Mardon can do anything, and he often does. His responsibilities include the maintenance of both the Oxnard and Collins campuses. Mardon has been at WHPS since 2005 and is a proud WHPS grandparent.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Elementary Principal
Melanie joined WHPS in 2005 and holds dual degrees in Elementary Education and Zoology, in addition to undergraduate work in Early Childhood Education. Melanie currently completing the School Management & Leadership program through Harvard's Graduate School of Education. Melanie serves as one of the school's top child development experts, having taught quite literally all ages, beginning her career as a preschool teacher, gradually moving into first grade and eventually upper elementary, where her classroom served as the WHPS Idea Lab. Melanie has piloted many programs that are central to the WHPS curriculum, including the launch of the WHPS leadership program and Student-Led Conferences, Columbia Teachers College Readers & Writers Workshop, Project-Based Learning, VEX IQ Robotics, experiential learning and overnight trips, and many Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. Melanie provides oversight and staff development to the entire elementary team and oversees special events and programming, including middle school placement and information sessions.
Job Titles:
- Elementary Teacher Lower Elementary Division Lead
Mrs. Pero holds a BA in Liberal Studies from CSUN with a concentration in Earth Science & Astronomy. Mrs. Pero has experience teaching in grades K-8 since 2006, having also run the Math Lab program at one of her previous school sites, before joining WHPS in 2015. Mrs. Pero is a proud WHPS parent.
Ms. Michelle is a fully qualified preschool teacher who has a BA in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Michelle started at WHPS in 2022.
Ms. Michelle oversees the Extended Care program for the entire elementary division and is also a key member of the Camp Woodland Hills summer camp team. Ms. Michelle has a BS in Health Science and an AA in Child Development. She has been working in education since 2013 and joined WHPS in 2020.
Ms. Michelle has her BA in Child Development & Family Studies. Ms. Michelle has been teaching since 2015 and joined WHPS in 2022.
Ms. Molly is a fully qualified preschool teacher who has a BA in Child & Adolescent Development. Ms. Molly has been teaching since 2017 and joined WHPS in 2020.
Ms. Monica joined WHPS in 2019 and is a fully qualified preschool and infant/toddler teacher with 24 units in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Monica has been working in the education field since 2011. Ms. Monica is a proud WHPS parent.
Pam is a fully qualified preschool teacher, including units in ECE Administration. Pam has been in the field of early childhood education since 1975 and joined WHPS in 1985. Pam has the distinct honor of teaching generations of WHPS alumni, including the children of her former students!
Robin has been in the education field since 1987. She has been a Director since 1992, including 13 years as an Executive Director, and has been Director of the Collins Campus since 2010. A fully qualified preschool director, Robin has a BA in Child Development and earned a Dedication Award for 20 years of Early Childhood Education experience.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Preschool Director
Santos has been with WHPS since 2002 and also divides his time working at our two campuses. He is responsible for keeping the school clean and safe. His duties include general maintenance and repair and also include setting up for special school events and activities.
Sarah joined the WHPS team in 2017. Sarah has a BS in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance from Loyola Marymount University. She has served as an educational leader and school administrator since 2002, with experience as a Business Office Manager, VP of Student Affairs & Human Resources, Campus Director/Principal, and Middle School Dean.
As an alumna of WHPS, Serena was happy to return as a staff member in 2013. Serena has an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a BS in Business Administration from USC. Her work experience includes consulting and product management for companies such as Navigant Consulting, Ernst & Young, and Target, as well as involvement in WHPS operations since 1985. Serena is involved in all aspects of the school's operations, including daily operations, human resources, finance, facilities management, marketing, and accreditation. Serena is a proud WHPS parent.
Seth has been in the education field for over 20 years, with experience as an Interim Head of School, Elementary Principal, Dean of Students, and elementary and middle school teacher. Seth holds an MS in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology, a BS in K-8 Education with a concentration in MSET (Math, Science & Educational Technology), and studied Early Childhood Education and Leadership at UCLA. He has been actively involved in research on social-emotional learning and building resiliency and other character strengths in children, in collaboration with Pepperdine and The University of Pennsylvania, and was fortunate to be able to contribute to some of Dr. Angela Duckworth's research on helping children build "grit." Seth is passionate about developing a strengths-based school community that values and leverages each child and staff member's unique talents and strengths.
Ms. Shaimaa is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Sociology and 31 ECE units. Ms. Shaimaa has been teaching since 2020 and joined WHPS in 2021.
Ms. Herslikovitz holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Roehampton, London, UK, and a BA in Child Development from Humboldt State University. Ms. Herslikovitz has taught all ages from infants/toddlers through elementary school. Before joining WHPS in 2019, Ms. Herslikovitz taught elementary school in the UK and completed a teaching fellowship, which included teaching elementary and middle school, in Israel.
Ms. Sharon is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Early Childhood Studies. Ms. Sharon has been teaching since 2017 and joined WHPS in 2021.
Mrs. Cordell holds a BA in Education from the University of Wisconsin. She began her career working with children in 2012, first as a dance coach, and later as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. Mrs. Cordell joined WHPS in 2023.
Sheila joined the WHPS team in 2016. Sheila has been in the customer service industry since 2010 and in the education field since 2014. Sheila is a proud WHPS parent.
Señora Ashley has an MS in English & Creative Writing as well as a BA. In addition to teaching Spanis, she serves as a Graduate Mentor, providing pedagogical guidance and support, and has worked with international students through her work at CSUN. Sra. Ashley is also a Young Storytellers Mentor.
Mrs. Graham has an MA in Education from Alliant International University as well as a BS in Marketing & Accounting. She joined WHPS in 2022 after also being a proud WHPS parent. Mrs. Graham has worked in first and third grade at LVUSD where she became known for having very high expectations along with a warm, creative teaching style.
Steve joined WHPS in 2007. With a BS in Information Technology and an MA in Educational Technology, Steve provides support with IT issues and emerging educational technology trends.
Ms. Tanya is a fully qualified preschool teacher with a BA in Liberal Studies and is also a member of NAEYC (National Association of Education for Young Children) and CAEYC (California Association of Education for Young Children). A part of WHPS since 1996, Ms. Tanya has been in the education field since 1993. Ms. Tanya is a proud WHPS parent.
Ms. Traci is a fully qualified preschool teacher who has an AA in Child Development and holds certificates in Special Education and Infants & Toddlers. Ms. Traci is a member of the NAEYC (National Association of Education for Young Children),. She has been teaching since 2000 and joined WHPS in 2015.
Ms. Valerie is a fully qualified teacher with 28 ECE units. She joined WHPS in 2016 and has been in the education field since 2015.
As the owner of WHPS, Wentar plays an active role in the general operation of the school. Wentar has an MS in Computer Engineering from SUNY in Buffalo, N.Y., and was the Vice President of a high-tech company before becoming involved in the daily operations of WHPS in the year 2000. Wentar oversees the direction of maintenance and repair, the upgrading of playgrounds and the facilities, and is our liaison with the community. Wentar is very hands-on with the daily activities of WHPS, and you will often see him directing traffic or talking with teachers and parents all around the school. Wentar is a proud WHPS former parent, now WHPS grandparent.
Ms. Zulay is a fully qualified preschool teacher, with a BA in Psychology and an AA in Child Development. Ms. Zulay is also a Certified Behavior Therapist She has been teaching since 2015 and joined WHPS in 2022.