JOURNEY SCHOOL - Key Persons


Alanna Hayde

Mrs. Hayde is no stranger to Waldorf education; in fact, she attended the Waldorf School of Orange County from kindergarten through 8th grade, with our beloved Mr. Martin as her Main Class Teacher. After WSOC, Mrs. Hayde went on to get a B.A. in International Affairs at George Washington University, and her MA in Elementary Education from UCI. Mrs. Hayde lived and taught in Chile (South America) for 1 year with English Opens Doors, and 2 years in Guinea (West Africa) as a high school teacher in the Peace Corps. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French as well as some Portuguese and Malinké. In addition to traveling, she also enjoys reading, cooking, and gardening. Mrs. Hayde says that she is looking forward to reliving the Waldorf traditions from her own childhood, while also creating new and beautiful memories with her students and the community.

Amanda Girard

Job Titles:
  • School Nurse

Amanda Simmons

Job Titles:
  • Independent Study Director
Before arriving at Journey, Amanda Simmons was a standout First Grade teacher within the Capistrano Unified School District. Mrs. Simmons earned her BA in Liberal Arts from SDSU as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU Fullerton. She also possesses a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, as well as a Master's Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership. Additionally, Ms. Simmons possesses a Teaching Certificate in Waldorf Education from Steiner College. Mrs. Simmons is proud to be the Administrator of Journey's Independent Study program. Mrs. Simmons feels that her experience teaching Grades 1-6 at Journey School has given her invaluable insight into Waldorf Education and makes her especially qualified to mentor parents and students in the K-5 Independent Study program. In her free time, Mrs. Simmons loves spending time with her husband, their two daughters, extended family, and friends. She especially likes to go to the beach with her dogs, crafting, traveling and reading good books.

Amy Capelle - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Amy currently serves as the President/Board Trustee of the Journey School Council. She earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley with an emphasis in international business and non-profit management. Over the past 12 years, she has leaned on her professional background in management consulting to build mechanisms for strong parent engagement, secure grants, drive development and fundraising initiatives, and lead the schoolwide effort to update Journey School's mission and vision in 2019. Amy also serves on the school's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) working group. She and her husband proudly have two Journey alumni and a current Journey middle schooler. In 2015, Amy's first children's book, "From Manila with Love," was published by Tahanan Books which is now in its second printing. As an author, Amy visits local schools to do book readings and serves on panels to teach students about the Philippines. Amy is concurrently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Billy Alexander

Mr. Alexander is an award-winning musician and producer. He plays lead guitar, sings, plays piano and organ, and is an up and coming Pop/Rock/Country songwriter. He began his music career at age 10 when he started taking guitar lessons. At 15, he studied classical guitar and music theory, and within a year he was playing professionally and teaching guitar out of a local music store. Mr. Alexander's passion for music led him to take music theory classes in high school and college while continuing to perform, tour and teach at the professional level. After years of performing and touring on the east coast, Mr. Alexander made the move to L.A. playing and recording around town with some great musicians and bands including The May Kings. Soon he met up with fellow east coasters Scot Sax (songwriter, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Joey McIntyre) and Mark Getten (RCA's Wanderlust) to form FEEL. FEEL landed a record deal with Nashville's Curb Records in late 2002 and spawned two radio hits "Won't Stand In Your Way" going to #18 on national radio charts and "Got Your Name On It" reaching #28 on Billboard Charts. Mr. Alexander continues to tour and record for other artists including a brief live stint with Sony/Columbia recording artist Anna Nalick and playing lead guitar/vocals for John Waite (The Babys, Bad English, Alison Krauss). In addition to lending his exceptional skills as a lead guitarist, he is establishing himself as a world class songwriter in the world of Pop and Contemporary Country music, earning one of Songwriter Universe Magazine's Top 5 best songs of the month September 2006 and having songs cut in Nashville and around the country. Mr. Alexander currently lives in Lake Forest with his wife Doreen and their little Boston Terrier "Pepper". He enjoys the warmth and smiling faces of the children at Journey and the positive attitudes of all the staff and teachers at the school.

Cassie Kauwling

Job Titles:
  • Parent Cabinet Representative

Darren Utterback

Job Titles:
  • Elementary School Interventionist / Assistant

Devan Steel

Job Titles:
  • Music

Diana Graber

Job Titles:
  • Producer
  • Co - Founder of CyberWise
  • Digital Media Literacy
  • Digital Media Literacy / Cyber Civics
Diana Graber has an extensive background as a producer and marketer of media, including film, video, television, print, and special events. She is co-owner of Graber Productions, an Emmy award-winning film and video production company. Together with her husband, Michael, she has produced numerous sports, adventure, and educational documentary films and television programs and series since 1993. Diana is also co-founder of CyberWise, a Learning Hub that helps busy parents and educators become digitally literate. Launched in the Summer 2011, CyberWise was a Stage 2 winner of the MacArthur Foundation/HASTAC/Mozilla Digital Media and Learning Competition designed to find and fund the most innovative uses of new media in support of connected learning. Diana has a B.A. in Communications Studies from UCLA and an M.A. in Media Psychology and Social Change from UCLA/Fielding Graduate University. She was recently a finalist for the NAMLE Research Emerging Scholar Award for her research on New Media Literacy Education, which was featured in the Journey of Media Literacy Education (JAMLE). She also serves on the programming committee for NAMLE (National Association of Media Literacy Education) and is on the board of a nonprofit organization, Wheels4Life.

Dr. Frances Sassin

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Consultant
Dr. Sassin began her professional career as a veterinarian; after becoming a parent, however, she began directing her energy into the field of education. Dr. Sassin was one of the founders of Journey School, and was subsequently employed as the school's Business and Operations Manager for 2 ½ years. During this time she also served as President of the school's Council. Dr. Sassin then began doing consulting work in the charter school field and currently works as the Director of Business Services for California Connections Academy Schools. Both her children attended Journey School for grades K to 6, and then Orange County School of the Arts for 7th through 12 th grade. Dr. Sassin received her BA degree from UC San Diego and a DVM degree from UC Davis, and continues to provide veterinary services to her community through volunteer activities.

Dr. Margaret Moodian

Job Titles:
  • Secretary
  • Associate Professor at University of Massachusetts Global
Dr. Margaret Moodian is an associate professor at University of Massachusetts Global. In her role, she has developed several courses, and she serves on Program Council and the Alumni Advisory board as a faculty representative. Additionally, she sits on doctoral dissertation committees and serves as Vice President the board of Tias Arms, an Orange County, CA-based nonprofit dedicated to assisting children affected by HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Brandman University selected Dr. Moodian to speak at their 2021 TEDx conference. Pepperdine University selected her as an inaugural 40 Under 40 honoree in 2016 and the Chapman University Delta Gammas presented her with an Outstanding Alumnus award in 2019. Margaret is a Delta Gamma PRO, which means she speaks to Delta Gammas and other members of the Greek community around the country about topics such as leadership and self-esteem. Her sorority selected her for its Hope Serving program, which assists visually impaired children at an Oklahoma summer camp. Margaret earned a doctorate degree in education and master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, and a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Chapman University. Her dissertation focuses on the leadership traits of female Fortune 1,000 board members. She lives with her husband Dr. Michael (Mike) Moodian, son Mikey, and pets in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA.

Erin Bratcher

Job Titles:
  • Teacher on Special Assignment

Fiona Kephart

Miss Fiona is proud to be the Sunflower Kindergarten teacher at Journey School. She has always been drawn to Waldorf Education and loves being part of such a positive, active, and caring community. She believes that early childhood classrooms should be a place of wonder, magic, imagination, and play; allowing children to see the awe, beauty, and goodness in everything that surrounds them. Miss Fiona spent 8 years of her childhood in a small village in the countryside of England. She had always known that she wanted to become a teacher so she attended Cal State Fullerton and got her degree in Child and Adolescent Development. She went on to obtain her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is also part of the Journey School Waldorf Teacher Program. Prior to finding her passion of Waldorf Education at Journey School, Fiona was a Pre-K teacher at Pacific Preschool and had worked at St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel since 2013 as a daycare assistant, summer camp teacher, K-5 Science teacher and K-2 Art teacher. When she's not at school, Fiona enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, Jack. She especially loves staying active, being in nature, going to the beach, and doing yoga.

Gavin Keller

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • School Director
The School Director, Gavin Keller, leads the school on a daily basis by ensuring successful learning, effective teaching, and a safe and inspiring learning environment. The Director also leads the disciplinary program, answers pressing questions from parents, and resolves pressing concerns when direct communication with teachers is inadequate. Gavin Keller has been employed in an administrative role at Journey since 2013. He currently manages all aspects of the school's operations including faculty, staff, and student relations. Mr. Keller also oversees the curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the daily operation of the school. Mr. Keller first came to Journey in 2009 as a main class teacher, leading his class through 5 th, 6 th and 7 th grade. Previously, he taught 5th grade for several years at Dapplegray Elementary in Palos Verdes, California. In the interim of the two roles at Journey School, he was employed as an Assistant Director in Student Affairs at University of California, Irvine. Mr. Keller holds an Administrative Services Credential, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Masters Degree in Education and B.A. degrees in Psychology and Communication.

Gaylen Corbett

Job Titles:
  • Business Officer

Hellene Brodsky

"Greetings from Miss Hellene. I have been in the Waldorf world for almost 30 years, and am dedicated to incorporating practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and beyond. Through serving as an early childhood educator I have seen the importance of modeling positive and diverse representation, stories, actions, and language that fosters open-mindedness, self-expression, and a rich understanding of the diversity in our world for the young child. I am a staunch advocate for beginning teachings of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access early in education, as well as supporting our teachers, staff, and parent body with opportunities to learn, share, grow, and create community together. With my experience currently serving on the DEIJ group at Journey School, I have found a dedication to working intentionally to support the Waldorf community in increasing our efforts to limit replicating harmful societal structures of power and build new models that encourage students to see themselves represented in curriculum and feel empowered to center equity in the way they move through the world. I serve at JS, the Alliance for Public WE and WECAN, and various institutions of adult education to further our movement of public Waldorf Education. It is my honor to serve my MG families and our JS community. I see this year as a year of healing, compassion, joy, and growth for all of our community. I strive to protect childhood, listen, walk peacefully and be present." Miss Hellene brings over two decades of teaching experience. She has taught parent-tot classes through college graduate level classes. Throughout her career, Miss Hellene has learned to cultivate joy, love, and reverence in her classroom like seeds in a garden. Miss Hellene continues to draw strength in teaching by building exceptional "community" with parents and colleagues. In addition to extensive teaching experience, Miss Hellene is a life-long learner who possesses the following degrees and credentials: BS in Psychology, MA/ABD in Clinical Psychology, MA in Waldorf Education, Waldorf Certification, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a School Psychologist Credential. Prior to teaching, she was a District School Psychologist in Carlsbad for 13 years. She was drawn to teaching and Waldorf Education when her first of three children were born. She has homeschooled her own children as well as others, participated in an Independent Waldorf School initiative and now strives through the Charter movement to bring Waldorf education to all children. She currently serves as a mentor at Journey School. In addition, she teaches at Rudolf Steiner College in the Hybrid Program for public teachers as an early childhood leader as well as Grades 1 & 2 cohort leader. She is fortunate to share the enormous transition with teachers and parents from the home-like environment of Kindergarten to Grade One. This is indeed one of the child's largest transitions in his/her school career. Miss Hellene believes that Waldorf Education is needed now more then ever as an antidote for the media-technological age that today's children are bombarded and immersed within. One of her goals is to protect the early years of childhood and preserve and foster the inner development of the child. This allows for the possibility of unlimited capacities including: creativity, critical thinking, multi-level development of intelligence, social consciousness, healthy interpersonal relationships and a well-rounded, emotionally-grounded human being.

Janet Gates

Job Titles:
  • IT Manager & Annual Giving
  • Math Support & Testing Coordinator

Jeannie Lee

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Teacher, Writer
Jeannie Lee is a teacher, writer, naturalist, and mother who has an abiding love of children and the outdoors. Happily, she has found that the two of them go together exceptionally well in a Waldorf curriculum where the goal is not so much an accumulation of information and facts, but the development of a healthy, happy, well-rounded person who knows his or her own mind and heart. She has taught students and teachers alike for over twenty years, including eight years teaching English, Algebra, and science in middle school. She has also worked training public school teachers to effectively convey information in the classroom. She has also led outdoor programs as varied as month-long bike tours across France to cross-country skiing in Sequoia National Park. Her education and credentials include a BA. In English Literature from McGill University, an MA in Art Theory and Criticism from Art Center of Pasadena, a Multiple Subject Credential, a Single Subject Credential in English from Chapman, and she is currently enrolled in the Waldorf Teacher Training Program at the Waldorf School of Orange County. Both of her own children were partially home-schooled with a Waldorf-inspired curriculum and she organized and led a Waldorf weekly playgroup for nearly three years. For the last four years, she has worked at Earthroots Field School as Director of Programs and a weekly Lead Instructor. She created and developed their Forest Kindergarten program and will continue leading the Family Backpacking Training series on the weekends. Mrs. Lee lives in Laguna Niguel with her son, Christian who is attending Journey School, and her husband, Chad. Her daughter, Bella, recently graduated from UCLA and is currently working in San Francisco. Jeannie Lee is a proud member of the Journey School faculty. She is a teacher, writer, naturalist, and mother who has an abiding love of children and the outdoors. She has taught students and teachers alike for over twenty years, including eight years teaching English, Algebra, and science in middle school. She has also worked training public school teachers to effectively convey information in the classroom. Her education and credentials include a BA. In English Literature from McGill University, an MA in Art Theory and Criticism from Art Center of Pasadena, a Multiple Subject Credential, a Single Subject Credential in English from Chapman, and has completed the Waldorf Teacher Training Program at the Waldorf School of Orange County.

Jennifer Tarr

Mrs. Tarr has a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Education from UC Santa Cruz. She also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and M.A. in Digital Teaching and Learning from Azusa Pacific University. Mrs. Tarr has worked with children as an educator for more than six years. This is her third year as a Main Class Teacher for Journey School. Mrs. Tarr is especially passionate about environmental education and equipping students with 21st century skills. She is grateful for teaching such a talented and close group of students. Outside of school, Mrs. Tarr enjoys spending time with her husband Robert and her German Shepherd Mix puppy, Marley.

Jill Murphy

Ms. Murphy, or Miss Jill, as the students call her, has been at Journey since its inception and is thrilled to lead the Snapdragon Class. For her, the children are a gift and the classroom is a place of wonder, surprise, and reward: "Nothing is taken for granted. These young ones have much to teach the rest of us. They are so close to purity that everything in life is good. For instance, the leprechauns truly did make mischief in the classroom on St. Patrick's Day. And, the stones at the park really are special gems-just as that gravel road is actually a golden pathway. These ‘little things' mean so much to the children because their imagination and hearts are engaged in all they do. It is an honor to protect their childhood as we prepare the students for the grades." Each year, Ms. Murphy enjoys welcoming new children and building strong bridges with parents. She feels there is so much positive engagement in the Early Childhood Department and she loves how her parents come together: "My parents have bonded beautifully. I love being there as they begin their journey with Journey. I have lots of anticipation for what will come next year. Ms. Elisbeth and I have learned so much about what works and how we can do even more. I am excited and inspired." Ms. Murphy's life has always revolved around education. Her father was a teacher, her mother drove a school bus, and as the youngest of three children she had a natural love of learning. Over the years, many inspirational teachers, especially Mrs. Seivers of San Clemente, ignited her desire to teach. She first launched her educational career as an aide in Kindergarten while still in high school. She also worked in several preschools as well as the medical field. These experiences planted in Ms. Murphy an intuitive understanding of what the young child needs. Ms. Murphy also served as Main Class Teacher in the grades, which provides a clear picture of ‘what lies ahead' beyond Kindergarten. As an undergraduate, Ms. Murphy was a History major at UC Irvine. She is also in possession of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU Fullerton as well as a Master's Degree and Waldorf Certification from Rudolf Steiner College. Ms. Murphy is the proud mother of three strong Irish young men. She loves spending time at the ocean with the boys when she's not involved in school.

Joshua Crawford

Job Titles:
  • Member of Journey 's Compassionate Campus Team
Joshua has been around woodworking all of his life, starting in his earliest years watching his father in his trade as a master carpenter. Having a natural knack for working with wood, Joshua enjoys sharing his love for woodcraft with his students and helping them appreciate the sources in nature that the materials come from. He has a strong connection with the outdoors and shares that with the children he works with. Joshua is a member of Journey's Compassionate Campus Team, working with students in our Will Work program. He also has extensive experience in the studies of meditation and mindfulness practices and brings that experience to his interaction with the students. Joshua feels that he has found a real home at Journey School and enjoys connecting with the children in their daily lives.

Katie Blacker

Prior to signing on at Journey School, Katie Black served as a sixth grade teacher at St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel. Teaching has always been a passion for her. Before St Anne, she worked as a junior lifeguard instructor for five years at Strands Beach in Dana Point. She was also an instructional assistant in a special eduction classroom at Woodbridge High School in Irvine. She says, "I know that Journey School promises to be like nothing I have ever experienced before personally or professionally, so I am very excited to be diving into this next chapter of my life with all of you. Since being hired, I have loved learning about the Waldorf method and all the fascinating opportunities it can provide the students from an educational standpoint. I look forward to sharing this journey (pun intended) with you all."

Kelly Larson

Kelly Larson grew up in Riverside, California, riding her horse through orange groves, running through the fields with her younger brothers, and teaching younger children how to swim. Ms. Larson loves music, singing, bike riding, scuba diving, traveling, and theater. For the past 23 years, Ms. Larson lived in Minnesota experiencing seasons, performing at the Renaissance Festival, and growing as an educator. Mrs. Larson has taught in a variety of schools for 25 years. Among her academic achievements are a BA from CSU San Bernardino, a BS in Elementary Education from University of Minnesota, a Middle School Teaching Certificate from Hamline University, a Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary's University, a Waldorf Certification from Arcturis in Chicago, various Waldorf training and conferences, and level one training in Orton-Gillingham-a tutoring phonics program. Mrs. Larson served as a public school teacher in California and Minnesota for 13 years, as an adjunct professor for St. Mary's Master of Education program for 9 years, and for the past 12 years she taught at City of Lakes Waldorf School where she graduated two classes-the first class starting in 7th grade and the second class for an entire eight year journey. As Ms. Larson concluded her second year with her newest group of students, she made the difficult decision to say goodbye to her rising third graders and return to California to be closer to her family. "Through the years, I have cultivated many beliefs about education. I believe each child is an individual to be recognized and cherished and that it is my responsibility to provide an educational setting which allows them to explore and grow their physical, creative, emotional, and intellectual selves. I strive to awaken feelings of responsibility, respect, humor, and reverence while providing a source of strong community. My strength as a teacher tends towards developing a healthy relaxed social environment that allows children to learn and grow. "I am inspired by the possibilities a Waldorf education provides young people. I have found that the foundations of the Waldorf curriculum meet the growing child with creativity, imagination, and precision for what they are experiencing in the moment. Waldorf curriculum has the potential to develop-within each child- the skills and knowledge children need to become world citizens in the society of their future. It is a healthy, beautiful, educational journey; one I am proud to have the opportunity to share with you and your child."

Larry Tamayo

Job Titles:
  • Financial / Business
Mr. Tamayo works with ExED, a non- profit provider of business services for charter schools in Southern California. He oversees the business operations for San Diego and Orange County charter school clients, which includes supervising finances, payroll, human resources, compliance, and general operations. Prior to leading ExED's San Diego office, Mr. Tamayo was the School Development Coordinator and a Compliance Analyst in ExED's Los Angeles office. He previously worked as a program coordinator at the Atlantic Community Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Tamayo earned an M.A. in public policy at the University of California, Los Angeles and a B.A. in criminology, law and society at the University of California, Irvine.

Lindsey LaFleur

Job Titles:
  • Middle School Academic Specialist

Melissa Dahlin - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
Melissa Dahlin is a doctoral student in Education at the University of California, Irvine. She brings a strong background in early childhood education policy analysis, program evaluation, and early childhood instructional practices. Her research interests include early childhood education policy and the role of educators and families in supporting young children's math development. Before starting her doctoral studies, Melissa was an Associate Project Director at Education Development Center. Her portfolio included the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) and several international education development projects. Previously, she was a program assistant at The Finance Project, where she conducted research and produced reports and tools for policy makers, and an intern at The Children's Defense Fund, where she supported research to inform policy on full-day kindergarten. She also volunteered for three years as a coordinator an infant/toddler play group through the Homeless Children's Playtime Project. Before Melissa began her work in policy, she taught children ages two to five as a preschool teacher in Taiwan. She is a board member for the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children. In all of her professional endeavors, Melissa has been guided by a deep commitment to ensuring that all young children and families can access the resources and support they need to thrive. She holds a B.A. in History from University of California, Irvine and an M.A. in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Michael Allbee - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer
Michael Allbee, CFP® is a Principal at Benefit Financial Services Group (BFSG), a local Registered Investment Advisor. He helps individuals, couples, and families work towards successfully managing investments, taxes, retirement, and college planning. Michael is a member of the Investment Committee. He is also BFSG's Chief Compliance Officer, ensuring that the firm is in compliance with all government regulations. Michael's main responsibilities include managing and monitoring client portfolios, researching and monitoring investments, and building financial plans with clients. He has been with BFSG since 2007. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and is a notary public. When not working with clients, Michael can be found having fun playing sports with his two sons (both current Journey students), traveling with his wife and family enjoying new experiences, and helping others through volunteer service.

Mrs. Julia Cameron

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member
Mrs. Julia Cameron has served as a Journey School staff member for more than 10 years. In her earliest years at Journey, Julia worked as a Kindergarten Assistant, and during that time, Mrs. Cameron introduced "The Zoo," a sensory integration program for childhood development, to all four of Journey's kindergarten classes. As a Main Class Teacher, Mrs. Cameron graduated her first 8th grade class in 2021, after having served the class since first grade. She is now proud to once again serve as Main Class Teacher to this year's first grade class. Mrs. Cameron holds a BA degree in Biology from the University of Hawaii and also a California Teaching Credential. Mrs. Cameron's Waldorf Certificate in Child Development is from the Rudolph Steiner College in Sacramento, California. Mrs. Cameron's teaching philosophy is focused on creating an environment that fosters a child's love for learning in the classroom and teaching environment through movement, creative arts and imaginative story telling. Julia goes to great lengths to make sure each child's experience is enjoyable and fun. Mrs. Cameron is married and has three children who have all attended Journey School. Mrs. Cameron enjoys the outdoors and frequents Doheny Beach surfing with family and friends. In her spare time, she also serves as a Fitness Instructor for women and mothers. Mrs. Cameron attends Yoga and loves to travel, especially to her homeland, Saipan, a U.S. Territory in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.

Peter Kelley

Job Titles:
  • Digital Media Literacy

Rachel Verbeek

Job Titles:
  • Music

Shelley Kelley

Job Titles:
  • Education Director
  • Journey 's Education Director
, coaches main lesson and specialty teachers on a daily basis to ensure educational excellence for every student. Mrs. Kelley observes all classes on a regularly basis-providing specific and timely instructional feedback to every teacher. The Education Director also focuses attention on Compassionate Campus (which includes civics classes and disciplinary pathways), Eco-literacy, and Special Education improvements. Mrs. Kelley joined the Journey Faculty in 2011 and feels it is a great honor to lead as an Education Director. Before teaching at Journey School, Ms. Kelley was an educator for 12 years after completing undergraduate studies in philosophy at the University of Portland. She then went on to earn a Master's Degree and Teaching Credential from Lewis and Clark. Ms. Kelley also possesses a Teacher Certification in Waldorf Education. In 2014, Mrs. Kelley was honored by The Wyland Foundation, Toyota, and KCBS2/KCAL9 as an "Earth Month Hero." She was one of only five Southern California teachers selected for inspiring students through environmental education.

Stacy Kinney

Stacy Kinney is originally from Northwest Illinois where she lived most of her life and taught sixth grade in a public school for 21 years. She earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in elementary education with endorsements in mathematics and social sciences. She holds a master's degree in curriculum & instruction from National Louis University. Additionally, she earned National Board Certification as a middle childhood generalist (ages 7-12). Since coming to California, she secured her Multiple subject teaching credential. Ms. Kinney's first year at Journey was spent working as the middle school interventionist where she taught eighth grade math second semester and two blocks of sixth grade business math. She worked with students in sixth through eighth grades on a daily basis. "I love the sense of community of Journey and feel lucky to be part of it," she says. "Outside of school, I enjoy going to the beach with my two dogs, Daisy & Blue, riding my bike, reading, spending time with friends and family and exploring all the amazing parks in the area!"

Suzanna Bortz

Job Titles:
  • Student Support Team

Viviene Benjamin

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist