Juana Juarez
Director of Dining Services
Tel: (805) 646 4343 Ext 444

Dining Services


Year Appointed: 2005






Juana grew up in Mexico. She studied Sociology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, and later moved to San Francisco to attend the Tante Marie’s Cooking School. Following her passion for cooking, she continued her training in the culinary arts at Marilau Cooking School in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and then at The Cooking School in Cuernavaca, Mexico. She later became a Certified Chef through the American Culinary Federation and opened an Italian restaurant in San Diego, CA.

Juana discovered Besant Hills School (then, Happy Valley School) when she was traveling through Ojai in 1992. When her two children enrolled at the school, she found out they were hiring… and seventeen years later, she is still enjoying preparing meals for the kids at BHS.

Juana’s mission at Besant Hill is to help further the school’s goal of becoming a leader in the idea of a sustainable existence, and to encourage students to become more involved in their daily culinary decisions, preparation and education. She loves the personal approach and "family feel" of the BHS community. As she puts it, "The children at the school have always been my inspiration. When events or situations in my life weigh me down it is always a kind word or gentle smile from the students that brings me back. I will always appreciate the warmth and light of the students of BHS."