“The opportunity to work in a small boarding school environment like Besant Hill allows for adults to be more than just teachers. We can truly support and help guide students as they navigate the whole school experience, develop a firm understanding of themselves, and become their own advocates in and out of the classroom.”
Peter Asaro
Director of Student and Residential Life
Credentials
The College of William & Mary
“The opportunity to work in a small boarding school environment like Besant Hill allows for adults to be more than just teachers. We can truly support and help guide students as they navigate the whole school experience, develop a firm understanding of themselves, and become their own advocates in and out of the classroom.”
Director of Student and Residential Life
Credentials
The College of William & Mary
Anna Bennett
History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE
“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”
“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”
History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE
“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”
Tom Bennett
English & Philosophy Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”
English & Philosophy Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
Jessie Brumfiel
Director of College Counseling
Credentials
University of Hawaii, M.Ed.
Stanford University, B.A.
“At Besant Hill, each student is encouraged to pursue their highest potential as individuals, and asked to contribute to a diverse community with a selfless spirit. This is excellent preparation for success in college and life.”
“At Besant Hill, each student is encouraged to pursue their highest potential as individuals, and asked to contribute to a diverse community with a selfless spirit. This is excellent preparation for success in college and life.”
Director of College Counseling
Credentials
University of Hawaii, M.Ed.
Stanford University, B.A.
“I love the fact that we actually live our motto; Aún Aprendo is in everything we do with our entire community. We encourage each other to try new things, and mistakes are never failures, because we are all still learning.”
Dan Call
Performing Arts and Music Teacher
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Cleveland State University, M.M.
Lake Erie College, B.F.A.
“I love the fact that we actually live our motto; Aún Aprendo is in everything we do with our entire community. We encourage each other to try new things, and mistakes are never failures, because we are all still learning.”
Performing Arts and Music Teacher
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Cleveland State University, M.M.
Lake Erie College, B.F.A.
Edward Carr
Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Washington University in St. Louis, MBA
“I’ve always considered music an opportunity to check one’s troubles at the door, be immersed in the moment, then emerge refreshed, and with new perspective. It’s my goal as a teacher of music to provide students with the skills to avail themselves of the opportunity to reproduce this experience for a lifetime of artistic fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy.”
“I’ve always considered music an opportunity to check one’s troubles at the door, be immersed in the moment, then emerge refreshed, and with new perspective. It’s my goal as a teacher of music to provide students with the skills to avail themselves of the opportunity to reproduce this experience for a lifetime of artistic fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy.”
Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Washington University in St. Louis, MBA
“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”
Sally Chung
Arts Chair
Studio Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.
“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”
Arts Chair
Studio Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.
Kenny Dennie
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Pomona College, B.A.
“I believe that truth can only be realized when there is a community of people actively pursuing it. That is why I am so happy to be a part of the Besant Hill community full of growth-minded individuals who live up to the motto 'Aún Aprendo.' ”
“I believe that truth can only be realized when there is a community of people actively pursuing it. That is why I am so happy to be a part of the Besant Hill community full of growth-minded individuals who live up to the motto 'Aún Aprendo.' ”
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Pomona College, B.A.
“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”
Richard Ellwood
“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”
K. Aimée Fuller
Director of Health Services
Credentials
University of San Diego, San Diego, Ph.D.
Saint Xavier University, Chicago, M.S.N.-Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.S.N.
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.A.
Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein
Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein
Director of Health Services
Credentials
University of San Diego, San Diego, Ph.D.
Saint Xavier University, Chicago, M.S.N.-Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.S.N.
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, B.A.
“The Health and Safety of each person in the Besant Hill School community is our primary responsibility and we take this very seriously. A healthy community fosters lifelong learning, the building of relationships, and an overall sense of well-being. I am truly blessed to be a part of this very special place.”
Cindy Gagnon
Health Services Advisor
Credentials
California State University, Sonoma, B.S.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
“The Health and Safety of each person in the Besant Hill School community is our primary responsibility and we take this very seriously. A healthy community fosters lifelong learning, the building of relationships, and an overall sense of well-being. I am truly blessed to be a part of this very special place.”
Health Services Advisor
Credentials
California State University, Sonoma, B.S.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
Néstor Gerónimo Morales
Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”
“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”
Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
“As an educator, my goal, whether in the classroom, dormitory, or athletic field is to create and environment that encourages and supports each individual as they grow and pursue their unique goals. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love or at least an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.”
Karen Haldeman
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.A.
“As an educator, my goal, whether in the classroom, dormitory, or athletic field is to create and environment that encourages and supports each individual as they grow and pursue their unique goals. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love or at least an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.”
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.A.
Nicole Hawkins
Digital Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.
“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”
“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”
Digital Arts Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.
“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”
Portia Johnson
Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000
“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”
Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000
Farrah Khan
Director of Instructional Support
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A.
Occidental College, B.A.
Director of Instructional Support
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A.
Occidental College, B.A.
“Work hard, study hard, and have fun while you do it.”
Luther Killebrew
ESL and History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Hawaii Loa College, B.A
Temple University, M.Ed.
“Work hard, study hard, and have fun while you do it.”
ESL and History Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Hawaii Loa College, B.A
Temple University, M.Ed.
Claire Lowndes
Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Pepperdine University, MS.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE
“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”
“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”
Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Pepperdine University, MS.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE
“My educational philosophy is closely aligned with Besant Hill School’s motto, 'Aun Aprendo – I am still learning.' As an educator, it is a primary responsibility to inspire my students so that they may subscribe to the words of Michelangelo, 'Grant that I may always aspire to more than I accomplish.' ”
Chris Maddalone
Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Long Island University, MS.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.
“My educational philosophy is closely aligned with Besant Hill School’s motto, 'Aun Aprendo – I am still learning.' As an educator, it is a primary responsibility to inspire my students so that they may subscribe to the words of Michelangelo, 'Grant that I may always aspire to more than I accomplish.' ”
Math and Science Chair
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Long Island University, MS.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.
Brian McColgan
Director of Sustainability
Environmental Science & Botany Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Training
“I really appreciate that Besant Hill is a safe and supporting environment to follow one’s passions, as well as discover new ones.”
“I really appreciate that Besant Hill is a safe and supporting environment to follow one’s passions, as well as discover new ones.”
Director of Sustainability
Environmental Science & Botany Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Training
“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”
Michaela Peters
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.
“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.
Leah Sellers
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”
“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”
Mary Spence
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.
“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.
Aaron Tello
Marketing & Design Coordinator
Credentials
California State University, Channel Islands, B.A.
“As an Ojai native, I truly believe Besant Hill is a magical place. It's one of those schools where you can feel the kindness and passion from the teachers and faculty."
“As an Ojai native, I truly believe Besant Hill is a magical place. It's one of those schools where you can feel the kindness and passion from the teachers and faculty."
Marketing & Design Coordinator
Credentials
California State University, Channel Islands, B.A.
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
contact@besanthill.org
Tel: (805) 646-4343
Fax: (805) 646-4371