“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 Instructional Support
Residential Faculty
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 Instructional Support
Residential Faculty
Credentials
The College of William & Mary
Tom Bennett
English Teacher
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."”
“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 Teacher
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
“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
Arts Chair
Performing Arts 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.”
Arts Chair
Performing Arts Teacher
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Cleveland State University, M.M.
Lake Erie College, B.F.A.
Sally Chung
Studio Arts Teacher
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.”
“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”
Studio Arts Teacher
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.
“In other schools students often have to pick what interest will be the focus of their energies, but through our inclusive environment, creative scheduling, and offerings inside and outside of class, students can truly explore multiple passions deeply here at Besant Hill School.”
Dave Cosby
Music Chair
Musical Arts Teacher
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Rutgers University, B.M.
University of Virginia, M.M.
“In other schools students often have to pick what interest will be the focus of their energies, but through our inclusive environment, creative scheduling, and offerings inside and outside of class, students can truly explore multiple passions deeply here at Besant Hill School.”
Music Chair
Musical Arts Teacher
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Rutgers University, B.M.
University of Virginia, M.M.
Kenny Dennie
“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.' ”
“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.”
Cindy Gagnon
Director of Health Services
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.”
“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.”
Director of Health Services
Credentials
California State University, Sonoma, B.S.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
“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.”
Néstor Gerónimo Morales
Humanities Chair
Spanish Teacher
Weight Lifting 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.”
Humanities Chair
Spanish Teacher
Weight Lifting Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
Karen Haldeman
Math Teacher
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.”
“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
Credentials
University of California, San Diego, B.A.
University of Colorado, Denver, M.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.”
Nicole Hawkins
Digital Arts Teacher
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.”
Digital Arts Teacher
Credentials
Tulane University, MFA
Brigham Young University, B.A.
Doug Jessup
Director of College Counseling
ISP Teacher
Soccer Coach
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Harvard University, Ed.M.
Amherst College, B.A.
“The heart and soul of the Besant Hill experience is the immeasurable quality and depth of interpersonal connectedness that is fostered and forged between and amongst students, faculty, and staff.”
“The heart and soul of the Besant Hill experience is the immeasurable quality and depth of interpersonal connectedness that is fostered and forged between and amongst students, faculty, and staff.”
Director of College Counseling
ISP Teacher
Soccer Coach
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Harvard University, Ed.M.
Amherst College, 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
Julianna Lamb
Social Sciences Teacher
Aquatics Coach
Swim Team Coach
Residential Swim Faculty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
California State University, Fullerton, M.A.
“History is centered around critical thinking, synthesizing knowledge, and understanding perspective. In the history classroom we get to become detectives and discover how and why others lived the way they did in the past. We are constantly living out Aún Aprendo.”
“History is centered around critical thinking, synthesizing knowledge, and understanding perspective. In the history classroom we get to become detectives and discover how and why others lived the way they did in the past. We are constantly living out Aún Aprendo.”
Social Sciences Teacher
Aquatics Coach
Swim Team Coach
Residential Swim Faculty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
California State University, Fullerton, M.A.
“Students exploring and developing their passions in a community that values and respects the individual has made my thirty years at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley a truly remarkable journey.”
Tina Leslie
International Alumni Liaison
ESL Instructor
Instructional Support Teacher
Credentials
University of California, Santa Barbara, TESOL Cert
Teaching Cred
California State University, Northridge, M.A.
California State University, Chico, B.S.
“Students exploring and developing their passions in a community that values and respects the individual has made my thirty years at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley a truly remarkable journey.”
International Alumni Liaison
ESL Instructor
Instructional Support Teacher
Credentials
University of California, Santa Barbara, TESOL Cert
Teaching Cred
California State University, Northridge, M.A.
California State University, Chico, B.S.
Claire Lowndes
Director of Academics
Studio Arts Teacher
Residential Faculty
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
Residential Faculty
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
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
Credentials
Long Island University, MS.Ed.
Boston College, B.A.
Brian McColgan
Director of Sustainability
Instructional Support Teacher
Aquatics Coach
Residential Faculty
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
Instructional Support Teacher
Aquatics Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Polytechnic State University, B.S.
College of Santa Fe, Training
“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.”
Leah Sellers
Athletic Director
Dance Instructor
Residential Faculty
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.”
Athletic Director
Dance Instructor
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
Mary Spence
English Teacher
Cross Country Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of Arts, BFA
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, MA
“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.”
“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
Cross Country Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of Arts, BFA
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, MA
“What I love the most about Besant is the ability of the community to welcome, embrace, and support people no matter where they are coming from.”
Francois Tchoyi
French Teacher
Social Science Teacher
Boys Basketball Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Cal Poly Pomona, BA
Besant Hill School, 2011
“What I love the most about Besant is the ability of the community to welcome, embrace, and support people no matter where they are coming from.”
French Teacher
Social Science Teacher
Boys Basketball Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Cal Poly Pomona, BA
Besant Hill School, 2011
Megan Walton
Assistant Head of School
Dean of Students
Residential Administrator on Duty
Social Science Teacher
Credentials
Concordia University, MA Ed.
John Carroll University, BA
“The strength and the uniqueness of Besant Hill school come from the community. Everyone who lives and works here plays a vital role in the wellbeing and the growth of the community. What I love the most about Besant is the ability of the community to welcome, embrace, and support people no matter where they are coming from.”
“The strength and the uniqueness of Besant Hill school come from the community. Everyone who lives and works here plays a vital role in the wellbeing and the growth of the community. What I love the most about Besant is the ability of the community to welcome, embrace, and support people no matter where they are coming from.”
Assistant Head of School
Dean of Students
Residential Administrator on Duty
Social Science Teacher
Credentials
Concordia University, MA Ed.
John Carroll University, BA
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