In progressive education, an informed and engaged community is key. CCS is lucky to have dedicated staff and faculty to guide children on their educational paths.
TEACHERS
errick clements
Woodwind player and music producer
Does not like cold weather
Fan of Jason Bourne, Raymond Reddington, and Ferris Bueller
DEBORAH KAPLAN
MA in Teaching, Administrative MA in Early Child Education
The beach and mountains are her playgrounds
Loves spending time with her kids, gardening, and making plant-based meals
Holly lash
Senior Lead Teacher and Faculty Support Coordinator
MA in Education (Leadership and Social Change)
Harriet from Harriet the Spy is her muse
Dreams of being able to kayak every day with a dog in the jump seat
Brandi mcpherson
BA in Fine Arts, Multi Subject Teaching Credential
Alumni Parent
Avid reader and runner
laura marquez
BA in Elementary Education
Taught in Taiwan and studied in Barcelona
Favorite day includes hiking to the beach and meditating
ASSOCIATE TEACHERS
Berlin emerson
BA in Restaurant Management, BA in Liberal Studies, MA in Education, Teaching Credential
Sushi chef and cake decorator
Happiness is a book and spicy chai tea
clay hazelwood
BFA in Theater, MFA Critical Studies, Creative Writing
Worked in the Arctic Circle
Aspiring banjo player
anthonia ibrahim
Lover of period dramas
Would rather be at a concert
On the hunt for the best Hokkaido milk tea in LA
REA NORBERTE
BA in Psychology, MA in Elementary Education
Loves discovering new music and food spots
Happiest when reading on the beach with my dog
Brittney johnson
Avid cartoon watcher (SpongeBob forever)
Adventurous dining companion
Realized that the kids are right about video games
Lynn Kuratomi
English major, certifications in yoga and mindfulness
Extensive training in learning differences and student support
Completed 13 LA Marathons
SPECIALISTS
Seth drenner
Visual Art/Print Shop
12 years at CCS
20 years as a teacher
B.A., Uni. of Northern Iowa
B.F.A., Art Center College
Dalida Haytayan
Dance/Movement
BA in Contemporary Dance from Istanbul State Conservatory of Dance
Member of Yoga Alliance with RYT 500
Speaks three languages
Juan langarica
Physical Fitness and Student Support
Full time learner and educator
Is secretly fond of the Arts and Economics
Believes that “you don’t have to, you get to”
Katie thomas
Librarian
Masters in Information Science from UT Austin “Hook ‘em”
Credentialed Teacher Librarian
Always considering learning how to roller disco
Aaron williams
Music
YouTube Sensation
You can find him making music with piano, voice, percussion, recorder, tap dance, and live looping
chris wright
Science, Technology, Environmental Stewardship, and Math
BA in Biochemistry; MA in Science Education
Childhood role model was George Washington Carver
When not collecting crystals, he’s writing fiction
CONSULTANTS
Lisa brauer, MFT
Social Emotional Learning
3 years at CCS
35 years as a Child Development Specialist
Aubrey kliaman
Child Development
2 years at CCS
20 years as a Child Development Specialist
monique marshall
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2 years at CCS
30 years as anti-bias/anti-racist educator
ADMINISTRATION
andrea blanco
Chief Financial Officer
9 years at CCS
B.S., UC Riverside
M.B.A., Plymouth State University
Carmen Blankenship
Accounting Coordinator and Administrative Support
1st year at CCS
B.S., Purdue University Global
berta de leon
Administrative Coordinator & Assistant to Head of School
22 years at CCS
Kalea dunkleman
Director of Advancement & Admissions
3 years at CCS
B.A., Boston College
carlos garcia
Maintenance/ Security
22 years at CCS
B.S., University of El Salvador
SARAh golding
Curriculum & Student Support Coordinator
8 years at CCS
B.A., Bryn Mawr
M.A. and Multi Subject Teaching Credential, USC
Lindsey young
Director of Teaching and Learning
13 years at CCS
14 years as a teacher
B.A., USC
M.S., Bank Street College
Jaslin gomez
Auxiliary Program Site Coordinator
3 years at CCS
george nersisyan
Director of Facilities and Parent Engagement
15 years at CCS
B.A., CSUN
Experience how children thrive when given options for their creativity.