Our Team
Our team of dedicated teachers is passionate about nurturing children’s education through the wonder of nature!
Every child has the right to play, to explore, and to grow in connection with the boundless beauty of nature, where curiosity and creativity bloom.
Shannon O'Donoghue | Founder & Executive Director
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Education
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Education
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Education
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Certification
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Certification
An Early Intervention Specialist, Shannon believes learning isn't just measured by simple outcomes, but by the "process" in which learning is retained. Her desire to foster her students' innate love and curiosity for the world led to the founding of The Native School.
Amber Dassow | Administrative Director​
An eternal optimist, Amber believes in lifting spirits through knowledge. She holds multiple business degrees and is experienced in operations management. As a Licensed Foster Parent and Youth Mentor for over 7 years, Amber believes that children should have a solid foundation rooted in outdoor learning, gaining an innate ability to enjoy the beauty of life.
Carlsbad Team
Jennifer Kloeppel | Program Director
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Teaching Credential in K-8
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Wilderness First Aid Certified
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ESL Teaching Certification
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READ ACT Designation Certification
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Expeditionary Learning Charter Certification
Jennifer graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University where she received her teaching credential in K-8. She has spent the last several years in Denver teaching Kindergarten at an Expeditionary Learning/Forest School. She is Wilderness First Aid Certified, has a certification in teaching English as a Second Language, and Has spent her entire teaching career teaching in a Forest School setting and training teachers to dive fully into outdoor education.
She loves getting kids outside to explore nature, wander, and watch their creativity and curiosity come to life. She loves camping, hiking, playing in the ocean with her kids, and teaching kids to move curiously through the outdoors. Teaching students to read and listening to them is one of her most favorite things. In her free time you can find her with her three kids at the beach, in a garden, or on a trail. She also runs a nonprofit called The Dignity Project.
Rose Peterson | Forest K. Lead Teacher & Instructional Specialist
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K-8 Teaching Credential
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Depth of Study in Sociology
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CPR/First Aid Certified
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Orton Gillingham Trained
Rose is a certificated K-8 teacher trained in Orton Gillingham methods. Her knowledge of teaching methodology combined with a love of the natural world helps her plan educational opportunities that are mindful of both. She is passionate about giving students the tools they need for success while still creating space for wonder, laughter and play. She has been a Lead Forest Kindergarten Teacher for 5 years at the Native School, as well as taking on the roles of Kindergarten Supervisor and also Instructional Specialist as well.
Abbey Fox | Pedagogista
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Bachelor's degree: Elementary Education
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Texas Standard Teaching Certificate for Early Childhood through Grade 6
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Louisiana Elementary Education Certification
Abbey Fox grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where she was homeschooled with her siblings from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana College in 2018.
Since graduation, Abbey has taught in various educational settings, discovering her passion and purpose in teaching. She has taught core subjects to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in Louisiana public schools before transitioning to an art education role in a Texas charter school for K-7th grade students. Abbey also worked for a worldwide art curriculum company, developing resources for both parents and teachers. Through her diverse experiences, she has come to believe that nature is a guiding light for children and an essential component of their education.
As a pedagogista at The Native School, Abbey supports teachers and families by creating engaging learning environments, guiding educators in effective practices, and promoting child development through play-based learning approaches.
Phoebe Hupé | Administration Assistant
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Associates in Math and Science Education
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Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
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Time Management and Productivity Certification
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As the Administrative Assistant, Phoebe has been honored to contribute to the school’s community over the past three years, beginning her journey in one of the Piccola classrooms. This experience provided her with profound insights into the art of differentiated instruction and allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative impact of an outdoor learning environment on students' development. Phoebe is deeply passionate about fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community dedicated to supporting families and children in meaningful and impactful ways. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys practicing yoga and immersing herself in nature through hiking.
Jessie Faltinsky | Piccola Co-Teacher
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BA in Communication
A graduate of the University of Southern California with a BA in Communication and former children’s ski instructor, Jessie values making meaningful connections with the people and nature that surround her. After gaining experience teaching in a traditional classroom setting, Jessie’s passion for outdoor learning began about when she had the chance to spend a summer in Germany working at a children’s wilderness camp. From there, Jessie spent time in Colorado and Australia as a ski instructor to kids aged 3-14. As a teacher, Jessie believes in cultivating an empowering environment that fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a love for learning. In her free time, Jessie loves to explore the beaches and attend vintage clothing markets!
Andrea Baca | Lead Forest K. Teacher & Pedagogista
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AA in Childhood Development
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BS in Aquatic Biology with a minor in K-8 Science and Mathematics Education
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CPR
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First Aid
Originally on the path to becoming a scientist with a BS in Aquatic Biology, Andrea realized her affinity for teaching and pursued a minor in K-8 Science & Math Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She continued teaching various ages abroad and at home, ultimately deciding she belonged in classrooms with young children and obtained an AA in Childhood Development. Her goal is to inspire and contribute to student's interest in the natural world that surrounds us, starting in early childhood. She continues professional development by attending NAREA Conferences and brings a unique blend of specialized knowledge to The Native School. Andrea has been a part of the Native School for 4 years and takes on the role of a Pedagogista in addition to Lead Teacher.
Katie Sagastume | Forest K. Co-Teacher
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Associate Teacher's Certificate
Katie is excited to begin her second year teaching at The Native School! She studied Early Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College where she obtained her Associate Teacher Certificate. She has worked for many years in preschool and childcare. She has a passion for guiding children in creative process art and nature exploration! When she’s not teaching, she loves spending time with her husband and four kids, especially at the beach.
Riley Dunn | Piccola Co-Teacher
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B.A. in Sociology
Originally from Delaware, Riley graduated from Flagler College with a B.A. in Sociology with a focus on social institutions and social change. While Riley has always enjoyed working with children through nannying, her passion for teaching began when her studies led her to Salamanca, Spain where she was presented with the opportunity to teach at an English school. During her time teaching both children and adults, she found herself inspired by the intuitively curious spirits of her students aged 3-6. Riley finds joy in witnessing her students’ curious nature and seeks to nurture that child-like curiosity in all that she does. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her immersed in nature, practicing yoga, or climbing.
Vista Team
Savannah Southward | Piccola Co-Teacher
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Education
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Education
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Education
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Certification
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Certification
After high school, Savannah worked as a pre-k teacher for 4 years. While doing so she has been working towards her BA in Child Development and has enjoyed every minute of it! If she’s not working with the kiddos then you can find her reading a book, spending time outside, or volunteering at church. She looks forward to this journey with your little ones using different techniques, strategies, and environments.
Jessica Romero | Forest K. Co-Teacher
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Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis in Education
Jess earned a Bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Education from Portland State University, fueling her passion for teaching and dedication to fostering childhood development through creative practices. Her outdoor experience and background in art direction equip her with unique skills to engage young minds and inspire curiosity. Jess is committed to creating environments where children can explore, learn, and grow continuously. Her goal is to nurture educational experiences that ignite a lifelong love for learning in every child.
Mr. Aezana Nora | Forest K. Co-Teacher
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Education
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Education
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Education
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Certification
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Certification
Aezana Nora (Mr. Z) is a fun, open minded teacher who brings an instrument with him wherever he goes. With a decade of experience in nature based early childhood education, his patient teaching style and energetic spirit allow for children to open into their own uniqueness. In his personal time, Aezana spends much of it barefoot in nature, creating art like painting and sewing, and deepening his Yoga practice.
Del Mar Team
Nikki Crockett | Lead Forest K. Teacher
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BA from The University Of Rhode Island in Elementary Education
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K-6 Teaching Credential
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Minor in Spanish
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Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
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Certified Orton Gillingham Reading Specialist
Nikki graduated from the University Of Rhode Island where she received her teaching credential in K-8 with 2 minors in Spanish and Family Studies. She has 12 years of teaching experience teaching everything from K-8 with 5 of those years here at The Native School. Nikki is a naturalist at heart and is passionate about sharing the beauty that the Earth has to offer with children of all ages. She loves picture books and teaching reading is her favorite! In her free time you can find her hiking the trails, camping all over CA and playing in the ocean with her 2 kids. She also runs a photography business.
Maggie O’Malley | Forest Kindergarten Co-Teacher
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K-6 Certified Elementary Education
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TEFL Certified
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CPR Certified
Originally from Chicago, Maggie has been enjoying sunny San Diego for the last two years. As a K-6 Licensed Teacher with over five years of experience working with young learners, Maggie takes so much joy in sparking curiosity and cultivating a joy of learning amongst her students. She had the opportunity to teach English abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand for over two years. That experience changed her life for the better and allowed her to grow as an educator, while also giving her the opportunity to experience a new culture. She has also worked in a preschool classroom and taught kindergarten at a small private school in Oceanside. This is her second year with the Native School. She is excited to make it a great one!
Lindsay Wintersteen | Piccola Co-Teacher
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Trauma-Based Relational Intervention
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Stewards of Children Training Certification
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First 3 Years Certification
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DFPS Trauma-Informed Care Training Certification
Lindsay is a dedicated educator with a passion for nature and play-based learning. She holds a degree in Child Development from TCU’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, with a minor in Communication Disorders. Her teaching experience spans diverse settings, from classrooms in Fort Worth, Texas, to Stellenbosch, South Africa, where she taught English to young Xhosa students. Lindsay is inspired by nature’s ability to serve as a mirror, helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves and fostering a sense of presence and authenticity. Nearly fluent in sign language, she enjoys teaching it to children, describing it as a unique and empowering tool for communication. Empathy and play are central to her teaching philosophy, which she believes can profoundly impact lives. In her free time, Lindsay loves exploring the beach, collecting seashells, and uncovering hidden treasures.
Karina Harris | Piccola Co-Teacher
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Bachelor's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
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Minor in Psychology.
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Child and Adult CPR Certified
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First Aid Certified
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Lead Classroom Teacher in Early Childhood Education
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Habilitation Support Worker for Children on the Autism Spectrum
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Reggio Emilia Approach and Nature-Based Education
Karina feels incredibly blessed to be teaching at the Native school again this year! She finds joy in teaching young children and being part of their learning journey is immeasurable. She firmly believes in the importance of being a curator of a child’s environment and learning alongside them every step of the way. Karina has been happily married for 7 years to the love of her life, and together they have two beautiful children: a 5-year-old daughter, Amara, and a 3-year-old son, Beau. Beau also attends the Native school, and it has been a rewarding experience seeing him grow! With a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a minor in Psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She has worked with children on the autism spectrum as a habilitation support worker and has served as a lead classroom teacher. Her love for her own children extends to every child she has the privilege to teach.
Lizzie Udeschini | Lead Piccola Teacher
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​Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University
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Minors in Public Health and Communication
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Therapeutic Art Life Coach from Transformation Academy
Elisabetta (aka Miss Lizzie) is first-generation Italian and speaks three languages. She attended La Scuola Primaria Maria Montessori in Perugia, Italy when she was in the first grade. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University where she also minored in Public Health and Communication. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she had the great outdoors as her playground and grew up with movement and nature as the guiding force of light in her life. Nature and her connection to it are the most important values she holds. Elisabetta is also an artist, and recently earned a certificate in Therapeutic Art Coaching. She is passionate about Art Therapy, Nature Therapy, and Play Therapy and believes resilience is cultivated through a growth mindset. She has a depth of experience working with both neurodivergent and neurotypical children. Miss Lizzie is thrilled to validate the rich, complex inner lives of the young adventurers of The Native School.
Maritza Parra | Piccola Co-Teacher
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Associates Psychology
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Associates Behavioral and Social Science
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AA in Behavioral Science
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AA in Arts and Humanity
Maritza previously worked in ABA therapy with children on the spectrum. It was this job that got her into teaching children, as she loved seeing their progress and knowing she was part of the process. She is a current student at SDSU and hopes to become a psychiatrist or an occupational therapist. Maritza loves the beach, going on walks, and going to the gym. She also likes to spend time reading a good book and being with friends and family. She brings enthusiasm for understanding student’s needs on a deeper level and helping children grow.