Faculty & Staff

List of 49 members.

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  Mohamed Abdelhay 

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  Mohamed Abdelhay is a native of Alexandria, Egypt. He holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with concentration in electro physics and mathematics, and a master’s degree in public administration. During his military service, he spent one year as an instructor at the Egyptian Air Defense College teaching mathematics and physics. Mr. Abdelhay taught Mathematics & Science in public schools before coming to Palm Valley. 
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  Stacey Avalos 

  Lower School Learning Specialist

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  Stacey Avalos has been an educator for nearly seven years teaching K-5 learners. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and her Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Stacey has been a long time resident of the Coachella Valley and joined Palm Valley School in 2023. She values and embraces the cultural diversity and different learning styles of students. As a result, she aims to incorporate enriching and innovative teaching methods to meet their needs. Most importantly, Stacey is committed to creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for Palm Valley students to thrive in academically, socially, and emotionally. 
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  Myron Avila 

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  Dr. Ávila has been teaching languages, literatures and cultures for over 20 years. Since his doctoral studies at University of California, Irvine, he has taught in English, Spanish and Portuguese at college and high school levels, working with students of all ages. A world traveler, author and educator particularly fond of teaching and learning languages, Dr. Ávila believes that ---next to traveling to and living in a part of the world where the language one is learning is spoken--- the key to learning well or improving a new language is to practice it intensively every day, even if just for a short period. If students come to class ready to play and interact with their peers, their job is already half done.
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  Sunaina Bajaj 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Sue Bajaj has over three decades of expertise in independent schools and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree with an Honors in Psychology, she has augmented her expertise through continued education by doing math courses offered by Stanford University as well as further leadership training in independent schools.  Sue is trained to teach gifted students and is a specialist in differentiated group teaching. As a seasoned educator she spearheaded Project Based Learning in the classroom and mentored teachers. Mrs. Bajaj has integrated technology to foster a dynamic learning environment in class and facilitated many professional development meetings. Her hobbies include yoga, pickleball, and cooking. 
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  Ivan Barbosa 

  Maintenance Team Manager
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  Barbara Bartosik 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Ms. Bartosik holds a Master degree in Romance and Germanic philology from the Johann Wolfgang Goether University in Frankfurt am Main. She has also studied at the University in Salamanca , Spain. Growing up, She spoke German and Polish, and later she also learned Italian when studying in Florence, Italy. Before joining Palm Valley School she taught at the Central Washington University in Seattle, WA and other private schools at the High School level. She has been teaching for the past 12 years and prior to that she worked as a conference interpreter, translator and travel guide. She very much enjoys teaching Spanish and the culture of Spanish speaking countries through different projects and interactive activities.She expects the best of her students and tries to give them the best of herself. She thinks knowing another language is like having another soul.
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  Stephanie Bassanelli 

  Director of College Counseling

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  Stephanie has been an educator for over 30 years. She holds a Bachelor's and Master of Science in Education and a Reading Specialist Certification. After teaching in K- 5 she transitioned to private College Counseling and then became Director of College Counseling at Palm Valley. Stephanie has published a children’s picture book, was a member of the Buffalo Choral Arts Society, and has been a member of The Steinway Society of Riverside Board. Currently,  she is a member of the NCAC and WACAC. Stephanie’s goal is to make the H.S. to college application process stress-free for students and parents.
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  Summer Belden 

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  Summer Belden is a Coachella Valley native and is beginning her first year teaching at Palm Valley School. She received her Associates of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from College of the Desert. Summer is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development. Her goal for the school year is to help foster a love of learning that can follow the children throughout their academic careers. 
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  Lily Bianchi 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Dedicated to igniting a spark in the hearts and minds of young scholars since 2007, Lily Bianchi brings a wealth of experience to her 2nd grade classroom. This year marks her third at PVS. She relocated to the desert in 2020 and previously taught 3rd and 4th grades in public education in the SF Bay Area. Lily pursued her B.A. at UCLA and ASU and earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSUEB. Lily is committed to building connections with her students and families. She uses effective practices to focus on student achievement and establish an inclusive classroom environment where children feel supported and encouraged to express themselves. Her positivity and passion for lifelong learning keep her students motivated and engaged.
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  Kim Brady 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Kim Brady begins her second year teaching at Palm Valley School, teaching grades seven through 12 French.   Ms. Brady fell in love with the language in her first French class and is excited to impart that enthusiasm to her students.   She has traveled throughout France and other Francophone countries.  Her goal is to develop her students’ understanding and use of the language while delving into French and Francophone culture,  history, and contributions to the arts.  She believes that using authentic resources is invaluable to language acquisition.  Ms. Brady is also a 7th-grade advisor.
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  Alice Burkholder 

  Bookkeeper

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  Before beginning her journey with Palm Valley School in 2021, Alice Burkholder discovered her true calling when she spent five years as a Ray Braswell High School bookkeeper in Little Elm, TX. Working in an educational environment resonated with Alice in a way that her previous experience in banking and finance did not. As a mother of three boys, Alice finds her work enriching to her spirit, knowing that she can make a difference in our student’s lives. 
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  Stephanie Castro 

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  Stephanie Castro is an experienced and dedicated teacher with five years of experience in education. She has taught with CVUSD and PSUSD. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Teaching and Learning. Stephanie's teaching philosophy centers around creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where every student feels valued. She is dedicated to implementing innovative teaching methods and using hands-on activities to make learning enjoyable and meaningful for her students.
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  Joel Cortez 

  Landscape
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  Edie Delegans 

  Lower, Middle-Upper School Music

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  Edie Delegans received her Masters & Bachelor’s Degrees in Music from USC in Vocal Performance. After singing professionally (opera/musical theater) for over 20 years, she has enjoyed a thriving private voice studio for over 30 years. Miss Delegans’ students have gone on to the top conservatories in the nation. She wrote and performed a successful one-woman show in San Francisco and San Jose.  She has been Musical Director for multiple high school productions and taught voice lessons at community colleges and universities. She is a published author, composer, artist, and creator of Edie’s Cookie Bar! While passionate about performance, her goal is to create an exciting relationship between all genres of music and her students.   
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  Susan Deshpande 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Susan Deshpande is a passionate educator with over fifteen years of experience teaching First Grade at Palm Valley School.  Mrs. Deshpande has taught second, third, and fourth grade in her more than twenty-five-year teaching career at Palm Valley School in San Jose, California.  Mrs. Deshpande holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, Canada, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria, Canada, and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.  Mrs. Deshpande is dedicated to helping all her students reach their full potential through an engaging, supportive, and enriched learning experience. 
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  Michelle Ferreira 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Michelle Ferreira is a dedicated preschool teacher with 23 years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked in Head Start, Catholic, and private schools and has spent the last 6 years inspiring young learners at Palm Valley School. As a single mother of a sophomore at Palm Valley, she understands the importance of a supportive learning environment and excels in tailoring her classroom to meet each child's unique needs.
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  Angelica Gasu' 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Angelica Gasu is an experienced teacher with over eight years of experience teaching elementary and middle school grades in Idaho, Texas, and California. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. Certified to teach K-6 Multi-Subject and Science for grades K-9. Mrs. Gasu is passionate about using innovative teaching methods to engage students, incorporate technology into the classroom, and create a supportive learning environment that nurtures each child’s unique potential and curiosity. 
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  Michele Greer 

  Executive Assistant and Communications Director

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  Michele received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from CSUSB.  She worked as a Program Manager and Executive Assistant in the medical field for over 12 years before coming to Palm Valley.  Currently, Michele serves as the Head of School’s Executive Assistant and Communications Director. She is committed to making a positive impact in the workplace and in the community.  No job is too big or too small!
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  Chris Griffin 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  When Chris Griffin received his M.A. at UC Berkeley, he fully intended to become a professor of English Literature, but destiny had other plans. He moved to New York City and began a 30-year career in the film industry, working as an Assistant Director, Production Manager, and Producer on feature films and TV shows in New York and Los Angeles. When he ultimately retired to Palm Springs, destiny once again came knocking: he became involved with the PVS theatre program, collaborating on the writing, producing, and directing original musical productions for both Middle and Upper Schools. Destiny still had one more surprise in store – one that would bring Mr. Griffin full circle back to his first love, literature: he became a PVS English Teacher. His wealth of lived experience informs his teaching and his love for the written word.
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  Eric Hesson 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Eric Hesson is a lifelong Californian, born in Santa Rosa and raised in Palm Springs. He earned his bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Cruz and spent several years in Oakland before returning to the valley. He believes in Buckminster Fuller’s philosophy of generalization, which posits that a deeper wisdom can be attained by studying and linking ideas across multiple disciplines rather than specializing in just one. Accordingly, his areas of expertise are myriad – while his undergraduate studies were in Linguistics, his deepest lifelong passions are for mathematics, computer science, and electronic music production. He’s worked in education for over 15 years, and maintains a profound enthusiasm for teaching.
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  Brady Huffman 

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  Brady Greer Huffman is a well-rounded theater artist based in the Inland Empire. He holds his MFA in Screenwriting and Playwriting from the University of California, Riverside, where Tony Award Winner and Hollywood Producer John Schimmel mentored him. Currently, he is the drama instructor for Palm Valley School, an adjunct professor for La Sierra University, and a sponsored director for Loma Linda University. Brady has 10+ years of experience teaching drama to students ranging in ages 8 to 18.
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  Jeff Jeronimo 

  Maintenance Facility Member
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  Geoffrey Jowett 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Geoffrey obtained a Bachelor of Biology from the SUNY at Brockport and a Master of Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Buffalo.  For a decade after college, Geof pursued a career in biotechnology as a molecular biologist, project manager, and biotech instructor. He then pursued his passion for teaching as a college biology and anatomy instructor at four traditional colleges and universities, then as dean of students at an art and design college, and finally, as vice president of student affairs at a university of alternative medicine. He has been an upper school science teacher at Palm Valley School for three years.
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  Ani Kakoussian 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Ani Kakoussian is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching students in independent schools. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Special Education. Mrs. Kakoussian is celebrated for her innovative teaching approach and ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Her extensive experience and academic credentials reflect her commitment to fostering student growth and supporting diverse learning needs. Mrs. Kakoussian’s passion for education and her patient, student-centered approach have made her a valued and respected teacher.
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  Drew Killeen 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Drew Killeen is a talented science educator who brings a wealth of experience to the Palm Valley community. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin and is currently pursuing a master’s from SDSU. He has earned certifications as a National Geographic Certified Educator and Red Cross First Aid Instructor. Drew is a charismatic student advisor who takes pride in his knowledge of his students and his ability to advocate for them. 
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  Alyson Kreizinger 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Alyson Kreizinger is from the Coachella Valley and San Diego. She has been teaching in the education field for over fourteen years. She has worked at Palm Valley for three years and loves seeing the smiling faces of the students and their families. She looks forward to a new and exciting chapter in our school year. She aims to make every child feel welcome, safe, and happy. She loves seeing the impact she can make on these young children's lives in a positive and supportive environment. 
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  Della Lang 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Della Lang has been teaching preschool here in the Coachella Valley for over 7 years. She graduated College of the Desert with an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. As a mother of four, she understands how exciting and worrisome the first school experience can be for a child and their family. Her goal as a preschool educator is to create a loving, nurturing, fun and safe environment for her students to explore and grow in. Her hope for each school year is to provide her students with experiences that will help form a long lasting passion and love for learning.
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  Adrian Macias 

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  Kerry Maguire 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Kerry Maguire has been teaching English, Creative Writing, and Entrepreneurship at Palm Valley School since 2018 and at independent schools and institutions of higher learning in New York and California since she was 22. She designs her courses to give students autonomy within appropriate scaffolding to build their confidence and independence and to make the learning process fun and rewarding. Outside school, Ms. Maguire reads voraciously, cooks and bakes, gardens, and gets crafty.
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  Elizabeth Marron 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Mrs. Marron earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Mexico, started teaching elementary school in 1981, and worked as a district superintendent assistant. She also earned a degree from the San Francisco Bay Area Montessori Teacher Education Center, where she was certified to teach infants to sixth grade and worked towards a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education at COD. Since 2005, Mrs. Marron has been privileged to teach at Palm Valley School, guiding young minds in preschool, kindergarten, and First Grade. Her work is not just a profession but a passion. Mrs. Marron's dedication to creating a caring, nurturing, and safe environment for the children in her class is fueled by her genuine passion for working with our youngest learners. This enthusiasm is the driving force behind her commitment to their success.  
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  Emily  McDaniels 

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  Emily McDaniels is a Coachella Valley native who has lived here her whole life. She has been teaching in the preschool setting for three years and is now in her second year at Palm Valley School. She is enrolled in college to obtain her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology and Multiple Subjects credentials. Her passion lies in helping children understand their emotions and curriculum concepts. She says everyone learns differently but is always here to help. 
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  Jim McKellar 

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  This is Jim McKellar’s first year at Palm Valley School and his first year in Palm Springs, following 24 years in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During his time in Cambridge, Jim was the CEO and General Manager of Harvard Student Agencies, the world’s largest student-run company, where he mentored thousands of Harvard undergraduates managing ten different businesses. Before his role at Harvard, he served as the COO of the Blank Center for Entrepreneurship at Babson College, the campus’s central hub for entrepreneurial activities. Jim holds an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a BA in Journalism and an MA in Higher Education.
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  Hailee Mitchell 

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  Hailee Mitchell is currently a company dancer with Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company and is a part of the teaching faculty. She has been immersed in the world of dance from a young age. Her classical and contemporary ballet training has been recognized by YAGP and scholarships to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Alonzo King Lines, San Diego Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, and Backhaus. Her love for dance has evolved into the roles of dance coordinator and instructor, fostered by the educational opportunities provided by Nickerson-Rossi Dance. Currently, she is the dance coordinator and instructor at Palm Valley.
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  Diana Monroy 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Diana Monroy was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development. Since then, she has furthered her passion for teaching by returning to the preschool division here at Palm Valley School for a third school year. She believes that we can all learn something new each day. She is excited about what this year offers, including assisting our future generations in learning, developing life-long skills, and meeting critical milestones. 
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  Emma Murdock 

  School Receptionist
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  Henry Nguyen 

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  He holds a dual B.S. degree in Health Sciences: Community Health and School Health Education from CSULB and an M.A. in Coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University, Irvine. Henry’s teaching philosophy emphasizes leveraging exercise to enhance the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of all individuals. With a strong commitment to community building, he aims to create a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment. Henry Nguyen is also the Women’s Head Basketball Coach at College of the Desert.
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  Melissa Patino 

  Middle-Upper School Admin Assistant

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  Melissa Patino has resided in the Coachella Valley for over 10+ years and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus in 2020. Melissa is going on her second year as the Middle Upper School Administrative Assistant and looks forward to working with students, parents, staff, and faculty to create a positive and inclusive school community!
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  Karla Prado 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Karla Prado has been with Palm Valley School since 2017 and found her home in the toddler classroom. Her goal every school year is to create a safe and nurturing environment for our young scholars to grow and explore when they are first away from their loved ones. She looks forward to building relationships, not only with our students but also with their families, to foster and create a strong beginning platform that each student will build upon as they embark on the new and exciting lifelong learning journey.
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  Kerry Ravenna 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Kerry Ravenna is beginning her second year as a Palm Valley School Preschool teacher. She comes to us from San Diego, where she spent 18 years in preschool classrooms. Before that, she owned and operated her own Home Daycare while raising her four children. Kerry looks forward to seeing the excitement and eagerness on her students' faces each year as they accomplish and learn new skills. 
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  Shayami Ristaino 

  Assistant Head of Pre-School and Pre-School Faculty

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  Shayami Ristaino began her career in Early Childhood Education 27 years ago, teaching in Montessori schools across Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the United States. Her extensive experience and passion for nurturing young minds led her to Palm Valley School, where she has been a dedicated preschool teacher for the past 12 years. Mrs. Ristaino is committed to building meaningful connections with her students and continuously seeks innovative approaches to enhance their learning experiences.
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  Derek Satterfield 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Derek Satterfield is in his third year of teaching Social Studies at Palm Valley. He began his educational career teaching English as a Second Language in Thailand and China for one year each, then returned to the U.S. to get his Masters in Teaching from the University of Denver. He taught English and Geography in Utah before joining the PVS team in 2022. He really likes maps and he’s pretty sure you do too, deep down.
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  Wendy Schapiro 

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  Teaching isn’t what  Wendy  does; it’s who she is! After earning degrees in Education from Brown University, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Lesley College, Wendy has taught every grade from 1 - 12, but continues to most enjoy MS & HS Ancient History and English. She thrives on forming close relationships with her students and values those who take intellectual risks, aren’t afraid to admit when they’re wrong, and are as eager to learn as she is! 
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  Stephen Spurlock 

  Lower School Faculty and Athletic Coach

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  Mr. Spurlock graduated Chapman University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies.  He is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience with elementary and middle school students.  This is Mr. Spurlock’s 3rd year teaching at Palm Valley School.  He thrives in the classroom, continually engaging students in active lessons and allowing for tangible experiences.  He enjoys the daily discovery in the classroom, and that everyday can be a learning opportunity.  Outside of school hours, his passion is sports, and he coaches elementary and middle school players.  His enthusiasm and dedication inspire students to excel.  Mr. Spurlock fosters growth and confidence in both academics and athletics.
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  Haleigh Steiner 

  Pre-School Faculty

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  Haleigh Steiner was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. She has an Associate of Science in ECE and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Sciences. She has been at Palm Valley School for two years. She has years of experience working with children and families within after-school programs, community resource centers, and preschools, including expertise in curriculum development for preschool through elementary school. She strives for her students to have a positive view of education and instill a love of learning early on. Her greatest joy is supporting children as they develop the confidence and independence to become lifelong learners. 
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  Josue Valle 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Josue Gil Valle is a passionate STEM educator who grew up in the Coachella Valley. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Since his undergraduate days, he has been drawn to helping students learn the intricacies of math and science. With three years of experience as a teacher, he keeps igniting students’ passions for calculus and physics.
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  Annette Van Vliet 

  Lower School Faculty

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  Annette  Van Vliet is a graduate of USC and received her teaching credential from California State Long Beach. She began her career with LAUSD, teaching kindergarten and being the lead teacher for nine kindergarten classes.  In 1992, she moved to the desert and taught kindergarten to PSUSD.  In 2001, she began her journey with PVS.  She is an avid gardener and has brought her love of growing things to PVS. The annual field trip to her home garden has created many wonderful memories for her, the kindergarteners, and their parents.  Her students thrive in a classroom full of love, fun, and joyful learning. Kinders are her passion.
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  Angelica Vazquez 

  Lower School Admin Assistant

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  Angelica Vazquez was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. Her passion to contribute a meaningful life for children started early in her adolescence. From volunteering at daycare centers to her experience in pediatrics she is continuously learning and setting goals to open new ways of thinking.  She is a strong believer in hard work and taking every opportunity with a positive mindset.
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  Clint Wendt-West 

  Lower, Middle-Upper School Art

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  Mr. Wendt-West grew up in Oregon and attended Portland State University, where he graduated with a BA in Art: Graphic Design. After working in the creative industry, he attended graduate school, earning his Master's in Education at PSU. Mr. Wendt-West has previously taught in public schools and joined Palm Valley School as the K-12 Art Specialist in 2022. Wendt-West loves the creative process and looks forward to sharing with students how Art is an innovative pathway to many opportunities in our world.
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  Susanne Zachik 

  Middle-Upper School Faculty

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  Ms. Zachik has taught kindergarteners to graduate students. While enjoying her years in public education at College of the Desert and Cal State San Bernardino, most of her teaching has been with Palm Valley’s English Department. At PVS, she has taught 6th-grade English to senior Advanced Placement. Ms. Zachik earned her Master of Education from UCLA, her  Master’s in English Composition from California State University San Bernardino, and her Bachelor’s degree in English–Creative Writing from UCLA. She holds both single-subject and multiple-subject California Teaching Credentials. She’s an AP Reader, the PVS California Scholarship Federation founding advisor,  the founder and advisor to Palm Valley’s student-run blog  (thebirdonfire.org), and the Palm Valley School Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.