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	Megan Bybee Elementary School Director BA (honors), Elementary Education, University of Utah MS, Education Leadership, Western Governors University Entering her third year at Oak Grove School, Megan brings a passion for children, learning and the outdoors. She comes to Oak Grove from the Hawaiian islands and is happy that her favorite extracurriculars-- snow skiing and outrigger canoeing are each a short drive. "I’m so excited about what I’ve learned. I want to share it all with others and learn more in return." Megan is also the junior high Humanities and 7th grade homeroom teacher.
	Alanna Pecchi 1st Grade Teacher BA Psychology Cross-cultural Education and K-12 Multiple Subject CLAD Credential, UCSB Alanna worked with the Santa Barbara Wilderness Youth Project prior to coming to Oak Grove. "I have an amazing husband and 2 beautiful children! I love to surf and play outside as much as I can. Being a teacher is the coolest job in the whole world. I believe that children need to be given the guidance to construct their own meaning and share their individual and innate gifts… while also keeping learning joyful and alive."
	Carole Sylvester Gray 2nd Grade Teacher BA, Anthropology and ESL Certificate, UCSB MA, Movement Therapy/Counseling, Antioch New England California Elementary Credential, CSUN Carole was born in Germany and has always loved to travel. Akin to that love of the international, she has hosted Japanese and Korean high school students at her home. Carol has taught at Oak Grove for 22 years and her daughter attended the school "many years ago." "My hobby is dancing and I have worked with the elderly and special needs children. I appreciate Krishnamurti’s intent to educate the whole child."
	Alice Borgeson 3rd Grade Teacher BA, Nothwestern University; Montessori Credential, Cal Poly, California Teaching Credential, Cal Lutheran University Lovingly referred to as Ninja Grandma by her former students, Alice has been teaching at Oak Grove for 20 years. Her daughter, Mary, also attended OGS. In her spare time you may find Alice wandering with her husband in their van, exploring dirt roads that might lead to new vistas and surprises. “The intent of this school brings together wonderful teachers, parents and children who enrich my life beyond measure.”
	Krista Swanner 4th Grade Teacher BA, Kinesiology/Biology, Westmont College K-8 Teaching Credential, Westmont College Pursuing Masters degree Krista discovered Oak Grove when searching for just the right kindergarten for her daughter. That daughter is now in high school, her two brothers are following her footsteps and Krista has been teaching at the school for six years. "My favorite part of the day in my classroom is reading workshop. Each day following lunch the fourth graders lose themselves in great stories. One of the aspects I find most rewarding about teaching is connecting a great book with a great kid. At Oak Grove I get to combine my love of learning with my passion for teaching. Learning right along with the students is such fun and really keeps me motivated in the classroom."
	Katy Council 5th Grade Teacher BA Psychology/Wilderness Studies Certificate and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, Cal State Long Beach "I am an adventurous person who enjoys outdoor activities. I love bluegrass music, dancing and drumming. I wanted to become a teacher so I could make a positive change in the world. Oak Grove’s philosophy, positive energy, and vibrant community are congruent with my own vision of the Art of Living and Learning."
	Dylan Rice-Leary 6th Grade Teacher BA Reed College, English Literature CAL-State Teach program certification in progress This is Dylan's fifth year at Oak Grove and his first at the elementary school, where he is making a big hit with the students. "I read extensively, love bugs and my house is a cat retirement center. I love teaching and learning here because... well, who wouldn’t want to be at Oak Grove?"
	Raquel Martin Castilla Spanish Teacher BA Psychology, University UNED of Madrid MA Educational Psychology, University of UNED, Madrid English School of Languages of Madrid, Spain Raquel teaches Spanish to elementary and 7th grade students and is admired for her hands-on approach that helps children learn to live the language. "I enjoy being outdoors and in nature. You can find me swimming the Masters at the local athletic club or running any of the beautiful trails in Ojai. This school feels like home. I love the community and Krishnamurti’s philosophy on education."
	Debra Rose Library Teacher BA Zoology, UC Berkeley MA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Irvine MA Counseling Psycology, Pacifica Graduate Institute Debra has been the Library Teacher at Oak Grove for the past five years. Her diverse education includes a BA Zoology, UC Berkeley; MA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Irvine and MA Counseling Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute; lots of pottery and drawing classes; Computer Modeling class; Geography Information Systems Class. Debra and her husband have one daughter currently attending Oak Grove Junior High. "I’ve been lucky and/or foolish enough to have many careers: zoology, computer programming, accounting, psychological counseling and a lot of teaching. Teaching is the best with my favorite moments doing HS ceramics and teaching poetry in our Owl's Nest Library. Oak Grove is my dream school because the teachers are so dedicated to excellence and community that working with them is a joy."
	Christy Sylvester Art Teacher Brooks Art Institute Ventura College San Miguel de Allende Christy has taught Art and Ceramics at Oak Grove for 18 years and her two sons each attended the school. In addition to her role as the much-loved Elementary Art Teacher, Christy teaches Junior High Art and High School Ceramics. "My whole family usually hangs out in the kitchen creating delicious colorful food, each one an artist. I am a granny to 3 boys and I love the fact that my students become my dear friends as they grow with me and often they end up in the kitchen too. Oak Grove is like a family, everyone is special and dear to my heart!"
	Aron Van AlstineMusic Teacher BA, Music and Movement Education, University of Wisconsin American Orff Schulwerk Association Studies Aron has been with Oak Grove for seven years teaching music to Elementary and Junior High Students. Before coming to Oak Grove, Aron worked with the Peace Corps in Bolivia on community development and health education. "I am at Oak Grove because of the relationships I’ve developed with teachers, students, parents and administrators."
	Jake AinsworthElementary P.E. Teacher BA Psychology, UCLA, ESL Certificate, UCSB A 25-year Oak Grove staff member, Jake is the Elementary P.E. Teacher, All-School Camping Coordinator and High School Girls' Volleyball Coach. He is the oldest of three Oak Grove generations. His son, Bo, an Oak Grove alumnus is the High School Athletic Director, and grandson, Jitari, attends the Early Childhood Program. While not teaching, Jake enjoys spending time alone in the wilderness.
	Jeanette Stampfli Berkovitz After School Program Director General Psychology, Alcohol and Drug Studies, University of Fribourg, Switzerland A five year Oak Grove staffer, Jeanette has two children currently attending the school. In her spare time, Jeanette caters events, cooks for fun and teaches cooking. "I love food – everything about it; cooking, growing, eating, sharing... At Oak Grove I am honored to help create and environment that fosters exploration, confidence and friendship."
	Marga Kasper Aftercare Aide and Substitute BA and MA German and Catholic Theology, Eberhard Karl's University, Germany MA Religion, Temple University, PA Marga is originally from Germany and currently has two children attending OGS. She believes that kids naturally enjoy learning and exploring, and works to facilitate that here at Oak Grove. Marga is also a Shiatsu-Anma massage therapist. "My favorite books can be found in the Young Adult category (with a detour into Jane Austin novels and Klutz craft books). Besides that I can make some Japanese social noises. It’s great when one gets to do what one enjoys doing; and that's what working at Oak Grove is for me."