After twenty years as Vice President of Marketing in the corporate world, I decided to look for a position that I could really put my heart into. That was in 1994 and I have been teaching English as a Second Language at RHP ever since. I love it. It is my passion.

Our simple rules of respect at RHP - respect yourself, each other, and the learning process - work very well for me because I feel that all worthwhile successes stem from love and respect. At RHP I can work creatively and constructively with my students without having to waste time on disciplinary problems. RHP provides teachers the opportunity to work with an economically and culturally diverse population, both inside and outside the classroom.

I advise the chess club, chaperone the Golf Club and Outdoor Education trips, and participate in the selection process of the National Honor Society. This job fulfills my heart and makes me feel like I am contributing to humanity.

Bob lives with his wife Debra and their two cats in Redondo Beach. He also acts as an investment advisor for family and friends.

I began by teaching English as a Second Language in Los Angeles in 1986 and I discovered unused computers at the school. I started using them because no one else was, and I fell in love with the way that they helped motivate those students to learn. Technology has changed a lot since then, and kids are more immersed than ever in it. I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with new technology, and helping to implement it into our everyday curriculum.

Linda lives with husband Marvin and daughters Rachel and Gabrielle in Rolling Hills Estates. She enjoys being with her family, traveling, camping and rock climbing, as well as reading and theater.

I was raised in Connecticut and attended Colby College in Maine where I majored in Physics. After teaching for three years at an independent boarding school in Massachusetts, I moved to New York City to where I obtained a masters' degree from Columbia University.

I have always been fascinated by the power of scientific discovery. Thinking and operating like a scientist allows you to more fully understand the natural world. My particular interest in physics is fueled by my love of problem solving. Whether the problem is mathematical or conceptual, it is exciting to know that examples of complex scientific phenomena can be found everywhere.

I enjoy teaching students how to utilize the scientific method to reveal answers to the questions they have about the world around them. The tightly knit community at Rolling Hills Prep allows students to discover that science is not an unapproachable and difficult subject, but rather that it is intricately woven throughout their daily lives.

Ryan and his wife, Madeline, live in Long Beach. They are avid hikers and love to travel.

I grew up in Kansas, and attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York for business and information technology. I took a big turn in my career when I began volunteering by helping college students eager to study and learn American Sign Language (ASL) in Las Vegas, NV. We would often meet at coffee houses and collaborate with one another. This was while I was working as a Database Analyst, and I realized how much I enjoyed working with the students. That gave me insight that maybe I would like to teach ASL someday. I have now been teaching ASL for the last four years as a part-time instructor at a college in Las Vegas and for the City of Las Vegas' summer camps for mostly African American students that have a discipline in theatre arts for acting and dancing. These students used ASL in some of the productions and sometimes while dancing on stage.

I am looking forward to starting my first year as a part-time teacher at such a unique school.

Noel grew up in Kansas City and recently moved from Las Vegas. He enjoys reading, traveling, socializing with friends, working out and playing sports such as tennis and racquetball, and would someday love to play beach volleyball.

After 15 years living in Boston, I have come back to the West Coast to teach at Rolling Hills. Born in Chicago, I moved to Beaverton, Oregon when I was two and still consider myself an Oregonian. After graduating from Tufts University, I received a teaching position at Newton North High School in Newton, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston in 1998. The things I enjoyed about Newton North were its dynamic faculty and diverse student body. I know Rolling Hills has these qualities, so the opportunity to be part of the Rolling Hills community was something I could not pass up.

For me, the journey of learning history is a deeply personal one where the study of dates and concepts eventually merges into an exploration of one's own background and beliefs. Some come to history and see it as a narrative of their own family's stories, while others come to history as a stranger would to a strange land, missing the cultural cues and language. So everyone comes to the table with some curiosity and hesitation regardless of there like or dislike of the subject. As students become independent thinkers that can assess, analyze and appreciate history with its various perspectives, their understanding of history will not only be greater, so will their understanding of themselves.

Albert lives in Long Beach and enjoys traveling, reading, playing tennis and golf and loves pugs.

By chance, in college I was cast in a Yale Children's Theater production. I soon found myself, through YCT, teaching theater workshops at local schools and community centers across New Haven. And that was it. I was hooked. For the last ten years I have been teaching drama and playwriting at arts organizations, theaters and schools: from directing CAPPIE award winning productions, to developing a new program and teaching at "Coming Up Taller" (NEA) award winning Shakespeare Festival/LA.

I am thrilled to become part of the Rolling Hills Prep community, and look forward to producing great theater together.

Judeth Oden Choi is a playwright and director residing in downtown Los Angeles with her husband, Chiwan and the best dog in the world, Bella. She loves attending theatre and poetry readings, great books, bad television and swimming.

I have been teaching for twenty-two years and cannot imagine doing anything else. After being honorably discharged from the US Army I completed my education at Cal State Dominguez Hills. I taught physical education at Rolling Hills Country Day School and Marymount Junior School before finding my way to RHP. I currently human anatomy 8th grade science, chemistry and robotics and enjoy each day of teaching. I am most proud of our efforts to build "green" robots made from bamboo and enter them into competition each year. The high level of student-teacher interaction found at RHP has allowed me to explore my own creativity and grow as a teacher. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field seeing the "light come on" when a student grasps a new concept reminds me why I decided to become a teacher; a decision I have never regretted.

Bob lives with his wife Donna and son Bobby in Torrance, CA. In his spare time he enjoys golfing and scuba diving.

Twenty plus years of teaching has taught me that there is still much to learn. My students are my inspiration, helping to keep my outlook fresh and my lessons relevant. Though my background is in English (U.C. Berkeley) I love teaching Spanish.

I moved to Los Angeles in 2005 after having lived 14 years in Mexico. I was teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) when I was asked if I would consider teaching Spanish at RHP. A door opened that would allow me to share not only the richness of a language but my cultural heritage as well. I accepted and have been very happy here at Rolling Hills Prep.

Sandra has three grown children and lives with her youngest daughter in Los Feliz. She spends her free time hiking in Griffith Park, doing yoga, reading, and writing.

I was born in Brooklyn, New York. From a young age I was passionate about art and discovered teaching as a perfect way to pass on this passion. I have found that simply through exposure many students learn to appreciate artwork and in some instances may become inspired personally. Having a son and daughter of my own, I can relate to the concerns of many of my students' parents, who are able to relate to me not only as their child's teacher, but as a fellow parent.

I have taught in both public and private schools and teaching has definitely been the right decision for me. RHP creates an environment where my students feel comfortable to speak to me about any topic and they know that I will be there to listen and help them in any way possible.

Debbi lives in Rolling Hills Estates with her husband, and has two children. Her son graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) in 06, and her daughter completed a master's degree, also in 06. When not working she enjoys running and hiking with her two labs, painting, reading, gardening, and biking.

Music has always been my passion. I am a 'collaborative' musician, which means I am happiest when I am making music with other people. Teaching at RHP provides me with an opportunity to do what I do best - creating musical opportunities for students. It is a privilege to work with the many musically gifted students who have attended RHP, but it is also rewarding to encourage those who haven't had previous musical experience.

My training at the University of Southern California (USC) and many years of performing as a pianist, vocalist and conductor have given me a wide range of experiences which I draw on to create music in the classroom as well as for the many performance opportunities at RHP. Though my primary activities are teaching vocal skills and chorus, I also coordinate programs such as International Day, Grandparents Day and Classical Night , and I provide musical direction for our spring production at the Warner Grand Theater.

Cheryl lives in Redondo Beach with her husband, Geoff , who frequently serves as RHP's official Performing Arts sound engineer. She enjoys teaching voice and piano in her home studio, and performing in various recitals and concerts during her summer break. She also likes traveling and spending time with her two children, Diana and Chris, now adults.

I hold a degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis on teaching and coaching from Humboldt State. After graduating I took a position as equipment manager with the United States Soccer Federation, and was able to travel and see the world with the Women's National Team. After two years with United States Soccer I began working for Street Surfing Co., which presented me with an opportunity to combine my love of sports with my love of teaching. I taught students throughout Los Angeles how to use alternative activities to get themselves excited about physical education. Realizing that teaching was what I wanted to do, I began at RHP as a PE teacher and After-School instructor, and now I teach middle school science too. RHP is a great fit for me. The family atmosphere, the friendliness of the students, and the helpfulness of the staff make me feel at home.

Zac lives with his girlfriend and cat Sensei in Redondo Beach where he enjoys running on the strand, playing golf, and hiking.

I was born in Alaska and raised in Maine. Teaching allows me to gain fresh insights into the mentality of the modern student. These insights allow me to constantly contribute to not only the English department, but also the school as a whole.

The intimate environment provided by a private independent school such as Rolling Hills Prep allows me to focus on my students as individuals. It is my hope that with such a personal connection I am able to teach to my students and not at them. I feel that through teaching I can change lives...and have lives change me.

Eachan lives in Redondo Beach and when not teaching, he spends his time working on his never-ending novel.

I am from New York City and came to Los Angeles to attend graduate school at the California Institute of the Arts. I believe in using photography and design as a means to explore alternative viewpoints both in my own work and in the work of my students. I encourage my students to use their art to investigate their own community and explore the world. I also greatly believe in the use of art as a means to educate through integrated curriculum and strive to connect projects with what students are studying in other classes.

Rebecca lives in Gardena with her husband and young daughter. In addition to teaching, she works as a free-lance photographer and graphic designer. When not working, she enjoys pursuing her own photography and traveling.

I was born in Brooklyn, New York and sports have always been a huge part of my life. After graduating from Cal State University Northridge I knew I wanted to be involved in athletics and to work with kids. Choosing teaching and coaching as a career has been the best decision I have ever made.

Seventeen years ago I began my career at RHP and it has been an unbelievably rewarding and life changing experience. My oldest daughter graduated from RHP and my youngest daughter is presently in the sixth grade. I have watched my oldest child grow and prosper in this supportive and caring environment, and I am excited for my youngest to experience the wonderful teachers, athletics and academics that RHP has to offer. Working with the students at RHP has allowed me to grow as an educator, coach, and person. The energy and enthusiasm I see daily with my students gets me excited to come to work every day. We truly are a community and a family here.

Brian lives in Monterey Park with his wife Doreen and has three children Dejenette ('00), Dimitri (who is proudly serving in the United States Navy), and Arianna ('15). In his free time he loves to golf, travel, and spend time with his family.

My first inspiring experience as a student came when I was in college and my biology professor "think outside the box." From that point forward I was hooked on science. With my love of animals, I applied for and was accepted to veterinary school. Right before I started school, however, I had some second thoughts and chose to go into a master's program in secondary science education. That same biology professor told me how thrilled he was that I was going to take my passion for science and use it to educate others.

I have now been teaching for over 20 years. My experiences have included private and public schools in grades Kindergarten through college. Most recently I was the director of Differentiated Learning Solutions in charge of the network and educational technology at a small private school in Long Beach. I had long known of RHP and its reputation for helping students find their strengths academically and personally. I am thrilled to have joined RHP as the Chair of the Science Department and look forward to working with a talented and passionate faculty, a supportive community, and enthusiastic students."

Vicky lives in Long Beach with her husband, Steve, four dogs, two cats, and four horses including a newborn filly. In her free time, she trains horses for competitive dressage and dogs for competitive agility. After earning a master's degree in secondary science education from The Colorado College in 1987, she started classroom teaching in Colorado. Her career took her abroad for a year teaching for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Germany. In 2004, she earned her doctorate in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University and moved into an administrative position working with teachers to fully integrate technology into their grades and curricula. Vicky is excited about bringing her technology expertise to RHP and the science program.

I was born in Brooklyn, New York and came to southern California right after graduating from college. I never really planned on being a teacher but after staying home with my two sons for 10 years and being very involved in PTA and other school activities, I went back to school to get my teaching credential. I taught 5th and 6th grades for about 10 years and loved just about every minute of it. During that time I got my masters degree in school counseling. I have been a school counselor at the elementary and middle school levels for many years.

I am the type of person who derives pleasure in the personal growth that change inspires. I enjoy working with and supporting students, family, and teachers and find that my experience as a classroom teacher is a valuable background for my present position. I believe that the academic program provided by RHP combined with proactive support in the area of social and emotional well-being creates young adults who are ready to go on to college, careers and create a life with a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment.

Pat lives in Torrance and enjoys visits and activities with her two sons and extended family. She enjoys making pottery, going on walks, hikes, bicycle riding and yoga.

While working for TWA, I traveled the world for more than 23 years - and I saw a lot of gardens. Eventually terra firma became very important to me. Everyone in my family has always grown things. I guess you could say that I have a natural love of nature in all its shapes and forms.

When the school came to the Palos Verdes Drive location, there was a great opportunity to start an organic gardening program. Gardening is knowledge, and luck. The organic gardening courses I teach at RHP are unique; they are not strictly academic, they are real lessons of life.

I love teaching kids what I know. We've been very successful introducing students, even our computer-wiz kids, to the joys of horticulture and dirt. They are learning so much - science, art and ecology - and someday they will have homes and gardens of their own where they can apply those lessons they learned at RHP.

Dixie lives in Redondo Beach with her son and two dogs. She has a beautiful organic backyard garden and enjoys cooking, entertaining and traveling.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire," said William Butler Yates. I believe through building upon experiences of success, it is possible to transform children from reluctant students to active, confident lifelong learners: "to light the fire of learning." This principle is the foundation of the philosophy behind the Renaissance School for Arts and Sciences, Rolling Hills Prep's sister school of which I am the director.

I have had the tremendous opportunity (delete at Rolling Hills Prep) to be part of the creation, development and implementation of a unique and wonderful program that promotes the success of the individual student. The program would not exist if it were not for the integrity of the professionals with whom I work, the open mindedness of the board of trustees, and the unwavering support of the head of school, Peter McCormack. Even after fifteen years it is still a joy coming to work each day and being part of a community that wholeheartedly believes in its purpose and mission.

Heidi lives in Rancho Palos Verdes with her husband Chris, daughter Megan, and son Cade. Heidi enjoys outings with her family, walking her dogs, and reading. When possible, she teaches circus skills to students and enjoys reminiscing about her days as an Alaskan commercial fisherman.

I grew up in Washington and graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor of science in biology. I moved to California to start teaching and quickly fell in love with the beach and the southern California weather.

Eighteen years ago, I came to Rolling Hills Prep to work in the Middle School, and have since watched this school grow and develop into what it is today. Teaching is my passion and my purpose in life. Through teaching I learn a lot about myself. Simply watching students blossom into the young men and women that they are meant to be, and knowing that I am part of that growth, is the most amazing and satisfying feeling. I hope that my students see how much I love what I am doing and know that I come to work not because I have to but because I want to. On the bus coming back from one of our retreats, I looked back at the students and it hit me that I really am doing what I am meant to be doing, and enjoying it.

Kim lives in Lomita with her two cats, Romeo and Juliet, and her two dogs, Tornado and Rosa. She enjoys ceramics, watercolor and playing at the beach with her dogs.

As the daughter of both a teacher and an artist, it seems a natural progression for me to find my place as art teacher at RHP and Renaissance. I am a native of Southern California, although I spent some of my childhood in Seattle. I attended CSULB, where I studied art (and anthropology), and am currently working on my M.A. in Biomedical Illustration. I started my career as a graphic designer, but ultimately found myself unfulfilled working in the corporate world.

My discovery of the teaching profession has greatly enhanced my life, always keeping me challenged and busy pursuing new ideas for my students. I am continually amazed at the levels of both talent and creativity they demonstrate. I have taught at the Palos Verdes Art Center, Torrance Cultural Center, and LAUSD, before finding that if you teach according to our four pillars, you belong here, at RHP.

Marcel lives in San Pedro with her husband (also an educator), and her two sons. She also works on drawings, paintings, murals, learning about natural history, and pursuing yoga.

During my second year at UCLA I had the opportunity to study abroad in Ghana, West Africa. After a year of studying and researching the affects of poverty on health there, I knew I had to go back. I continued to return every chance I had and involved myself in a variety of volunteer work including working in Refugee Camps, AIDS organizations and Programs for Street Children. The number of kids living on the street who simply didn't have an education, despite the free k-12 education available, amazed me and during my visits I volunteered by tutoring kids who lacked reading and writing skills.

I graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Geography and returned to Ghana for an extended stay. When I returned home I was offered the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies position at RHP and accepted it with delight. I love the community and positive learning environment that RHP creates, and I feel that I am continually learning better ways to enhance the classroom experience for students. I enjoy sharing my global experiences with my classes and am always excited to hear their input and insight on world issues.

Charlotte lives with her husband Sam in San Pedro. In her free time she likes to snowboard, read, and go to the beach.

Teaching runs in my blood probably because both my parents were teachers. Growing up in Romania, I learned to love math when I was young. I liked helping other kids even in middle school.

I studied teaching and engineering in Austria which led me to a career in software engineering. I worked as a software developer for IBM and Symantec for 15 years. After the tech bubble burst I worked for US Air and America West Airlines in the United States. Then I went to Canada and received my bachelor of arts in education and began teaching at the University of Calgary.

I returned to the United States and have taught in large local high schools but the size decreases a sense of belonging. Teaching at Rolling Hills Prep School is a real pleasure because the students are so respectful and hardworking.

George and his wife Ramona have two Maltese dogs and live in Lawndale. His wife is also a math teacher. He enjoys travel, swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing, as well as downhill skiing and the giant slalom.

For the last thirteen years I have had the privilege of working at Rolling Hills Prep in the Student Services Office. Over the years I have also assisted in the Road To Excellence (RTE) program and taught 7th grade social studies. Today as director of the Student Services Office I am privileged to work with a great staff of professionals as we support our students in the Upper School Academic Support Program (USAS).

As an educational therapist I am able to watch the progression of my students from their freshman year to their senior year. The Student Services Office strives to provide a supportive and warm environment for students here on campus. It is a place for them to rest, cry, complain, and rejoice. I love when my students come back to visit and share their college and life successes with me. (deleted final quotes)

A long-time resident of Redondo Beach, Pat lives with her husband Tom, her son David, and the RHP auction dog Honey. In her free time, Pat enjoys reading, gardening, and entertaining family and friends.

After growing up in San Diego I left California to attend college in Ohio. I spent the next twelve years living in the Midwest and on the East Coast where I received an M.A. in education. My husband and I returned to Redondo Beach in 1987 with four children and I spent the next 15 years volunteering in the public schools and community. During that time I taught English as a second language and began occasionally proctoring tests here at Rolling Hills Prep School.

Several years ago I joined the Student Services Team coordinating testing accommodations and working with students in the Upper School Student Academic Support (USAS) program. It feels like I have found a wonderful home here at RHP. It is great to be doing something I truly enjoy in such a supportive school community.

Chris' children are grown and all living in Southern California. One of her daughters, Megan teaches and works in the office at RHP. Chris and her husband John spend summers and vacations in Alabama. In her free time she enjoys bicycling, tennis and most recently golf; she is an avid reader.

I grew up in Los Angeles, and my enthusiasm for languages and other cultures was inspired by traveling extensively with my family and studying abroad in different countries. While majoring in linguistics at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), I enjoyed volunteering at various schools and discovered how truly rewarding teaching could be. After obtaining my Master of Arts in International Relations from Boston University, I lived in Mexico for several years and taught English at a university.

When I moved back to Los Angeles, I was delighted to work at Rolling Hills Prep as a Spanish teacher. I am impressed with its approach to teaching children by focusing on four main pillars: disciplined minds, creative spirits, sound character, and healthy bodies. I admire RHP's sense of community and its emphasis on respect.

As a Spanish teacher, I love teaching both the linguistic and cultural aspects of the language, and I am thrilled when a student tells me that he or she has used Spanish in a real-life experience or has learned to view the world with a new perspective. I hope that I inspire my students to become lifelong language learners, to appreciate other cultures, and to consider themselves global citizens.

Rachel lives in Los Angeles. Most summers she teaches ESL at UCLA, and in her free time she enjoys traveling, working out, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

I began my teaching career during my summers in college, working at an ESL camp. I had the opportunity to become a dorm parent and English teacher for middle school students in the Boston area. While in college, I was able to work in schools from Up-State New York and Hanoi, Vietnam. These experiences helped to prepare me for working in a junior boarding school in Connecticut and a day school in the Boston area.

I have been able to teach everything from English as a Second Language (ESL) to history to science. In addition to teaching 6th grade math and science, I also coach middle school sports. It is exciting to see my students work hard in the classroom, and then have the opportunity to interact with them as they excel on the sports field.

Throughout all of these experiences, I have been able to work with extremely intelligent, creative, and enthusiastic students. I have found that these students can be found in abundance on the RHP campus. In the time that I have been here, I have come to feel at home with the students, supportive faculty, and administration.

Sarah now lives in Redondo Beach, and she loves being so close to the beach. She has an undergraduate degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and her Masters in Education from Walden University.

I've landed in the right place...RHP! After living and working in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, I could not be happier to be a member of the RHP community. I came to teaching from working with youth as a law enforcement officer. Having worked in both public and private schools in New England and the South, I thoroughly enjoy the field of education. RHP is icing on the proverbial cake.

I am passionate about teaching and learning, and that passion is not only matched but exceeded by so many at RHP. I have immersed myself in RHP's culture, both out of respect for our rich traditions and accomplishments and to be an effective member of the community.

The best part of my job is making a positive, proactive impact on young people's lives while assisting in the direction and future of this institution. I thoroughly enjoy partnering with students, faculty, and parents in creating an environment where students can and do succeed.

When Gary is not engaged in activities and responsibilities related to Prep, he and his wife, Kim, enjoy skiing, hiking, camping, and traveling both in the U.S. and abroad.

One of my earliest memories is of sitting on my grandmother's maroon sofa and realizing I could read the words in the book on my lap. The tragedy, comedy, and magic of stories opened up to me at that moment, and I have never lost the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from reading and talking about literature.

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where my pioneer heritage instilled values in me that have been very important in my life: industry, cheerfulness, and a strong belief in human potential. I majored in English at the University of Utah, spent time in Boston and Tokyo, Japan, and moved to Southern California with my family in 1982. After stints as a technical writer and a teacher in public schools, I joined the RHP family in 1992. I love the opportunities I have to be creative in the classroom. I'm always thinking about how I'm going to teach a topic, perhaps in a new way. The nature of what I teach - literature and writing - allows for many explorations into moral and ethical questions, and I enjoy helping students think about these issues. I try very hard to establish a climate of mutual respect inside and outside the classroom. Teaching is the best job in the world - stimulating, fun, and emotionally nurturing.

Getting to share my enjoyment of good writing with the students at Rolling Hills Prep not only supports my love of words but also my fascination with the adolescent brain. Watching and influencing the growth of social, emotional, and cognitive intelligences during the teenage years is part of what makes teaching so challenging and so fun. Rolling Hills Prep has given me opportunities to attend conferences exploring the adolescent brain that have helped me become a better teacher, and I am very grateful that I am encouraged at this school to grow in my profession.

Gayle and her husband, Craig, have four grown children and three grandchildren, and live in Torrance with their dog, Marlowe. In addition to teaching, Gayle enjoys hiking, reading, and cooking.

"'Take the teaching job. You love talking about books. What better job could there possibly be for somebody who wants to talk about books all day?' That sage advice, offered by my thesis advisor at the University of Washington many years ago when there were still only two Starbucks shops on the planet, launched a career that I wouldn't trade for all the espresso in Seattle. As I learned while living in France, it is 'la vie quotidienne'--those many small pleasures which surprise and delight us as we navigate the uncertain seas of our daily lives--that really matters. For me a daily life filled with books and kids is the ultimate smooth passage.

"In 1990 I was awarded a National Endowment of the Humanities fellowship to study Thomas Hardy and T.S. Eliot at Oxford University. Those six weeks enriched my life immeasurably and rejuvenated my commitment to teaching. Now, even after 30 years, I still look forward to explaining how 'The course of true love never did run smooth,' that 'Bob Ewell fell on his knife,' and that 'There, in the tin factory, in the first moment of the atomic age, a human being was crushed by books.' What more could a middle-aged bookworm with an appreciation of 14 year-olds wish for?"

Mary lives in Palos Verdes with her husband Peter McCormack and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Monty. She spends most of her spare time reading and watching the Food Channel (she would love to be the Barefoot Contessa in her next life!)

After working in a few schools on both the East Coast and in Los Angeles, I decided to take a break from teaching. I spent a few months in Human Resources, but quickly began to discover that I missed being in the classroom. Luckily for me, RHP was in need of a French teacher for the third trimester of 2008. I leaped at the chance to return to teaching, and after meeting and speaking with some of the teachers, I knew RHP was going to be a great place for me. The very fact that every day I am able to work with such a diverse community of students only continues to be more rewarding. I learn new things from each student and my colleagues all the time. This is such an extraordinary environment! In addition to teaching French, I also advise the Comedy Sports team, a natural return to my love of the arts.

Matthew also speaks German and Spanish and is only slightly obsessed with airports. He is currently working on an M.A. in French Literature at Cal State Long Beach.

My degrees are in English and Psychology. After college, I had hoped to be a writer, and began teaching English as a Second Language. My love for teaching eventually eclipsed my passion for writing, and I gratefully and fatefully discovered my life's purpose. When I am teaching a group of eighth graders, I get to be in eighth grade once again; when I'm in a room full of seventeen year olds, I am allowed to remember perfectly what that is like ...other people have to resort to nostalgia!

I had worked with Heidi Morris as a colleague and educational therapist, and knew her Road to Excellence Program to be the single best program I had ever come across. When I was offered the chance to become a part of the program, I eagerly accepted. I value and appreciate everything about Rolling Hills Prep, and my position here. Teaching is truly the great undiscovered secret of our age, and I consider myself fortunate every day for having made the discovery.

Adam has been teaching for twenty-five years and also works as an educational therapist. He lives in the South Bay, where he reads, writes, and watches the Lakers.

I began working at RHP part-time in 1999 as a volleyball coach and after-school tutor while I was still in college. After I graduated with my Masters degree in education from Pepperdine University, I became a full-time faculty member. It is really special for me to be here because I graduated from Prep in 1996.

As an RHP alumnus, I feel that I bring a different perspective on teaching and relate well to the lives of the students. It is an amazing experience to have some of my former teachers as my peers; they are inspiring mentors who have influenced my career greatly. I have seen the RHP community and school spirit grow stronger every year and it means the world to me.

From the International Day celebration to the fantastic drama productions, the support and participation from the students, parents, and teachers ensures success. I particularly enjoy the outdoor education trips with the various grade levels. Each trip is a wonderful experience that allows me to know the students on a more personal level. Every day I come to Prep and walk into a supportive, compassionate atmosphere filled with laughter, love, and learning. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else!

Matt and his wife live in Redondo Beach where he plays beach volleyball for the AVP and CBVA in the summer. An avid Laker fan, his hobbies include traveling, fish keeping, movies, computers, and going to the beach as much as possible.

I grew up in California. I began Hollywood High the year their marching band participated in the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.

While working at the Dubnoff School, I was asked to begin training to provide educational therapy, a specialty that was new to me. That turned out to be the most interesting and wonderful of all. I've loved working with students in an educational therapy setting. Students learn about themselves as students, and become more engaged and successful in the process.

I've had the privilege of being involved with Rolling Hills Prep since 1991. My first experience was as a private educational therapist, then as a parent (Abram Lipman '99) and now as part of the USAS staff. From the beginning, I was aware of the positive attitude toward learning at RHP, learning which includes academic, artistic and social realms. John Dewey said, 'Education isn't preparation for life, but life itself.' RHP exemplifies that.

Joy attended UC Berkeley, U of Jerusalem, and CSUN. Joy lives in Redondo Beach with her black cat Kiki. She enjoys traveling, hiking, community service, reading and spending time with family on two coasts.