Jaymie Arquilevich

K-8 Registrar

“I believe in the capacity of our school to create significant change by fostering a deeper, broader exploration of human nature.”
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Richa Badami

High School Theater Teacher and Coach
School Musical Production Director

“Honoring the human, directly lived experience more than anything else, giving importance to relationship, loving communication, deep listening, conscious dialog. ‘These are a few of my favorite things’ that make an Oak Grove education unique.”
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Meredy Benson Rice

Director of Teaching & Learning

“This school is in my bones. I am deeply committed to the mission of the school and believe that we are involved in the most important work ever – the transformation of the world, one student at a time.”
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Serra Benson

Third Grade Teacher

“Students are valued for who they are as individuals not by how they can compete with others.”
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Brittany Borowitz

High School Science Teacher
Admissions Associate

“Oak Grove is a school where I can not only teach scientific skills and reasoning and instill a passion for the subject matter, but also go camping, coach cross-country, cook vegetarian meals for our dorm students, travel to India, go by my first name, walk with students outside, sit in silence, laugh with my coworkers, wear Patagonia to work, and truly be myself.”
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Oliver Cornell

Besant House Parent

“A uniquely kind community and curriculum that challenges everyone to ask big questions and look deeper into this human experience.”
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Eric Cowen

First Grade Associate Teacher

“My educational philosophies and practices of both teaching and learning have been fostered and enlightened at Oak Grove. The food rocks as well!”
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Chrystalla Cruz

Preschool Teacher

“It’s undeniable that Oak Grove, with its beautiful outdoor spaces for children to explore and create, would be a wonderful setting in which to work. My even greater desire, though, is to be part of a nurturing environment for children and teachers alike where authentic, meaningful learning takes place.”
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Sage Danch

Fifth Grade Teacher

“I am a former student of Oak Grove. My experience of moving and growing within the confines of the school is still one of the most positive experiences of my life. I am privileged to feel that way. Now as a parent and a teacher, I feel even more privileged to soon watch my own children have their own experience at the school and to play a part in all our other students’ lives who are now walking their own path. Finally, the staff is wonderful, the campus is beautiful and calming. There are many reasons to work at Oak Grove.”
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Angela Daugherty

Bookkeeper

“I was immediately drawn to Oak Grove because of its belief in building a student’s relationship with nature. I am also appreciative to work for a community that provides a safe environment for students to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.”
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Christine Elmore

Second Grade Teacher

“…I believe in the philosophy of the school.”
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Louise Everett

Fourth Grade Teacher

“It is a place where everyone can learn and grow.”
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Jaime Flores

IT Coordinator
Communications Associate

“The school offers a space for exploring our relationships with each other and nature through the lens of the perennial principles of the spirit.”
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Alison Frey Andersson

High School Ceramics Teacher

“Working at Oak Grove means being surrounded by good people working together to learn and grow. It’s a special place.”
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Aaron Gardner

Middle School Humanities Teacher

“Oak Grove School offers a unique opportunity to think about the distinction between teacher and learner, and ultimately collapse that hierarchy altogether. I work in a beautiful environment with a caring community. It’s pretty awesome.”
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Gianni Garubo

Second Grade Assistant Teacher

“As a ‘lifer’ at OGS I know firsthand the power and impact the OGS community had on my development and my life, it is my great pleasure to be able to contribute to that community again but now as a faculty member.”
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Kalli Gedwed

Middle School Math Teacher

“Students are not always given the answers to the questions they seek answers to. As teachers we guide them in ways to find the answers and let them find their answers for themselves.”
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Bettina Hohner

Kindergarten Teacher

“I found Oak Grove School a long time ago when I was looking for a school for my daughter. I was looking for a school that would not only focus on the intellectual but also on the social and emotional growth of a child. A school that embraces and sees the whole child and supports and fosters a child’s deep curiosity and joy of learning while appreciating cooperation, diversity, and peaceful communication.”
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Will Hornblower

High School History Teacher
Parent Education Coordinator

“Oak Grove creates a climate of learning that empowers students to take control of their own education. Students thrive on a beautiful campus and with teachers who are compassionate and dedicated to their jobs. As a teacher, I work here because I teach every high school student for four years. This allows me to develop close relationships with my students and to witness their growth in a meaningful way.”
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Adrienne Hoskins

Child Development Specialist
Copy Editor

“I love that Oak Grove teachers and staff are lifelong learners themselves. We are encouraged to be thoughtful, self-reflective, and to infuse our skills and passions into the life of OGS school days.”
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Eva Iacomini

Elementary and Middle School Spanish Teacher

“I was very excited to contribute to Krishnamurti’s school in some way and also very aware of how much and how deep my own learning process here was going to be as a teacher and as a human being.”
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Marga Kasper

Grounds and Campus Security Manager

“Just being outside will do the trick.”
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Mary Kelley

Sixth Grade Classroom Teacher

“What makes Oak Grove unique is that it provides the time and space for the immeasurable kind of learning to take place.”
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Emma Larkan

Preschool Teacher

“We help them see that who they are is enough.”
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Cassidy Linder

Dance Teacher

“I believe in the mission of the school and the teachings of Krishnamurti. I also love the ability to pass down my love for dance to the students who have such open minds.”
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Jeremiah Lyon

Front Office & High School Registrar

Ashton MacSaylor

High School Electives Teacher

“Oak Grove, to me, represents the heart of the idea of “Ojai” that I grew up with. It is a place where all are honored and welcome, a place that values trust and cooperation and rejects fear and competition, a place where I get to watch growing minds flower into their full potential.”
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Joe Manfredi

Maintenance Team

“It’s great to take care of the beautiful campus and community.”
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Bridget Matson

First Grade Teacher

“Oak Grove is a beautiful campus surrounded by caring adults who nurture the development of the whole child. I want to spend my days, and have my children spend their days, in a place filled with kindness, connection with nature, and possibility.”
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Nina Mecagni

Third Grade Teaching Aide

I have been part of the Oak Grove School community for twenty years because supporting this entirely new approach to education is the most vital thing one can do for humanity and the world.
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Laila Muller

Kindergarten Teacher

“I like the way that teachers and students can explore and grow together. I also like the emphasis on developing deep personal relationships with one another. At Oak Grove we have the freedom to be flexible and follow the shape of our passions and our students’ interests.”
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Bo Qalandar

Athletic Director and Camping Coordinator

“And then there is the most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” —Randy Komisar
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Sydney Robertson

High School Registrar
Learning Resource Teacher
ESL Teacher
Director of Residential Life

“I love being at a school that involves all stages of education and that values educating all members of its community, from toddlers to teens to staff and parents.”
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Debra Rose

Database Administrator
High School Psychology Teacher
Librarian

“Working at Oak Grove School gives me the opportunity to use my skills and experience in service to a greater good. I hope I am making a contribution to the education of young people.”
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Carrie Rubalcava

Preschool Teacher

“I work at Oak Grove because I believe in its mission. I strongly believe that play is the work of young children and the learning that happens within that setting is powerful. I am grateful to be at a school where I can support the social emotional growth of children due to our small teacher-to-student ratio. I can also say that I am here because of my co-workers who create an atmosphere of kindness, support, and genuine commitment to the well being and growth of children.”
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Marie Samson

High School Math Teacher

“At Oak Grove School, we pay equal attention to the knowledge of academics and of the self. I believe both are essential to create a loving world.”
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Tara Saylor

Woodworking Teacher

“Oak Grove is such an incredible place to work. A place to come and be present as your whole self.”
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Nile Sherman

Sous Chef

“I work at Oak Grove because it’s a family, not a job.”
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Terra Solecki

Preschool Teacher

“I love working with young children and their families and I appreciate the unique support and experience that I feel families and students receive from Oak Grove school.”
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Dave Solis

Facilities Manager

“Measure twice, cut once.”
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Eric Sullivan

High School Music Teacher

“It’s a fun place to be! I believe in Oak Grove’s approach to education and the way we work with students. I also appreciate the creativity and passion of my fellow teachers.”
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Jennifer Thompson

College Counselor

“College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.”
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Aron Van Alstine

Chair of the Music Department

“I have personal relationships with parents, teachers, administrators, and students. While my role in the school is completely unique, I still feel like I’m part of a team.”
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