“The arts are a vital and integral part of the education here at Besant Hill and have been since the school’s founding. I can’t imagine a better place than here to inspire and encourage students to be creative and confident in their artistic pursuits.”
Lis Austin
Performing Art Teacher
Residential Life
Credentials
B.A. Theatre Studies, University of Surrey
M.A. Performance Studies, University of Roehampton, London
PhD University of Roehampton, London
“The arts are a vital and integral part of the education here at Besant Hill and have been since the school’s founding. I can’t imagine a better place than here to inspire and encourage students to be creative and confident in their artistic pursuits.”
Performing Art Teacher
Residential Life
Credentials
B.A. Theatre Studies, University of Surrey
M.A. Performance Studies, University of Roehampton, London
PhD University of Roehampton, London
Tom Bennett
Director of Students & Residential Life
Philosophy Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”
“A good education, not least the study of literature, inspires the empathy we need to make the world a better place. Besant Hill's focus on life-time learning turns "I wish" into "I will."”
Director of Students & Residential Life
Philosophy Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Chelsea College, Brighton University, UK. B.Sc (Hons)
St Luke’s, Exeter University, UK. PGCE
Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. B.A. (Hons)
“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”
Anna Bennett
History, Geography and Environmental Science Teacher
Math and Science Chair
Sustainability Education Lead
Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE
“I am very happy to be working at Besant Hill where the focus on global citizenship and sustainability allows students to develop a positive view of the world and evaluate a range of strategies to make a real difference.”
History, Geography and Environmental Science Teacher
Math and Science Chair
Sustainability Education Lead
Credentials
Exeter University, UK. B.A.
Bristol University, UK. PGCE
Jennifer Brown
History & ESL Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of Manchester, M.A.
Oakland University, B.A.
"I love being a part of the student journey, and teaching allows for lifelong learning along with my students, and there is truly nothing better than that."
"I love being a part of the student journey, and teaching allows for lifelong learning along with my students, and there is truly nothing better than that."
History & ESL Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
University of Manchester, M.A.
Oakland University, B.A.
"The emphasis on creative expression and intellectual curiosity at Besant promotes critical thinking and a deep inquiry into each student’s purpose in the world. I’m grateful to be part of this journey of self-discovery."
Renee Chartier
Digital Arts & Photography Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.A. Studio Art, Rhode Island College
M.F.A. Studio Art, Cal State Long Beach
M.S.W., Rhode Island College
"The emphasis on creative expression and intellectual curiosity at Besant promotes critical thinking and a deep inquiry into each student’s purpose in the world. I’m grateful to be part of this journey of self-discovery."
Digital Arts & Photography Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.A. Studio Art, Rhode Island College
M.F.A. Studio Art, Cal State Long Beach
M.S.W., Rhode Island College
Richard Ellwood
Director of Technology
Computer Science Teacher
Credentials
University of Southern California, B.S.
“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”
“What I love about Besant Hill is the kindness that everyone shows to each other.”
Director of Technology
Computer Science Teacher
Credentials
University of Southern California, B.S.
“I am grateful to work at a school where the size and mission of the place provides the faculty, staff, and students to develop meaningful and constructive relationships to help foster deep and meaningful learning.”
Toby Elmore
Director of Academics
History teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
B.A. Connecticut College
MALS, Reed College
Ed.D University of San Francisco
“I am grateful to work at a school where the size and mission of the place provides the faculty, staff, and students to develop meaningful and constructive relationships to help foster deep and meaningful learning.”
Director of Academics
History teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
B.A. Connecticut College
MALS, Reed College
Ed.D University of San Francisco
Néstor Gerónimo Morales
Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”
“Learning a new language opens the door to opportunity. This opportunity includes cultural relativism, and with that comes a new perspective for seeing the world.”
Humanities Chair
Spanish & French Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
Universidad de Michoacán, B.A.
“One reason I came to Besant Hill was because the school supports the whole child and respects each student’s individual learning style. I look forward to supporting the students here and helping them become independent learners who can effectively advocate for themselves”
Jody Gray
Director of Instructional Support Program
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.A University of Rhode Island, Psychology
M.A. Boston University, Special Education
“One reason I came to Besant Hill was because the school supports the whole child and respects each student’s individual learning style. I look forward to supporting the students here and helping them become independent learners who can effectively advocate for themselves”
Director of Instructional Support Program
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.A University of Rhode Island, Psychology
M.A. Boston University, Special Education
Tracy How
Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
Credentials
California Lutheran University, MBA
California Lutheran University, B.S.
“With so much history, Besant Hill is a place that is committed to honoring the past but focused on the future. It's exciting to be part of a school where the only constant is change.”
“With so much history, Besant Hill is a place that is committed to honoring the past but focused on the future. It's exciting to be part of a school where the only constant is change.”
Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
Credentials
California Lutheran University, MBA
California Lutheran University, B.S.
“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”
Portia Johnson
Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000
“My favorite part of teaching English is exposing students to different ways of thinking and living around the world and throughout time. It allows us to live the Portrait of a Graduate everyday in class.”
Head of School
English Teacher
Residential Administrator on Duty
Credentials
University of New England, M.S.Ed.
West Virginia University, B.A.
Besant Hill School (Happy Valley School), 2000
Claire Lowndes
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Pepperdine University, M.S.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE
“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”
“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”
Studio Arts Teacher
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
Pepperdine University, M.S.Ed.
Staffordshire University, B.A.
Birmingham City University, PGCE
“Besant Hill is fantastic at promoting individual student interests and building holistic scholars. Teaching to the entirety of a student is at the core of what I hope to do as an educator.”
Jasper Olsaki-Lounds
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
U.C. Davis, B.S.
“Besant Hill is fantastic at promoting individual student interests and building holistic scholars. Teaching to the entirety of a student is at the core of what I hope to do as an educator.”
Math Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
U.C. Davis, B.S.
Michaela Peters
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.
“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”
“Besant Hill School students graduate as individuals who differentiate themselves in their fields and through their work. They approach life with fervent originality and focused understanding that allows them to adapt to change and new learning. ”
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Credentials
California College of the Arts, M.F.A.
“I am grateful to work at a small school with an emphasis on knowing our students well as individuals. Inspiring the students to be creative and think outside the box to find their passion and build a strong foundation for their future is a privilege.”
Lisa Ritke
Math & Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
M.Ed. Music, Mathematics and Educational Studies at University of Bremen, Germany
“I am grateful to work at a small school with an emphasis on knowing our students well as individuals. Inspiring the students to be creative and think outside the box to find their passion and build a strong foundation for their future is a privilege.”
Math & Music Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
M.Ed. Music, Mathematics and Educational Studies at University of Bremen, Germany
Leah Sellers
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
Grand Canyon University, M.S. Psychology
“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”
“Besant Hill School offers a unique opportunity to introduce dance to students from around the world and offer an all inclusive, judgment free environment for all to dance freely.”
Athletic Director
Psychology Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Administrator on Duty
Credentials
California State University, Fullerton, B.A.
Grand Canyon University, M.S. Psychology
“At Besant Hill School, we encourage students to develop their individual passions and to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. As I support students on their college journeys, I aim to help them find not just the “best” colleges and universities, but the best for them.”
Lara Shalson
Director of College Counseling
Residential Life
Credentials
B.A. University of California, Berkeley
M.A. City University of New York, Graduate Center
Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
“At Besant Hill School, we encourage students to develop their individual passions and to cultivate a lifelong love of learning. As I support students on their college journeys, I aim to help them find not just the “best” colleges and universities, but the best for them.”
Director of College Counseling
Residential Life
Credentials
B.A. University of California, Berkeley
M.A. City University of New York, Graduate Center
Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Mary Spence
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.
“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”
“My favorite aspect of Besant Hill is the diversity of our students. They truly bring a global perspective and curiosity to our classrooms, and our discussions about literature are full of questions and exploration. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it becomes clear that there are so many different ways to examine a text.”
English Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
California Institute of the Arts, B.F.A.
Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, M.A.
“I am privileged to work in a supportive environment where I can share my passion for knowledge with my students. Helping them discover their unique talents and guiding them toward a path of self-fulfillment, where their contributions can make a positive impact on the world, is both an honor and a joy. Together, we strive to create a community of learners who are prepared to lead with purpose and integrity.”
Jeffrey Villador
Math & Science Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.S. Mathematics, CSU, Northridge
“I am privileged to work in a supportive environment where I can share my passion for knowledge with my students. Helping them discover their unique talents and guiding them toward a path of self-fulfillment, where their contributions can make a positive impact on the world, is both an honor and a joy. Together, we strive to create a community of learners who are prepared to lead with purpose and integrity.”
Math & Science Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.S. Mathematics, CSU, Northridge
Rachel Zeppetello
Science Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.S. Binghamton University, New York
M.A. Oswego University, New York
"I believe every student has the natural curiosity and intuition to be a scientist."
"I believe every student has the natural curiosity and intuition to be a scientist."
Science Teacher
Sports & Fitness Coach
Residential Faculty
Credentials
B.S. Binghamton University, New York
M.A. Oswego University, New York
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
contact@miandian-duchang.com
Tel: (805) 646-4343
Fax: (805) 646-4371
