Together, we cultivate learning through arts, academics, and relationships.

Our Teachers & Staff

Teachers and Classroom Aides

A woman wearing a sweater and jacket in an outdoor setting.

Doreen Edwards

I have taught at Santa Barbara Charter School since 2012 and now teach our classroom-based TK students. An avid bird watcher and wildflower chaser, I love that our classroom opens onto the school garden and orchard. I also founded the Student Alliance, our student leadership program, because children deserve a voice in their community.

TK Teacher

Desia Gentry

Hi! I’m Desia, a classroom aide and a former SBCS student, so this school holds a special place in my heart. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and also coach high school cheer at San Marcos (Go Royals!). In my free time, I love trying new foods, long drives, and walks by the beach.

Classroom Aide and After School Program

Debbie Armstrong

Instructional and Yard Aide, Office Assistant, and After School Program

Hi, I’m Debbie! I work as an instructional and yard aide, help in the office, and have been part of our After School Program for years. Before education, I had a career in banking and finance. I’m the parent of three grown children, and I enjoy reading, art, history, and swimming.

Sonia Morosin

I have taught Kindergarten at Santa Barbara Charter School since 2007. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara and knew from a young age that I wanted to teach. Outside the classroom, I love time with my partner, George, our two children, and our dog, Mable, plus travel, cooking, and fiber arts like sewing and knitting.

Kindergarten Teacher

Kristine Chheng

I’m Kristine, an aide in our Kindergarten class. I’ve lived in Santa Barbara for many years with my husband, Sunday, and our two children, who both attended SBCS. In my spare time, I enjoy watercolor painting, learning Japanese, gardening, and traveling with my family.

Kindergarten Aide

Gabi Tulk

UCSB Teacher Candidate

I’m Gabi, a UCSB Teacher Candidate helping in our Kindergarten class while I work toward my teaching credential and Master’s in Education. Helping my younger brother with schoolwork first showed me the joy of watching children build confidence. In my free time, I hike with my dog, Ghost, explore coffee shops, and discover new music.

Laurel Weitz

Hi! I’m Laurel, and I teach first grade. My goal is a caring, curious, and comfortable classroom where learners become confident, creative problem-solvers, and I love partnering with families along the way. Outside the classroom, I love surfing, climbing, hiking, yoga, art, and time with my family.

1st Grade Teacher

Scott Kneece

Instructional Aide

I joined the SBCS community when my son, Isaac, started kindergarten here, and volunteering in his class made me want to contribute more fully. I now serve as an Instructional Aide in Laurel’s first grade class. My background is in English literature and poetry, and in my free time I write, paint, and take on woodworking and home projects.

Grace Butler-Martin

2nd Grade Teacher

I’m Grace, and I teach second grade. I’ve been at SBCS since I arrived as a student teacher in 2016, after attending UC Berkeley and earning my credential through Cal State LA. My husband, Aaron, also teaches here, and when I’m not working I’m dancing, singing, exploring with our daughter, Hazel, or snuggling our cats.

Jessica Jones

Instructional Aide and PE Teacher

I’m Jessica, a Santa Barbara native, and all three of my sons have attended Charter. After years as a parent helper, I joined the staff in 2023 as an instructional aide and PE teacher for the lower grades. In my spare time I love riding horses, hiking, running, reading, and long beach days with family and friends.

Lanie Allen

UCSB Teacher Candidate

I’m Lanie, a UCSB Teacher Candidate working toward my teaching credential and Master’s in Education in our second grade classroom. I’ve worked as an assistant teacher, daycare teacher, nanny, and classroom volunteer, and I believe we can learn so much from children’s perspectives. I love baking, hiking, swimming, reading, and crafting.

Melissa Hagen

Hi, I’m Melissa, and I teach 2nd and 3rd grade. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, earned my credential and Master’s in Education at Antioch University Santa Barbara, and fell in love with SBCS’s approach to learning while student teaching here. I enjoy time with family, friends, and my cats, plus gardening and hiking.

2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher

Jessica Zeitsoff

I’m Jessica, an instructional aide and certified wellness coach. A Santa Barbara native, I earned my BA and teaching credential at Long Beach State and taught grades 1 through 8 locally before raising my two children, who have both attended SBCS. I love running, hiking, walking our dog, Raisin, good food, reading, and travel.

Instructional Aide and Wellness Coach

Jenny Witherell

Hi! I’m Jenny, and I’ve taught at SBCS since 1998; I can’t imagine doing anything else. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, studied History and Cultural Anthropology at UCSB, and earned my credentials at CSUN. My family loves camping, road trips, and surfing, and in class I love the “Ah-ha!” moments, field trips, and teaching in costume!

3rd and 4th Grade Teacher

Shalon Edwards

I’m Shalon, and I’ve been teaching since age 12, when I started an art and story hour camp for neighborhood children. After 18 years as a special educator, I came to SBCS in 2013 because it matches my educational philosophy as few schools do, and all three of my children attended here. I love running, swimming, yoga, volleyball, and anything active in nature.

3rd and 4th Grade Teacher

Peter Aguilar

I’m Peter, born and raised in Santa Barbara, and I’ve been part of SB Charter since 2016. I’m an instructional aide in our 3rd and 4th grade class and the P.E. teacher for the older grades, with a BA and Master’s in Education from Antioch University Santa Barbara. A licensed soccer and futsal coach, I spend free time coaching or enjoying downtown SB with my wife and our twins.

Instructional Aide and PE Teacher

Mayra Tellez

Hi! I’m Mayra, and I joined SBCS in 2026 after more than 10 years in Early Childhood Education. I’m a proud mom of three and definitely a busy sports mom! Our family loves Disneyland, the LA Dodgers, and pretty much anything involving sports.

Instructional Aide and ASP Program

Katie Brown

Hello! I’m Katie, and I teach 5th and 6th grade. Before Charter, I taught 5th grade in Carpinteria, and I hold a degree in Environmental and Ocean Sciences from the University of San Diego and my M.Ed. and credential from UCSB. Outside school, I love audiobooks on long walks with my dog, Suci, painting, rock climbing, camping, and travel.

5th and 6th Grade Teacher

Devon Cabelli

Hello! I’m Devon, and I joined SBCS in 2026 to teach 5th and 6th grade. I love giving students choice, collaboration, and exploration in their learning. I live in Santa Barbara with my partner, Pieter, and our dogs, Moose and Millie, and I enjoy pottery, volleyball, pilates, hiking, and rock climbing.

5th and 6th Grade Teacher

Nicole Ellis

Hi! I’m Nicole, and I’ve been at Charter since 2021, working in many roles that I’ve loved. I grew up in the Monterey/Salinas area and earned my BA in Anthropology at UCSB. In my free time, you’ll find me in my reading corner, at the nursery finding another plant, or on a walk with a podcast.

5th and 6th Grade Teacher

Pauline Thorpe

Hi! I’m Pauline, an instructional aide who joined SBCS in 2025. Born in the UK, I’ve lived in India, Taiwan, Denmark, and Boston, where I raised two daughters and spent ten years as a first-grade assistant. I love exploring Santa Barbara, reading, travel, watercolor painting, hiking, and our rescue cats, Freya and Moe.

Instructional Aide

Patricia Atmoko

Hi! I’m Patricia, a student teacher in our 5th and 6th grade class. I grew up in San Gabriel and came to UC Santa Barbara to study Psychology, where coaching Science Olympiad and assisting toddler teachers grew my love for teaching. On weekends, you’ll find me hunting for craft supplies or catching the latest movie.

Student Teacher

After School Program Staff

Brenda Najera

Hello! I’m Brenda, Director of our After School Program. I joined SBCS in 2020 as an ASP aide and helped with our Peacemakers, and I’m always happy to help wherever I’m needed. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and I love concerts and music festivals.

After School Program Director

Yessica Rangel

Hello! I’m Yessica, Assistant Director of the After School Program, and I’ve been at SBCS since 2016. I studied Chicano Studies and Latin American & Iberian Studies at UCSB and earned my master’s in Education at Antioch University. I love exploring new places with my young son and visiting family in Orange County.

After School Program Assistant Director

Hello! I’m Kat, and I joined the SBCS After School Program in 2026. I’m a part-time SBCC student working toward the radiology program. When I’m not at school, I love traveling, hiking, running, or curling up with a great book.

After School Program

Kat Elreda

After School Program

Sloane Dickens

Hello! I’m Sloane, an After-School Care Aide. I graduated from the University of Oregon in Planning, Public Policy, and Management and taught English in Madrid, Spain. I love leading fun activities and creating a positive, safe space for our students.

Specialists

Christopher Jimenez

Hi, I’m Chris! Born and raised in Santa Barbara, I’ve been at SBCS since 2023 as an instructional aide, science aide, and After School Program support. I earned my BA in Art with a minor in Educational Studies from UCSB, and I dream of becoming a teacher. I enjoy music, drawing, hiking, writing stories, and visiting art museums.

After School Program and Science Specialist

Leise Thomason

I’ve been part of SBCS since 2009, when my daughter started kindergarten here. I teach science in the upper grades and help our teachers develop their science lessons. I earned a biology degree and teaching certificate at Brown University and a master’s in education from Harvard, and I’m passionate about the Next Generation Science Standards.

Science Specialist

Hi, I’m Maria, the Art Specialist! Our family joined SBCS in 2021, and my volunteering grew into beautifying our campus, reviving the lunchtime Arts Cafe, and teaching art in classrooms. I believe everyone is creative, and I love to travel, eat delicious food, and ski. If you’d like to help with lunchtime art or in the garden, please reach out!

Art Specialist

Maria Angeles-Hoernicke

I’m Cynthia, a founding parent of SBCS; my oldest was in Wendy Kanter’s first kindergarten class in 1993. I teach math and offer knitting in the After School Program. I grew up in Michigan, and I enjoy walks in the North Campus Open Space, gardening, puzzles, my cat, Bella, and baseball.

Math Specialist

Cynthia Dunn

Garden Specialist

Sravanti Veldurthy

I’m Sravanti (Srav or 70 for short), the Garden Specialist, carrying on the work of my mentor, Wendy Kanter. Born in India, I studied architecture at USC and have called Santa Barbara home since 2009 with my partner, Ashwin, and our two SBCS kids. A forever learner, I love cooking, my dog, Mochi, and road trips to National Parks.

Special Education and Student Services

Stacy Tolkin

Hi, I’m Stacy, SBCS’s Director of Special Education. I joined in 2018 as school psychologist after years as Santa Barbara County SELPA Coordinator and a school psychologist in Orange County, and I hold degrees from UCLA, Pepperdine, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Outside work, I love cooking, cheering on our teams, our dogs, and travel with family.

Director of Special Education

Katherine Penner

Coming to Santa Barbara Charter feels like coming home, since my first teaching placement was here. I earned my credentials and Master’s in Education at Antioch University Santa Barbara, spent eight years as an Education and Inclusion Specialist in Goleta Union School District, and hold a preliminary administrative credential. I’m the proud mom of two daughters, Madison and Meridian.

Special Education Coordinator

I’m Aaron, and I attended Charter myself from kindergarten through eighth grade. I returned in 2016 as an instructional aide and later worked as a math and PE specialist before earning my Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credentials. My wife, Grace, also teaches here; we met at SBCS while student teaching.

Special Education Teacher

Aaron Butler-Martin

Hi, I’m Darcey, a Special Education Aide in the Learning Center. I completed all my credential teaching hours at Charter, where I instantly felt at home. I love finding the strategies that fit each student, and outside school I’m traveling (my goal is every country!) or at Hendry’s Beach with my dog, Arugula.

Special Education Aide

Darcey Babikian

Special Education Specialist

Ellen Dameron

I’m Ellen, a Special Education teacher and Assistive Technology Assistant in the Learning Center, helping students build confidence and skills in a way that affirms neurodiversity. A native Santa Barbaran, I hold a Psychology degree from UCLA, an M.Ed. from UCSB, and certification in dyslexia and structured literacy. I love biking, horseback riding, art, and NFL football.

Special Education Student Teacher

Juan Palomares

Hello! I’m Juan, a special education teacher candidate in UCSB’s Teacher Education Program, student teaching with our Learning Center team. I’m from Santa Maria and found my love for special education as a paraprofessional in the Central Valley. I enjoy music, reading, football (Go Ravens!), and the beach.

Christin Hunt

Hi, I’m Christin, the Occupational Therapist at SBCS. I studied Psychology at UCSB and Occupational Therapy at the University of Brighton, England, and I’ve worked in pediatrics since 2007, specializing in sensory strategies, handwriting, and motor skills. At home, I share life with my husband, two kids, and a menagerie that includes a gecko and a ball python.

Occupational Therapist

Heather Barlam

Hi! I’m Heather, a Speech and Language Pathologist on our special education team since 2021. I earned my Master’s in Communication Disorders from Western Kentucky University and focus on neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based assessments. Outside work, I enjoy cooking, creating, reading, getting outside, and petting every dog I see.

Speech and Language Pathologist

Hi! I’m Kristen, a Speech-Language Pathologist at SBCS since 2022. I earned my Bachelor’s from Chico State and my Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from CSU Northridge, and I’ve worked in schools since 2011. Outside work, I love gardening, trail running, and paddle boarding.

Speech and Language Pathologist

Kristen Roberts

Hi, I’m Reilly, a School Psychology Intern from UCSB’s PhD program. I studied Psychology at Santa Clara University and San Diego State, and I’m especially passionate about supporting students with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Outside of work, I enjoy knitting, crocheting, watercolor painting, and baking.

School Psychology Intern

Reilly Caldwell

School Psychologist

Kaitlyn Bathel

I’m Kaitlyn, the school psychologist at SBCS, and a third-generation Santa Barbarian. I’m a Licensed Educational Psychologist certified in school neuropsychological assessment, and I also run a group practice offering assessments and therapy to youth. My husband, John, and I love camping and beach days with our three kids.

Reading Intervention, Counseling and Wellness

Tanya Hansen

I’m Tanya, our reading intervention teacher, and I’ve taught at Santa Barbara Charter School since 2007, including many combinations of first through third grade. All three of my children are SBCS graduates. In my free time, I love family time with our dog and kitties, yoga, and traveling to new places.

Reading Specialist Teacher

Sarita Baldocchi

I’m Sarita, a reading specialist working with children in small groups, one-on-one, and in classrooms. I joined SBCS as a parent volunteer in 2013 and became staff in 2016, after a career designing product packaging for toy companies. Born in England, I love cooking, gardening, walking our dog, and most of all backpacking in the wilderness.

Reading Specialist

I’m Jan, and I’ve been part of SBCS since 2005 as a parent, a classroom aide in kindergarten through second grade, and a social group facilitator. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and studied Developmental Psychology and Modern Dance at UCSB. I’ve always worked with children, and I still dance whenever I can.

Social Group Facilitator

Jan Vucinich

Hi! I’m Grace, a School Counseling Intern working toward becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. SBCS is my second home: I attended school here, and my mom, Tanya, teaches here too. I love the beach, hiking, camping, and concerts at the Bowl.

School Counseling Intern

Grace Long

Wellness Coach

Nichole Sexton

I’m Nichole, and I’ve been part of SBCS since about 2010, first as a parent volunteer and then as an aide. I earned my AS in Environmental Horticulture from SBCC and worked as a gardener for years. My joys are my kids, my animals, lake life, reading, traveling, and gardening.

School Counseling Intern

Mar Mulloy

Hi, everyone! I’m Mar, a School Counseling Trainee studying Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, with an interest in person-centered, somatic, and trauma-informed care. Originally from San Diego, I studied English and French at UCSB, and I love helping make mental health a normal part of growing up. In my free time, I love travel, new foods, video games, and a good book.

Administrative Staff

Laura Donner

I have been part of Santa Barbara Charter School since 1993, when I helped start the After School Program, and I taught grades one through four here before becoming Director of Education in 2014. My husband, Bernie, and I love camping across California in our motorhome. I also enjoy walking our dog, cooking, reading, swimming, and biking.

Director of Education

Karen Myers

My kids, Maddie and Presley, joined SB Charter in 2024, and in 2025 I stepped in to help in the back office. I bring experience as an operations and marketing director for several educational organizations, and I feel deeply aligned with the SBCS mission. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Interim Director of Operations
Chief Business Officer

Tracy Burson

I have worked in the back office at SBCS since 1997, a few years after my daughter, Elise, started kindergarten here. I live in Lompoc, where I love reading and walking the mission.

I have been part of Charter as both a parent and an employee for many years, and both of my children graduated from SB Charter. I love watching students grow and change from year to year. Outside school, I love to travel, walk my puppies, and go to the beach.

Math Specialist and Attendance

Alison Wardlaw

Administrative Secretary

Jasmine Ramirez

Hi! I’m Jasmine, the Administrative Secretary at SBCS. I bring many years of experience in early childhood education and administration, and I love helping our students, families, and staff each day. I’m a proud mom of three, and my family loves Disneyland and spontaneous road trips.

Hi! I’m Ann, and I supervise the UCSB Teacher Candidates. I grew up in rural Wisconsin, earned my teaching credential and M.Ed. in Santa Barbara, and have taught 5th and 6th grades. I’m a big advocate for getting kids outside while learning, and I love biking, yoga, camping, and beach walks with my family.

UCSB Supervisor for Teacher Candidates

Ann Bumby