MEET OUR STAFF
Passionate Educators
NATALIE NEAL
Director/ Book Club Lover
Natalie has been sharing her love of learning most recently through her 501c3 nonprofit educational farm, Olivenhain Farms, and prior to that she ran the garden program for Village Gate Children's Academy, a private K-8 Montessori in Encinitas. During her time in these two unconventional outdoor environments, when comparing it to her time spent in the classroom, she realised that she wanted a different education for her kids: no desks, no tests, but a child-led fresh look at schooling. As a mother of four ranging from 19 down to 7, she has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Natalie holds a BA in English from the University of San Diego as well as a Professional Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential for the field of English with a Cross-Cultural, Language, and Academic Development Emphasis.
TREVOR ARTHUR
Music - Yoga - Chess
Trevor began playing piano as a child and guitar as a teenager. Growing up he performed in many piano recitals, played in a slew of garage bands, and sang in the high school choir. As an adult he's added harmonium and ukulele to his arsenal. Very much involved in the North County devotional music scene, he enjoys hosting bi-weekly kirtans at Yoga on State in Carlsbad Village.
Trevor holds a BA from Eugene Land College, an MA in philosophy from the New School for Social Research, and a MA in education from the University of San Diego.
BETH HAGEN
Curriculum Guru/ Montessori Consultant
With 30 years of Montessori experience, "Miss Beth" has taught generations of children in North County. From writing and language to science and the arts, she intuitively shares the cosmic Montessori curriculum for every age. Outside the classroom, Miss Beth embraces nature, sparks curiosity and helps children discover their magnificence. Her ability to lift spirits with lightheartedness and laughter is now legendary.
Beth has a Bachelor of Arts from Cal State Chico as well as a Montessori Certificate from the National Center for Montessori Education. She also attended Point Loma Nazarene for graduate work in education. Most amazingly she is still smiling after raising three boys, she is a treasure!
STEFANIA JARAMILLO ACOSTA
Spanish Tutor, Immersion
Energetic and driven we were thrilled when Stefania joined our team. Stefania is originally from Barranquilla, Colombia and assists us in getting as much foreign language into the flow of our day as possible. The kids love her!
Ms Stefania received a degree in business administration from the Universidad Autónoma del Caribe, which is one of the top private universities in Colombia, but has since decided that working with children is her real passion. She is currently taking classes to become a teacher.
CLAUDIA PARDO
Art Teacher & Spanish Enrichment
Ms. Claudia has a BA in fine arts and ceramics from Cal State Long Beach. She has worked with children for over 15 years, as a TA, senior Instructional assistant, ABA behavior technician, and now an art teacher, her favorite!
A long time lover of art Ms. Claudia even had her own art gallery where she managed different artists and participated for several years in the San Diego Arts Festival. As many of us intuitive entrepreneurial women did in 2020, she decided to start her own business sharing her talents with children and formed her own art school. We are honored to have her join our team!
“I love ceramics, I love painting, and I love to work with kids. Art brings many important values to our children specially self-esteem, concentration, and connection with their creativity.”
ALEX NEAL
Operations Manager
Loved by students and staff alike, Alex brings knowledge, enthusiasm and humor to the Wild and Free Academy. He combines his passion for the outdoors with over 20 years of business and entrepreneurial experience to provide students with thought provoking and real world life skills.
A graduate in business from the University of San Diego, he is hoping to help you raise independent business-minded thinkers with our upcoming entrepreneurial workshop.
ANDREA ANDERSON
Tutor
Education:
BA Cal State Long Beach
Multiple Subject Teaching Crediental
Special Education Teaching Credential
Hobbies:
Fishing, Outrigger, Cane Corso doggies, and hanging with her son