Staff

Lisa Patterson is the Administrative Director for Baymonte Christian Preschools, and the Site Director for the preschool on Granite Creek Road. She began working at Baymonte in August 1998 as a daycare provider and classroom aide while pursuing Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo College. In 2000 she began working at the preschool as a co-teacher for the three-year-old and pre-kindergarten classes. She graduated with an Associate degree for administration in Early Childhood Education in 2005. Lisa has been married since 1984 and has two beautiful daughters. Both girls attended Baymonte from preschool through eighth grade. In her spare time she enjoys taking walks, scrapbooking and spending time with family and friends.

Amy Fair is the Site Director of Baymonte Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) and Infant/Toddler Center on Bethany Drive. Amy graduated with an A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education in 1998. She taught infants through pre-kindergarten from 1996-2000 at Turlock Christian and then took over as director from 2000-July of 2015. She and her family moved to Scotts Valley and joined the Baymonte family. Amy has a genuine love for children and a desire to build a secure foundation for their educational future. She and her husband Jeremiah have two sons; both boys have been students at Baymonte. Amy enjoys early morning runs and the Oakland Athletics. She looks forward to many years with Baymonte.

Roberta Handley is the Site Director and head teacher for the Twinkler and Sunshine class at Baymonte Preschool Too on Scotts Valley Drive. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Chico State University. She had a career in the computer industry for over ten years as a marketing program manager. In time, Roberta realized computers were not her passion and that children were! She went back to school to become a preschool teacher. She knows that working with children is where God wants her to be. Roberta and her husband have three children who have all enjoyed attending Baymonte. In her free time Roberta loves to swim, run, play racquetball and go to the beach.

Gail Beck came to teach preschool with a science background. She has been involved with educating children about their environment for many years. She worked as an Interpreter (environmental educator) at Henry Cowell State Park. During summers, she directs the Nature Studies at Camp Redwood Glen in Scotts Valley. Her job at the preschool allows her to combine her two passions: a love of children and teaching about God’s creation! Gail received her Bachelor’s degree in English from Bethany University and studies Early childhood Education at Cabrillo. She has two adult children and one adorable granddaughter. She loves watching children become enthusiastic about learning and helping to guide them in that process.

Heather Lemmon graduated with an A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education in 2005. She teaches the pre-kindergarten children. When her son began preschool years ago she knew she wanted to join the Baymonte team, all the way back in 2000. She loves the feel of family and community that Baymonte offers parents, students and staff. Teaching children has always been the passion of her life. She grew up watching her mother work with children, so teaching comes naturally to her. Heather is married to Jarrod, who is a Baymonte alumnus. They have two children, Ian and Emily, both of whom attended Baymonte. She loves going to the gym and walking with her friends and her dog.

Lori Morper attended Baymonte Christian School as a student from preschool through 8th grade. She began working for Baymonte preschool at the ECLC campus in the fall of 2018. Fall of 2019 she moved to the Granite Creek preschool location. She married her husband, Ryan, in 2008 and they have two adorable children; Brooklynn and Brody are both students at Baymonte. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, baking/cooking, and catching up on sleep!

Sandra Valdez has always enjoyed working with children. At a young age she began volunteering at her local church and this is where God gave her the passion to teach. Sandra currently attends Cabrillo College where she is studying Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Sandra enjoys working out, sewing, volunteering at her church and playing with her new kitten, Zoe.

Denise Tinkess spent ten years working in the action sports industry, doing sales and marketing for the companies of Billabong, O’Neill and Sessions. After having her children, Nathan and Desiree, she realized that she really wanted to work with children. She went back to school to earn the Early Childhood Education units required to work with preschoolers. She loves the adventures and wonderful insights that each day brings working with young children. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family, running marathons and enjoying the great outdoors. She loves to see things in a fresh way through the eyes of the children she teaches.

Amy Arenas attended Baymonte as a young student first through eighth grades. After getting married and starting a family of her own she knew she wanted her three children to attend Baymonte. Amy always knew she wanted to work with kids so once she finished her schooling and received her ECE units her family came to Baymonte. She enjoys working in Baymonte’s infant room. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, exploring new places, going to the beach, hiking and going on day trips.

Chenille Bokariza was raised in Santa Cruz County and is a graduate from the Scotts Valley schools. She received her associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Cabrillo College (with honors). For the last eight years, she worked as an office manager for a local web development company. After enrolling her oldest son in Baymonte’s preschool her passion for working with children was reignited. She has since worked on wrapping up her Early Childhood Education classes and looking to further her education in child development. Chenelle and her husband have two sons and are currently expecting their third child. In their free time they enjoy playing soccer, spending time outdoors, and playing games.

Martha Fowler received her BA from the University of Southern California and has enjoyed working with children since 2005. She and her husband have been married for 27 years and they have two girls. She moved from the San Diego area to Scotts Valley several years ago and joined the Baymonte team in 2017. She thoroughly enjoys bringing Jesus into every aspect of the lives of children as they grow and learn. In her free time she enjoys going to farmers’ markets and the beach.

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Christy Kanawyer is a Baymonte Alumna. She attended Baymonte from preschool through 8th grade. She completed an Associate degree with emphasis in Early Childhood Education in 2013. Christy has worked in special education for six years as a health aide. She and her husband Jesse have three beautiful children. Sydney, Hailey and Bradley all attend Baymonte. Christy enjoys hiking with her family, running, gardening and shopping! Her favorite thing about teaching is to see the smile on a child’s face when they learn and understand something new!

Bri Keating has five years of experience working in early childhood education and two and a half years working in the non-profit world with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently married December of 2020, Bri is excited to start this new season of her life living in a new town and coming back to the preschool world which she is most passionate for. A native to the Bay Area, Bri is looking forward to living in Scotts Valley (which, she believes is a hidden gem, getting the best of both worlds near the Redwoods and the beach). In her free time, Bri enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, taking their labradoodle, Rory, to the dog beach, photography, volunteering for local nonprofits and enjoying the beautiful outdoors! She is most excited to be back in the classroom where she has the opportunity to teach young minds to love Jesus with all their heart, soul and mind.

Jessalyn Lively grew up in the town of Oakhurst, California. She studied Psychology in college and is now planning on continuing her education in early childhood education to become a preschool teacher. Jessalyn is also a certified trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), and works with clients on her days off. She enjoys working with youth in ministry as well as younger children at Baymonte Preschool. Jessalyn is married to Reeve Lively who is a youth pastor at ReGeneration Church and together, they serve as worship leaders and in youth ministries. In Jessalyn’s free time she enjoys beach days with her dog and husband, going on hikes, movie nights, music, and naps. Jessalyn feels very blessed to be a part of the Baymonte staff and believes it is a gift from God to be placed here. 

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Renée Norlin feels blessed to be a teacher at Baymonte Christian Preschool. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Baymonte is the perfect place to put her skills into practice. Renee loves playing with the children at Baymonte. She also enjoys developing relationships with the parents. She and her husband stay busy with their two little girls. They love to travel, spend time with friends, and discover all the great spots to take children in the area!

Kimberly Paull joined the Baymonte staff in the fall of 2017 as one of the head teachers in the Toddler Class. She has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from San Jose State and had previously worked at two other Christian preschools before moving to the area with her family. Both of her daughters currently attend Baymonte and love it! She helps out in a variety of ministries at Vintage Faith church where her husband is on staff. Kim enjoys reading, spending time with her family at the beach, and knitting in her free time.

Laura Sondreal attended Baymonte from 3rd through 12th grade! Laura credits her teachers at Baymonte for challenging and encouraging her faith. She loves the heartbeat of Baymonte; enthusiastically loving God and serving others. Laura began teaching preschool at Baymonte in 1994. She attended Cabrillo College where she studied Early Childhood Education. She has specific training in developmental testing for kindergarten readiness using the Gessell Institute Assessment. Laura has two children, both of whom attended Baymonte. She loves gardening and walking on the beach and she is an accomplished musician. Her favorite thing about teaching is the wonder of children seeing the world for the first time. Their insight and perspective remind her of the words of Jesus, “Come as a little child.” Laura sees everyday as a new adventure!

Nikki Tate was born in a small town in England, about 40 miles north of London, and emigrated to the USA when she was seven years old. She attended Brook Knoll, Delaveaga, Branciforte Jr High and graduated from Harbor High School in 1998. Nikki then went on to attend Sonoma State University and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a minor degree in Business Administration. Following that, Nikki moved to Boston and attended Boston University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2005. Nikki then decided to move back to England and launched her Social Work career in some of the most known hospitals in London. In 2009, Nikki decided to return to California and started working with the VA Hospital in Palo Alto where she was an inpatient social worker assisting with all of the surgical services, as well as the intermediate intensive care unit and helped assess patients for heart and liver transplants. Nikki met her husband soon into 2010. They married in 2011 and have three children (Sydney, Sebastian and Macallan, all of whom attend Baymonte. Nikki stopped working for the VA Hospital in 2016 in order to be a stay at home mum. Nikki decided she wished to add work back into her life and joined Baymonte in August 2019 working with the infants and toddlers at the ECLC. Nikki has a huge passion for travel and enjoys taking little adventures with her family and LOVES trips to Disneyland!

Terri Toback received her credential from Illinois State University. After teaching for five years, she took time off to raise her three children. She began working at Baymonte almost twenty years ago! She helped with After School Care and was a kindergarten aide before finally finding her niche teaching the best people on earth-kindergarteners! In her free time she can be found taking beach walks with her adorable dog, Kale. She also loves hanging out with her family and her church “family.” She feels, “thankful to have work that is so meaningful and satisfying!”

Shanna Murphy was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She played on her high school tennis team and was voted Most Inspirational Player. She graduated from U.C. Santa Cruz with a degree in Economics and promptly got a job at an insurance company. She returned to school to earn her teaching credential from San Jose State. She married her high school sweetheart, Todd, in 1990. She taught first grade for five years before having her daughters, Blake and Ellie. Once her girls were attending Baymonte she joined the faculty and has been teaching kindergarten for over ten years. “In my free time I like to hike, walk on the beach, read, go to yoga classes, and cook.”

Maureen Kitch received her B.A. in Psychology at U.C. Santa Barbara and her teaching credential through the San Jose State University Masters program. She taught kindergarten at Baymonte for four years and was two classes away from receiving her Masters before deciding to focus her time on being a full-time mother. Maureen and her husband Troy are proud parents of three daughters, Kiera, Chloe and Lily, all whom attend Baymonte. Both Maureen and Troy have lived in Scotts Valley since they were five years old and feel very blessed to be able to raise their daughters here as well. In her free time Maureen enjoys doing anything crafty: sewing, cooking, knitting, and painting.

Lisa Poston jokes that she has been at Baymonte since kindergarten and has never really left! She attended Baymonte from kindergarten through her junior year. She returned to teach first grade in 1996 after receiving her B.A. in Psychology at U.C.S.C. and her teaching credential at San Jose State. She loves first grade and plans to teach until she’s old and gray! She lives with her husband, Ed, and her two girls, Maggie and Gracie, in Ben Lomond. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, swimming and going to flea markets.

Taylor O’Rorke grew up in Fresno, California and comes from a long line of female teachers (grandma, mom, sister, herself of course!). She went to the University of California, Santa Barbara for her undergraduate degree and worked as a media planner for Netflix in San Francisco for three years. After this she followed her heart, and gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit, and received her MS teaching credential from San Francisco State University and became a second grade teacher! Taylor taught for two years at her former elementary school before getting married in June 2020 and moving to Aptos, California with her husband, Ryan, and new Irish Doodle puppy, Dean. Taylor is ecstatic about joining the Baymonte community as she loves Jesus, building relationships with her students, and sharing Jesus’ love for them. In her free time she enjoys reading, coaching (dance, softball, drama, you name it!), being with her family, watching movies, doing Bible studies with friends, going to the beach (really anything outdoors), and dancing. In fact, she can often be found singing and dancing, so don’t be surprised if you see her dancing/being silly both inside and outside of the classroom!

Jennifer Newtongraduated from CA State University with her BA in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies and a minor in Spanish. She is currently finishing her MA degree in Elementary Education. After spending summers serving in orphanages in Mexico she developed a passion for teaching and serving children. She has years of teaching experience in classrooms, ministry, and with children who have special needs. She is so happy to be a part of the Baymonte Christian School community.  In her free time, you can find her hiking, running, spending time with friends and family, and serving at Vintage Faith Church.

Cassy Hazenwas born in March of 1983, in West Covina, California. She accepted Christ into her life as a young girl and has experienced God in amazing ways. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Education and a California teaching credential from Point Loma University. She married a Baymonte alumnus in 2007 and feels God pointed her toward teaching at Baymonte (her husband Jeff actually had third grade in the room she now occupies). She and her husband are blessed with two beautiful boys that keep them on their toes. She loves family time, the beach, movies, spending time with friends, date nights and her church community.

Kathryn McClure was born and raised in Scotts Valley. After graduating from Scotts Valley High School, Kathryn attended Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa where she pursued her degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in history and a minor in Biblical Studies. Kathryn received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her MA in Education at San Jose State University. During her time in college, Kathryn served with Young Life, an outreach ministry for high school students. Kathryn has been on part time Young Life Staff for the last four years both in Newport Beach and Scotts Valley. She has also helped coach the girl’s soccer team at Scotts Valley High School for the past two seasons. Kathryn has a heart for the youth in her community and feels called to instill confidence, value, and a sense of wonder about our intricate world to each of her students. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys hiking, camping, reading, being at the beach, and spending time with her husband.

Terra Bliss grew up in Scotts Valley and with the exception of two years in college, has lived her whole life in the Santa Cruz mountains. She went to local schools and played on many sports teams growing up. After graduating from Harbor High School, she went to California State Hayward and then to Bethany University to earn her undergrad degree, teaching credential, and Master’s degree. She competed in college soccer and softball. She helped coach both of these sports at Bethany University. She has also been a coach for Scotts Valley High School and Baymonte. Terra worked as a recreation leader for the Parks and Recreation Department and as the director for the Baymonte Summer Quest program. She joined the staff at Baymonte in 2006 teaching third grade. In 2008, she switched to teaching fifth grade then in 2019 began teaching fourth grade. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, having game nights, being outdoors, and playing sports.

Christie Olson received her B.A. in music performance from George Fox University. She received her credential and her Master’s in Education from Vanguard University. She has taught at many levels from kindergarten to college, but finds fourth grade to be her “happy place.” She is a history nut and gets a kick out of turning kids on to California History. When she’s not grading papers, she likes to sing, act, or curl up under a blanket with a really good book. She also loves to watch her daughter sing and act and her husband and son play soccer. She joined the Baymonte staff full-time in 2003.

Justin Notari was raised in Santa Cruz County, and completed his B.A. and teaching credential at William Jessup University. He has had numerous experiences working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, both in a ministry and classroom setting. Throughout years of working with local ministries for children and youth, he developed a passion for educating, mentoring, and building relationships with students and their families. When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, and being outside in God’s creation. Some of his favorite activities include surfing, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. Justin is very excited to be a part of the Baymonte family, and looks forward to witnessing all of the growth his students will experience.

Jeremae Reyes teaches fifth grade and middle school science. She received her BA from Long Beach State University and her teacher education coursework at Biola University. She was born and raised in Long Beach and although an only child she has a God-given passion for teaching children. She has experience as a YMCA youth leader, a substitute teacher in the Long Beach Unified School district, and has taught robotics in Compton Public Schools. She loves going to Disneyland and drinking coffee but at the top of her list is her love for God. She loves to sing and was on her home church worship team. Moving to Scotts Valley was a big change for this Southern California native but she loves the adventure she’s been on here at Baymonte Christian School.

Kate Wadhams is most proud to be known as wife to her husband Chris and the mom of Anders and Karsten, both boys are students at Baymonte. She has been working with preschool through middle school students in a variety of ministry and educational settings for over 20 years. She substitute taught at Baymonte for three years before coming onto staff as a teacher’s aide and fifth grade history teacher. She has a background in child and adolescent development and psychology with an emphasis in how children learn. It’s a huge blessing to be able to use this skill set simultaneously with sharing God’s love. When not teaching or driving her kids to karate, swim, basketball, or music lessons, Kate can often be found paddle boarding, hiking, reading, or doing pretty much anything fun outdoors.

Christian Warne grew up in Davis, California and shortly after eighth grade accepted Christ while attending Camp Hammer. He quickly fell in love with ministry and proceeded to work at Camp Hammer for five summers. His heart for ministry expanded and in 2006 he began working for Twin Lakes Church in Aptos as a High School Ministry Associate. There he met his bride Lacy and they got married in 2009 and moved to Fresno, California to start a middle school ministry at The Well Community Church. While in Fresno, he got his degree in Organizational Leadership from Fresno Pacific University. He was the Director of Student Ministries at The Well and enjoyed seven years of pouring into high school and middle school students at The Well. In 2014, God called him and Lacy back to the Santa Cruz Mountains to be the Program Director at Mission Springs. Christian ran programs and directed Frontier Ranch for seven years and he loved every moment with the staff and campers. Christian and Lacy have two kids, Sage and Scout. Christian is passionate about helping students take steps closer to Jesus. He loves teaching Bible at Baymonte because his desire is for students to learn how to practically live out their faith and pursue Jesus on their own. In his free time, Christian loves spending time with his family, going on hikes, and fishing at the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Patrice Fernald is no stranger to Baymonte Christian School. She taught Arts and Crafts to our Middle School students twelve years before rejoining our staff as our Elementary P.E. instructor. Before her Arts and Crafts days at Baymonte, she taught Physical Education at both Boulder Creek Elementary and Brook Knoll Elementary. Her joy and enthusiasm for P.E. is apparent to all as she loves introducing new games and teaching life lessons of good sportsmanship, respect and teamwork!Her education background includes a BS in Recreation Administration, Program Planning Management from Sacramento State University and a degree from American River College in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Her family lives in Mount Hermon and on the weekends she is busy coordinating weddings for Mount Hermon Conference Center. Her son Landon was a student at Baymonte and she and her family enjoy mountain biking, running, playing UNO and spending quality time together!

Elizabeth Barrett Although Elizabeth has roots in Davis, California, she grew up in Central Illinois and studied Instrumental Music Education and English at Wheaton College. She has fostered musicianship in students of all ages, applying her Musikgarten training in Wheaton College’s Community School of the Arts with emerging musicians and teaching advanced musicians in high school and middle school wind bands to earn her Illinois Teaching Credential. She is passionate about celebrating God’s exhortation: “Sing unto the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96:1), and in her free time, if she is not reading Debussy, Bach, or Conductor’s Scores; she is either reading the likes of G.K. Chesterton, Emily Dickinson, and Dallas Willard; or hiking, climbing, and birding in the book of nature.

Ellen Arzouni is an Academic Support Specialist. She is trained in the Barton System of Instruction for children with learning disabilities. Her passion is keeping current and updated on student learning issues, attending workshops and clinics. She has worked in a variety of capacities at Baymonte since 1994. Her two daughters, Jenny and Mandy graduated from Baymonte. In addition to helping students learn to love learning, she enjoys reading , studying the Bible, and going for walks with her friends.

Sarah Schimmel received her BA degree in liberal studies from Biola University and finished her credential work at UC Irvine. She was the first 4/5th grade combo teacher at Mariners Christian School in Newport Beach. Her first job at Baymonte was working with Mrs. Thompson in IPI and then went on to teach Spanish in the middle school for several years. She is happy to be back in the IPI program. Sarah and her husband have lived in the Santa Cruz area over 20 years and have 3 grown children. In her spare time you might find her walking her husky trying to wear her out and develop her courage.

Ingrid Adams teaches Middle School English. She studied at North Park University in Chicago for her Bachelor’s degree, and returned to California to study Education. She has taught English at many levels (middle school, adult education and English as a Second Language) since 2003. Ingrid holds a California Teaching Credential along with a Master’s degree from Bethany University. She has taught at Baymonte since 2005. Ingrid loves spending time with her family, going to the beach and cooking.

Rachel Hofmann, a former Baymonte student, joined our faculty in 2008 after teaching in Baltimore, Maryland since 2005. She received her B.A. in Economics with a minor in Chemistry from Pepperdine University and a Master’s in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College. She received her Maryland Teaching Credential from Johns Hopkins University. Rachel became Baymonte’s Vice Principal in addition to her teaching role in June, 2020. If you peek into her classroom you could see a team of students working with Lego Robotics, rocketry or CO2 cars! On her day off you will find her sailing in the Monterey Bay.

Jeremae Reyes received her BA from Long Beach State University and her teacher education coursework at Biola University. She has joined our staff as the new middle school Science teacher. She was born and raised in Long Beach and although an only child she has a God given passion for teaching children. She has experience as YMCA youth leader, a substitute teacher in the Long Beach Unified School district, and has taught robotics in Compton Public Schools. She loves going to Disneyland and drinking coffee but top of her list is her love for God. She loves to sing and was on her home church worship team. Moving to Scotts Valley was a big change for this Southern California native but she has enjoyed her new adventure here at Baymonte Christian School.

Dan Rozeboom has been teaching at Baymonte since 2000; he currently teaches social studies in the middle school. Dan also serves as the middle school student activities director and is the faculty advisor for the student council. He previously taught middle school physical education and coached both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams at Baymonte. Prior to his time at Baymonte, Dan was a director, counselor and experiential education specialist at numerous camps in Santa Cruz county – including Mount Hermon, Mission Springs, Kruz Kidz at Twin Lakes Church and Baymonte’s SummerQuest program. He graduated from Westmont College (Santa Barbara, California) in 1996 after studying History, Philosophy, Political Science and Economics. Presently, he loves spending time hanging out with his family, riding his bike in the Santa Cruz Mountains, listening to music, cheering for the Oakland A’s and Golden State Warriors and drinking coffee.

Christian Warne grew up in Davis, California and shortly after eighth grade accepted Christ while attending Camp Hammer. He quickly fell in love with ministry and proceeded to work at Camp Hammer for five summers. His heart for ministry expanded and in 2006 he began working for Twin Lakes Church in Aptos as a High School Ministry Associate. There he met his bride Lacy and they got married in 2009 and moved to Fresno, California to start a middle school ministry at The Well Community Church. While in Fresno, he got his degree in Organizational Leadership from Fresno Pacific University. He was the Director of Student Ministries at The Well and enjoyed seven years of pouring into high school and middle school students at The Well. In 2014, God called him and Lacy back to the Santa Cruz Mountains to be the Program Director at Mission Springs. Christian ran programs and directed Frontier Ranch for seven years and he loved every moment with the staff and campers. Christian and Lacy have two kids Sage and Scout. Christian is passionate about helping students take steps closer to Jesus. He is enjoying teaching Bible at Baymonte because his desire is for students to learn how to practically live out their faith and pursue Jesus on their own. In his free time, Christian loves spending time with his family, going on hikes, and fishing at the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Elizabeth Barrett is Baymonte’s kindergarten – 8th grade music teacher this year. Though she has roots in Davis, California, she grew up in Central Illinois and studied Instrumental Music Education and English at Wheaton College. She has fostered musicianship in students of all ages, applying her Musikgarten training in Wheaton College’s Community School of the Arts with emerging musicians and teaching advanced musicians in high school and middle school wind bands to earn her Illinois Teaching Credential. She is passionate about celebrating God’s exhortation: “Sing unto the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96:1), and in her free time, if she is not reading Debussy, Bach, or Conductor’s Scores; she is either reading the likes of G.K. Chesterton, Emily Dickinson, and Dallas Willard; or hiking, climbing, and birding in the book of nature.

Kristi Trefethen is our middle school PE teacher. Her background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology as well as a Master’s Degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Kristi has taught many styles of fitness classes at over a dozen clubs, from Northern California to the Silicon Valley to San Diego, instructing students of all ages for more than twenty years. Kristi and her husband Steve married in 2001 and have been blessed with three amazing children. Kristi is currently teaching fitness classes for Active Sports and Toadal Fitness and has her own personal training business here in Scotts Valley. When she isn’t watching one of her kids play sports, she loves spending time at the beach, going on short day trips and being active with her family and friends.

Lauri McNeill, owner of McNeill Design Architects, practicing architect and artist, shares her passion for the arts as she teaches our middle school art and architecture classes. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Masters in Architecture. She has been teaching the art program since 2012 at Baymonte and also offers an after-school Art club for those who want to continue their growth and are passionate about art.

She uses a variety of studio lessons, including art history, she incorporates different art mediums and daily sketch prompts to teach basic techniques and elements of art, composition, design, and color.

Lauri explains her teaching philosophy, “Becoming an artist is truly about observation. I believe students can be taught to draw, if they can learn to see and have the desire to practice it regularly.”

ArcKIDtecture is a unique Baymonte school elective taught twice per week and introduces students to three dimensional design and planning. As a creative, hands-on experience, the students learn to create spaces in the built form, using cardboard, wood, Legos, hand drawing and computer design tools.

Lauri’s family is a source of joy and inspiration for her work, especially Grandbaby June with her love for noticing the little things God has given each of us daily in a new light!

Ellen Arzouni is an Academic Support Specialist. She is trained in the Barton System of Instruction for children with learning disabilities. Her passion is keeping current and updated on student learning issues, attending workshops and clinics. She has worked in a variety of capacities at Baymonte since 1994. Her two daughters, Jenny and Mandy graduated from Baymonte. In addition to helping students learn to love learning, she enjoys reading , studying the Bible, and going for walks with her friends.

Sarah Schimmel received her BA degree in liberal studies from Biola University and finished her credential work at UC Irvine. She was the first 4/5th grade combo teacher at Mariners Christian School in Newport Beach. Her first job at Baymonte was working with Mrs. Thompson in IPI and then went on to teach Spanish in the middle school for several years. She is happy to be part of the IPI program. Sarah and her husband have lived in the Santa Cruz area over 20 years and have 3 grown children. In her spare time you might find her walking her husky trying to wear her out and develop her courage.

Steve Patterson is Baymonte’s school principal. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and received a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from United States International University. He has a California Multiple Subject Life Credential and has been at Baymonte since 1980. Mr. Patterson has served as principal since 1991. In his free time he enjoys home building projects, spending time with his family, including his five grandchildren, and listening to great blues and jazz music.