Lindsay Journo
Acting Head of School, Lower School

Mrs. Journo received her Honors B.A. and B.Ed. from York University, and her Honors Specialist Certification in the Teaching of English from the University of Toronto. Before joining LePort Schools in 2003, Mrs. Journo worked as an administrator and teacher of English and history at private schools in Toronto, Canada, where she specialized in writing curriculum, leading teacher training workshops, and creating classroom resources.

Wendy Bana
Head of School, Upper School

Ms. Wendy Bana received her BA in Psychology from the University of California, Fresno, her MS from the University of Oregon, and her MA in Teaching from Oregon State University. Prior to joining the LePort Schools team, Ms. Bana was a Signal Officer in the US Army, a teacher for the Department of Defense Schools, a web developer/manager for several high tech companies, and an elementary school teacher. Her rich, real-world experience allows her to bring a problem-solving mentality and genuine leadership to her position with LePort.

When she isn’t working, Ms. Bana enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and visiting her two grown children. Ms. Bana is thrilled to be a part of LePort Schools, and finds nothing to be quite so rewarding as fostering a love of learning in children and watching them grow and develop to their full potential.

Cornelia Lockitch
Montessori Curriculum Coordinator

Mrs. Lockitch has been fortunate to have the opportunity to teach children from ages two through fourteen in a variety of settings. In 1995, she earned her Honors B.A. in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia, and, soon after, her AMI Primary diploma. After several years of leading a Primary class, Mrs. Lockitch earned her AMI Elementary diploma as well as her Masters of Education. Thereafter, she taught in both Montessori and private schools, guiding children and developing curriculum in a range of subject areas.

In 2005, Mrs. Lockitch stepped away from classroom teaching so that she could devote time to her own young children. During this period, she remained active as an educator through tutoring, consulting, and publishing a parenting newsletter that applied Montessori ideas to the home setting.

As LePort’s Montessori Curriculum Coordinator since 2010, Mrs. Lockitch guides curriculum projects, develops parent education materials, and works with the Montessori staff at all campuses to help make LePort an outstanding school.

Susan Miscione
Administrative Director

Ms. Miscione received her B.A. Degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Child Psychology from Chapman University in 1993. Shortly after graduation, she decided to work with her husband as a Bookkeeper and Client Relations Coordinator within his construction company. While she worked to build their company, Mrs. Miscione also spent a great deal of time immersed in supportive roles within her own children’s education. She spent over 11 years volunteering for several grade levels as an instructional aide, and performed various fundraising roles for their school. She also worked in a Language Learning Center, where she assessed students of all ages in language development. As part of the LePort team, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the educational environment by supporting the parents, primary educators, and other staff who share her love for the holistic development of their students.

When not working, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband and two children at the beach or watching their favorite sporting events. She also loves movies, hiking, reading, and cooking. She is an active member of her parish church community.

Rayda Simmons
Administrative Support

Mrs. Simmons received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Hope International University while on academic and volleyball scholarships. Prior to working with LePort, Mrs. Simmons worked with the City of Fullerton and the Fullerton School District in directing all of their youth and summer programs. In past years she has also opened up and run her own preschool/daycare program from her own home. In her free time, Mrs. Simmons enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading, and playing sports. Mrs. Simmons possesses years of experience and a passion for children that make her a great asset to the Mission Viejo campus!

Wendy Taylor
Administrative Support

Ms. Wendy Taylor received her B.S. from California State University, Fullerton in Child and Adolescent Studies. Prior to joining the LePort team, Ms. Taylor worked at a Montessori school as an Assistant Teacher for six years, then transitioned into administration with the same school. Her passion is working with children, and she is grateful for the opportunity to support students and their families here at LePort.

When she isn’t working, Wendy loves spending time with her family and her dog, Rusty. She also enjoys going to Angels games, playing soccer, snowboarding, and camping.

Stacie Cooper, Psy.D.
Academic Coordinator

Dr. Stacie Cooper grew up in Orange County and received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Communications from the University of Southern California. While working toward her master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, she offered support to hundreds of children and young adults as a mental health, outreach, and career counselor for 8 years. She also served as a mentor, teaching assistant, and tutor to younger graduate students in her psychology program. Dr. Cooper has lectured and written on the topics of positive psychology, prevention, and career/identity development in youth.

In addition to these experiences, Dr. Cooper is a published author and has been a professional editor/proofreader for an international editing company since 2009. Dr. Cooper explains why she was drawn to LePort: “It’s wonderful to see an educational environment where students are genuinely engaged, can see the connections between what they are learning and their daily lives, and have the opportunity to flourish!” She is thrilled to incorporate her passion for empowering and engaging youth in a meaningful, holistic way with her enthusiasm for reading, writing, and editing. Personally, Dr. Cooper enjoys hiking with her husband and two energetic dogs, biking along the beach, traveling to new places, reading, cooking, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.

Stacey Dee
Montessori Preprimary Head Teacher

Miss Dee’s love for teaching began during her senior year of high school while assisting in a toddler classroom and teaching gymnastics. She attended California State University, San Marcos and received a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Spanish. She received her Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from Riverside Community College in 2008.

Miss Dee taught at a private preschool in Norco for one year and then joined LePort in the fall of 2009. She studied the Montessori philosophy under the direction of Miss Amy Kwong. Miss Dee finds the “Ah-ha!” moment most rewarding part of teaching. She loves to see children master the materials and take pride in their work.

In her spare time Miss Dee loves spending time with her daughter, who is also a LePort Schools student.

Brittany Beisner
Assistant Teacher

Ms. Brittany Beisner joined the LePort team in 2010. Prior to becoming the Assistant Pre-Primary Teacher in our Pre-Primary classroom, Ms. Beisner taught acting to children in an after school program in Anaheim Hills. She has also been involved in many volunteer programs revolving around children. Some of these programs include volunteering at Orangewood Children's Center, Shea Therapeutic Riding Center for Mentally/Physically Handicapped, CSUF Camp Titan counselor for underprivileged and group home children and traveling to El Hongo, Mexico with Flying Samaritans providing free healthcare to needy families with her EMT-B license.

Ms. Beisner received her Early Childhood Education Permit Certificate from the Saddleback College in 2009, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from California State University Fullerton. Her love for children and her extensive volunteer work lead her to the LePort family.

Ms. Beisner is enjoying working with Ms. Dee and everyone involved with the Pre-Primary classroom at Mission Viejo.

Andrea Magistrado
Montessori Primary Head Teacher

Ms. Magistrado has been a Montessori teacher for 15 years. She received her AMI primary diploma in 1991 in Toronto, Canada. In addition, she has Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, from the University of the Philippines. She earned this credential from the Foundation for Montessori Education under the direction of Mrs. Renilde Montessori, the granddaughter of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Ms. Magistrado enjoys working with children. It is her primary goal to create a classroom where your child can explore, make independent decisions, develop self control, and use his or her creative imagination to make each school day a joyful discovery.

Prajakta Katti
Assistant Teacher

Originally from India, Ms. Prajakta Katti received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pune and also earned her diploma in Business Management. Ms. Katti began her educational career working in a traditional preschool. Later, she discovered Montessori through a friend, and quickly became convinced of the value of the Montessori approach in fostering a child's development. Ms. Katti joined LePort Schools in 2009, simultaneously working to earn her AMS primary diploma. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, painting, and reading.

Monica Alvidrez
Assistant Teacher Floater, Primary and Preprimary

Ms. Monica Alvidrez received her Early Childhood Education Permit from Irvine Valley College in 2003. She joined the LePort team in 2010 with over ten years of experience teaching in private preschools, as well experience with second language learners.

Stacy Blailock
Montessori Lower Elementary Head Teacher

Mrs. Blailock began her teaching career in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. Upon graduation she worked in a primary summer program for a Montessori school and was amazed with the individualized education that each child received, and the various materials that helped each child understand core lessons. It was these experiences that lead her to take her Montessori training through CMTE in Phoenix, Arizona to attain a 6-12 years old certificate and her M.A.

Mrs. Blailock's teaching experience since 1996 has ranged from primary through sixth grade. Mrs. Blailock is honored and excited to be a Head Lower Elementary Teacher at our Mission Viejo Campus.

Amy Moore
Montessori Lower Elementary Junior Teacher

Mrs. Moore joined the LePort team in 2009. Prior to becoming a Junior Teacher in our Lower Elementary classroom, Mrs. Moore taught Primary Montessori in Ventura County for five years. She was first drawn to the Montessori philosophy because of its unique approach and the individualized attention it gives to each child. She was also quickly impressed by the Montessori teaching materials and the emphasis placed on building a sense of community in the classroom through social graces and courtesies.

Mrs. Moore received her Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in 2006, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Moody Bible Institute. Her love for children and her interest in engendering their self-esteem has led Mrs. Moore to dedicated work for several non-profit organizations, helping a wide variety of children ranging in age from infants through high school. Her experiences have brought her to AIDS orphanages in South Africa, Aboriginal Territories in Australia, and recreational camps in Japan.

Mrs. Moore thoroughly enjoys working with Ms. Blailock and the Lower Elementary students at LePort, and she is honored to be part of such an excellent team.

Ajah White
Assistant Teacher Floater

Ms. Ajah White received her Early Child Education training from Saddleback College, and is working toward her Associate Degree in Child Development. She first started working with children through her church, where she volunteered to care for toddlers. She loves the Montessori Method for its effectiveness in assisting children to gain independence. Ms. White spends all of the free time she can get with her young daughter, Amaya.

Jane Erickson, Ph.D.
Upper Elementary Math, Literature & Language Arts Department Head

Dr. Erickson received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) and her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Yale University. During her intense study of cognitive development, Dr. Erickson had the opportunity to work with hundreds of children at a number of different elementary schools. She has lectured and published on issues in Developmental Psychology and has been sought after as an education consultant by well-recognized companies, including Hit Entertainment (creators of Dora the Explorer). In addition, she has received awards for her college-level teaching, including the prestigious Prize Teaching Award from Yale University.

Dr. Erickson is thrilled to be a member of the LePort team, where she can contribute to an outstanding curriculum delivered by dedicated teachers. She finds nothing more rewarding than watching children's curiosity nurtured into a lasting understanding and deep appreciation for the world, giving them the confidence to pursue and succeed at any endeavor they choose for their future.

Serenity Fisher
Upper Elementary Math Teacher

Mrs. Fisher grew up in Orange County and received her B.S. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials from California State University, Fullerton. Her previous teaching assignments have included elementary classes in both private and public schools, as well as pre-algebra through Algebra II in a junior high setting.

Mrs. Fisher's extensive background in mathematics has offered excellent preparation for teaching the enriched curriculum LePort Schools offers our students. She strives to utilize her creativity in the classroom, so that each and every child becomes curious and confident in the field of mathematics. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her family, and relaxing by the beach.

Amanda Holiday
Upper Elementary Math & Vocabulary Teacher

Ms. Amanda Holiday graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a B.S. in Middle Grades Education concentrations in math and social studies. Before joining LePort Schools, Ms. Holiday worked as a middle school math teacher at a college preparatory charter school in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Ms. Holiday has extensive experience tutoring a broad range of subjects to children of different ages; she worked as a Summer Intervention Program Tutor helping fourth and fifth grade students develop skills in reading, writing, math, and technology; she worked as a public speaking tutor in the Center for Student Learning at the College of Charleston; and she tutored middle school students struggling in math, both privately while in college, and in weekly small group sessions held at her previous school.

Ms. Holiday is passionate about creating an environment for students in which they develop an appreciation of, and interest in, the many ways that math can be used to enhance their lives.

Andy Robles
Upper Elementary Math, Science & Geography Teacher

Andy has been with LePort since January of 2009. Before joining LePort schools, Andy worked in the non-profit sector for three years assisting developmentally disabled adults and other underserved populations with career placement and job training. Andy holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. In his spare time, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife, playing sports, attending sporting events and concerts, reading, exercising, and cooking various foods on his BBQ grill. Andy is thrilled to be a part of the LePort Schools family and is excited to see what the future will bring as the school continues to grow.

Zev Barnett
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher

Mr. Barnett received an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto double majoring in history and literature. It was during his undergraduate career that Mr. Barnett first came to appreciate, among others, the likes of Emily Dickenson, William Shakespeare, and Victor Hugo. A first introduction to these literary giants only served to whet his appetite, and he subsequently went on to complete an M.A. at George Mason University. Given his passion for literature, Mr. Barnett found the prospect of beginning a teaching career at LePort to be an irresistible opportunity. When asked why, he said: "At LePort Schools English class not only focuses on teaching the content of a book or poem, but also focuses on communicating an enthusiasm for writing and reading. What benefit is it if a student is taught the plot of Romeo and Juliet, but learns to dislike Shakespeare? What I want to impart, more than anything else, is a love of literature."

Sarah Biddle
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Biddle received her Honors B.A. in History from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. Before moving to California, she was a registered nurse and worked part-time as an assistant teacher in a Montessori school. Mrs. Biddle spent two and a half years teaching at a private school in Aliso Viejo, where she taught literature, language arts and math, before joining LePort.

Mrs. Biddle is proud to be a teacher at LePort Schools because of its commitment to excellence, high standards and continual improvement. When asked why she changed to a career in teaching, Mrs. Biddle replied: "I love to watch children's minds blossom and grow. I love to see them discovering truths, making connections, and applying new knowledge to their daily lives. I especially love to see their faces shine with pride after succeeding in grasping a new idea or mastering a difficult skill." In addition to teaching, Mrs. Biddle enjoys ballroom, country and Latin dancing, reading great literature, and spending time with her family

Tiffany Bithell
Upper Elementary Literature, Language Arts & History Teacher

Mrs. Bithell has lived in Orange County her whole life. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Long Beach, with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a concentration in History/Social Science. As part of her degree program she also earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Prior to joining LePort in 2008, Mrs. Bithell has had the opportunity as a substitute teacher to teach a wide range of subjects to students in grades K-8. As well, her long-term placements have given her the opportunity to develop curriculum that is engaging and challenging for students. Mrs. Bithell particularly enjoys LePort Schools' private school setting because of its close-knit environment and stimulating curriculum. In addition to teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, doing crafts, and hiking with her husband and dogs.

Lauren Donahoo
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher

Orange County native, Ms. Donahoo, has been teaching almost as far back as she can remember, starting with teaching her younger brother shapes and colors when she was only a preschooler. She received her B.A. from Cal Poly Pomona University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was actively involved in the University Honors Program. It was in college that Ms. Donahoo's teaching adventure formally began, as she worked to design and teach a variety of theater classes for children in the local community.

Ms. Donahoo has extensive experience in private tutoring, having tutored in subjects ranging from primary reading to high school geometry. She has also developed and taught classes for several different summer drama camp programs. Prior to teaching at LePort, Ms. Donahoo worked as a teacher's aide at a private school in Laguna Niguel. In addition to the joy she receives from teaching and learning, Ms. Donahoo takes pleasure in reading, baking, playing games of all varieties, surfing, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.

Jillian Longley
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Longley graduated from Sonoma State University with a B.A in English and a minor in Psychology. She is a trained reading and language specialist, who has taught students with language-based learning disabilities for over five years using both the Lindamood Bell and Kumon methods.

Before joining LePort, Ms. Longley worked at the Logan School for Gifted and Talented Learning in Denver, Colorado, where she taught third and fourth grade. Ms. Longley is honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the incredible education that LePort imparts. In addition to teaching, Ms. Longley also has a passion for writing young adult fiction. She is a published author and is currently seeking representation for her second novel.

Naomi Benjamin
Upper Elementary Language Arts Teacher

Ms Benjamin graduated cum laude from the Honours College at College of Charleston with an A.B. in Classics and a B.A. in English. Writing and language have always been important to her, both in her own creative projects and in her professional experiences, such as her semester as a certified ‘Writing Lab’ tutor. She especially enjoys examining the way language is expressed through art and film. During her time at college, she spent six months studying abroad just outside of London, UK, an experience which saw her as a member of the university’s cross-country team and Chamber Choir (with which she sang on tour in Europe). Ms Benjamin has also always enjoyed interacting with children, especially during the four years she spent as a day-camp counsellor for 5-8 year olds. She hopes to instil in her pupils the same love for literature and language that have been a central part of her own life.

In her spare time, Ms Benjamin enjoys playing the piano, singing, running and working on her own creative writing projects.

Jesse McCarthy
Upper Elementary History Department Head

Mr. McCarthy received his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied psychology and political science.

Shortly after graduation in 2003, he began working in Administration at LePort Schools in Irvine (Lake), where he became familiar with the Montessori Method and realized just what heights were possible for the field of education, for every child’s cognitive and emotional development. He discovered that the love of learning present in the early years of life does not have to fade as children progress through their schooling. In fact, he came to believe that the opposite can and should occur: that the excited, natural love of learning—toddlers searching every corner of their new world for thrilling discoveries, young children asking “Why?” about everything in sight—should only get stronger and deeper throughout life, from age 1 to 100 and beyond!

Mr. McCarthy eventually joined LePort's elementary program in Mission Viejo, where he taught vocabulary and history, developing curriculum for both subjects. In 2008, he became the History Department Head, taking on the challenge of creating a comprehensive elementary and junior high history curriculum. In 2010, Mr. McCarthy stepped in as the Acting Head of School at our Mission Viejo campus, where he currently oversees operations as a whole while continuing to teach history and head the History Department.

“At LePort we’ve created a program, from 18 months to 8th grade, in which kids gain an incredible wealth of knowledge at each successive stage of development—and love every moment of the ascending journey. Each child is challenged at his individual ability level and joyously experiences each and every day. Whether in the Toddler room learning to button his bib, or on a Lower-Elementary nature walk identifying birds by their calls, or in 8th-grade math striving to master Pythagoras’ theorem—every moment counts at LePort, every new bit of knowledge and every step of growth is exciting. And that’s why students, parents, and teachers alike love their experience at LePort. That’s why every September when our kids return to their classes full of happiness, literally proclaiming, ‘I couldn’t wait to get back to school!’ I can honestly and earnestly reply: I couldn’t either!”

Matt Ballin
Upper Elementary History & Vocabulary Teacher

Mr. Ballin graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers University, where he received his B.A. in philosophy and took courses in political science and the history of ideas. Planning to pursue a career in education, he also studied theories of learning and knowledge.

After learning about the innovative curriculum and individualized attention offered to students at LePort Schools, Mr. Ballin decided that it was, unquestionably, the setting for his future career. Since relocating from New Hampshire, he has enjoyed working with the staff and children at our Mission Viejo Campus and is proud to be a LePort teacher. Mr. Ballin is delighted by the opportunity to help students learn about the past and how it can help them live more fulfilling and enjoyable lives in the present. In his spare time, Mr. Ballin enjoys watching history documentaries and teacher movies, and enjoying the physical beauty and rich cultural life of Southern California.

Doug Peltz
Upper Elementary Science Department Head

Mr. Peltz received a B.A. in history from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), where he took courses in the sciences and the humanities, with a focus on the history of science. Mr. Peltz has had a lifelong passion for science. He is an amateur naturalist who takes great pleasure in getting outdoors to study flora, fauna, earth, and sky. Prior to joining LePort Schools, he taught in a Montessori-based environment at a private school in Illinois. Mr. Peltz loves working with kids, and relishes the opportunity to instill in them an enduring love of science, technology, and the natural world.

Mr. Peltz says of teaching at LePort Schools: "What first attracted me to teaching at LePort were the teachers and the students. Here are teachers who are driven, and whose driving purpose is to give their students the skills crucial to maturing into thinking, happy, successful adults. Here are students who are experiencing real enchantment with their education--it is, in my opinion, exactly what a school should be."

Sarah Jenevein
Upper Elementary Science & Geography Teacher

Ms. Jenevein graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California, where she studied philosophy and neuroscience. She comes from a family of doctors and has been interested in science from a very young age, when she used to follow her parents around the hospital.

Prior to joining LePort Schools, Ms. Jenevein worked with children in many capacities, from tutoring elementary and high school students, to training as a mediator for middle school, high school, and university students, to working at an academic summer camp for gifted students, assisting with the forensic science and neuroscience programs.

Ms. Jenevein knew she wanted to work for LePort from the moment she first observed Mr. Peltz’s science class! She strives every day to foster her students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and observational skills, and to impart to them the fundamental concepts necessary for scientific literacy.