Foundations School Community faculty are a remarkable group of educators who are committed to the growth and development of your children – academically, socially, and emotionally!
School Director – Sheri Werner
Sheri Werner worked with a partner to found and build FSC from 14 students and one class to its current size. Sheri founded FSC’s middle school in 2001, and continues to provide the leadership and vision for the school’s future. “It’s so rewarding to see the school’s graduates succeeding as they move on to high school and beyond – to college! It confirms what we’ve known all along – our unique approach to education prepares students for the myriad of challenges they face in today’s diverse and complex world! Sheri holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.S. in educational psychology and counseling, as well as a PPS Lifetime credential for grades K-12. She has lectured and written various articles on progressive education and is a mother of two children, both of whom attended FSC in grades K-8th.
Curriculum Specialist – Scott Miller
Scott has been with FSC since its inception 15 years ago. Originally a teacher at FSC, Scott is currently our curriculum specialist. He is also co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Our Community Charter School, a public K-6th grade school.
Group 1 – Carole Morrison
Carole came to Foundations in 1999, having previously taught special education for LAUSD for two years, and Pre-K at St. Stevens Preschool in Valencia for four years. Carole says, “Foundations is an amazing place where students come together and truly become and integral part of their own learning. I appreciate that the students are connected to each other and the teachers, and they can be themselves!” Carole has a B.A. in Human Development, as well as a teaching credential from Pacific Oaks College.
Group 1 – Aubrey Kliaman
Aubrey Kliaman is starting her third year at FSC. She will be working in Group 1 with our Kindergarten/1st grade students. She has seventeen years experience guiding, listening to, and communicating with children. Prior to this year, she has a myriad of different experiences. In addition to writing children’s books and owning her own children’s birthday party company, she has also taught gymnastics to children, worked with preschoolers, taught toddler programs and children’s movement exercises, as well as music, cooking, science, theatre, and art classes. Aubrey has a passion for teaching, and the dream of making a difference in the lives of children.
Group 2 – Matthew Sevareid
Matthew is starting his third year at FSC. He came from the Maggy Haves School where he taught for the previous four years. Overall Matthew has more than ten years of progressive education teaching experience. He holds a B.A. in Human Development. Matthew is excited to be working with our 2nd/3rd graders in Group 2.
Group 2 – Carolyn Chisholm
Carolyn is in her second year at FSC. Before coming to FSC, Carolyn taught at a Creative Arts Magnet School in St. Paul, Minnesota. She enjoys the relationships that she develops with kids. She holds a B.A. in Applied Science from the University of Minnesota and is certified through the state of Minnesota.
Group 3 – Cyrilly Bakewell
Cyrilly Bakewell has spent the last nine years teaching a variety of age groups at FSC. Before coming to the school, Cyrilly spent six years teaching in the Long Beach Unified School District. Cyrilly says, “Every day at FSC is exciting and rich with authentic opportunities for learning. I love being a part of the process of growing and self discovery for children.” Cyrilly holds a B.A. in Art and a multiple subject credential from C.S.U. Long Beach.
Group 4 – Brian Pate
This is Brian Pate’s fourth year at FSC and he is extremely excited to teach Group 4 (5th/6th grade)! In Brian’s words, “I enjoy FSC because the staff values children’s thoughts, ideas, and feelings.” Prior to coming to FSC, Brian spent three years teaching kindergarten and 6th grade at Our Community School. He has a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a teaching credential from CSUN.
Group 4 – Cindy Cina
Cindy returns to FSC having worked over the past eight years, with a diverse population of students. She utilizes many creative techniques to guide her students and enjoys a progressive approach. Cindy holds a B.A. in Child Development from CSUN and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
Group 5 – Brian Ulatowski
Brian has a B.A. in Liberal Arts from CSUN and a multiple subject teaching credential with a concentration in math. He also has experience in teaching middle school Humanities. He has a passion and commitment to student development and to the learning process.
Group 5 – KB Van Horn
KB is starting her seventh year as a teacher and her second year at FSC. She has taught middle school language arts, social studies, and art, as well as all elementary subjects. KB holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She is drawn to progressive education because of the excitement that experiential learning offers students.
P.E. – Dean Ortega
Dean is returning for his third year at FSC. Dean has worked as a physical education teacher for many years. He believes in teaching children the importance of a healthy lifestyle while having fun in the process.
Teaching Artist/Creative Movement and Drama Program – Madeleine Dahm
Madeleine has run the movement and drama program at FSC for the past thirteen years. Formally a classical dancer, Madeleine trained under legendary Martha Graham and Nina Fonaroff (The Kirov Ballet), and was a principle concert dancer for over twenty years. She holds a Post-Graduate in Movement Education from the Laban Conservatory in London, is on the part-time theatre faculty at USC and is a Master Teaching Artist for the Music Center Education Division.
Music Specialist – Jeri Davis
Jeri Davis has been the music specialist at Foundations for over eleven years. Her background includes two years of college music theory classes, and two levels of Orff-Schulwerk training, which she maintains through ongoing seminars. She is also and independent singer/songwriter, with a recently produced CD of her own songs. At FSC, Jeri is responsible for the music program for grades K-8th. This program focuses on reading and understanding music, as well as building community and relationships through gatherings called Sings, where songs and instrumentals, along with movement/rhythm pieces are shared with the community.
