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The Seashore Team



  • Ashley Aguilar

    1st Grade

    I was born and raised in Orange County. I teach 1st grade on the Newport Beach campus and my goal is to create an inclusive classroom that results in a successful learning environment. I am recently married and we have three dogs that keep us very busy. When I'm not teaching or playing with my dogs I enjoy reading and playing card games. I’m excited for another great year at Seashore!


  • Stefanie Baeker

    Spanish Immersion

    I have started as a substitute teacher at Seashore Academy in February 2020. Later in 2020, I started teaching History, Science, and Spanish at the Huntington Beach Campus to TK/K and Elementary level, as well as Spanish to various grades in Newport Beach. I currently teach 2nd and 3rd grade in our Spanish Immersion program in Newport Beach, which I enjoy immensely! Besides my love to teach and learn for myself, I’m passionate about Astrology, travel, good food, and spending time in nature. To stay fit, I take Yoga/Tai chi classes, and also bike, hike, and swim.


  • Yuka Garrett

    Kindergarten

    I am a kindergarten teacher at Newport Beach Campus. I love this age group! I grew up in Japan and love to travel there every year. I have an amazing daughter who is twelve years old and loves to horseback ride. My goal is to create a warm, loving, and supportive environment where my students are excited about learning and look forward to coming to school.


  • Ken Harrison, M.Ed.

    Managing Director

    I am so excited to join the Seashore Academy team this year, as the classical teaching strategy aligns with my educational philosophy. Not only have I taught in private education for over 20 years, I grew up as a student enrolled in private education as well. I am passionate about developing students who feel successful and confident as they flourish in their educational setting. I believe that Seashore Academy’s philosophy of “Unlocking Potential, Embracing Flexibility” provides that opportunity for success. I look forward to partnering with parents, students, and faculty to foster that environment of success in Seashore’s daily environment. Outside of Seashore, you will find me and my wife Molly, on an athletic field coaching or in the stands cheering for our 3 kids as they excel and pursue their passion for athletics. We enjoy the beach, short vacations, and spending time together as much as possible. Our family is rooted in the values of private education and we look forward to being a part of the Seashore Academy family.


  • Natalie Hart

    TK and ECE

    It's my second year teaching TK and ECE. I'm currently getting my Early Childhood Education Degree at Coastline College. Outside of work I like to swim, hike, and see friends and family. I'm very happy to be back at Seashore. I can't wait for another amazing year!


  • Amanda Johnson-Harrington

    3rd/4th Grade & Spanish Immersion

    I grew up In Newport Beach and this is my 3rd year teaching at Seashore Newport Beach. I recently obtained my MA in Elementary Education. I am passionate about teaching and love building relationships with my students and their families. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach, golfing, and spending time with my family and friends. I love being a part of the Seashore team!


  • Lisa Lowe

    Substitute Teacher

    After teaching 1st and 2nd grade at the Huntington Beach Seashore campus for 2 years, I am taking a bit more time to be with my family and substitute teach. I’m thrilled to still be teaching at Seashore as a substitute at the Newport campus this school year. My hobbies include: spending time with my husband, 3 boys, and our dog, Nellie, bike riding, running, reading, and cooking. We also love to hike, go to the beach, and explore new areas throughout California. I’m grateful to live and work in a community, where surfing, learning, and friends/families are strongly supported!


  • Jenna Niemes

    3rd & 4th grade and Spanish Immersion

    My favorite part about teaching is building relationships with my students and their families! Because Seashore Academy has small class sizes and such a strong community bond, I’m able to teach to my full potential! When I’m not teaching, I love to cook, travel, and exercise. I also love riding my beach cruiser to the beach with my family.


  • Lynette Planto

    English, 5-8th grades

    Lynette Planto is a dedicated educator with a diverse background, teaching at all grade levels for over twenty years. Her desire to be at home raising her two children led to a career in teaching. With many long-term assignments in English, Drama and German at the middle school level, she is eager to be a part of the Seashore Academy staff! Passionate about fostering an environment for learning success, she enjoys sharing insights with students to make writing more enjoyable. As an army veteran and USO volunteer, Mrs. Planto has had the honor of facilitating support groups for military families and veterans, to include working with children in many volunteer roles. A graduate of University of Arizona in communications and drama, she also enjoys working with young people in the area of public speaking and theater.


  • Mario Thurman

    Tutor

    I started working in 2012 for the Redlands Unified School District as a math tutor for the AVID program. It is a program that is meant to teach students good note taking, test taking strategies, and study habits to succeed in grade school and beyond. From there I have been working as an online math teacher since 2017 in all grade levels. My approach to teaching is that I believe that it is important for my students to feel comfortable making mistakes and not be afraid of having the wrong answer. However, I also believe that it is crucial for students to understand why their answers are wrong so that they can learn from their mistakes and improve their understanding of the material. By encouraging my students to view mistakes as opportunities for learning, it allows them to develop a growth mindset and build their confidence as learners. Outside of teaching I enjoy playing instruments, snowboarding, cooking, and rock climbing.


  • Nina Vos

    Campus Manager

    Seashore's philosophy and approach to learning are what attracted me to the academy.

    I grew up in both the Netherlands and France and I am fluent in Dutch, French, English & Spanish. After graduating from Leiden University in the Netherlands, I worked as an international conference child care director, where I traveled around the world managing large groups of children and counselors from diverse backgrounds. I also gained valuable experience working as a consultant in the industrial labor force business, bridging communication gaps between management and the labor force. I am excited to use my background in childcare and communication to contribute to Seashore Newport Beach, a wonderful place for children to learn and grow! In my free time, I enjoy swimming, beach workouts, music and being creative.


  • Angel Wang

    Mandarin Immersion

    I was born in Taiwan and earned my degree in Visual Communication from the National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. I am currently a 3rd-grade teacher at Tzu-Chi Academy at Irvine and a K/1st teacher at Seashore. This is my 10th year teaching and 8th year teaching at Seashore. I believe learning Mandarin is important for the language as well as understanding Chinese culture and history. I design projects for children using my creative talents and integrating language in a fun way. I am able to keep children engaged in learning Mandarin while I meet curriculum goals and objectives


  • Kim Wiltjer

    1st Grade

    I work at the Newport Beach campus teaching first grade. I am so excited to shape the minds and create memories with the students of Seashore Academy. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being creative and hanging out with family. I cannot wait to share my passion for learning and my joy of working with students.


  • Tina Yang

    Mandarin Immersion / 3rd Grade

    I have been with Seashore Academy for more than 10 years. I teach Math and Science as well as Mandarin for all grades. I became a teacher because of my love for children and the opportunity to not only teach but to mentor and watch children grow and thrive! I love the hands-on learning experiences that Seashore offers and values the safe and joyful environment. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going backpacking and spending time in nature! I also love trying new foods!




  • Natalie Seidemann

    TK & Kinder

    This is my second year as the TK/K teacher on the Mission Viejo Campus. Teaching has been something that I wanted to do since I was a little girl! When I was 13 I was already giving swim lessons and babysitting. I love helping students learn that they are capable and that they can do hard things! I love being a part of young students' journeys. Something that is very important to me is helping students of all ages become the best versions of themselves. I love painting, crafting and being creative at home to relax(and with students!). I also enjoy doing anything outdoors; camping, hiking, swimming, walking, and backpacking. My family is the most important thing to me and quality time with them keeps me grounded and ready to be the best teacher I can be.




  • Chrissy Bentsen

    Controller

    I joined Seashore Academy in March 2022 and I am really enjoying being part of a business with such a great mission. I grew up in upstate New York and reside there with my husband and cats. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, cooking, making furniture, construction, and quilting. I love nature, creating things with my hands and living life simply, and of course I have a passion for accounting & finance.



  • Annabel Estevan

    Seashore Accounts

    I joined Seashore in February 2021 and oversee billing and accounts. I love working for such a unique school. I spent most of my life in Orange County and raised my children there, but currently live in Texas with my husband and adult children. I love spending time with family and in my spare time enjoy walks, friends and church.


  • Stacy Stanich

    HR

    Born and raised in Northern California, I am a Human Resources Professional with many years of experience in all things HR. I currently reside in Northern California with my husband, my kids and our animals. I am a big fan of all sports and generally spend my free time hanging out with my family, playing or watching sports, and running a non-profit hosting events.