Brenna Belknap, TK and Kindergarten
I was born and raised in Missouri, just outside of Kansas City. Prior to teaching at Dehesa I taught at an inclusion preschool with the Coronado Unified School District
My WHOLE life, I knew I wanted to teach. I love the youngest children and knew I wanted to help provide a solid foundation for them to grow upon. I love getting to interact with my students and hear their victories. Having a child share their excitement over an accomplishment NEVER gets old!
I grew up in a small town so I love the cozy and familiar feel of our school.
Sarah Collins, First and Second Grade
I was born and raised in El Cajon, CA. I was inspired by one of my teachers at a young age to pursue my teaching career. She gave me the opportunity to tutor her kindergarten class and from that moment on, I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up!
While earning my credentials at San Diego State, I spent a few years substitute teaching for Cajon Valley and Lakeside Union School District. After graduating, I began teaching in Alpine, but decided to make a change in 2019 and came to Dehesa School.
My favorite part of teaching is cultivating the incredible relationships with each of my students. I love learning and my kiddos teach me something new everyday! Being a first grade teacher allows me to be creative, silly, and a positive role model for my class.
I love Dehesa's close-knit community and rich history. The small class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized attention and our staff works hard every day to give the students the best learning experience possible!
Alexis Wellman, Third and Fourth Grade
I grew up in Jamul and have lived in San Diego my whole life! I have worked as a receptionist, in customer service, and in education.
I decided to become a teacher because working with kids every day is the best job in the world. There is nothing better than being able to build relationships, learn and experience new things together, and see students grow into scholars, athletes, and individuals.
I love teaching, collaborating with my colleagues, and maintaining relationships with students for years after having them in my class. It is always a pleasure when they come back to visit!
The community within and surrounding Dehesa is hard to find elsewhere. I love knowing and having relationships with students that have never even been in my class, as well as their families! Dehesa provides a rare opportunity to have an entire community care about the wellbeing of all individuals and students, from the time they start TK to when they graduate the 8th grade.
Farida Blakey, Fifth and Sixth Grade
I was born in New Brunswick, Canada. In elementary school, I literally walked to school and home in the snow!
My major in college was cultural anthropology; and teaching became a natural career choice because I was trained to make observations about relationships.
I decided to become a teacher because I was inspired by an incredible teacher when I was in university. During my undergraduate work, I was required to observe a microcosm. I observed a 2nd and 3rd grade combination class in Goleta, California. I was amazed by the teacher and decided then and there that I also wanted to be a part of shaping children's lives.
As a teacher, I love building relationships with both my students and their families. Every year I love being part of the community that has been built in my classroom.
I began teaching at Dehesa as a substitute teacher. After my first day, I fell in love with the community. I've had other teaching opportunities but chose to stay. My peers who have left, often contact me and they say the same - Dehesa always holds a special place in their hearts.
I've always bragged to my friends that I work in a secret gem in the middle of Dehesa Valley. We are a small, public school that offers incredible opportunities for our students to build a strong foundation to take them into the future.
Alexandra Guzman, Middle School
I was born in La Mesa and grew up there until I was 9. Then, my family moved to Alpine and I've been there ever since. I went to SDSU for my undergraduate degree and teaching credential program. I also worked at an after school program.
I think I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was around 9 or 10 years old, I would pretend to be a teacher to a group of my stuffed animals. For my 10th birthday, I asked my parents for an overhead projector so I could teach in my bedroom with the proper equipment. I also had a large chalkboard and whiteboard. Fast forward to when I was about 20, I coached AYSO soccer. This is what really solidified my decision in becoming a teacher. I love being able to be a positive influence in a child's life.
The kids are the main reason I love teaching. They are what make it all worth it.
I love the tight knit community here at Dehesa. I love getting to know all of the students in the school since we are so small.
