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.
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.
Doug Wallis, Middle School
I have 40 years of teaching experience in all grades 3-10, with specialized training in Critical thinking, Writing, Math, Gifted and Science.
