Dr. FigueroaDr. Dijanna Figueroa came to St. Matthews in 2014. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology from University of California, Los Angeles and a PhD in Marine Science from University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work as a deep sea marine scientist and educator has been featured in various science documentaries, nature programs, and publications. She loves science and enjoys combining science with engineering, art and design. She has over 10 years of experience teaching science, engineering and STEAM in K-8 schools throughout greater Los Angeles.
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Mr. HarlanMr. Harlan came to St. Matthew’s as a young arts and crafts assistant at St. Matthew’s Day Camp. While continuing working at the camp in the summers, he graduated from Palisades High School, then earned a degree in Environmental Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara. His work with kids at summer camp led him to pursue a teaching credential in Biology and Physical Science at California State University, San Diego. After teaching for a year in San Diego, Mr. Harlan returned to St. Matthew’s where he was the Science Department Coordinator for more than 20 years. Mr. Harlan is proud to have developed the D.E.E.P program which has earned national teaching awards for innovation and technology. In 2013 Mr. Harlan assumed the role of principal for Grades 5 -8. Mr. Harlan enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, and reading at the beach.
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Ms. WaidMs. Waid loves the geology and biology of the earth, and the physical processes that it undergoes which make it so diverse and beautiful. She aspires to share her passion of the earth with her students, and hopes her students will learn to think analytically as scientists about the natural world around them. She graduated from UCSB with with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science and emphasis in Hydrogeology, and competed on the Water Polo Team. Prior to St. Matthew’s, Ms. Waid worked for a non-profit, teaching in a variety of schools in Santa Barbara including the subjects of AP Environmental Science, Geology, and Sustainability.
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Ms. BononiMs. Bononi joined St. Matthew’s and the DEEP program in 2017 after spending seven years as the Director of Education Technology at Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena. Ms. Bononi began her career as an educator down the street at Palisades Elementary Charter School as a 5th grade teacher. When she's not tinkering, Ms. Bononi enjoys scouting new coffee spots, chasing her four-year-old son Easton and spending time at the beach.
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