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Mr. Harlan

​Mr. 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

Dr. Figueroa

Dr. 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.