Meet Our Team

Dr. Kimberly Waite is a educational leader with a passion for lifelong learning and student growth. She holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, George Washington University, and Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned her doctorate in Leadership, Policy, and Development.

Her career spans both public and independent schools, where she has served as Director of Gifted Education K-12, Director of two Governor’s Schools, Assistant Head of School, and Interim Head of School. Known for her innovative thinking and ability to strengthen programs and culture, Kim brings a strategic and student-centered approach to leadership.

An entrepreneur and award-winning innovator, she blends vision with practicality to create environments where students and teachers thrive. She is excited to bring her experience, energy, and enthusiasm to serve the GHS community this year.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Kim is an avid tennis player, swimmer, and Pilates enthusiast. She treasures time with her husband, Jon, their three children and spouses, and her grandson.

Mrs. Diehl has a background in Early Childhood. She has been with GHS for 20 years! She loves being in the front office and getting to see all kids, families and staff each day. She enjoys spending time with her 3 adult sons and going on getaways with her husband when she can!

Teresa Abney brings more than 20 years of experience in advancement, marketing, communications, fundraising, and community engagement to Golden Hills School. Throughout her career, she has built meaningful relationships with families, donors, volunteers, and community partners while helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact.

Prior to joining Golden Hills School, Teresa held leadership positions with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Front Porch, and Mercy High School in San Francisco, where she led fundraising initiatives, special events, marketing campaigns, and community outreach. She is passionate about creating authentic connections, strengthening school communities, and helping families feel welcomed and engaged.

Teresa lives in El Dorado Hills with her husband and their two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her boys at their sporting events, traveling, volunteering in the community, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new spots in El Dorado County.

Ms. Sandra has over 15 years of experience in education and working with children. She holds degrees in Computer Science, Robotics, and Education Management. Throughout her career, she has taught computer science, mathematics, robotics, and digital literacy to students of different ages.

At Golden Hills School, Ms. Sandra teaches Design to students in grades JK-8. Her classes include coding, digital design, computer skills, robotics, 3D design and printing, and creative technology projects. She enjoys helping students develop their creativity, logical thinking, digital skills, and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects.

Outside of school, Ms. Sandra enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking.

Mrs. Blanco is passionate about teaching Spanish to K–8 students and inspiring them to embrace diverse cultures.

Mrs. Blanco was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Having lived in various countries around the globe, she developed a strong appreciation for languages and cultures. In addition to her native Spanish, she is also fluent in Portuguese.

After moving to the United States 12 years ago, Mrs. Blanco redirected her professional path toward education. She pursued and earned a certification in Early Childhood Education, teaching young learners for three years before joining Golden Hills School in 2019. Since then, she has had the privilege of teaching Spanish to students in grades K–8. She is passionate about fostering language acquisition while sharing the rich heritage and contributions of Hispanic culture to the United States.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Blanco enjoys spending time with her two sons and living an active lifestyle. She loves working out at the gym, camping, paddleboarding, biking, and cooking with family and friends. Most of all, she treasures quality time spent with her family.

“You live a new life for every language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once.”

– Czech Proverb.

Ms. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and is a USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach. She combines a strong academic foundation with advanced coaching expertise. Ms. Bryan is a distinguished inductee of both the Rancho Cordova Athletic Hall of Fame and the American River College Athletic Hall of Fame, she earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 

Ms. Bryan began her career coaching multiple sports and running strength & conditioning programs across multiple facilities, demonstrating exceptional leadership in athletic development and physical education. Inspired by the profound impact sports had on her own life and the opportunities they create for young people, she has dedicated her career to athletics and education to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and capable.

Working with students from JK–8th grade, Ms. Bryan’s mission is to create an engaging, inclusive, and high-expectation learning environment—one that promotes confidence, resilience, goal setting, and teamwork. Outside of her professional role, she maintains an active lifestyle, enjoys being outdoors and cooking, and values quality time with her four children.

Mrs. Calhoun was born and raised in Southern California, and has lived in the Sacramento area since 2012. She graduated from San Jose State University with her B.A. in Liberal Studies, with a focus on Elementary Education, and earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sacramento State University. Mrs. Calhoun has taught at GHS since 2016, during which time she has worn many hats, teaching Computer Science, Elementary Visual Arts, Middle School Theater, Learning Support, and even 3rd Grade. She is happy to be back in a role that serves all grades, JK-8, as the whole school Performing Arts & Middle School Visual Arts teacher!

In her free time, Mrs. Calhoun enjoys spending time with her husband and son, cooking, traveling, hiking, reading, and drawing.

Jenna is a credentialed Multiple Subject educator with seven years of diverse classroom experience and a deep passion for creating joyful, engaging learning environments where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. From the moment we met Jenna, it was clear that she embodies the qualities we value most at Golden Hills School—compassion, curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Jenna's journey into education is both personal and inspiring. Raised by a mother who dedicated her career to teaching, she developed an early appreciation for the heart and commitment required to nurture young learners. Her own experiences navigating ADHD and dyslexia have also given her a unique perspective and a profound understanding of the many ways children learn. These experiences have shaped her into an educator who intentionally designs learning experiences that honor diverse learning styles and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Throughout her career, Jenna has served as both a Lead Teacher and an Instructional Assistant in five different school districts, giving her extensive experience working with students of varying abilities and backgrounds. She is highly skilled in creating inclusive classrooms, implementing individualized supports, and helping children build both confidence and academic success.

Jenna is especially passionate about making learning meaningful and memorable. She believes that subjects such as science, history, art, music, and hands-on exploration should be woven into daily instruction, creating rich learning experiences that spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and innovative approach to teaching will undoubtedly make Kindergarten an exciting and joyful place for our youngest learners.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, and the last five at Golden Hills, Mrs. Michele Gray proudly serves as both the Junior Kindergarten and the elementary art teacher for students in Junior K through 5th grade. She studied Early Childhood Education at American River College, where she discovered a deep passion for both teaching and the arts—two areas that flow together beautifully in her classroom.

She is inspired by the words of Henri Matisse, who said, “Creativity takes courage.” Mrs. Gray brings this philosophy into her teaching every day, encouraging students to be bold, expressive, and proud of their accomplishments. There’s nothing more rewarding to her than seeing a student light up with excitement when they grasp a new concept or create something they’re truly proud of.

Outside the classroom, she cherishes time with her family—especially her wonderful grandbabies!

Mr. Keefe transitioned into education following a successful 20-year career in biotechnology, where he specialized in genetics. Inspired by his own high school biology teacher, he developed a lifelong passion for science—one he is dedicated to sharing with his students.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Mr. Keefe lives in El Dorado Hills with his wife and two sons, both graduates of Golden Hills School and now continuing their education at Jesuit High School and Loyola Marymount University.

Mr. Malone completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Pacific Union College where he also obtained his California Secondary Teaching Credential in Social Studies. He later obtained his M.A. degree from La Sierra University. Mr. Malone has taught at GHS since 2015. In addition to teaching middle school Individuals & Societies, Mr. Malone also teaches Elementary Music and runs the Middle School Band. He keeps busy raising his two sons, playing music, grilling, and doing numerous DIY projects on his house.

Mr. Meyers grew up in El Dorado Hills and attended Oak RIdge High School. Later he attended California State University, Chico, with the goal to become a teacher. With a strong background in mathematics, Mr. Meyers has spent many years helping students develop their mathematical skills and confidence. His tutoring experience includes working with students ranging from early elementary school through the college level, giving him a broad perspective on how students learn and grow.

Mr. Meyers has been a proud member of the Golden Hills School community since 2017. He enjoys creating a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, ask questions, and discover the joy of mathematics. Outside of school, Mr. Meyers enjoys spending time with his family. Some of his favorite activities include paddle boarding with his family and playing baseball with his son.

Katie is an East Coast transplant who discovered her passion for teaching while serving as an English-language teacher in Seoul, South Korea. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication from James Madison University before beginning her career as a writer and editor for an engineering company and several nationally recognized home technology publications, including LD+A (Lighting Design + Application). Inspired by her experiences abroad, Katie earned her elementary teaching certification while continuing to teach internationally.

During her time in South Korea, Katie taught an American curriculum to elementary students in an English speaking school and became known for creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences. One of her students even earned special recognition in a city-wide public speaking competition—a testament to Katie's ability to nurture confidence and strong communication skills. Upon returning to the United States, she has been teaching at The Miquon School in Pennsylvania, working with students in grades 1–6.

Her passion for inspiring students, building meaningful relationships, and creating engaging learning experiences aligns beautifully with the mission and values of Golden Hills School. Co-workers consistently described her as a collaborative educator who elevated her school's elementary curriculum through creative cross-curricular projects and innovative thematic units. They also highlighted how she drew upon her background in writing and communication to significantly strengthen student writing and presentation skills.

Breahna Palmer has been working with children for nearly ten years, beginning her career as a preschool teacher after earning her associate’s degree in early childhood education. She joined the Golden Hills School community in 2023 and has loved being part of such a special place.

During the summer, you can also find her working as a barista. She loves making coffee and connecting with people! When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, hiking, exploring antique stores, and traveling to new places. At home, she has two cats, Pippin and Merry, and is always excited to try a new hobby, especially creative ones like painting and embroidery.

Prior to teaching at GHS Mrs. Perry spent 17 years as both a Preschool Teacher and Center Director before returning to teaching where she taught Kindergarten for four years. Mrs. Perry studied Early Childhood Education at American River College, Consumnes River College and Duke University.

Catherine Rowe is excited to join the Golden Hills School community as the new fourth grade teacher. She brings more than 15 years of experience in education and a passion for creating engaging, student-centered learning environments where children are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Catherine is originally from the Chicago area, where she began her education career teaching high school and middle school English/Language Arts. She then relocated to Carmel-by-the-Sea, and spent the last 11 years teaching and serving in leadership roles at independent schools on the Monterey Peninsula. This summer, she moved to Auburn and is thrilled to be continuing her career in education at Golden Hills School!

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master of Arts Certificate in School Leadership, and a teaching credential. Throughout her career, she has served as a school administrator, classroom teacher, tutor, writing specialist, and director of intervention, acceleration, and enrichment programs supporting students in grades K-8.

Over the past three years, Catherine has served as Vice Principal and Director of Curriculum and Advancement, where she provided instructional leadership while developing innovative programs to support student success. Concurrently, she also was the Director of Accreditation, leading school improvement efforts and implementing schoolwide initiatives focused on writing, assessment, academic intervention, character education, and service learning. In addition, in her leadership role, she worked as the school's grant writer, securing funding to expand the visual arts and STEM programs.

Although Catherine has enjoyed serving in educational leadership, her greatest passion has always been working directly with students. She believes every child deserves a well-rounded education that fosters curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, character, and a lifelong love of learning. As an English educator and writer, she is especially passionate about helping students develop confidence in their writing and discover the power of using their voices to communicate, create, and express their ideas. She is excited to bring her diverse experiences to Golden Hills School and to create a supportive, engaging learning environment where every student feels known, challenged, and inspired.

Outside of school, Catherine enjoys writing, trail running, participating in marathons, hiking/spending time outdoors, and traveling with her family.

Mrs. Schifferle is an accomplished educator with 27 years of teaching experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a CLAD emphasis, and is a Google Certified for Education teacher. She is also Slingerland trained, specializing in a multisensory approach to teaching Language Arts.

In addition to her classroom expertise, Mrs. Schifferle has held numerous leadership roles, including Curriculum Department Head, Learning Assistance Department Head, and Elementary Department Head. She has also served as a Master Teacher and Induction Advisor for new teachers, providing guidance and mentorship to future educators. With five years of experience in Special Education, she brings a comprehensive understanding of diverse learning needs. Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Schifferle contributed to her community as Secretary on the Eureka Union School District Board of Trustees.

A long-standing member of the Golden Hills School community, Mrs. Schifferle is also the parent of three Golden Hills graduates. Her oldest daughter, Marisol, is a senior at UC Davis pursuing pre-medicine; her middle daughter, Anna, is a freshman at UC Santa Cruz studying Education, Democracy, and Justice; and her youngest son, Sal, served as Golden Hills’ 8th Grade President before continuing on to Union Mine High School, where he is now a senior.

Outside of teaching, Mrs. Schifferle treasures family life with her husband of 30 years and finds joy in watching her children thrive in their academic and personal journeys. She also enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking. She is proud to continue serving the Golden Hills community with enthusiasm, expertise, and heart.

Mr. Surrey was born and raised in New Zealand and earned his Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching from the University of Auckland. He began his career teaching in South Auckland before moving to Japan, where he taught English in elementary and junior high schools.

Returning to New Zealand, he taught across Grades 2–7 in both traditional classrooms and open-plan learning environments. He also served as Head of Digital Technologies, led a robotics and coding club, and contributed to a nationwide initiative to strengthen collaboration between schools.

In 2023, Mr. Surrey moved to El Dorado Hills with his wife. He is excited to continue sharing his passion for teaching and innovative learning within the Golden Hills School community.

Matt Swain graduated from UCLA, worked as a copy editor for Sage Publications, got his teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and has taught language and literature related courses throughout California and China. His teaching experience ranges from college to high schools, to boarding schools, to middle school. He has also worked for the British Council administering the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and he is an International General Certificate of Secondary (IGSCE) qualified instructor. Matt enjoys extended mountain hikes, sometimes overnighters far from cars and formal campgrounds, as well as kayaking, tending to 30 to 40 houseplants, maintaining fruit trees and ornamentals outside, and comparing life experiences with his wife and two adult daughters.