Director & Teachers
OCNS operates with a Co-Teacher model. Each class has two highly experienced, progressively trained co-teachers who equally manage classroom duties. Each teacher participates in ongoing professional development, and continued education courses and workshops.
Brittany Shafferman,
Director
Ms. Brittany is a South Pasadena native who aims to create a welcoming school community that prioritizes play, nurtures social-emotional growth, and values each child’s individuality. She holds a BA in Anthropology from UCLA as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Loyola Marymount University. Upon graduating from UCLA, Brittany joined Teach For America and worked for a charter school in South Los Angeles for 8 years as a teacher and eventually an administrator. She then took time off to stay home with her two young boys before becoming the Co-Director of a co-op for a year. She found her way to OCNS and fell in love with #TheOCNSway. When she isn’t in the office/classroom/play yard, you can find Ms. Brittany on an outdoor adventure or neighborhood walk with her husband and two wonderful boys (who both attended OCNS!), or reading a good book when she gets a quiet moment to herself.
Coralee McPherson,
Assistant Director and Greenhouse Co-Teacher
Coralee began her early childhood education career in 2008 and joined Oneonta in the Spring of 2015 . Coralee graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Cal Poly Pomona and holds two Associates Degree’s, one in Child Development, the other in Social Sciences. She strives to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun experience for children and adults. Coralee is an active advocate for children with special needs, inspired by her hero and niece Kennedy Michele who was gifted with Down Syndrome. In her free time, Coralee enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her seven nieces and nephews.
Mary Mendoza,
Treehouse Co-Teacher
Ms. Mary began teaching preschool in 2000 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Cal State LA in 2004. Her goal as a preschool teacher is to support the children in their emotional and social growth while providing a safe space for them to ask questions and explore. Ms. Mary took a break from teaching full time when her daughter was born in 2010 but continued teaching part-time. Even as a mom, she applied the same philosophies and practices she used as a teacher while raising her own kids. On days she is not teaching or driving her kids around to their many activities, she enjoys watching shows and movies with her husband. She also loves getting lost in a good book and baking cookies.
Andrea Jarolim,
Sunroom Co-Teacher
Andrea received her B.S. in Public Relations, though always knew ECE was her passion. She also holds a Master Teacher Child Development Certificate. In 2012 she enrolled her children at OCNS and served on the Board for 2 years. When met with an opportunity to join the staff she pursued it wholeheartedly, becoming a teacher in 2014. She spent five years teaching in both The Greenhouse and The Sunroom. In 2021 Ms. Andrea enthusiastically returned to OCNS! Andrea supports students empathetically by modeling self-management behavior and helps develop social awareness to fosters relationship skills. She allows students to attempt tasks that are challenging and uses scaffolding to connect current knowledge to new knowledge. Ms. Andrea utilizes an emergent curriculum through observation where she encourages self-expression with dance, song, and play. When not teaching, Ms. Andrea spends her time on adventures with her two children and husband, and attends meditation retreats whenever possible.
Harriet Bailey
Sunroom Co-Teacher
Originally from the UK, Harriet trained professionally as a dancer at London Contemporary Dance School and California Institute of the Arts. After graduating and relocating to Los Angeles she shifted focus to early childhood and began sharing her love of music and movement with young children. When Harriet’s son began attending OCNS in 2022, she fell in love with the school and its magic. She jumped at the chance of joining the incredible team of educators! As an early childhood educator, her goal is to provide children with an enriching experience that empowers them to feel, explore and create. She also believes that nature is a huge part of learning and strives for a nature-based curriculum. When she isn’t teaching, Harriet enjoys adventures with her husband and son, spending time in nature, and crafting. You can usually find her drinking a cup of tea (with biscuits, of course!)
Caitlin O’Halloran
Greenhouse Co-Teacher
Caitlin, originally from Pennsylvania, and her dog Sloan have been in California for just two years now! She is a champion of progressive and child-centered early education approaches with an AA in Early Childhood Education and is pursuing her BA in Child Development. Caitlin prioritizes professional development opportunities as she advances her career. She has been submerged in the childcare scene through daycares and nannying and absolutely loves forming connections with her little friends and getting to see them develop new skills and gain confidence. You can often find Ms. Caitlin working on fiber art in her spare time, you may even catch one of her handmade creations on display or use at OCNS!