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Staff

Head of School

Mrs. Freda is the inaugural Headmaster of The Geneva School in Laguna Woods, where she leads with a vision for cultivating wisdom and virtue through classical Christian education. Previously, she served as Head of School for Grace Classical Academy in Laguna Niguel, where she strengthened the school’s academic program, significantly increased enrollment, and successfully guided the school through multiple accreditation cycles with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

More About Me about Gina Freda
The Geneva School's Grammar School Principal LeeAnn Holt's portrait.

Grammar School Principal

Mrs. Holt has been involved in classical Christian education for fifteen years, serving both as a teacher and now as a principal. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with an emphasis in Cellular Biology from the University of California, Davis, and earned her Cytology Certification from the University of California, San Francisco. Before starting her family, she worked as a cytotechnologist in both research and clinical settings, where she was continually reminded of the wonder and beauty of God at the microscopic level.

More About Me about LeeAnn Holt
The Geneva School's Office Administrator/Admissions Sue Haffely's portrait.

Office Administrator I Admissions

Ms. Haffely joined The Geneva School in 2019 and has been an integral part of the team ever since. With a strong background in operations management, Sue brings a high level of expertise to her role, skillfully managing the diverse responsibilities of school administration. Her passion for building meaningful relationships, combined with her analytical mindset and keen attention to detail, allows her to effectively problem-solve and address the evolving needs of both families and staff.

More About Me about Sue Haffely
The Geneva School's Kindergarten Teacher Laura Raitt's portrait.

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Raitt loves teaching Kindergarten and brings warmth, creativity, and joy to her classroom every day. With fifteen years of teaching experience, she continues to find deep fulfillment in nurturing the hearts and minds of young learners. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Azusa Pacific University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Concordia University, Irvine. Her passion for teaching is especially evident in the way she incorporates music into her lessons, using it as a powerful tool to engage children and reinforce learning in meaningful ways.

More About Me about Laura Raitt
The Geneva School's First Grade Teacher Lil Simonji's portrait.

First Grade Teacher

Mrs. Simonji teaches First Grade at The Geneva School and has done so since the school opened. She graduated from Thomas Edison State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts.

More About Me about Lil Simonji
The Geneva School's Second Grade Teacher Mandy Campell's portrait.
The Geneva School's Third Grade Teacher Jiyoung Song's portrait.

Third Grade Teacher

Mrs. Song has been teaching at a classical Christian school since 2015. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and a minor in Education. Ms. Song has always enjoyed learning about different cultures and languages, so she decided to earn the TESOL Certificate. She taught English as a second language to diverse populations of English learners before going to Graduate School. She also received her multi-subject teaching credential and a Master's degree in Education from University of California in Santa Barbara. Upon graduation, God gave Mrs. Song the opportunity to work in a Christian school where she could share His love and wisdom. Reciting grammar jingles and Latin chants, which sometimes involve dance movements, is her favorite activity to do with her students. Outside of school, she likes to explore new locations, spend time with her family and friends, and read books about Greek Mythology. Working at the Geneva School has been a huge blessing to Mrs. Song!

More About Me about Jiyoung Song
The Geneva School's Fourth Grade Teacher Brittney Verchick's portrait.
Madison Greenlee

Fourth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Greenlee recently graduated from Biola University with a degree in Writing for Film and Television and fell in love with classical education during her time in Biola’s Torrey Honors College. She hopes to bring her imagination and curiosity to the classroom as she and her students grow into lifelong learners. She is excited to explore the medieval world through literature, theology, history, geography, and Latin. Mrs. Greenlee feels beyond blessed to join The Geneva School staff!

Fifth Grade Teacher

Ms. Koo brings a rich and diverse background in both education and the arts to The Geneva School. She began her professional career as a cellist and music instructor before transitioning into K–12 education. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a Bachelor's in Music Performance, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education from Purdue University as well as a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through Biola University. Her teaching experience spans a variety of educational settings, including an international school in South Korea, a Jewish school in Los Angeles, and a Montessori school, where she served as an upper elementary teacher.

More About Me about Anna Koo
The Geneva School's Sixth Grade Teacher Kelley Adam's portrait.

Sixth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Wimer graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. While attending Biola, she was a part of the Torrey Honors College, where she read and studied a multitude of western classics. She attended a classical school throughout her childhood and has begun her own career in classical teaching with The Geneva School.

More About Me about Nicole Wimer
Humanities, Writing, History, and Logic School Chair Teacher Michelle Hahne's portrait.

Humanities | Writing | History | Logic School Chair | Greek Teacher

Michelle Hahne has been teaching in classical Christian settings for the last eighteen years. Over that time she has taught every grade from First to Twelfth, specializing in Sixth grade and Seventh through Twelfth grade Latin, Writing, and Humanities. Sharing the beauty of God and his creation with her students is a daily delight, and doing so side-by-side with like-minded teachers and staff brings her the greatest joy. She holds her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Culture with an emphasis in classical education from New Saint Andrews College. She is almost finished pursuing her Masters in Historical Theology from Westminster Seminary in California. She is the author of Song School Greek, published by Classical Academic Press. She has been married to Seth for sixteen years and has four children, Sonata, Brubeck, Cobalt, and Nausicaa, all of whom are loving the education they are receiving at The Geneva School. 

More About Me about Michelle Hahne
New Testament & Apologetics, Logic, and Humanities Teacher Jeff Sholar's portrait.

New Testament & Apologetics | Logic | Humanities | Greek | Theology | PE Teacher

Mr. Sholar originally grew up in Marietta, Georgia, before moving out to Southern California in high school. He attended Biola University where he received his undergraduate degree in Biblical & Theological Studies. Mr. Sholar then went on to Talbot School of Theology where he received his Master of Arts in New Testament and he is currently working on a Master of Divinity.

More About Me about Jeff Sholar
New Testament & Apologetics, Logic, and Humanities Teacher Jeff Sholar's portrait.

Fourth Grade Math I Honors Chemistry & Rhetoric I Pre-Calculus

Ms. Winchel earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Concordia University Irvine and served as an Adjunct Biology Professor there in 2024. Since 2018, Ms. Winchel has taught and coached speech and debate to students in fifth through twelfth grade as head coach, classroom instructor, and camp leader, at both national and international programs. During that same time, she has provided private academic science tutoring in a wide range of subjects including human and molecular biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, neuroscience, and mathematics, all at the high school and undergraduate levels. She will also serve as our Speech and Debate Coach, Science Fair Co-Director and Math Club Co-Director.

More About Me about Savanna Winchel
Fifth Grade Math & Third & Fourth Grade Science Teacher Valerie Lee's portrait.

Fifth Grade Math | Third & Fourth Grade Science Teacher

Mrs. Lee has been teaching at The Geneva School since 2018 where she loves being able to serve her students and point them to the truth, goodness and beauty found in our one God and Creator. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2004 from the University of California, San Diego.  She also earned her CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in 2014 from Cal State Fullerton.

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5th-8th grade Science Teacher & 6th Grade Math Teacher Mary Crabbe's portrait.

Fifth through Eighth Grade Science Teacher I Sixth Grade Math Teacher 

Mrs. Crabbe graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry. She and her husband are very excited at their recent return to their home state of California from Arizona and to have their three children be a part of the Geneva community. All of their wonderful children attend The Geneva School. 

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Sixth through Eighth Grade Math and PE Teacher Kevin Atef's portrait.

Sixth through Eighth Grade Math | PE I IT Coordinator

Mr. Atef has been teaching mathematics for the past nine years. He has a degree in Computer Information Systems from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a teaching credential from Concordia University Irvine with a specialization in mathematics.

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Seventh Grade Writing Teacher

Mrs. Boden grew up in a faith-driven home where she always gravitated towards the arts. She attended Cal State Long Beach, earning both her BA and MA in English Literature with a primary focus on British 19th-century writers and an undergraduate certification in Medieval Renaissance Studies. Mrs. Boden holds her MA in Theology with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Fuller Theological Seminary, where she graduated in 2019.
 

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Logic School Latin Teacher Aloysius Aeschliman's portrait.

Logic School Latin Teacher

A native to Southern California, Mr. Aeschliman is excited to be a part of The Geneva School family. Mr. Aeschliman discovered his passion for Classical languages while in the seminary, where he eventually taught both upper level Latin and introductory Biblical Greek for three years. 

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Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Art Teacher Lisa Woods' portrait.

Kindergarten through Fourth Grade Music Teacher

Ms. Lee is a classically trained violinist, educator, and music director with over two decades of experience in performance and instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from California State University of Los Angeles and went on to receive advanced training from renowned violinist Alice Schoenfeld at USC.

 

More About Me about Wendy Lee
Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Music Teacher Jennifer Kheriaty's portrait.
Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Art Teacher Lisa Woods' portrait.

Kindergarten through Tenth Grade Art Teacher

Lisa Holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from California State University, Long Beach. Now in her sixth year at the Geneva School, Lisa is dedicated to guiding students as they explore great works of art through a variety of techniques, materials, and creative expression. She is also a proud Geneva parent, where her three children attend. 

More About Me about Lisa Woods
Old Testament Survey & Systematic Theology Teacher Jonathan Moersch's portrait.

Old Testament Survey & Systematic Theology Teacher 

Mr. Moersch grew up in Southern California in a Christian home. His interest in the study of Scripture, theology, and church history grew while he was in high school and upon graduation, he attended the Calvary Chapel Bible College. After obtaining B.A. in History at California State University San Marcos, he earned a M.Div. at Westminster Seminary California.

More About Me about Jonathan Moersch
The Geneva School's Teacher Aide Ellie Nesheim's portrait.
Elle Nesheim

Teacher's Aide I Teacher in Training

Mrs. Nesheim grew up in Indiana and came out to California to attend The Masters University and pursue her dream of playing collegiate level soccer. She got her Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology and met her husband there.

The Geneva School's Teacher Aide Kristin Moersch's portrait.
Kristin Moersch

Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Moersch was born and raised in Southern California and has been working with kids since 1999. Her experience ranges from preschool, Special Education, and kindergarten through 8th grade. She loves being a teacher’s aide at The Geneva School because it gives her a chance to get to know most of the students in the school. She has 3 sons who have all received a classical Christian education, the youngest of whom is attending grammar school at Geneva. She counts it a blessing to be a part of this wonderful school community.

The Geneva School's Teacher Aide Becky McMackin's portrait.
Becky McMackin

Teacher's Aide

Mrs. McMackin started teaching at classical schools in 2007 after graduating from The Master’s University with a BA in Liberal Studies and a California Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential. She holds her MA in Education from National University. Becky has taught for seven years in kindergarten, second and fifth-grade classes; she has also served as a teacher’s aide for three years.

The Geneva School's Teacher Aide Becky McMackin's portrait.
Ellie Holt

Teacher's Aide

This is Ellie’s seventh year working at The Geneva School. For the past six years, she has had the privilege of getting to know the Lions through her after-school art program, stepping into the classrooms as a substitute teacher and aide. During her off-campus hours, Ellie’s passion for working with children continues to show. She volunteers as a youth leader for both the junior high and high school ministries at her church and she is a published children’s picture book illustrator. Her greatest joys are making art for children and with children.

Olivia Kirkland

Teacher's Aide

Mrs. Kirkland received her BA in Spanish with a minor in Crop Production from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. After graduating, she moved to Bolivia where she taught English. When she came back to the States, she taught 2nd Grade at a Classical Christian school in San Luis Obispo before coming to Geneva.

Kindergarten through Third Grade PE Teacher Deb Ogburn's portrait.
Kindergarten through Third Grade PE Teacher Deb Ogburn's portrait.
Tim Chung

Athletic Director I Chapel Speaker 

After graduating from New York University, Coach Tim Chung has devoted the past twenty years to full-time ministry, focusing primarily on college students while also serving in a range of educational roles within the local church. He is joyfully married to his wife, Younghae, and together they have three sons who attend The Geneva School.

A passionate advocate for youth development, Coach Chung brings a lifelong love for sports to everything he does. Having grown up playing a variety of sports, he understands the powerful role athletics can play in shaping character, building community, and developing leadership. He is thrilled to share that passion with the next generation of Lions and looks forward to mentoring students both on and off the field.