Our Faculty

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and Staff

Our School Leaders

P.L. de Avila

Head of School

“I believe in Stratford’s emphasis on not only academics, but the importance of character development and community spirit.”

P.L. de Avila has been a Director on this campus since 1994 and the Head of School for Stratford School Mission Viejo since 2017.  She feels that partnering with parents and our community is key to helping all of the children reach their full potential inside and outside the classroom.  “Summa spes, summa res, which means highest hopes, highest things, is the Stratford motto. This not only applies to developing ourselves, but also to our contribution to our community.”

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Sarah Asay

Director of Lower School

In the education field for over twenty years, Ms. Asay is excited to work in partnership with our amazing parents, students, and staff. Her passion for education and developing lifelong learners is something that she works hard to pass along to her staff and the students. 

As the Director of Lower School, Sarah believes that character development goes hand-in-hand with the development of children’s minds. Sarah enjoys watching the Preschool through Third grade students grow and develop both academically, socially and emotionally every day.  She looks forward to making the new school year a successful experience for all. Her office door is always open.

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Schehera McKasson

Director of Upper School

Schehera has been in music education for over twenty years. She began her teaching career as a middle school and high school choral director in Douglas County School District in Highlands Ranch, Colorado before moving to California. She received her undergraduate degree from Colorado College and holds a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. Schehera has a passion for working with children, teachers, and the school community, and is thrilled about this opportunity.

Lin Doughouz

Director of Admissions

With a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Literature and an MBA from California State University, San Bernardino, Lin combines her expertise in strategic planning, customer service, and community outreach to create a thoughtful and seamless admissions experience. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with families and guiding them through the school selection and enrollment process with transparency, care, and personalized support. Lin’s approach is rooted in meaningful connections, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to helping every child find the right educational environment. For more information about enrollment and availability, reach out to Lin directly via email.

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Our Faculty

Pooja Basrur

Kindergarten Teacher

Alex Bekken

Middle School Advisory & Leader in Training

Maria Brueggeman

Spanish, PS - 2nd

Emily Cheah

Office Administrator

Sanida Dokovic

1st Grade Teacher

Monika Dowd

Extended Day Teacher

April Frost

1st Grade Teacher

Mary-Ann Henry

Middle School - Language Arts

Christie Hobson

5th Grade Teacher

Megan Jin

Middle School - History and Art

Parker Kalmen

P.E. Teacher

Jeff Kizer

Middle School - Math

Adriana Lopez

Extended Day Teacher

Lesley Mills

3rd Grade Teacher

Izabela Mrowka

Pre K Teacher

Afsi Nouri-Doust

Extended Day Teacher

Jordan Owen

2nd Grade Teacher

Patricia Pitchford-Anderson

Kindergarten Teacher

Andrea Rodriguez

Extended Day Teacher

Juan Sanchez

Extended Day Teacher

Riya Sandjaja

Office Administrator

Hannah Stonebarger

Extended Day Teacher

Pedro Traveceras

4th Grade Teacher

Susana Tuccio

Spanish - Grades 3-8

Jason Unger

Middle School - Science

Rudy Valdivia

Computer Science & Engineering Grades 1G - 8G

Shari Vanzant

PS/PK Ext. Day Teacher

Kylie Walker

2nd Grade Teacher