Faculty
Stratford Preparatory places a high mandate on supporting our students’ visions of their future goals with confidence, care, excellence, and respect. Our teachers and staff are guided by our continuous improvement plan and united in their commitment to Our Purpose, Promise, and Principles.
Mr. Brent Schmitz, a leader whose career spans military service, award-winning business operations, and impactful education. From the Marines to the classroom, Brent brings real-world experience, mentorship, and excellence to everything he does at Stratford Prep Blackford.
Brent’s career is defined by a commitment to service and excellence, starting with his time as a United States Marine and combat veteran. That foundation of military leadership paved the way for over 25 years of high-level business operations management:
Bringing the “Real World” to SPB
Now in his fourth year at Stratford Prep, Brent is bridging the gap between theory and practice. He holds a Dual CTE Credential (Business & Finance and Marketing, Sales & Service) and is currently completing his MBA.
One of his standout achievements includes traveling to MIT to train directly with Bill Aulet, the author of our Entrepreneurship curriculum, ensuring our students receive world-class instruction.
Growing Future Leaders
As our DECA Advisor, Brent has been instrumental in:
Brent’s transition from managing massive logistics networks to managing a classroom of future entrepreneurs is a testament to his passion for mentorship. We are lucky to have his expertise guiding our students!
Degree(s):B.A., Environmental Studies – Land Use Planning, Cal State University, East Bay
Degree(s): B.Sc., Applied Chemistry, University of Waterloo
B.Ed., Queen’s University
Certificate in Accounting and Finance, Ryerson University
Professional Certificate in Graphic Design, Berkeley Extension (California) (In Progress)
Degree(s): B.Sc., Biochemistry (Honors), University of Hull
Degree(s): B.A., University of Oregon, English
With a decade of experience spanning the entire educational spectrum, from kindergarteners to doctoral candidates, Dr. Suba brings a profound depth of knowledge and passion to our Middle School classrooms.
Academic Excellence & Leadership
Christian’s background is nothing short of inspiring. He holds a Master’s in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Religion and Literature, and he is a proud Randolph Hearst Scholarship Recipient, a prestigious honor awarded to academics from minority communities to foster diversity and representation within graduate programs. At Stratford, he serves as the Instructional Mentor Teacher for SPB and plays a vital role in our professional growth as a:
A Unique Perspective on Middle School
Many ask, “Isn’t middle school hard to teach?” Christian sees it differently. To him, these years aren’t just about “unruly development”; they are about the privilege of guiding students as they learn to challenge the world around them.
“The students are not looking to be challenging, but are instead looking to challenge. I see them discovering the process of applying a critical lens to the world… it creates a reciprocal environment where they are not only learning from me, but I am learning from them.”
Why He Loves Stratford
For Christian, no two days are ever the same. Whether he’s teaching a classic text for the first time or the tenth, his students’ original interpretations and inquisitive minds keep the material fresh and the environment dynamic.
Degree(s): Ph.D., Religion and Literature, Graduate Theological Union
M.A., Philosophy, Graduate Theological Union
B.A., Literature, Religion, University of California, Santa Cruz
Degree(s):B.S., San Jose State University
ACSI Secondary Mathematics Credential
Mr. Devarsh Thaker, our Computer Science Teacher and STEM Instructional Mentor Teacher (IMT), who is helping our middle school students “code their dreams into reality.”
Devarsh is a vital leader in our community. He brings a high-powered technical background to our classrooms, blending industry experience with a passion for student-centered learning:
Innovation at the Forefront
Devarsh isn’t just teaching the curriculum; he’s building the future of learning. His accomplishments include:
Defining a New Standard in CS Education
For Devarsh, Stratford’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence provides the perfect environment to inspire curiosity. His background in Machine Learning, AI-assisted learning tools, and Full-Stack Development ensures our students are not just consumers of technology, they are creators of it.
“Joining Stratford has been a defining step in my professional journey,” says Devarsh. “I’m grateful to be part of a community that values curiosity and growth.”
Degree(s): M.S., Computer Engineering, San Jose State University
B.S., Computer Science, George Mason University
Degree(s): (In Progress) San Jose State University
Degree(s): B.S., Sports Management, Menlo College
Degree(s): B.A., Mass Communications, San Jose State University
Singles-Subject Credential, Santa Clara University
Ms. Becca Whatley is a master of “edutainment,” blending her deep passion for history with an extensive background in the performing arts. Her unique journey and dedication to our community truly sets her apart:
Educational Foundation: Becca holds a B.A. in Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a background that informs her dynamic approach to education.
Leadership in Action & Service
Becca’s impact extends far beyond her 6th-grade History lessons. She is a champion for student leadership and community service:
History Through a Global Lens
Becca’s ability to weave storytelling and cultural appreciation into the 6th-grade curriculum helps our students see history not just as dates on a page, but as a living, breathing narrative.
“It has been amazing to see how Stratford has grown over the 9 years I have been a part of this school,” Becca shares. We are equally amazed by the energy and heart she brings to our halls every single day!
Degree(s): B.A., Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community, University of California, Santa Barbara
With nearly a decade of experience spanning from elementary education to the collegiate level, Dr. Yang brings an extraordinary level of expertise to our 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade Advanced Chinese programs.
A Scholar and Linguistic Expert
Dr. Yang’s academic background is truly global. She holds a PhD in French – Science of Translation, and her professional history includes a prolific career as a freelance translator and researcher. Her contributions to the field of linguistics include:
Leadership and Mentorship
At Stratford, Dr. Yang’s impact extends far beyond her own classroom. As a New Teacher Mentor, she plays a vital role in our professional community by providing dedicated guidance and coaching to new teachers. Her mentorship ensures that our incoming educators have the support they need to thrive and deliver the high-quality instruction our students deserve.
Excellence in the Classroom
Dr. Yang’s students consistently excel, earning first-place awards in various essay and talent contests. Her teaching philosophy balances rigorous standards with a supportive touch.
Why Stratford?
Dr. Yang was drawn to our school’s willingness to take meaningful risks and its bold vision for opening new academic sectors.
“What stands out most is the culture of support… We maintain high expectations while focusing on what we, as educators, can do to best support individual student needs. There is a strong sense of collaboration that creates a comfortable, encouraging environment where we can grow professionally.”
We are honored to have Dr. Yang’s brilliance and mentorship within our community!
Degree(s): PhD, Science of Translation, University of Limoges
M.A., Pedagogy, Letters, and Francophonie, University of Limoges
B.A., French Literature, and Language, International Studies University