Clarke Weatherspoon
Clarke became the head of school in 2022. With more than 20 years as an educator, Clarke joined Waverly from the San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), where he served as Middle School Head for two years. Clarke brings tremendous school leadership experience. His passion for education and dedication to creating ways for students to engage authentically and invest in their learning has been evident in his role as a history teacher, dean, division head, water polo coach, and community volunteer. Clarke holds a master’s degree in computing in education from Columbia University and bachelor’s degrees in history and Black studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. (Email)
Molly Geller
Molly (Waverly class of 2002) is the head of the Elementary School. She has a B.A. in theology and religious studies from the University of San Francisco and a teaching credential and a Master of Education degree from Antioch University. As a member of the Waverly community for 25 years, Molly supports and challenges the students by meeting them where they are emotionally, socially, and academically. (Email)
Amy Sloboda
Amy is the head of the Middle School and the director of Middle and High School academics. Amy has an M.F.A. in film and video from California Institute of the Arts and a B.A. from University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she studied English and film. Prior to being the middle school director, Amy was the middle school dean where she supported student academic and social-emotional growth and taught social justice and wellness as well as the high school filmmaking elective. Before coming to Waverly in 2013, she spent seven years at Wildwood School in West Los Angeles where she was the administrative director and taught the film elective. She then worked as a consultant for Cal/West Educators, guiding independent school board members through the process of hiring heads of school with a strong commitment to promoting diversity and equity in independent school hiring and retention practices. Amy has two children, Nola and Kanaan, and two lovable dogs, Bonnie and Katie. (Email)
Betty Benson
Betty is Waverly’s interim head of the High School. Betty is a trained scientist and an experienced educational leader who joins Waverly from Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Washington, where she served as the Upper School Director. Prior to Charles Wright, Betty served as the Upper School Assistant Director, as well as the Associate Director at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. Betty taught high school science for several years at Lakeside, Randolph Macon Academy, Boys Latin School of Maryland, and George School. Betty is currently completing an M.Ed. in counseling and has a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Wagner College. Betty served as captain of the Division I Wagner women’s soccer team during her collegiate career and credits much of her leadership, collaboration, and relational skills to her experiences as an athlete.
Ricco Siasoco
Ricco is the director of student life for all divisions and teaches English in the high school. He has a B.S. from Boston University, an M.F.A. from Bennington College, and has completed doctoral work at Teachers College, Columbia University. In his more than 22 years in education, Ricco has been a teacher, senior administrator, college professor, and diversity practitioner at independent schools and colleges in Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Ricco supports Waverly’s middle and high school students in making the most of their student experiences — whether supporting new clubs or affinity groups, finding extra help and study tips, or just assuring students have a patient ear when challenges come their way. He partners with families, division heads, and the student support team (including a learning specialist and a school counselor) to navigate co-curricular, academic, and socio-emotional life. Ricco is a board member at Marin Primary & Middle School and the California Teacher Development Cooperative, as well as a writer and published author of a collection of short stories, The Foley Artist (Gaudy Boy, 2019). He enjoys hiking, cooking vegetarian meals, and spending time with his husband and their grumpy (but lovable) senior dog.(Email)
Kimberly Brandon
Kimberly Brandon joined Waverly as the athletic director in 2024. She has worked with California independent schools for 10 years, serving as an athletic director, learning specialist, health/wellness teacher, and assistant athletic director. She has worked in the athletic department at Pepperdine University as the assistant director of academic support. Kimberly holds a bachelor’s degree in family and human development from Arizona State University and two master’s degrees in education and educational counseling from National University. Originally from Chatsworth, she earned a scholarship to play Division‑1 basketball for ASU, where she helped lead her team to earn spots in the Elite Eight, two Sweet 16s, and a WNIT appearance. In 2012, Kimberly also garnered attention to be a WNBA prospect. When she is not working, she typically enjoys simple activities to help her relax and stay energized, such as going to the park with her Miniature Pinscher dog, Tweety, hanging out with family, going to the movies, or playing board games. Kimberly is ecstatic to be a part of the Waverly community and looks forward to getting to know and work with all students and community members. (Email)
Crystal Day
Crystal is Waverly’s Director of Admissions. Crystal joins Waverly from Camino Nuevo Charter Academy where she was the Director of Strategic Enrollment for the network of six schools in Los Angeles. Camino Nuevo ranges from kindergarten through 12th grade and serves hundreds of multilingual families supporting them to gain access to a top-tier education in Los Angeles. Crystal has director’s experience in progressive education from her time as the Admissions Database Coordinator and Program Assistant at the Wildwood School and during her tenure as Admissions Director at the Westerly School. Crystal has completed a Master of Education in enrollment management and policy from the University of Southern California, and has a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from California State University, Fullerton. Crystal is a data enthusiast, an avid runner, hiker, and curious life-long learner. (Email)
Juli Khoe
Juli is the director of finance and operations. She has a B.A. in economics from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the Anderson School at University of California, Los Angeles. Juli is excited that her Waverly position combines her 25 years of operational finance experience in the private sector with her passion for volunteering as a treasurer for various Pasadena-area nonprofits. In her free time, Juli enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring tasty L.A. restaurants. (Email)
Vella Cagle
Vella is the director of human resources, and she manages tuition and fee payments and the flexible tuition program. Vella received a B.A. in history from Virginia Tech. What Vella enjoys the most about working at Waverly is the community. She says,“I have found my home…Waverly is a place where I feel safe, valued, and where I am truly happy to be.” (Email)
Carolyn Hom
Carolyn, development director, has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California. She has worked in development, marketing, and public relations for more than 35 years and has led fund-raising work with an array of independent schools. Carolyn and her husband are Pasadena residents who enjoy travel and trying out the region’s many and varied restaurants. Their son, who attended area independent schools, lives and works in Dallas. (Email)
Susan Bradforth
Susan Bradforth is the director of communications. Prior to working at Waverly, Susan served as the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Development at The Gooden School in Sierra Madre where she oversaw strategic communications and marketing and managed development operations. She has also served as Director of Advancement at Saint Mark’s School in Altadena and in other advancement/program positions at the Asia Foundation, UNICEF, The Rotary Foundation, and the University of Southern California. As the parent of three local independent school students (classes of 2018, 2020, and 2028), she also has many years of experience as a community and school volunteer at Polytechnic School, AYSO, South Pasadena Little League, Arroyo Vista Elementary, and Westridge School. A San Francisco native, Susan holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree from San Francisco State University. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, photography, and reading. (Email)
Elaine Lass
Elaine has been Waverly’s director of college counseling since 2003. She has a B.A. in psychology and education from Chaminade University of Honolulu, a master’s degree in educational psychology from Loyola Marymount University, and a teaching and pupil personnel credential. Elaine has worked in college counseling for over 30 years and still loves being a part of the challenging application process. When she’s not working she enjoys spending time on the beach with her husband and children as well as visiting colleges to stay in tune with the student experience. (Email)
Amanda Lopez
Amanda is the assistant director of admissions. Amanda earned her B.A. in creative writing at the University of Redlands and her M.F.A. at Antioch University Los Angeles. Her professional history includes many roles in the publishing industry including proofreading, book editing, and web designing. She is thrilled to be part of a community that shares her values and commitment to making positive change.(Email)
Martin Morales
Martin is the temporary assistant to the head of school and board of trustees. Martin joins Waverly after several years as an administrative support staff member at Pasadena Unified School District and the City of Pasadena. (Email)
Lindsay Freund
Lindsay is the assistant director of development. Lindsay has a B.A. in psychology with a minor in art from Metropolitan State University of Denver and comes to us with more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a demonstrated track record of providing detailed and organized attention to small institutions such as ours. Lindsay has a love of animals (especially elephants), hiking, nature, and plant-based cooking. Lindsay keeps very busy with a third-grader who is enrolled at Waverly. (Email)
Aline Assaf
Aline is the business office associate. She works on tuition management, procurement, and accounts payable for the school. Aline holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in economics. After working at the American University of Beirut for over 20 years in internal audit, environmental health safety and risk management, and contracts management, she made the decision to move with her family to the United States following the devastating Beirut explosion in 2020. Aline has two daughters in college as well as a fur munchkin baby. She enjoys working out and photography to capture memories for life. Her favorite quote is: “Finding our best positive vibes is the key to resilience.” – Unknown (Email)
Stephanie Gutierrez
Stephanie is our school nurse. After completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing from California State University, Fullerton, she worked as a nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Orange, where she primarily worked in labor and delivery. As a registered nurse, Stephanie helps support the health of students and staff. (Email)
Carlos Aldaco
Carlos is a facilities manager and Waverly’s campus super power. His work has been a key to daily life at school since he joined the staff in 2012. Carlos is a craftsman, applying skills as a technician, painter, plumber, electrician, carpenter, and space problem solver. He fixes anything that needs it and makes major improvements, too, including remodeling of the art studio, reconfiguration of many offices and classrooms, and installation of the patio surface at the high school. He is unflappable and meets all deadlines, even the unreasonable ones. When he’s not keeping Waverly running, Carlos enjoys camping with his friends and family.
Ed Perez
Ed is a facilities manager. More information to come!
Rebecca Fields
Rebecca is the High School administrative assistant. She has her B.F.A. in theater from Pace University, New York City with concentrations in directing and screenwriting. She has over 10 years of experience with supporting administrative professionals, in industries such as healthcare, financial services, and various nonprofit organizations. She is delighted to bring her services to such a supportive and encouraging community. In her spare time, she writes and produces films with her fiancé, and loves to travel to new places. (Email)
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron is the Middle School administrative assistant and Middle School program coordinator. They bring to Waverly a broad range of experience in information technology, donor databases, customer service, and afterschool and summer camp programs in progressive school settings. Aaron has lived all over Los Angeles and still has more to explore. In their free time, they love to hike and camp. (Email)
Susie Gutierrez
Susie is the Elementary School administrative assistant. Susie is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at California State University, Dominguez Hills and is a certified lash technician. A native of El Sereno, when she is not at Waverly, she loves spending time with her family doing all things Disney. She is the proud mom of a Waverly student, class of 2037, and a toddler. (Email)
Jeremy Bartolo
Jeremy is the substitute teacher coordinator and high school basketball coach at Waverly. Jeremy has experience with human resources and staffing and brings a wealth of coaching, athletic training, personal training, and management experience to Waverly. Jeremy received dual certification associate’s degrees in history and kinesiology from Saddleback College and attended California State University, San Bernardino, where he played basketball. He was recruited from CSUSB to pursue a professional basketball career in the Philippines and China. Jeremy is also a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and holds an EXOS Performance Specialist Certification. He has a strong belief that the experiences learned and shared through sports competition can act as a metaphor for the situations we face in our daily lives and through these experiences students can develop the skills of teamwork, discipline, consistency, humility, and compassion. (Email)