Specialists
Middle school students choose from arts electives in drama, fine art, music, and creative writing and participate weekly in physical education, human development, and farm class. Students also select their quarterly electives, choosing from offerings such as Japanese, film appreciation, strategic games, and quiet study, taught by the middle school core faculty.
Garrett Blackwell
Garrett is the middle and high school music teacher. He received his B.A. from Colorado College, where his focuses included music theory and ethnomusicology. He also played in the college’s bluegrass ensemble, through which he enjoyed opportunities to perform around the country, and he is excited to bring a bluegrass program to Waverly for the very first time! For the past several years, Garrett served as the Music Director at School of Rock Pasadena, where he determined the school’s musical curriculum and worked with students of all ages and ability levels on a variety of instruments. In addition to helping students explore their artistic interests and achieve musical proficiency, Garrett focuses on helping his students become culturally competent, compassionate critical thinkers, and he is excited to be a part of a community that also nourishes those traits. (Email)
Kimberly Brandon
Kimberly is the athletic director and teaches P.E. in the Middle School. Kimberly 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. (Email)
Alex Jospe
Alex is the middle and high school learning specialist. Alex has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from University of California, Santa Cruz, and holds a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of San Francisco. In addition, he is currently completing his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Therapy from California State University, Northridge. Alex has a range of experience at the middle, high school, and collegiate levels. He has worked as a writing coach, learning specialist, and English teacher for many years. Alex brings a deep passion for supporting students and helping teachers. (Email)
Kevin Murawski
Kevin is Waverly’s farm education coordinator. Kevin graduated from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design with a degree in fine arts and worked professionally as an artist for over 20 years. While illustrating 14 books for young readers and working as a designer on many children’s programs, Kevin began to find his passion for connecting with kids. A lifelong learner and self-proclaimed naturalist, Kevin has always had a deep appreciation for our environment and understanding our connection to it. With countless excursions into the field with students and dozens of overnight school camping trips over the years, Kevin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our program. After 13 years of teaching in the classroom, Kevin is thrilled to be working outside with students getting dirty, observing closely, looking deeply, reflecting, wondering, having fun, and continually growing. (Email)
Beatriz Valls Rodriguez
Beatriz teaches art in the middle and high schools as well as Spanish in the high school. Beatriz comes from Madrid, Spain. She received her bachelor’s in sociology from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and a fine arts degree at Accademia delle Belle Arti di Brera in Milan, Italy. She continued her passion for art and social studies, completing an MFA in public practice at Otis College of Art & Design in 2012, and she is currently looking forward to defending her Ph.D. dissertation focused on socially-engaged art from UCM in Madrid in 2024. Beatriz has been a faculty member at Otis College of Art & Design and Glendale Community College where she still teaches in the studio arts department. During her time in LA since 2010, she founded a studio called Transartmethods implementing creativity for social impact with a variety of non-for-profit organizations such as Access Books, Ready-Set-Read!, and Sages & Seekers among many others. In her spare time, Bea enjoys doing sports to maintain her mental and physical well-being, talking to her family abroad, discovering new places in LA, going to museums and galleries, and being with her family and friends. (Email)
Sydney Walsh
Sydney teaches drama in the middle and high schools. Syd graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in theatre and English. An experienced actor, director, and educator, Syd says, “I am constantly inspired by the group work ethic I see and feel in every class at Waverly. Students are interested in creativity and kindness, and they work from a place of loving support for each other’s creative processes.” Syd’s son, Harry ‘19, graduated from Waverly. (Email)
Sophie Zanders
Sophie is the middle and high school counselor and teaches human development to our middle and high school students. Sophie earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her master’s in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University School of Law. She recently earned a second master’s degree in school counseling from USC. Prior to coming to Waverly, Sophie most recently served as the Dean of Students and Human Development Chair at Tree Academy as well as serving as a dispute resolution consultant and learning specialist. (Email)