Meet the Preschool Team
2019-2020
Waverly’s preschool teachers have substantial knowledge of child development, years of experience working with young children, and a strong commitment to the philosophy of the preschool program.
Oonagh Delaney
Oonagh is the interim preschool director-teacher. Oonagh has a B.A. in Theater Arts and English Literature and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Manchester in the U.K., and Early Childhood and Site Supervisor/Program Director Certification through the University of California, Los Angeles. She has over 25 years of experience in education and has been the owner, director, and lead teacher of the highly regarded The Little Preschool in Northridge for the last 13 years. Oonagh’s youngest son Sam is in 12th grade; her older sons, Patrick ‘16 and Eamonn ‘15, graduated from Waverly.
Marina Dahlen
Marina is a preschool teacher. She has an A.A. degree from the College of the Redwoods with an emphasis in early childhood education. Marina is one of the founding teachers of The Waverly School and has worked with young children for more than 30 years. Marina says, “I am inspired by how the students are willing to teach as much as they are willing to learn.” Marina’s son Emmett ‘08 graduated from Waverly.
Marie Harper
Marie is a preschool teacher. She has a B.A. in psychology, an M.A. in human development with specialization in leadership in education and human services, and an M.S. in early childhood studies with specialization in teaching and diversity in early education. As the preschoolers work on social and emotional development, Marie supports them by being present. She explains, “Listening to them is so important because what I might see as the problem is often so different than what a child sees as the problem. I listen to show children that they are valued and respected.”