FOUNDERS/DIRECTORS

Little Surf Co. founders, Jason and Kayla grew up in Orange County and have been married since 2012. They have two young boys, who love hitting the beach with them any chance they get.

Coach Jason grew up in Fountain Valley and has been an avid surfer in Huntington Beach his entire life. He has experience as a surf instructor coaching for the past 25 years. He is also American Red Cross CPR certified and is a first aid/CPR/AED instructor so rest assured, your little explorers will be in great hands.

Prior to running Little Surf Co., Kayla spent 10 years in the classroom teaching a variety of Communication courses at local colleges. Therefore, incorporating education into Little Surf Co.’s daily schedule is a top priority to Jason and Kayla because they understand the value of hard work and a positive attitude.

If you would like your child to have a great surf and education experience from caring people, then Little Surf Co. is the place for him/her!

Operations Manager

Meet Ellie Cosgrove — our new Operations Manager at Little Surf Co. Institute

Born and raised in Orange County, Ellie has been a true beach local her entire life. She grew up surfing these shores, developed a deep love and respect for the ocean at a young age, and spent four years as one of our beloved surf instructors before heading off to The Master’s University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship.

Now, she’s coming home to the LSC family in a brand new role — and we couldn’t be more excited.

Ellie brings an incredible blend of leadership, organizational management, child development, education, water safety, and operations experience to our team. Her years spent working directly with children and families have given her a genuine understanding of how kids learn, grow, build confidence, and thrive — both in and out of the water.

As Operations Manager, Ellie will oversee daily operations across our programs, support staff and family communication, help coordinate events and logistics, and continue cultivating the safe, encouraging, community-centered environment that Little Surf Co. is known for.

Having grown up on these beaches and spent years with our crew, Ellie already knows firsthand what makes this community so special. Her passion for mentorship, adventure, leadership, and the ocean makes her an incredible fit for this next chapter at LSC.

We’re so grateful to welcome her back into this role and cannot wait for our families to get to know her even more.

When she’s not at the beach, you can probably find Ellie rock climbing, exploring the outdoors, and always chasing her next adventure.

On-Site Administrator (Jr. High Campus) + Beach Activities Coordinator + Drama Club Teacher

Autumn will be supporting our new Jr. High campus as the on-site administrator, helping to ensure a smooth and well-supported experience for our students and staff in this space. Her presence will be key as we continue to grow and expand this program.

In her role of Beach Activities Coordinator, she welcomes our families to our morning beach programming each day, Monday through Friday. Many of you may already know Mia from her role as one of our fantastic TAs this school year, and we’re so excited to see her expand her talents into this new position. She will play an important role in creating a smooth, organized, and positive start to each day at the beach.

Being born and raised in Southern California, Autumn acquired extensive knowledge of the community and beach culture. This experience drew her into working with Little Surf Co. as an instructor and Beach Coordinator for 4 years. While attending Golden West College, Autumn obtained 3 Associate of Arts Degrees with Honors in Liberal Studies for Elementary Education, Art and Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Science. She decided to further her education by attending UCLA, where she achieved a Bachelor’s in Arts for History.

Autumn has a passion for education and genuine learning. She desires to find ways to make the classroom a meaningful experience for students and cultivate a love for academics. Autumn believes that active participation allows students to take hold of their own education with pride and enthusiasm. With hard work, determination, and support from those who believe in you, Autumn maintains that students are capable of reaching whatever heights they dream of.  

She is eager to continue to invest the love of learning into our students’ lives!

Preparatory Teacher & Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor. In this position, she will work closely with our teaching team in a teacher liaison capacity—supporting curriculum questions, providing guidance, and helping ensure our program continues to align with “I Can” statements and state standards across our core classes.

Meet Laura Perez, our Preparatory Class Teacher & Academic Advisor at LSC Institute! With over 10 years experience working in Early Childhood Development, she is committed to fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder in her classroom. She believes that her classroom environment and daily curriculum invitations will spark interest and help her students seek possibility. Laura has a background working with the Reggio Emilia approach, where the learning is responsive to the children’s own interests and encourages exploration and community. She believes in a collaborative classroom environment where the children can support and encourage one another while also allowing each child to see the value of their individual thoughts and talents.

In her role is Academic Advisor, Laura will work closely with our teaching team in a teacher liaison capacity—supporting curriculum questions, providing guidance, and helping ensure our program continues to align with “I Can” statements and state standards across our core classes.

Laura is a neighbor to Little Surf Co. Institute, living just down the street. You may catch her riding bikes with her husband and two daughters or walking through downtown. She is excited to be working with Little Surf Co. and is looking forward to welcoming the next generation through her doors.

TK Teacher

We are excited to have Miss Karina Sammartano as our TK and Morning Creative Expressions & Conversational Spanish Teacher! Miss Karina is a dedicated and passionate teacher with over 10 years of experience in early childhood development and education. Throughout her career, Miss Karina has been committed to creating nurturing and thought provoking environments that foster a lifelong joy for learning. She embraces the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, a philosophy rooted in the belief that children are strong, capable, and resilient, with a natural curiosity that drives their desire to learn. Miss Karina encourages children to work together on projects that foster social skills and a sense of community. She values the ideas and interests of each child, using them as the foundation for curriculum development. This emergent curriculum ensures that learning is relevant and engaging for every student.

Miss Karina is excited to be a part of the Little Surf Co. Institute community and looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of her students.

TK Co-Teacher

Ms. Andria Hornback is excited to begin the school year as a TK Co-Teacher at Little Surf Co. Institute. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is continuing her studies in Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College. Last year, Andria had the opportunity to serve as a TK aide alongside Ms. Karina, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom and developing meaningful relationships with our youngest learners.

A former homeschooling parent herself, Andria understands the importance of creating a nurturing learning environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the world around them. She believes young children thrive through patience, kindness, encouragement, meaningful relationships, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on discovery.

At the heart of Andria’s teaching philosophy is a desire for every child to feel known, valued, and capable. She loves helping children build confidence, develop independence, and discover the joy of learning while honoring the unique strengths and personality each child brings to the classroom.

Andria and her husband live in Huntington Beach and have three adult children and two wonderful sons-in-law. Their family is especially excited to be welcoming their first grandchild! Outside of the classroom, Andria treasures time spent with family and friends and any opportunity to gather with the people she loves.

She is looking forward to another wonderful year at Little Surf Co. Institute and to helping our TK students learn, grow, explore, and thrive!

Kindergarten Teacher

We are beyond thrilled to have Mrs. Kenzie Droll as our ELA and Math Kindergarten Teacher! She works side by side, co-teaching with Mrs. Georgina Gennawey on our core days!

Kenzie Droll is a compassionate Kindergarten teacher who believes deeply in shaping the hearts and minds of her students through a nurturing and hands-on learning approach. Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kenzie always knew she wanted to make a lasting impact in the lives of children. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona, she embarked on her teaching journey, and eight years later, she continues to bring passion and joy to every classroom she enters.

Mrs. Droll creates an environment where her students are encouraged to explore, question, and grow, fostering a love for learning that stays with them long after they leave her class. Her hands-on learning approach ensures that every lesson is an adventure, designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Whether it’s through creative activities or compassionate guidance, Kenzie teaches her students to be kind and confident in their abilities!

Beyond her professional life, Kenzie welcomed her first baby girl into the world in February, adding a new layer of love and perspective to her teaching. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and watching sunsets on the beach.

Mrs. Droll’s classroom is a sanctuary where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to become the best version of themselves. Through her dedication and passion, Kenzie continues to make a positive impact on her students, helping to shape their futures with love, care, and endless enthusiasm!

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

We are beyond thrilled to have Georgina Gennawey as our Little Surf Co. Institute Science and History Kindergarten teacher! She absolutely adores teaching primary grades and has over 14 years of full time teaching experience at the Kindergarten level. She is a New Jersey native, but loves the California sunshine!

She has extensive experience in teaching, including being the lead Kindergarten teacher at Kinetic Academy located in Huntington Beach for 6 years, lead Kindergarten teacher at Lifeline Charter School, Kindergarten Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest New Jersey, Kindergarten teacher at Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology, and she is currently serving as a mentor to other teachers through Concordia University in Irvine in order to help them clear their California teaching credential.

She is so grateful to be on the Little Surf Co. team and feels blessed to be working with the Kindergarten class! She has three sweet children: Kinsley- 5, Vincent- 2 and one baby girl, Brooke. She loves living in Huntington Beach with her kids and husband, Michael.

Kindergarten Teacher + Beach Sports Club & Cheer Club Coach

Please meet Sara Lebaron, Kindergarten Teacher and Beach Sports Club + Cheer Club Coach

Sara is a lifelong athlete with a diverse background in recreational sports, competitive cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, track, and strength training. She went on to cheer for the NFL, where she also co-led youth cheer camps focused on technique, confidence, and teamwork.

After growing up in Florida and spending 14 years in Washington embracing an outdoor, adventure-driven lifestyle with her family, Sara now calls Huntington Beach home and is excited to be back enjoying the coastal lifestyle she has always loved. As a mom of two energetic boys, she brings a natural ability to connect with kids and create an environment that is both structured and fun.

Sara is passionate about helping young athletes build foundational skills, strength, and coordination while encouraging them to explore and enjoy any sport they choose. She believes a positive, team-centered mindset builds confidence that carries far beyond athletics and is committed to helping every child feel supported, capable, and excited to show up and give their best.

She is incredibly grateful to be joining the Little Surf Co. community and looks forward to helping students build friendships, develop confidence, and have fun being active.

1st Grade Teacher

Please meet Ms. Irma Perez, our first grade teacher at the Little Surf Co. Institute! Ms. Perez brings over 20 years of professional experience in elementary education. She has experience working with students at numerous schools in the Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and surrounding areas.

She brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise in areas such as: organization, classroom management, academic excellence, and social and emotional needs to the classroom. Her specialized techniques, skillsets, and teaching philosophies will be implemented directly into the classroom on a daily basis.

She is a lover of all things ocean related and is an avid surfer herself. She has been surfing for 15 years and is an active member of the Wahine Kai Surf Club, a non-profit organization, dedicated to connecting women who love to surf, or want to learn. She has two wonderful daughters, as well!

1st Grade Teacher + Conversational Spanish Teacher + Wonderful Readers Teacher

We are so excited to have Sarah Robin on the Little Surf Co. Institute team!

Born and raised in Huntington Beach, Sarah grew up surrounded by the ocean — an upbringing that helped shape her deep appreciation for community, creativity, adventure, and connection. Those same values are now at the heart of the learning environments she creates for her students each day.

Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University before receiving her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Throughout her teaching journey, she has had the opportunity to work across a variety of elementary grade levels, where she quickly discovered a passion for creating engaging, supportive, and meaningful learning experiences for young learners.

Sarah teachers our First Grade Math/ELA, History/Science, Conversational Spanish, and Wonderful Readers enrichment classes. She is especially excited to continue her teaching career within the very community that raised her and loves the opportunity to teach near the beach in her hometown.

Sarah believes children learn best when they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. She is passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, creativity, and kindness both inside and outside the classroom. She feels especially aligned with the Little Surf Co. mission because of its emphasis on connection, movement, creativity, and making learning both joyful and memorable for every child.

Outside of teaching, Sarah enjoys traveling, snowboarding, playing tennis, spending time at the beach, trying new restaurants, and making memories with family and friends.

2nd Grade Teacher

Born and raised in Orange County, Vanessa Blaxland grew up embracing the California sunshine and a love for sports and adventure. After earning her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Hawaii and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Vanessa spent 14 years working in the mental health field. During her career, she specialized in supporting children, families, and athletes, helping them navigate challenges and build emotional resilience.

For the past six years, Vanessa has proudly been a homeschool mom to her twin daughters and son, blending hands-on learning with creative projects to spark curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning.

Alongside her educational role, Vanessa’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished when she discovered a talent for cake and cookie decorating, even starting her own business teaching dessert art workshops for both kids and adults. Vanessa’s love for creativity extends to her family’s active lifestyle with one of her latest hobbies being painting her daughter’s surfboards — a new bonding activity that sparks both joy and artistic expression. You can also often find Vanessa with her husband of 14 years cheering on their kids at the skate park, surf competitions, or football field.

Teaching at Little Surf Co. feels like a full-circle moment for Vanessa. Her daughter Mia, now an accomplished surfer, first learned to surf at Little Surf Co. during their opening summer. Vanessa is excited to now contribute to the community that helped her daughter find her passion. As the 2nd Grade Core Teacher, she is excited to ignite a love for learning in her students, she is thrilled to bring her creativity and enthusiasm for making things in the classroom, inspiring the next generation.

3rd Grade Teacher

We are excited to have Mrs. Jennifer Castillo as our third grade teacher! Jennifer Castillo brings over 30 years of experience in elementary education, with a background that spans both classroom teaching and personalized instruction. A Venice Beach native, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Dominguez Hills.

For the past two decades, Jennifer has taught across multiple grade levels in the Long Beach Unified School District and partnered with individual families to provide targeted enrichment and intervention. Her approach combines a focus on improving students’ intrinsic motivation with tried-and-true educational methods that build success. Her personalized, caring approach is designed to not only bolster academic performance and confidence, but foster a lifelong love of learning in a creative classroom environment.

She is excited to collaborate with the exceptional team at Little Surf Co. Institute, a community that reflects her own values as an educator—and the close proximity to the beach is a welcome bonus!

Jennifer lives in East Long Beach with her husband and is the proud mom of three 20-something daughters. A traveler at heart, she’s always ready for a new adventure, often heading down to Maneadero, Mexico with her family to help build homes for families in need!

4th Grade Teacher

We are excited to have Mrs. Heidi Undlin on the LSC team, as our 4th Grade Teacher! Heidi brings over 30 years of teaching experience to Little Surf Co. Institute, having taught across both elementary and middle school grade levels throughout her career. After spending 16 years teaching middle school health and science, Heidi transitioned into elementary education and quickly discovered a true passion for teaching fourth grade students.

Known for her creative, hands-on teaching style, Heidi approaches education with a strong focus on the whole child. She thoughtfully designs engaging, accessible lessons that support a variety of learning styles and believes deeply in helping every student feel confident, capable, and connected in the classroom. Heidi especially enjoys facilitating rich literature-based discussions and is passionate about helping students discover their voices as writers. One of her favorite subjects to teach is California History, which she loves bringing to life through meaningful, interactive learning experiences.

Originally from San Diego, Heidi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University before eventually planting roots in Huntington Beach, where she has lived for the past 25 years. As a longtime member of the coastal community, Heidi is especially excited to teach in the same beach town where she raised her own children. Her daughter grew up participating in Junior Lifeguards, while her son developed a love for surfing and the ocean lifestyle that makes Huntington Beach so special.

Heidi values health, balance, and outdoor living and enjoys bringing those values into her classroom environment to support student well-being and connection. Outside of teaching, she enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, pilates, book club, and spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs. She has also recently taken up Mahjong and loves continuing to learn new things herself.

Heidi is thrilled to be joining the Little Surf Co. Institute team and looks forward to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in her students.

5TH-8TH GRADE ELA TEACHER + YOGA INSTRUCTOR + HAWAIIAN CULTURE & APPRECIATION INSTRUCTOR

Heather McMillen was born and raised in Kailua, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and brings a rare combination of academic excellence, educational experience, creativity, and genuine heart to the LSC Institute team. As both an accomplished homeschooling mother and educator, Heather is deeply passionate about inspiring students to become confident learners, thoughtful thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong lovers of learning.

Having been an integral part of the LSC community since 2021, Heather understands and wholeheartedly embraces the culture, mission, and values that make LSC Institute such a unique place for children to learn and grow. Her family has proudly been part of our community for years, with all four of her children, both past and present, thriving within our dynamic learning environment. As a homeschooling mother of nearly ten years, Heather has intentionally cultivated a rich, literature-centered education for her children, fostering intellectual curiosity, articulate communication, strong character, and a genuine love of learning. She believes children flourish through meaningful relationships, engaging experiences, thoughtful discussion, and an educational environment that nurtures both academic excellence and whole-child development.

Heather earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from Penn State University and recently completed her 200-hour yoga teacher certification through LifePower Yoga, where she received extensive training in yoga, meditation, breathwork, mindfulness, and holistic wellness practices. She will lead our Tuesday and Thursday morning Beach Yoga classes, creating a peaceful and encouraging environment where students can strengthen both their bodies and minds while developing confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Heather believes that mindfulness is a powerful foundation for learning, helping students improve focus, regulate emotions, and cultivate habits that extend well beyond the yoga mat and into every aspect of their lives.

In addition to yoga, Heather will be teaching our 5th–8th Grade English Language Arts courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Her love of literature, exceptional communication skills, and passion for meaningful discussion make her a natural fit for leading our junior high ELA program. Heather believes that great literature does far more than teach reading and writing—it develops empathy, wisdom, discernment, and the ability to think critically about the world around us. Through engaging novels, thoughtful writing instruction, rich classroom conversations, and Socratic dialogue, she is excited to cultivate confident readers, skilled writers, articulate communicators, and lifelong learners. Her years of homeschooling have given her a deep appreciation for meeting students where they are academically while encouraging them to stretch beyond what they thought possible.

On Wednesday mornings, Heather will also lead our Hawaiian Culture & Appreciation class, where students will embark on an engaging journey through the rich history, traditions, and spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. Drawing from her island roots and firsthand cultural experiences, Heather will introduce students to the beauty of Hawaiian culture through music, dance, language, storytelling, customs, and time-honored traditions. Through hands-on activities and meaningful cultural exploration, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the values of aloha, ʻohana (family), kuleana (responsibility), respect, community, and stewardship while experiencing the joy of learning through creativity, movement, and authentic cultural connection.

Whether she is leading students through an inspiring novel, guiding them in mindfulness and movement, or sharing the traditions of her Hawaiian heritage, Heather brings warmth, wisdom, authenticity, and joy to every classroom she enters. Her longevity within the LSC community, her dedication as a homeschooling mother, her academic background, and her genuine love for children make her an exceptional addition to our teaching team. We are honored to welcome Heather into this expanded role and are confident she will make a lasting impact on our students and families for years to come.

5th–8th Grade Math & Integrated Science Teacher

Raquel Garcia brings a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and science to Little Surf Co. Institute’s Jr. High Bridge Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and is currently completing her Master of Science in Applied Statistics at California State University, Long Beach, which she is set to finish this winter.

With more than six years of tutoring experience, Raquel has worked with students ranging from elementary school through the college level. Her mathematics experience spans foundational skills and early problem-solving through algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics. She also has experience tutoring high school through college-level chemistry and physics, allowing her to combine her mathematical expertise with scientific reasoning and real-world problem-solving.

Most recently, Raquel served as a Math Tutor at Coastline Community College while also working on campus as a MESA Project Coordinator supporting student programming and academic enrichment. Through her years of working with students, she has developed a strong ability to identify learning gaps, adapt instruction to different learning styles, and find the explanation or approach that helps a challenging concept finally click. She also holds a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, giving her additional experience supporting students in classroom environments.

At Little Surf Co. Institute, Raquel teaches 5th–8th Grade Math and Integrated Science as part of our Jr. High Bridge Program. In math, she helps students build strong foundational skills, mathematical reasoning, and confidence while connecting concepts to meaningful real-world applications. In Integrated Science, she brings learning to life through hands-on investigations, experiments, projects, collaboration, and inquiry-based exploration. Drawing on her experience in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics, Raquel encourages students to make connections across disciplines while strengthening their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Raquel grew up in Long Beach and now calls Costa Mesa home. She is passionate about creating a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through challenges, making mistakes, and developing confidence in subjects that can sometimes feel intimidating.

Whether students are solving an equation, analyzing data, conducting an investigation, or exploring a scientific phenomenon, Raquel wants them to understand not only how something works, but why. She is excited to help Little Surf Co. Institute students become curious thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and enthusiastic lifelong learners.

5th-8th Grade History Teacher + 4th-8th Grade Business & Leadership Teacher

We are so excited to welcome Emily Baer to the Little Surf Co. Institute team as our new Jr. High History Teacher and Upper Level Business & Leadership Teacher!

Emily earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Vanguard University after completing her undergraduate studies in Communication at the University of Northern Colorado. Over the past several years, she has served students throughout Newport-Mesa Unified School District, where she discovered a deep passion for creating meaningful learning experiences that foster both academic growth and personal confidence.

With a lifelong love for the arts, Emily danced through the collegiate level — an experience that shaped her creativity, discipline, perseverance, and appreciation for self-expression. She brings that same energy and authenticity into the classroom, helping students connect deeply with history, leadership, and communication.

As a devoted wife and mother of four, Emily values the importance of nurturing the whole child and creating spaces where students feel encouraged, challenged, seen, and inspired. She believes education is about far more than academics — it’s about helping students discover their voice, think critically about the world around them, and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.

We truly feel so grateful to have her joining our community and cannot wait for the impact she is going to make this upcoming school year!

4th-8th Grade Art Studio & Workshop Teacher

Silvana was born in Peru and raised in Orange County, California. Her educational journey has taken her around the world, beginning with undergraduate studies in Paris, France, where she studied French at La Sorbonne University and Fine Arts at Parsons Paris. She later continued her Fine Arts studies in New York City at Parsons School of Art and Design. Over the last decade, Silvana has taught Spanish, Art, multiple grade levels, and has worked extensively with students with special needs, bringing a thoughtful and individualized approach to every classroom she leads.

Silvana is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French, and has a deep love for art, languages, literature, music, and the natural world. She also holds a certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy, an interdisciplinary approach that uses artistic modalities—including writing, music, movement, and visual arts—to encourage self-expression, creativity, and personal growth.

Silvana believes that education is never one-size-fits-all. She strives to recognize each student’s individuality, interests, and learning style while supporting their academic, social, and holistic development. Whether she is teaching art, languages, or core subjects, Silvana brings learning to life through storytelling, hands-on exploration, mindfulness, creativity, and student-centered instruction.

At LSC Institute, Silvana brings her diverse educational background and artistic expertise to our Art Studio + Workshop program. Through hands-on projects and creative exploration, she encourages students to experiment with different artistic mediums and techniques, develop new skills, express their individuality, and build confidence in the creative process. Her experience working with a wide range of learners allows her to create an engaging and supportive environment where students can explore, create, and bring their ideas to life.

As a lifelong learner herself, Silvana is continuing her higher education in English and Literature. She also has a particular love for marine biology and considers herself an amateur ocean connoisseur, always curious about marine life, ecosystems, and the natural world. Outside of the classroom, you can often find her in Huntington Beach kayaking, fishing with her children, or simply enjoying the sand and waves.

Silvana is excited to share her curiosity, creativity, and love of learning with our students and inspire them to explore the world through creativity, curiosity, and an artistic lens.

Kindergarten Business & Leadership Teacher + Preparatory Creative Expressions Teacher

We are excited to have Mia Nguyen on the LSC team as our Kindergarten Business & Leadership Teacher and Preparatory Creative Expressions Teacher! With a bubbly personality, strong leadership background, and passion for youth development, she brings an energetic and heart-centered approach to the classroom.

Mia recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology for Teaching and is passionate about health, wellness, and the importance of physical education in child development. She believes movement, creativity, and emotional connection are powerful tools for helping children grow with confidence and joy.

With over 5 years of leadership experience and event planning, Mia has developed strong skills in communication, teamwork, organization, and creating positive experiences for others. She enjoys bringing energy and creativity into everything she does.

She is also beginning her journey in Early Childhood Education as she continues following her passion for mentoring and making a positive impact on the next generation. 

Morning Enrichment Conversational Spanish Teacher + Surf Instructor

Meet Samuel Davis, our amazing Conversational Spanish Teacher and Surf Instructor. Sam was born and raised in the Bay Area, later attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduating with a bachelor’s in Geography with an English minor. Over the last year, he has worked as a surf instructor and teacher of Hawaiian cultural studies at an international language school in Honolulu. His experiences living in the Hawaiian archipelago have returned him to the roots of surfing, where community and ocean dwelling go hand in hand. Sam has followed the footsteps of the great Duke Kahanamoku in becoming a self-proclaimed ambassador of Aloha, utilizing surfing as a language which connects people across cultural, international, and linguistic boundaries.

Sam’s approach to education revolves around interdisciplinary enrichment, encouraging students to take a holistic approach to learning. The connectivity of subjects is crucial to finding deeper understanding. His Spanish skills come directly from his mother, Lisa, who began her career as a translator at public schools in Orange County and eventually worked as an interpreter at the UN. Sam furthered his Spanish skills in university, and has been on a handful of surf trips to Mexico. A major goal of his in the Spanish Teacher position is to provide students with the ability to communicate with the locals on surf trips to various Spanish speaking countries. At the international language school, Sam communicated with his Spanish speaking students about ocean conditions and surfing. He hopes to share these terms with students, connecting linguists with surfing.

Out in the water, Sam’s first and foremost priority is safety. Students will not only develop surfing skills, but also a love for the ocean and a deep understanding of its movements. One of his most useful tools in the water is a sense of humor, as laughter lowers the heart rate and relaxes the mind. The ocean has a way of humbling all of those who return to it. Failure is something to be learned from as opposed to dwelled on; this wave too shall pass and another will arrive with new opportunity. Sam encourages mindfulness and reflection in and out of the water.

Substitute Teacher

Meet Jenny Wilson, Our amazing substitute teacher! With over 10 years of hands-on childcare experience, Jenny is dedicated to creating a warm, engaging, and interactive learning environment where young learners can thrive.

Jenny grew up in Orange County with a love for the beach, surfing, snowboarding and all things outdoors. She attended Concordia University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication. After graduating, Jenny worked in the Action Sports industry, most recently as a Creative Project Manager at Vans. Her time in the action sports world deepened her passion for creativity, collaboration, and community, values she now brings into her work as a teacher.

Jenny lives in Downtown Huntington Beach with her husband and two kids. Living just steps away from Little Surf Co., Jenny feels connected to the school’s mission and community. She is truly grateful to be part of the Little Surf Co. team and looks forward to inspiring students as they grow, explore, and discover the world around them.

Controller / Accountant

Michelle brings a wealth of experience to Little Surf Co., with a degree in Accounting and a robust background in operations, contract administration, payroll, HR, customer service, and business development. In her role, she oversees all aspects of accounting and financial management, contract management, student registration and billing, software systems, and charter school relations. She also plays a key role in marketing and business development, helping to grow the program while ensuring efficient, day-to-day operations run smoothly.

A proud mom of four amazing girls and happily married for 20 years, Michelle spends her weekends cheering from the sidelines at soccer games and swim meets. Her family is her heart and greatest motivation, and she brings that same passion and dedication to her work. Michelle is excited to be part of the Little Surf Co. team and looks forward to serving and supporting the LSC community.