The Seashore Team

Chrissy Bentsen

Controller

I joined Seashore Academy in March 2022 and I am really enjoying being part of a business with such a great mission. I grew up in upstate New York and reside there with my husband and cats. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, cooking, making furniture, construction, and quilting. I love nature, creating things with my hands and living life simply, and of course I have a passion for accounting & finance.

Stefanie Baeker

Spanish Immersion

I have started as a substitute teacher at Seashore Academy in February 2020. Later in 2020, I started teaching History, Science, and Spanish at the Huntington Beach Campus to TK/K and Elementary level, as well as Spanish to various grades in Newport Beach. I currently teach 2nd and 3rd grade in our Spanish Immersion program in Newport Beach, which I enjoy immensely! Besides my love to teach and learn for myself, I’m passionate about Astrology, travel, good food, and spending time in nature. To stay fit, I take Yoga/Tai chi classes, and also bike, hike, and swim.

Arika Cazale

Director of Curriculum

Being in the field of education for 24 years, I have learned the importance of relationships within the community. Connecting with students, parents, and teachers has influenced the way I teach and lead. While working with students, parents and staff, I can make learning interactive, interesting and fun through focused attention and giving positive encouragement.

After earning my teaching credential at Cal State Fullerton, my first teaching position was in the Kindergarten classroom. Since then I have held various K-9th grade positions teaching and administrating public, private and home school classes.

During the past 15 years, I have been homeschooling my two daughters and helping homeschool families navigate their own homeschool path. However, when I have some free time you may find me drinking tea, napping or reading a book.

Ken Harrison, M.Ed.

Managing Director

I am so excited to join the Seashore Academy team this year, as the classical teaching strategy aligns with my educational philosophy. Not only have I taught in private education for over 20 years, I grew up as a student enrolled in private education as well. I am passionate about developing students who feel successful and confident as they flourish in their educational setting. I believe that Seashore Academy’s philosophy of “Unlocking Potential, Embracing Flexibility” provides that opportunity for success. I look forward to partnering with parents, students, and faculty to foster that environment of success in Seashore’s daily environment. Outside of Seashore, you will find me and my wife Molly, on an athletic field coaching or in the stands cheering for our 3 kids as they excel and pursue their passion for athletics. We enjoy the beach, short vacations, and spending time together as much as possible. Our family is rooted in the values of private education and we look forward to being a part of the Seashore Academy family.

Amanda Johnson-Harrington

3rd/4th Grade & Spanish Immersion

I grew up In Newport Beach and this is my 3rd year teaching at Seashore Newport Beach. I recently obtained my MA in Elementary Education. I am passionate about teaching and love building relationships with my students and their families. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach, golfing, and spending time with my family and friends. I love being a part of the Seashore team!

Lisa Lowe

Substitute Teacher

After teaching 1st and 2nd grade at the Huntington Beach Seashore campus for 2 years, I am taking a bit more time to be with my family and substitute teach. I’m thrilled to still be teaching at Seashore as a substitute at the Newport campus this school year. My hobbies include: spending time with my husband, 3 boys, and our dog, Nellie, bike riding, running, reading, and cooking. We also love to hike, go to the beach, and explore new areas throughout California. I’m grateful to live and work in a community, where surfing, learning, and friends/families are strongly supported!

Jenna Niemes

3rd & 4th

My favorite part about teaching is building relationships with my students and their families! Because Seashore Academy has small class sizes and such a strong community bond, I’m able to teach to my full potential! When I’m not teaching, I love to cook, travel, and exercise. I also love riding my beach cruiser to the beach with my family.

Lynette Planto

English, 5-8th grades

Lynette Planto is a dedicated educator with a diverse background, teaching at all grade levels for over twenty years. Her desire to be at home raising her two children led to a career in teaching. With many long-term assignments in English, Drama and German at the middle school level, she is eager to be a part of the Seashore Academy staff! Passionate about fostering an environment for learning success, she enjoys sharing insights with students to make writing more enjoyable. As an army veteran and USO volunteer, Mrs. Planto has had the honor of facilitating support groups for military families and veterans, to include working with children in many volunteer roles. A graduate of University of Arizona in communications and drama, she also enjoys working with young people in the area of public speaking and theater.

Madison Perkins

I have been working as an early childhood teacher for 3 years, with background in the 3-4 year old age group, PreK, and Kindergarten. I have a passion for providing a structured and positive learning environment for all children. I am currently pursuing my Teaching Credential at National University.

Yuka Garrett

Kindergarten

I am a kindergarten teacher at Newport Beach Campus. I love this age group! I grew up in Japan and love to travel there every year. I have an amazing daughter who is twelve years old and loves to horseback ride. My goal is to create a warm, loving, and supportive environment where my students are excited about learning and look forward to coming to school.

Angel Wang

Mandarin Immersion

I was born in Taiwan and earned my degree in Visual Communication from the National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. I am currently a 3rd-grade teacher at Tzu-Chi Academy at Irvine and a K/1st teacher at Seashore. This is my 10th year teaching and 8th year teaching at Seashore. I believe learning Mandarin is important for the language as well as understanding Chinese culture and history. I design projects for children using my creative talents and integrating language in a fun way. I am able to keep children engaged in learning Mandarin while I meet curriculum goals and objectives

Kim Wiltjer

Kinder

I work at the Newport Beach campus teaching first grade. I am so excited to shape the minds and create memories with the students of Seashore Academy. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being creative and hanging out with family. I cannot wait to share my passion for learning and my joy of working with students.

Tina Yang

3rd & 4th

I have been with Seashore Academy for more than 10 years. I teach Math and Science as well as Mandarin for all grades. I became a teacher because of my love for children and the opportunity to not only teach but to mentor and watch children grow and thrive! I love the hands-on learning experiences that Seashore offers and values the safe and joyful environment. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going backpacking and spending time in nature! I also love trying new foods!

Natalie Seidemann

TK & Kinder

This is my second year as the TK/K teacher on the Mission Viejo Campus. Teaching has been something that I wanted to do since I was a little girl! When I was 13 I was already giving swim lessons and babysitting. I love helping students learn that they are capable and that they can do hard things! I love being a part of young students’ journeys. Something that is very important to me is helping students of all ages become the best versions of themselves. I love painting, crafting and being creative at home to relax(and with students!). I also enjoy doing anything outdoors; camping, hiking, swimming, walking, and backpacking. My family is the most important thing to me and quality time with them keeps me grounded and ready to be the best teacher I can be.

Stacy Stanich

Born and raised in Northern California, I am a Human Resources Professional with many years of experience in all things HR. I currently reside in Northern California with my husband, my kids and our animals. I am a big fan of all sports and generally spend my free time hanging out with my family, playing or watching sports, and running a non-profit hosting events.

Marlene Dandler

Founder, Seashore Academy

Margaret Harrisberger

1st & 2nd

I was born and raised in Orange County. I graduated and received my teaching credential from Northern Arizona University. I teach 2nd grade on the Newport Beach campus and my favorite part of teaching is providing my students with a safe learning environment. When I am not teaching, you can find me outdoors on a hike, reading a book, or relaxing at the beach. I cannot wait for this year at Seashore!

Annabel Estevan

Seashore Accounts

I joined Seashore in February 2021 and oversee billing and accounts. I love working for such a unique school. I spent most of my life in Orange County and raised my children there, but currently live in Texas with my husband and adult children. I love spending time with family and in my spare time enjoy walks, friends and church.