Our Educators

Educator

Hali grew up on the central coast before moving away to receive a BA in psychology and eventually a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is passionate about alternative education and is excited to dedicate her career to creating educational spaces  that meet the needs of diverse learners. She is inspired by the creativity children bring to their play and the wonder and curiosity they bring to the world.

It was this interest in alternative education that led Hali’s family to enroll their oldest child in Monarch Hills last year. It was beautiful to watch her child blossom and grow in confidence when allowed to learn through hands-on exploration at their own pace.

Hali and her family enjoy being outdoors whenever they get the chance. They love to camp, hike, garden, spend days on the beach and spend hours exploring creeks.

Educator

Erin Stehli has been living in SLO county since starting at Cal Poly in 2001. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Liberal Studies and a multiple subjects teaching credential for K-8 education. While studying at Cal Poly, Erin worked as a student assistant in an early education setting and fell in love with the possibilities that come with teaching and learning alongside children as partners. Since graduating, Erin has spent nearly 20 years in the classroom with preschool and Kindergarten children expanding the program through 4th grade in the Summer. Her teaching style follows the lead of the child and uses a project-based approach to education. Erin passionately believes that learning happens in community, that every child should be allowed to learn, grow and thrive in their own unique ways, and that every child has the right to see themselves as capable and enthusiastic learners.

Erin and her spouse have three children: Everett (9), Rosie (7), and Mabel (4), and live in Atascadero with their chickens. As a family, they love hiking all around the Central Coast with friends and biking, traveling, and enjoying their beautiful garden together.

Summer Camp Educator

Kelsie Ford (B.S.) is a mother of two and has always desired to foster self-confidence and interpersonal skills in young children. She has a bachelor’s in psychology and work experience in a Montessori preschool. Prior to that, she worked for seven years as a CNA caring for the elderly. During high school she was a bus attendant for special needs children. Since becoming a mother, she has realized a huge part of this is accomplished by providing a learning environment in which the child can follow their own interests and desires. She focuses on being a facilitator rather than a traditional teacher. In addition, she homeschools her children and focuses on nature/free play.

Summer Camp Educator

Kristen Telling (B.A.) is a mother of six and a passionate advocate for independent and child-led education. Having been homeschooled through high school herself, she has a unique perspective on the importance of children's freedom and autonomy in their own education and she has homeschooled her children for over ten years. She loves to share with children the joys of cooking local and whole foods, raising animals for food, gardening, handcrafting, and art, as well as music, dance, and literature.