Bios
OLIVIA FLINT
OLIVIA FLINT![]()
OLIVIA FLINT
![Olivia Flint](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Olivia-Flint.jpg)
Olivia is excited to be the School Psychologist at Joaquin Moraga. This is her 16th year of working in schools and with children. She taught in Osaka, Japan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Mill Valley. She has experience doing counseling and psych-educational assessment in schools in Berkeley, San Leandro, and San Ramon. Olivia has worked with children between the ages of two and twenty, and most recently, was a Transitions Counselor at Orion Academy in Moraga. She is passionate about disability rights and making sure that all children are supported and welcomed at school. She loves collaborating with teachers and parents to this end.
Olivia has a BA in English Literature and Psychology from Smith College, an MS Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently completing her PhD in School Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Olivia lives in Berkeley with her husband and son. She loves reading mysteries and adventure novels, watching comedies, and singing silly songs with her toddler (and anyone else, really).
JERRY GRUEN
JERRY GRUEN![]()
JERRY GRUEN
![Jerry Gruen](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Jerry-Gruen.jpg)
He enjoys working with his wife, Lisa Gruen, who is a sixth grade Core teacher at JM. In his free time, Mr. Gruen enjoys coaching, reading, running, and exploring with his family.
AARON JORGENSEN
AARON JORGENSEN![]()
AARON JORGENSEN
Aaron Jorgensen is the Assistant Principal at Joaquin Moraga. Prior to JM, Aaron was an educational leader and district administrator in the Berkeley Unified School District. He also served as a middle school math lead teacher in Berkeley. He attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate degree in Economics and graduate degree in Educational Leadership. Go Bears!
He began his teaching career in Oregon prior to returning to the Bay Area. He loves working with intermediate school students and being a part of this critical time in their life and looks forward to working with the Joaquin Moraga staff, students, and families. In his spare time he enjoys running, baking, cooking, and experiencing new outdoor activities with his family. He lives in El Sobrante with his wife, Lindsey, and their two sons.
HARVEY KAMIAN
HARVEY KAMIAN![]()
HARVEY KAMIAN
![Harvey Kamian](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Harvey-Kamian.jpg)
LESLIE MULDOON
LESLIE MULDOON![]()
LESLIE MULDOON
Mrs. Muldoon is a Canadian who has made her way to California and loves the weather. Mrs. Muldoon has a goal to create meaningful connections with all of the students she interacts with. She has worked at both Rheem and JM in the Moraga School District. In her spare time, you can find Mrs. Muldoon and her husband cheering on their children at various sporting events and theater performances. You may also spot her walking around town with her dog Moose. Mrs. Muldoon is also an avid reader who loves discussing all things books.
LEANN NIXDORFF
LEANN NIXDORFF![]()
LEANN NIXDORFF
![Leann Nixdorff](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Leann-Nixdorff.jpg)
Leann Nixdorff has enjoyed teaching in Moraga for many years. After spending 21 years at Camino Pablo in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, this will be her 5th year teaching 6th grade core at JM. Helping students develop and cultivate a love of learning is a passion for Leann. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family including her twin 8th graders, rooting for the Oakland As, and taking advantage of living in the beautiful bay area.
DEBBIE STANDRING
DEBBIE STANDRING![]()
DEBBIE STANDRING
![Debbie Standring](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Debbie-Standring.jpg)
Michaela Tondi
Michaela Tondi![]()
Michaela Tondi
![Michaela Tondi](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Michaela-Tondi.jpg)
Kerry Warmboe
Kerry Warmboe![]()
Kerry Warmboe
![Kerry Warmboe](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Kerry-Warmboe.jpg)
MICHAEL BENTON
MICHAEL BENTON![]()
MICHAEL BENTON
![Michael Benton](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Michael-Benton.jpg)
Mr. Benton has enjoyed learning about history since he was in the fourth grade. He has traveled throughout the United States and to different countries in Asia, Africa, and South America to research historical sites and learn more about different cultures. Mr. Benton has a B.A. in Communications and three credentials in History, English, and Multiple Subjects. He is proud and honored to be a member of the JM community. Mr. Benton is passionate about sharing his love of history with his students in an informative and entertaining way that meets the needs of 21st century learners. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, exercising, and watching historical documentaries.
JASON BLALOCK
JASON BLALOCK![]()
JASON BLALOCK
![Jason Blalock](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Jason-Blalock.jpg)
Mr. Blalock has been teaching at JMIS since 2011. He currently teaches Earth Science, Computer Science, and Drama. After attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and receiving his BA in Anthropology from San Francisco State University in 2005, he went on to get his teaching credential in science with a focus on the geosciences from SFSU in 2010.
Teaching our young ones the ability to think critically in an increasingly technological world is an imperative of Mr. Blalock’s approach to teaching science. Only by having an educated and discerning citizenry will we be able to choose the right applications of scientific knowledge and ultimately create a more sustainable and just society.
He is proud to have a ten year old son at Cragmont Elementary in Berkeley. His interests include: reading, music, hiking, camping, and nature.
CAT CESPEDES
CAT CESPEDES![]()
CAT CESPEDES
![Cat Cespedes](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Cat-Cespedes.jpg)
Catherine Cespedes is a New Yorker who has found her way from the city to sunny California! This is her 4th year of teaching, and 2nd year joining us at JM. Catherine received her Bachelor’s Degree in History from Baruch College and Masters in Special Education from Brooklyn College; both located in New York City. Catherine has co-taught 7th grade English, 8th grade Math, and is an 8th Grade Learning Center Teacher. In her free time Catherine enjoys playing volleyball, watching history documentaries, attempting puzzles that are way too hard, and camping.
HEATHER GLICKMAN
HEATHER GLICKMAN![]()
HEATHER GLICKMAN
Heather was born and raised in Oakland and currently resides in Concord with her husband and two children Ellie and Luke, ages 9 and 10. She worked at an elementary school in Oakland through her college years at San Francisco State University, then took a long hiatus from education to utilize her Broadcast and Electronic Communication degree as a television director for KTVU news for nine years. As a new mom, she opened a preschool from 2012-2016, thoroughly enjoying her work with kids, but missing her daily interactions with the outside and adult world. She returned for her Master’s degree in School Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy so that she can continue meaningful work with children here in the Bay Area, graduating in 2020 at the heart of the pandemic. Heather worked the past two years at a performing arts middle and high school, and is now thrilled to join MSD. Outside of school, she loves running around to her kids' many sporting events, reading, eating all things Italian, Mexican and Indian, watching her favorite TV shows (some too junkie to admit) and traveling!
JILL HUDSON
JILL HUDSON![]()
JILL HUDSON
BRETT LORIE
BRETT LORIE![]()
BRETT LORIE
![Brett Lorie](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Brett-Lorie.jpg)
Entering my 16th year of teaching (all at JM), my excitement levels are just as high as they were on my first day of teaching. In those days, I had just completed my Master's degree and Teaching Credential at U.C. Berkeley. Since that time I have worked hard to make math fun, engaging, and challenging. I have also made a point to give students the opportunity to see other important aspects of life by coordinating field trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a variety of theater shows in San Francisco, and multiple volunteer opportunities, from Glide Memorial Church to programs at Cambridge Elementary School. I believe that a lot of learning can take place in a wide variety of places. I look forward to another wonderful year!
DAWN LEZAK
DAWN LEZAK![]()
DAWN LEZAK
![Dawn Lezak](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Dawn-Lezak.jpg)
CHRISTINA MARIN
CHRISTINA MARIN![]()
CHRISTINA MARIN
![Christina Marin](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Christina-Marin.jpg)
Christina Marin loves teaching math. She majored in math at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and received her Masters in Teaching and Teaching Credential at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This is her second year teaching at JM, but her ninth year teaching math. She encourages students to take risks in math and work together to solve problems. She believes in a student centered classroom with discussion and students helping students. In her free time, she enjoys running, exercising, watching baseball and playing outside and going on walks with her two sons, her dog, Archie and her husband.
STACEY NAVARRO
STACEY NAVARRO![]()
STACEY NAVARRO
![Stacey Navarro](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Stacey-Navarro.jpg)
This is Stacey Navarro’s fourth year teaching Physical Education. Prior to teaching at JM, Stacey taught in Oakland Unified. She has coached countless kids and young adults for over 20 years in many sports, with positions ranging from the Saint Mary's College Division I Volleyball team to youth camps in Europe and Southern California. Stacey was a professional athlete for 7 years, playing volleyball for teams throughout Europe and the Great Britain National Team. She played volleyball collegiately at Saint Mary’s College where her senior year team advanced to the Sweet 16. Stacey is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and loves being home in the Bay Area where she can hike, run, cycle in boundless beautiful places. Stacey married Bryan Navarro, a fellow Gael, in March 2018. They love taking road trips, visiting Yosemite, and spending time with friends and family.
LINDA O'BRIEN
LINDA O'BRIEN![]()
LINDA O'BRIEN
Ben Wayne
Ben Wayne![]()
Ben Wayne
![Ben Wayne](pictures/Contact-Us/Staff-Bios/Ben-Wayne.jpg)