Vicki Moore
vickim@living-classroom.org
Executive Director
Vicki Moore is the Founder of Living Classroom and has been working in the environmental education field for nearly two decades. As a parent of young children in the Los Altos School District, Vicki realized that a structured, educational program was needed to take advantage of all the learning opportunities that school gardens can provide.
Prior to starting Living Classroom, Vicki was the Policy Director for Greenbelt Alliance. Vicki was the Founder and first Director of the San Jose Beautiful Program, a community-based urban beautification program. Vicki is a long-time community volunteer and has served many local school and educational organizations. Recently, she has been a consultant working on policy and legislation to further environmental literacy programs. Vicki also sits on the Santa Clara County Planning Commission. Vicki received her B.A degree in Human Biology from Stanford University. Vicki lives in Los Altos with her son and dog, Kona, and keeps the memory of her husband (Scott Chan) and daughter (Kendra Chan) close to her heart. Susan Harder
susanh@living-classroom.org
Co-Program Director
Susan Harder grew up gardening, composting, and exploring nature in Toronto, Canada. After a career in health sciences, starting a family, and moving to California, she began volunteering in her local elementary school garden. She is excited to combine her passions for science and education into a role with Living Classroom.
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Monica Schmidt
monicas@living-classroom.org
Business Manager
I am born and raised in San Jose, Ca. I earned my M.S. in Justice Studies May 2013 at San Jose State University with a focus in juvenile justice. After spending 10+ years in the service sector, I became a stay at home mom. In 2018 I became the Treasurer of a small not-for-profit co-op preschool where my passion for working with finances for small businesses bloomed. In 2020 I decided to go back to school for an A. A. in Accounting. I have a passion for assisting not-for-profit organizations succeed especially for causes that support our youth's educational experiences
Kim Reynolds
kimr@living-classroom.org
Co-Program Director
Kim Reynolds holds a BSA in Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences from the University of Arkansas. She has 10 years of experience working in academic research laboratories investigating issues ranging from the impacts of climate change, invasive species, and nematodes on their environment to hematological malignancies. Her love of kids and science and a desire to increase environmental literacy of our future leaders and innovators led her to join the Living Classroom staff.
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April Ashlock
aprila@living-classroom.org
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Jessica Merino
jessicam@living-classroom.org
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Instructional Support - Program
April holds a lifelong passion for teaching and helping kids with all abilities to be successful. She has earned an Education Specialist teaching credential from San Jose State and also has a degree in Exercise Science and Sociology from Georgia State, in her hometown of Atlanta. Before joining Living Classroom, she taught special education and has worked at various nonprofits. With her kids, April enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients and experimenting with new recipes. She also loves the great outdoors: hiking with her puppy, riding bikes with her friends, and exploring National Parks with her family.
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Instructional Support - Program
Jessica Merino grew up on Long Island, NY where she could be found outside enjoying nature, at the beach, or playing soccer and softball. She holds a BS in Biology/Health Science from Quinnipiac University and a MS in Secondary and Special Education from Dowling College. She holds a dual CA teaching credential in biology and special education. Jessica has over 10 years’ experience in the classroom where she had a passion for educating children of all learning styles. After starting a family and moving to the bay area, she wanted to again work with children and spark an interest in science. This drive led her to volunteer as a Living Classroom docent prior to joining the staff. She is very excited to be part of the Living Classroom staff where she looks forward to increasing environmental awareness and engaging students in hands-on science lessons. When not working, you can find Jessica volunteering at her children’s school, spending time with family, going to the beach, camping, hiking, traveling, and reading.
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Patti Berryhill
pattib@living-classroom.org
Instructional Support - Garden Lead
Patti joined Living Classroom in 2014, following her dream of working with kids teaching them the love of gardening and nature. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas in Agriculture, with an emphasis in Landscape Design and Urban Horticulture. After moving to California and raising her children, she went back to school and earned an Associate of Science degree in Environmental Horticulture and Design from Foothill College, and is a UC California Naturalist. She has had her own business doing landscape design and landscape maintencance. She also worked for landscape contractors doing maintenance and construction. Now, she's exploring her passions after training with an herbalist and foraging, bird watching.
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Michelle Bonfilio
michelleb@living-classroom.org
Instructional Support - Gardens
Michelle spent eight years running the Huff garden while her three children attended there. When she has free time she can be found taking care of her garden at home. She is excited to join the Living Classroom team to share her passion of gardening with the students, staff and volunteers.
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Our Amazing Docents!
We could not reach as many students with as many lessons without the help of our dedicated docents. Our docents come from many different backgrounds and life experiences, but all come to Living Classroom to share their love of learning with children. Every year, Living Classroom offers fall, winter, and spring training sessions that not only demonstrate how to teach our lessons, but also cover classroom management, cultural relevancy, and effective teaching strategies.
