FACULTY & STAFF
GABRIELLE SMITH
JK/Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Gabrielle Smith is a dedicated and experienced early childhood educator whose career spans more than 30 years. Born and raised in Santa Barbara County, she attended San Diego State University, where she earned her teaching credential and began her journey as a classroom teacher. Over the course of her career, she has taught Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, first, and second grades in both San Diego and Riverside Counties, gaining a wealth of experience in supporting young learners at pivotal stages of development. At Knox, Gabrielle brings her warmth, expertise, and steady guidance to the Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten program. She is passionate about creating nurturing, developmentally rich environments where children can grow socially, emotionally, and academically, while also embracing their natural curiosity and creativity. Deeply committed to supporting both students and families, Gabrielle fosters a strong foundation for lifelong learning in her youngest learners, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and inspired each day.
ELIZABETH HANSON
3rd/4th Grade Lead Teacher ​
Elizabeth Hanson is an accomplished educator whose career is defined by a deep commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in her students. She holds an M.A. in Elementary Education from Western Governors University, an M.A. in American Studies from George Washington University, and a B.A. in History and French from Earlham College. Elizabeth is passionate about inquiry-based learning, creating classroom experiences that encourage children to explore their world, ask meaningful questions, and engage deeply with new ideas. Her love of learning extends beyond the classroom; Elizabeth has traveled extensively throughout Europe and spent two years living in both France and Germany, creating experiences that have enriched her teaching with global perspectives. In addition to her professional work, she is an accomplished painter and illustrator, and she enjoys horseback riding, embracing the same curiosity and discipline she encourages in her students.
ALYSSA BREEHER
5th/6th Grade Lead Teacher
Alyssa Amador is an energetic educator with expertise in both mathematics and art. She discovered her love of learning in a hands-on Montessori setting and especially enjoys teaching students in the middle grades. Alyssa earned her B.A. in Mathematical Sciences with a minor in Science and Mathematics Education, as well as her Master’s degree in Education, from UC Santa Barbara. She taught for seven years at Arellanes Junior High in Santa Maria, where she also led AVID, robotics, math super bowl, yearbook, and other extracurricular programs.
Passionate about blending creativity, technology, and experiential learning, Alyssa is known for making lessons engaging and inspiring. She is excited to join The Knox School community this year. Her son will also begin his educational journey at Knox in the Pre-Kindergarten class.
DEZERICK REED
Math and SEL Teacher
Student Support Mentor and Coach
Dezerick Reed is an educator, mentor, and coach whose career reflects a deep commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of students. He holds a B.S. in Sociology from the University of Oregon, where he also began his career in education as a Transition Assistant, helping high school freshmen acclimate to new academic and social challenges. In that role, he provided academic guidance, behavior support, and emotional mentoring, while also serving as co-facilitator for the Black Student Union. At Springfield High School, his leadership expanded to athletics, where he coached varsity football as Defensive Coordinator and DB/WR coach, bringing the same focus and dedication he offers in the classroom. A former student-athlete himself, Mr. Reed played football at Ventura College before earning a scholarship to the University of Oregon, and later extended his playing career internationally in Spain, Germany, and Mexico. At Knox, he integrates his background in athletics, mental health, and teaching into a holistic approach that fosters resilience, self-confidence, and perseverance in his students. Outside of school, he enjoys working out, walking his dog, and coaching football. He recently relocated to Santa Barbara to pursue graduate studies in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist.
ERIN BONSKI
Music and Fine Arts Teacher
Erin Bonski is an accomplished arts educator and pianist with over two decades of experience guiding students to discover their creative voices through music and interdisciplinary learning. She holds advanced music degrees from Bowling Green State University and UC Santa Barbara, where she cultivated both her performance expertise and her commitment to education. A longtime Santa Barbara resident, Erin has designed and led arts programs at Crane, Mountain View, and Peabody schools, and she also directed the nationally recognized American Riviera Children’s Chorus. Her teaching is shaped by Orff-Schulwerk methodology, which emphasizes creativity, movement, and collaboration. At Knox, Erin fosters artistic exploration and self-expression while also integrating the arts across disciplines, helping students make meaningful connections between music, creativity, and their broader academic pursuits. Dedicated to engaging the whole child, she creates learning environments that encourage curiosity, imagination, and joyful discovery.
JONATHAN JONES
1st/2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Jonathan Jones is a passionate educator who brings energy, curiosity, and a strong commitment to student growth to his role as Lead Teacher for Grades 1–2 at The Knox School. Originally from the Bay Area, Jonathan studied Sociology at UC Santa Barbara and complemented his academic foundation with early childhood education coursework. He is also a certified NASM personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist, with years of experience coaching individuals and groups to achieve their personal goals. Jonathan’s path to teaching grew from his work with the Police Athletic League, where he coached and mentored youth, providing them with a positive and supportive environment after school. That experience sparked his love for working with children and inspired his transition into education. Today, he combines his background in fitness and coaching with his classroom practice, helping students identify their strengths, build confidence, and grow in both mind and body. Jonathan is thrilled to continue his journey at Knox, where he partners with colleagues and families to ensure every child is challenged, nurtured, and inspired.
TEHANI ZENON
Lower School Science and Math Teacher
Student Support/Aftercare Coordinator
Tehani Zenon is a consummate educator with a passion for hands-on, experiential and inquiry-based learning. She holds a B.A. from Northern Arizona University and brings a wide range of professional experiences to her role as 3rd Grade STEAM Instructor and Director of the Aftercare Program at Knox School. Most recently, she served as the Program Director for Camp Whittier, where she designed, organized, and coordinated camp programming. She has also worked as a certified ABA Therapist with Applied Behavioral Consultants, providing one-on-one support for children as well as serving as an educational therapist, consultant, and advisor. At Knox, Tehani supports students in exploring the connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and math, while also fostering a safe and engaging aftercare environment that balances fun, creativity, and enrichment. She is excited to partner with families and is committed to fostering both academic growth and joyful learning for every child.
JUDITH WORRALL
7th/8th Grade Lead Teacher
Judith Worrall is an accomplished educator and interdisciplinary thinker, serving as Lead Teacher for Grades 7–8 Language Arts, Humanities, and Science/STEAM at The Knox School of Santa Barbara. She holds a B.A. with Honors in English, a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Education from the United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in American Studies. Over the course of her career, Judith has taught academically advanced cohorts at The Nueva School, Pine Crest School, and Exeter College (UK), cultivating a wealth of experience in guiding bright, curious learners. At Knox, Judith delights in designing interdisciplinary programs that nurture student voice, sharpen critical thinking, and foster civic responsibility. She emphasizes confident writing, thoughtful discussion, and project-based learning, while valuing close collaboration with her accomplished colleagues. Dedicated to partnering with families, she works to ensure each child thrives academically, socially, and creatively, bringing both rigor and care to every classroom experience.
LIGGY CHIEN
Accelerated and Advanced Math Teacher
Math Program Mentor
Liggy Chien is a dedicated educator whose career reflects a commitment to inspiring young learners and fostering academic growth. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rice University and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, laying a strong foundation in both subject mastery and educational practice. Before joining Knox in 2019, she taught for 11 years at New Trier High School, just north of Chicago, where she developed a reputation for engaging students with thoughtful instruction and meaningful mentorship. Ms. Chien moved to Santa Barbara when her husband joined the faculty at UCSB, and together they have raised two children in the community they believe offers the best environment to raise a family. Since arriving, she has embraced the unique opportunities of the area, combining her professional expertise with a deep personal investment in the well-being and development of her students.
ADMINISTRATION
PAUL HAUSER
Head Of School
Paul Hauser is an accomplished educator and researcher whose career blends a passion for science with a deep belief in the transformative power of experiential, project-based learning. He holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Virginia and earned a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, where his research explored the intersection of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. After leaving academic science, Paul dedicated himself to inspiring young people to think like scientists by cultivating research skills, nurturing curiosity and leveraging real-world inquiry as a means of deepening learning and increasing authentic student engagement. He taught high school science at San Francisco University High School before joining The Nueva School in San Mateo, where he co-led the research program and taught biology, chemistry, and global health. Now serving as Head of School at Knox, Paul is honored to guide and nurture the next generation of high-potential learners while supporting the school’s continued growth and sustainability.
NATASHA ROBINSON MARLOW
Lead Administrative Assistant
Tasha is an experienced administrative professional and dedicated community member whose career and personal interests blend a passion for education and mentorship with a love of horses, traveling and spending quality time with her family. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, she moved to the United States in her early twenties and eventually settled in Santa Barbara, where she raised her three children. She spent five years in Idaho pursuing her equestrian passion, training horses, running a riding school program, and managing her own equine facility, before returning to Santa Barbara to embrace the coastal lifestyle she had always loved. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tasha enjoys traveling, supporting her children at sporting events, and walking her dogs along the beach.
ZEE LIU
Director of Operations
Zee Liu is a dedicated operations professional whose career reflects a strong commitment to efficiency, growth, and the transformative power of education. He earned a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from Santa Barbara Business College. With more than seven years of experience in operations management across diverse industries, Zee brings expertise in streamlining systems, strengthening organizational practices, and supporting long-term sustainability. At The Knox School, Zee is honored to serve as Director of Operations, where he partners with faculty, staff, and families to create a nurturing and well-supported environment for students. His work spans finance, human resources, facilities, and strategic planning, always with the goal of helping the school thrive and grow. Outside of his professional role, Zee enjoys exploring new recipes, taking long walks, and spending quality time with his wife and son, cherishing the simple joys of family life.