The student who learns how to learn, knows how to live.
License #: 070208886
2353 5th Avenue
Concord, CA. 94518
Our Staff
OFFICE
Kathryn Linzey
Head of School
I've been at Concordia since 1997 and became Head of School in 2000. I enjoy watching the Warriors, gardening, baking, and traveling to beautiful places with my husband and 3 children. We have been to over 30 countries as a family. Now most of my travel is to visit my grandson, Graham. I am the oldest of four children. Growing up, I lived in Washington State, Oregon, California and Illinois. One of my favorite places as a child was my grandparents' house on Vashon Island in Washington. My cousins and I would spend hours playing on the beach or picking blackberries in the woods.
Kathryn McCormick Admissions/Parent Relations
I first knew I wanted to work with children when I was 14 years old. How lucky is that? Fourteen. I have almost always, in some form, worked with children since then. In 1978, I discovered the Concordia School and worked in the Children's House for a year. I left for 18 years and returned in 1997. I feel most like Myself when I'm with children. They are fun and interesting and honest and true. The other time I feel most like Myself is when I'm on the water in a kayak, out in Nature. I love to walk and read and laugh and play. I have wonderful friends and family.
Brie Bagwell
Office Manager
I've been at Concordia since before I was born. (My mom was working here as a teacher while she was pregnant with me.) My mom retired after 38 years as Head Teacher in the Children's House when she was ready to pass the torch to Daniela.
I was a student at Concordia up through 6th grade and officially became part of the staff in the Martinez Children's House in 2002. I've worked in Elementary Daycare, and was a support teacher in the Children's House for many years. In 2021 I trained under Gail, who had been here for 39 years, to take over as Office Manager. I love to run and laugh with the kids, and show them my new rocks! My favorite things to do are read, collect rocks & minerals, and play with my cats.
CHILDREN'S HOUSE
Daniela Medina
Head Teacher
I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, and moved to the United States when I was 4 years old. I am the oldest of three children. I love to hike, run and paint. I enjoy learning new things and spending as much time in nature as possible.
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Alex Quinn
Support Teacher / Intern
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I started at Concordia in Spring of 2021 and trained under the phenomenal teacher and mentor, Patty Padilla. I love the play-based learning offered at Concordia that fosters critical thinking skills and a passion for life-long learning. I was born in the North Bay and grew up between the North and East Bay. I live with my boyfriend Thomas, our dog Mochi, Mumo & Pepper (our 2 cats), and 2 mystery snails. I love to read, hike, crochet, and experiment with clay. This school year I will be completing my Montessori training after being inspired by Emily Miller! I’m so glad to have found this incredible community here at Concordia!
Emily Miller
Beginner Teacher
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Hello! I started at Concordia as a student in 2003, and went all the way through sixth grade (along with my three siblings)! As a student at Concordia, I loved being able to take charge of my own learning. I attended Cal State Fullerton, and earned my Bachelors of Science in Child Development in 2022, and am now a fully certified Montessori teacher. I love to draw, paint, and spend time in nature, and I love to spend time with my family.
Schylar Nathaniel
Support Teacher
I started at Concordia in 2019 and I am glad to return to the Children's House this year! I started as a member of the Elementary Daycare Staff. Early Childhood Education is my field of study, and I've been blessed with the opportunity to join the Concordia Staff. I love kids. I was born in South San Jose, CA, but raised in the East Bay. I have an older brother and older sister. I am the youngest out of 3. Laughing is good for your soul, whether it's a funny movie, my friends or family. A lot of things make me laugh!
Yaneth Perez
Spanish Teacher
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I've been teaching Spanish at Concordia since 2005. I grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. I have two girls; Samirah, who is 18 years old, and Sarahi, who is 20 years old. Both are Concordia graduates and both are attending DVC. Sarahi is also working there as an admissions ambassador. My favorite color is blue. I enjoy traveling, dancing, and listening to music with my husband Beto. We will celebrate our 3rd Anniversary in September.
Hassina Khermous
Support Teacher
I'm Sina, I was born in Algeria and raised in France. I'm the youngest of five children. I started at Concordia in summer 2022. I have 2 children, Emillien who is a first grader this year, and Aneela who just turned three months old. I spend most of my spare time with my small family and friends. I love walking, writing and cooking. Surrounding myself with children all day sparks a lot of joy in my own life.
JUNIOR ELEMENTARY
Neysa Matt
Head Teacher
I started at Concordia as a student in 1995 and stayed through Sixth Grade. I grew up an only child in Concord, so my school friends were very important to me. After receiving my degree in Elementary Education, I returned to Concordia in 2013 as a daycare teacher and assistant in the Advanced Elementary. That fall, I moved to the Junior Elementary and began my Montessori training. Upon receiving my Montessori credential and a Masters of Arts in Montessori Education, I became the Head Teacher. I enjoy reading, singing, and spending time with my sweet kitty, Sheba. I love coming to work each day because of all the laughs I share with my team.
Yaneth Perez
Spanish Teacher
I've been teaching Spanish at Concordia since 2005. I grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. I have two girls; Samirah, who is 18 years old, and Sarahi, who is 20 years old. Both are Concordia graduates and both are attending DVC. Sarahi is also working there as an admissions ambassador. My favorite color is blue. I enjoy traveling, dancing, and listening to music with my husband Beto. We will celebrate our 3rd Anniversary in September.
Dee Dee Kirwan
Music Teacher
Picture & bio coming soon.
Hannah Harrloe
Support Teacher
I grew up on a ranch in Oroville, CA, where my whole family lived until I moved to Vallejo. I was previously a coach, tutor and nanny which fostered my love for children and education. I am so excited for my fifth year being a part of The Concordia School.
Sophie Chapman
Elementary Daycare Teacher
This is my first year at Concordia, and I’m overjoyed to be starting this chapter in my life! I moved to Concord from San Francisco in 2018 and attended Clayton Valley Charter High School. In my free time I enjoy composing music, playing piano, and spending time with friends. I am so grateful to be working with an amazing team and such wonderful kids.
Anne Beauchamp
Support Teacher
Hello, my name is Anne Beauchamp. I was born and raised in NJ and am a proud mom of Alex & Cait, as well as a very happy and proud grandma to Abbie Mae. I have a cavapoo, Zoe, who is a delight. I retired in January 2024 after working 20 years with students with Autism. 20 years well spent. I started at Concordia on 4/10/24 - I'm so grateful I am here. The students and staff have been very welcoming, and I look forward to a fun and productive year!!
Libby Clark
Library Volunteer
I started at Concordia in the Junior Elementary in 1997. I grew up in Ohio with an older brother and sister. We loved playing outside in hot summers or cold, snowy winters. After 20 years in the Junior Elementary I retired but wanted to keep my connection to this wonderful school. Now I am the school Librarian and I get to see the children and staff weekly. When I'm not librarianing, I spend my time with my family, my 2 cats, traveling, cooking, and, of course, reading.
ADVANCED ELEMENTARY
Jeff Chu
Head Teacher
I'm Jeff and I joined Concordia as the Head Teacher of the Advanced Elementary Class in 2024. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived internationally in Beijing, China during my twenties as a student and as a teacher. I've been a teacher in one form or another for over 25 years. I completed my Montessori Elementary Training in 2012 and have been refining my craft ever since.
I believe that the greatest gifts we can give our children are: a love for learning, helping them find their voice, and a community to belong.
I enjoy playing the piano, playing table tennis, cooking, and understanding the human condition. I try to enjoy the simple things in life with my wife Tracy and our two cats, Joey Junior and Antonio.
Sophie Chapman
Elementary Daycare Teacher
This is my first year at Concordia, and I’m overjoyed to be starting this chapter in my life! I moved to Concord from San Francisco in 2018 and attended Clayton Valley Charter High School. In my free time I enjoy composing music, playing piano, and spending time with friends. I am so grateful to be working with an amazing team and such wonderful kids.
Ama Ogan
Support Teacher
My journey at Concordia began more than 20 years ago when I began in the Children's House at 3 years old! The years I spent at Concordia were my favorite years of schooling, as I felt incredibly empowered as a student through being taught to take intellectual initiative in all aspects of the classroom. I recently graduated from UCLA, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Outside of the classroom, I love to read, make candles, curate music, and spend time outside, preferably near large bodies of water.
Libby Clark
Library Volunteer
I started at Concordia in the Junior Elementary in 1997. I grew up in Ohio with an older brother and sister. We loved playing outside in hot summers or cold, snowy winters. After 20 years in the Junior Elementary I retired but wanted to keep my connection to this wonderful school. Now I am the school Librarian and I get to see the children and staff weekly. When I'm not librarianing, I spend my time with my family, my 2 cats, traveling, cooking, and, of course, reading.
Yaneth Perez
Spanish Teacher
I've been teaching Spanish at Concordia since 2005. I grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico. I have two girls; Samirah, who is 19 years old, and Sarahi, who is 21 years old. Both are Concordia graduates and both are attending DVC. Sarahi is also working there as an admissions ambassador. My favorite color is blue. I enjoy traveling, dancing, and listening to music with my husband Beto. We will celebrate our 4th Anniversary in September.
Dee Dee Kirwan
Music Teacher
Picture & Bio coming soon.
