The student who learns how to learn, knows how to live.
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 2001. I enjoy gardening, watching the warriors, baking, and traveling to beautiful places with my husband and 3 children. We have been to over 30 countries as a family. We have 1 dog (plus a grand-dog), a cat, and 1/2 of a horse. 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.) I was a student up through 6th grade and then came back as a sub in the Children's House in 2002. I've worked in Elementary Daycare and as 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 commune with animals.
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
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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 senior dog Frankie, Mumo & Pepper (our two cats), three rasbora fish, and four mystery snails. I love to read, hike, crochet, and experiment with clay. I’m so glad to have found this incredible community here at Concordia!
Suzi Robinson
Support Teacher
I was born in California and grew up in Kenya until graduating from high school, when I came back to the US and moved to the Bay Area.
I started at Concordia in January 2023 and absolutely love the community! I'm a teacher as well as a mom of three kids that all go to Concordia and love it. In my free time, I love reading, being outside in nature, and swimming. I'm always looking for the moon and bringing home rocks and feathers.
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!
Emily Miller
Support Teacher
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. I have had about 5 years experience in childcare and teaching, including one year in a Montessori school in New York! I am currently living with my family (7 people in one house!), along with 2 dogs. In my free time I love being out in nature, and doing various different art projects! I am so excited to be able to return to Concordia as a teacher!
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 17 years old, and Sarahi, who is 18 years old. Both are Concordia graduates. Samirah is now a senior at the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts. Sarahi is in her second year at DVC, and is working 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 2nd 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 one child who is named Emillien, he is four and started in the Children's House this summer. 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 17 years old, and Sarahi, who is 18 years old. Both are Concordia graduates. Samirah is now a senior at the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts. Sarahi is in her second year at DVC, and is working 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 2nd Anniversary in September.
Emily Miller
Support Teacher
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. I have had about 5 years experience in childcare and teaching, including one year in a Montessori school in New York! I am currently living with my family (7 people in one house!), along with 2 dogs. In my free time I love being out in nature, and doing various different art projects! I am so excited to be able to return to Concordia as a teacher!
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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 third year being a part of The Concordia School.
Lavina Hernandez
Elementary Daycare
Hi, I'm Lavina Hernandez. I'm a mom of two amazing boys. I'm a current student at DVC pursuing my degree to become a teacher. I enjoy doing creative activities with my children and going on nature walks.
Maribel Cardenas
Support Teacher
I started in Elementary daycare in 2018, and I am now working in the Junior Elementary. I grew up here in the Bay Area and am an only child. What brought me to Concordia is not as important as why I stay; the kids, the staff, and the all around environment here bring me so much happiness. When I am not at school, I enjoy cooking, blogging recipes and relaxing with my family watching movies.
Bella Del Castillo
Elementary Daycare
Bio coming soon.
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ADVANCED ELEMENTARY
Sannah Marquis
Head Teacher
I started at Concordia in 2020. I am from Portland, Oregon. I got married last year to my husband Matthew. I like playing basketball, singing, and spending time with my friends and family. I also like to go on walks and be in nature; however, I have a lot of allergies, so nature doesn't always love me!
Lavina Hernandez
Elementary Daycare
Hi, I'm Lavina Hernandez. I'm a mom of two amazing boys. I'm a current student at DVC pursuing my degree to become a teacher. I enjoy doing creative activities with my children and going on nature walks.
Katja Lazare
Support Teacher
Born in Halle/Saale, a medium-sized town in the former East of Germany. Well, it’s still in the East, but no longer in East Germany. The lack of Wall made it possible for me to persuade my parents to let me take a gap year in London, after high school, to “improve my English”.
I left the UK, a decade later, Fine Arts Degree and family in tow, for Toronto, LA, and NY. Another decade later, in 2022, I landed in SF. I’ve been at The Concordia School ever since, embracing its Montessori Philosophy. So much so, that this summer I started my Montessori Diploma & MEd in Montessori Education. Oh, and my English has improved.
Bella Del Castillo
Elementary Daycare
Bio coming soon.
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 17 years old, and Sarahi, who is 18 years old. Both are Concordia graduates. Samirah is now a senior at the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts. Sarahi is in her second year at DVC, and is working 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 2nd Anniversary in September.
Emily Miller
Support Teacher
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. I have had about 5 years experience in childcare and teaching, including one year in a Montessori school in New York! I am currently living with my family (7 people in one house!), along with 2 dogs. In my free time I love being out in nature, and doing various different art projects! I am so excited to be able to return to Concordia as a teacher!
