Dunham Academy - The Facts

The Dunham Academy faculty is currently comprised of six full-time instructors and many part-time specialists who have been carefully selected for their experience, dedication and commitment to the philosophy of the school.

Jennifer Dunham
Director of Curriculum/Co-Founder/Head Middle School Teacher
Mrs. Dunham has a B.S. in Elementary Education with minors in Art and Music from William Jewell College in Missouri and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Her love of art, music, poetry and literature and her inspirational teaching enrich the lives of all who know her. Mrs. Dunham is known for inspiring her Middle school students to achieve new levels in their creative writing, with students begging for more time to write, edit and read their writings.

Daniel Dunham
Head of School/Co-Founder/Middle School Teacher - Math and Science
Mr. Dunham is a retired nuclear engineer who oversees the financial and business management aspects of the school and challenges his students to rise to new heights in math and science. Mr. Dunham also enjoys helping students tackle technology driven projects and is the inspirational leader of our Mathletes team. His unflappable can-do attitude and patience when confronted with questions from inquisitive minds are a model to our faculty.

Vida Khalvati
Director of Public Relations
Mrs. Khalvati has many years of experience in Public Relations and High Tech industries. In her previous positions, she has worked in the capacity of marketing director and has been responsible for company presentations. Vida enjoys her relationship with Dunham and prospective families and encourages healthy and positive communications within the school and with the outside sources. Mrs. Khalvati has a Masters degree in Public Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Computer Sciences from Hayward University. Vida is a parent of a primary student at Dunham Academy.

Arin Wiscomb
Intermediate Teacher
Mr. Wiscomb's professional career began as a junior in high school with an internship position at the Exploratorium. He went on to study science at City College of S.F., then attended art school in Oakland at C.C.A.C., and graduated from S.F. State University in 1996 with a BA in Fine Art and a strong desire to teach. Mr. Wiscomb brings to Dunham Academy a great experience in teaching as well as a background of graphic design, healing arts and pre-cognitive re-education.

"As a teacher, I help my students develop sound self-esteem and become more aware and at ease with the many aspects of themselves. Just as a sculptor carves an angel from a stone, I assist students in crafting healthy attitudes. I want my students to make informed choices by both thinking and feeling through their awareness of their connection to the living world.", Arin Wiscomb.

Jennifer Curtis
Director of Primary Program and Primary 1 Teacher
Mrs. Curtis has a B.A. in Art with honors, and a minor in Psychology from Wake Forest University in North Carolina, and an American Montessori Society early childhood credential. Her experience includes teaching Montessori philosophy and curriculum at the post-secondary level. Mrs. Curtis is particularly attuned to the emotional needs of her students and is trained in the implementation of positive discipline techniques. Using a multi-cultural approach, she encourages students to consider our world from a range of perspectives. Mrs. Curtis creates a comfortable, welcoming learning environment filled with compassion for our primary students.

Tara Carlin
Primary 2 Teacher
Ms. Carlin has a B. A. in English with a minor in Art History from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Ms. Carlin’s experience as an educator includes teaching Sophomore English and E.S.L. at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley and teaching Ceramics at Branson High School in Ross. Ms. Carlin creates a safe learning environment for all students with compassionate attention to the individual needs of each student. The students are valued for both their academic and emotional offerings. Ms. Carlin brings with her to the classroom a genuine lust for learning and a contagious enthusiasm for life.

Bryan Peariso
Primary 1 Teacher
Mr. Peariso graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Psychology (emphasis in child development), a B.A. in History (emphasis in modern European), and a minor in the Teacher Education Program at the University of California, San Diego. He remained at UCSD to obtain a California teaching credential and a Masters in Education.

“The following are some of my most important goals for the classroom:
differentiation of instruction; accommodating various learning styles; promoting a variety of rich, student-centered, interactive, engaging, contextual, and cooperative learning opportunities; high expectations; fostering motivation and curiosity for learning; creating a caring and positive environment; natural consequences and positive reinforcement; and dedication to do the best for my students.”

Chris Strodder
Middle School Teacher
Chris graduated with honors from UCLA, got his teaching credential, and was a tenured teacher in L.A. before he relocated to Mill Valley. He has worked for numerous magazines and publishing companies, and he is the author of several books for young adults, including “Lockerboy” and “The Wish Book.” A collection of his short stories, “Stories Light and Dark,” was published in early 2006. Chris worked with our students many times, and made many well-received presentations at the school, before joining our faculty.

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