We love our R.H. Dana teachers and staff and all they do for our students and our school! During birthdays, teacher appreciation, holidays or just because, we know our R.H. Dana families like to show their appreciation. We asked our teachers and staff to tell us a little bit about themselves, and their favorite things so we could get to know them a little bit better. Whether making or buying a gift or card, we hope this helps give you some ideas. We guarantee they will be grateful no matter what!
We invite you to read through the whole page or click on a name in the list below to jump to the staff member you are looking for.
Kristen Nelson - Principal
Birthday: 11/17
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: December Holidays! :)
Favorite flower: Bird of Paradise, sunflowers
Favorite color: Blue (of course)
Hobbies: Golf! Hiking, biking, exercising, hanging with friends and family, reading, writing
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I love candles
Favorite places to shop: Amazon, TJ Maxx, Costco
Favorite places to relax: The beach, a nice cafe, Chardonnay :)
Favorite places to dine: Love Mexican and American places
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Any coffee
Favorite lunch and beverage: Ice tea unsweetened
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Nuts
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Coffee Mugs
Something you can always use more of: Chapstick
Favorite "thing": UCLA football and basketball are my teams! And Rams and Chargers!
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: Thank you for asking!
Jonathan Antonio - ParaEducator
Birthday: 11/16
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Christmas/Winter, I love the cold weather and layering up.
Favorite flower: Sunflowers
Favorite color: Yellow, blue and green
Hobbies: Stay in: watch movies, paint, listen to music, and read. Go out: dancing, dinner with friends, check out coffee shops and museums.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Candles: eucalyptus, lavender, tropical scents
Favorite places to shop: Adidas, Trader Joe’s, Target, Amazon
Favorite places to relax: Beach/parks; picnics and writing
Favorite places to dine: CAVA, Board and Brew, Sol Agave, In-n-Out, Chipotle, P.F. Chang’s, Project Social, Pad Thai
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Bagel sandwich, vanilla flavored coffee
Favorite lunch and beverage: Turkey sandwich with no tomatoes and apple juice
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Ice cream, rice crispy, pretzel, apples and peanut butter
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Tomatoes (please don’t judge me😂)
Something you can always use more of: Coffee and love
Favorite "thing": Beyoncé, Adele, Disney
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: -----
Maria Arbelo - 3rd Grade Teacher
Birthday: 9/17
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Anytime that I am able to spend time with my boys, especially now that they're grown.
Favorite flower: Plumeria
Favorite color: Purple
Hobbies: When I stay in, I love to read! I love to cozy up with a good book and just enjoy the adventure or knowledge (depending on the book). When I go out, I love to try new restaurants or go for a stroll.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I love both! For candles I love fruity scents and for essential oils I love soothing and calming scents.
Favorite places to shop: Loft, Target, and TJ Maxx
Favorite places to relax: I enjoy relaxing outside in my yard, sitting in the shade and reading a book. Or just sitting and taking in the peace found in nature.
Favorite places to dine: I love breakfast! I love eating at Snooze A.M., Nick's, and Chaupain Bakery.
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Usually something savory like a breakfast sandwich with something sweet like French toast. And, I love coffee!
Favorite lunch and beverage: My favorite lunch always includes French fries. :) And, if I drink something other than water it would be flavored lemonade!
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Anything chocolate :)
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Maybe that I like hot weather since I'm originally from Florida? But, I much prefer milder temperatures.
Something you can always use more of: ----
Favorite "thing": I love to read mystery novels.
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: No allergies or special considerations. So extremely thoughtful to think of us!
Patty Becerra - Front Office Staff
Birthday: 4/24
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Spring and Summer I love the warm weather
Favorite flower: I love all types of colorful flowers except roses
Favorite color: Blue
Hobbies: Watch Hallmark channel or Netflix/nature walks/movies
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Candles/light scented
Favorite places to shop: Target
Favorite places to relax: Listen to music/movie theater/drink tea and watch a good movie with no interruptions
Favorite places to dine: Mexican/Chinese/Italian
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Chai Tea, non-fat milk/pumpkin bread or croissant
Favorite lunch and beverage: Turkey Sandwich or chicken salad/Mountain Dew
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Bread pudding/Apple or strawberry pie/chocolate dessert
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: ----
Something you can always use more of: ----
Favorite "thing": ----
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: ----
Marisol Bonet - Front Office Staff
Birthday: 2/10
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Thanksgiving - Be able to stop and realized how blessed I am. Christmas - Makes me think of home
Favorite flower: Roses , but really all of them
Favorite color: Red
Hobbies: Watch movies, bowling, try new foods and restaurants., gardening and DIY projects and crafts
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Yes love them, bergamot, citrus
Favorite places to shop: Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack
Favorite places to relax: A whole DIY spa treatment at home!! :)
Favorite places to dine: Asada Cantina (San Clemente) - Hannah's (RSM) , Wing Stop - Love sea food and trying new food.
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Coffee - French baguette with olive oil and tomato
Favorite lunch and beverage: Depends on the mood - Wine/ beer - if not water!
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: El Molino chips and guac
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Cars
Something you can always use more of: Perfume - DIY spa treatments
Favorite "thing": ----
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: ----
Andrea Brannam - Kindergarten Teacher
Birthday: 2/27
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Spring: perfect weather, new life: plants and animals, favorite time to hike, Easter
Favorite flower: Daisies / succulents
Favorite color: Teal / turquoise blue
Hobbies: Hiking! Going to the movies, reading at the beach, trying new restaurants.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Prefer essential oils over candles (calming, purifying, tropical)
Favorite places to shop: Amazon, Costco, Target
Favorite places to relax: Nail salon, Burke Williams or any spa
Favorite places to dine: Cheesecake factory, Sol Agave, sushi, seafood
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Egg bites and chai tea latte
Favorite lunch and beverage: Yummy salads - sparkling water
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Trail mix / dark chocolate / sugar free treats
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Baked goods, candies, sugar and treats (I actually like it too much and need to watch my sugar intake).
Something you can always use more of: Hugs and smiles! :) Encouraging words.
Favorite "thing": Wonder Woman collectibles! Christian Music, uplifting books, inspirational biographies.
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: I love my students! I love RH Dana! I love traveling!
Jody Cast - 2nd Grade Teacher
Birthday: 10/19
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Fall and Christmas. I like being festive and everything cozy.
Favorite flower: Gardenias and peonies
Favorite color: Red
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, paddle boarding, going to the beach, dancing.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Yes, Gardenia, peach, lemon grass, anything seasonal.
Favorite places to shop: Tuvalu, Cost Plus, Amazon
Favorite places to relax: Read, hike, go out to eat, massage or facial
Favorite places to dine: Rancho Capistrano Winery, The Vine, Sol Agave, The Cellar (all San Clemente)
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Coffee with a little cream. Egg sandwich with cheese.
Favorite lunch and beverage: Turkey sandwich with mustard, salad. Seltzer water.
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Pretzels, pistachios, melt-aways
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Cake, cookies, cupcakes
Something you can always use more of: Coffee, spa items
Favorite "thing": Historical fiction novels, Tom Petty, glittery makeup, festive earrings or necklaces.
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: ----
Elizabeth Gabriel - 5th Grade Teacher
Birthday: 2/13
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Spring and the flowers!
Favorite flower: Gerber daisies
Favorite color: Purple
Hobbies: Read, cook/bake, beach walks, hikes, gardening, spending time with my family
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Both! Vanilla, lavender
Favorite places to shop: Amazon, Target, WalMart
Favorite places to relax: The beach: bodysurfing, smash ball, and relaxing in my chair
Favorite places to dine: Places with tacos, sandwiches, burgers
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Bagel/cream cheese and coffee
Favorite lunch and beverage: Soup/sandwiches, Diet Dr Pepper ;)
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Chocolate
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Sloths!
Something you can always use more of: Coffee, white board markers, pencils
Favorite "thing": Beach/Ocean, Angels Baseball
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: No other considerations I can think of. Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness!!
Lori Georgia - 3rd Grade Teacher
Birthday: 6/26
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Summer- I love the beach, being outside, time with my family. I also enjoy Christmas for all the family time and traditions.
Favorite flower: No favorites, I like them all.
Favorite color: Aqua
Hobbies: I like to read, spend time with my family and go for walks with friends and my dog, Murphy.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I do like candles, I have not tried essential oils but open to trying them. :) I like citrus/tropical scents more than flowery.
Favorite places to shop: Costco, Stitch Fix, Gap, Target, Trader Joe's
Favorite places to relax: I like to cuddle up with a soft blanket on the couch and watch tv or read a book.
Favorite places to dine: Luciana's, Agostino's, Thai Dara, Chipotle - Italian, Mexican, Thai
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Coffee- toasted bagel and jalapeno cream cheese, oatmeal
Favorite lunch and beverage: Unsweetened ice tea, veggie sandwich (I am a vegetarian) or a filling salad with lots of fixings
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Chips and guacamole/salsa, cheese and crackers, popcorn, brownies, anything chocolate & peanut butter, home baked goods
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Meat
Something you can always use more of: Expo pens, flair pens, fun scratch n sniff stickers, post-it-notes, rewards for my class (candies, small trinkets, fun prizes/incentives that children would like)
Favorite "thing": History, going to the movies (any genre- not into scary or horror!!), going to outdoor markets/craft fairs, hanging with friends over dinner, trying new things, going to my children's sporting events!
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: No allergies or special considerations. Thank you for the thoughtful teacher questionnaire.
Megan Gerlach - 4th Grade Teacher
Birthday: 11/25
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Christmas- I love everything about it! I love the music, cheer, decorating, and being with family.
Favorite flower: Orchid
Favorite color: Blue
Hobbies: I like to read, exercise, and spend time with my family. When I go out I like to hike or dine in a restaurant with friends. I play family games or watch a show when I stay in.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I like candles that are scented based on the season.
Favorite places to shop: Target, Amazon, and Nordstrom
Favorite places to relax: My favorite way to relax is to spend a day at the beach.
Favorite places to dine: Baja Fish Tacos, California Pizza Kitchen, and Jizake (sushi)
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Iced chai latte with a breakfast sandwich
Favorite lunch and beverage: Salad and a diet coke
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Dark Chocolate
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Coffee
Something you can always use more of: Succulents
Favorite "thing": ----
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: ----
Rachelle Hidalgo - 1st Grade Teacher
Birthday: 2/3
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Fall and Winter. I love the changing weather and decorations. I love the time with family.
Favorite flower: Succulents, plumerias
Favorite color: Purple and Green
Hobbies: I like hiking and dancing. Inside: cooking, movies with popcorn and hot chocolate. Out: restaurants, wineries, sight-seeing, beaches, visiting family.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I love candles. Lavender and orange spice.
Favorite places to shop: Trader Joe's, Amazon, Target
Favorite places to relax: Spa, beach,, mani/pedi appointments, salon, restaurants, massages
Favorite places to dine: Italian, Mexican, or seafood restaurants
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Coffee, vanilla lattes with coconut milk
Favorite lunch and beverage: Salad, soup, water, sparkling water
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Healthy snacks
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Scented lotion
Something you can always use more of: Coffee (Whole bean or ground, I make it at home), good pens, fun notebooks, fun school supplies.
Favorite "thing": Kate Spade, salsa dancing, going to see plays/musicals, The Bridget Jones Series, The Indiana Jones Series, The Godfather Trilogy, Moonstruck.
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: I enjoy writing, reading, poetry, art, painting, animals, travel, camping, massages, rose gold, trips to Italy, haha!
Geraldine Jacome - 1st Grade Teacher
Birthday: 2/14
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Fall - I love the colors
Favorite flower: Hydrangea and peonies
Favorite color: Purple
Hobbies: Yoga, paint, read, swim. I love to sing and dance. Ride my bike, walk by the beach. When I go out I visit friends and family and enjoy beautiful places.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I enjoy both. Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon grass
Favorite places to shop: Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Amazon
Favorite places to relax: I love to relax by the beach. I also love to swim and feel the water. I love facials and messages.
Favorite places to dine: Maison, Sol Agave, Bottega Angelina
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Egg whites and spinach, frittata, coffee with brown sugar oat milk
Favorite lunch and beverage: Salad, tea, water
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Nuts and dark chocolate, fruit, tarts, French pastries
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: I don't eat donuts or candy.
Something you can always use more of: Tea, coffee beans, scented markers, coffee and tea pods
Favorite "thing": Watercolor paper, art supplies, candles, plants, succulents, I collect tea
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: Thank you for supporting teachers! I love RH Dana!
Monica Lewis - Kindergarten Teacher
Birthday: 1/4
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Spring - I love to see all the plants in bloom
Favorite flower: Hydrangeas
Favorite color: Blue
Hobbies: Gardening
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Love them both! Jasmine is my favorite for essential oils.
Favorite places to shop: TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Plant Depot, Tree of Life
Favorite places to relax: I love to hike, camp, garden and hang out with my family
Favorite places to dine: The Vine, Sol Agave, Cedar Creek Inn, Asada, Trevor's at the Tracks
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Chai latte, decaf, non fat
Favorite lunch and beverage: Board and Brew chicken club sandwich, or Bagel Shack hot ham and cheese sandwich
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Crumbl cookies, Nothing Bundt cakes
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Mugs
Something you can always use more of: Plants, flowers
Favorite "thing": ----
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: I love chocolate but I prefer it dark and with no nuts
Rosie Moreno - 2nd Grade Teacher
Birthday: 8/13
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Christmas, Fall, October/November
Favorite flower: Roses/Marigold
Favorite color: Purple
Hobbies: Read and watch movies/ Disneyland
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Tropical scents and or vanilla
Favorite places to shop: Disney, Target, Amazon
Favorite places to relax: Go on a walk, watch a movie, go out to dinner
Favorite places to dine: BJ's, Cava, Chipotle
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Starbucks tall iced blonde vanilla latte with vanilla cream cold foam
Favorite lunch and beverage: Sopa maruchan with pink lemonade
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Oreos, Reeces peanut butter cups, Bundt cakes
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Fish
Something you can always use more of: Spanish Books for my classroom library
Favorite "thing": Mexico National Soccer Team. Pop/Indie Alt-Rock, Cumbias, Elf/Sephora, Marvel
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: No allergies
Sue Paradise - Kindergarten Teacher
Birthday: 12/17
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Christmas! I love when my whole family is together at my house for a month long vacation from all over the US. We eat, cook together, play games, decorate the house and bake yummy Italian cookies and of course be merry!!!
Favorite flower: Peonies & Lilacs (east coast) flowers. But love all kinds of flowers!
Favorite color: Purple
Hobbies: I love to cook, bake, watch movies, read and hang out with my family. When I go out, I love to shop, go see a movie, try a different restaurant, hike and see new areas in California.
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Candles. I love vanilla, cinnamon, floral scents
Favorite places to shop: Homegoods, T.J. Maxx, & Marshall's
Favorite places to relax: I love to go to a spa, or a long walk. I especially love the beach and the harbor too.
Favorite places to dine: South of Nicks, Casanova's & The Cellar
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Avocado Toast with a fried egg on top, and any type of coffee, with cream, no sugar.
Favorite lunch and beverage: I love salads, all kinds. Iced coffee.
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Anything chocolate!
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: I can't think of anything really.
Something you can always use more of: Hand cream or moisturizer.
Favorite "thing": I love Boston Sports Teams. I love new cookbooks and accessories to bake and cook with.
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: I have no allergies and I love everything.
Lindsay Tenpas - 1st Grade Teacher
Birthday: 4/15
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Summer time. I love the sunshine and being active outside during the warm days with my son.
Favorite flower: Nothing specific. I like bright and "summery"
Favorite color: Green
Hobbies: Out: beach, hiking. In: reading
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: I like candles. Scents: vanilla, lemon, coffee, maple, etc.
Favorite places to shop: Nordstrom Rack/Nordstroms, Target, Madewell, Trader Joes; Amazon
Favorite places to relax: Coffee shops, beach, mani/pedi, spas
Favorite places to dine: Mexican food, American and seafood, Board & Brew, Pizza Port
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Croissants & coffee, hot & iced w/ nonfat milk
Favorite lunch and beverage: Sandwiches/Deli & Coffee
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Tortilla chips/dips, Crumbl, milk chocolate w/ nuts
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: Scented lotions
Something you can always use more of: ----
Favorite "thing": Coffee
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: ----
Estela Vega - Front Office Staff
Birthday: 2/12
Favorite holiday/season/time of year: Thanksgiving--love the food and family gathering!
Favorite flower: Sunflower
Favorite color: Royal blue & Turquoise
Hobbies: Love to cook & bake when indoors. Camping when outdoors!
Candles or essential oils? Favorite scents: Candles! Anything fresh scented or fruity, sweet scents.
Favorite places to shop: Marshalls, Ulta, Macy's
Favorite places to relax: Watch movies with my daughter.
Favorite places to dine: Texas Roadhouse, Ballpark Pizza, Outback Steakhouse--love Italian food & steaks!
Favorite breakfast and morning beverage: Not really a breakfast person. Coffee with a pastry is fine.
Favorite lunch and beverage: Salad & iced tea
Favorite snack/treat/dessert: Trail mix, cheese & crackers, fruit
Something people assume you like, but you secretly don't: If I tell you, it wouldn't be a secret! LOL
Something you can always use more of: Earrings... not really sure, a girl can never have enough of anything!
Favorite "thing": Love, love the DODGERS!!! Baseball is #1 favorite sport, followed by football (RAMS!)
Anything else we should know? Allergies or special considerations?: No allergies. Thank you!!