Meredy Benson Rice
Head of School

BA Honors, English Literature, University of Sussex
B.Ed. & Teaching Credential, York University, Toronto 
MA Education Leadership, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
Meredy has been with Oak Grove for 13 years.Her three children are Lizard Alums: Serra earned her BA in Human Ecology, College of the Atlantic, Maine; MA/Teaching Credential, Antioch University. She currently teaches 1st grade in Santa Paula. Jason is an undergraduate student at CalPoly, SLO in Engineering and Claire is an undergraduate student at SDSU in Psychology.

"My family continues to be the center of my life and with my husband being a fellow school administrator and two out of five grown children in teaching careers, there are a lot of conversations around education in our household – I never tire of it. I can’t think of anything more joyful than the opportunity to watch children – all children – grow into their unique selves."

"Krishnamurti said that a school should be academically excellent and also much more than that. – I’m excited by both prospects!"

Joy Maguire-Parsons
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

BS Psychology, Mills College
Project Management Program, UCSB
Joy has worked at Oak Grove for over 9 years. She first came to the school in 1996 when searching for the perfect preschool. Her three children have grown up in the Oak Grove community with one now in elementary and two in high school.  Joy also coordinates the Oak Grove Tennis Team and teaches youth tennis in Ojai with her husband.

"I was born in the Philippines and grew up in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands of Alaska and naturally developed a great appreciation of community and the value of 'It Takes A Village'.  It is an honor and absolute joy to learn and grow with my family at such a unique school with an amazing community made up of inquisitive, educated, international, special, talented, nurturing, giving, progressive and creative students and parents. It feels like home."

Jodi Grass
Director of Development

BA Politics, UCSC
AFP Certification, Association of Fundraising Professionals
Jodi is entering her 5th year as Oak Grove's Development Director. She and her husband, Kevin, have two daughters attending Oak Grove.

"I am honored to share in my daughters' education by being a part of their day-to-day community. As my daughter, Maddy, says every morning as she walks toward her classroom and I toward my office, 'See you 1000 times today.'"

Posy Smith
Assistant to Head of School

BA French, UC Berkeley
Elementary Teaching Credential, USC
If you have a question about Oak Grove history, Posy is the one to ask for she has worked with the school for 23 years. Her son, Alex, was the first graduate to go all the way through from Kindergarten through 12th grade in '93 and her daughter Molly graduated in ’98. 

"I’ve been involved with Oak Grove as a parent and staff member for more than a quarter century. It is a wonderful place to work filled with caring, supportive people."

Sharon Boley
Front Office Receptionist and Registrar

Philosophy & Political Science Studies, UCSD                   Sharon has been with Oak Grove for nine years and is one of the first people that you meet in the front office.

"My biggest thrill – skydiving. My deepest joy – my son and 2 granddaughters. My passion – the pursuit of happiness. Working at Oak Grove helps keeps me connected to the joy of lifelong learning."

Debi Pasricha
Front Office Receptionist and Registrar

Santa Monica City College
Writer's Program, UCLA
Debi's third grade son began OGS in preschool and she joined the front office staff three years ago where she is one of the first people you meet in the Main House.

"I fell in love with this school the first time I stepped on campus and can’t imagine not being here."

Sandra Torres
Business Manager

BA Architecture, Mexico
MBA, Mexico, Ceramics
"I came to Oak Grove School as a prospective parent. Before my daughter was old enough to be a student, I had the opportunity of becoming part of the school team. Now my daughter, Dahlia, is about to start her journey at Oak Grove and I am looking forward to seeing her bloom in such an amazing place!”

Margaret Mistele
Accountant

Professional and Business Accounting Certification, UCSB
"My husband and I are both bankers, having worked in the banking industry for over 30 years. We love the outdoors – snow skiing, hiking, riding bikes."

Judie Jensen
Bookkeeper

Judie is entering her fifth year as a bookkeeper with the school, which she describes as "an organization with purpose and dedication." In her spare time Judie enjoys camping.

Eric Williamson
IT Manager

Eric studied Digital Media at the University of Denver and keeps the Oak Grove student and staff computers running at their very best. He has been with the school for four years.

"Here is something many folks do not know. My brother is a Catholic Monk... I like working in a place where cooperation, not ambition, is the driving force."

Tom Heggestad
KFA & OGS Administrative Support

BSc, MIT
Tom has worked with the Krishnamurti Foundation of America for 14 years. Last year he began sharing his talents with Oak Grove as well. He supports the Development, IT and Communications departments. He has studied Zen, walked across the country and has helped create a database of Krishnamurti's published work. His two daughters are currently attending Oak Grove.

Reinaldo Cartagena
Maintenance Supervisor

Reinaldo, or Rei, as he is know by all, is a familiar face at Oak Grove. For the past 18 years he has kept the campus looking great and running smoothly. He likes to play soccer and loves camping and traveling.

 "Why Oak Grove? The campus is beautiful and expansive and my colleagues are great to work with."

Agustin Andrade
Maintenance

When he is not helping to keep Oak Grove's 150 acres shining, Agustin enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and three children. Agustin has been with the school for four years.

"I enjoy being creative with my work at Oak Grove and like the opportunity to work close to home and family."

Jose Luis Lopez
Maintenance

Jose Luis has been a key member of the maintenance team for eight years and is a familiar face about campus. He likes to run and watch sports.

Isidro Zamora
Maintenance

Originally from Mexico, Isidro has worked with Oak Grove for two years.

"My favorite activity is landscaping. I like keeping the earth looking nice and clean. I especially enjoy working as a team member and taking responsibility every day at work--because I like what I do at work."

Irmgard James
Vegetarian Chef

Retail Management and Business, Merkur College
The heart of the Oak Grove Kitchen, Irmgard has been with Oak Grove for 27 years. She is originally from Germany.

"The older I get, the younger I am. The more I learn, the less I know. Krishnamurti’s teachings continue to inspire me and the choices for living my life."