Our Staff

Originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, Beth moved to Topanga in 1980 after high school to work in an alternative private school in the canyon run out of a geodesic dome and a yurt during a gap year before college. She fell in love with California and has lived here ever since. Beth went on to teach at Stephen Wise Temple in their art department, elementary classrooms, and the aquatic department for four years. She spent three years at the Santa Monica Waldorf School as the founder of their Parent and Me and Toddler programs. During a stint on the swim team while studying at Santa Monica College she married and had her daughter Emily at the age of 26. While staying home with her baby, she finished a course in Early Childhood Development at UCLA. The last 33 years have been spent creating a community at Hedgerow with lifelong connections to so very many wonderful and diverse families.

Ty is the oldest of four siblings and the child of a single mom, so had plenty of experience in childcare before he was an adolescent. He has always enjoyed taking care of kids. While attending Montessori of Maui for elementary school, his interest in Education was sparked. After going to more mainstream schools previously, he was intrigued and fascinated by the varied, open and child-centered approach to learning that Montessori provided. Starting in 2006, he studied Education at Vassar College in Upstate New York. He began working professionally with children the following year, and started teaching at Hedgerow full-time after graduating in 2010. In addition to his work at Hedgerow, Ty has been a nanny for over a decade here in Los Angeles for children ages 2-15.

Jessica is so happy to have found her way to Hedgerow as a part-time teacher. With nearly ten years of experience as a nanny and as a volunteer in schools from preschool to high school in the SMMUSD district, she loves working with kids of all ages but preschoolers have a special place in her heart. Originally from Oregon, Jessica is also an actor and writer, and enjoys being outside as much as possible. She’s grateful to help add to the fun, caring and wonder-filled space that is Hedgerow!