Meet Our Core Educators
 “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein

Yvette was born and raised in Southern California. She has spent the last twelve years working with children in many capacities, including tutor, mentor, behavioral therapist, and educator. Yvette received a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology prior to earning her teaching credential. She has two adorable kiddos, Jack and Olive, both of whom are lucky enough to attend Vida. She loves camping, hiking, reading, and going on new adventures with her family. As an educator, Yvette is passionate about supporting children's natural curiosity about the world around them, encouraging creativity, and helping her students become lifelong learners. Yvette is so excited to be a part of the Vida community and to watch her students grow! 

With a degree in film and five years of experience as a liaison between production and children on set, Lexy brings a unique perspective to education. Her dedication to teaching spans eight years at a private preschool in Malibu, where she not only taught 2-5 year olds but also managed after-school programs focused on science and art enrichment for elementary-aged children. Taking a break, she delved into designing escape rooms, including one tailored for 2-5 year olds, and briefly ventured into the children’s clothing business. However, her passion for teaching drew her back, inspired by volunteering with Vida, where her own child attends. Her diverse background in film, entrepreneurship, and childcare positions her as a dynamic educator ready to make a positive impact.

Lorelei Darling is an enthusiastic educator, artist and published author.  Lorelei began her journey into working with other children at a local nonprofit called Penny Lane Centers. Penny Lane is a phenomenal organization which provides Transitional and Permanent Housing for former foster youth, Foster Care and Adoption Services, Family Preservation and Intensive Services as well as a Mental Health Services. There, Lorelei volunteered for ten years, working events, hosting fundraisers, collecting supplies, and assisting in childcare. Lorelei also has an undeniable passion for art and books! As soon as she was old enough to read and write, she remembers scribbling down stories in notebooks and drawing out the characters she created in her imagination.  Somewhere Will Find You is her YA  debut novel which was published in 2024! Lorelei’s artistic endeavors include working with acrylics, watercolors, gouache, and silk screen printing. Due to her love of art constantly growing, Lorelei began assistant teaching art to children at Calico Canvas, and then later transitioned to becoming a head children’s art teacher at Viridian Art Academy, where Lorelei still works for their after school program. Outside of teaching art, Lorelei also participates in local art shows and events, selling her own pieces. Lorelei hopes to encourage the children she works with to be their most vibrant, creative, ambitious, and innovative selves!

Jen DeMarinis, a founding member of Vida School, is so excited to return to the classroom as a Vida TK teacher! Jen is a proud mom of four kids, ages 3–13, one a Vida alum and three current students. Jen founded the Vida TK program, running a small pod of early childhood students in her home in 2020, and has served as the Vice President of the Vida Board of Directors.  Jen comes from a long line of lifetime educators and has worked in education as a TK teacher, substitute, and longtime volunteer. She loves creating a nurturing, playful environment where kids can explore through crafts, games, music, and outdoor adventures. You can usually find her with a wagon full of books, art supplies, and projects, surrounded by kids asking, “What did you bring today?” Outside the classroom, Jen enjoys reading, art, tie-dyeing, live music, museums, nature, and traveling- especially spending summers with her family at the beach on Maui. Most of all, she loves being with her kids and cheering them on in their busy lives. Jen is so excited for a wonderful year ahead with the amazing children and families in the TK room!

Ashley grew up living overseas in Japan and moved to California in 2002. Since moving to California, Ashley has had two amazing children, Liam and Alice, who ignited her passion for becoming an Educator. She graduated from Cal State Channel Islands receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Early Childhood Studies and then attended National University and received her Master' s of Arts in Education with the specialization in US Education in the 21st Century. Ashley has used her knowledge and experience as an educator for over 12 years and continues to find ways to impact the lives of children daily with the intention of consciously being mindful of diversity and inclusion. When Ashley is not working, you'll find her spending time with her children and her dog Sunny, making spontaneous plans with friends, or being outdoors immersing herself in nature. ​

Spencer is so excited to be joining the Vida community, bringing with him  an amazing knowledge of outdoor experiences for youth. Spencer graduated from California State University of Northridge with a degree in recreation, tourism, and management with a focus on youth recreation therapy.  After college, Spencer worked for the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area, helping develop day programs for the parks Every Kid In a Park program. Shortly after, he moved up to Washington where he worked for the non-profit Naturebridge; taking 3rd through high school students on 3 to 5 day personalized learning adventures focusing on leadership, science, and social-emotional development. Spencer Is thrilled to be working back in the Santa Monica mountains in hopes to help teach students about the natural world in their own backyard. In his free time, Spencer can be found trail-running, snowboarding, working on his bus, or trying to cook new recipes from scratch. 

Julie is thrilled to be joining the Vida family. Before settling down in the Los Angeles area, she spent her younger years traveling and moving around on the East coast. Part of her time spent in NYC was studying art,history and anthropology at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Upon arriving on the California coast, she spent her first 5 years utilizing her art skills as a beauty and special

effects makeup artist. When she was ready to start her own family, Julie shifted to education where she has been teaching and working with children for over 22 years.  Before finding Vida, she worked as a tutor and small group teacher at The Village School, taught youth art and was an art history curriculum developer for Topanga Imaginarium Art Studio, was a private small pod elementary head teacher during Covid years, and was a lead elementary teacher and administrative assistant to the Head of School at Urban Homeschoolers. However, Julie’s greatest educational achievement was that she homeschooled all three of her children since birth, happily graduating the oldest two, and seeing her youngest confidently enter traditional school for the very first time as a sophomore. When Julie isn’t teaching or tutoring, you can find her at the gym staying fit at her favorite Zumba classes, hiking the beautiful Topanga trails, helping her daughter’s art

booth at local flea markets, cheering on her oldest son’s band at local gigs, and watching and discussing all things film with her youngest boy. She also loves painting, gardening, and big family holidays.