Leadership

List of 9 members.

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  Steve Sherman 

  Head of School

  Azusa Pacific University - Ed. D. in Educational Leadership
  Azusa Pacific University - Masters in Educational Leadership
  Cal State University- Northridge - Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics

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  Dr. Steven Sherman has been involved in independent school education for the last 40 years. Spending almost 30 years teaching middle and high school math classes from Pre-Algebra to AP Calculus BC provides him with significant insight into class pedagogy and student learning. Currently in his fourth year serving as Head of School, Dr. Sherman believes in innovative instruction that engages students and challenges them to learn more. Previous administrative work at schools in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Scottsdale, Arizona informs his leadership and helps shape his guidance of Palm Valley School. Previously, Dr. Sherman was the Head of School at Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California. He can be found most Friday mornings in the front of our campus waving to and welcoming back both employees and PVS families.
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  David Wolfe 

  Chief Financial Officer

  University of Texas - Bachelors of Business Administration

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  David Wolfe is a licensed Certified Public Accountant having passed the Uniform CPA examination in 1980.  He was the Founder and President of the niche software consulting firm, Lupine Partners.  After the sale of his company in 2018, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.  Mr. Wolfe is the author of 5 books covering the disciplines of marketing, software evaluation, and personal financial management.

   
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  Kaira Nayfack 

  Director of Admissions and Marketing

  Aspen University - Bachelor's Degree

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  Kaira Nayfack started her journey with Palm Valley School in the fall of 2016. She started in our preschool division and, within a few short years, had the privilege of becoming the Head of Preschool. 
  
  

  Currently, Kaira proudly serves as PVS's Director of Admissions and Marketing. In this role, she draws on her passion for education to welcome and guide new families into our community. She believes in showcasing the academic excellence that PVS offers and ensuring that families feel the warmth and inclusivity that define our school's culture.

  
  Her journey at PVS reflects my commitment to educational excellence and a genuine enthusiasm for creating a positive and enriching learning environment. As Director of Admissions and Marketing, she is dedicated to shaping the future of PVS and upholding its legacy of academic excellence and community spirit. She looks forward to continuing this exciting journey and contributing to the continued success of Palm Valley School.
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  Peter Koehler 

  Pepperdine University - MBA
  Teachers College, Columbia University - Masters in Education
  Kings College London - Masters in Literature
  University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor's Degree in Literature

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  Peter Koehler is an experienced educator and administrator with a 30+ year career in independent schools. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, King's College, University of London, Teachers College at Columbia University, and Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management. His focus is on hands-on learning and fostering collaborative relationships between students and teachers for success in a changing global environment. He currently serves as Head of Middle and Upper School at Palm Valley School, with prior experience as Head of Lower School. Before Palm Valley, he was the Director of Teaching and Learning at Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena, where he actively engages with students, parents, and faculty. Peter Koehler's extensive experience underscores his commitment to creative and meaningful learning experiences, nurturing student and teacher potential.
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  Ashley Spurlock 

  Head of Lower School

  Chapman University - Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies

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  Ashley Spurlock, is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in elementary education since 2013. She began her journey at Palm Valley School as a 4th-grade teacher and later took on the role of Assistant Head of Lower School. In 2023 she transitioned to the position of Head of Lower School, maintaining her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Leading the educational direction of the Lower School with dedication and passion, Ashley embodies a vision for a dynamic and inclusive learning environment at Palm Valley School. Holding a Bachelor's of Art of Education from Chapman University College, her educational philosophy prioritizes students and focuses on cultivating a thriving school community through authentic relationships and transparent goal-setting. Recognizing the essential role of community building, Ashley actively contributes to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Her leadership underscores a seamless integration of her commitment to education with a proven track record of creating positive and enriching educational experiences.-

   
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  Jennifer Traub 

  Preschool Director

  Grand Canyon University - Masters in Education
  Marymount University - Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts

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  Jennifer Traub serves our Palm Valley administration team as Head of Preschool. Throughout her fifteen years as an educator, she has prioritized individualized student learning and developed meaningful relationships with families. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master's degree in Education, emphasizing Educational Leadership. Her hope for the school year is to always provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters academic success while supporting the social and emotional development of our students. 
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  Paul Lewin 

  Director of Development & Community Engagement

  The George Washington University - Master's Degree
  UC Los Angeles - Bachelor's Degree

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  Paul Lewin brings decades of experience in public policy, non-profit management, business management and community engagement to Palm Valley School. He is delighted to have all three of his children attend this exceptional learning environment. As Director of Development and Director of Community Engagement, Paul’s role is to collaborate with Palm Valley families and staff to maintain the quality and excellence of Palm Valley School, and to help create an enduring legacy of leadership in education in the Coachella Valley.
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  Ken Erenberg 

  Athletic Director

  National University - Masters in Education Specialization in U.S. Education in a Global Context
  Cal State University- Northridge - Bachelors Degree in Journalism

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  Athletic Director and Coach Ken Erenberg draws on 30 years of experience as an athletic director, overseeing middle and high school sports programs.
  
  Erenberg has Coached over 12 different sports and is a member of the 500 win club for high school athletics. He has been named Coach of the Year 21 times throughout his career and has won 13 titles.
  
  Coach feels his greatest accomplishment is the fact he has helped 40 students get scholarships to Division 1 colleges. 
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  Grant Kisling 

  Director of Technology

  Valley City State College - Masters in Education
  Washington State University - Bachelors Degree in Business Administration

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  Mr. Kisling is the technology teacher originally from Seattle, Washington. He worked in the technology field around Seattle for several years. He now live in the Coachella Valley with his family and has been teaching for 12 years around the world.  He spent three years in Japan as the Library Media Coordinator at an international school. He also spent two years in Rome, Italy as the Technology Coordinator for an international school, and now almost 8 years at Palm Valley School  as the Lower School Technology Coordinator. He enjoys working with classroom teachers to integrate technology into their classroom as well as running a technology class for elementary students. Mr. Kislings focus is on promoting student learning in digital citizenship, coding, and engineering.