Meet our staff!

Sarah

Head of school and teacher

I love when I learn something new and it seems when I am around children, it is a constant affair! Young people show me the deeper side of every moment where the joy and wonder of learning is always waiting. I have a hunger for creativity - whether I am redesigning a cozy space, painting, writing a poem, cooking a thoughtful meal or dancing and singing in my living room, I’ll take any opportunity to elevate the moment with a splash of joyful creativity. My many years of early childhood experience in public, private, and international school settings has fueled my passion for my field and driven me towards opening Misty Wagon Schoolhouse, a place where creativity, discovery and authenticity are at the center. You can learn more about me on my website Sarah Loeb Education.

Emma

Teacher

I’m an early childhood educator born and raised in Los Angeles. In 2016 I received my Bachelor’s from NYU. After graduating, I began babysitting and fell in love with the work of childcare and the study of child development. Since then, I’ve developed a personal teaching philosophy informed by my experiences working with children in homes, classrooms, and studios. I’ve had the opportunity to work in multilingual environments and have experienced a wonderful cultural exchange as a result. This, and my return to LA in 2018 where I was working with many more Spanish-speaking youth, inspired me to commit to learning Spanish. I’m also inspired by my time assisting in Montessori classrooms, giving me a deep trust in and respect for the innate capacity of very young children.

Jonah

Teacher

My journey with children began as a private nanny for a plethora of families across Los Angeles. The children amazed me with their cognitive growth and physical capabilities. This led me to study early childhood development at Santa Monica College. I participated in contemporary dance theatre and received an ECE certification. Soon after, I landed my first teaching position. Since then, I have truly stepped into my place as an early childhood educator. I weave in my love of dance by bringing it into my teaching practice. I love to see students express themselves through movement! I’m excited to help students and parents find their groove whether it be music or life itself at Misty Wagon Schoolhouse!

Kelly

Atelierista

As an artist and art educator, I believe every person holds an innate ability to create, especially during the special days of early childhood. Through earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from Caldwell University, New Jersey, I found my calling in art education. In my experience working with young learners, I am always fascinated by the depths of their creative curiosities. In my art practice working with fiber art, I focus on experimentation, often working in collaboration with the medium to create something unexpected. In my teaching practice, I encourage young artists to investigate a material and its transformative possibilities, guided by their own experiences and intuition. I love seeing the magic behind each child's process and unique artistic expression, each moment an opportunity to learn more about their unique perspective.

Melissa

RIE Infant and Toddler Specialist

Melissa Coyné is an Early Childhood Educator who has over 33 years of experience building relationships with children and the adults who care for them. In addition to holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in child development, she is a certified RIE Associate and PITC (Program for Infant/Toddler Care) trainer. Melissa was first introduced to the Educaring Approach by the early childhood program where she worked for 22 years and cultivated her commitment to philosophical integrity. She facilitates RIE courses, consults with early childhood programs and she has also presented workshops related to respectfully parenting tweens and teens. As a mother of a young adult and older teen, Melissa has seen the results of the power of relationships built on connection and collaboration that began in infancy. She is passionate about inspiring adults and children to be critical thinkers in areas of anti-bias practices, equity, and self-awareness.

Nikki

Occupational Therapist

I’m a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a specialization in DIR®/Floortime—a play-based, relationship-centered approach that supports children in reaching their developmental milestones. I hold both a Master’s and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC), and I’m a certified DIR®/Floortime Practitioner as well as certified in Sensory Integration. Born and raised in California, I find joy and inspiration wherever I go—whether exploring new places or building meaningful connections through my work. Supporting children in their development is deeply fulfilling. Each day, they remind me of the power of curiosity, resilience, and joy. I’m also passionate about supporting parents and caregivers—collaborating with them to create individualized programs that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with their family’s lifestyle and values. Outside of work, I’m a lover of the natural world and feel most grounded in nature. You will likely find me elbow-deep in dirt or photographing plants.

Ruben

Physical Education Instructor

Coach Ruben is a triathlete that was born and bread (sourdough) in San Francisco and is so happy to be able to work with the little ones at Misty Wagon! He's played every major American sport as well as become proficient at most every wheeled sport and has had the best and worst coaches for both team and individual sports. He combines that lifetime of experience with his love of working with kids to coach how he would want to be coached - creating a positive, safe environment to help little ones find or build their confidence and belief in themselves while pushing their comfort zones, passively reinforcing that the inner-game is more important than the outer-game. Ruben has coached and taught soccer, ice skating, roller skating, swimming, and more for many years and doesn't plan to stop any time soon.

Laura

Bookkeeper

I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Misty Wagon Schoolhouse team since 2021. My role as bookkeeper includes sending out invoices, receiving payments, and keeping track of the Misty Wagon finances. I also make sure that the hard working teachers are paid on time. I have been a bookkeeper for over a decade and I am happy to apply my knowledge and experience to Misty Wagon to ensure the behind the scenes systems run smoothly for everyone so that the important work of the children remains the focus!