JADE RYSER

jader@manzanitaschool.org

Jade acts as a Unit of Study teacher for Manzanita's Middle School. Over the past decade as an educator at a college preparatory school, she has taught Art, Library Science, and Social Science, coached Speech and Debate, directed Creative Writing and Journalism programs, led National Novel Writing Month for eight years, and volunteered as a scenic artist for school theater productions. She also taught a course modeled after UC Berkeley's Science of Happiness, reflecting her draw toward inquiry-based, experiential learning that connects to how students actually live. Before entering the classroom, she spent six years working in the film industry as an Art Director, Production Designer, Set Decorator, and Prop Maker, a career that sharpened her instincts for storytelling, collaboration, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

Jade finds mentorship to be the most meaningful part of teaching, helping young people discover their voices, pursue their curiosities, and grow into themselves. She is passionate about expanding creative programming at Manzanita and values building communities where everyone belongs, having served as a Diversity Team Leader facilitating A Place at the Table at her previous school.

Outside school hours, Jade can be found on the trails, a love instilled by her father, a pioneer ultrarunner and repeat finisher of the Wasatch 100, as well as painting, crafting, writing, storytelling, reading, playing tabletop RPGs, and enthusiastically attending Renaissance fairs. She has called the San Fernando Valley home since age twelve.

Educational Background: Jade holds a B.A. in Cinema and Television Arts from California State University, Northridge.

Joined: 2026 (Year Thirteen)