marie ponce

marie@manzanitaschool.org

Marie acts as the 6th grade Unit of Study teacher at Manzanita. During the last decade, she has used her theater background to educate students in communication styles, help develop their confidence and self-awareness, and public speaking skills. Over the past five years, she shifted her focus to working specifically in the field of education, both one-on-one with students and in the classroom. She has been a teacher at the St. Patrick's Episcopal School since 2014, serving as a technology teacher, long-term substitute, classroom co-teacher, small group support teacher, and after-school theatre teacher. Marie is a skilled STEM teacher and enjoys cultivating a student's creativity through interactive computer lessons. To Marie, being a teacher is a vocation, being a mentor is a gift, and Manzanita allows her to do both, as both are necessary when working with middle schoolers. Mentoring them during this pivotal time means connection and support are there whenever needed. Providing rights of passage, and transformative experiences, and supporting their unique gifts is truly an honor for her. Outside of school hours, Marie is passionate about art and creating theatre, connecting with nature through hikes and camping adventures, as well as a newfound passion for improving her fire-making skills.

Educational Background: Marie holds a BA in Theater Arts with an English Minor from Westmont College, a CBEST certification, as well as certifications as both a personal trainer and nutrition coach.

Joined: 2022 (Year Nine)