Aaron Berner – English

What do you want students to know about you?

I love basketball, and please feel free to approach me!

What are you most excited about this year at SVHS?

I’m probably just excited to be meeting more people and learning more about the community.

Christopher Burns – Math

What’s your favorite part about teaching freshman?

I like them a lot; they’re kinda fun they’re not old and jaded like juniors and seniors who think they know everything. But they are more mature and older than 8th graders…they’re trying to figure out this experience.

Rebecca Fitch – Music

What were you doing before teaching here?

It is only my third year teaching, but I was and still am at Adele.

What is one interesting fact about yourself?

I can juggle.

What is your favorite part about teaching at SVHS?

The students I get to work with.

Mary Moffitt – Science

What’s your favorite thing about SVHS?

It’s a really beautiful school; I love the redwood trees. The staff tries really hard to meet the needs of the different types of students. I love teaching science. I like to get my pacing guide set up for the whole year so the students thinks it’s all organized. And all the teachers are awesome!

Erik Olmsted – Spanish

Where did you go to high school and college?

I went to high school here at Sonoma High, and I went to college at a small school named Biola University.

What is one interesting thing about you?

I’ve lived in two other countries: Mexico and Brazil

Where have you traveled to?

I have been to Europe three times as well as other states in the U.S.

Gayle Smith – Science/AG

What do you teach at the high school?

Sustainable Ag Biology, Chemistry and Agriscience, Advanced Agriscience

What do you like most about your job?

My students! I love working with my students the most. Every student is an individual and I love the diverse interests my students have. All of my students are super respectful, and it’s been so nice coming to a new school and having such great students.

Where did you go to high school?

Half Moon Bay High School

Where did you go to college?

California State University, Chico

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoying hiking and visiting family back in Half Moon Bay.

What is something that is interesting about you?

When I was younger I used to surf a lot with my friends. One of my favorite spots was Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. I also love showing livestock and I love to help my students with their livestock projects.

Is there anything else you would like students to know about you?

I have an open door policy, anytime my students need me to help them I try to create free time to allow those meetings to happen.

Virginia Valle – Science/Special Ed

What are some of your hobbies?

I like taking care of my four year old, and I love to dance.

What are you looking forward to at SVHS?

I’m looking forward to learning more about high school because I was homeschooled. My freshmen students and I are new to the high school experience.

Jennifer Wu – Special Ed/SCC

What do you teach at the high school?

Special Education grades 9 through 10 in self contained classrooms

What do you like most about your job?

I like getting to know students.

Where did you go to high school?

Terra Linda High in Marin County

Where did you go to college?

Bachelor of Arts at Mill College, Teaching credentials at University of San Francisco. Currently attends Sonoma State.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Outdoor stuff. Also likes to collect gemstones.

What is something that is interesting about you?

Used to work in wine industry. Teaching is second career.

Is there anything else you would like students to know about you?

I wish students would come visit S1 and S2 during break and lunch.

Mrs. Hettrich – Vice Principal/Leadership

How do you like Sonoma Valley High so far?

Great, everyone has been very welcoming and am enjoying the students and sports at the school.

What are some of your duties as Vice Principal?

Leadership, student activities, coordinate SAT/ACT, supervise discipline.

What is your favorite hobby?

Playing and watching sports.

Do you play, or what sports have you played?

Played softball basketball and enjoys watching softball basketball baseball and football. Also likes Warriors.

What is your favorite sports team?

Raiders as well as other bay area sports teams.

What is something interesting about you?

I’m left handed.

What do you like most about the leadership class?

Everybody is very self motivated and do not need a lot of support.

What else do you want students to know about you?

Favorite animal is the manatee.

Mr. Mori – Principal

What do your tattoos mean?

On my right arm, I have my family coat of arms and a dragon. On my left arm, is a work in progress that I am getting with my sister.

Where have you traveled to?

Mexico, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, China, Indonesia, and the Netherlands.