Our Educators
NICOLE CLIFFORD
TK–Kindergrten Teacher
Mrs. Nicole Clifford brings heart, creativity, and joy to the youngest learners at Guiding Our Days as our TK–Kindergarten teacher. With a deep passion for early childhood education, she creates a classroom environment that is filled with imagination, wonder, and hands-on discovery.
Nicole has a special gift for turning everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences. Whether it’s through art, music, movement, or nature-based play, she weaves creativity into everything she does—sparking curiosity and confidence in her students. Her nurturing and patient presence helps each child feel safe, seen, and supported as they take their first steps into formal learning.
Known for her love of painting and artistic expression, Nicole uses her endless creativity to design engaging lessons that meet developmental needs while inspiring joy. From sensory activities to foundational academics, her classroom is a beautiful blend of structure, fun, and exploration.
Outside of the classroom, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, getting outdoors, and finding inspiration through painting and creative projects. She is honored to walk alongside each TK–Kindergarten student and their families during such a formative and exciting season of growth.
BRIANNA BEACH - 1ST/2ND
1ST–2ND Teacher
Miss Brianna Beach is our 1st–2nd grade teacher at Guiding Our Days. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential in the state of California.
Miss Beach has a natural passion for teaching and a gift for connecting with young learners. Her calm presence, empathy, and creativity help create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to grow. She is dedicated to building a positive and engaging learning environment that nurtures both academic development and personal character.
Outside the classroom, Miss Beach enjoys spending time at the beach, is a big animal lover, and loves to ski. She’s looking forward to a joyful and meaningful year with her 1st–2nd grade students.
Our Educators
JO-ANN JOHANSON
SOCIAL STUDIES
Subject Specialist (Grades 3–8)
Ms. Jo is the Social Studies Subject Specialist for grades 3–8 at Guiding Our Days.
She brings over 15 years of international teaching experience, a vibrant classroom presence, and a heart for student growth to her role. Originally from South Africa, Miss Jo has taught a wide range of grade levels across the U.K. and South Africa, and most recently served as a classroom and SEN (Special Educational Needs) teacher at Fulham Pre-Prep and Finton House School in London.
With a Bachelor of Education Honours degree and specialized training in supporting students with dyslexia and learning differences, Miss Jo has a unique ability to meet learners where they are and help them reach their full potential. Her leadership roles have included curriculum development, mentoring teachers, and directing school musicals—showcasing her creativity, compassion, and commitment to excellence.
In her Social Studies classes, Miss Jo fosters curiosity, cultural awareness, and a love for learning. She brings history and geography to life through engaging storytelling, hands-on projects, and meaningful reflection, helping students build a strong sense of identity and purpose as they learn about the world around them.
Miss Jo is also a proud mother of two daughters, Daena (2nd grade) and Leeya (6th grade), who are both students at Guiding Our Days. As a family, they love spending time outdoors and serving their community together. Miss Jo is thrilled to be part of a learning environment that values both academic growth and character development.
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HEATHER GERBER
SCIENCE
Subject Specialist (Grades 3–8)
Mrs. Heather Gerber serves as the Science Subject Specialist for grades 3–8 at Guiding Our Days, where she brings curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning to the forefront of every lesson. With a passion for project-based education and a gift for making science both exciting and accessible, Heather encourages students to explore the world around them with wonder and confidence.
From marine biology and environmental science to physics and anatomy, Heather designs interactive, inquiry-based lessons that challenge students to think critically and make real-world connections. Her classroom is filled with exploration—from dissection labs and engineering challenges to nature walks and experiments that spark deeper understanding.
Heather believes that science is not just a subject, but a way of thinking—asking questions, making observations, and learning through discovery. She is committed to helping students develop both academic knowledge and character through collaborative work, thoughtful reflection, and a growth mindset.
Outside of the classroom, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, adventuring in nature, and creating opportunities for students to grow beyond the four walls of a classroom. She considers it a great joy to help shape the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers through the lens of science.
Our Educators
ALYSSA DUNCAN
LANGUAGE ARTS
Subject Specialist (Grades 3–8)
Miss Alyssa Duncan is our passionate and creative English Language Arts teacher for grades 3–8. Born and raised in Orange County, she is a proud alumna of JSerra Catholic High School and graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Integrated Educational Studies and a minor in Language and Literacy.
With five years of teaching experience, Miss Duncan has worked as a homeschool pod teacher, substitute teacher for K–8 students, and was part of our team last year. She brings flexibility, energy, and a love for learning to every classroom she enters. She discovered her own love for literature and writing at an early age, thanks to encouraging parents and inspiring teachers, and now aims to pass that love on to her students. In her classroom, students are invited to explore their passions and develop their unique voices through reading, writing, and storytelling.
Outside of teaching, Miss Duncan enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, participating in Bible studies, and staying active through pilates, barre, and running.
GRACE MCCORMICK
MATH
Subject Specialist (Grades 3–8)
Grace McCormick is the dedicated and enthusiastic Math Subject Specialist for grades 3–8. With a strong background in education and years of experience working with students of all learning styles, Grace brings clarity, creativity, and encouragement to every math lesson she teaches.
She has a special gift for making complex concepts feel approachable and engaging, helping students build confidence in problem-solving and develop a genuine appreciation for the beauty of mathematics. Grace is passionate about creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow both academically and personally.
In addition to her classroom experience, Grace has worked in behavioral therapy and as a respite care provider, giving her a unique ability to connect with students and support them as whole individuals. She is committed to helping every learner discover their potential and thrive.
When she’s not teaching, Grace enjoys studying theology, spending time with her family, serving in youth ministry, and enjoying the outdoors.