Olena Emanuel - Contact Us
Ojai Valley School is located on two campuses in Ojai, CA.
- The Lower Campus (grades PK-8) is located at 723 El Paseo Road.
- The Upper Campus (grades 9-12) is located at 10820 Reeves Road.
- The school also has a Business Office located at 510 Country Club Drive. Please call (805) 646-1423 for information or access the staff directory below.
Biography
Mrs. Emanuel joined the OVS family in 2008, shortly after moving to the U.S. from Ukraine. Over the years, she has worked on both campuses in a variety of roles, including Weekend Coordinator, Dorm Parent, ESL Teacher, and English Language Program Coordinator. After taking a short break, she returned to OVS several years ago as an ESL Teacher and Advisor. Today, she oversees the English Language Development program at the Lower Campus and guides students from beginner levels to successfully transitioning into mainstream classes.
With more than 20 years of experience teaching ESL, Mrs.Emanuel has taught in a variety of international settings and worked with students from many different socio-cultural backgrounds. These experiences have shaped her student-centered approach and deepened her understanding of the challenges and rewards of learning a second language, as she relates closely to what many of her students go through. This perspective inspires her to empower students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed both in school and in life. Mrs. Emanuel holds an MA in Philology with a degree in Translation and Teaching English as a Second Language. In 2014, she pursued professional development in France and earned a TESOL Certificate, and in 2018 she completed the Business Leadership Program at UCSB. She continuously seeks opportunities for professional growth and is a dedicated lifelong learner.
Mrs. Emanuel lives in Ojai with her husband, Etienne, and their son, Arthur, a proud OVS Spud. As a family, they enjoy traveling, discovering new places, and exploring different cultures.