Elementary Faculty
Nicole has spent most of her life at Ojai Valley School as either a student, assistant, summer camp instructor or first grade teacher. Nicole first arrived at Ojai Valley School during her primary years. Her father is Gary Gartrell, Interim Head of Lower Campus, and her mother is Linda Gartrell, Pre-K teacher. Her brother and two sisters have also worked on campus in some capacity over the years.…
After graduating from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Spanish, Michele launched her teaching career as a bilingual teacher in Watsonville, California, for two years before moving to the Santa Cruz Mountains, where she taught first grade for 12 years. She also served as a member of the school’s leadership team and as a liaison to bilingual families.…