An experienced educator, John served for 27 years as a teacher, college counselor, 11th Grade Academic Dean, and finally as Assistant Head of Upper School at Harvard-Westlake, ten years as Headmaster of Mirman School for the Gifted later as President of Nardin Academy in Buffalo, NY. Locally, John has served as the VP and Chair of the Elementary Board of Standards on the CAIS Board of Directors. Nationally, he was a member of the NAIS Call To Action. He currently serves as an advisor on the Southern California People of Color in Independent Schools Board. The NAACP awarded him the distinction of Man of Valor in 2013.

A native Californian, John received his undergraduate degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota; earned an M.Ed. from Loyola-Marymount University and an M.A. degree in Folklore and Mythology from UCLA with an emphasis in biblical literature and dance.

Under John’s artistic direction and with his wife as manager, the Valyermo Dancers have traveled to Jerusalem to participate in the “International Seminar on the Bible in Dance” (1979), performed in Dodger Stadium for the pre-liturgy of Pope St. John Paul in Los Angeles; participated annually in the Religious Education Congress. They have two adult (post-college) children and four grandchildren.

2022-2023 

• 12th year of service on the Board of Trustees
• Executive Committee
• Program & Accreditation Committee; Chair
• Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee; Special Advisor on Content & Curriculum