Contacts & Directions

Faculty & Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Letter

Erik Faust

Mathematics, Science

Mathematics Instructor & Department Chair

2014

805.687.2461 x0516

New York University Steinhardt School of Education - B.S.

Bio

Erik Faust is a native of Colorado but has been living in California since he was in elementary school. He first fell in love with Santa Barbara after moving here in 2000 in pursuit of his then girlfriend and now wife, Lexie.

He graduated from Santa Barbara City College Phi Theta Kappa. While at SBCC, he was inspired by a much beloved local professor, David Lawyer Jr., to pursue a career in education.

Turning down academic scholarships from UCLA and UC Berkeley, Erik decided to finish his studies at New York University's Steinhardt School of Education. There he studied with some of the most thought-provoking figures in the field of education and culture, including Dr. Neil Postman. Erik graduated with high honors in 2004, and was a recipient of the school's Founder's Award for academic excellence.

Erik lives by the motto handed down to him by his mentor: "each one, teach one" and he continues to hone his craft. In 2018, he completed a two-week fellowship at the Klingenstein Center Summer Institute at the Teachers College at Columbia University.

He enjoys helping his students learn lessons that apply to both the classroom and the outside world as well. The class of 2018 dedicated the 2018 La Honda yearbook to Erik citing him as, "'a genius' with a unique combination of humor, weirdness, dedication, rigor, and support."

An avid hiker and gardener, you'll likely see Erik at the Saturday Farmer's Market, Lizard's Mouth, or somewhere on the Cold Springs trail with his wife, two young children, and his dog.
Michelle Finck

World Language

Spanish Instructor and Educational Opportunity Advocate & Dept. Chair

2019

805.687.2461 x0549

Bio

Michelle joins the Laguna Blanca community after teaching Spanish, English Language Development, Language Arts, and Theatre at Atascadero Middle School for the past three years. During this time, she successfully piloted the Spanish program as an advanced eighth grade elective for high school credit. She is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she earned her bachelor’s in English, TESL Certification, and a Teaching Credential. Michelle also pursued her passion for languages by minoring in Spanish and Linguistics. She began her career in education as the lead tutor at the Cal Poly Writing and Rhetoric Center from 2012-2016. When not in the classroom, she is seeking out nature and travel. Michelle’s main claim to fame is completing the Camino de Santiago, a 400-mile backpacking trip across Spain, twice. She loves to share her zeal for language and general hopefulness with her students each year.
Mary Meg Fontaine

Communications

Communications Associate

2018

805.687.2461 x0309

University of Mississippi - B.A.

Bio

With an extensive background in marketing and communications, Meg has worked both as a copywriter and advertising account manager. As a graduate of an independent school in Georgia, she is passionate about education and loves to showcase Laguna's programs and the talents of our community members.

Meg was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and holds a BA degree in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. She embraces all that west coast life has to offer with her husband, Will, their one year old son, Miller, and their golden retrievers, Jack and Hudson. When not at Laguna, you can find her on a hiking trail, at the beach with a book in hand, or traveling.

LOWER SCHOOL
260 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara CA 93108
Telephone 805.687.2461
Fax 805.695.8143

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL
4125 Paloma Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Telephone 805.687.2461
Fax 805.687.2461

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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.

LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL | 4125 PALOMA DRIVE SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 93110 | 805.687.2461