Mathematics

Paul Chiment has been sharing his love of math and his love of learning with students for over 30 years. After earning a degree in Mathematical Science, and then a teaching credential in Mathematics Education, he taught math and computer science courses in Los Angeles and Switzerland until returning to Santa Barbara in 1990. He joined the Laguna Blanca faculty that year and has thrived with Laguna’s friendly and academically-motivated student population. Paul makes it a point to weave humor and history into all of his math lessons and to focus on the deeper conceptual meaning of mathematics’ relationship to philosophy, science, and our everyday lives. Paul has been a master teacher for many graduate students in the field of math education, has served as a senior fellow with the Tri-County Mathematics Project, has served on Laguna Blanca’s Board of Trustees, and has chaired and participated on numerous committees related to mathematics and learning. When not teaching, Paul can be found strumming his guitar, surfing somewhere between San Diego and Santa Barbara, cooking Italian dinners for his family and friends, or playing with his two poorly behaved dogs.

Dan Ary has taught for over 35 years, including 24 years as a full-time instructor at Laguna Blanca School. He is an adjunct professor in Mathematics at Santa Barbara City College and has been a Visiting Instructor in Computer Science at UCSB. His Master’s degree from UCSB is in Mathematics. During his graduate years at UCSB he acted as a Teaching Fellow specializing in enrichment math for EK-12. While at the university he worked many summers developing curriculum, grades K-6, for the DIGIT program.

He was instrumental in the development and teaching of the AP Calculus program at Laguna Blanca School and has frequently taught AP Computer Science there. In the past he has acted as chairman of the Math department.

Mr. Ary has tutored extensively with both individuals and small groups in math SAT. He has years of experience in teaching both SAT I and SAT II math courses. He has successfully collaborated in the development and teaching of SAT preparation courses since 2000.

When he is not enjoying his teaching of mathematics he spends his time at home playing with his Irish wolfhound. He enjoys Santa Barbara and feels privileged to have been a resident for over 45 years.

Originally from the Bay Area, Lauren Bedard moved to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB, earning a B.A. in Mathematics followed by a Master's in Education. Prior to joining Laguna this year, Lauren spent three years teaching in public schools, first in Stockton, followed by a year in Ventura at Buena High School. In her time as a teacher, Lauren has been involved in several school organizations, including running the student council and working as the head varsity softball coach. In her spare time, she enjoys backpacking, playing softball, painting, and reading.

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.

Born, raised, and educated in England, Grant worked in the Finance Industry in London and New York for 14 years whilst also earning his master’s degree in Business in Singapore before moving to Santa Barbara. In Santa Barbara, he owned and operated his own family restaurant for 7 years. His enthusiasm for Math stems from his unique blend of academic aptitude and real-world experience, and he particularly enjoys using this experience to help math come alive for his students. He believes that proficiency in math is one of the fundamental pillars of education and should be taught in a fun, relevant, and technology-infused environment that stimulates students and promotes success. He spent four years teaching math across various grades in Santa Barbara before making the move to Laguna Blanca to share his passion for the subject.

He is married to Kate, who was one of the founding employees at MOXI before becoming the Director of Development at Women’s Economic Ventures. Together they have three children and they all love camping, traveling, puzzles, and stories of any genre. Grant has coached various sports in town and especially enjoys playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer, as well as hiking, cooking, and spending time in nature.