FACULTY & STAFF

The core of Providence School is a talented faculty and staff, mature in Christian faith, excellent in their disciplines, skilled in the art of teaching, passionate about helping students succeed, and committed to the school’s mission. We have no doubt our faculty is among the best you’ll find anywhere in the nation.

Families can have great confidence in the role models who stand in front of their children every day.

Anderson, Bryan

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Brief Bio

Attended: University of Oregon; University of California at San Diego
Degrees: B.S. Business/Accounting; Math Teaching Credential

 

Bryan Anderson is an experienced teacher who has also participated in the business world. He enjoys connecting with students and their families to assist in developing them and preparing them to confidently take next steps in their education. He joined the Providence faculty to be in a community of other believers and to provide Providence students with support and encouragement.

 

His favorite Providence traditions thus far are Convocation and the Middle and Upper School retreat.

 

Joined Providence in 2022

Baker, Kara

Kara Baker
Brief Bio

Attended: Westmont College
Degrees: B.A. Liberal Studies; Teaching Credential

 

Kara Baker has a strong understanding of student development and enjoys sharing a relationship with each student based on interests, personality, and faith.

 

Her favorite Providence tradition is leading the Lower School cheerleaders at the Homecoming basketball game.

 

Joined Providence in 2013

Battle, Desiree

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Brief Bio
Bio: Attended: Westmont College; Santa Barbara City College ECE Program Degrees: B.A. Spanish and Hispanic Studies; Early Childhood Education (24 units) Desiree Feller first joined Providence in 2014 as a teacher in the El Montecito School (ELMO) preschool. After a time living in Hawaii, she came back to Santa Barbara and rejoined Providence in 2022 as Preschool director. Besides teaching and coordinating after-school care at ELMO, Desiree has also taught young children at Transition House in Santa Barbara, taught kindergarten at Hanalani Schools in Mililani Hawaii, led children’s and family ministries at Reality Church in Honolulu, and taught second grade at Coastal Family School in Carpinteria. She is the parent of a young daughter who is enrolled at Providence Preschool Desiree is excited to return to Providence in her new role. She looks forward to creating uplifting relationships with students, families, and colleagues at Providence and is grateful for the opportunity to make an impact in the Santa Barbara community.

Bayet, Alex

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Brief Bio

“Chef Alex” provides tasty and nutritious meals for students on the San Roque campus. He and his wife, Ana, are the parents of two sons, one a current Providence student and one a former Providence student.

Bayet, Ana

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Brief Bio

Attended: Universitat USHS (Strasbourg, France) and the European University of Madrid, Spain; Foundacion Fidescu
Degrees: Bachelor’s Degree in modern languages applied to international commerce (translating and interpreting); Master’s Degree in legal translation

 

Since 2000, Ana Bayet has worked as a Spanish teacher, art teacher, and translator for schools and businesses around the world, including in Santa Barbara. She and her husband, “Chef Alex,” are the parents of two Providence students, one current and one alum.

 

Her favorite Providence traditions are Grandparents Day and the lunch service on the San Roque campus.

 

Joined Providence in 2013

Beers, Maxwell

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Brief Bio

Attended: Luther College; Bemidji State University
Degrees: B.A. Religion; Career and Technology Education credential

 

Maxwell Beers teaches Upper School Bible classes, co-directs The Studio digital design academy, and does design work to enhance Providence School branding.  Prior to joining the Providence faculty, he worked at HYDROLogic as a marketing consultant and graphic designer and served as a career and technology teacher in the Minneapolis public school system. A passion for teaching the Bible brought Mr. Beers to Providence. He and his wife, Holly, are the parents of three children; the eldest is in the Providence Class of 2027.

 

His favorite Providence tradition is any faculty vs. student competition. As a Minnesota native, he is a fiercely competitive street hockey player.

 

Joined Providence in 2015

Bentley, Sarah

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Brief Bio

Attended: Azusa Pacific University; Fresno Pacific University; Universidad de Salamanca
Degrees: B.A. Spanish; Spanish teaching credential; M.A. Spanish Language and Culture

 

Sarah Bentley was Student Ministry Coordinator for Trinity Christian College’s program in Seville, Spain from 2009 to 2011. After returning home to California, she wanted to teach at a small private school, which brought her to Providence. Mrs. Bentley loves to teach at the Upper School and she enjoys the continuity that comes with leading her students through all grade levels. She loves how she really gets to know her students and their families over four years, watching them grow along the way.

 

Her favorite Providence tradition is the Homecoming Week lip sync battle.

 

Joined Providence in 2011.

Briner, Jac

Jac Briner

Briner, Taylor

Taylor Briner
Brief Bio

 

Joined Providence in 2023

Brock, Nate

Nate Brock
Brief Bio

Attended: Westmont College

Degrees: BS Kinesiology

Nate Brock has been a trusted member of our community for several years, and one of his two daughters attends the Lower School. He and his wife were high school sweethearts and are both alumni of Westmont College.

Nate brings 23 years of experience to the caretaking of our children, faculty, and staff. After high school, he began his decades-long professional career in the Marines, law enforcement, and private executive security. Serving in the United States Marine Corps, he developed his deep commitment to safeguarding others. Following his honorable service, Nate transitioned to Direct Relief International, bringing medical equipment to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Upon his return to the States, he contracted as a private security officer, providing executive protection for high-risk clients before transitioning to the Santa Barbara Police Department, where he served as a Rangemaster for the past ten years.

His favorite tradition at Providence is Convocation and the picnic. He says, “It’s great to connect with new and old families, worship together, and enjoy food.”

Joined Providence in 2023