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

DAL_3924
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

Bancroft, Caroline

Screenshot 2024-08-26 at 12.34.13 PM
Brief Bio

Attended: Biola University
Degree: BA in Liberal Arts Elementary Education, Minor in Bible, Concentration in Special Education

Miss Cushman has taught both first and fourth grade at Providence. She says,”I came to Providence because I want to work somewhere that valued faith above all else. I love fostering students in their faith as I grow in my own through relationships with other staff members. This is also my beautiful hometown! The Providence community is by far the best thing about working at Providence. I have been so encouraged by the support I have received by the staff, parents, and students.”

Recently, Miss Cushman took a year off to serve in a local youth ministry. She says, “I really enjoyed my year of paid ministry at Veronica Springs Church! It was a great year of adventure as I got to help the youth of my church grow in their relationship with Jesus through outdoor adventures and mentorship. While it was both restful, and rewarding I found that my heart yearned to be back in the Providence community. I am so excited for the quick car-line prayers, for the honor of teaching students how to interact with each other in love, for walking my students through Acts (my favorite book of the bible!) and most importantly I am excited to continue fostering my passion for discipleship with the 4th grade, many of whom I taught 3 years ago!”

Re-joined Providence in 2024.

 

Battle, Desiree

D_FellerJPG-a8b729eb3204ed422a28ac81ccde8d95
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

Bayet-Alex-300x300
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

Bayet-Ana-300x300
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

DAL_4694-2
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

sbentley-300x300
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