Faculty & Staff

Becky Page became the principal of Golden Valley Orchard School after 19 years in the classroom. She taught Kindergarten for more than ten years before taking on this role. Becky completed her Waldorf teacher training at Rudolf Steiner College and completed her Master’s in Waldorf Education with a focus on the benefits of music in kindergarten. Becky has been a presenter at The Early Childhood Symposium as well as taught at Rudolf Steiner College during the summer.

Shaunna Akrami studied Early Childhood Education and brings many years of experience working with children and families. Before joining Golden Valley, she spent 10 years as a preschool teacher and later worked as an enrollment clerk at a high school. She values watching children grow in confidence and become more comfortable being themselves when they feel safe and supported. She is grateful to be part of a community where children feel welcomed, cared for, and encouraged to grow.

Danya Marmol is the School Psychologist at Golden Valley Charter Schools. She earned her Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Global, along with an Education Specialist Credential in School Psychology and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Danya worked as a preschool teacher for several years and in 1:1 settings. She enjoys working with students, learning from them each day, and watching them reach their goals. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

SEL Specialist  

The Heart of the Mindfulness Room 

Emily is a level two California Certified Wellness Coach.  She has been in the field of education for 12 years. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Arts in 1996.  After becoming a mom, she began volunteering in her children’s school where she was a teacher’s assistant and then completed her Para Education training in 2013.  While at her previous school she created her first Zen Zone to help students work on their Social Emotional Skills and have a safe space to regulate.  She is excited to begin her 5th year at Golden Valley. 

Megan Littlefield-Matthews is the Resource Specialist at Golden Valley Charter Orchard School. She earned her Education Specialist Credential from Sacramento State University and previously worked as a middle school resource teacher before taking time away from teaching to raise her family. Megan enjoys working with students and helping them recognize their strengths and reach their potential. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending concerts with friends, and exploring nature.

Julie Gugerty has been the Apple Blossom Kindergarten assistant since 2022 and a Golden Valley parent since 2019. She holds a bachelor's degree in Intercultural Communications from Sacramento State. She has also completed the year-long Explorations program through the Center for Anthroposophy as well as the Simplicity Parenting Care Professionals seminar with Kim John Payne. She is delighted to help create a home away from home for the children in the early childhood program. She enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her family, two kittens, bunny, and sixteen chickens. 

Brianne Hanley has been part of the Golden Valley community since 2012, serving as a grades teacher for three classes across both the River and Orchard campuses. She holds a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College and a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre from Chico State. Brianne has deeply valued her years in the classroom and the relationships built with students, families, and colleagues. She is excited to bring that experience into her new role supporting Golden Valley’s teachers and curriculum, while continuing to share her lifelong love of theatre and music.