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.

Madison Chaplin is the Vice Principal and Accountability Coordinator at Golden Valley River & Orchard School. She holds a B.A. from UCLA, M.A. in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Madison brings more than 10 years of experience in education, including teaching, instructional coaching, and school leadership. She values building strong relationships with students, families, and educators while supporting academic growth and inclusive, restorative school communities. She especially enjoys helping students thrive through meaningful relationships, strong instruction, and a supportive school culture. Outside of school, Madison enjoys attending sporting events, traveling, and camping with her husband and their three children.

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. 

Ms. Hixson has been at Golden Valley since 2021.  She earned an Early Childhood Certificate and a CLAD Credential from San Francisco State University.  Finding that Waldorf Schools fit her family well, as her 2 kids were schooling, she worked in and learned about Steiner Education.  Waldorf helps children grow their creative capacities while strengthening their will and she enjoys supporting that journey. Susan continues to improve herself while gardening, crafting, traveling, being in nature, and with loved ones. She lives in Fair Oaks with 2 cats in a cottage. 

I am a former waldorf student, I went from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from Sacramento Waldorf High-school. I am also a former parent at Golden Valley Charter School, my son Landen was in Apple Blossom Kindergarten and went all the way through 8th grade, graduating in Juniper Tree class in 2023. Now he's a senior at Casa Roble High-school 

I have always loved working with children and had my own, in home program for 5 years. I decided to join Golden Valleys Eagles Nest last school year and I'm so happy I did:) If I'm not at school, I love to be in nature and have done natural light photography professionally for the last 20 years and enjoy the different adventure each photoshoot brings. 

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.

Hilary Pollock is the librarian at River and Orchard and can often be seen subbing in the classroom. Her two daughters graduated from River and are currently attending Sacramento Waldorf High School.  She completed the Building Bridges Waldorf Training program in 2019 and has served as Kindergarten IA, Lower Grades Games Subject Specialist, and Lower Grades Music Subject Specialist. She enjoys seeing the students grow and blossom as they pass through the grades and loves how kind and generous they are. In her free time, she enjoys showing her horse Galileo in the hunters, finishing quilts on her longarm, and playing upright bass in the Symphony d'Oro. 

Allen Young serves as an Internal Substitute Teacher for River & Orchard Schools. He earned a degree in Liberal Studies/Multiple Subjects from Humboldt State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Sacramento State University. An educator since 1993, Allen has served as a teacher, principal, program director, and student teacher observer. He especially values the energy and vibrancy that young people bring to the learning environment. Outside of school, Allen enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing guitar and drums. He is also the proud father of three grown daughters and grandfather to one grandson.