Meet our staff!
Sarah
Head of school and teacher
I love when I learn something new and it seems when I am around children, it is a constant affair! Young people show me the deeper side of every moment where the joy and wonder of learning is always waiting. I have a hunger for creativity - whether I am redesigning a cozy space, painting, writing a poem, cooking a thoughtful meal or dancing and singing in my living room, I’ll take any opportunity to elevate the moment with a splash of joyful creativity. My many years of early childhood experience in public, private, and international school settings has fueled my passion for my field and driven me towards opening Misty Wagon Schoolhouse, a place where creativity, discovery and authenticity are at the center. You can learn more about me on my website Sarah Loeb Education.
Kate
Teacher
I am a painter, vintage collector, and Misty Wagon teacher originally from the East Coast. Growing up, I was drawn to writing and art and spent most of my time exploring outside with a pencil in my hand, concocting imaginative stories with illustrations to match. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence, I spent several years in New York assisting in artists studios and following my own path in my painting practice and the vintage world before moving to Los Angeles. My own rich experiences of childhood inspired me to follow my joy and begin my teaching journey here at Misty Wagon. I am so excited and grateful each day I get to spend observing the children’s work and play, encouraging their curiosity and creativity, and exploring their ever-developing interests. To see through their eyes is such a gift!
Melissa
RIE Infant and Toddler Specialist
Melissa Coyné is an Early Childhood Educator who has over 33 years of experience building relationships with children and the adults who care for them. In addition to holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in child development, she is a certified RIE Associate and PITC (Program for Infant/Toddler Care) trainer. Melissa was first introduced to the Educaring Approach by the early childhood program where she worked for 22 years and cultivated her commitment to philosophical integrity. She facilitates RIE courses, consults with early childhood programs and she has also presented workshops related to respectfully parenting tweens and teens. As a mother of a young adult and older teen, Melissa has seen the results of the power of relationships built on connection and collaboration that began in infancy. She is passionate about inspiring adults and children to be critical thinkers in areas of anti-bias practices, equity, and self-awareness.
Nora
Atelierista
I am a visual artist originally from Northern California currently based in Los Angeles. Creating became an integral part of who I am when I was a child. My mother and father, who understood the importance of art in education, provided me and my siblings with a wide variety of materials and the space to explore and create freely. This instilled in me an appreciation for art as a language through which to communicate ideas and channel emotion. My journey into the world of early childhood education was lit by the desire to share my knowledge of materials with children as a way to facilitate self-discovery, cultivate relationships with others and the natural world, and bring to life the imaginative worlds within them.
Katie
Teacher
I am a mixed media artist specializing in pencil drawings, storytelling, and special FX makeup. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I moved to Southern California in 2010 to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Healing. From a very young age, expressing myself artistically has been my source of comfort and home. My goal is to offer guidance to children to find this solace within themselves. I am honored to work with such bright young minds to help facilitate them on their journey of exploration at Misty Wagon!
Dagger
Teacher
I am an actor and fine artist from Los Angeles, California. I have a BFA from CalArts with a focused métier in acting and a minor in creative writing. I have been living and working in LA since childhood and have accumulated acting experiences in commercials, TV and film for over a decade. With this training and diverse background, I am excited to bring a fun and structured acting experience to the students of Misty Wagon Schoolhouse. In the actors' studio, wagoneers learn basic improv techniques, movement and character work through an imaginative process that expands students’ abilities to think on their feet, embody a character different from themselves, and work together with other actors to convey a meaningful story.
“Sarah and her entire team at Misty Wagon have created a truly unique and special place where children are allowed to be children. The fact that it’s in the center of Los Angeles makes it all the more astonishing.”
— Jason, Misty Wagon parent