Contacts & Directions

Dr. Seppala holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and has a background in molecular biology, musicology, and languages. With a love for music and reading, she brings a unique perspective to her work. With roots in Scandinavia, she is excited to bring her diverse skill set and enthusiasm to the role as librarian/research coordinator at Laguna Blanca.

With a solid academic and professional background in social work and extensive experience supporting children and families, Bella is passionate about helping students thrive both emotionally and academically. In her role as Lower School Counselor, Bella will support children in developing strong social-emotional skills, coping strategies, and positive behaviors. Her approach is holistic and child-centered, focusing on the unique needs of each student to ensure they feel safe, heard, and valued within the school community. Bella looks forward to working closely with parents and their children to foster a positive and nurturing environment where every student can succeed.

In addition to serving the LBS community at the Isham Library & Nylen Academic Research Center, Al is currently completing his Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara in religious studies. He specializes in the history and philosophy of American religion and is writing his dissertation on the late American author David Foster Wallace, specifically on Wallace’s famous Kenyon College commencement address, This Is Water. Al taught academic writing at UCSB for over four years, and works with students as an educational coach/tutor. Before coming to Santa Barbara, Al worked as a biomedical researcher & laboratory manager (cancer biology) at his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania--an experience which greatly developed both the breadth and depth of his educational skills.

Jill was raised in Goleta and has been teaching in local schools for the past 6 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Sacramento State University before pursuing her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master's in Education from UC Santa Barbara. She brings diverse classroom experience to Laguna Blanca, serving most recently as a Sixth Grade teacher and previously as a GATE, Reading and Math Intervention teacher. She is excited to be a part of the fantastic Laguna Blanca Middle School team!

A Santa Barbara local, Tanner Stevens comes to Laguna Blanca after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in sports management and a minor in exercise and sports studies. Working in the athletics office at San Marcos where he attended high school as well as Morro Bay High School in an internship position sparked a passion for high school athletics and the camaraderie of a school campus. After working the last four summers at Summer @ Laguna, he is excited to be on campus year-round now. In his free time, he loves water skiing and playing beach volleyball.