Meet the Faculty
Preschool
Ms. Shari Latta
slatta@olmalibuschool.org
Shari Latta discovered at a young age that children are the most fun people in the world, and she has dedicated her career to helping them learn, grow, and discover their potential!
After studying Early Childhood Education at Moorpark College, Shari began her teaching career before opening her own preschool, Children’s Creative Workshop, in 1982. For 40 years, she developed and led a thriving program built around creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Following the school’s closure in 2022, Shari joined Our Lady of Malibu School, initially teaching preschool science, art, and music before becoming the full-time Preschool Director and Teacher in 2024.
Shari’s themed Creative Curriculum introduces children to subjects ranging from dinosaurs and marine life to gardening, astronomy, and local history. Through music, art, games, and imaginative play, she encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Her goal is simple: for every child to leave school each day with a smile and an enthusiastic “I CAN!” attitude.
A Malibu resident since 1964, Shari is also a Los Angeles County ocean lifeguard and summer Junior Lifeguard instructor. She lives in Paradise Cove with her longtime partner and beloved Labrador Retriever, Oliver.
Transitional Kindergarten
Ms. Bonnie Gregory
bgregory@olmalibuschool.org
Mrs. Bonnie Gregory has dedicated nearly three decades to early childhood education, bringing a wealth of experience, leadership, and enthusiasm to her Transitional Kindergarten classroom.
Bonnie began her career in 1997 at KinderCare in Lancaster, California, while pursuing her credentials in early childhood education. She went on to teach preschool at a nonprofit in Huntington Beach, where her talents in teaching, fundraising, and program development led to several leadership positions, including Center Director.
Throughout her career, Bonnie has held teaching and administrative roles at KinderCare centers in Southern California, most recently serving as Center Director in Westlake Village. She holds certificates in infant and toddler care, preschool education, and school-age child development.
Bonnie joined Our Lady of Malibu School in 2020 as a Transitional Kindergarten teacher. Passionate about working with young children, she is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging classroom where students feel supported, confident, and excited to learn.
Kindergarten & First Grade
Mrs. Kym Shafai
kshafai@olmalibuschool.org
Mrs. Kym Shafai has always known she wanted to be a teacher, and her passion for working with young children shines through in her classroom. With over a decade of experience in elementary education, including six years at Webster Elementary School teaching kindergarten and transitional kindergarten, Kym brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a strong foundation in early childhood learning to Our Lady of Malibu School.
A firm believer in phonics and the science of reading, Kym finds particular joy in watching students discover the magic of reading and writing for the first time. She creates a well-rounded learning environment that incorporates early math concepts, hands-on STEM exploration, art, and activities that strengthen fine motor skills.
Kym embraces the spontaneous teachable moments that arise each day and believes that students learn as much from one another as they do from their teachers. Above all, her goal is to nurture a lifelong love of learning, encourage curiosity about the world, and ensure that every child knows just how bright, capable, and loved they are.
2nd Grade
Ms. Sadie Bearg
Ms. Sadie Bearg is passionate about creating a welcoming classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and excited to learn. She believes that strong relationships and a caring classroom community provide the foundation for academic and personal growth.
Sadie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Pepperdine University. Through her teaching experience at EARTHS Magnet Elementary School, she developed a strong foundation in differentiated instruction, hands-on learning, and supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Her background in education, childcare, and individualized support has shaped her patient, compassionate approach to teaching. Sadie strives to create an engaging classroom that encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and celebrates each child’s unique strengths.
At Our Lady of Malibu School, Sadie is especially excited to guide second graders through an important year of academic and spiritual growth, including their preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Above all, she hopes every student feels cared for, capable, and proud to be part of their classroom community.
3rd & 4th Grade
Mrs. Kim Caplinger
kcaplinger@olmalibuschool.org
Mrs. Kim Caplinger brings a unique blend of business experience, creativity, and enthusiasm for teaching to Our Lady of Malibu School. With a particular love for mathematics, she enjoys helping students discover new concepts, especially multiplication and division, through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Kim incorporates project-based learning into her classroom, encouraging students to apply their skills to real-world challenges. One favorite example is her Haunted House project, in which students design and manage their own imaginary businesses, making decisions about budgets, floor plans, decorations, and activities while developing their math, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
A graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in business, Kim previously enjoyed a career in entertainment, holding marketing, sales, and finance positions at companies including 20th Century Fox and CBS. After stepping away from her career to raise her daughters, she began volunteering in their schools, eventually discovering a passion for education. Since 2010, she has taught in various roles throughout the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, including elementary, middle, and high school assignments and literacy intervention at Webster and Malibu Elementary Schools.
A Malibu resident since 1994, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and beloved dogs. An avid animal lover, she has volunteered for many years with the Agoura Animal Care Center and serves on the board of the Fauna Foundation. Outside the classroom, her perfect day includes running along the beach with her dog and jumping into the ocean!
6th, 7th & 8th Grade Homeroom
Ms. Candy Wallace
Candy Wallace is a proud OLM Middle School Team member, serving as the 7th Grade Homeroom Teacher and instructing 6th through 8th Grade Science. Her teaching career began in 2011 as a Robotics and Web Design Instructor for the Upward Bound/Trio Summer Program at California Lutheran University. Since then, she has taught 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School Math and Science, and Preschool – 8th Grade Technology.
Wallace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s of Education from CLU, as well as her California clear multi-subject teaching credential. Her goal is to help students become lifelong learners like herself. Her passion lies in STEM and STEAM education, motivating students to discover the world and their talents and abilities.
Advanced Math
Mr. Ahmad Diba
adiba@olmalibuschool.org
Mr. Diba has had the pleasure and privilege of teaching at Our Lady of Malibu School since 2015. The classes taught included middle school advanced math and school-wide French, as well as specialty electives such as programming for robotics and computer game design.
Ahmad’s professional background primarily consists of experience in production, engineering, and management across various industries such as aerospace, naval, and electrical power. He spent his formative years in Switzerland and France, where he also worked as an expat for a period of time. Holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Trinity University and a Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern California, Ahmad has a solid academic background. He also tutors students in math and other subjects, ranging from middle school to college level, and finds great enjoyment in teaching.
STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)
Dr. Helen Litz
hlitz@olmalibuschool.org
Helen has always been passionate about fostering curiosity and a love of science in young learners. One of the first questions children learn to ask is, “Why?” Her goal is not only to keep students asking that question, but also to equip them with the tools and confidence to discover the answers for themselves. Through hands-on exploration, creative problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning, Helen helps students develop the skills to investigate how the world works.
As OLM’s STEM teacher, Helen works with students in grades TK–5, guiding them through engaging activities that introduce foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her lessons are designed to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and make learning both meaningful and fun.
Helen earned her bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics from Boston University before completing her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Washington. She joined Our Lady of Malibu School in 2024 and has loved helping students discover the excitement of STEM learning. She looks forward to continuing to grow and expand the program while inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Spanish
Ms. Rose Vázquez – Spanish
Rose Vázquez was born and raised in Mexico and brings over 20 years of dedicated experience as a language teacher to her role at OLM School. Certified by Cambridge University in the UK, she has taught Spanish in diverse settings, including Hawaii and Las Vegas, and feels truly blessed to share her love of language and culture with her students at OLM.
Beyond the classroom, Rose serves her faith community as the the Vice President of The Legion of Mary at OLM and has served as the Sunday Office Secretary at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church. A practicing Catholic, she is deeply involved in parish life and committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Rose’s strong connections with students, parents, and colleagues create a supportive classroom atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged. With native fluency in Spanish, she is passionate about helping students develop language skills in a meaningful way. She is excited to continue her journey with OLM, inspiring students through lessons that celebrate language, culture, and faith. She feels honored to be a part of the Our Lady of Malibu School community.
Mandarin
Ms. Yun Ru – Mandarin
Yun Ru has been teaching and tutoring Mandarin for 7 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language Art from The Television University in China and an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education. Additionally, she is certified and graduated from the Startalk Professional Teacher Training Program in Mandarin.
Yun Ru continues to further her education every summer to enhance her teaching skills. She has been working for the Federal Found Program, teaching underprivileged children Mandarin in south-central and east LA every summer.
For the past five years, Yun Ru has been teaching at OLM. She has a passion for working with children, evidenced by her own three children. Recognizing that every child learns differently, she strives to design the curriculum to cater to each individual. Witnessing the joy on her student’s faces as they learn Mandarin brings her immense satisfaction.
French
Mr. Ahmad Diba – French
Mr. Diba has had the pleasure and privilege of teaching at Our Lady of Malibu School since 2015. The classes taught included middle school advanced math and school-wide French, as well as specialty electives such as programming for robotics and computer game design.
Ahmad’s professional background primarily consists of experience in production, engineering, and management across various industries such as aerospace, naval, and electrical power. He spent his formative years in Switzerland and France, where he also worked as an expat for a period of time. Holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Trinity University and a Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern California, Ahmad has a solid academic background. He also tutors students in math and other subjects, ranging from middle school to college level, and finds great enjoyment in teaching.