Our Team Is Made Up Of Experienced Educators and Administrative Professionals

our team

Here are some of the people you will work with personally when you become a Cal/West candidate or ask us to help fill your open positions.

Lee Miller, President - Lee graduated from UCLA with a BA in Sociology and holds a Standard California Life Teaching Credential K-8 from Pepperdine University. She has taught grades K-6, as well as "mommy and me" groups. She has over 20 years of Independent and Private school experience as a teacher, administrator and parent, and has been a presenter at several professional conferences. Lee was also the Director of Permanent Placement for Teachers On Reserve, the predecessor of Cal/West Educators Placement, for 10 years. Lee is married to Steve, Cal/West Vice President. Their three sons were all "lifers" in an independent school. (lee@CalWestEducators.com)

Steve Miller, Vice President/Administration - Steve is the father of three sons who all graduated from a California independent school. He, along with Lee, has been active in school affairs, and he has been the editor of the Parent Organization newsletter. Steve has also produced and directed numerous video and television programs for commercial and public TV, the City of Los Angeles. and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. (steve@CalWestEducators.com)

Christopher Fleischner ("Fleisch"), Vice President/Recruiting & Placement
Fleisch graduated with a BA in International Relations from Stanford University, and an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources. He also graduated from St. Paul's, a leading independent boarding school in New England. He has worked with elementary and middle school students while managing SCORE! Learning Centers in California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Fleisch is married and the father of two young children, who attend an independent school where he has recently been appointed a member of the Board of Trustees.
(fleisch@CalWestEducators.com)

Doritt Diamond, Vice President/Special Events & Projects - Doritt graduated from UCLA with a BA in Education and a Standard California Life Teaching Credential, K-8. She also holds an MA in Educational Administration and Supervision and an Administrative Services Credential from California State University at Northridge. Doritt has taught grades K-6, has been a master teacher, curriculum coordinator, Assistant Principal, Director of Admissions, and a Director of Development within the independent school world for more than 25 years. She has been a marketing and fundraising consultant, as well as a workshop instructor and seminar leader. Doritt is married, the mother of two adult sons, and has one grandson. (doritt@CalWestEducators.com)

Eleanor Dase – Northern California Representative - Eleanor graduated with a BA in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and an MA in Educational Administration from St. Mary's College. Recently retired as Head of School of The Athenian School after 17 years, she previously held positions at the school as a math teacher, Director of College Counseling, and Assistant Head/Academic Dean. She has served on the Board of CAIS and Bay Area Teachers Collaborative, and currently sits on the Boards of Round Square (an international consortium of schools that share a commitment to service, international and multicultural understanding, outdoor adventure, stewardship and education for democracy), and Children of Grace ( an organization that supports children in Uganda orphaned by AIDS). She is the parent of three adult children and has seven grandchildren. (eleanor@calwesteducators.com)

Joyce Gregory Evans, Northern California Representative- Joyce received both her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Portland State University. She has taught in public and independent schools in California and Oregon. Most recently she served as Head of The Town School in New York City. Previous positions held include Head of Redwood Day in Oakland, as well as Lower and Upper School Head at San Francisco Day School. She has served on the boards of NAIS and NYSAIS, and has spoken at educational conferences nationally and internationally. Currently she is serving as Interim Head of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York. Joyce is married and has two adult sons, both of whom graduated from California independent schools. She is also a proud grandmother. (joyce@CalWestEducators.com)

Nancy Newman, Northern California Representative - Nancy graduated from UC Santa Cruz with an undergraduate degree in Biology, and holds a MA in Education from Stanford, a MBA from UC Berkeley, and a California Life Teaching Credential for Biology and Physical Sciences. She has taught math and science at the middle school and high school levels for over 20 years and has been an Interim Head of School, a Director of Admissions, and most recently the Dean of Faculty at Woodside Priory School. She is married and has two adult children (both Priory alums). Her son is a teacher in Sacramento. (nancy@CalWestEducators.com)

Erin Sullivan, New England Representative - Erin Ash Sullivan graduated with a BA in English from Amherst College and a Masters in Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, with a focus on technology in education. She has taught in independent schools in New York City and Los Angeles. Recently she served as the Middle School Director at The Willows Community School in Culver City, California. Erin is also a curriculum developer and educational writer, and she recently authored Get Ready for Social Studies: U.S. History, published by McGraw-Hill. (erin@CalWestEducators.com)

Amy Sloboda, Search Consultant - After attaining her MFA from CalArts, Amy had a short foray in advertising, managing a large contract for the County of Los Angeles. She then accepted a position at a West Los Angeles independent/private school where she worked for several years in an administrative and teaching capacity, coordinating many busy hiring seasons and utilizing Cal/West Educators' services every year to help find the most qualified candidates. Amy is married, mother of a curly-haired and curious preschooler, and the owner of a very big but exceptionally sweet dog. Recently, Amy has had the pleasure of co-organizing a large Valley-based mommy group, devising creative playdates such as "let's make instruments" as well as helping to teach and participate in a parent-child preschool group. She is also an accomplished daydreamer, ambitious note-taker and a lover of all things Los Angeles. Amy brings her independent school experience and insight as well as her creative background to the Cal/West team. She believes that helping to place educators in schools is a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of kids throughout California and the West. (amy@CalWestEducators.com)

Jacqueline Olivier – Consultant - Jacqueline holds a B.A. in Spanish from UCLA, a Masters’ Degree in Educational Organization from California State University at Northridge and a Doctorate in Education from Pepperdine University. She began her career in education in the Los Angeles Unified School District where she was a bilingual elementary teacher for six years. After taking a break to spend time with her children, she became Academic Dean and later Assistant Head at Carlthorp School. Jacqueline was Head of School at the independent Gillispie School in La Jolla, and was the Founding Head of New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, California. Currently she is Division Director at New Roads Elementary School. She has two teenage children, plus a dog and a cat. (jacqueline@calwesteducators.com)

Mary Ellen Gozdecki – Consultant - Mary Ellen Gozdecki, Ph.D., President of ITL* Consulting *Inspire to Lead, works with us as a consultant on Head and senior leadership retained searches. Mary Ellen recently stepped down as Head of Marymount High School in Los Angeles after 13 notable years of leadership. Mary Ellen has taught at every level from pre-kindergarten to post-doctoral. In addition to her time at Marymount, she has held senior administrative positions at USC, Marymount College, and the Los Angeles Children's Museum. Her considerable international experience includes serving as a visiting fellow at Cambridge University, England, conducting seminars on leadership in education, and advising the International Network of Marymount Schools. (maryellen@calwesteducators.com)

Sarah Lougheed-Gill, Consultant - For over 15 years, Sarah has taught English and performing arts to hundreds of students in both public and independent schools in northern and southern California. Growing up in Canada, she comes from a family where curiosity is nurtured and higher education is valued. An avid reader, she is a lifelong learner. Her husband is an independent school Head and their three adult children all graduated from independent schools. Before joining the Cal/West team as a consultant, Sarah used Cal/West’s excellent placement services both as a candidate and as an administrator. (sarah@CalWestEducators.com)

		Lorri Hamilton Durbin, New York Representative - Lorri graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Government and holds a MA in Education from Stanford, and a MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Her career in independent day and boarding schools includes roles as a 12th Grade Dean, coach, teacher, Middle School Head, and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Most recently, she was the Associate Director of Administration at the Klingenstein Center of Independent School Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. She serves on the Board of Trustees at Midland School and on the Board of Directors for the Secondary School Admissions Test Board (SSAT). Lorri lives in New York City with her husband, Ted, and their toddler son. (lorri@CalWestEducators.com)
		Alona Scott, New York Representative - Alona graduated from Princeton University with an A.B. in religion and certificates in teacher preparation and Jewish studies. She holds an MS Ed. from Bank Street College in Reading and Literacy and attended the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned an MS Ed. in Private School Leadership. She also participated in the NAIS / EE Ford Fellowship for Aspiring Heads. Alona taught at both the elementary and middle school levels before stepping into an administrative role as an assistant division head. She has since served as a Lower School Director and is currently a Middle School Director. Alona is the mother of two boys. (alona@CalWestEducators.com)

Talia Stol, Consultant - Talia graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies, and is currently completing her Masters degree in Social Science and Comparative Education at UCLA. Talia’s passion for education led her to work as an admissions counselor at Caltech, a Fulbright scholar, and a classroom teacher before joining the Cal/West team in 2008. Talia is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and lived in Chicago, Edinburgh, and Madrid before landing in Los Angeles and embracing all the wonderful things about California - especially the weather! (talia@calwesteducators.com)

Kailen Whang – Applicant Liaison -Kailen graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Secondary English Education and a minor in Psychology. While still maintaining a strong interest in education, she realized that before stepping into the classroom herself, she wanted to learn more about the behind-the-scenes aspect of placing educators into the classrooms. She’s excited that through working with Cal/West, she can help other educators pursue their own dreams and find the right match! In her spare time, she loves to babysit her nieces and nephews and root for them at their soccer games. (kailen@calwesteducators.com)

Alla Felker, Candidate Liaison - Alla graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Education. While at UCLA, she discovered her passion for education, which led her to pursue a master’s degree in Education Policy & Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After surviving the brutal Boston winter, she decided to return to sunny CA and is now delighted to be working with Cal/West, helping teachers and administrators find new positions where they will spark the passion for education in their own students. On the weekends, she enjoys hiking with her husband in Fryman Canyon, trying out new cuisine, and supporting local actors by watching small-theatre plays! (alla@calwesteducators.com)

Sanjeev Chahal, School Liaison - Sanjeev graduated with a BA from the University of California, Merced in 2009 as a "pioneer" member of the inaugural class! He also holds a M.Ed. from the University of Vermont. Sanjeev grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and has always been interested in education in one way or another. While in college he was involved in outreach to help students find their path to higher education. After graduation he found that he enjoyed taking time to learn about how to reach out to different people and encourage them to pursue their goals. He's delighted to be joining Cal/West where he will help shepherd candidates to new positions in education. He continues to stay focused on providing as many opportunities of advancement for people in all areas of their life journey. (sanjeev@calwesteducators.com)

Toto and Charlie - Toto is the newest addition to Lee and Steve Miller’s family and Cal/West Mascot Support Team. She is adorable, energetic, playful, and lots of fun. Charlie, also a member of the Miller family, is a golden retriever and pointer mix. He is a bit shy, but enjoys lots of affection. Toto is Charlie’s best buddy and is keeping him young!

In Memory of Cinnabun October 2011 – or most lovingly known as “Bun”.” She was a pure bred golden retriever, reddish in color, who belonged to Fleisch. She had a great personality and was loved by all of the Cal/West team! She will be dearly missed by all of us.

Tillie - Tillie is a little Bichon Frise who is ready to work every day! Although she officially belongs to Doritt, she loves everyone in the office and is happy to be in the center of attention! Since she is a rescue, she can be a little shy and may ‘welcome’ visitors with a tiny bark.

Shasta - Shasta is a retired service dog. In his youth, he was partnered with a wheelchair companion, and assisted his human with activities of daily living. Now in his golden years, he resides with Sarah and her husband and accompanies them to as many dog-friendly places as he can wheedle his way into. His gentle, sweet nature is addictive to all who meet this intelligent canine. He is notable for his Labrador body capped with Shar Pei ears. If you meet Shasta, introduce yourself with a "pawshake" and he will happily greet you with his signature tail thumping!