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Paul Camargo has been teaching for 18 years, seven of them at Chandler School. He is known for his engaging lessons, eclectic teaching style and dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom. But Paul's journey to becoming a teacher wasn't a straight line.

"I never set out to be a teacher," Paul laughs. "I wanted to go to film school." His love for film and editing fueled his early aspirations, but life had other plans. After working in an after-school program, Paul discovered his true calling—teaching. “It just clicked for me. I realized I wanted to work with kids and be part of their educational journey.”

Growing up in a private Lutheran school in Alhambra, where his mother was a school secretary for nearly 40 years, Paul’s connection to education was deep-rooted. "It was where I met my wife, where my sons went to school. It was a place filled with family and community." Yet, the turning point came when Paul realized that his growing family needed financial stability, leading him to leave his first teaching job for a charter school in South Central Los Angeles. That experience pushed him to question his identity as an educator. “It was tough—especially because I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish, and a lot of students saw me as someone who didn’t quite belong. I had to grapple with feeling out of place while also trying to prove myself.”

After a challenging year, Paul contemplated leaving teaching altogether. Yet, a serendipitous opportunity at Chandler School brought him back. In July of 2018, Paul received a call from Chandler, and after what he describes as "the best interview and demo lesson I’ve ever given," he was offered the job. Moving from a three-hour daily commute to a 12-minute drive felt like a lifesaver, both personally and professionally. 

At Chandler, Paul has found not only a teaching home but also the chance to expand his interests and impact. He is known for teaching thought-provoking lessons on world history, including his favorite unit on propaganda, which he leads with English Teacher Ashley Laird. The cross-curricular unit combines Orwell’s Animal Farm and lessons on the Russian Revolution to spark critical thinking among students. "I love showing how people use lies to mislead or embellish things. It’s my favorite unit because it really pushes students to think critically about the information they're given."

Outside of the classroom, Paul wears many hats. He’s coached both girls’ and boys’ tennis teams to league and championship victories, leads an elective on comics and culture, and is the site director in the Partnership for Success program. "Coaching eSports or teaching about comics lets me share some of my nerdier interests," Paul says with a grin. “It helps the kids feel comfortable being themselves.”

Paul’s commitment to education goes beyond the curriculum. His background as a teacher, a principal and a community leader has shaped his approach at Chandler. He is passionate about fostering independent thinkers who can question the world around them, no matter where they come from or what they believe. "I want my students to be critical, to question even the bald guy in front of the classroom," he jokes.

For Paul, teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. His journey to becoming an impactful educator has come full circle. Today, he inspires Chandler students to find their voice and explore the world through the lens of history, critical thinking and humor.

At Chandler School, we are proud to have a thriving performing arts program led by our exceptional Performing Arts Department Chair, Brandi Williams-Moore. With more than two decades of experience in teaching and directing theater, music and dance, Brandi has significantly shaped the artistic landscape of our School. Her commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking and student collaboration has made her an invaluable asset to our community. 

Brandi Williams-Moore holds a Master’s of Education from Pepperdine University, where she graduated with honors, demonstrating her academic dedication. Her journey in the arts began at Berklee College of Music, a renowned institution where she honed her skills and laid the foundation for her career. With a rich background in both music performance and education, Brandi seamlessly blends technical and theoretical aspects of music with creative exploration, ensuring her students receive a well-rounded education.

Since joining Chandler School in 2014, Brandi has led the design and implementation of a comprehensive performing arts curriculum for all K-8 students. Her courses cover a wide range of disciplines, including drama, film, music and theater tech. As the producer of two major productions annually, Brandi oversees every aspect, from auditions to the final performance, ensuring that each show is a memorable experience for students and audiences alike.

Her role extends beyond the classroom, as she collaborates with faculty across departments to integrate performing arts into the broader educational experience. Brandi’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in creating a dynamic environment where students can create deeper learning. For instance, in collaboration with the 6th grade English department’s Finding Langston unit, Brandi connected themes from the novel to the history of blues, guiding students through the process of composing and understanding the structure of a blues song. Additionally, she works closely with the Director of Innovation Pete Carlson and Art Teacher Travis Chatham to design and curate curriculum elements that enrich student learning.

Brandi’s influence on her students is profound. She mentors and coaches them in acting, vocal performance, choreography and stagecraft, preparing them for auditions and performances with confidence and skill. Her dedication to student growth shows in the way she nurtures their talents, helping them to excel not just in the arts but in all areas of their lives.

One of the hallmarks of Brandi’s teaching philosophy is her belief in the universal power of music. She encourages her students to appreciate music in all its forms, whether they aspire to be professional musicians or simply enjoy it as a part of their lives. “Music is everywhere,” she often says, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating the music we encounter daily.

Brandi’s excellence in teaching has not gone unnoticed. During the end of the 2023-2024 school year, she was honored with the Zach and Debbie Snyder Faculty Award, which recognizes outstanding educators at Chandler School who embody excellence in teaching and a commitment to the school’s mission and values. This prestigious award highlights her ability to seamlessly integrate arts, design, innovation and creativity into her teaching approach, inspiring academic growth and contributing to a vibrant and supportive academic program.

Brandi’s professional achievements extend beyond the classroom. She has an impressive background as a background vocalist for renowned artists, including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Toni Braxton. Her experience in the music industry enriches her teaching, providing students with unique insights into the world of professional music.

Brandi Williams-Moore is more than just a teacher; she is a mentor, leader and inspiration to her students and the Chandler School community. Her passion for the performing arts, coupled with her dedication to fostering a supportive and creative learning environment, has made her an integral part of our school. We are proud to have Brandi as our Performing Arts Department Chair, guiding the next generation of artists and musicians to greatness.

In the colorful room in the oldest edifice at Chandler School, where little laughs and big learning meld into a symphony of daily discovery, one can find Kerrie Cardamom, whose enthusiasm and dedication have illuminated the Kindergarten classroom for more than fifteen years. As a recent recipient of the Mallinger Family Endowed Professional Development Grant, Kerrie's journey and impact extend far beyond the classroom, embodying the school's mission and values through her caring, challenging, and committed approach to kindergarten.

Kerrie's educational career began on an international scale, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to a diverse array of students in Busan, South Korea. This formative experience not only honed her teaching skills but also instilled a deep-seated passion for connecting with students from various cultural backgrounds. "Teaching ESL was profoundly rewarding—it was more than language; it was about giving students the keys to unlock their new world," Kerrie reflects with enthusiasm, reminiscing about her transformative experiences abroad.

Returning to the United States, Kerrie brought her global perspective and expertise to Chandler School, choosing to anchor her educational journey in the Kindergarten classroom. "Although I have enjoyed teaching at every grade level, from kindergarten through college-aged students, Kindergarten holds the most special place in my heart," she explains. It's in these early educational stages that Kerrie believes she can make the most significant impact, nurturing young minds at a critical phase of their developmental journey.

Over her fifteen-year tenure at Chandler School, Kerrie has not only been a teacher but also a vital member of various school committees. Her contributions aim to enhance the school environment and ensure it remains a place where the youngest learners can thrive. Her involvement is driven by a belief in the power of community and collective effort in fostering an enriching educational atmosphere.

Kerrie's excellence in teaching was recently celebrated as a recipient of the Mallinger Family Endowed Professional Development Grant, a recognition given to faculty members who exemplify the school’s mission in their professional conduct and teaching. The award cites her ability to nurture student engagement, uphold the highest ethical standards, and foster both personal and academic growth among her students. "She connects authentically with our students and their families, inspires student achievement, and fosters a sense of community and agency in the learners she serves," says Lower School Director Laura Reardon. Kerrie's classroom is a space where the smallest learners are encouraged to explore, question and grow.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kerrie's personal touch adds a unique warmth to her teaching style. Known for her joyful demeanor and the genuine care she extends to her students and their families, she is a beloved figure both in and out of the classroom. Her ability to impart confidence in the youngest of Chandler’s students makes her not just a teacher, but a significant part of their foundational years.

At Chandler School, the spirit of innovation in education is embodied by Andy Hulm, our dedicated 6th Grade social studies teacher whose passion and creativity have significantly shaped the educational experience for countless students since he joined the faculty in 2009.

Originally from the UK, where he earned his degree in history from Edge Hill University and his Post-Graduate Certificate from Canterbury Christ Church University, Mr. Hulm has brought a wealth of knowledge and a unique educational approach to Chandler. His classes are not just lessons but journeys back in time where students engage deeply with the material through interactive and technology-integrated methods.

Mr. Hulm's commitment to excellence is evident in his role as the founder of Chandler’s Middle School Debate Program. This initiative has not only introduced students to the world of competitive debate but has also helped them achieve success in numerous tournaments. His ability to inspire students with the power of words and persuasion highlights his deep understanding of the importance of communication skills in today's world.

Beyond the debate floor, Mr. Hulm is deeply involved in curriculum development. He continuously seeks to enhance the learning experience by integrating diverse instructional strategies that cater to all ability levels, ensuring that every student feels both challenged and supported. His innovative lesson planning and multiple approaches to instruction have set a standard in educational excellence and inclusivity.

During the summer months, Mr. Hulm extends his influence beyond the regular school year by teaching for Partnership for Success (PFS), where he helps incoming 5th and 6th graders from various Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools. PFS’s collaborative efforts with independent schools have enabled over 400 students to experience nine consecutive summers of free enrichment, fostering future civic leaders committed to giving back to their communities. 

His dedication to professional development and mentorship is just as profound. As a facilitator for the California Teacher Development Collaborative's (CATDC) Teaching Foundations program, he provided invaluable support and guidance to new teachers, helping them hone their skills and adapt to the independent school environment. Although the Los Angeles branch of the program closed, Mr. Hulm's impact on those he coached continues to resonate.

Mr. Hulm also actively contributes to Chandler School's efforts to create a culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum. As a member of the 2023-2024 anti-bias cohort, he worked diligently to design learning tasks that address bias, enhance representation in course content and facilitate critical conversations in the classroom.

Mr. Hulm is known for his ability to bring ancient history to life in unforgettable ways. Whether he’s dressed as a knight or time traveling in his classroom’s replica TARDIS, he transforms his classroom into a dynamic and imaginative environment that not only educates but also entertains and engages his students.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and his embodiment of Chandler School’s mission and values, Mr. Hulm was recently awarded the Jon & Wende Headley Family Faculty Award. This honor celebrates his exemplary teaching practices, his nurturing of student engagement, and his adherence to the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.

Andy Hulm’s role at Chandler School goes beyond teaching; he is a mentor, an innovator and a key figure in the educational development of new middle school students. His dedication ensures that the history he teaches will be remembered not just for its content but for the memorable way in which it was taught.