“I inspire greatness for a better world by fostering a safe space where students push themselves both in and beyond the classroom. I empower them to take risks through collaboration and hands-on inquiry, guiding them to develop ideas rooted in evidence. I work to connect students with nature and use the power of outdoor education to help them grow as individuals.”

In her first year, Stephanie Heinrich expanded opportunities for our Middle School community by launching a marine biology elective. She engaged students through the study of local marine life and by connecting them with practicing marine scientists. As a science teacher, Ms. Heinrich believes that educating students about Earth sparks the change needed to conserve global habitats.

Ms. Heinrich began her career at the University of California, San Diego, where she double majored in psychology and ecology, behavior, and evolution while competing on the intercollegiate water polo team. She later played professionally in Australia before returning to San Diego in 2011 to begin her coaching career at LJCDS. She coached the varsity women’s water polo team for three years while also working as a scuba diver at SeaWorld San Diego, before transitioning to a research associate role at SKS Ocular, a biotech start-up. In 2014, she taught English in South Korea, an experience that deepened her passion for teaching, before returning to LJCDS in 2015.

In July 2024, Ms. Heinrich completed her Master of Science in Science Education at Montana State University. Her program included field experiences such as participating in an archaeological dig in Montana, summiting Gokyo Ri in Nepal (17,600 ft) to study the geology and culture of the region while viewing Mt. Everest, and exploring the endemic species and ecology of the Galápagos Islands—experiences she now integrates into her Earth science curriculum.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Heinrich is an avid traveler and scuba diving instructor. She enjoys being outdoors, especially in or near the ocean, and loves paddleboarding and snowboarding.