Briana “Brie” Benson joined the LJCDS team in 2021 as a physical education educator and women’s head soccer coach. As a PE teacher, Ms. Benson sees her role as developing an environment where students love to move, work hard, learn, and especially, have fun. As a coach, she looks to ignite and instill healthy mind–healthy body habits that lead to a life full of happiness through sports.  

Ms. Benson played on the women’s soccer team at Chapman University, where she remains one of the all-time leading scorers. She earned her degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in science followed by a teaching credential, a Master of Education and an International Baccalaureate certification. This took her abroad to teach in Chile, Peru, Thailand and South Korea, where she was part of the founding faculty of Chadwick International School. Ms. Benson is fluent in Spanish. In South Korea, she taught fifth grade, started and coached the women’s soccer program, and created after-school soccer programs for elementary and middle school students. After South Korea, Ms. Benson taught second grade and coached the women’s soccer team at Chadwick School in her hometown, Palos Verdes.      
                                          

Ms. Benson became a mother in 2020 and loves spending family time at the beach, surfing, hiking and showing her son, Moss, the beauty of nature.

Dani Bonfield, M.A. Ed., believes that academic, social and emotional growth are important to every child’s development. As a specialist in the Learning Resource Center, Ms. Bonfield’s role is to offer assorted educational opportunities and strategies to a diverse body of learners. The best parts of her day are sharing in the elation of accomplishments and the many smiles and hugs she receives from her students.