Teaching at La Jolla Country Day School

Faculty/Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Last Name

Micah Baird

Coach - Dance

(858) 453-3440
Terri Bamford

Coach - Basketball; Athletic Transportation Coordinator

(858) 453-3440 x233

Bio

“As the head women’s varsity basketball coach at LJCDS since 1997, I strive to inspire greatness for a better world by establishing a culture of excellence within our programs. It is my goal to develop strong leaders in our community and instill qualities of passion, toughness, resiliency, selflessness, interior accountability and unwavering commitment.”

As a coach and physical education teacher, Terri Bamford has taken on the task of helping to mold our students and athletes into future leaders. She is committed to assisting her athletes in becoming responsible, productive, and successful individuals. Coach Bamford provides endless support to LJCDS students and seeks to teach the importance of leadership, teamwork, character, and commitment both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

During her time at LJCDS, Coach Bamford’s teams have won 21 league titles, 15 San Diego Section CIF titles, nine Southern Regional Championship titles and four State Championship titles. She has nurtured two USA Olympians, six CIF San Diego Section Players of the Year, and five McDonald’s All-Americans: Breya Cunningham and Jada Williams (2023); Te-Hina Paopao (2020); Kelsey Plum (2013); and Candice Wiggins (2004).

In December 2024, Coach Bamford was named the CIF San Diego Section’s all-time wins leader in girls’ basketball, breaking a 35-year record and placing her No. 8 all-time in the state. Other accolades include being inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame at the San Diego Sports Association (2024); Southern California Basketball Hall of Fame (2023); Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School National Coach of the Year (2020); and ESPNHS Cal-Hi Sports Girls State Coach of the Year (2012 and 2001).

Prior to her arrival at LJCDS, Coach Bamford served as head coach of the San Pasqual High School girl’s basketball team. She led Mira Costa College to two undefeated Pacific Coast titles, and in 1994, she led Palomar College to its first Pacific Coast Conference title.

Coach Bamford’s son Frankie ’12 is an LJCDS lifer.
Billy Barham

(858) 453-3440
Caroline Becker

Educator, Middle and Upper School Choir

(858) 453-3440 x198

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by providing my students the opportunity to become articulate musicians, performers and communicators. I create an encouraging classroom atmosphere for my students to take risks and find their voice. Students who can tell a story through their voice will inspire others to do the same and become the leaders who will help impact the world around them.”

Caroline Becker believes that all music should tell a story and make someone feel like dancing. Without this basic concept, the beauty of a musical performance is simply lost to both the performer and their audience. Ms. Becker has taught and modeled this concept from the first day she stepped into the classroom.

Ms. Becker spent the first 24 years of her career teaching music education in the Upper Midwest, where she directed choral programs, orchestras, musical theater, jazz vocal and award-winning competitive show choir programs. She moved to San Diego in 2013 and loves everything about it.

Ms. Becker loves walking on the beach, singing, playing the piano, watching football and spending time with her three daughters, Kaila, Kelsey and Kylie. She is honored and thrilled to be a part of the LJCDS family.
Briana Benson

Educator, Physical Education and Athletics; Coach - Volleyball, Soccer

(858) 453-3440 x274

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by encouraging my students and players to be honest, respectful and give their “best shot” in all they do. I believe in instructing not only the important skills of movement and physical education but the lifelong skills of working together as a team and self-care—mental, physical and emotional. My positive, enthusiastic personality encourages others to make ‘movements,’ on and off the field, to make this world a better place.”

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.
Joelle Biedenbach

Educator, US Math

(858) 453-3440 x319

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by helping students recognize their ability to make positive change in both themselves and the world. I believe my classroom is a place where risk-taking is encouraged and supported, and where mistakes are welcome. Life would be so boring if we got everything right the first time. It is my goal to inspire students to see the world around them as a beautiful place that is always in need of improvement and love.”

Joelle Biedenbach believes that all students are capable of finding enjoyment through problem solving. Being curious and asking questions are life-long learning skills that show up in her classroom daily, as she cultivates a culture of confidence in math. Being able to explain your reasoning and support your work is critical and, through risk-taking and practice, attainable by all.

Ms. Biedenbach graduated from Lafayette College, in Easton, PA, with a joint degree in Mathematics and Economics. While always passionate about learning and education in general, Joelle first realized that her path would be teaching high school mathematics during her senior year at Lafayette. She started teaching and coaching swimming in 2003 and completed her California teaching credential through University of California, San Diego. Joelle has been teaching mathematics in the Upper School since 2011.

Ms. Biedenbach grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia and, after swimming all four years at Lafayette, transplanted to the San Diego region. She loves running, swimming, the ocean, yoga, and is fiercely devoted to the Philadelphia Eagles. Joelle lives in (and loves) North County, keeping busy by chasing after her two young daughters.
Dani Bonfield

Learning Specialist

(858) 453-3440 x402

Bio

“I strive to inspire greatness for a better world by instilling a genuine interest in and love of learning. I would like to inspire people to view learning as a ‘want to’ job rather than a ‘have to’ job. It could be anything from exploring something new to mastering something that takes much effort and practice. My hope is to inspire my students to view learning as a journey that never ends, no matter how old you are.”

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.

Ms. Bonfield’s career began in Cincinnati, where she first taught gymnastics to children. This early involvement with children inspired her to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University, Ohio. Then after a short time teaching at the American School in Guadalajara, Mexico, Ms. Bonfield began teaching in San Diego and has resided here since 2001. She later completed her master’s in education and reading specialist certification.

Ms. Bonfield enjoys spending time with her two young daughters and husband. Her family members have become aquarium enthusiasts. The hobby has led her to appreciate the beauty and complexity of marine life.
Jennifer Boock

Administrative Assistant, US

(858) 453-3440 x126

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by helping everyone who walks through the door of the Upper School administrative building. Whether it is a student, parent or faculty member, I am ready with a smile and a willingness to help make their day a bit better. Sometimes it is a student who has lost a backpack or a parent dropping off lunch. Every encounter is important and meaningful to me.”

Jennifer Boock is the Upper School administrative assistant. Her job is to make sure that anyone who needs anything related to the Upper School is taken care of, whether that be finding an answer or directing them to the person who can help them.

Mrs. Boock has been a part of the La Jolla Country Day School community for more than 20 years. She started as the main school receptionist then moved on to work as the assistant for the development office. Seeking more interaction with the students, she transitioned to the Upper School administrative office, where she has been helping students, faculty and parents for the past 18 years.

Mrs. Boock loves spending time with her family and watching her son play a variety of sports, from ice hockey to lacrosse to baseball. She also enjoys reading novels and watching just about any movie.
Matthew Bornhoft
Joanne Bradley

Educator, US English and Humanities

(858) 453-3440 x246

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by loving what I teach and communicating that passion to my students.”

Joanne Bradley has been at La Jolla Country Day School since 1986. During her career here, she has been an English teacher and was also Upper School librarian, a perfect combination since she is an avid reader. While at LJCDS, Ms. Bradley has taught American literature, speech, Murder and Mayhem: The Villain in Literature, and women’s studies. In her role as Upper School librarian, she has also taught research skills, how to navigate databases and how to determine authenticity in websites. She enjoys sharing her love of literature with her students, and her happiest moments are when she sees her students experience the “light bulb.”

Ms. Bradley’s educational background is varied as well. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Italian from Mount Holyoke College, Master of Arts in English from Boston College, where she was awarded a teaching fellowship, and Master of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.

Outside of school, Ms. Bradley spends much of her time volunteering with her two registered therapy dogs, Lulu and Sunshine. They visit many facilities, including hospitals, assisted-living homes, correctional institutes and schools during finals week.

Ms. Bradley loves to watch and play tennis, read and work on jigsaw puzzles. Traveling is also a passion, and her favorite place is Italy, which she has visited often. Born in Massachusetts, she is a die-hard Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics fan, and as a result, she learned resilience at an early age.