Our Team.
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Ms. Erica
FOUNDER + DIRECTOR
Upper ElementaryFirst and foremost, Erica Asbury is the mother of two incredible children and is fortunate to be married to her high school sweetheart. She left a thriving career as a financial controller to chase her zeal for education. Realizing this dream, she leveraged her business acumen to instigate a transformation in the educational landscape, leading to the inception of Village Academy San Diego.
Beyond her role as a dedicated working mother, she possesses a wanderlust spirit, often embarking on off-the-beaten-path adventures with her family. Whether engrossed in a book, tending to her garden, or cozying up with one of her three beloved pets, she truly lives each moment.
Serving as the Lead Educator in the Elementary Studio, Ms. Erica thrives on crafting immersive project-based learning units, indulging in games or puzzles with the students, and sharing personal anecdotes to forge meaningful bonds with every learner. A staunch advocate for the boundless joys of childhood, she enthusiastically promotes activities like playing in the dirt, tree-climbing, indulging in messy play, and seizing every fleeting moment of youth.
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Ms. Sam
LEAD EDUCATOR
Lower ElementarySamantha Serrano, a native of San Diego, is the second in a family of seven children. She pursued child development studies in college and further honed her educational skills at the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC), as well as undergoing Montessori and Reggio teacher training.
Over the years, Ms. Sam has imparted instruction in a range of subjects, including handwork and crafts, across several educational platforms such as the Waldorf School of San Diego, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, and the San Diego Craft Collective. Beyond academics, she has spearheaded programs like math and speech competitions and Biztown, an initiative in partnership with Junior Achievement that educates students on real-life skills like taxation, finance, and resume building.
Village Academy San Diego considers itself fortunate to have Ms. Sam as part of its community. Since the academy's inception, she has been a cornerstone of its growth and success. Adored by her students, she maintains an atmosphere of joy and laughter, always sharing smiles with her students.
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Parent Volunteers
CLASSROOM + BEHIND THE SCENES
Many of our families volunteer in the classroom or behind the scenes. Some parents work one-on-one with students to help with math or reading, others lead cooking lessons, prep materials, help with studio maintenance and more.
We also love to brainstorm curriculum, enrichment opportunities, guest speakers, and field trips with all our families—because after all, it takes a village!