Chandler School

In this episode of Chandler Chats, Emily Brown is joined by Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Campaign Jenny Seto and Vice President of Villa Esperanza Services Gioia Pastre for a conversation centered on service, connection and the partnerships that help our community thrive. We are happy to share this episode ahead of Big Service Day, our annual, cherished tradition where students and families come together to serve local nonprofits. This year, we’re excited to share how Big Service Day is expanding beyond campus, creating meaningful off-site volunteer opportunities for young alumni and community members at partner organizations like Villa Esperanza Services. 

Gioia offers insight into the incredible work Villa Esperanza does in supporting children, adults and seniors with developmental and intellectual disabilities through education, residential living, employment programs and day services. Together, we reflect on the powerful impact of service, the importance of community partnerships and the lasting lessons students gain when they engage meaningfully with others.

In this episode of Chandler Chats, Emily Brown is joined by Eric Hudson and Kim Edwards for a timely and thoughtful conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in education and what it means for our students, families and educators. As AI becomes more present in classrooms and daily life, this episode invites us to slow down and consider not just the tools themselves, but the human skills and values that must guide their use. 

Together, we explore how process-oriented uses of AI can strengthen critical thinking rather than replace it, and why open, ongoing dialogue between parents and students is essential. The conversation reinforces the idea that thoughtful, age-appropriate and values-driven engagement with AI can help prepare students to navigate an increasingly complex world with curiosity, responsibility and confidence.

In this episode of Chandler Chats, Emily Brown reflected on the lasting impact of the Eaton Fire one year later and the powerful ways communities come together in moments of loss and recovery. Through thoughtful conversation with Altadena Town Council Vice Chair Nic Arnzen at the Eaton Fire Collaborative, this episode explores remembrance, resilience and the collaborative efforts that help communities heal and move forward with purpose. 

We also hosted some of our eighth graders who volunteered this day with warmth and joy. The conversations invite you to consider not only how we honor what is lost, but how we show up for one another, especially our children, in the aftermath of collective struggle. It’s a meaningful and timely episode that underscores the importance of connection, compassion and community action in the face of adversity.

In this week’s episode of Chandler Chats, I am  joined by Learning Together speaker Jason Craige Harris for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about conflict - what it is, why it’s unavoidable and how we can learn to engage conflict more skillfully within our school and broader community. 

Drawing from his work with educators, parents and organizations, Jason reframes conflict as a natural and essential part of being human, one that often goes awry not because of bad intentions, but because most of us were never taught how to navigate it well. Together, we explore the importance of modeling healthy conflict resolution for children in our care. It’s a meaningful discussion about dignity, relationship-building and the skills we need to prepare students, and ourselves, to engage in productive, respectful conflict in an increasingly complex world.

In this week’s episode of Chandler Chats, Head of School Emily Brown sits down with two beloved members of our community and Chandler Spirit Award recipients: longtime art teacher Travis Chatham and alumna-turned-educator Catherine Pearson ’06. Together, they reflect on the joy, gratitude and optimism that shape their work every day, whether it’s guiding K-8 artists through creative exploration, greeting students in the library, or jumping into a game of four square at recess. Travis and Kat share their unique journeys to Chandler, the traditions that anchor our community, and the everyday moments that make our campus feel like home.

It’s an uplifting conversation about the power of connection, the impact of small gestures, and the legacy our teachers and alumni continue to build.

In this latest episode, Head of School Emily Brown sits down with Director of Learning Resources Scott Nancarrow and Kindergarten Teacher Kacie Chaney to talk about how Chandler’s commitment to differentiated instruction helps every child grow with confidence. Scott and Kacie share how the School collaborates to support students’ diverse learning needs, whether through small group instruction, targeted support or enrichment opportunities. Together, they discuss the importance of communication and partnership between home and school in ensuring that every child feels seen and supported. Tune in to hear how Chandler’s thoughtful approach to teaching and learning starts in Kindergarten and continues through every grade, helping students develop the skills and mindset they need to thrive, both academically and as humans.

In this latest episode of Chandler Chats, Head of School Emily Brown sits down with Hillary Blunt, Director of Belonging and Strategic Engagement, and Julie Mendoza, School Counselor, for a heartfelt conversation about what it means for every student to feel known, supported and connected.

Together, they explore how belonging and well-being are intertwined with academic success and how Chandler’s intentional approach to social-emotional learning, cultural recognition and parent partnership helps every child thrive.

We're thrilled to welcome two voices who help bring melody, rhythm and meaning into everyday life at Chandler - Brandi Williams-Moore, our Creative Director and Performing Arts Chair, and Vidie Williams, who inspires our youngest learners as the Lower School Music Teacher. Together, they walk us through the evolving role of music across all grade levels, their philosophies for engaging students of varying talents and the ways they see creativity forging community. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how music becomes both a tool and a language, how it supports social-emotional growth, connects to other disciplines and helps students find their voice. Plus, Brandi and Vidie share stories of student performances (and perhaps a few surprise moments behind the scenes), reflections on collaboration and their hopes for how music will continue to grow at Chandler.

In this episode of Chandler Chats, Head of School Emily Brown sits down with two of Chandler’s newer faculty members: Cynthia Hernandez, 1st Grade Teacher, and Joe Alexander, Lower School Science Teacher. Cynthia, who joined Chandler in 2022, shares her journey from a career in mental health to the joyful energy of the first-grade classroom. Joe, who has been at Chandler since 2023, reflects on how his background in outdoor education and student well-being shapes his work with K–5 science learners. 

Both Cynthia and Joe are recipients of the Mallinger Family Endowed Professional Development Award, which allowed them to attend workshops on creating “brave spaces” in the classroom, places where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions and grow. Tune in to hear their stories of learning, adapting and thriving at Chandler - and how they are helping students do the same.

In this episode of Chandler Chats, Head of School Emily Brown is joined by two special guests, Interim Middle School Director Mateo Reyes and Lower School Director Laura Reardon. Together, they reflect on the excitement of launching the 2025-2026 school year and celebrating Chandler’s 75th anniversary. Mateo and Laura share insights about welcoming new faculty, building strong connections with students and setting a foundation for success across both divisions. From classroom energy and community-building traditions to curriculum alignment, professional development and the thoughtful integration of AI into teaching and learning, this conversation highlights the intentional work happening across the School.