It takes a village to be open to the World!
Our Director
Owner & Founder, Program Director
Céline is a passionate educator, environmental advocate, and founder of Phoenix Global Green School. With more than 30 years of experience in education, she is certified as a Teacher and School Library Media Specialist by the City of Paris Public Libraries and the French Ministry of Education. She also completed her Early Childhood Education certification at UCLA and holds a Master's Degree in Arts from La Sorbonne University in Paris.
Before founding Phoenix Global Green School in 2012, Céline worked in public libraries, secondary schools, preschools, and elementary schools in both France and the United States. Throughout her career, she has developed innovative programs in environmental education, biodiversity, renewable energy, global warming, arts, literature, gardening, and multilingual learning. She created a Sustainable Library Collection at a prestigious Bilingual school in Los Angeles and led interdisciplinary environmental projects that inspired students and educators across multiple campuses.
Driven by her belief that children can become powerful agents of change, Céline created Phoenix Global Green School as one of the first vegan schools in the United States. The school's unique program combines environmental stewardship, multilingual education, organic gardening, plant-based nutrition, arts, music, science, and hands-on learning experiences that help children develop compassion for themselves, others, animals, and the planet.
Over the past 14 years, Céline and her team have positively impacted hundreds of families through sustainable gardening, environmental literacy, and plant-based food education. Her work encourages children to understand the connection between personal choices, community well-being, and the health of our planet.
Regognitions
Céline's leadership and dedication have earned numerous recognitions, including Green Business Certification from Los Angeles County (2024), a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives presented by Congressman Jimmy Gomez, Wildlife Habitat Certification, recognition by VoyageLA as one of Los Angeles' Inspirational People two times, and the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in Green Education from Project Green Schools. This prestigious award honors individuals whose lifelong dedication to environmental and STEAM education has created meaningful impact in schools and communities across the United States and around the world.
Through her vision, creativity, and unwavering commitment, Céline continues to inspire children, families, and educators to build a more sustainable, compassionate, and environmentally conscious future.
Alice, Xuiling Xu
Chinese Mandarin Teacher
Coming soon!
Elene Dee
French Artist: Singer, Vocalist, Composer, Musician, International Vocal coach
Bonjour!
My name is Elene Dee, singer, vocalist, composer, musician, international vocal coach. This year I’ll share my talent with your children at Phoenix global green school as I feel my desire is to give to younger individuals my artistic richness. My approach in vocal work, music, and movement, is above all to respect the personality of the children, teach them to use their potential, build with their qualities, give them tools to develop their senses through music, help them to channel their energy, give them balance, knowledge, and finally vocal technics. They will learn how to breathe and how to listen to their own voice. Practicing an art makes the chills grow in great confidence and boost the self-esteem.
"Je donne également des cours individuels de chant afin de faire travailler l'enfant sur lui-même, de se concentrer sur ses réels besoins d'expression, de développer ses dons, la personnalité de l'enfant à travers un travail vocal de manière plus directe."
Ramon Duran
Spanish Teacher
Hola!
My name is Ramon Duran. I was born and raised in Boyle Heights and am proud to be a second-generation Latino with family roots in Nochistlán, Zacatecas. Growing up surrounded by culture, art, and community helped shape who I am today.
I'm currently working toward my Associate Teacher's Permit, and I feel truly passionate about working with children.
I love seeing the world through their eyes—their energy, imagination, and honesty inspire me every day. As an artist, I especially enjoy teaching kids how to express themselves creatively through art.
I also believe that language is a powerful tool for connection and identity. Teaching Spanish to children is a way for me to help them connect with their roots, embrace diversity, and grow more confident in who they are.
I'm excited to be part of their journey and to help them discover their own voices—both in art and in language.
Caroline Sandoval
French Teacher
Bonjour,
My name is Caroline Sandoval. I am a French teacher and assistant teacher at Phoenix Global Green School. I was born in Italy and raised in France. My mom was also a teacher and so is my youngest daughter. I started working at the Green School 10 years ago, first as the chef, and then as an assistant teacher, with the help of Miss Céline who sponsored me to study at UCLA. I am now a fully accredited Preschool teacher. When the school closed during the Covid epidemic, I was in charge of a pod of French learners second graders studying online. Then I joined their school, an Elementary school as an assistant French teacher for the French Kindergarten and First grade class. I am very happy and honored to be back at Phoenix, and to teach your wonderful children. I am currently in the afternoons tutoring French elementary school children, and adults as well.
Jasmin Wolff
Vegan Cook, Facilities & Garden Specialist
Coming Soon!
Hello!
I’m Sanjay Gupta, a local fruit tree expert and a Los Angeles native.
At Phoenix Global Green School, I manage the school garden. We have now planted a dozen fruit trees.
My favorite things to grow are peaches and arugula.
I’m passionate about addressing climate change and believe that one of the best ways to connect people to the land is through growing their own food.
Working with the children in the garden brings me joy because it gives them the chance to experience nature firsthand and discover the rewards of planting, caring for, and harvesting what they eat.
You can follow more of my work on Instagram at @orchardhour.
Celia Gurney
Drama Teacher
Bonjour!
My name is Celia Gurney. I'm a French teacher assistant and drama teacher at Phoenix Global Green School. I've been working with kids for over 20 years — starting as a babysitter and later becoming a nanny, camp counselor, and au pair in France. While I was an au pair, I completed the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF), where I assisted seven middle and high school teachers at a Parisian public school. I also learned French at the Cours Civilisation Française de La Sorbonne.
Since returning to the US three years ago, I've continued my teaching journey. I was in the inaugural class of Multi-State Pathways to Teaching French, a partner program of ACTFL and the French embassy. Additionally, I've taught improv comedy to adults around town (sometimes in French) — and I'm ready to get kids in on the fun! Improv instills so many important interpersonal skills, like listening, focus, empathy, teamwork, and using humor to break tension & put others at ease. I believe combining improv with language learning supercharges growth in both areas.
Nathalie Royo
French Teacher
Bonjour!
My name is Nathalie and I am from Bordeaux, France. I have a background in early childhood education. I have been a lifelong childcare provider. I graduated with an associate degree in Education from CERPE in Paris in December 2006. Later, I continued early education coursework at UCLA to obtain my Early Childhood Education Certificate in June 2021.
I also have several years experience working within different environments. From a bilingual French-Spanish preschool in Madrid (in 2008) to a few French preschools in Los Angeles which includes already PGGS a few years ago after I moved to the USA. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading books, dancing, singing and I love to share these passions with the children and participate in fine motor and gross motor activities. I have moved to California with my husband since April 2009 and we have lived in the San Fernando Valley with our daughter Hanaé since 2016.
Yann Redon
French teacher aide
Bonjour!
My name is Yann. I am bilingual in French and English.
My father is French. My mother is American. I was raised here in the United States of America. I attended a French immersion elementary school through fifth grade. I visit my family in France each year during the summer.
I am currently looking to attend UCLA to obtain my Early Childhood Education Certification.
Growing up, I worked as a Ski and Snowboard Instructor. I also briefly worked as a French Immersion Pre-school Teacher. I have a strong passion for education. Nothing is more exciting for me than seeing my students progress throughout the duration of the year. It is one of the greatest senses of accomplishment.
I’m excited to be here at Phoenix Global Green School.
À bientôt ! 😊
Team Members
Phoenix Global Green School is always offering great opportunities to Teachers/Artists to grow in a Beautiful and Very Healthy environment School with Art, Science and Library/Music Classrooms and gardens full of fruit trees, plants and outdoors wildlife and endless school materials & unusual tools.
Be ready to be considered as a out of ordinary teacher and share your passion with us. You are citizens of the world sharing your culture and language throughout exciting activities and educating our students with daily life experiences.
At PGGS, we are recruiting people who think outside of the box, are creative, dancers, musicians, singers, real artists & scientists and particularly in love with Nature and looking forward to teaching how to love and protect it!
We are always looking for Native speaking teachers capable to teach in Immersion French, Spanish or Chinese/Mandarin language.
If this is exactly you, please send us your resume and a cover letter explaining why you feel to be the perfect candidate to work with our so special and unique Educational team!
Contact us at: Info@phoenixglobalgreenschool.org