“Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for students and parents is important to me. I want to encourage and empower children in their educational journey. ”
Samantha Fearnley
Office Manager
VDA Office Manager since 2023
Tell me a little about your personal and educational background.
I grew up in Chino, California, attending the local public schools. My passion for creativity and design led me to pursue a BA in Theater, specializing in Set Design and Technical Direction. I was able to design two shows in college, and I loved it. I served as an assistant Technical Director on numerous other productions. I have always had a unique approach to learning—I would dress up as Salvador Dali and present “my” ideas on surrealism. I would spend hours painting and cutting cardboard to create visuals for essays and reports. Having personalized my own engaging learning experience, I developed a deep appreciation for educational environments that prioritize a child's love for learning over external pressures.
What makes you an asset to VanDamme Academy?
I believe my organizational skills and creativity will greatly contribute to my role as the office manager at VanDamme Academy. Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for students and parents is important to me. I want to encourage and empower children in their educational journey.
What brought you to VanDamme Academy?
After watching VanDamme Academy's documentary, "A Little Candle," I was drawn to their unique teaching approach. The emphasis on allowing children to learn because what they were learning was so valuable and compelling resonated with me. It would be a privilege for me to contribute my administrative skills to an organization that shares my passion for making education a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I really enjoy playing board games with my friends. I love decorating my home for themed dinner parties and learning new recipes. Additionally, I have a passion for carpentry and take pleasure in designing props for local theater, orchestra, and dance shows in my garage workshop. I love any opportunity to be creative, eat great food, and be in good company.
