Meet Our Team
Founder, Director and Lead Learning Instigator
Kyle Gamba
he/him
Kyle is our fearless leader and lead learning instigator. One of our students once described Kyle as a "walking icebreaker," which perfectly describes his people-person attitude. Kyle most loves the community aspect of La Luz. He instills important life skills in our students: keeping their playfulness as they get older, giving a proper handshake, and the finer points of pickleball. His staff appreciates his infectious positivity and the trust he affords them as education professionals.
Academic Student Success Coordinator, Guide and School Designer
Andrea Nieto
they/she
Andrea has been irreplaceable at La Luz for three years now. Her favorite part of each day is Gather, when students meet as a group and connect by answering questions such as "How are you? No, really, how are you?" and "What famous person would you cast to play you in the movie version of your life?" She is appreciated by students for her use of on-point dad jokes. Among the staff, she's appreciated for her sarcasm and her ability to hold down the fort day-to-day.
Guide and School Designer
Cory Olson
he/him
Cory has been with La Luz for two years now following his experience as a secondary education teacher.
He champions the idea that mistakes are an important part of learning, and integrates the celebration of mistakes into his time with our students. Cory is a strong proponent of our core value of striving to "Human Better," and is passionate about the fields of math and science.
Guide and School Designer
Katie Vlasoff
they/them
Katie is new to La Luz, but is experienced as both a formal education teacher and an informal educator. They have worked as a park ranger with NPS and USFWS and as an educator in science museums.
Katie believes that holistic learning creates a stronger, more capable, and more interconnected society. When not teaching, Katie enjoys crafting, watching horror movies, researching a bug they just saw, and trying desperately to bake one decent loaf of bread.
Guide and School Designer
Noah Schwalger
he/him
Noah is very excited to join the La Luz team as a guide. He has spent the last two school years as a special education paraeducator, along with the last eight years working at a summer camp.
Noah believes middle schoolers are the most powerful group of individuals, and is looking forward to all the greatness that the La Luz students will achieve throughout the year. He loves music of all kinds, video games, movies, and sports. When he's not at La Luz, you will find Noah bowling, making music, or hanging out with his family. He has bowled a perfect 300 and has his bowling balls with him at all time.
Forest School Guide
Ryan Pleune
he/him
Ryan has been with La Luz for two years, and joins our students as our designated Forest School Guide once a week. He enjoys teaching our students how to safely make fires, how to carve and use outdoor tools, and champions the prioritization of self-directed play. Students love him for his passion and playfulness. Staff appreciates his long voice memos and dedication to our students.