About Ms. Davidson & Mrs. Dees

Ms. Davidson
Sarah is thrilled to begin her third year at St. Mark as a TK Teacher! In 2015, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University. She began her educational career in the public school system spending one year in Downey as a reading interventionist and three years in Hawthorne, where she taught kindergarten for two years and third grade for one year before coming to St. Mark. 

Sarah is passionate about making a positive difference in a child’s life. By creating a safe and nurturing TK environment, all students feel welcome to be themselves, take risks, and know that it’s okay to make mistakes. Sarah loves to provide creative lessons that are meaningful and engages all students, using diverse methods of instruction to allow for auditory, kinesthetic, and visual learners to be successful. Sarah finds so much joy teaching in the TK classroom and loves shaping the minds of such kind-hearted, curious, and passionate young learners. 

Fun facts about Ms. Davidson: 
Family=Everything, Dog Lover, Active Enthusiast, Aspirational Cook

Mrs. Dees
Elizabeth Dees considers early childhood education to be her calling.  The 2021-2022 school year will be her tenth year teaching, and sixth year leading TK at St. Mark.  She began her career in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she spent four years teaching Preschool at St. Andrew School before moving to sunny California.  

Mrs. Dees attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.  While pursuing her Bachelor's degree, Mrs. Dees played Division I soccer – Go Huskies!  Continuing her education at NIU, in 2012 she earned a Master's of Education in Early Childhood and an endorsement in Special Education, as well as her Professional Educator License.

Mrs. Dees is dedicated to creating a loving and supportive learning environment.  In the TK classroom, each child can feel safe to take risks and make mistakes.  She believes in the profound effect of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) on the personal and academic development of young children.  Mrs. Dees prepares her students to become empathetic and caring members of a community by teaching important life skills such as problem solving, appropriate communication, and how to regulate emotions.  She is passionate about the education of young children and finds joy in their true love of learning and their desire for knowledge!

"Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." – Winnie the Pooh

Outside of school, Mrs. Dees loves to spend time with her husband and their daughter, Lola.  She also enjoys going to the beach, going for walks and being with family and friends.