Our Team Bios
Oasis Trilingual Community School Staff
Clarke Sumner, Head of School
Ms. Clarke believes that education is a facilitative process, where students can self-direct their own learning through inquiry. As an integral part in designing the curriculum at Oasis, Clarke utilizes the power of motivation and choice to engage students’ curiosity and make learning fun!
After growing up in Chicago, she completed dual degrees in Middle Childhood Early Adolescent Education and Spanish Teaching through the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire and the Universidad de Valladolid in Spain. She holds certifications in Reading Instruction and Assessment, Next Generation Science Standards, English Learner Instruction and Assessment, ACTFL Spanish Proficiency and edTPA Mastery Level Teacher Performance. When she is not teaching, she loves to spend time with her husband, family and friends. She enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and trying new things. Clarke looks forward to another amazing year at Oasis, and to help students strengthen a passion for learning!
Eva Neuer, Program Director
Ms. Eva has worked as a teacher and administrator in grades TK-9 at public, charter, and private schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary & Kindergarten Education from Penn State and her Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Reading Education from Chapman University. She holds Multiple Subjects and Administrative Services Credentials, as well as the California Bilingual Certificate of Competence for K-12 teachers.
She is fluent in Spanish, German, and English and is, of course, learning Mandarin at Oasis! When not at school, you’ll likely find her at the park or track walking, running, and enjoying the outdoors. Eva looks forward to working side-by-side with students, staff, and families this coming school year, supporting each individual to be their best as part of our community.
Kimberly Aceves - Spanish, Social Studies, Enrichment
Ms. Kimberly is an experienced Preschool Teacher and taught English and Spanish in Taiwan during an internship. She earned a B.A. from Cal Poly Pomona in English Literature. Kimberly enjoys working at Oasis because they provide students and families the opportunity to build tolerance of different cultures and diverse perspectives, which she believes is essential in a child’s education. In addition, she finds it rewarding to help shape children’s characters at a young age to help enforce the confidence and motivation for them to be successful not just academically but also in their personal life.
Outside of school, Kimberly enjoys adventures with her three-year-old pug, Bucky, and spending time with her loved ones. Kimberly is thrilled to be a part of Oasis and learn from the children as much as they will learn from her.
Sharyhan Hneiti, Spanish, Social Studies, Science, Enrichment
Ms. Shary is thrilled to continue teaching at Oasis. Shary knows all about trilingualism, growing up in a trilingual household herself where her family spoke Spanish, English and Arabic! She loves learning languages and helping students learn Spanish as well.
Shary has over six years of teaching experience and has a degree in Child Development and certificates in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Shary loves using songs and hands-on activities in her classroom. When she is not teaching, you can find Ms. Shary enjoying time with friends, family, her pet dog, dancing, and traveling.
Deanna Bakker, Community Liaison and English/ Math
Ms. Deanna is in her 4th year at Oasis with Kindergarten and 1st grade! In addition she serves as Community Liaison offering parent education courses, reaching out about Oasis Community events, and leading Student Council/Leadership.
Oasis resonates with her values of culturally-responsive whole-child learning and hands-on education. Deanna graduated with honors with a BFA in Musical Theater from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles and worked professionally in the L.A. theater scene. She received her Master’s in Education and Elementary Teaching Credential at the University of Colorado, Denver, and later received her California Teaching Credential, When she is not teaching, Deanna enjoys baking, hiking, crocheting, and finding hidden gems around the city. She looks forward to exploring the exciting world of education (and life) with her students.
WanChien Fei - Mandarin, Math, Science
Ms. WanChien previously taught high school and college students in Taiwan. In the United States she has taught Elementary and Secondary students. She holds a B.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from MIng Chuan University in Taiwan, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of South Florida. She appreciates being a part of Oasis with its welcoming environment and trilingual setting.
When not working, WanChien takes time to be with family and loved ones including her dog Lark. She enjoys watching documentaries, Korean dramas, action movies, and Marvel movies in particular. She looks forward to creating a fun and engaging classroom where students meet their goals.
Xizi Yin, Mandarin, Math, Science
Yin Laoshi is in her 4th year at Oasis Trilingual Community School teaching Mandarina, Math, and Science. She has been teaching for seven years and really enjoys how no day is the same when teaching. She started her teaching career in Beijing Normal University and received her graduate degree there as well. After that, she completed a M.A. in teaching Chinese as a second language at Clarkson University, NY.
After living on the East Coast for two years, she and her husband took a road trip traveling around America for three months at which point they decided to move to Los Angeles. Yin Laoshi is delighted to be part of the positive and caring team at Oasis. She enjoys life, and would like to take her students on a discovery of the beautiful things in life.
Gia Ellis – Office Manager and After School Teacher
Ms. Gia lived in France and Ireland where she worked tutoring and nannying children. That experience reinforced Gia’s natural affinity for children and her love for languages. Being fluent in French has sparked a desire to master as many languages as possible. Ms. Gia’s zeal to learn Spanish and Mandarin inspires Oasis students to keep trying as they learn together to perfect their own skills!
Harry Ralston – Operations Director
Mr. Harry is one of the Oasis co-founders, and has served as a board member, technology teacher, and in other capacities. A graduate of Syracuse University, he has worked as a writer and creative director at several top twenty agencies. He has written award-winning screenplays and television shows for MTV, Paramount, Animal Planet, and Comedy Central.
He and Tamara Hernandez formed Productive Playhouse in 2008 producing, writing and directing several successful children’s series over the following years focused on teaching fundamental skills. To date the company’s work has won nine parenting and educational awards. Harry also oversees a research division of the production company, focused on doing language projects for various tech clients.
Joyce Hsiao – Mandarin Language Advisor
Joyce Hsiao brings a wealth of teaching and administrative experience to Oasis Trilingual Community School. She has served in numerous capacities such as a classroom teacher in a Mandarin Dual Language Program, a Mentor Teacher for LAUSD’s Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Induction, and an assistant advisor for school site principal. Joyce has been a proactive K-5 classroom teacher for 15 years.
Joyce holds a B.S. in Psychology from University at Buffalo, a Master’s in Education from UCLA, and is a National Board Certified teacher proficient in Mandarin. As the Mandarin Language Advisor of Oasis Trilingual Community School, Joyce works closely with the administrators and Mandarin teachers to ensure academic quality and the achievement of Oasis vision.