Our Team
At Santa Cruz Learning Center, we believe that every child is capable of success—and our team is built around that belief. When you entrust your child to us, you can expect that their teachers:
- Are deeply aligned with our mission and share in the belief that every child can thrive.
- See challenges as opportunities for growth—not roadblocks.
- Bring compassion, patience, and understanding to every interaction, working respectfully with a diverse community of students and families.
- Are committed to discovering the unique way your child learns best—and supporting them on their path to understanding.
- Strive to build responsibility and independence, knowing these are essential skills for lifelong success.
- Believe in growing alongside their students through ongoing training, feedback, and collaboration.
We're proud to have a team that shares these values and brings them to life in every classroom, every day.
Jennifer Schacher
EMAIL: JennSCLC1@gmail.com
I have always loved exploring. When I was younger I was able to spend a summer studying ecosystems in Australia through the University of Queensland, studied over spring breaks marine biology in the Florida Keys, and traveled to Florida to rebuild houses with Habitat for Humanity. I have always loved this planet we call Earth and want to cultivate exciting ways to learn on the 3rd rock from the sun. I am a mom who is passionate about learning. When my children were younger I taught STEM classes at a local park. Mixing my love of nature and learning we built roly poly houses, investigated pulleys, and created art. among many other things. This led me to instruct classes for WPAL at their youth center. I have also been a Cub Scout leader for my daughter's Cub Scout troop for the last 2 years. Children see the world with wonder and curiosity and I want them to integrate that curiosity into their daily lives.
Jason "Jay" Dane
EMAIL: JaySCLC@gmail.com
Hi, I’m Jason Dane. I’m a veteran teacher with 23 years of wide-ranging experience in education. I began my teaching career in Trenton, New Jersey back in 2001 and have worked with students of all ages—from first grade through high school. I first joined the Santa Cruz Learning Center team in 2017, and after taking a year off, I’m thrilled to be back at one of the best educational institutions in California.
My goal is to create a learning environment that’s positive, fun, and relaxed—where students feel comfortable being themselves while also staying accountable and productive. I love weaving real-life lessons into the curriculum to help prepare students not just for tests, but for the journey ahead.
Outside the classroom, you’ll usually find me outdoors hiking or working in the garden. I’m also a big foodie and enjoy chill-hop and downtempo music. My sidekick is Cylus, my lovable dog who comes with me just about everywhere.
Malika Bell, M.S. Owner, Founder, Director
EMAIL: SantaCruzLearningCenter@gmail.com
Hi, I’m Malika Bell, the Founder and Director of Santa Cruz Learning Center. I started SCLC in 2009, and since 2014 I’ve been working here full-time—teaching, mentoring, and creating programs that support students of all ages. I currently teach a wide range of subjects both in person and online, including physical and biological sciences, math, English, criminology, and psychology. In addition to teaching, I offer academic coaching to help students build executive function skills, improve study habits, and become more independent learners. I also design our homeschool courses, summer camps, STEAM Studio labs, and science and art-themed birthday parties.
Before launching SCLC, I spent several years at UC Santa Cruz, first as the Education Coordinator for the Center for Adaptive Optics, and later as the Director of STEM Diversity Programs. There, I supported undergraduate and graduate students through mentorship, academic development, and research opportunities as part of programs like MARC, IMSD, UC LEADS, and Bridge to the Doctorate.
I’m a proud re-entry student and Santa Cruz local. I got my start at Cabrillo College, where I found incredible support and eventually transferred to UC Santa Cruz to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. My research focused on marine natural products and bioinorganic chemistry, but my heart has always been in teaching.
I love helping students grow in confidence, develop strong academic habits, and discover how they learn best. When I’m not at the center—which is rare!—you’ll find me crafting, gardening, camping at the lake, or spending time with my family and our three Frenchies.
Melanie Clark, M.A.
EMAIL: MelanieSCLC@gmail.com
My name is Melanie Clark and I am an instructor here at the Santa Cruz Learning Center. I have an extensive background in teaching and interacting with all types of different learners. I have a Master’s of Arts in Educational Psychology and a BA in Communicative Disorders and Sciences with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. I really love working here at the Center for many reasons. I love all the varieties of information we are able to convey to our students. I also love that giving and building confidence are really important for all teachers here. This ensures that we are able to have fun and give tons of exciting hands-on experiences. We have snakes, dogs, and other sweet little animals that we get to interact with on a daily basis. Overall I really appreciate the care and thoughtfulness that goes into all of our lessons and relationships here at the Santa Cruz Learning Center (SCLC).
Come be a part of our learning. SCLC Rocks!!!!
Tiffany Smith
EMAIL: TiffanySCLC@gmail.com
Hi there! I'm Miss Tiffany, a dedicated homeschool mom, animal lover, and avid supporter of alternative education. I have a passion for travel, as it is yet another wonderful way to educate yourself and broaden your horizons.
In 2008, after earning my Bachelor's in Science of Education and Special Education, I moved to Italy and taught for 6 months on our military base in Naples, Italy.
Growing up in San Diego, I spent every moment I could out on the ocean surfing or hiking in the surrounding hills.
In addition to homeschooling my two boys, I have worked with students of ALL ages and backgrounds. From infants to kindergarten all the way up to age 55! I have taught in gen ed classrooms, worked with moderate to severe students, and provided support with life skills training for adults with disabilities. I have also managed a local pottery studio in Gilroy, where I led classes that were designed to foster a love for creating within the community.
My love for travel, the arts, and the outdoors has translated into my view of how we should be providing educational opportunities for our younger generations.
I look forward to the coming school year and working with you students!
Christy Avila, M.A.
EMAIL: ChristySCLC@gmail.com
Hello! I'm Christy, an encouraging and compassionate educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. My teaching journey began at Martin Murphy Middle School in the Morgan Hill Unified School District. I hold a master's degree in Communication Studies from San Jose State University. I pursued my passion for teaching at the community college level, serving at San Jose City College and Gavilan College for over a decade each.
Now, I am thrilled to return to middle school education, where I eagerly engage with students and their vibrant classroom energy. I was delighted to be introduced to Santa Cruz Learning Center when my son began homeschooling last school year. I'm excited to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to making a positive impact on our students' educational journeys.
Tim Howse
EMAIL: TimothySCLC@gmail.com
Lover of Nature, animals, and my fellow human beings. I was homeschooled K-12 while growing up in Michigan and working in my family’s chocolate shop. I have always had a passion for music and art. After a two-year service mission in Chile, I got a bachelor's degree in Art Education with a minor in Spanish. I then taught Spanish and Art around Tampa Bay Florida for five years.
My wife Luz and I have been homeschooling our four girls, and since 2017, the six of us have been performing in our family reggae band around SF Bay and Santa Cruz. Along with music, art, and teaching, I also authored and illustrated two books; one about taking care of the Earth, and one about philosophy and metaphysics.
I see all humans as my equals. So as a teacher, I share what I know in a down-to-earth fashion. Teaching at the Santa Cruz Learning Center is great for that kind of individualized learning that can be adapted to the needs and levels of each student.