Emily Derbish

Lower Middle School Learning Leader

A California girl through and through, Emily Derbish grew up not far from the Central Coast in Ventura. She stayed in Southern California for her higher education, earning a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, followed by a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from USC Rossier School of Education. She taught middle school humanities and enrichment classes at Alliance Valera Middle Academy in Los Angeles for seven years before joining SLOCA in 2024. Emily was immediately drawn to the school’s nurturing and supportive atmosphere, which prepares students to be lifelong learners. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying delicious food, hiking with her husband, and spending time with her Spaniel/Collie pup, Adam.