University Field Supervisors
Amy Byrne
Amy Byrne earned her BA and K-8 teaching credential from California Lutheran University. She has spent the last 20+ years working in the field of education. She has taught third grade, reading and math intervention, and English language learners. Amy also has her MA in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in educational technology. In addition, she has been working with deaf and hard of hearing students, promoting appropriate auditory access and working to ensure appropriate modifications and accommodations are in place.
Jennaca Cotton
Jennaca Cotton earned her BA and teaching credential from Pepperdine University. She taught first grade for almost a decade and currently works as a literary specialist at a private elementary school in Los Angeles. She has an MA in reading instruction from Loyola Marymount University and is working towards an EdD in educational leadership from the University of Southern California. Jennaca has worked with pre-service and in-service teachers for many years as a mentor and support provider, which is her favorite role thus far.
Negin Mahmoudi
Negin Mahmoudi has been working in public education for the past decade after earning her BA in History and Masters of Education and Secondary Teaching Credential from UCLA. She has taught various grade levels and subjects, and worked with numerous populations of students including those classified as English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and students in advanced placement courses. During her years teaching, she also served as an instructional coach, restorative justice coordinator and mentor teacher to a handful of student teachers from various universities. Most recently, Negin earned another Masters in Education, this time in Educational Leadership from UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute where she also worked towards earning her Administrative Credential.
Madeleine Sherak
Madeleine Sherak earned her PhD in comparative education from the University of Maryland studying school systems around the world. She has taught various grade levels as well as prospective teachers at the University of Maryland and holds a California teaching credential in secondary math. Madeleine is currently a student teacher field supervisor at both Pepperdine University and California Lutheran University.
In addition to being a field supervisor, Madeleine is developing an animated film at Twentieth Century Fox and her debut children's picture book, Superheroes Club, published in October 2017. She is also a board member of numerous philanthropic organizations including the Fulfillment Fund, Partners in Discovery, Sherak Family Foundation, Tom Sherak MS Hope Foundation, and True Spark.
Jerry Tintor
Jerry Tintor has taught at all grades 1-12 throughout his 39 year career in Los Angeles Unified School District. In addition to teaching, he has served as a math/science/computer coordinator, resource specialist, music teacher, and mentor teacher. Jerry has taught in bilingual classrooms and has worked with children with mild to moderate learning disabilities and special needs.
Jane Woodwell
Jane Woodwell earned her BA From Carleton College and her Master’s from Yale University. She is certified in elementary education, high school science, and holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard’s joint program in education and business. She taught at the Malibu Elementary School for seven years, where she also served on the Site Governance Committee. After teaching fourth grade at Viewpoint School in Calabasas for 10 years, she joined the administration as the Assistant Head of the Primary School for six additional years. Jane also taught the Science Methods class at Pepperdine for several years. She lives on the Pepperdine Campus, and her husband, Chris Soper, is a member of the Pepperdine faculty.