Johanna Petosa Teacher		Born and raised in Kaernten, Austria 1997 graduated High School for Economics and Gastronomy 1999 graduated Private Academy for Language and Business 1999 – 2000 practical training at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California Married in 2000;  three children, Sophia (7), Michael (5) and Cornelius (6 months) 2002 finished home studies for Medical Billing and opened a Medical Billing Business 2003 founded Die Rasselbande Co-op with Heike Paulsen 2004 until present taking classes in Early Childhood Education at Community College in San Diego 2008 completed all units required for an assistant director of a preschool
Lara Brown Teacher		I was born in the United States, my mother is German, and my father is American.  Being a ‘navy brat’ I lived the first half of my life in Europe -  in London, England and Naples, Italy.  I spent most vacations with my Oma and Opa in Oldenburg, and other German family.    Germany and the culture have always been a second home for me.. My mother and grandparents always spoke exclusively German with me, and I enjoyed a large library of German books. When I was 9 we moved to San Diego.  I attended the Saturday school for a while, and continued my visits to Germany. University took me to Davis, California where I planned to study veterinary medicine.  Like so many students (70% I believe) I changed my major and received a degree in Rhetoric and communication.   After graduating in 1991 I returned to San Diego and started working for the zoological society.  I gave monorail tours for a few years, then became a zookeeper at the World Famous San Diego Zoo.  I worked there for 5 years before injuring my back.  Instead of major back surgery, I elected to go back to school and got my CA teaching credential and Masters of Education.  From 2000 to 2005 I taught elementary school; Kindergarden through 8th grade.  I also taught Science Adventures after school programs and summer camp, and Animania (a science standard based classroom program featuring exotic animals).   I really enjoy being in the classroom and working with children. Now having children of my own, it is important to me to pass on the German language and traditions on to them, as well as have a schedule which allows me to spend time with them.  I joined Die Rasselbande when it was still a coop in February 2005, and was able to bring my son with me.  It has been fun to watch the school grow and evolve during the last 3 years.   My eldest still attends, and my youngest will join when he turns 2.  I love sharing my cultural heritage and language with others, and enjoy being in the classroom. In my free time I enjoy outdoor photography as well as hiking and reading, and spending time with my family.