About the Teachers


Frau Brown

My name is Lara Brown.  I have lived in San Diego for over 30 years.  Before that I lived in London, England; Naples, Italy; Virginia (navy brat), and with my grandparents and family in Germany every summer and most other vacations.

 I graduated from UC Davis and returned to San Diego.  I worked at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park for a number of years as a zookeeper before returning to school and getting my teaching credential and Master's of Education.  I taught at a French Immersion school for several years, and when I had my own children I started work at Die Rasselbande German immersion preschool, where I worked from 2006-2015.  I started teaching at AEA in 2015, but I was a regular volunteer in my two sons' classrooms starting in 2009.  

 On a personal note, I love nature photography, singing, playing piano and guitar, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, hiking and pretty much anything outdoors.  I have two boys, one 17 who attends  High Tech High, and one 20 who attends college.  Mr. Brown and I will be celebrating our 23rd anniversary this fall.



Ms. Johnson

My name is Nicole Johnson and this will be my 12th year teaching kindergarten, and my fourth year full-time at AEA. I was introduced to AEA eight years ago when I substituted all around the school. I fell in love with the school as I explored the campus and got to know the team.

 I was born and raised in San Diego. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development and minor in Asian American Studies from San Jose State University. After that, I obtained my Master's Degree and Elementary Teaching Credential from UC Irvine. I started my teaching career at an IB influenced school in Mission Viejo, and fell in love with the model. I am very excited to continue teaching in an IB school as I fully believe in and love the IB philosophy which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

I have a 3 year old son named Ethan and I spend most of my time with him exploring around San Diego. I also enjoy spending time with the rest of my family, rock climbing, camping, going to the zoo, and painting. 

Frau Holt

My name is Eryn Holt and this is my 22nd year teaching Kindergarten at AEA. I grew up in Williamsport, PA and spent my high school junior year in Germany as an exchange student, learning German and LOVING every minute of it.  

After getting my BA in International Business at San Diego State I moved to Germany and worked there for two years.  Upon returning to CA, I literally stumbled into teaching here at AEA.  The school was entering its second year and desperately needed German speaking teachers.  I accepted the kindergarten position and returned to school to gain my teaching credential and Masters in Education. 

I'm proud to say that I have witnessed AEA through thick and thin and I can’t imagine a school where I would be happier to teach!

When I am not at school, my husband of 22 years, my three boys (Anderson-20, Oliver-17, Felix-12) and I spend a lot of time on and at the soccer field.  I enjoy sewing and knitting as well as baking and traveling with my family. 

Mrs. Findlay

Almost a San Diego native, I grew up in Mira Mesa.  My parents and extended family are still in Southern California, but my sister and brother-in-law moved to my home state of Florida recently. My wife, son, and I enjoy living in Normal Heights with our 2 dogs, Roxie and Nacho. They keep us on our toes! Our son will be a freshman at San Diego High School and he also keeps us busy, as he is an avid dancer.

I graduated from UCSD with a Visual Arts BA and a minor in Education and Political Science National University as well as a MS Educational Technology.  I have taught TK-6th for 15 years in National City - 9 of which were in TK & K.  I have been at AEA for 9 years teaching 3rd & I am thrilled to return to Kindergarten this year!

I am a "Jane of All Trades and Master of None" when it comes to hobbies. This means, I enjoy doing lots of different things, but not one single passion.  Photography, videography, hiking, traveling, gardening, baking, sewing, singing karaoke, and kayaking are a few of my interests -- but really, I just like to stay busy and try new things...that aren't too dangerous! Lately, it's been watching the Olympics. Watching these athletes is such an exciting opportunity - and in PARIS! My favorite city!

                   Ms





 Ms 




Frau Van Doren (German Aide)

Growing up in Alaska for me meant 9 months of winter. The short summers were spent in a walled-in city which would one day return to being Germany’s capital and cultural center: Berlin. As a result, I grew up speaking Denglisch (Deutsch and English) and folk dancing along with the other children in our German/Austrian/Swiss and even French community. In terms of education, my father could have attended university at the age of ten and in kind treated me like an adult from a young age. Through him I learned to love cultures, history, languages and to ask lots of questions.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Arts and Sciences for Film and Television from San Diego State University with the dream of making documentaries. Instead, I became a news reporter and a weather anchor and producer. Then I found teaching. I obtained my Multiple Subject Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Now I get to investigate, create, think and learn in “realtime” alongside my students. I hope to kindle the same love of learning and critical thinking inside my students as my father did in me. For the last several years now I have been working either as a substitute, a part-time teacher, or a one on one tutor, always in the German language, and always connected with Albert Einstein Academy.

When I am not working, I am either studying through Goethe Institute or another Forum in which to further my education as a GSL (German as a Second Language) Instructor. 

Ms. Nancy (English Aide)

My name is Nancy Melcher.  This is my 5th year working as the English Aide in Kindergarten at AEA.  I really believe I have the best job in the whole world!  I love working with kindergartners.  Their imagination, excitement for life and their hugs make every day happy for me.  

I attended college at San Diego State University where I got my BA.  I was also able to go overseas and spend time in Moscow Russia teaching English to kindergartners and this is where I fell in love with teaching, especially kindergarten-age children.  I have three children of my own:  Jack (19), Charly (16) and Violet (13).   I felt so lucky when my son got picked for a spot as a kindergartner at AEA so many years ago and we have been with the school ever since. I am looking forward to working with this amazing team of kindergarten teachers and all 144 kids this year!

Our family loves baseball.  Our dream is to visit every MLB stadium....currently we have 9 down, 21 more to go! Also, I love to ride bikes, roller skate, hike, swim and take pictures.