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4th Grade

Mrs. Peterson

I was born and raised in Lakewood, California. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Craig, since 1988. We have 3 children. Our daughter, Taylor, is married to her amazing husband, Seth. They have 2 children: a daughter named Sawyer (2), and a son, Beau (1). We have a son named Tanner, who is a professional lighting director and is currently on tour with a country group. And, our youngest son, Trevor, graduated from Belmont University and is an interior designer. We have a golden retriever named Bebe ,(he is a rescue and came with that name) and a cat named Hobbes. I love relaxing at home, by the pool or at the beach with a good book. This is my 27th year at Madrona and my 35th year of teaching! I did teach 4th grade 28 years ago. I am very excited to begin this new school year. 

I attended California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and obtained my Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts, Elementary Education along with my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.  I received a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from United States International University in 1990.  

Ms. Zhao

Hi all! My name is Coco Zhao and I'm so excited to be teaching the 4/5th combo class at Madroña Academy this year! Previously, I have taught 5th and 2nd grade in the La Cañada and Glendale school districts, respectively. I was born and raised in the 626 region of the San Gabriel Valley, and I love that I get to call California my home. I earned my Bachelor's degree and my teaching credential from Pepperdine University, where I majored in Liberal Arts for Education and minored in Hispanic Studies. I also just recently got engaged to my fiancée, who I met at Pepperdine, and we can't wait to celebrate our wedding next year! In my free time, I like reading fiction novels, watching my favorite tv shows, eating dessert, and spending time with my friends and family. I also love cooking, listening to Taylor Swift at the beach, and cheering for my LA Rams.