Kindergarten Lead Teacher Rachel Hedgepath '13 has experienced Wildwood in a way few others can claim–as a Wildwood lifer! Her journey began back in 2000 as a kindergarten student. After graduating as a member of the Class of 2013, she earned a BA from Clark University in Massachusetts before returning to Southern California and starting her career in education. It’s a passion that runs deep within her family. In fact, her mother (fondly known as "Mrs. H") has been a beloved member of Wildwood’s middle school faculty for more than 20 years.
After teaching and serving as a DEIB coordinator at another Los Angeles independent school, Rachel returned to Wildwood as a 4th grade teacher in 2023, transitioning to kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year.
"I could not be more excited to return to the community that helped me become the educator that I am today," Rachel says, and is particularly eager to share her love of learning with elementary students.
"I am drawn to elementary because I enjoy the level of self-awareness and empathy my students develop over the course of the year," Rachel says. "These years are filled with self-discovery, and I love watching my students learn to advocate for themselves along with becoming upstanders for the causes they believe in."
Beyond the classroom, Rachel finds joy in artistic pursuits. "I recently began taking a weekly pottery class and often paint on the weekends," Rachel says.
Make no mistake though, Rachel’s favorite place is her classroom. "It is a space that is consistently filled with joy and laughter, along with room to make important discoveries."