Middle School
Sofia Brusati
6th Grade Teacher
Sofia Brusati is excited to join SunRidge School as the fifth grade teacher. She brings with her a deep connection to Waldorf education, having been a Waldorf student herself from kindergarten through eighth grade. Born and raised on the East Coast in an Argentinian family, Sofia carries a multicultural perspective and a strong appreciation for bilingualism, cultural identity, and whole-child learning.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Research Psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master’s degree in Education and Bilingual Education, also from USF. Inspired by her time as a student in Argentina, she earned her Bilingual Authorization so she could connect more meaningfully with bilingual students and support cultural inclusivity in the classroom.
Sofia believes that social-emotional learning is essential to building trust, fostering connection, and guiding students toward self-awareness. Her teaching practice centers on heartfelt communication, creative exploration, and developmentally grounded instruction.
Outside the classroom, Sofia is a mother, a wife, sister and daughter. She loves spending her free time outdoors with her son, husband and dog! She is a passionate cook who loves sharing meals with friends and family.
Cristina Gosling
7th Grade Teacher
Cristina has been teaching at Sunridge since 2017, bringing her strong enthusiasm for history, writing, science, ecology and random facts to the classroom each day. Cristina has a BA in urban studies, a Masters in Town and Regional Planning, an MSC in Architecture (History and theory) and a Master of Teaching degree, as well as a PhD in Urban Design and urban history. Cristina also completed Waldorf training and possesses three credentials (multiple subjects, social sciences and English) Cristina believes in nurturing the whole child—head, heart, and hands.
Cristina was born in England, and is half Brazilian. and grew up in England, Scotland, Barbados and Brazil, moving to the United States as an adult She speaks Portuguese fairly fluently.
Prior to joining Sunridge, Cristina worked at Taylor Mountain Elementary as an aide, where she gained valuable experience in classroom management. Her teaching approach is rooted in fostering academic curiosity, developing the will, and in encouraging kindness.
Outside the classroom, Cristina enjoys reading literature and history, drinking tea, bird and squirrel watching, live classical music and traveling, which often inspires stories shared with students.Cristina is married with 3 adult children, all three of whom were Waldorf educated. She currently has 2 dogs, 2 cats, 6 birds and 7 guinea pigs.
Mark Quirt
8th Grade Teacher
Mark has been teaching at SunRidge School since 2018, bringing a dynamic blend of art, history, chemistry, physics, and theater to the classroom each day. He holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and has over a decade of experience in education, with a background in fine arts, graphic design, Waldorf pedagogy, and child development. Mark believes in nurturing the whole child—head, heart, and hands.
Before joining SunRidge, Mark taught grades 1–4 at Woodland Star Charter School, where he gained experience in Waldorf curriculum, musical performance, classroom rhythm, and curative movement. Prior to that, he spent two years teaching middle school at The Village Charter School, where he further developed his skills in outdoor education, integrated arts, and supporting adolescent development. His teaching approach is rooted in fostering curiosity, cultivating kindness, and integrating rigorous academics with artistic expression and movement.
Outside the classroom, Mark enjoys surfing, hiking, gardening, making music, and spending time with his family. These interests frequently inform and enrich his teaching, inspiring seasonal projects, class plays, and stories that engage students' imagination and enthusiasm.