Meet our leadership team

Tobin Bechtel began his teaching career in 1995 and has spent three decades leading and improving schools across Switzerland, the Netherlands, Georgia, Nevada, and California. With BAs in History and Literature and an MA in Teaching, he has served as head of school, curriculum leader, and board member, and is widely respected for his work with the International Baccalaureate as a consultant, examiner, and workshop leader. In 2023, Tobin joined Fairmont Anaheim Hills as Head of School, bringing a proven record of building strong learning cultures and supporting exceptional student growth. A firm believer in the power of independent education, he and his wife, Gillian, have six children who have thrived in private schools. Outside school, he enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking, and exploring new cultures.

Talia Lerma is an experienced educator with 26 years in education and a deep commitment to early childhood learning and student success. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and spent 13 years as a classroom teacher before moving into leadership. Throughout her career, Talia has supported the growth of high-quality early childhood programs, including opening additional preschool programs at partner locations. She works closely with teachers, students, and families to create nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments, and is passionate about mentoring educators and strengthening instructional practice. Talia believes strong partnerships with families are essential to student success. Outside of school, she is a proud mother of two daughters and values being part of a school community where everyone feels supported and inspired to grow.

Bethany Reed is an experienced K–8 educational leader with a strong foundation in child development, instructional coaching, and school culture. She holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development and an M.A. in Elementary Education, and brings over 15 years of teaching experience, including work as a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist and Induction Mentor for the Orange County Department of Education. As Associate Head of School, Bethany partners with teachers, students, and families to support academic growth, social-emotional development, and a safe, inclusive campus. Her warm, steady leadership and commitment to education enrich the learning experience for the entire school community.

Jennie Han is an experienced educator and admissions leader with a passion for supporting students and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, and a Master’s in School Leadership. Jennie spent six years teaching 1st–middle school and served as Vice Principal for two years before transitioning into admissions. She spent seven years as Director of Admissions at a Los Angeles high school and has served seven years at Fairmont Schools, guiding families through enrollment, collaborating with administrators, and supporting the school’s growth.

Bethany Reed is an experienced K–8 educational leader with a strong foundation in child development, instructional coaching, and school culture. She holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development and an M.A. in Elementary Education, and brings over 15 years of teaching experience, including work as a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist and Induction Mentor for the Orange County Department of Education. As Associate Head of School, Bethany partners with teachers, students, and families to support academic growth, social-emotional development, and a safe, inclusive campus. Her warm, steady leadership and commitment to education enrich the learning experience for the entire school community.

Ms. Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been supporting the psychological, social, and emotional needs of Fairmont students for over 20 years. Dedicated to and passionate about fostering children's self-esteem, emotional awareness, and relationship skills, she takes a bio-psycho-social and educational approach to mental health. Overseeing the Health and Wellness Programming for all Fairmont campuses, she works with the safeguarding teams to create an emotionally secure school environment for students as they learn necessary life skills for academic success and beyond. Ms. Thomas is also a counseling and educational resource for Fairmont parents and staff, as she believes in helping families and teachers gain knowledge about their students' psychological and behavioral development. Ms. Thomas holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the proud mother of two daughters.

Talia Lerma is an experienced educator with 26 years in education and a deep commitment to early childhood learning and student success. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and spent 13 years as a classroom teacher before moving into leadership. Throughout her career, Talia has supported the growth of high-quality early childhood programs, including opening additional preschool programs at partner locations. She works closely with teachers, students, and families to create nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments, and is passionate about mentoring educators and strengthening instructional practice. Talia believes strong partnerships with families are essential to student success. Outside of school, she is a proud mother of two daughters and values being part of a school community where everyone feels supported and inspired to grow.