Mr. Knudson has been an educator for 30 years. He has been blessed to work for 18 years as an elementary teacher in high performing public and private schools in California, Peru, and Costa Rica. He has been working for the last 12 years in school administration and leadership. He has worked as an Educational Technology Coordinator, as an Assistant Principal, and as a Principal. He holds a degree in Recreation Administration, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and two Master’s degrees: one in Elementary Education and one in Educational Leadership. He is ecstatic to continue his learning journey alongside the learning community at Bella Mente Academy.

He has worked with all ages of students as an administrator, but confesses that elementary and middle school age students are where his passion lies. He is especially excited to partner with the Bella Mente community to provide an environment where each student feels seen, heard, understood, and supported in their learning and growth. He believes that a shared sense of belonging and a connected community are essential for students to reach their full potential. Every student can learn and thrive in order to lead inspired and productive lives. While learning is important work, he believes it should also be fun. He is committed to getting to know each scholar, helping them to find their passion, ignite their curiosity. and take responsibility for their own learning journey.

Mr. Knudson is happily married and has one college-aged son. He loves to cook, invent things, travel with his family, spend time with friends, and surf whenever and wherever he can. He is bilingual in English/Spanish.