Who We Are

Mrs. Laura Hashimov (nee Batstone) is an Orange County native whose positive experiences with local, Christian education inspired her to continue teaching in the area today. Mrs. Hashimov attended Vanguard University where she studied English. The small, Christian, liberal arts environment encouraged her love of the English language, and allowed her to be active in all areas of the department.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Laura attended the University of California, Irvine and earned her M.A. in English through a program developed specifically for teachers. Her thesis focused on viewing Charles Dickens through the educational concerns of the Victorian era.

Prior to beginning at Pacifica in 2014, Laura taught as an adjunct professor at Vanguard University and another local Christian high school, teaching a variety of composition and literature courses.

At Pacifica, Mrs. Hashimov is passionate about developing life-long learners who see the beauty of God through the literature they read and the ideas they encounter. Additionally, she wants her students to articulate their ideas in a manner that is “full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that [they] may know how to answer everyone.”

While not teaching, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, Elmar, reading, hosting book club, swimming at the beach, attending concerts, and watching too many movies. She is actively involved in her Costa Mesa church, serving on Sundays and with the women’s ministry. She loves exploring the local Newport/Mesa hangouts, as well as traveling whenever she gets the chance.

Credentials

M.A. English – University of California, Irvine
B.A. English – Vanguard University