Teaching at La Jolla Country Day School

Faculty/Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Last Name

Patricia Aftahi

Educator, LS World Language

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by teaching children a language that will help them connect to the world beyond their familiar community, and that will also help them on their journey for global competence.”

Patricia Aftahi has taught Spanish in the Lower School since 2011. She teaches students from first to fourth grade. She believes learning a new language is the key to understanding and appreciating a culture.

Ms. Aftahi attended San Diego State University, where she received her bachelor’s in liberal studies, and she later completed her bilingual teaching credential at National University.

Before teaching at La Jolla Country Day School, she taught for 12 years at public schools, including San Diego City Schools District and Chula Vista Elementary School District.

Ms. Aftahi enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She is the proud mom of Amir and Alexander. On the weekends you may find her cheering for her boys at a soccer field.
Sandra Bashore

Associate Educator, Grade 1; Coach - Cheer

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating a community that fosters the needs of each student. I believe being a teacher at LJCDS means starting each day with a positive outlook to ensure a warm community for students and colleagues.”

Sandra Bashore joined LJCDS in 2023 as a first-grade associate teacher working with Sally Krause to create an engaging classroom for all students. She believes in developing the whole student in academics and social-emotional growth.

Ms. Bashore earned her Master of Education from the University of Florida, specializing in elementary education and her Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, majoring in child development. She was a second-grade teacher for two years.

In her free time, Ms. Bashore enjoys traveling with her fiance, Madie, and goldendoodle, Bear. She is up to 35 states of her goal of visiting all 50 states. After living in Seattle for two years, she is excited to be in sunny San Diego.
Lisa Bennet

Educator, Grade 3

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Bio

“Each and every day I inspire greatness for a better world by working to create a classroom community built on kindness and mutual respect for one another—a classroom in which all members work together toward positive growth and the greater understanding that each of us has a story that is being sewn into the fabric of the world’s anthology.”

In order to construct a successful program, it is essential to cultivate a dynamic community of learners that is rooted in respect. Lisa Bennet believes all students bring with them unique strengths and an ability to both contribute to and learn from their interactions with fellow classmates and teachers. It is her responsibility to promote collaborative learning and social competency, support the individuality of all students, and encourage each child to explore, take risks and move toward independence. Ms. Bennet values the opportunity to guide students along this active and challenging educational path.

Ms. Bennet’s career in education began in 1988 at the Meadows School in Las Vegas. There she enjoyed 14 years as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher. Upon arriving in San Diego in 2002, Ms. Bennet was thrilled to become a part of the La Jolla Country Day School community, and in her first two years at the school, she served as the director of admission. Ms. Bennet then transferred to the Lower School and has been a part of the third-grade teaching team since 2004.

Ms. Bennet is an avid reader with a very eclectic palate. Subject matter, genres and authors range from the Great Courses series to European monarchs to Harry Potter, but nothing compares to her love of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.
Meghann Carpenter

Associate Educator, Kindergarten

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating an environment of encouragement and support to help our youngest minds grow excitement for learning. From learning how to grow in friendships to viewing the world in new ways, kindergarten helps to lay the foundations for a child’s education. By fostering a mindset of curiosity and wonder about everything they are learning, I hope to build our students up to be problem solvers and persistent learners.”

Meghann Carpenter believes that modeling empathy and engaging students’ strengths and interests help to build an environment where every student can succeed. As an associate teacher in the kindergarten classroom, Mrs. Carpenter leads her class in lessons and activities that draw on students’ creative abilities and builds relationships to connect with students on a personal level.

Mrs. Carpenter graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2014 with a degree in teaching. Since then, she served her community as a nanny and an assistant kindergarten teacher at La Jolla United Methodist Church Nursery School before joining the LJCDS family in 2021 as part of the Extended Day team for kindergarten. In 2022, she stepped into the role of kindergarten associate educator.

In her free time, Mrs. Carpenter enjoys soaking in every minute with her young daughter, playing games with friends, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops.
Molly Cleere

Educator, Grade 4

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by helping students gain the confidence and skills to make a difference in the world. I empower students to grow academically, socially and emotionally. It is my goal to capture each student’s natural sense of wonder and ignite their joy of learning so they will commit to a lifetime of learning.”

Molly Cleere believes that education is the one tool that has the ability to solve the world’s greatest challenges. She knows that all students have unlimited potential to learn and educating students at LJCDS is a tremendous honor and responsibility. As the Lower School science educator, Mrs. Cleere strives to help students uncover who they are and how they learn.

Mrs. Cleere earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Bucknell University where she majored in Elementary Education and Spanish. She also received her Master of Education from Vanderbilt University specializing in English Language Learners. Mrs. Cleere taught fourth and fifth grade in upstate New York for 10 years before moving to San Diego. During that time, she was selected as a New York State Master Teacher and was an active participant in the statewide STEM program.

In her free time, Mrs. Cleere enjoys traveling, spending time with family, playing golf, watching sports, reading and playing board games.
Wendy Clemente

Educator, LS Music

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by helping children find their voice. A child who sings with confidence and joy will always know how to share their ideas and empower others to use their voices as well. I believe that the singers in my classroom are on their way to becoming citizens who will live their lives out loud.”

Since 2003, Wendy Clemente has taught general and vocal music in the Lower School. Beginning with the first graders, she enjoys watching her students explore musical expression and find their voices. She believes that all humans are musical and that early music experiences can build skills that will set up a lifetime of music-making. In the Middle and Upper School, Ms. Clemente works as the theater costumer, designing and dressing shows, while also teaching and mentoring costuming students in the theater tech program.

A life-long Californian, Ms. Clemente always knew that she wanted to be a music teacher. She grew up singing regularly in church and began piano lessons at age 9. In high school, she began performing in musical theater while also interning for a small-label fashion designer. She spent a year studying music and theater in England, toured Western Europe as a soloist, and finally graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education. Ms. Clemente began her first teaching job in Bozeman, Mont., and then relocated to San Diego, teaching music and English at Escondido Adventist Academy for 11 years. She continues to perform as a soprano and conducts various choral organizations, including the La Jolla Renaissance Singers, the UCSD Geisel Library Toy Piano Duo, Bach Collegium–San Diego, St. Paul’s Cathedral, La Jolla Playhouse, and the La Sierra University Vocal Octet Alumni. On weekends, she serves as music director at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Escondido. In 2019, she was selected as the La Jolla Rotary Club Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Clemente spends her spare time sewing costumes and apparel for herself and family members, cooking gourmet vegetarian food, reading, and traveling with her husband, two adult children (who both attended LJCDS), two cats and a very spoiled beagle.
Joan Diener

Educator, US Strings and Orchestra and LS Strings

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Bio

“I inspire greatness in my students by instilling a lifelong appreciation of music. Through the study of a string instrument, I teach students to develop creativity, self-expression, self-confidence, teamwork and innovative problem-solving skills as they become musical artists.”

Music is medicine for the soul and body. It is one of the few activities that involve using the entire brain. Music is intrinsic to all cultures and has surprising benefits not only for learning language and focusing attention, but also for physical coordination and development. Joan Diener’s role is to use music education to help students become better human beings and to encourage them to share their passion for music with others.

“For Einstein, music acted as a catalyst through which he could clarify, define and understand the complexities of his scientific studies. Music was not a pastime or distraction but a vital tool in focusing his mind upon the deeper questions he was analyzing in his work.”

As the Upper School orchestra director, Mrs. Diener believes that all children should be introduced to music at the earliest possible age. Mrs. Diener received dual bachelors’ degrees in performance and music education at the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts, where she studied with principal violinists of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mrs. Diener moved to San Diego in 1987, where she earned her master’s degree while playing with the San Diego Symphony. She started the strings program at LJCDS in 1990, and she is proud of an instrumental program that has demonstrated over 30 years of success. Mrs. Diener also enjoys competitive couples dancing as her second passion. She won two World Championships in Nashville, Tenn., in 2005 and 2007.
Kyle Espejo

Associate Educator, Grade 3; Coach - Lacrosse

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by helping students and athletes persevere through adversity. In the classroom or on the field, my goal is to help students realize their potential by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone.”

As an assistant educator, Kyle Espejo has various roles in the Lower School. Every day, he supports the administrative staff and helps cultivate a safe place for students to learn and play.

When he joined La Jolla Country Day School in 2021, Mr. Espejo felt an immediate connection to the community because of the camaraderie and support from both families and staff.

When Mr. Espejo is not on campus coaching lacrosse or other after-school programs, he likes to spend his time adventuring. From beaches to mountain tops, he can be found soaking up the San Diego sun with his dog Kota.
Daniella Field

Associate Educator, Grade 1

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by taking the time to get to know my students as individuals. Whether it is understanding their learning styles and educational strengths or caring about what they do for fun on the weekends and knowing what activities excite them, each of these is just as important as the other and is what makes each student unique. When you feel appreciated and understood as an individual, then you are better equipped to take risks in your learning.”

Daniella Field is currently a first-grade associate educator. Over the years, Mrs. Field has filled many roles at LJCDS. From being a substitute to an associate educator in kindergarten and third grade, to lead educator in both third and fourth grade, Mrs. Field feels lucky to have been immersed in the different parts of the fabric that make up the Lower School.

Ms. Field is a San Diego native who can’t imagine herself living anywhere else in the world. Thus, when she had to make the decision of where to go to college, she didn’t go very far. She completed her undergraduate education at the University of San Diego and received her teaching credential and master’s degree at National University while working as an associate educator at LJCDS.

Ms. Field enjoys traveling, music, photography, the outdoors and spending time with her husband and two sons. Both of her boys are happy and thriving students at LJCDS.
Conor Foley

Educator, Grade 4

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by offering a classroom community founded in strong relationships, mutual respect and appreciation for each student’s identity. I strive to create an environment where inquiry, reflection, teamwork and differences are celebrated components of the learning process, and I hope each student leaves the classroom with agency, a stronger self-identity, and aspiration for life-long learning.”

As a Grade 4 educator, Conor Foley recognizes the bittersweet emotions that punctuate every week of his students’ final year in the Lower School. He strives to provide them with meaningful, relevant experiences that he hopes they will remember for years to come. Mr. Foley believes in cultivating the heart as well as the brain. He values strong social-emotional learning opportunities that encourage students to consider the perspectives, unique lived experiences, and inherent value of others.

Mr. Foley’s career as an educator began in 2005 as an in-class tutor at Cajon Valley Middle School. Before arriving at LJCDS in 2015, Mr. Foley assisted researchers at San Diego State University’s Special Collections and the NewSchool of Architecture & Design. He received his degree in LGBT Studies with a minor in English from SDSU and his multiple subject teaching credential from CSU San Marcos.

Mr. Foley enjoys collecting music, playing video games, eating vegetarian cuisine, and bonding with friends over board games in his personal time. A California native, he grew up in East County and now lives in University City with his husband, Marco, their cat Rory, and their dog T.V.

Read more about Mr. Foley in a Faculty Spotlight article here.
Elaine Gain

Associate Educator, Kindergarten

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Bio

“Every day I strive to be a role model who inspires greatness for a better world. In my class, I listen to the ideas, needs, passions, emotions and lessons that the children bring in and apply them to my planning every day. Doing this allows the children to gain confidence, feed their curiosity, understand their emotions, provide for others, ask questions, and find their little voice in this big world.”

Elaine Gain began her career in early childhood education through her high school’s ROP program. She received her Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts and sciences and teaching credential with an embedded Crosscultural Language and Academic Development certificate (CLAD) from San Diego State University. Ms. Gain continues to obtain more early childhood education units to further her development as an instructor and holds a California Site Supervisor Permit for early childhood centers. Before coming to La Jolla Country Day School, Ms. Gain worked as a substitute teacher in the San Diego Unified School District, as a site supervisor/program coordinator at an early learning center, and as a pre-K teacher through the YMCA.

Outside of school Ms. Gain enjoys cooking, trying new food, visiting Disneyland and traveling. She is also passionate about living a more Eco-friendly life that will keep our planet healthy for many more generations to come.
Lauren Giesemann

Educator, Kindergarten

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Bio

“I strive to inspire greatness in my students by giving them the resources to become excited and passionate about learning. I believe that my ultimate goal as a classroom teacher is to build lifelong learners. My educational belief is that all students need to be given a space where they can think, question and create.”

Lauren Hansen believes that a strong educational foundation can make all the difference in instilling a child’s passion and love for learning. This is what drew her to teaching in the Lower School. Having attended independent schools herself, she understands the value of an independent school education and is very excited to grow as an associate teacher in the Lower School.

Lauren Hansen’s love for teaching began when she was in high school at Marin Academy in the San Francisco Bay Area when she taught a journaling class to a group of local middle school students. She attended Baylor University where she served as a student teacher in a variety of elementary grades through Baylor’s School of Education. She was immediately drawn to the early grades and began her teaching career as a lead preschool teacher at Carlsbad Country Day School.

When Ms. Hansen is not in the classroom, you can find her spending time with family and friends outdoors. She enjoys taking her dog to the beach and taking advantage of the beauty of San Diego. She is also very passionate about service and has been to Mexico, Kenya and Jamaica on community service trips.
Kelley Hart

Educator, ECC and LS Performing Arts

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by instilling in students the idea that we are all creative, expressive beings capable of musical growth and appreciation, regardless of natural talent.”

Kelley Hart believes music is an integral part of a child’s life. Through music, children develop a sense of self-identity, release stress, communicate complex emotions in a healthy way, and connect with the beauty of the world through aesthetic experiences. Ms. Hart regularly witnesses the impact music has on self-esteem and confidence. Working together with fellow musicians builds long-lasting friendships. Performing allows children an opportunity to reach out and touch the hearts of all those who hear it.

Ms. Hart began her musical studies at age 8, when her parents gave her a piano and lessons for her birthday. She earned a Bachelor of Science in music education from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Music in opera performance from the University of Texas at Austin. She has taught all ages, pre-K through high school, served on the faculty at Kenyon College, Ohio State University and the University of San Diego. She is the co-founder of Opera NEO, a local nonprofit summer opera festival. Ms. Hart enjoys teaching students of all ages and believes her strengths lie in the diversity of her musical experiences.

Ms. Hart moved to San Diego in 2010 with her husband, Peter Kozma (who is also a musician), and their daughter, Sofie (who was two at the time). When Sofie started school as a junior kindergartener, they found a loving, supportive community at LJCDS and decided to put down roots in San Diego. Ms. Hart is thrilled to be a part of the LJCDS community!
Adrian Hayes

Associate Educator, Grade 4

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by bringing a unique excitement to the classroom and by building a special connection with students. I believe that all students have unique gifts, and it is up to us as instructors to encourage the growth and development of those gifts. The more we learn how to overcome challenges, the more we learn about ourselves and our resources.”

Adrian Hayes is a Lower School associate educator. He provides in-class support to Grades 2–4 teachers, including classroom management, duty coverages and small group assignments.

Before joining LJCDS in 2020, Mr. Hayes served as both a college and professional basketball coach in Colorado and San Diego. He served as program coordinator for the YMCA, developing after-school programs for lower school-aged students. Mr. Hayes also runs a local basketball program in San Diego, where he develops the skills of youth basketball players and coaches several competitive basketball teams.

Mr. Hayes was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He dedicates his free time to staying in shape and spending time with friends and family. He is also very active in the community with his nonprofit organization, Play Our Dues, supporting youth with special needs.
Kimberly Huntoon

Educator, Grade 2

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by encouraging children to become their best self. This often means digging deeper to reach beyond what they think they can achieve. Taking time to enjoy one’s successes and conversely reflecting and learning from one’s mistakes is another lesson I value teaching. I also strive to teach children to show respect and kindness to others.”

Kim Huntoon works to provide a safe, caring and inspirational environment for young children so that instruction can flourish. The importance of being a positive influence at the beginning of a child’s education is a continuing source of motivation for her. She enjoys that no two days are ever the same when working with young children. Ms. Huntoon has experience not only in kindergarten but also in Tiny Torreys, junior kindergarten and second grade.

Ms. Huntoon moved to San Diego after graduating from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn. She worked in the computer industry and college admissions before joining the faculty at La Jolla Country Day School. She and her husband live in Carlsbad, where she enjoys gardening and tennis.
Krystina Ann Jimenez

Educator, Grade 1

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by believing that my students can inspire others to see the uniqueness and beauty in each individual and to grow and learn as a community. I wish for my students to be brave learners and know that it’s OK if they don’t know something yet, have a growth mindset in our ever-changing world, and be curiously confident when asking questions. I want my students to lean on each other because they feel safe and to understand that when they work together, they can do BIG things.”

Krystina Ann Jimenez believes that it “takes a village to raise a child” and that she is part of that village—the Torrey village. As part of the first-grade team, her purpose is to guide her students to be problem solvers, caring citizens and passionate learners.

Mrs. Jimenez attended San Diego State University, where she received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master of Arts in teaching. Mrs. Jimenez has worked in various school settings, including as a first-grade lead teacher since 2009 at Urban Discovery Academy Charter School and the Gillispie School.

Mrs. Jimenez was born and raised in San Diego and enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking yoga classes, lifting weights, and going to the dog beach with Mr. Jimenez and their French bulldog, Kubo.
Sara Johnson

Long Term Substitute: LS Associate Educator

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Jennifer Jung

Associate Educator, Grade 2

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Bio

“Inspiring greatness for a better world means that I have the opportunity not only to teach the necessary academic skills needed to be successful in life but also to help children learn the interpersonal skills that are important for their future. I guide students in cooperative learning activities that require skills such as listening to others’ ideas, providing peer feedback, learning to compromise and sharing ideas. I hope to help students pursue individual passions with integrity and a spirit of enthusiastic learning.”

Jennifer (Russell) Jung began her teaching career with her dolls, stuffed animals and baby sister in her playroom classroom in Hendersonville, Tenn. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in special education for the speech and hearing impaired at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mrs. Jung obtained her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Her professional career began at an ADHD treatment program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

After working in preschools while completing her master’s degree, Mrs. Jung taught second grade in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood School in Los Angeles. Since 2004, she has taught Tiny Torreys and the second and third grades at LJCDS. She was excited to have many of her former 3-year-old students become her third-grade students. In 2018, Ms. Russell became Mrs. Jung. With the additional responsibilities of stepchildren added to her family, she changed roles to become the second-grade associate teacher.

Ms. Jung is the parent of Nathan Russell, LJCDS class of 2017. He is an ice hockey goalie and referee. She also enjoys reading, as well as time by the pool, beach and lake.
Vaughn Kincade

Assistant Educator, Grade 3

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Sally Krause

Educator, Grade 1

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by introducing both classic and my original poetry to students, colleagues and friends, thereby exposing them to language play with accompanying ‘great ideas.’ From Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes to Shel Silverstein, language is alive and well for reading, writing, discussing and reciting. I enjoy writing good prose and am a polite and respectful stickler for proper grammar. I also inject plenty of fun and good humor to balance out my students’ days. Strong and proper communication skills are important to me, across the board, to all members of our community.”

Sally Krause has been teaching at La Jolla Country Day School since 1987. She is a first-grade teacher who teaches reading, writing, math and social studies. Her role is to inspire the young scholar, artist and athlete, and to model good character by example. She also enjoys teaching regular character education and diversity lessons with many relevant read-aloud books.

Ms. Krause’s career began as a third-grade teacher in Chinatown, in New York City. From there, she moved on to teach second grade in Brooklyn Heights, and then to her current first-grade position at LJCDS. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston College and obtained her master’s degree from NYU at Oxford, England. Ms. Krause was bitten by the travel bug from a young age. She has traveled to Australia and numerous countries in Europe and Asia and has driven cross-country six times. Ms. Krause enjoys live music, writing poetry and teaching young children. The latter keeps her young at heart and forever playful.
Beth Levin

Educator, Grade 3

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Bio

“I inspire greatness in the world by making every child feel special and important. When a child feels that they are being heard, they are more open to ideas, their confidence rises, and they are motivated to do better in the world around them. I believe that when my students leave my classroom, they will be confident learners and doers.”

Beth Levin wants every child to feel loved. In her classroom, she creates a “classroom-family” environment. This leads to every child treating others with dignity, being kind, and encouraging others. There is no fear of being wrong in Ms. Levin’s class as “no question is a bad question.” With this philosophy, she creates an academic environment in which children will achieve excellence.

Ms. Levin graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in reading—with an emphasis in elementary education—from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Levin taught first grade at a private school in Bellevue, Washington for five years.

Ms. Levin loves spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid reader and enjoys going to the beach. Ms. Levin likes to exercise, scrapbook and experiment with new recipes. She also has a passion for trying new things and exploring the world around her.
Kirsten Luongo

Educator, Grade 3

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating a community where everyone feels heard and valued. It is important that we teach children the importance of a growth mindset and believe that begins with creating a safe place within our classroom.”

Kirsten Luongo appreciates how LJCDS values teaching to the whole child. Her role is to provide a safe and fun learning community where students and families feel their voice matters.

Ms. Luongo’s career began as a co-teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She taught third grade for two years in New Haven, Connecticut, and for four years at a charter school in San Diego before starting at LJCDS in 2019. She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education and her master’s in curriculum and instruction.
Caitlyn Milazzo

Associate Educator, Kindergarten; Coach - Soccer

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where each child feels seen, heard and loved for who they are as they learn the beauty of individuality in a group setting. I strive to stretch children’s capabilities and help them explore new perspectives.”

Caitlyn Milazzo joined LJCDS in 2023 as a kindergarten associate educator. She wants to guide children and their families in discovering the joyful process in which we all learn together. Ms. Milazzo is committed to empowering young learners to be change-makers and involving them in co-creating the classroom curriculum. She deeply connects to the Reggio Emilia Approach and values the opportunity for children to explore a wealth of unique materials as they give life to their thoughts and feelings through expressive art.

Ms. Milazzo earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education from Seton Hall University, where she also played for the SHU women’s soccer team. In 2020, she earned a master’s degree in early childhood education (ECE), focusing on inclusive education, constructivism, and curriculum and instruction. Since 2012, Ms. Milazzo has been a lead and assistant educator in Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago. Drawn by the desire to support children’s social-emotional growth and early academics, she dedicated herself to ECE by helping children develop self-love and cultivate a positive relationship with school and learning.

Ms. Milazzo enjoys learning to surf, playing soccer, hiking, running, traveling, building charcuterie boards and gardening. She loves hanging out with her husband, Joe, family and friends. And she always takes advantage of every opportunity to sprinkle some puns into her daily interactions.
Shivani Mohan

Associate Educator, Grade 2

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by being a supportive and nurturing figure in students' lives and ensuring that every child feels heard and cared for while at school. By creating a safe space for students to grow, they can develop the confidence they need to reach their personal and academic goals.”

Shivani Mohan joined LJCDS as a second-grade associate teacher in 2022 and quickly discovered that the school’s values align with her own personal teaching philosophy. Ms. Mohan applies a growth mindset to her everyday life. She believes every child has the ability to learn and appreciates the emphasis LJCDS places on the whole child and on creating lifelong learners.

Ms. Mohan has worked with children since she was in high school, babysitting and volunteering for summer camps. While at Arizona State University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, completed her student teaching and internship, and led a freshman introduction course.

Ms. Mohan is a San Diego native and is excited to be back in the city she loves. When not at school, she enjoys being outdoors taking advantage of the San Diego weather, especially at the beach and while hiking Torrey Pines. She also enjoys crafting and has recently begun taking pottery classes.
Mark Needle

Educator, LS Science

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by developing confident problem solvers who believe in their abilities to be successful.”

Mark Needle believes teaching is not a job; it’s a calling—one where he’s in his element. His role is to support his fellow Lower School teachers to meet the needs of our students.

Mr. Needle began working with kids in high school as a soccer coach and referee. During his time in the U.S. Army, he became a mentor and leader to his fellow soldiers, realizing he had a knack for teaching. During college, Mr. Needle worked in after-school recreational programs. From there, he earned his master’s degree and elementary teaching credential. Mr. Needle has been part of the La Jolla Country Day School community as a parent and teacher since 2006.

Mr. Needle is a camping enthusiast and an accomplished triathlete. He believes he can fix anything that is fixable.
Julia Noe

Educator, LS Design & Innovation

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Natalie Pena

Associate Educator, Grade 4

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating an equitable learning environment where students feel safe to learn, embrace their mistakes, and see those mistakes as a form of growth. In leading by example, I aspire to motivate our youngest innovative thinkers to feel empowered to collaborate with their community, reflect on their ideas, and persevere to achieve their goals.”

Natalie Peña became the Lower School assistant educator in the fall of 2023 after filling in as a kindergarten associate educator earlier in the year. She is thrilled to use her K–3 teaching experience to support all learners.

Ms. Peña earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in creative arts from San Francisco State University. After working in the Bay Area as an after-school head teacher and lead art and science instructor at Galileo Learning, she returned to San Diego and obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching credential and Bilingual, Cross-Cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) authorization from California State University, San Marcos. Ms. Peña has been an educator since 2011 and taught at Oceanside Unified for seven years. She is currently working towards completing the Art and Creative Process certificate at UCSD.

When Ms. Peña is not at LJCDS, you can find her drawing, hiking, reading, or doing yoga. She enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling and visiting National Parks with her boyfriend Andrew.
Jezabel Rabaneda Boo

Educator, ECC and LS World Language

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by helping my students understand this quote, ‘We have to fall in love with the process of becoming great’ by Jeff Capel.”

Jezabel Rabaneda Boo first chose La Jolla Country Day School as a mother. She was looking for an educational environment that would inspire her daughter to think big and have an open mindset, to develop her abilities and to embrace and support the emotional aspect of her being. Then, Ms. Rabaneda Boo had the opportunity to be part of LJCDS as an educator, which she thought was a true blessing, as she aligns with the school’s core values. She started in 2019 as a Spanish educator in the Early Childhood Center and the Lower School.

Ms. Rabaneda Boo received her B.A. in Education from Barcelona University, followed by a postgraduate degree in Social Theater and Educational Intervention. She taught in Spain for a few years of her career and then moved to the United States to work as a Spanish teacher in bilingual schools and at an International Spanish Academy in Florida. That was followed by five years as a Spanish teacher at Ideal School of Leadership, a multiple intelligence school that applies current brain research to educate.

Ms. Rabaneda Boo believes knowledge is the beginning of improvement, love is the way, and oneness is the ultimate truth. She likes being in nature, reading, writing, listening to music, practicing yoga and learning about neuroscience and growth mindset. She is passionate about essential oils and holistic medicine. Her goal is to be a better version of herself every day and help to build a world where everybody wins.
Alisa Ronis

Educator, Grade 2

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world through nurturing the intellectual, emotional and moral capacities of every student to the fullest extent possible. My job is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, compassionate citizens and effective leaders with an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.”

Alisa Ronis understands that children learn in unique ways and have different strengths. She feels it is important to determine students’ capabilities and guide them to develop their fullest potential. In Ms. Ronis’s classroom, students are actively involved in meaningful and challenging lessons that develop their ability to think, reason and solve problems.

Ms. Ronis graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and began teaching in the juvenile court and community schools. She earned her teaching credential and master’s degree from Chapman University. Ms. Ronis taught kindergarten, first, fifth and sixth grade in Chula Vista. She left Chula Vista and taught fourth grade at an international private school in Venezuela for two years.

Outside of school, Ms. Ronis enjoys spending time with her family. On weekends, they like to explore San Diego and visit family and friends. She also loves to read, garden and do yoga.
Molly Saenz

Educator, Grade 1

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by nurturing and encouraging my students to always try their best and to learn from their mistakes. I assist students in developing grit, perseverance and independence.”

Molly Saenz believes school should be a fun, enriching and safe environment where the needs of every student can be met. Ms. Saenz’s primary role as an associate teacher is supporting the second-grade teachers in providing each child an excellent education.

Before beginning her career in education, Ms. Saenz lived in San Francisco, where she worked at the corporate headquarters of Williams-Sonoma. When she discovered her passion for teaching, she moved home to San Diego to obtain her teaching credential. Ms. Saenz was thrilled to begin her first teaching job as a kindergarten assistant at La Jolla Country Day School in 2004. Ms. Saenz has also worked as an associate in fourth grade and a lead teacher in third grade; she loves her current role as associate teacher in second grade.

Ms. Saenz loves spending time with her husband, Brad, her children, Ben (6) and Cameron (3), and her extended family in San Diego. She enjoys the beach and cheering on her University of Michigan Wolverines.
Josephine Shieh

Educator, Grade 4

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by providing a safe environment for the students to question, explore and fail, during their learning journey. As Plutarch said, ‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.’”

Josephine Shieh believes that children are naturally curious and their desire to explore shapes their understanding of the world. Ms. Shieh strives to provide support and guidance for her students, encouraging them to think critically with a growth mindset to become positive citizens.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, Ms. Shieh went on to earn her master’s degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania. She started her career in 2001 as a fourth-grade teacher at The Baldwin School near Philadelphia. She fell in love with the inquisitiveness of the 9- and 10-year-olds and has been teaching primarily fourth graders ever since at both Campbell Hall Episcopal in North Hollywood and the Gillispie School in La Jolla.

In her free time, Ms. Shieh enjoys watching her children play sports, including baseball and soccer. She also likes to sit back and relax with children’s literature in hand. Occasionally, she can be found in the kitchen dabbling in baking.
Porschia Talbot

Educator and Team Lead, ECC and LS Visual Arts

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by introducing my students to new ways of viewing the world and giving them the tools to express themselves through art. I believe that creative expression is imperative in building self-confidence and creating a well-rounded individual. I strive to instill a passion for exploration, invention and understanding in my students so they may go on to build a more connected and loving world.”

Porschia Talbot ’03 believes that art is the glue that ties all the other subjects and skills learned in school (and life) together. She provides her students with a safe environment, where they can make mistakes, get messy and have fun while learning how to creatively express themselves.

Ms. Talbot was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia before her family moved to San Diego. She joined LJCDS in the eighth grade and graduated in 2003. She is thrilled to be back on campus to give back to the community that gave her so much.

Ms. Talbot has taught art programs in schools in Portland, San Francisco and San Diego. In 2009, she opened an art school, My Art Shed, in La Jolla, where she provided fine art and craft lessons, workshops and camps for ages 2 through adult. Since 2017, her business has been mobile, facilitating on-site enrichment programs. Ms. Talbot also teaches weekly adult painting lessons and creates custom murals and artwork for businesses on the West Coast.

She studied architecture at The New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego while teaching art at The Monarch School for three years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Portland State University.

In her free time, Ms. Talbot loves painting vintage cars and trucks and going on road trips with her wife, Dawn, and dog Spirit.
Tami Taylor

Educator, Grade 2

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by showing my second-grade students that it’s OK to make mistakes. When something is challenging and they don’t come up with the correct answer on the first attempt, I encourage them to continue to work through the problem until they reach a solution. When something challenges us, it makes us grow and learn.”

Tami Taylor is part of an amazing second-grade team of teachers. She came to La Jolla Country Day School to engage young children and get them excited to learn.

Ms. Taylor graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts degree and obtained her teaching credential from the University of Phoenix.

Her two sons were both lifers at LJCDS. She was a parent at the school before becoming a faculty member. Knowing firsthand what a phenomenal education her children were receiving prompted her to apply for a coveted position at the Lower School.
Laura Tonini

Educator, Kindergarten

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Bio

Read about Mrs. Tonini in a Faculty Spotlight article.
Terri Zimmerman

Educator, Kindergarten

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by teaching my children three key characteristics: confidence, risk taking and grit. Confidence for a kindergarten student is instilling that ‘Yes, I can’ attitude in all endeavors. There are innumerable opportunities on a daily basis for risk taking, a key component for successful innovators. Grit, the ability to stay with a task until completion regardless of challenges or frustration, will serve them in their future.”

Terri Zimmerman brings energy and enthusiasm to her classroom. She creates a vibrant and exciting learning environment. This environment sparks students’ curiosity and inquisitive nature. Ms. Zimmerman has taught junior and senior high school students and junior kindergarten, but kindergarten is her passion.

Ms. Zimmerman graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She served as director of a tutorial center in San Diego before joining the staff of La Jolla Country Day School. Her hobbies are horseback riding and hiking.