Cassandra Castillo believes that all children are capable and competent and thrive in an environment where they are provided with boundless opportunities and surrounded by educators who love and support them. Her passion for teaching young children started back in high school with a child development internship program. After working with multiple schools throughout high school, she gained a love for early childhood education and decided to pursue her passion for educating young children. 

After graduation, Ms. Castillo enrolled in child development classes at a community college, where she received an associate’s degree in child development. She has taught at different preschools in San Diego over the years and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in family and human development at Arizona State University.

“I am inspired by the young child. Each time I enter their world to be a part of their learning, I fall in love with being an educator all over again. My goal is to support and create inclusive environments where children feel valued, respected and part of a community. I inspire greatness for a better world by helping the adults in children’s lives hear their voices, understand their feelings and learn the language of play.”

Maria Curtis has dedicated her 32-year career to the early childhood field. She was the owner of a private day care, a preschool director and a teacher of children 18 months to 5 years old. In addition, Ms. Curtis has worked as a residential care worker at Polinsky Children’s Center, the county’s 24-hour emergency shelter for children under 6. Ms. Curtis started at La Jolla Country Day School as the head teacher/director and nursery teacher in the Early Childhood Center in 1997. She joined the administration team as the Lower School assistant director in 2006, which has allowed her to work with students and families from Tiny Torreys through fourth grade.

Ms. Curtis studied human development at Pacific Oaks College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts with specialization in early childhood education. She continues her studies, researching the development of relationships among preschool girls and relational aggression. She received nine years of education from the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, which validated her commitment to the social and emotional development of young children. Ms. Curtis raises awareness about topics pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion. She has participated in the (NAIS) People of Color Conferences among other professional development opportunities.

 

“I inspire greatness for a better world by helping children develop age-appropriate skills to regulate their emotions.”

Renee Lathom believes that children thrive when they are in an environment where they feel safe but also challenged. To foster this type of an environment, Ms. Lathom offers individual attention to each child to make them feel special.

Ms. Lathom’s love of working with children began after taking child development classes through high school and community college. After multiple years working in a preschool, afterschool program and summer camp at the La Jolla YMCA, Ms. Lathom found her love for singing songs, loud and proud.

Ms. Lathom spent many years at La Jolla Country Day School working for the extended day program. When a junior kindergarten associate teacher position became available, she jumped at the chance to work in a preschool classroom once again and has been enjoying it ever since.

While working at La Jolla Country Day School, Ms. Lathom earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University.

When not at school, she can be found catching up on current television shows and movies, while doting on her two cats. She is a fan of country music and often attends concerts around San Diego. Photography is a favorite creative outlet for Ms. Lathom, and she loves when she can bring her two passions together to capture the fun and beauty of early childhood.  

“I inspire greatness for a better world by fostering a child’s curiosity of the world around them. I encourage them to be thinkers and to ask questions.” 

Kristin Owen loves being a teacher and working at La Jolla Country Day School. She finds it fulfilling as it provides her an opportunity to put her knowledge into practice. Since 1999, Ms. Owen has explored summer camps, after-school care, third grade, Tiny Torreys and, currently, junior kindergarten. She enjoys seeing young children who were in her care grow into young adults as they progress through LJCDS. Her goal is to help lay the foundation for a love of learning and the early skills needed for these individuals to be successful on their journey through life.

Ms. Owen knew at an early point in her life that she wanted to be a teacher and work with children. In junior high and high school, she actively sought opportunities to learn about working with children by volunteering with summer and after-school programs. She studied sociology at UC San Diego, where she received her bachelor’s with a minor in teacher education. She honed her craft in the credential program at San Diego State University, where she earned a multiple-subject teaching credential. She has an interest in using art, music and movement to help develop both social and academic skills in young children.

When she is not teaching, Ms. Owen enjoys spending time with her husband and two children: Milo ’28 and Keiahni ’31. She loves watching soccer, traveling, going to the beach and nurturing her Pinterest addiction.

Click here to read a Q&A with Ms. Owen.

 

In her spare time, Mrs. Trottier enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys going on weekend getaways, trying new restaurants, fostering kittens, and waiting for Halloween so she can decorate!