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.
Dani Bonfield

Learning Specialist

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Bio

“I strive to inspire greatness for a better world by instilling a genuine interest in and love of learning. I would like to inspire people to view learning as a ‘want to’ job rather than a ‘have to’ job. It could be anything from exploring something new to mastering something that takes much effort and practice. My hope is to inspire my students to view learning as a journey that never ends, no matter how old you are.”

Dani Bonfield, M.A. Ed., believes that academic, social and emotional growth are important to every child’s development. As a specialist in the Learning Resource Center, Ms. Bonfield’s role is to offer assorted educational opportunities and strategies to a diverse body of learners. The best parts of her day are sharing in the elation of accomplishments and the many smiles and hugs she receives from her students.

Ms. Bonfield’s career began in Cincinnati, where she first taught gymnastics to children. This early involvement with children inspired her to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University, Ohio. Then after a short time teaching at the American School in Guadalajara, Mexico, Ms. Bonfield began teaching in San Diego and has resided here since 2001. She later completed her master’s in education and reading specialist certification.

Ms. Bonfield enjoys spending time with her two young daughters and husband. Her family members have become aquarium enthusiasts. The hobby has led her to appreciate the beauty and complexity of marine life.
Emma Buttery

Administrative Assistant, LS

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by supporting the needs of the students and faculty in the Lower School. I try to provide a space for all who come to the Lower School office to be heard and feel appreciated. Small actions can make a big difference in making the world a better and kinder place.”

Emma Buttery is the Lower School administrative assistant. Her job includes greeting and assisting all who visit the Lower School office. She is always willing to jump in and help, whether out on the playground at recess or connecting with families to help students be successful throughout their day. Ms. Buttery makes sure the Lower School faculty feels supported so that they can create an environment for students to thrive.

Before joining LJCDS in 2020, Ms. Buttery was an assistant supervisor in the education and conservation department at SeaWorld San Diego. She helped facilitate and build a curriculum for SeaWorld’s summer camps and field trip programs. Ms. Buttery partnered with San Diego Unified School District to help create SeaWorld’s Ocean Link Lab, a free program for middle school students, to help expose them to STEAM careers at SeaWorld and in San Diego. Ms. Buttery graduated from Cal State, Long Beach, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance. She danced professionally for 10 years before retiring her pointe shoes to start a family.

In her spare time, Ms. Buttery likes spending time with her husband, Michael, and son, JP. She enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors in the beautiful San Diego sunshine.
Briony Chown

Head of Lower School

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by hearing and elevating the voices and the work of young learners as they embark on their school journey. Lower School students can create work and have ideas that are meaningful, complex and have an impact on the world. I seek to honor that within the school and within our San Diego and global community.”

Briony Chown believes that young children are capable of far more than most adults believe. She is delighted to be part of the La Jolla Country Day School community where the curiosity and talents of both students and educators are nurtured and students’ intellectual and social-emotional growth are always at the forefront.

Ms. Chown is an experienced educational leader with a strong early childhood and elementary school background. Most recently, and since 2015, she has been the director of High Tech High Explorer Elementary in Point Loma. In addition, she has been a Grades 2–5 teacher. Originally from the United Kingdom, she has an undergraduate degree in literature and philosophy and a graduate degree in primary education, multiple subjects.

Throughout her career, Ms. Chown led the redesign and oversight of a K–4 curriculum; shaped and developed schoolwide facilities; hired, mentored and evaluated faculty; designed and facilitated professional development for her school community. She is committed to the development and success of our youngest students in the classroom, on the playground and beyond.

Originally from London, Ms. Chown enjoys theater, museums and the arts, although she is also now fully immersed in the San Diego lifestyle of paddleboarding, camping, hiking, yoga and brunch. She is a proud mother of twin boys born in 2017.
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.
Megan Cohen

Long-term Substitute Learning Specialist

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Rafael Eaton

Director of Libraries

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by guiding collective curiosity, by connecting us to new perspectives to create a dynamic worldview, and by supporting the informed asking of questions that drive our day-to-day lives.”

Knowing how to competently navigate and utilize a world of information is the key to creating well-informed global citizens. Rafa Eaton’s goal is to provide guidance to students’ independent learning and self-discovery through the library’s digital and physical programming.

Originally from Oregon, Mr. Eaton began his career at Portland State University and finished his Bachelor’s at The City College of New York, where he concentrated on English Literature and Judaic Studies. He received his Master’s Degree in Library Science from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Before joining La Jolla Country Day School, Mr. Eaton plied his trade across the US as a line cook and an archivist-trainee for the San Diego Museum of Us, Democracy Now! Productions, and Canyon Cinema.

In his free time he [still] enjoys cooking for his wife and two sons.
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.
Devin Grant

Educator, Physical Education; Coach - Flag Football, Softball

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by demonstrating different fundamentals that teach a wide range of students physical education-related skills. The future of opportunity for some students lies in sports, allowing them to unlock their full potential on and off the field. The greatness isn’t measured through on-the-field stats, but the lessons that are taken from playing and how they become applied to life.”

Devin Grant believes that physical education teaches fundamentals and lessons that spread beyond the classroom and field. As a physical education educator, his role is to build the basic fundamentals for locomotor, ball, kicking and perceptual skills within the Lower and Middle School. Coach Grant helps support the Upper School teams in football and softball as an assistant coach.

Coach Grant grew up in the Bay Area and developed a love for sports from an early age. He quickly transferred that love onto the field and court and earned a scholarship to play football at the College of Idaho, where he also earned a degree in Human Health and Performance.

Shortly after graduating in 2021, Coach Grant moved to San Diego and began working at LJCDS as a Middle School coach for flag football and softball. In 2022, he also became a physical education teacher.

Coach Grant's love for sports spreads beyond his profession. He participates in adult flag football and softball leagues. When he’s not doing that, he is hanging out with his two cats, Spooky and Naya, and his girlfriend Caitlynn. Coach Grant is a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and UCLA softball, so if you're ever in need of talking sports, he is your guy.
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!
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.
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.
Ashley Marlow

Counselor, Early Childhood–Grade 5

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by supporting students in their social and emotional development. My office provides a safe space for children to find a compassionate ear, with the hope that they will leave feeling encouraged and heard. I love visiting students in their classrooms and working with them individually and in small groups. I help them to self-reflect, problem-solve, and develop empathy so they can make healthy choices and positively impact the world around them.”

Ashley Marlow was born in California but grew up in New Jersey. Attending an all-girls school from grades 9 through 12 gave her the opportunity to appreciate the value of an independent school and an environment that can develop the leaders of the future.

Ms. Marlow returned to the West Coast for college and received her Bachelor of Arts in communications from Pepperdine University. She studied abroad in Florence in her sophomore year and consequently loves everything Italian. Inspired by the conversations she had while supervising student workers in the admissions office, Ms. Marlow pursued her graduate degree in school counseling at the College of William and Mary. After graduation, Ms. Marlow was a middle school counselor at a public school for two years before joining the LJCDS community in 2011.

Ms. Marlow is thrilled to work with students and their families. She is passionate about helping children understand and manage their feelings and learn how to navigate social situations. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and taking her dogs for walks by the beach.
Alysia Lorren Mercado

Associate Educator, Grade 1

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by demonstrating empathy and compassion to every community member. I strive to foster a hospitable environment for people of all kinds. In practicing honesty and vulnerability, I aim to inspire students to be brave so they can lean into their curiosities, embrace the unknown, and seek knowledge through their experiences. If we can establish a community rooted in kindness and connection, we will all feel safer to make those brave steps.”

Alysia Mercado hopes to help build confidence in students, guide them to explore the world around them, encourage collaboration and use differing views to find multiple avenues of success. She promotes being an upstander and change-maker by inspiring kindness and love.

Ms. Mercado has been an educator for five years, teaching in TK–Grade 2. After graduating from San Diego State University, she taught transitional kindergarten in San Diego before moving north to pursue her master’s in teaching reading at the University of San Francisco. Ms. Mercado’s teaching journey continued in the Bay Area, where she worked with kindergarteners and second graders. Ms. Mercado found community and belonging when she joined LJCDS in 2023 to teach first grade.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Mercado enjoys gardening and loves taking her dog, Biscuit, on adventures with her partner, Phuoc. From walks on the beach and hiking in nature to bike rides and strolls to a nearby cafe, you will likely still find her with an iced coffee.
Christine Mitchell M.S., ATC

Athletic Trainer

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Bio

“I inspire greatness through my passion for sports medicine and helping others. I accomplish this by integrating the most current research with personalized care in order to optimize patient outcomes and keep athletes at their highest performance levels, both on the court and throughout the community.”

Christine Mitchell is committed to helping students do more than overcome their injuries by working to improve their functional movement so they can succeed as athletes and improve their joint health.

Here at La Jolla Country Day School, Ms. Mitchell started a student athletic training program in order to share her love of sports medicine. She hopes to inspire students to pursue careers in the medical field. At the very least, students will learn about their bodies and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and how to perform CPR and use an AED.

As LJCDS’s certified athletic trainer, Ms. Mitchell ensures the safety, well being and success of all Torrey athletes, whether it’s caring for abrasions, rehabilitating reconstructed ACLs, educating on concussions, developing injury-prevention plans, or implementing emergency action plans.

Ms. Mitchell obtained a Bachelor of Science in athletic training from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from Boston University. She has worked with South Carolina’s football and basketball teams, Boston University’s field hockey team, the New England Revolution’s academy soccer teams and San Diego State’s women’s soccer team. In her spare time, she teaches injury prevention at the San Diego Circus Center, where she is also learning to hand-balance.

After exploring the East Coast, Ms. Mitchell returned to Escondido, where she resides with her chihuahua, Charlie.
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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Tara Peace

Program and Outreach Librarian

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by encouraging and teaching students to be lifelong learners and highlighting how the library can create a community. The library is a place where we can come to learn, to grow and to connect.”

Tara Peace joined LJCDS in 2021 to help build and strengthen an engaging library community. Hailing originally from Virginia, Mrs. Peace traveled to California over a decade ago, earning a master’s degree in history at California State University, East Bay. She holds a Master of Library Science from the University of Alabama. With her educational and people-focused background, she hopes to engage with students and faculty to create a dynamic and collaborative library experience.

Mrs. Peace is an avid reader—her favorite book is The Overstory by Richard Powers. In her free time, she loves to cook and travel—and particularly enjoys camping. All of this is done with her husband, Kevin, and their daughter Cheyenne '35, who became a Torrey in 2022.
Marsha Poh

Assistant Head of Lower School

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Bio

“I believe our Lower School is a special place where students are encouraged to explore, play, and make deep connections between the material they study and their own lives. Each day I hope to inspire our students to work toward their goals and get involved in new experiences. I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of educators who are always pushing to make life at Country Day memorable for our students and families.”

Marsha Poh was always on the move throughout her childhood. By the time she graduated from high school, she had lived in eight different homes. While growing up, she was known to set up a classroom in her home and “teach” her sister whatever she was learning in school. Mrs. Poh started playing softball as a child and played competitively until she graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. (where she also played Division I softball—Go Crusaders!). There she majored in psychology with a biological psychology concentration. Throughout her four years at Holy Cross, she found herself drawn to teaching.

After graduating in 2006, Mrs. Poh knew she wanted to learn more about education. Her curiosity took her to Cambridge, Mass., to pursue a master’s in education in middle school math and science from Lesley University. After finishing the collaborative master’s program, she married her college sweetheart.

In her free time, Mrs. Poh loves to spend time with her family, exercise, volunteer with Pegasus Rising and the San Diego Food Bank, and take her rescued boxer, Mia, on walks around the neighborhood.
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.
Kevin Reaume

Educator and Director of Physical Education; Coach - Football, Track & Field, Athletic Performance Director

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating an environment that allows each student to find their true potential physically, emotionally and intellectually. Being a teacher and coach for the past 40 years, I have experienced the greatest sense of community at La Jolla Country Day School. There is no other institution that provides a young person with all the tools necessary to go out into the world to make it a better place.”

Kevin Reaume has been teaching and coaching for 40 years and began coaching full-time at LJCDS in 1990. As LJCDS’s physical education educator, athletic performance director, full-time football coach and head men’s and women’s track and field coach, Coach Reaume is the most successful track and field coach in LJCDS history, with a combined men’s and women’s dual meet record of 282-75, with 19 team championships. Throughout the years Coach Reaume has produced eight individual Division 2 CIF champions, seven California state qualifiers and 19 Torrey student-athletes continuing their growth at the likes of Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Middlebury and Emory.

Coach Reaume was instrumental in all 12 of LJCDS’s football championships (four of which were CIF Championships), including the school’s first-ever 11-man CIF title as well as three 8-man titles. He has worn many hats for the Torrey football program, including defensive coordinator, offensive and defensive lines, and athletic performance director.

Coach Reaume grew up in Canada, where he was a standout football, basketball, and track and field athlete. He played football at St. Francis Xavier University, earning a Bachelor of Science in physical education, two-time first-team All-League honors, preseason All-Canadian and three conference championships. He was also the captain of his team for two years. After graduation, Kevin was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, opting instead to pursue a career in teaching and coaching.

In his free time, Coach Reaume enjoys his family, golfing, reading and roller-blading along the bay in Coronado.
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.
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.
Christy Yin

Educator, Performing Arts

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