Teaching at La Jolla Country Day School

Faculty/Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Last Name

Jeremy Bank

Educator, MS Science and Design and Innovation Grades 5/6

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by pushing students to improve every day. In all areas of life, small and incremental steps can translate to large changes over time. I ensure that students are striving to continually develop their skills in all subjects so that small progress over time can lead to large growth.”

Jeremy Bank believes that Earth science should be about observing and analyzing the world around us. As an eighth-grade Earth science teacher, Mr. Bank’s goal and mission is to provide a safe and mentally stimulating environment where students can learn how to not only understand the world but to realize change.

Mr. Bank graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. He worked in the fields of data analysis and energy efficiency before transitioning to a career in STEM education. He has been teaching children and adults in the fields of 3D printing, computer programming and robotics for five years.

Mr. Bank enjoys reading, movies and yoga. “The Martian” by Andy Weir, “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card and “Battle Royale” by Koushun Takami, are some of his favorite books.
Caroline Becker

Educator, Middle and Upper School Choir

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by providing my students the opportunity to become articulate musicians, performers and communicators. I create an encouraging classroom atmosphere for my students to take risks and find their voice. Students who can tell a story through their voice will inspire others to do the same and become the leaders who will help impact the world around them.”

Caroline Becker believes that all music should tell a story and make someone feel like dancing. Without this basic concept, the beauty of a musical performance is simply lost to both the performer and their audience. Ms. Becker has taught and modeled this concept from the first day she stepped into the classroom.

Ms. Becker spent the first 24 years of her career teaching music education in the Upper Midwest, where she directed choral programs, orchestras, musical theater, jazz vocal and award-winning competitive show choir programs. She moved to San Diego in 2013 and loves everything about it.

Ms. Becker loves walking on the beach, singing, playing the piano, watching football and spending time with her three daughters, Kaila, Kelsey and Kylie. She is honored and thrilled to be a part of the LJCDS family.
Briana Benson

Educator, Physical Education and Athletics; Coach - Volleyball, Soccer

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by encouraging my students and players to be honest, respectful and give their “best shot” in all they do. I believe in instructing not only the important skills of movement and physical education but the lifelong skills of working together as a team and self-care—mental, physical and emotional. My positive, enthusiastic personality encourages others to make ‘movements,’ on and off the field, to make this world a better place.”

Briana “Brie” Benson joined the LJCDS team in 2021 as a physical education educator and women’s head soccer coach. As a PE teacher, Ms. Benson sees her role as developing an environment where students love to move, work hard, learn, and especially, have fun. As a coach, she looks to ignite and instill healthy mind–healthy body habits that lead to a life full of happiness through sports.

Ms. Benson played on the women’s soccer team at Chapman University, where she remains one of the all-time leading scorers. She earned her degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in science followed by a teaching credential, a Master of Education and an International Baccalaureate certification. This took her abroad to teach in Chile, Peru, Thailand and South Korea, where she was part of the founding faculty of Chadwick International School. Ms. Benson is fluent in Spanish. In South Korea, she taught fifth grade, started and coached the women’s soccer program, and created after-school soccer programs for elementary and middle school students. After South Korea, Ms. Benson taught second grade and coached the women’s soccer team at Chadwick School in her hometown, Palos Verdes.

Ms. Benson became a mother in 2020 and loves spending family time at the beach, surfing, hiking and showing her son, Moss, the beauty of nature.
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.
Megan Cohen

Long-term Substitute Learning Specialist

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Andrew Davanzo

Educator, MS Math Grade 5

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by creating a community where students feel empowered to take risks, advocate for themselves, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. I strive to create a classroom environment where students collaborate and see mistakes as opportunities rather than failures. Through this approach to mathematics, students also develop the enduring skills and mindsets necessary to grapple with the complexities of the real world.”

Andy D’Avanzo seeks to spark curiosity and creativity within all of his students. He recognizes that there can be multiple ways to approach a math problem and encourages students to be critical thinkers and patient problem-solvers. As a 5th Grade Advisor and math educator, Mr. D’Avanzo’s mission is to create an environment in which students are encouraged to grow socially and intellectually.

Mr. D’Avanzo graduated from Brown University in 2011, where he majored in international relations and Spanish. He was also a member of the men’s varsity soccer team. During his junior year, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Havana, Cuba, where he developed an interest in education as a volunteer teacher in elementary and university level English classes. After graduating, Mr. D’Avanzo began working with a charter school network to found a new school in Providence, RI, and spent six years teaching kindergarten through Grade 4, including two years as a math specialist. He has also taught Algebra, and been involved in the creation and implementation of mathematics curriculum for grades K-8. Mr. D’Avanzo has a passion for making mathematics accessible and exciting for all students.

Mr. D’Avanzo enjoys playing guitar and soccer and is an avid fan of Arsenal F.C. As a recent transplant from New England, he hopes to take up surfing and exploring all that San Diego has to offer.

Read more about Mr. D'Avanzo in a Faculty Spotlight article here.
Laura del Moral

Educator, MS World Language Grade 7/8

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating an awareness of the trend toward cultural blending and encouraging multicultural perspectives. Ethnicities are blending as we reshape a new global identity. I provide opportunities to connect the students to our local and global communities, making each student more multiculturally aware.”

Laura del Moral, M.E., believes that the Middle School world language department prepares students to be part of our global community. Ms. del Moral’s role is to provide authentic and unique experiences in Hispanic languages and cultures to develop multicultural thinking.

After graduating from Humboldt State University, Ms. del Moral began teaching Spanish and English in France. At the World Trade Center of Marseille, she was part of a dynamic environment as her European students were from various cultural backgrounds and were multicultural thinkers. Ms. del Moral built innovative, dynamic language-teaching strategies to suit the blend of cultures and interests. Ms. del Moral had the privilege of teaching European Union members, who benefited from her engaging approach. Since 2010, she has developed the Spanish program at La Jolla Country Day School by implementing real-life projects and introducing appropriate Spanish novels into the curriculum. She greatly enjoys teaching Middle School students, whom she finds clever and unique.

Ms. del Moral enjoys reading studies on language acquisition and bilingualism. As a professional goal, Ms. del Moral shares the research with the English, history and world language departments along with the Learning Resource Center. These studies help her stay current with the most recent research on how we learn languages.

Ms. del Moral has been teaching for over 20 years and continues to have an immense passion for the field.
Alicia Deutz

Administrative Assistant and Attendance, MS

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by listening and appreciating the little things. Students, faculty and parents will always receive a warm welcome and an open ear from me. I strive to make sure everyone has a unique and fulfilling experience every time they walk into the Middle School office. Sometimes all people need is a smile and someone who appreciates them so they can go on to accomplish great things.”

Alicia Deutz is the administrative assistant to the Middle School director and assistant director, although you will often find her applauding the drama class, encouraging the football team, setting up hot cider on chilly days, listening to parents, and helping out wherever she can. She wears many hats and helps make La Jolla Country Day School an environment where everyone can thrive.

Mrs. Deutz attended Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H., and Shiller College in Madrid, where she studied philosophy and Spanish. She used this education when she moved to Mexico City, where she was active in the Junior League and other volunteer organizations that helped the community. An active parent, she was always involved with her children’s school activities, and after moving back to the United States and settling in San Diego, she continued that involvement. In 1993, Alicia began working at another school with a similar position for 10 years. Then she made a fortunate connection and began working at LJCDS, where she has been for 12 years.

She enjoys working with her professional colleagues, and she feels privileged to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of students and their families.

When she’s not at school, you’ll find her hiking, kayaking, spending time with her family, and cooking.
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.
Math Ed
Alexis Grinbold

Educator, US Ceramics and MS Visual Arts

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Bio

“I inspire young artists to engage with the process of making art. It is unreliable, absurd, delightful and invigorating. It is everything and nothing, direct and meandering. It is important that young artists recognize these permanent and fleeting notions because it is here in these moments when the adventure of exploring art begins.”

Alexis Grinbold teaches young artists in both Middle and Upper School with a focus on ceramics. She earned a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. After graduating, Ms. Grinbold worked in an environmental design studio in San Diego with a small group of designers fabricating custom ceramic tile for residential and commercial developments. This led her to pursue an M.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where she began teaching in both the ceramics and C.O.R.E. program and also served as the ceramics lab tech assistant.

After graduating from SAIC in 2013, Ms. Grinbold moved back to San Diego and started substitute teaching at LJCDS while maintaining a strong studio practice and acting as an exhibition committee member at the nonprofit art organization Space4Art. She implemented a ceramic program there, installing a kiln and glaze lab for the community. Ms. Grinbold taught full-time at LJCDS, building the ceramics program and teaching AP Art History before moving on to teach at a community college in Palm Desert, CA. There, she started a partnership with the Desert Institute for the Joshua Tree National Park Association, teaching wilderness cooking and baking workshops. Ms. Grinbold returned to LJCDS in 2021 after teaching art and art history at the University of Redlands, Crafton Hills College, College of the Desert and San Diego City College.

When she is not teaching or working in the art studio, Ms. Grinbold is reading or watching anything related to sci-fi, ancient civilizations or animation. She also loves baking and being in nature with her son who inspires her to be an explorer in the world.
Liesl Hansen

Educator, MS Band

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Bio

“Music is an essential part of our humanity. I inspire greatness every day by exposing middle school students to the hard work, dedication and teamwork it takes to make that music happen. These remarkable students will go on to become even more remarkable adults, and my hope is that wherever life takes them, they are able to look for and appreciate the culture and beauty around them.”

Liesl Hansen is the Middle School band director at La Jolla Country Day School and takes students from producing their very first notes in fifth grade to being ready to join the Upper School program when they are finished in eighth. Ms. Hansen has been the director since 2007 and has watched the program grow to be an integral part of the culture, not only of the Middle School but of the community as a whole.

Ms. Hansen began her training when she was in fifth grade, when she chose to play the French horn, and music has been a part of her life ever since. She received her bachelor’s in music education from Michigan State University, where she was a member of the Spartan Marching Band for five years. She also spent a semester studying horn performance abroad in Vienna, Austria, and had the honor of studying with Wolfgang Tömbeck, principal horn soloist for the Vienna Philharmonic.

Ms. Hansen performs with various community ensembles, is an avid member of Hornswoggle, an all-French-horn ensemble, and is also a member of the orchestra for San Diego Musical Theater.

Ms. Hansen enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two young sons, Legos and parks being some of their favorite activities to share.
Meg Hassey

Assistant Head of Middle School

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by honoring each student’s unique strengths, interests, and potential. Through this lens, I am passionate about creating intentionally student-centered learning experiences that make students feel seen, valued, and empowered.”

As the assistant head of Middle School for academics, Ms. Hassey channels her passion for intentional, engaging, and relevant learning experiences into shaping the Middle School’s academic vision. She supports faculty growth and ensures the curriculum remains dynamic and meaningful. Since starting in 2024, Ms. Hassey has been dedicated to building strong relationships and serving as a cheerleader for students and colleagues.

With a diverse background as an AmeriCorps member, teacher, special educator, school leader, and educational equity coach, Ms. Hassey brings a wealth of experience to her role. A dual-credentialed classroom teacher and education specialist, she earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in education from Colby College and a master’s degree in effective teaching from the Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education.

When not at work, Ms. Hassey enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. You can find her running, playing soccer, reading on the beach, and seeing live music. She’s a passionate fan of women’s sports (especially soccer) and the Cincinnati Bengals (who dey!).
Stephanie Heinrich

Educator, MS Science Grade 5; Team Leader Grade 5

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating a safe environment where students can challenge themselves, both in academics and athletics. In a world where solutions often create additional obstacles, I empower students to collaborate and develop ideas that will provide scientific solutions for real-world problems on a global scale.”

In her first year, Stephanie Heinrich brought new opportunities to our Middle School community by starting a marine biology elective. She hopes to engage students through local marine life and by connecting them with marine scientists. As a science teacher, Ms. Heinrich believes that by educating our students about Earth, we can initiate the change that is needed to conserve global habitats.

Ms. Heinrich’s career began at the University of California, San Diego, where she double majored in psychology and ecology, behavior and evolution while playing on the intercollegiate water polo team. She competed professionally in Australia before returning to San Diego in 2011 to begin her coaching career with La Jolla Country Day School. Ms. Heinrich coached the varsity women’s water polo team for three years at LJCDS while working at SeaWorld San Diego as a scuba diver before transitioning to a research associate position with SKS Ocular, a biotech start-up, until February 2014.

Before returning to LJCDS in August 2015, Ms. Heinrich taught English in South Korea for one year, and that is where she developed her enthusiasm for teaching. Ms. Heinrich is currently working on her Master of Science in science education through Montana State University and spends her summers completing field courses in Montana.

Ms. Heinrich is an avid traveler and a scuba diving instructor. She loves being outdoors, especially in or near the ocean, paddle boarding and snowboarding.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-heinrich-7b43144b
Ekua Impraim

Educator, MS History Grade 5

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Bio

“I inspire greatness by empowering students to think critically, creatively, and empathetically about the world around them. I am committed to providing students with a holistic education that helps them develop into compassionate global citizens and lifelong learners.”

Ekua Impraim, M.S.Ed., comes to La Jolla Country Day School after six years of working as an educator in Hawaii. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she is happy to be back in her home state. At LJCDS, Ms. Impraim teaches a 5th grade humanities course that focuses on world culture and geography. As a lifelong explorer, she is passionate about teaching students about the stories behind the diverse cultures of the world. In an interdependent world, Ms. Impraim believes in the importance of helping students understand global issues and exploring ways to resolve the challenges the world is facing.

Ms. Impraim holds a Master of Science in Education degree from Johns Hopkins University and an undergraduate degree from University of the Pacific. She has taught at both the middle school and high school levels. In addition to teaching academic content, Ms. Impraim is passionate about supporting students’ social and emotional growth as an advisor as well as in her humanities classes.

In her free time, Ms. Impraim enjoys spending time in nature, traveling both locally and internationally, music, writing, eating food from a variety of cultures, and watching the sun set behind the Pacific Ocean.
Miranda Katz

Educator, MS English Grade 5

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by creating a strong community of learners, explorers and risk-takers. I deeply value storytelling and diverse literature. I believe in the power of sharing our stories with each other and encouraging our students to do the same. It is through community and collaboration that we learn and grow. I believe that together we are better.”

Miranda Katz, M.Ed., Middle School English educator, is inspired by innovative educational communities. Mrs. Katz felt an immediate connection to LJCDS’ commitment to social responsibility when she started in 2021. She believes that together we can inspire a community of learners to lead through intention and connection.

After graduating from The Ohio State University, Mrs. Katz taught third grade at a Title I school in Columbus, Ohio. It was during this experience that she grew her love for diverse literature. She hopes to write her own children’s book in the future.

When Mrs. Katz isn’t in the classroom, she loves to spend her time outdoors at the beach or farmers markets. She enjoys cooking for friends and family. She believes that joy and connection are often found through the comfort of sharing food with the ones you love.
Dan Lenzen

Director of Design & Innovation

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by teaching our students to empathize with the difficulties others face and how to be proactive problem solvers. Human-centered design requires a deep interest in how others experience the world, a sharp analytical eye and the courage to try to improve the world. I teach students the technical and human skills that will allow them to tackle problems of any size.”

Before to coming to LJCDS, Dan Lenzen earned his Master of Science in cognitive science at the University of California, San Diego, where he designed methods to study gesture and sign language with the Microsoft Kinect and taught design to undergraduates. This work built on his interest in how cognition exists in our mind and bodies that began when he earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Colorado College (with a focus on social psychology). He spent three years as a researcher at the University of Chicago, investigating the role of gesture in learning in middle school students. These experiences provided Mr. Lenzen with skills in human psychology, research design, web design and computer programming.

Mr. Lenzen is the director of Design & Innovation and teaches courses in the Upper and Middle Schools.

As a native Chicagoan, Mr. Lenzen has joyfully embraced the San Diego lifestyle—surfing, hiking and actually enjoying the months between October and April.
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.
Betsy McCallum

Educator and Advisor, MS Math Grade 6 (Emeritus)

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by preparing my students to embark on a lifelong journey of creativity, curiosity and imagination. I encourage my students to trust that they have the strength and the passion for a limitless future and the infinite ability to change the world.”

Betsy McCallum is a sixth-grade math teacher, advisor and mother of two La Jolla Country Day School lifers. She inspires her students by leading by example and by challenging, encouraging and supporting them. She helps her students set goals that are personally challenging, yet realistic. By creating an invigorating classroom culture, she supports her students on their quest to realize their future goals, both in and out of the classroom. Mrs. McCallum guides our future thinkers, mathematicians and negotiators of change. Learning to have a positive attitude enables her students to overcome the most difficult of obstacles along the path to success. Her classroom environment exemplifies dedication, inspiration and determination, where nothing is impossible.

Mrs. McCallum embodies the quote by Albert Schweitzer: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
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.
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.
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Ronnie Power

Learning Specialist

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Ciara Rafferty

Educator, MS Art

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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.
Robin Robinson

Innovation Lab Manager

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by empowering students with the tools to solve various problems that may arise, both inside of the classroom and out. This includes using tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers to create novel solutions, as well as problem solving techniques as students discover what problems to solve.”

Before joining LJCDS in 2016, Ms. Robinson received her Bachelor of Science degree in physics and math at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, where they researched superconductors and solid state physics. She also coordinated the university’s science hackerspace, and worked on upgrades to undergraduate physics labs, adding computer controlled delta bots to increase the precision and speed of data collection.
Joe Rowling

Educator, MS Strings and Orchestra

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world through music. I motivate students to strive for excellence and inspire them to recognize their greatness individually and collectively.”

Joe Rowling believes that music education is important for the sake of music. As the Middle School orchestra director at La Jolla Country Day School, Mr. Rowling’s role is to teach students perseverance, dedication, teamwork, beauty and creativity through playing a string instrument. Students in Mr. Rowling’s classes hopefully leave with a lifelong love and appreciation of music.

Mr. Rowling was born in San Diego. He began studying piano and violin at age 7, and later the viola. Growing up, Mr. Rowling was a member of several school and youth orchestras around San Diego County. After “messing around” on the piano one day, he gained an interest in composing. This led to him entering and winning a few young composer competitions.

Mr. Rowling continued his education at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied music education. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of music. While studying in Los Angeles, Mr. Rowling participated in USC’s Outreach program, where he taught free after-school music classes to local elementary schools that did not have music programs of their own.

Mr. Rowling started at LJCDS in 2007. Besides teaching, Mr. Rowling is currently principal violist of the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra, does quartet and duet gigs with colleague Joan Diener, and works as a real estate agent for his family’s company. When Mr. Rowling has free time, he enjoys seeing friends and family, traveling, and playing disc golf.
Robert Wagner

Director of the Arts

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Bio

“Through an arts education, is an education in the human condition. Through painting, building, singing, performing and shaping, students learn to understand themselves and the world around them. I inspire greatness by ensuring students have a safe place to discover their true selves as they experiment with how to create art which shapes, reflects and challenges the world around them.”

Robert Wagner received his Bachelor of Arts in theater and dance from Muhlenberg College. He founded a nonprofit high school performing arts program for inner-city youth in Allentown, Pa. and served as the manager of education and outreach for Muhlenberg College’s Summer Music Theatre.

Mr. Wagner started at LJCDS in 2012 and has taught Middle and Upper School dance and drama and choreographed and directed all of the theatrical productions. In 2022, he became the director of visual and performing arts.

Professionally, Mr. Wagner performed with the Enchantment Theatre Company’s national tour of The Velveteen Rabbit, sang and danced his heart out in countless summer stock productions on the east coast, and choreographed and assistant-directed the La Jolla Playhouse W.O.W. Festival productions of Heaven on Earth and Under Construction. He has served on the board of the international nonprofit Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed, Inc., and was the director of performing arts at the Swain School for four years.

In his free time, Mr. Wagner loves playing with his Goldendoodle, Midas, and traveling with his husband Brent.
Andrés Wood

Educator, MS World Language

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by opening doors through language, culture and perspective for students to be better citizens of the world. My hope is students will encounter differences with curiosity and build lasting connections that enrich their lives and that of those around them.”

Andrés Wood appreciates bringing the concepts of dignity and integrity into the classroom. From this foundation, he has students jump into Spanish language learning, showing them language does not exist in a vacuum, instead, it is connected to communities and the culture of those communities. Mr. Wood encourages students to explore culture through hands-on activities and by speaking and deciphering Spanish as they enter new spaces.

LJCDS is the latest stop on Mr. Wood’s life journey between his two countries of origin: the United States and Mexico. He grew up in a small town in southwestern Mexico where he attended Mexican public school and American homeschool. Mr. Wood earned a bachelor’s degree in education in literature and writing from Westmont College. Before joining LJCDS in 2023, he taught Spanish at Crane Country Day School and worked for World Leadership School leading student educational trips to Puerto Rico, Belize and the US/Mexico borderlands.

Mr. Wood is a book lover. He wishes he was a faster and more committed reader so his reading could keep up with the amount of books he purchases. One of Mr. Wood’s favorite books is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Swimming, biking, hiking and walking are his preferred ways of getting in his steps.
Christina Zupanc

Coordinator of Service Learning and Engagement

(858) 453-3440 x282

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by providing students with the tools and support to explore their identity and strengths and helping apply those skills to service experiences. Through developing meaningful relationships with local and global partners, students have the opportunity to grow as innovative collaborators, deepen their learning about social concerns, and foster active citizenship in their communities.”

The strong sense of community is what inspired Christina Zupanc, Ed.M., to join LJCDS in 2022. She works with students, faculty and caregivers across all divisions, and integrates service experiences and reflection into the lives and learning of students. Ms. Zupanc believes in the importance of teaching social justice and that education is not simply a pursuit of knowledge and truth, but also the development of an awareness of the world around us.

Ms. Zupanc attributes her joy and motivation for service work largely to her international education and diverse upbringing. Through a co-op with child protective services during her undergraduate studies at Northeastern University, Ms. Zupanc developed a passion for working with unaccompanied refugee minors. That passion led her to found an initiative to advance educational access for refugee children during displacement. Ms. Zupanc’s research has been published in academic journals and her work was recognized by organizations, including the Clinton Foundation.

In her professional roles, Ms. Zupanc has shared her love of community engagement with schools across the country, including DREAM Charter School, MiraCosta Community College and Columbia University in New York. She earned a Master of Education in Human Development and Education from Harvard University.