Faculty and Staff Directory

The La Jolla Country Day School faculty, administration and staff are strong, diverse and talented individuals who have been drawn together for a common purpose. Ours is a vibrant community with an exciting charge—to create a stronger, better place where our children and those of future generations can grow to become excellent individuals, citizens and adventurers of the world.

Below is a list of the administration, staff and faculty. To locate a member, click on the drop-down menus below to search by division, department or last name. Faculty and staff bios are also available below.

Faculty/Staff Directory

  • Photo of Liesl Hansen
    Liesl Hansen
    Educator, MS Band
    (858) 453-3440 x306
    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.
  • Photo of Meg Hassey
    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!).
  • Photo of David Hill
    David Hill Ph.D.
    Educator, MS Math
    (858) 453-3440 x235
    Bio
     
    “I inspire greatness by focusing daily on developing character, helping connect to real-life applications and math-forward situations, and cultivating confidence and enthusiasm for math learning.”
    Dave Hill’s desire to challenge students with mathematical thinking and to apply their learning to everyday life stems from using math extensively in his career before teaching in schools. He conducted academic research in infectious diseases (primarily pediatric HIV). He served in local government public health roles (communicable disease epidemiology and health policy) before he discovered the wonderful world of middle school math and science.  
    Dr. Hill studied as an undergrad at Stanford and earned a master’s degree from Emory and a doctorate from Stanford Medical School. Before joining LJCDS in 2024, he taught at Crossroads Arts & Sciences in Los Angeles, Menlo School in the San Francisco Bay area, and Graland Country Day School in Denver. 
    As a parent to Mason, Walker, and Avery, Dr. Hill values LJCDS’ focus on the inherent worth of every human and a welcoming and diverse community. He’s thrilled to be back by the ocean following a 6-year stint near his native Boulder, Colorado mountains.
 

Faculty and Staff Spotlights

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

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