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.

“I inspire greatness for a better world by encouraging others to find the best in themselves and to share that greatness with others to improve our world. We all have the potential for greatness, and it is important to me that everyone in our community believes in themselves.”
 
Rachel Clouser joined the LJCDS community in fall 2017 as the dean of academics and student life for students in Grades 9 and 10 after previously working at Brentwood School and The Webb Schools. Since then, Dr. Clouser has been named assistant head of Upper School for student life and faculty enrichment.

She loves seeing students both inside and outside of class as they challenge themselves academically, athletically and artistically. The school’s belief in inspiring greatness for a better world strongly resonates with Dr. Clouser, and she loves being a part of the Country Day community.
 
Her passion for literature stems from her love of books, mainly British literature that was inspired by her time studying abroad in Oxford, England and working in London after graduating from college. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English (Cum Laude) from the University of San Diego and her Masters of Education from Lehigh University. She completed her doctoral work at the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership.

When not at school, Dr. Clouser enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Martin, and their adorable puggles, Macallan and Lolita.

“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.