Teaching at La Jolla Country Day School

Faculty/Staff Directory

Department

Grade

Last Name

Patricia Aftahi

Educator, LS World Language

(858) 453-3440 x215

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 Carlton

Associate Educator, Grade 1; Coach - Cheer

(858) 453-3440 x 163

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.
Molly Cleere

Educator, Grade 4

(858) 453-3440 x350

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

(858) 453-3440 x211

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.
Daniella Field

Associate Educator, Grade 1

(858) 453-3440 x756

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.
Kelley Hart

Educator, ECC and LS Performing Arts

(858) 453-3440 x360

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

(858) 453-3440 x173

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.
Mark Needle

Educator, LS Science

(858) 453-3440 x216

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

(858) 453-3440 x325
Jezabel Rabaneda Boo

Educator, ECC and LS World Language

(858) 453-3440 x472

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.
Molly Saenz

Educator, Grade 1

(858) 453-3440 x213

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

(858) 453-3440 x225

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.