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.
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.
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!
Kimberly Huntoon

Educator, Grade 2

(858) 453-3440 x209

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by encouraging children to become their best self. This often means digging deeper to reach beyond what they think they can achieve. Taking time to enjoy one’s successes and conversely reflecting and learning from one’s mistakes is another lesson I value teaching. I also strive to teach children to show respect and kindness to others.”

Kim Huntoon works to provide a safe, caring and inspirational environment for young children so that instruction can flourish. The importance of being a positive influence at the beginning of a child’s education is a continuing source of motivation for her. She enjoys that no two days are ever the same when working with young children. Ms. Huntoon has experience not only in kindergarten but also in Tiny Torreys, junior kindergarten and second grade.

Ms. Huntoon moved to San Diego after graduating from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn. She worked in the computer industry and college admissions before joining the faculty at La Jolla Country Day School. She and her husband live in Carlsbad, where she enjoys gardening and tennis.
Jennifer Jung

Associate Educator, Grade 2

(858) 453-3440 x207

Bio

“Inspiring greatness for a better world means that I have the opportunity not only to teach the necessary academic skills needed to be successful in life but also to help children learn the interpersonal skills that are important for their future. I guide students in cooperative learning activities that require skills such as listening to others’ ideas, providing peer feedback, learning to compromise and sharing ideas. I hope to help students pursue individual passions with integrity and a spirit of enthusiastic learning.”

Jennifer (Russell) Jung began her teaching career with her dolls, stuffed animals and baby sister in her playroom classroom in Hendersonville, Tenn. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in special education for the speech and hearing impaired at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mrs. Jung obtained her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Her professional career began at an ADHD treatment program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

After working in preschools while completing her master’s degree, Mrs. Jung taught second grade in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood School in Los Angeles. Since 2004, she has taught Tiny Torreys and the second and third grades at LJCDS. She was excited to have many of her former 3-year-old students become her third-grade students. In 2018, Ms. Russell became Mrs. Jung. With the additional responsibilities of stepchildren added to her family, she changed roles to become the second-grade associate teacher.

Ms. Jung is the parent of Nathan Russell, LJCDS class of 2017. He is an ice hockey goalie and referee. She also enjoys reading, as well as time by the pool, beach and lake.
Shivani Mohan

Associate Educator, Grade 2

(858) 453-3440 x 167

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by being a supportive and nurturing figure in students' lives and ensuring that every child feels heard and cared for while at school. By creating a safe space for students to grow, they can develop the confidence they need to reach their personal and academic goals.”

Shivani Mohan joined LJCDS as a second-grade associate teacher in 2022 and quickly discovered that the school’s values align with her own personal teaching philosophy. Ms. Mohan applies a growth mindset to her everyday life. She believes every child has the ability to learn and appreciates the emphasis LJCDS places on the whole child and on creating lifelong learners.

Ms. Mohan has worked with children since she was in high school, babysitting and volunteering for summer camps. While at Arizona State University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, completed her student teaching and internship, and led a freshman introduction course.

Ms. Mohan is a San Diego native and is excited to be back in the city she loves. When not at school, she enjoys being outdoors taking advantage of the San Diego weather, especially at the beach and while hiking Torrey Pines. She also enjoys crafting and has recently begun taking pottery classes.
Julia Noe

Educator, LS Design & Innovation

(858) 453-3440 x325
Alisa Ronis

Educator, Grade 2

(858) 453-3440 x223

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world through nurturing the intellectual, emotional and moral capacities of every student to the fullest extent possible. My job is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, compassionate citizens and effective leaders with an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.”

Alisa Ronis understands that children learn in unique ways and have different strengths. She feels it is important to determine students’ capabilities and guide them to develop their fullest potential. In Ms. Ronis’s classroom, students are actively involved in meaningful and challenging lessons that develop their ability to think, reason and solve problems.

Ms. Ronis graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and began teaching in the juvenile court and community schools. She earned her teaching credential and master’s degree from Chapman University. Ms. Ronis taught kindergarten, first, fifth and sixth grade in Chula Vista. She left Chula Vista and taught fourth grade at an international private school in Venezuela for two years.

Outside of school, Ms. Ronis enjoys spending time with her family. On weekends, they like to explore San Diego and visit family and friends. She also loves to read, garden and do yoga.
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.
Tami Taylor

Educator, Grade 2

(858) 453-3440 x208

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by showing my second-grade students that it’s OK to make mistakes. When something is challenging and they don’t come up with the correct answer on the first attempt, I encourage them to continue to work through the problem until they reach a solution. When something challenges us, it makes us grow and learn.”

Tami Taylor is part of an amazing second-grade team of teachers. She came to La Jolla Country Day School to engage young children and get them excited to learn.

Ms. Taylor graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts degree and obtained her teaching credential from the University of Phoenix.

Her two sons were both lifers at LJCDS. She was a parent at the school before becoming a faculty member. Knowing firsthand what a phenomenal education her children were receiving prompted her to apply for a coveted position at the Lower School.