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.
Matthew Bessler

Educator, MS Science Grade 6

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by empowering students to take control of their own learning. I want to foster well-balanced, caring, and open-minded individuals. As a science educator, I encourage students to ask questions and be curious about the world around them.”

Matt Bessler, M.A., joined LJCDS in spring 2021 as a long-term substitute teacher and started the 2021–2022 school year full-time. It did not take long for him to feel a connection to the students and his colleagues. Mr. Bessler loves teaching Middle School students because every day is a new adventure. Their needs change often, and he likes the challenge of figuring out how to empower them to be successful learners.

Mr. Bessler earned a B.A. in business marketing from Franklin College in Indiana and his M.A. in teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University. He has taught middle school science to sixth through eighth-grade students since 2010 and helped design and implement a successful STEM lab at his previous school. He was twice recognized as Teacher of the Year by The Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair.

Mr. Bessler loves to be in nature. He enjoys hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and golfing. He is also an avid sports enthusiast. During the fall, you can often find him cheering on his favorite football teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mr. Bessler has a 10-year-old son who shares his love of sports.
Celeste Bilbao

Educator, LS and MS World Language

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by conveying to my students the value of learning about the Spanish-speaking culture as well as connecting them with meaningful experiences to learn a second language in a safe and caring environment where everybody participates.”

Celeste Bilbao began teaching at LJCDS as a long-term substitute for the Heritage Spanish class in Middle School. She felt a strong connection and motivation with the school's vision, care for the students and sense of community. She is grateful to be part of this nurturing community where each person has a voice.

Ms. Bilbao was born in Santiago, Chile, where she earned her university degree as an ESL teacher. Before starting her professional path in Chile, she flew to London to experience living in a foreign country. This nurturing life experience made her recognize the importance of being a global citizen, which she is now passionate about instilling in her students. Back in Chile, Ms. Bilbao taught different age groups and one-on-one lessons in language institutes. Her most enriching career development was the 14 years teaching lower and middle school students at St. Ignatius El Bosque. During those years, she continued learning different strategies to teach languages and received training in Visible Thinking Routines and project-based learning.

Ms. Bilbao and her family are pretty new in the USA so she enjoys traveling around her new home, going to the beach, dining out on Mexican food, as well as surfing the web to learn more about second-language acquisition.
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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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
Kiara Grant Ed.D.

Counselor, Grades 6-9

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by supporting students and their families socially and emotionally as we navigate a world full of uncertainty. I believe that a part of my role is to be influential by listening, being proactive in addressing mental health concerns that impede students’ academic performance, and collectively partnering with the community to pinpoint solutions that will strengthen our village in a rapidly evolving society.”

Kiara Grant, Ed.D., wants to inspire students to achieve their personal wellness goals, provide empathy and compassion during challenging times, and empower students to address social and emotional concerns impacting their academic success. She offers social and emotional support to students and their families by providing a safe space for students that allows parents and guardians to address their concerns. Dr. Grant supports faculty and staff with strategies to help students best socially and emotionally. She offers individual and group counseling and health and wellness classes.

Dr. Grant has a Master of Arts degree in education with a discipline in school counseling and a Doctorate in education organizational leadership. She started her journey as an educator and mental health professional in 2008 and has worked with pre-k through college students in three states before joining LJCDS in 2023 as the wellness counselor for Grades 6–9.

Dr. Grant loves being able to impact the lives of children and their families. She is a military spouse and a mother of two who enjoys traveling, community service, shopping and hanging out with her family.
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!).
David Hill Ph.D.

Educator, MS Math

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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.
Marisol Irwig

Department Chair, MS World Language; Educator, Spanish Grade 8

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by educating with a creative, lively and purposeful perspective to benefit student’s academic and personal goals. I believe that genuine care and respect for our community will help students to understand the importance of their daily contribution to our school and society.”

Maria Irwig, M.A.Ed., believes that giving full attention to everyday details in the classroom will help students to understand the processes of learning based on trust and meaningful teacher-student relationships. As the MS World Language Department Chair & 5-6 Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Irwig’s role is to provide the tools to understand the function of the Spanish language and its interconnections with our immediate and extended communities.

Mrs. Irwig’s career as an educator began in Mexico over 15 years ago. She has served as a performing arts and world language teacher in various schools. Before joining LJCDS in 2019, Mrs. Irwig created and established a Spanish language curriculum for a K–8 school, as well as a performing arts program that included Grades 4–8 concert band, Grades 5–8 jazz band and marching band, and K–8 musical theater.

Mrs. Irwig enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband at all Disney vacation destinations. She also loves to bake and cook.
Tina Kinkead

Educator, Physical Education; Coach - Volleyball, Soccer

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by appreciating and understanding the voices of my students, athletes and colleagues. By making these connections, I create a safe and energetic environment for students to freely explore and embrace their strengths and weaknesses, and instill the drive to give their best effort.”

Tina Kinkead joined LJCDS in 2019 as a physical education educator and head women’s volleyball coach. As a PE teacher, her role is to develop the core locomotor skills, sport skills and strategies, and to instill self-confidence and excitement for being of healthy body and mind. As a coach, her role is to use volleyball as a catalyst to establish healthy lifelong habits that create strong young people to make a difference in this world.

Coach Kinkead earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in physical education emphasizing sports psychology from San Diego State University, and a teaching credential for physical education and health. Her career as a coach began in 1991, and she has coached at the collegiate, high school and elementary levels.

Coach Kinkead married her college sweetheart, lives in Bird Rock, and has three children. Her favorite hobbies are watching her kids play sports and playing beach volleyball.
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.
Lori Long

Educator, MS Math Grade 7

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Bio

“I teach students first and content second. I believe the connection and bond I form with my students is critical to their success, and I pride myself on getting to know each and every student and learning how to maximize each student’s potential.”

Lori Long aspires to help students acquire conceptual understanding of mathematics through problem solving. She uses problem solving as an opportunity for students to apply their mathematical thinking skills not only to the academic world but to the real world around them. Because students are formulating opinions about their math abilities, it is her goal to help create a positive attitude about math so that students leave her class believing they are capable of success in the subject. Nothing is more heartbreaking to Ms. Long than to hear an adult say, “I was never good at math!” To this she always responds, “You just didn’t have teachers who inspired and encouraged you,” because Ms. Long believes all individuals are capable of success in math when they have good instruction.

Originally from California’s Central Valley, Ms. Long is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, and Fresno Pacific College, where she received her K–8 teaching credential and earned her Master of Arts in math and science education and an administrative credential. Before coming to La Jolla Country Day School in 1996, she previously worked in a public school district in Fresno as both a teacher and administrator. She has worked at all levels, from second grade through high school. When asked which grade she enjoys most, she says whichever one she is currently teaching!
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.
Elvia Martinez

Educator, MS World Language Grades 5/6

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Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by motivating my students to be open to the world of possibilities and connections that are made available by the acquisition of a second language. My role at La Jolla Country Day School is to become a facilitator of growth, collaboration and effective communication through immersion in the Spanish language. My goal is for my students to not only be bilingual but also to be exposed to other cultures and traditions of Spanish speakers around the globe. That is essential for any citizen in this global society.”

Elvia Martinez has been an educator since 2005, working with students from K–8 in diverse cities of San Diego County. Her background includes teaching in general education classrooms and offering specialized services to students with special learning needs. She has also worked as a tutor for after-school programs, as a certified tax preparer and as a certified Spanish legal interpreter.

Ms. Martinez is the mother of two girls and enjoys family time and trips with her husband. She describes herself as a strong person who is open to changes, opportunities and challenges. Ms. Martinez embraces life fully, as that is the best gift one can possess.
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.
Alisa Scorse

Long Term Substitute: Educator, MS English Grade 6

(800) 421-4246
Samantha Severe

Educator, MS History Grade 6

(858) 453-3440

Bio

“I inspire greatness for a better world by fostering a positive learning environment that promotes a growth mindset model and supports all learning needs.”

As a Lifer, Samantha “Sam” Severe joined the LJCDS community in 2001 in Ms. Stickles’ pre-school class. She always had a passion for education and for LJCDS. Following her Upper School graduation, Ms. Severe joined the summer programs team as a camp counselor and summer school educator and became the camp manager in 2021.

In 2020, Ms. Severe became a full-time teacher at LJCDS when she joined the Lower School team as an associate educator and made the leap to join the Middle School team in 2023 as a long-term substitute in Grade 5. She is currently a Grade 6 history educator.

Ms. Severe earned a master’s degree in teacher leadership from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Boise State University.

In her free time, Ms. Severe loves to spend time with her family, friends and her dog, Mona. Her hobbies include art, interior design, watching docuseries, listening to podcasts and baking. Ms. Severe’s favorite thing about being a teacher at LJCDS is working with former teachers, now colleagues, and giving back to the community that she truly considers her home.
Robert Wagner

Director of the Arts

(858) 453-3440 x234

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.
Christy Yin

Educator, Performing Arts

(858) 453-3440 x766
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.