About Us
Faculty and Staff

Classroom Teachers

Carlthorp School classroom teachers strike an important balance, emphasizing academic rigor in a warm and nurturing learning environment. Our faculty is committed to providing a safe place for our students where they are encouraged to take risks while striving for excellence. 

MEET THE CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Kindergarten Team

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  • Taylor Neal

    This year marks Taylor's 12th year of teaching. She earned her B.A. in art history from NYU and holds dual master’s degrees in childhood education and special education from Touro College. Taylor is passionate about helping young learners grow, discover their potential, and find joy in the classroom. With a background in both general and art education, she loves blending creativity with foundational skills to create an engaging, expressive learning environment. Throughout her career, she has designed hands-on learning materials, led student-centered workshops, and worked collaboratively to support student success. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, traveling, and painting.

  • Elizabeth Zapler

    Ms. Elizabeth Zapler ("Ms. Zap") is in her ninth year at Carlthorp School, bringing experience and love for children to her role as kindergarten teacher. A Chicago native, Elizabeth received her B.A. from Pomona College, an M.A. from the University of Chicago, and an M.A. in teaching from Colorado College.

    Elizabeth began her career as a kindergarten teacher, transitioned to developing and teaching elementary science programs at several local schools (including Carlthorp), and returned full circle to kindergarten, a magical time of discovery and exploration. She aims to create a classroom where each child feels known and cherished.

    In addition to her kindergarten role, Ms. Zap developed a Math Club for avid and talented CS mathematicians in grades 1-3 that she enjoys leading after school.

    In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her three daughters (two in college and one college graduate), solving crossword puzzles, playing tennis, doing yoga, and practicing Italian.


  • Holly Hall

    Originally from a small town in Ohio called South Point, Holly Hall moved to Los Angeles and brought with her a belief that the classroom should be a place where every child has the opportunity and fuel to flourish — and that teachers can be vital sources of support in children’s social-emotional growth. Holly taught TK for three years in Hollywood before moving to the San Fernando Valley to help launch a public charter school and teach first grade. As a founding teacher, she was able to help create and implement inquiry-based, social-emotional and DEI-focused curriculum and school-wide programs as well as lead professional development in phonics and math. Holly earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ohio University and her California teaching credential from Mount Saint Mary’s University. When she’s not teaching, Holly loves being at the beach, golfing, indulging in self-care manicures, or FaceTiming with her sweet nieces and nephews.

  • Meghan Wood

    Meghan is a third generation Palisadian and excited to join the Carlthorp community after teaching kindergarten at her alma mater, Corpus Christi School, for 19 years. After attending Marymount High School, she received her B.A. at the Boston College Lynch School of Education and received her credential and M.A. at Loyola Marymount University. She was drawn to Carlthorp's description of kindergarten as “magical,” something she aspires to achieve every year with her students. She cannot imagine teaching any other grade! Meghan especially loves teaching students of all levels to read and watching them unlock a whole new world. She works to create play-based multisensory lessons that engage all learners and celebrate special traditions. Kindergarten is a vital year that sets the foundation for educational success and a lifelong love of learning. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment in which children are empowered to challenge themselves to try new and difficult things academically, developmentally and socially. In her free time, Meghan loves taking her nieces and nephews on “aunt adventures,” especially to Disneyland — she is a Disneyland parks expert! In the summers, she is a program director at St. Matthew’s Day Camp and loves vacationing with her family at the St. Lawrence River.

1st Grade Team

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  • India Military

    India is thrilled to begin her third year teaching at Carlthorp School! Her journey began at Boston University, where she studied early childhood education. There, she had the pleasure of teaching preschool and grades K-2. After moving back to Los Angeles, her hometown, she taught 1st grade at Brentwood School. India’s passion for teaching rests in the belief that how we shape the minds and hearts of young children has a lasting, powerful impact on the global community. Her approach to learning respects, appreciates, and celebrates each aspect of children’s identities through a strengths-based lens. When India is not teaching, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Cassidy Dalton

    Entering her fifth year at Carlthorp School, Ms. Dalton is eager to serve as a 1st grade teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, where she taught TK students on campus for four years, and her master’s in teaching and credential from Pepperdine University. Prior to Carlthorp, Ms. Dalton served as a 1st grade teacher in Manhattan Beach. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

  • Keara Devitt

    Keara is eager to begin her ninth year teaching at Carlthorp School and 12th year as an educator in Los Angeles. She values helping her students develop critical thinking skills as academic scholars and fostering their social and emotional growth. Originally from Long Island, New York, she is the youngest of seven children. In 2010, she moved to California for college to pursue her teaching degree and professional career. She attended the University of San Francisco and earned a B.A. in psychology and a master's in elementary education. She later attended Mount Saint Mary’s University and completed the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing program. In her free time, Keara enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and doing yoga.


  • Hannah Grunbaum

    Hannah is thrilled to be entering her third year at Carlthorp as part of the 1st grade team. With seven years of teaching experience, she brings a warm, playful, and dedicated presence to the classroom. Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Mary’s College and later completed her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in social justice at Cal State Fullerton. Her teaching approach is rooted in the importance of mindfulness and social-emotional learning, and she values building meaningful connections with each student. Outside of teaching, Hannah loves traveling, cooking, staying active, and spending time with her loved ones.


2nd Grade Team

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  • Cori Snelson

    Cori grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in Elementary Education.  After college, she taught in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received a master's in Early Childhood Education and became a member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. She is a certified Social Emotional Learning Facilitator as well as a Specialized Reading tutor, working to build the utmost confidence in her students. In her spare time, Cori enjoys running, hiking, reading inspirational books, and taking pictures on the coast!

  • Kate Cushman

    Ms. Kate Cushman is in her 24th year at Carlthorp and her 28th year of teaching. Growing up in Michigan, Kate received her B.A. from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She has a master's degree in education from Pepperdine University and completed the Gifted Students certification program at USC's Rossier School of Education. Kate is a certified yoga instructor and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator. She has a passion for integrating mindfulness and yoga into the classroom.

    When Kate isn't teaching, she loves to spend time with her husband, family, and apricot poodle, Scully. Being active — hiking, running, biking, and yoga — is also a big part of Kate's life. Inspiring students to be their best selves and being a part of the CS community brings Kate so much joy!

  • Jessica Hyun

    Jessica Hyun is so excited to join the Carlthorp community as a 2nd grade teacher! She loves creating a warm, supportive classroom where students feel confident, valued, and inspired to learn. Her favorite part of teaching primary grades is helping students build independence and watching how much they grow over the course of a year. Jessica has spent the past five years teaching kindergarten and first grade while also taking on leadership roles, like helping to organize a schoolwide reading challenge and literacy night that brought students and families together to celebrate reading. Raised in Torrance, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree and multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a master’s degree in literacy. Outside of school, you’ll usually find her cheering on the Dodgers and Lakers, hanging out with her dachshund, Benny, making crafts with her Cricut, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves connecting with her Korean heritage through food, and enjoys cooking up family recipes with her mom.

  • Sydney Estrada

    Sydney is excited to begin her third year as a 2nd grade teacher at Carlthorp School. She aims to ensure that every child in her classroom feels seen and heard while fostering an environment that helps them to grow academically and emotionally. Sydney was born and raised in San Marino, California, and attended Santa Clara University, where she majored in psychology and minored in communication and urban education. She went on to pursue a master's in teaching at the University of Southern California. Prior to joining Carlthorp, Sydney taught at the elementary level at The Hamlin School and Campbell Hall. Beyond the classroom, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, staying active, and exploring new restaurants.

3rd Grade Team

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  • Jarrod Moon

    After two years in 4th grade, Mr. Moon will now serve his second year on the 3rd grade team. His passion for teaching grew from his experience as a summer camp counselor during college, where he led hikes, fishing trips, and cooking activities for young explorers. A football and baseball player in high school, Jarrod graduated from Indiana University with a degree in elementary education, a minor in counseling, and a concentration in mathematics. He looks forward to sharing his passion for math and history with his Carlthorp students. Jarrod spends his free time expanding his movie and TV trivia skills and reading all kinds of fantasy books.

  • Tara Prieto

    A California native and two-time USC Trojan, Tara Prieto brings a unique background and a passion for lifelong learning to Carlthorp School. Tara graduated from the USC Marshall School of Business while working in the university’s football recruiting department. Following a successful career in professional athlete representation and development, she transitioned into education. She returned to USC to earn her first master’s degree from the Rossier School of Education, later securing her California elementary teaching credential and a second master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University while teaching at St. Brendan School in Hancock Park. Prior to joining the Carlthorp faculty, Tara taught in Chicago Public Schools.

    An avid adventurer outside the classroom, Tara has gratefully used Carlthorp grants to visit a school in South Africa and walk 80 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Her love for sports and culture has led to remarkable experiences, including watching the World Cup finals in Spain, witnessing Venus and Serena Williams play at Wimbledon, and seeing Muhammad Ali light the torch at the 1996 Olympics. A serial hobbyist, Tara has rotated through eras of hot yoga, CrossFit, pickleball, running, and golf. These days, you will find her playing or teaching mahjong.

  • Xylina Meade

    After two years of teaching 6th grade at Carlthorp, Xylina Meade will bring her passion for teaching to 3rd grade for the 2026-2027 school year. With nearly 30 years of elementary teaching experience, Ms. Meade is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to grow. Originally from Lafayette, California, Xylina holds a multiple subject credential from San Diego State University and an M.S. in reading and literacy. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys making jewelry, volunteering at animal rescues, practicing Pilates, and taking family skiing trips.

  • Haley Skiba

    Born and raised in Pacific Palisades, Haley is now living her dream of raising her own children there. After attending Corpus Christi Elementary School and Marymount High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in communication while playing volleyball at UCLA and snowboarding at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an education degree at Denver Metropolitan State. Haley is so happy to be back at Carlthorp as a teacher after taking time away to raise her children. On the weekends, you can find her playing beach volleyball, surfing, or heading to Mammoth with her family and dog, Fisher.

4th Grade Team

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  • Ron Burwick

    Ron graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a major in Communications. He also attended the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Before teaching at Carlthorp, Mr. Burwick spent nine years in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he taught in the GATE program, as well as in a regular classroom. Outside of school, he enjoys scuba diving, completing the New York Times crossword puzzles, and anything related to the New England Patriots or the Boston Red Sox.

  • Ciauna Cota

    A native Angeleno, Ms. Cota grew up in Chinatown and Pasadena and earned her bachelor’s degree in sociocultural anthropology from Pitzer College. Before joining Carlthorp, she completed a teaching fellowship at Crane Country Day School in Santa Barbara and has worked as an educator in various camp and outdoor education programs across California. Ciauna draws on her background in experiential education, Universal Design for Learning, and Responsive Classroom frameworks to create an interactive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. She believes 4th grade is a powerful year when students begin to think more critically, empathetically, and independently. Outside the classroom, Ciauna enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, doing embroidery, listening to records, and practicing capoeira. She’s thrilled to be part of the Carlthorp community.

  • Tiffany Neilson

    Ms. Neilson is excited to teach 4th grade during the 2026-2027 school year. Previously a 1st grade teacher, she loves being a part of the Carlthorp School community and inspiring children to learn and reach their highest potential.

    Tiffany was born and raised in Valencia and attended Concordia University in Irvine, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and played intercollegiate volleyball. Prior to Carlthorp, she taught fourth grade for five years at Kenter Canyon Elementary School, where she was involved in many extracurricular committees, including the instructional leadership team, student leadership council, social committee, and governance.

    When she’s not teaching, you can usually find her exploring— boarding a flight to visit a new country, catching live theater and music, or discovering the best new restaurant in town. At home, she loves diving into new recipes in the kitchen and bringing fresh ideas to life. A firm believer in health, fitness, and plenty of beach days, she keeps her cup full with good workouts, ocean breezes, and lots of quality time with her four nieces.


  • Mark Franks

    Originally from the Boston area, Mark earned a B.S. in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master’s in elementary education from Lesley University. After beginning his teaching career at Sunita Williams School in Massachusetts, he moved to Los Angeles, where he taught 5th grade for over a decade and most recently taught middle school math. Mark is passionate about helping students build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover their potential. As an educator, he enjoys designing engaging, interest-driven curriculum that incorporates diverse perspectives. He has served as a teacher leader, helped develop scope and sequence in multiple subjects, and strongly believes in the value of experiential learning. Over the years, Mark has led student and teacher exchange trips to China, coached sports, and facilitated student clubs. Outside the classroom, he enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors with family and friends, and spending time in Maine restoring his old farmhouse.

5th Grade Team

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  • Tegwyn John

    Tegwyn has lived in California her whole life. She grew up in Altadena, then moved to Davis to complete her bachelor’s degree at UC Davis. She loved the Davis community so much that she stayed and completed her multiple subject teaching credential and M.A. in education there as well. She then moved to the Bay Area and taught grades 3-6 as well as English at the German International School of Silicon Valley. Her work reflects a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching, relationship building, and supporting student agency. Outside of teaching, she loves to bake, play tennis, and get lost in a good book.

  • Emily Harrison

    Born and raised in Southern California, Emily Harrison is excited to return to Carlthorp to teach 5th grade this year. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, before returning to Los Angeles to complete her master’s in education at Loyola Marymount University. Passionate about creating an engaging and supportive classroom, Emily is dedicated to inspiring her students each day. Outside of teaching, she loves traveling, yoga and spending quality time with her loved ones.

  • Julia Ho

    Julia grew up in New York and earned her B.A. from Hamilton College. She began her teaching career through the NYC Teaching Fellows program, where she also earned her master’s in education. She has taught kindergarten at P.S. 79, 1st grade at The Lamplighter School in Dallas, and 3rd grade at Horace Mann in New York. She also spent a year in Namibia teaching English as a Second Language. Julia joined Carlthorp in 2013 as a 3rd grade teacher and later transitioned to 5th grade. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring California’s beaches, trails, and national parks with her husband and two daughters.

  • Janeth Zavaleta

    Janeth started working at Carlthorp School in 1999. Her first duties involved helping out in several classrooms. Thanks to those experiences, she realized she had a passion for teaching. She then received her B.A. in Liberal Studies and her multiple-subject California Teaching Credential (K-6) at California State University, Northridge. Later, she earned her M.Ed. from Indiana Wesleyan University. Janeth has been integral to the 5th grade teaching team for many years. In her spare time, she loves to travel. Her favorite activities include playing with her dogs, Bailey and DJ, and biking.

6th Grade Team

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  • Lance Cromwell

    Lance is excited to be returning for his second year at Carlthorp School. He is a graduate of Colgate University, where he earned a degree in English with accompanying minors in education, philosophy, and art and art history. A passionate educator, he has taught high school English, taught and developed books for The Princeton Review, and taught for the nonprofit Spirit Series, directing theater and teaching story writing and storytelling in grades 4-12 in Maine and Los Angeles. He loves all things art — film, theater, fine art, music, and writing of all kinds — as well as cooking, lacrosse, and travel. He adores being a dad to his children, Madeline, Michela, and Max, and living with his partner Emily and their three pugs, Chicken, Waffles, and Henry.


  • Sachi Hillson

    Sachi joined the Carlthorp School faculty in 2000 and taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 5th grade before becoming head librarian in 2009 with a Library Media Teacher Services Credential from California State University, Long Beach. In 2015, she returned to the 5th grade classroom and then moved to her current position in 6th grade. Sachi is also proud to serve as a member of the Admissions team at Carlthorp. She completed undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon and subsequently earned her teaching credential and master’s in education from Loyola Marymount University. In her free time, Sachi enjoys going to concerts and exploring Los Angeles with her husband Michael and son Trent.
     

  • Mackenzie Nielsen

    Mackenzie Nielsen is thrilled to be joining the 6th grade team at Carlthorp School! Bringing a wealth of experience from teaching grades 4-5, she deeply appreciates the unique role of an upper elementary educator. For Mackenzie, the best part of working with older elementary students is helping them develop into confident young leaders while preparing them for the next exciting stages of their academic and personal growth. She earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Inside the classroom, Mackenzie is dedicated to sharing a lifelong love of learning and helping her students discover and nurture their own unique interests. Outside of school, Mackenzie loves staying active and exploring her many hobbies: meeting with her book club, crafting, playing soccer, roller skating, or tending to an ever-growing collection of houseplants. She is always excited to learn something new!

  • Andrew Chubb

    Originally from the UK, Andrew moved to Los Angeles in 2019 with his wife, an LA native. He brings over 15 years of teaching experience in both the UK and South Korean public schools, working primarily in grades 3-6. He especially enjoys teaching 5th and 6th grade, guiding students as they grow in confidence, independence, and skill. He earned a master’s degree while teaching in South Korea and holds a postgraduate certificate in education from the University of Brighton. Before moving to LA, he taught 5th grade in England and most recently spent two years teaching grades 4-5 at Gindi Maimonides Academy in Los Angeles. He has a passion for helping students develop their voice through writing; some have been recognized in international competitions. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his young child, playing sports, reading, and traveling with his family.
438 San Vicente Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 451-1332

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Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.