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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Elizabeth Zapler

Ms. Elizabeth Zapler (“Ms. Zap”) is in her eighth 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 in her final year at Samohi), solving crossword puzzles, playing tennis, doing yoga, and practicing Italian.
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.
Taylor Neal

Taylor is thrilled to join the Carlthorp community and brings over a decade of teaching experience. 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. After 13 years in New York City, she recently relocated to Santa Monica. This year marks her 11th in education and fifth teaching kindergarten, following six years as an art teacher. 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, hiking, traveling, and painting.
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.

1st Grade Team

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Hannah Grunbaum

Hannah is thrilled to be entering her second year at Carlthorp as part of the 1st grade team. With six 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. A Southern California native from Huntington Beach, Hannah loves traveling, cooking, staying active, and spending time with her loved ones.
Keara Devitt

Keara is eager to begin her eighth year teaching at Carlthorp School and 11th 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 the outdoors, running, and doing yoga.
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

After three years as a 3rd grader teacher at Carlthorp, Ms. Dalton is eager to serve as a 1st grade teacher in 2025-2026. 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.

2nd Grade Team

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Elizabeth Worrell

Elizabeth grew up in Wisconsin and attended Concordia University in Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She continued at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she completed a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literary Studies. Throughout her graduate program, she focused mainly on identifying and overcoming the social constructs that may cause boys to develop early and negative attitudes towards reading. Elizabeth has acquired a broad range of teaching experience in both elementary and middle schools. Her first assignment was in suburban Chicago teaching 2nd grade. After moving to California, she spent eight years teaching 7th and 8th grade students at Venice Lutheran, an independent school just down the road from Carlthorp. While there, Elizabeth started an astronomy partnership with a local university, helped rethink the school’s reading curriculum, directed and co-directed numerous theatrical productions and incorporated many forms of educational technology into her classroom. In her free time, Elizabeth is an avid reader who is always on the lookout for high interest books to add to the 2nd grade library.
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!
Sydney Estrada

Sydney is excited to begin her second 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 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. Born and raised in San Marino, California, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, staying active, and exploring new restaurants.
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!

3rd Grade Team

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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.
Jarrod Moon

After two years in 4th grade, Mr. Moon will serve as a 3rd grade homeroom teacher in 2025-2026. His passion for teaching grew from his experience as a summer camp counselor during college, when 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 free time expanding his movie and TV trivia and rewatching Star Wars movies.
Megan Peterson

Megan is excited to join the Carlthorp community this year. Originally from Connecticut, she is relocating to Santa Monica from Nashville with her family. She holds a B.A. in history from William Smith College and a master’s in teaching from Manhattanville College. With 10 years of experience in independent schools in Connecticut and Tennessee, she brings a passion for creating joyful, inclusive classrooms where students feel safe, curious, and confident. Most recently, she taught second grade at the University School of Nashville, where she piloted new curricula and focused on supporting student growth through inquiry and reflection. In 2024, she was awarded a grant to develop a curriculum for teaching during an election year in K-12 settings. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, as well as cooking, swimming, doing needlework, and watching “Jeopardy!” She’s eager to explore Los Angeles and enjoy time by the beach.
Tara Prieto

A California native and two-time Trojan, Tara Prieto is so excited to serve as a teacher at Carlthorp. Tara graduated from USC’s Marshall School of Business while working in the university’s football recruiting department. After enjoying a career in professional athlete representation, Tara returned to USC, earning her first Master of Arts at the Rossier School of Education. While teaching at St. Brendan School, she earned her California elementary teaching credential and a second Master of Arts at Loyola Marymount University.

Prior to joining the Carltorp community, she taught 4th and 5th grade math and English language arts in Chicago Public Schools. During this time, she worked to earn her Illinois Math Endorsement and English as a Second Language Endorsement.

When she is not teaching, she is creating adventures and learning. Through true serendipity, she has been able to: witness both Venus and Serena play at Wimbledon, watch Muhammad Ali light the torch at the 1996 Olympics, attend Barack Obama’s first Presidential Inauguration, get surprise recognition on "The Ellen Show" after students started a letter writing campaign, and see "Hamilton" seven times from LA to Chicago to London.

4th Grade Team

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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.
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.
Tiffany Neilson

Ms. Neilson is teaching 4th grade alongside Ms. Paiva in 2024-2025 after several years together in 1st grade. 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 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 isn’t teaching, you can probably find her at the beach playing volleyball, reading, listening to music, cooking, or traveling. She enjoys attending live theater, learning about nutrition, visiting art museums, and spending time with her two nieces.
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.

5th Grade Team

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Grace Bowermaster

Ms. Bowermaster is excited to join the 5th grade team after spending the last three years teaching 3rd grade at Carlthorp. An Orange County native, Ms. Bowermaster taught elementary school students in Palo Alto and New York before returning to Southern California. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a teaching credential from Long Beach State, and a master’s degree in education leadership from the University of Washington. During her free time, she likes to run, hike, play volleyball, go to the beach, travel, read, and hang out with her husband, dog, family, and friends.
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.
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.

6th Grade Team

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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.
Lance Cromwell

Lance is so excited to be joining the Carlthorp community! 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 and test prep for The Princeton Review, and for the past nine years has 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 yummy 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.
Xylina Meade

Xylina brings her passion for teaching, connection, and creativity to the classroom. With 28 years of experience teaching elementary students in grades 3-6, Xylina is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow.

Originally from Lafayette, California, Xylina holds a multiple subject teaching credential from San Diego State University and earned her M.S. in reading and literacy.

Beyond the classroom, Xylina hopes to lead a jewelry-making class inspired by her experience selling handmade pieces in Los Angeles boutiques. She loves all animals, and has volunteered her services at multiple animal adoption rescues. Outside of school, she practices Pilates, enjoys traveling, and heads to the mountains with her family for skiing adventures.

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.