About Us
Faculty and Staff

Specialty Teachers

Every classroom has two highly qualified homeroom teachers. In addition to the classroom teachers, Carlthorp has specialty teachers in math, science, music, physical education, reading, Spanish, library, and art.

MEET OUR SPECIALTY TEACHERS

Science

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  • Megan Wind

    Science Teacher (Grades K-3)

    Megan was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and grew up in Austin,TX. After graduating high school early, Megan attended Texas State University in San Marcos. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in early childhood - 6th grade education and a certification to teach english language learners. Upon graduation, Megan taught in Austin at a NAEYC accredited independent early childhood development center. An opportunity arose for Megan’s husband to start a new business on the island of Kauai in 2016. Megan has been living and teaching on Kauai for the past 5 years. While working at King Kaumualii School Megan took on many leadership roles. 

    One of those roles was chairing the Science Cohort.  During her time on the Science Cohort, she designed and created a school-wide science curriculum. Megan worked closely with the regional college science department to create a partnership between the two schools. This led to the college hosting the school’s STEM nights and doing demonstrations, as well as providing professional development opportunities for teachers. 

    Megan’s curiosity for science started as a young girl and has blossomed into a true passion. She worked at science summer camps through college, and was torn at the decision of becoming a science specialist teacher or an elementary teacher. The enthusiasm she feels about teaching science comes second only to her dedication towards teaching early elementary-age students. Therefore, the K-3 Science Specialist Teaching position is ideal. Megan’s favorite moments in the classroom are when students’ curiosity and engagement lead to discovery and guide the learning process. She can’t wait to facilitate hands-on learning experiences at Carlthorp.


  • Andre Morris

    Director of Innovation and Upper Elementary Science Instructor

    Mr. Andre Morris begins his 23rd year of teaching, entering year four at Carlthorp School as the Head of Innovation and Upper Elementary Science. He is passionate about helping children discover their inner curiosity about the natural and technological world.
    Shortly after receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Andre arrived in Los Angeles and began teaching. His career path allowed him to work with communities in South and East Los Angeles, Highland Park, Venice, and Brentwood. During this time he became Nationally Board Certified (2007), served as a Teacher in Residence at the California Science Center, and worked as a consultant for STEM curriculum developers across the country. Andre has worked closely with the Los Angeles Urban Systemic Program, the National Science Foundation, the Lawrence Hall of Science, Carolina Biological, Delta Education, and the California Science Center to create curriculum and provide professional development in mathematics and science for teachers on the West Coast.

    Outside of school, he enjoys strategy games (otherwise known as exercises in spreadsheet analysis!), delving into escape rooms, attempting to play tennis and spending time with his wife, son, and dog.
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Physical Education

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  • Chris Lemieux

    P.E. Teacher

    Chris enthusiastically begins his fourth year teaching physical education and carrying out his coaching responsibilities at Carlthorp School. He came to Carlthorp from the Northeast, where he taught K-6 physical education at a school northern Vermont. Chris earned his undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Vermont followed by a master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
    Chris competed in track and field where he garnered the conference championship in the decathlon. Post-competition, he helped coach the University of Illinois women’s track and field team to an indoor Big 10 championship. In his spare time, he likes to play golf, go hiking, ski and snowboard. Chris is looking forward to finishing the Educational Leadership doctoral program in which he is currently enrolled at Pepperdine University. Most importantly he is looking forward to improving your children’s athletic abilities, creating confidence and instilling great sportsmanship in all the students in the Carlthorp School community.
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  • Matthew Johnson

    P.E. TEACHER
    Matt is from Walpole, New Hampshire and attended Keene State College in New Hampshire.  For the past seven years he has been teaching and living in Brattleboro, Vermont, and working as a P.E. teacher at Academy Elementary School. Physical activity has brought so much joy to Matt's life. He teaches Physical Education because he is passionate about sharing that joy with others.  

  • Aundréa Dava

    P.E. Teacher

    Aundréa Dava is originally from Hyattville, Maryland, and grew up in Southern California, where she attended and played college basketball for the Vanguard University of Southern California. Coach Dava has 15 years of experience coaching basketball and is passionate about teaching and coaching youth sports and physical education. She has a love for music, dogs, and LA sports. Her spare time is spent with her dog daughter, “Honey,” or training/playing basketball. Coach Dava is looking forward to joining the Carlthorp staff and contributing to our school’s outstanding tradition.

Spanish Department

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  • Sara Martinez

    Teaching Assistant, Spanish

    Sara Martinez, who has worked with children for over seven years, serves as a teacher's aide for the Spanish Department. Sara is excited to meet all the students and reunite with the students she worked with last year. Sara is of Salvadoran descent and can read, write, and speak fluently in Spanish. In her spare time she enjoys reading books, doing arts and crafts, creating jewelry, and hanging out with her dog Bruce.

  • Ruby Cedillo Bravo

    Associate Spanish Teacher

    Ruby first joined the Carlthorp community as a 3rd grade Teaching Assistant and is now a member of the Spanish Department. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA and is currently working towards her master's degree in education with an emphasis on Dual Language Development. She envisions herself working with recently incoming students who are English/Spanish Language Learners to support them in their transition. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and painting.

  • Mayra More

    Spanish Teacher

    Maestra Mayra was born and raised in Chile, where she graduated with a major in Elementary Education. After completing a minor in psychology at UC Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature, she relocated to Los Angeles. She is excited to help Carlthorp students learn a new language and discover new cultures. When not at Carlthorp, she enjoys listening to music, reading, exploring nature and traveling to new countries.

Art Department

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  • Greta Williams

    ART TEACHER

    Greta graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts and a Clear Teaching Credential in Art.  She is passionate about children’s art education and has worked with students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It has been her great joy to share the magic and wonder of art with our Carlthorp students for the past 20 years.  She delights in seeing art come alive as students explore famous artists and artwork, learn new skills, and discover their own creative spark. In her free time she enjoys nature, music, reading, and creating art. She also loves spending time with family and friends, and visiting her place of birth, Hawaii.

  • Rachel Adams

    Art Teacher

    Rachel studied advertising and creative writing in college but pursued her passion for art through various classes, personal projects, and exhibitions. Primarily self-taught in multiple media, Rachel has always had a passion for art. She discovered her love of working with children during her time at LAUSD. She feels modeling a positive attitude in the classroom and giving each student a safe place to make mistakes and grow are vital, and believes everyone has an inner artist that just needs a supportive environment to emerge. She strives to connect each child in some way to art.

    In addition to producing her own art, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

  • Jean Austin

    TEACHING ASSISTANT: ART

    Jean graduated from Carlthorp School and some years later from Carleton College as well. She has many talents but has spent most of her 20+ years working at Carlthorp with students.  Jean is a gifted artist and designer who enjoys going to the movies, reading, and sampling fine food.

Library

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  • Nicky Meyer

    PROGRAM INTEGRATION DIRECTOR & HEAD LIBRARIAN

    Nicky is looking forward to beginning her 20th year at Carlthorp. Over the course of those years, she has held many positions. She began as a PE teacher, moved to 1st Grade for six years, followed by 3rd Grade for eight years, and has now been the librarian for three years. Additionally, Nicky coordinates the Parent Education Workshop Series at CS. She holds an Administrative Credential, a Masters of Art in Elementary Education, a Clear Credential in Elementary Education, and a B.A in Sociology with a minor in Family Studies.  Nicky enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She has always been devoted to helping children achieve their potential, knowing that they need to be well prepared for the complex world in which they will live.

  • Yvette Vasquez

    Library & Admissions

    Yvette earned her BA in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles. she has worked with children in different capacities, babysitting and also teaching Sunday school at her church.  She is a California native and was born in Santa Monica and raised in Long Beach. She is an avid reader and reads almost 50 books a year. When she is not lost in a book you can find her hiking with friends and family, traveling, hanging out at the beach or just finding new places to eat in Los Angeles.  
     

Music Department

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  • Ashley Stanbury

    Music Teacher

    Ashley Stanbury, a native of Southern California, is a classically trained singer and performer. She graduated in 2009 from the Bob Cole Conservatory at California State University, Long Beach, where she earned her Bachelors of Music degree in Vocal Performance. Ashley has performed with local opera companies such as Long Beach Opera and the Pacific Lyric Association. She has also been a featured soloist with the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale, the Palos Verdes Library Recital Series, the Nova Vocal Ensemble and the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Ashley is excited to join the Carlthorp School music department.



  • Jackie Lin Dale

    MUSIC TEACHER

    Hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, Jackie taught in schools around the Chicago and Washington, D.C., area before starting at Carlthorp. She holds an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in violin and music education and has worked with many musicians as both a performer and an educator. In the classroom, she has experience teaching orchestras, bands and choirs of all ages, from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, tennis and making music with friends.

Language Arts

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  • Rebecca Paradis

    Reading Specialist

    Rebecca is originally from Simi Valley, California, where she grew up helping in her mom’s 2nd grade classroom. From a young age she has been passionate about education and that passion has never waivered. Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Loyola Marymount University after which she went on to teach 3rd grade at Playa Vista Elementary School. Rebecca then moved to Dublin, Ireland, where she worked in the Foster Care Unit at Child Protective Services helping families in need. Specifically, she was the instructor for the children in temporary foster care. Rebecca also served as the academic liaison when the children were relocated to a more permanent home and academic setting. When she moved back to California, Rebecca taught a Kindergarten class at Short Avenue Elementary School. Outside of school Rebecca enjoys crafting, hiking, and stargazing. However, her greatest hobby is traveling. So far she has been to 40 states and 24 countries!

  • Jeannette Kowell

    Reading Specialist

    Jeannette is a graduate of Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching, as well as her learning specialist credential. She is the mother of two Carlthorp graduates and the grandmother of a current Carlthorp student. Jeannette began her career at Carlthorp as a kindergarten teacher and then became a reading teacher. She earned a reading and literacy certificate from USC in 2017 and is Orton-Gillingham trained. Outside of school, she enjoys playing with her grandchildren, reading, exercising and cooking.

  • Leslie Neumann

    Reading Specialist

    Leslie is eager to begin her 4th year at Carlthorp school as a Reading Specialist.  She was born and raised in the northern Chicago suburbs and attended the University of Iowa for her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she moved back to Chicago and began her teaching career in Mt. Prospect, Illinois where she taught kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades over a span of ten years.  The last three years at Carlthorp have been spent teaching 1st and 2nd grades and she is excited to transition into her new role for this upcoming school year.
     
    Leslie earned her Masters degree as a Reading Specialist at Olivet Nazarene and then continued her education by taking several classes through the university to broaden and deepen her knowledge as an educator. Throughout her career she has served on various leadership committees and most recently presented at an EdTech conference with her former administrators. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and tries to take full advantage of all of these sun-filled days. She likes to spend her time traveling to see friends and family, reading, and taking her dog, Barkley, outside to play!

Math Department

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  • Liese Brown

    Math Specialist


  • Boralda Ndreu

    Math Specialist

    Boralda Ndreu graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Northridge, and worked in the finance field for a couple of years. Her love for numbers and the desire to help children understand math inspired her to become a math teacher. With seven years of math teaching experience for grades K-12, Ms. Ndreu’s content knowledge and ability to connect with children is an asset to our school. Bora is a previous owner and teacher of a Mathnasium franchise in Simi Valley. During her time there, she made it her daily goal to ensure that students have effective, engaging, and encouraging learning experiences that cultivate an intuitive understanding of math while creating a positive, nurturing environment for her students.
438 San Vicente Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 451-1332
Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.