| • Physical Education | • Social-Emotional Curriculum | • Special Education |
| • Art | • Curriculum Consultant | • Speech/Language |
| • Science | • Resource Specialist | |
| • Curriculum Coordinator | • Reading Specialist |
Michal-Lynn O'Kelley: Physical Education Teacher
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Michal-Lynn O'Kelley graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Kinesiology with an emphasis in teaching Kindergarten through grade 12. Using the Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools as a guide, Michal-Lynn incorporates positive communication, conflict resolution skills and inclusion to build skills and a knowledge base and encourage students to develop and maintain healthy, active lifestyles. Michal-Lynn is active in her community coaching Albion soccer club and is an active alumnus for the Division I Lady Razorback Soccer program. She has traveled extensively with teams to Holland and all throughout the United States. She is an outdoor enthusiast who likes to explore new adventures with friends and family. |
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Nita Trocosso is a much loved art teacher whose energy, enthusiasm and dedication to children's creativity is an inspiration. Her commitment alongside of her intelligence regarding art instruction make her an exceptional teacher. Nita's flexibility and pure enjoyment of children's engagement in art create an approach to teaching that is rare. Her generosity to our school and the extraordinary amount of time that she has already given is an indication of her spirit and energy for educating our children. Nita is a wonderful addition to our school's faculty and has been with Explorer since its inception 7 years ago. |
Julie Hutchins: Science Teacher
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Julie Hutchings has taught at Explorer in various positions for the past five years. In addition to holding Masters Degree in Education and a California Teaching Credential, Ms. Hutchings is a Certified Parent Educator and spent many years coordinating and teaching in the Parent Education Program at The Children's School in La Jolla. |
Library Media Teacher
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Marsha Korobkin began her career as a school library media teacher exactly thirty years ago at O’Farrell Junior High School. During this time she has been in charge of libraries at several schools in San Diego Unified School District and has served as the Program Manager for Instructional Media Services. She has developed the original library collections for Farb Middle School, The Preuss School at UCSD, and the new library at Explorer. This year she looks forward to working with the students and teachers at Explorer to foster the joy of reading and improve information literacy skills. She has a B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.A. in Educational Technology and Librarianship from San Diego State University. She holds life credentials in California for Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Library Services. She also holds an Administrative Services credential. |
Katrina Music Teacher
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Katrina Thomas has had a passion for beginning a music program at Explorer and is thrilled to see it come to fruition! She began playing piano at age 8 and starting playing professionally at age 16. She is a graduate of the Grove School of Music keyboard program and has attended Biola University and UCSD. Her desire is to give all our students an experience of music as participants, encouraging self expression while highlighting the importance of community. She believes that to go home at the end of the day and having made a difference in just one child's life through music would alone be priceless! |
Julie Capper: Reading Specialist
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Julie Caper comes to the field of special education after over 20 years teaching early childhood, parenting classes and family literacy. She received her multiple subject credential and early childhood special education credential from SDSU and is currently working on her mild/moderate special education credential. Her daughter just graduated form Explorer Elementary after 5 excellent years. She is pleased to have the opportunity to join Explorer’s wonderful staff. |
Ellen Solomon: Reading Specialist
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Ellen Solomon began working at Explorer as its Resource Teacher when it first opened in 2000. She has been teaching school for twenty-seven years, seventeen years as a classroom teacher specializing in early childhood education, and ten years as a part-time resource teacher and tutor. At Explorer, Ellen helps elementary students who need support with reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and/or math. Her educational background includes a teaching credential from the University of Buffalo and a Master of Arts degree in education from San Diego State University. She has a CA Teaching Credential as well as a Specialist Instruction Credential in Reading and Language Arts. |
Bob Parker: Head of Special Education, High Tech Learning
Mr. Parker was born in Bremerton Washington. He has lived in Washington, Alaska and for the most part, in Southern California. Prior to moving to the San Diego area, Mr. Parker lived in Big Bear Lake for twenty-six years. Mr. Parker received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from California State University of Long Beach where he also earned a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. In his thirty plus years in public education, Mr. Parker has been
employed as a School Psychologist, School Principal and a District
Office Administrator. Most recently, Mr. Parker served in the capacity
of Program Manager for Due Process and Procedural Safeguards for the
Desert/Mountain Special Education Local Plan Area (D/M SELPA) in San
Bernardino County. |
Ann Terry: Speech and Language Pathologist
| Anne Elizabeth Terry received her B.S. from Northwestern University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then attended University of Washington and obtained her Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. She is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a California State License. Ms. Terry has experience working with children and adults with a variety of speech and language needs. She has been working with schools in the San Diego area for the past 4 years and is excited to be joining the Explorer Elementary staff. In her free time she enjoys surfing, reading, traveling and playing with her dog. |
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