Staff Directory

Kindergarten

	Sue Mooradian Sue has taught Kindergarten at Explorer on and off since the school opened its doors in 2000. Before coming to Explorer, she taught in and directed the parent-toddler program at the Children’s School for eight years. Sue holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from SDSU.
	Diane Hawke Diane Hawke has been teaching at Explorer since 2001. She received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of San Diego, as well as her M.A. in Education and a Clear Multiple Subject Credential. Her teaching experience includes both public and private schools in the primary grades.
	Jen Schultz Jen Schultz has been teaching at Explorer since 2002. Before coming to Explorer, Jen worked at the Sudanese English Project teaching English to Sudanese refugee children as the lead K-3 teacher, curriculum coordinator and assistant administrator. Jen holds a B.A. and a Masters in Education, focusing on Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of San Diego.
	Zoltan Sarda Zoltan Sarda has been teaching since 1992. In addition to his work as a classroom teacher at Explorer, Mr. Sarda is responsible for many aspects of the school’s Social Curriculum. Zoltan holds a M.A. from UCSD and is currently a doctoral candidate at UCSD.
	Carrie Nisil Carrie has worked as an Assistant Teacher in Kindergarten and First Grade since Explorer opened. She is an avid quilter and also teaches after-school enrichment classes in sewing and crafts.
	Casey Swangren Prior to coming to Explorer, Casey worked in after-school programs and in an ESL Kindergarten. She is a San Diego transplant from Wisconsin and holds a B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin. Casey still makes art when she has time and motivation and spends a lot of her free time traveling to visit family back home.
	Rhea Manguil Rhea has worked in education for eleven years as an instructional aide, substitute teacher, and classroom teacher in California and Missouri. She holds an elementary credential and has taught kindergarten, fifth and sixth grades. In her spare time, Rhea loves to spend time with her husband and three children.

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First Grade

	Paula Rothschild Ms. Rothschild has taught in the primary grades for 20 years. This is her tenth year at Explorer. She finds teaching first grade the most rewarding. She holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan, and a Masters Degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. When not at school she enjoys tennis, biking, traveling and spending time with her two grand daughters.
	Stacey Stevenson Stacey Stevenson has been with Explorer since the school began, teaching fourth grade, first grade, and kindergarten. Stacey received her degrees in history, literature, and her teaching credential with CLAD emphasis from the University of California, San Diego. Prior to teaching, she owned an art gallery in downtown San Diego. When Stacey is not teaching she rock climbs, reads, gardens and enjoys spending time with her cats, two ducks and her beau Chris.

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Second Grade

	Diana Glover Mrs. Glover has been teaching for more than 15 years in San Diego County. She received her B.A. in Communications and her teaching credential from San Diego State University. Outside of school Mrs. Glover likes to spend time with her family as well as cook, read and play volleyball.
	Aly McCall Aly has taught 2nd grade at Explorer since 2004. She holds B.A. and teaching credential from USD, as well as a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction. Ms. McCall is CLAD certified.
	Carlisa Endoso Carlisa Endoso majored in English Literature at San Diego State University, where she focused on children’s literature, and planned a career as a high school English teacher. She spent a year teaching high school, and then took a year off to "see the world." While working as an au pair in Annecy, France, she realized she was well-suited to working with younger children and returned to school to earn her California Teaching Credential with CLAD emphasis. Carlisa has taught in the primary grades since 1996.
	Cindy Jenson Elliot Mrs. Elliott began substitute teaching at Explorer in 2001. She began teaching second grade at Explorer in 2009, and has been Explorer's Garden Coordinator since 2007. Cindy holds a B.A. in history from Bowdoin College and an M.A. in Education from San Diego State University in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on environmental science. She holds California Teaching Credentials for K-12 multiple subjects, and single subject Social Studies. She is also a freelance educational writer,  the author of four nonfiction books, and is an instructor at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

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Third Grade

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Fourth Grade

	Karen Feitelberg Karen Feitelberg is thrilled to join the Explorer faculty this year. She has been teaching over ten years in San Diego county, most recently in the Solana Beach School District where she taught grades 4, 5, and 6.  She holds a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and a teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University.
	Patricia Lim Patricia Lim is thrilled to teach at Explorer. She loves teaching and learning with her students and encouraging creativity and deep thinking. Prior to teaching at Explorer, Patricia taught for three years at a charter school in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, a Clear Multiple Subject teaching credential with CLAD emphasis, and a M.Ed. from UCSD. Aside from teaching, Patricia enjoys traveling, painting, and spending time with her son who is a graduate of Explorer.
	Misa Adams Misa Adams joined the Explorer faculty in 2005 after a teaching career in both the Poway Unified School District and The Children's School in La Jolla. Ms. Adams holds B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from University of San Diego, as well as a Reading Specialist Credential and a multiple subject teaching credential with CLAD emphasis. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
	Grace Bragg Grace Bragg joined the Explorer family in 2002. Prior to becoming a parent and teacher at Explorer, Grace taught in San Francisco, Alisal and San Diego Unified School Districts. She holds a BA in Spanish Literature, a Multiple Subject/ BCLAD credential, and Masters in TESOL all from the University of San Francisco. When she is no teaching, Grace loves traveling with her family and enjoys being constantly reminded of the beauty each one of us has to share.

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Fifth Grade

	Ashley Carrico Ashley Carrico comes to Explorer with excellent credentials. As a fourth grade teacher for five years in Orange County , she was voted "Teacher of the Year" at her school in 2003. She has been a leader in her school and has brought experience, intelligence and a high level of enthusiasm and competence to her classroom at Explorer. Ashley has taught fifth grade at Explorer since 2004.
	Cristine Kuhl Christine has experience in a variety of school settings within San Diego and abroad. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential from San Marcos State University, and an M. Ed. from Chapman University. Christine joined the Explorer faculty in 2007.
	Becky Frost Becky Frost earned her B.A. in Diversified Liberal Arts at the University of San Diego. She has been at Explorer since 2004 and prior to that taught 5th grade in San Francisco for five years. During those years she led a Technology Leadership Academy and led teacher workshops in the use of technology to support classroom curriculum.
	Hien Malesky ThuHien Vo Malesky has been part of the Explorer family since 2005. She holds a Master’s Degree in Policy Studies in Language & Cross-Cultural Education from San Diego State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has previously worked at Buckingham, Brown, and Nichols in Boston, the United Nations International School in Vietnam, and Club Boulevard Arts & Humanities Magnet School in Durham, NC. She loves to travel, read, cook, and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for life and learning with her students.

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Specialty Faculty

	Michal-Lynn O'Kelley: Physical Education Using the Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools as a guide, Coach O’Kelley 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. She has taught PE at Explorer since 2001. Michal-Lynn is active in her community coaching Albion soccer clubs. She holds a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas.
	Nita Trocosso: Art Nita Trocosso has taught art at Explorer since the school’s inception. Prior to coming to Explorer, Nita worked as creative director for a ballet company, taught art in private schools, and created art programs for seniors and developmentally disabled people. Nita also oversees Explorer’s after-school programs, and offers her own art enrichment classes after school.
	Julie Hutchins: Science Julie Hutchings has taught science at Explorer since 2005. Prior to taking over the science lab, Julie taught in Kindergarten at Explorer. In addition to holding a 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.
	Rebecca Haden: Second Step Rebecca Haden joined the Explorer Family in 2007. Since the beginning of her career at Explorer she has gained teaching experience in a variety of classrooms including kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. She is very excited to work with all grade levels this year in Second Step, the school’s social and emotional curriculum, teaching children empathy, problem solving, and anger management skills. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Gonzaga University, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a CLAD emphasis from Azusa Pacific University, and a Master’s degree in Education also from Azusa Pacific University. She is really looking forward to watching all of the Explorer Students grow socially and emotionally this year through Second Step. Aside from teaching, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, practicing yoga, running, and hiking.
	Marsha Korobkin: Librarian Marsha Korobkin began her career as a school library media teacher over 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 developed the original library collections for Farb Middle School, The Preuss School at UCSD, and the new library at Explorer.   Marsha holds 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.
	Roxyanne Young: Librarian Roxyanne Young is an award-winning children’s author and children’s book reviewer and has a Masters in English Education. She is an expert in children’s literature and taught Language Arts in Florida before moving to San Diego in 1995, and now works as a college writing instructor and freelance business and technical writer when she’s not introducing new books to our students here at Explorer.
	Julie Capper: Resource Specialist Julie Capper 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. Ms. Capper also holds a mild/moderate special education credential from SDSU.
	Bob Parker: Special Education Bob Parker received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from California State University of Long Beach where he also earned a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. Bob has worked in pubic education for over thirty years. Prior to joining the High Tech High family, he worked as a School Psychologist, School Principal and a District Office Administrator. Most recently, Bob 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. Mr. Parker holds California life credentials in the areas of School Psychology and School Administrative Services
	Anne Terry Hoskin: Speech and Language Pathology Anne Terry Hoskin 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. Mrs. Hoskin has experience working with children and adults with a variety of speech and language needs.
	Leanne Burgess: Music Leanne received her Bachelors of Education from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  After moving to San Diego in 1997, she began teaching at a local private school.  She fell into teaching music when she realized that there was a need for music in schools.  She became a certified Kindermusik teacher and Orff method music teacher.  She has taught classroom music to students from preschool through eighth grade.  She loves to see the joy and pride in the children while they are experiencing music.  Leanne is very honored to be working with the familes and staff at Explorer.

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Instructional Assistants

Katrina Thomas

Stacie Weber

Verenice Rodea

Alisha Cappa

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Administration

	Jill Green: Principal Jill Green received her M.A. Degree from Pacific Oaks College in Early Childhood and Human Development. She holds an Elementary Teaching Credential (Life), a Community College Counselor License, and a Community College Teaching Credential (Life). Jill graduated Magna Cum Laude from U.C.L.A. and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Jill has taught college courses in early childhood development, worked as an educational therapist, and has been a mentor teacher. Prior to becoming the founding Principal of Explorer, Jill directed two child development centers, and was the Principal of Beth Israel Day School for thirteen years.
	Jan Economy: Office Manager Jan Economy began working for Explorer Elementary Charter School in 2004 and loves every minute of it! She is a parent of three, including two Explorer graduates. Jan's excellent organization keeps the school running smoothly. Her kind smile and down-to-earth demeanor make children, parents and visitors feel at home at Explorer the moment they walk in the door.
	Jean Kluver: Director of Development Jean Kluver oversees resource development at Explorer, working closely with the Board of Directors and the parents and faculty to raise funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources. Jean has over twenty years experience working with foundations, non-profits, and community-based organizations. She holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts and a MCP from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
	George Mitchell: Information Technology George Mitchell has overseen all technology planning purchasing, and network maintenance at Explorer since 2001. George has held positions in the field of Information Technology for various companies, and now maintains his own business supporting small businesses in the San Diego Region. George has been active with Microsoft Windows Technologies since 1994, and received his training at the UCSD Extension with an emphasis in Information Technology and Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.
	Paula Camarda Paula Camarda handles everything the front office can throw at her with grace and calm.  Prior to coming to Explorer, Paula worked as classroom aide at Foothill Christian School. She is the mother of two teenagers.  Paula loves working at Explorer and enjoys knowing all of the wonderful families and children.
	Clementine Reyes: Facilities Clementine has been in charge of keeping Explorer neat and clean since the school opened its doors at Liberty Station. She believes that “everybody can accomplish more when they are in an organized and clean environment.” Clementine grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, and has lived here since 1990. She has three daughters who are all part of the High Tech High family.
	Alfredo Silva: Facilities