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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  • Elizabeth Zapler

    Ms. Elizabeth Zapler (“Ms. Zap”) begins her sixth year at Carlthorp School this year. She brings experience, creativity, energy, and love for children to her role as kindergarten teacher. A Chicago native who spent her teenage years working at Wrigley Field, Elizabeth received her B.A. in English from Pomona College, an M.A. in Religious Studies 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 Los Angeles schools, and returned full circle to kindergarten, a magical time of discovery and exploration. Elizabeth aims to inspire children to pursue a lifetime of learning and to create a classroom where each child feels known and cherished. 
     
    In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her three teenage daughters, solving crossword puzzles, playing tennis, and practicing Italian every day on Duolingo.

  • Adrienne Rizk

    Born and raised on the Central Coast, Adrienne moved to Los Angeles where she received her degree in English from California State University, Los Angeles. She went on to earn her Master of Arts degree in Literacy and Language Arts as well as her teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University. Before arriving at Carlthorp, Adrienne taught kindergarten and filled the role of Literacy Lead for kindergarten through 2nd grade at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes. More locally, she also taught at Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena and at the UCLA Lab School in Westwood. Less locally, she spent time working with students in Ghana, West Africa, where she continues to serve as a board member for a community primary school. Adrienne spends her time outside of school exploring Los Angeles with her husband and two children. At home, she indulges in her passion for literature and reading.   

  • Caitlin Schriefer

    Ms. Caitlin Schriefer is thrilled to be teaching her eighth year of kindergarten at Carlthorp School. She feels incredibly grateful to be a part of such an extraordinary year in a child's life. An East Coast native, Caitlin graduated from Villanova University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. After teaching 1st grade in the Philadelphia suburbs, Caitlin relocated to New York City where she continued her education at Fordham University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Education with a focus in Literacy. She found a school in Manhattan to call home for eight years, St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s, where she enjoyed developing and implementing new curriculum while teaching pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and 2nd grade classes. During her time at SHSH, Caitlin had the opportunity to travel to Chengalpattu, India, to teach English to children in grades K-6. A firm believer in professional and continuing education, she was also able to organize and facilitate teaching workshops for the school’s faculty. Caitlin is thrilled to now be living near her family in sunny California. In her free time, you can find her enjoying picnic dinners on the beach with her husband and their 3-year-old twins.

  • 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 overjoyed to become a part of the 1st grade team and join Carlthorp’s community. With a teaching history spanning five years, three of which have been devoted to nurturing 1st graders, Hannah brings a warm, playful, and committed presence to the classroom. She recently received a master’s degree from Cal State Fullerton in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in social justice.

    Hannah’s teaching ethos is grounded in the understanding that mindfulness and social-emotional learning are fundamental to a child’s growth. She endeavors to establish meaningful connections with each student, valuing their distinct strengths and perspectives within the educational setting.

    Hannah is a Southern California native, having grown up on the sunny shores of Huntington Beach. When she isn’t guiding her students, you can find her embarking on adventures around the globe, whipping up culinary delights in the kitchen, staying active through exercise, or cherishing quality time with her loved ones.

  • Keara Devitt

    Keara is eager to begin her sixth year teaching at Carlthorp School and ninth 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 traveled 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 be a part of the 1st grade team at Carlthorp School after serving as a kindergarten teacher in 2023-2024. Her teaching journey began at Boston University, where she studied early childhood education and taught 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.

  • Raysa Sosa

    Raysa is thrilled to bring her experience teaching in New York City schools to the West Coast and equally excited to continue her journey in education at Carlthorp. After earning a bachelor’s in childhood with special education from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s from Teachers College, where she specialized in reading, she held teaching positions at The Brearley School and then at Speyer, a school focused on educating gifted students, where she served as assistant coach of the middle school cross-country team and introduced students to different crafts during summer camp.

    Raysa consistently strives to discover methods to effectively challenge students while ensuring that learning is a source of joy. Outside of work, you can find Raysa going on long bike rides and trying out anything crafty.

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 be a member of the 2nd grade team at Carlthorp School. She grew up in San Marino and loves living in Los Angeles! Sydney graduated from 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. Sydney aims to ensure that every child in her classroom feels seen and heard while creating an environment that helps them to grow academically and emotionally. Prior to joining Carlthorp, Sydney spent two years in San Francisco teaching grades 3-4 at The Hamlin School. Most recently, she taught third grade at Campbell Hall School in Studio City. In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exercising, going to concerts, and exploring new restaurants.

  • Kate Cushman

    Ms. Kate Cushman is entering her 22nd year at Carlthorp and her 26th 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 so much joy to Kate's life!

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. Filling in for Grace Bowermaster as a long-term substitute teacher in 3rd grade, Haley is so happy to be back teaching at Carlthorp after taking time away to raise her children, now 8 and 6. On the weekends, you can find her playing beach volleyball, surfing, or heading to Mammoth with her family and dog, Fisher.

  • Cassidy Dalton

    Cassidy is a native Californian and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, where she was a TK teacher on campus for four years. She then earned her master’s degree in teaching and credential from Pepperdine University. After teaching 1st and 3rd grade in Manhattan Beach, Cassidy is entering her 2nd year at Carlthorp as a 3A teacher! When Cassidy is not teaching, she likes to go to the beach, go on long walks, travel, and spend time with her family and friends!

  • Tara Prieto

    This California native and two-time Trojan is so excited to return to Carlthorp as a math instructor for upper grade students. 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.

    Just 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.

  • Grace Bowermaster

    Grace grew up in Southern California and is happy to return home after teaching in cities around the country. Grace received her bachelor’s degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, followed by her teaching credential at Long Beach State. She then moved to Palo Alto to teach 2nd and 3rd grade. While in Palo Alto, she became interested in advocacy and equity in education. She moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington for her master’s degree in education leadership and policy studies. After Seattle, she ventured to New York to teach third grade on the Upper East Side. 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!  Currently, she is completing a part-time program at Long Beach State to become a literacy specialist.

4th Grade Team

List of 4 items.

  • Jarrod Moon

    Jarrod Moon is in his second year as a member of the 4th grade faculty at Carlthorp School. 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.

  • Julie Paiva

    In her seventh year of teaching at Carlthorp School, Ms. Paiva is excited to be a part of the 4th grade team with Ms. Neilson. Prior to Carlthorp, she spent 16 years teaching at the elementary level in Brentwood’s Kenter Canyon School of Advanced Studies. She has a passion for inspiring students to become lifelong learners and compassionate members of the community.

    Julie graduated from UC Davis with her bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communications, and a minor in theater. She went on to receive her master's in teaching and a multiple subject teaching credential from Chapman University. In 2009, Julie was awarded the Lori Petrick Award for Excellence in Education from the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys writing, performing, being outdoors, and traveling to new places.

  • 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

List of 4 items.

  • Julia Ho

    Julia was raised in New York and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College. Upon graduating, she entered the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earned her master's in education while teaching kindergarten at P.S. 79x. Julia worked with the lower grades for many years as a 1st grade teacher at the Lamplighter School in Dallas, Texas, and as 3rd grade teacher at Horace Mann in New York. She also spent a year overseas teaching English as a Second Language in Namibia. Julia joined the Carlthorp faculty as a 3rd grade teacher in 2013, working for six years before moving to the 5th grade team. When not at school, Julia is with her husband and two daughters enjoying the beaches, trails, and national parks that California has to offer.

  • Carrie Ring

    Ms. Carrie Ring is delighted to serve as a 5th grade teacher in her fourth year at Carlthorp, bringing more than 20 years of experience as an independent school teacher. Born and raised in Brentwood, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California, San Diego, and received her J.D. from Loyola Law School. She later earned her California teaching credential from Chapman University. Ms. Ring was able to combine her love of teaching and knowledge of law by co-authoring a book for elementary school educators called Step Into The Courtroom. A mom of two teenagers, Carrie enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

  • Janeth Zavaleta

    Janeth started working at Carlthorp School in 1999. Her first duties involved helping out in a number of classrooms. Thanks to those experiences, she realized she had a passion for teaching. She then went on to receive both 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 an integral part of 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, biking, and camping.

  • Emily Harrison

    Emily grew up in Agoura Hills and loves Southern California! She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she studied education and explored the Central Coast. After finishing her bachelor's degree, she moved back to Los Angeles to pursue a Master of Education at Loyola Marymount University. Before coming to Carlthorp, Emily spent four years teaching 3rd grade at KIPP SoCal. Emily loves traveling to new places, yoga, and long walks outdoors in her free time. She loves to read and has a big sweet tooth! She is looking forward to joining the Carlthorp family and learning alongside her 5th graders!

6th Grade Team

List of 4 items.

  • Bryn Guitar

    Moving up with her 5th grade students from the 2023-2024 school year, Ms. Guitar (formerly Ms. McCarthy) is serving as a 6th grade teacher for 2024-2025. Bryn graduated from Connecticut College, where she studied Human Development and Elementary Education. She continued her education at Bank Street College of Education in New York, where she earned her M.S. in Childhood Special and General Education.

    Bryn started her career in teaching at Marymount School of New York, where she taught kindergarten and 2nd grade. She then taught third grade at an all-boys school, Saint David’s, on the Upper East Side. After living in New York for 10 years, she was thrilled to return home to Los Angeles, where she was born and raised. Bryn is excited to start her fourth year in fifth grade at Carlthorp. Outside of school, Bryn enjoys hiking, volunteering, and cooking.

  • Sachi Hillson

    Sachi completed undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon and subsequently earned her teaching credential and master’s in education from Loyola Marymount University. She joined the Carlthorp School faculty in 2000 and spent a number of years teaching 1st grade, 2nd grade and then 5th grade before becoming Head Librarian in 2009 with a Library Media Teacher Services Credential from California State University, Long Beach. Sachi is a proud member of the selection committee for the Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature. In 2015 she returned to the 5th grade classroom and then moved to her current position in 6th grade. In her free time, Sachi enjoys going to concerts and exploring Los Angeles with her husband Michael and son Trent.
     

  • Ausra Venckus

    An accomplished educator with a diverse academic background and a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments, Ausra has been a 6th grade teacher at Carlthorp School since 2015. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Development Studies and History from UCLA, and she also had the privilege of studying at the American University of Paris.

    Ausra's journey in education began in Seoul, South Korea, where she taught English to K-8 students. She then earned her master's degree in Curriculum & Teaching of Elementary Inclusive Education from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City and acquired her multiple-subject teaching credential. Ausra returned home to work as a middle school math teacher at St. Martin of Tours School in Brentwood, where she served as Math Department Chair.

    In her free time, she enjoys hiking, art, and volunteering with the Lithuanian-American community.

  • Xylina Meade

    Xylina is thrilled to be joining the Carlthorp School community and looks forward to creating a positive learning environment for all students. Originally from Lafayette in the Bay Area, Xylina spent a lot of time in Tahoe and was a competitive swimmer in high school. She holds a multiple subject teaching credential from San Diego State University and a master’s in reading and literacy.

    With more than 25 years of experience in the Torrance Unified School District, Xylina has taught upper elementary grades and is passionate about creating a welcoming classroom environment. She has extensive experience teaching GATE classes and initiated a school-wide effort to promote environmental awareness.

    Xylina is excited about fostering creativity and is interested in teaching a jewelry-making class, drawing from her experience of selling jewelry in small boutiques in Los Angeles. In her free time, she practices pilates in the summer and is always ready for a skiing adventure in the winter.
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.