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TeachersPre-Kindergarten
Arts Education
Special Education
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StaffPrincipalAssistant Principal Coordinators
Buildings & Grounds
Cafeteria
Teacher Assistants
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Gwen McGee :: School Principal
Ms. McGee is enthusiastic about the cultural diversity at Carthay Center School. She compares the school to a “little United Nations.” She herself is bilingual in English and Spanish. While her number one priority is academics, Ms. McGee says her real goal is to create a “community of learners,” where all students are enthusiastic about exploring the world around them. Ms. McGee thinks of all students at Carthay Center as “her kids” and knows them all by name. She feels that way because she makes time to listen to children. She finds that 5th grade “culmination can be heartbreaking because I’m losing my kids.” Ms. McGee welcomes input from parents and she especially enjoys her monthly “Coffee with the Principal” meetings where many collaborative ideas have been formed. The best way to contact Ms. McGee is to call Carthay Center School - 323-935-8173. [top] Katie McGrath :: Assistant PrincipalKatie McGrath has been an assistant principal with the Los Angeles Unified School District since 2005. Ms. McGrath earned her Master of Education in Education degree from UCLA. She completed her teaching credential requirements and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Mills College in Oakland, a women's college. Her teaching experience includes both elementary and middle school levels. As an instructional coach in the area of mathematics for two years, she honed her instructional skills and is now a confident instructional leader. Prior to college she attended Midland School, a four year, rural boarding school. Her boarding school experience shaped her interest in the area of school leadership as she was placed in leadership positions throughout her high school career, including varsity soccer and lacrosse captain and class president all four years (student body president her senior year). Ms. McGrath continues to seek out new opportunities to increase her qualifications. Currently, she is enrolled in the Cal State Northridge administrative services credential tier II program. She completed the LAUSD Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, 2005-2007. She completed two Special Education Leadership Institutes in school years 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. Ms. McGrath completed the UCLA Mathematics Leadership Institute in 2005. Overall, Ms. McGrath is highly qualified for school leadership, but her ultimate qualification is her love of children. She is often seen on the yard interacting with students lending them her support and guidance. You can reach Ms. McGrath at kmm9607@lausd.net or by calling Carthay Center School - 323-935-8173 [top] Aniko Alexovics :: Title I and English Learner Program
Aniko Alexovics is currently the Title I Coordinator at Carthay Center Elementary School. Before becoming Coordinator she was the intervention teacher serving students in the general education classroom. Aniko received her bachelor's degree from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and a masters in special education from CSUN. In 2002, Aniko certified as a National Board Teacher. Most of her teaching has been with students with exceptional needs and she has worked with them in both special day classes and inclusive settings. Before coming to Carthay Aniko taught English to pre-school children in Prague, Czech Republic and before that spent a number of years teaching in Culver City. Aniko says “Children are the reason I love to teach – they are so inquisitive, so awe struck and so excited. I am privileged to be a part of their world.” [top] Carlos Alvarez :: Room 23
[top] Gina Balaban :: 4th Grade
Ms. Balaban has a BA in English Literature from UCLA and a multiple grade level credential. She trained with education guru professor Madeline Hunter who emphasized the power of positive reinforcement. Ms. Balaban has been married 22 years. She has two children. Ms. Balaban enjoys traveling, gardening, and reading. [top] Vicki Brown :: Special Education
Vicki Brown has taught at Carthay Center Elementary School longer than any other teacher. She began her career at Carthay in Sept., 1978 instructing the 6th grade. In September of 1980 her services were needed in a special education class at Carthay. Ms. Brown embarked upon the next chapter of her teaching career and has stuck with it all these years. Ms. Brown feels that Carthay is her second home and loves the school, the students and teaching. She tries to impart knowledge to her youngsters using multiple modalities and feels that she is her students' teacher and mother while they are at school. [top] Christine Cathern :: Kindergarten
Mrs. Cathern taught Kindergarten for 5 years in Pasadena and has instructed grades Kindergarten through 4th at Carthay Center. She says she "fell in love" with teaching Kindergartners. Mrs. Cathern hopes her classroom is friendly and inviting. Inside there are big stuffed animals, houseplants and a small trickling fountain. Mrs. Cathern believes it is her "responsibility to encourage students in a creative and fun way to become motivated learners." Room 4 is bursting with books since Mrs. Cathern loves having a diverse library available to her students. She stocks a wide range of books so that every child can find a comfortable level and then strive for the next one. Mrs. Cathern was born and reared in Los Angeles. She is a mother of 8, grandmother of 8 and wife of more than 36 years. Mrs. Cathern holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. About teaching at Carthay Center, Mrs. Cathern says "It’s a passion of mine. I really love my job." [top] Lori Cronyn :: 3rd Grade
Lori Cronyn was raised on a college campus in Portland Oregon and spent much of the first twenty years of life outdoors, camping, skiing, and hiking. She fell in love with travel adventures and learning about people in other countries early on--having spent fifth grade in Cambridge, England--and decided to make involvement in cultures other than the ones in which she was raised the central focus of her work, both as a student and as an educator. She has taught in Los Angeles for over twenty years, teaching nearly all grades and is presently working on a doctorate in Sociology from UCLA. As part of her academic life, she works with university students and middle school students at Berendo Middle School in Central Los Angeles. She is very pleased to have been at Carthay Center now for nearly two years and is looking forward to enjoying many more. Says Cronyn, “The kids are pure joy and the parents the most knowledgeable and supportive group I've ever encountered. Every day in the classroom is a new and wonderful experience as I see the children making astute observations, resolving perplexing problems, and creating precious artwork. I am most grateful for continuing a teaching career that so regularly brings this into my life.” Ms. Cronyn earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Anthropology from Reed College, and a Masters Degree in Sociology from UCLA. Contact Ms. Cronyn at lcronyn@ucla.edu. [top] Kathryn Eisenstein :: 2nd Grade
Contact Kathryn Eisenstein at hrhkae@mac.com. [top] Pam Finn :: 1st Grade
Kristin Fitzwater :: 2nd Grade
Ms. Fitzwater has a deeply ingrained love for the creative arts and even majored in art for a while in college. She still enjoys creating colorful glass beads and jewelry and encourages people to ask her about them. Prior to her arrival at Carthay, Ms. Fitzwater taught Gifted Education and 3rd grade. Her mother is also in education; she teaches Special Education. Education is in Ms. Fitzwater’s blood! You can contact Ms. Fitzwater at kvfitzwater@ca.rr.com. [top] Sylvia Fortson :: 5th GradeContact Sylvia Fortson at sxf7109@lausd.k12.ca.us. [top] Deborah Glass :: 3rd Grade
Before coming to Los Angeles, Ms. Glass had held a position at Sacramento Community College teaching Sociology, and for the twelve years following the launch of her Los Angeles business she taught 3rd grade at a religious school. When her daughter was in high-school, Ms. Glass decided to teach in public elementary school, and obtained a 4th grade position at Crescent Heights Elementary. She takes great pride in having helped turn Crescent Heights into a language arts and social justice magnet school. Later, she was hired to teach 3rrd grade at Rosewood Avenue School, and now finally she is bringing her extensive experience and knowledge to Carthay. Ms. Glass is delighted to be here. Ms. Glass received her BA degree in sociology from UC Santa Barbara and her Master’s in sociology from California State University, San Diego. She also spent some time at UC Santa Barbara working toward a Ph.D. in sociology (social learning theories and social research methodologies). Her daughter now attends college in Santa Cruz . Contact Deborah Glass at deborah_glass@sbcglobal.net. [top] Martha Hill :: Special Ed. AssistantMrs. Martha Hill has been working with Ms. Vicki Brown since 1980 and has become an integral part of Carthay's special education program. She has extensive knowledge of classroom management, great people skills, and a love of life and learning. Her kindness and sincere desire to help all students are a huge asset to Carthay and the community. [top] Jill O'Brien :: Literacy Coach
Ms. O'Brien grew up in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, part of Philadelphia's Main Line. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. During her nine years in New York City, Jill gained experience in several industries before settling on education. Through school, Jill worked closely with celebrity chef Bobby Flay at his restaurants Mesa Grill and Bolo as Head Hostess/Reservationist. Later she ventured into the hotel/management industry at Millennium Broadway Hotel as part of the front desk staff, working her way up into the sales department. Finally, Jill worked for Merrill Lynch in the World Financial Center. Upon great self reflection, Jill decided to return to Philadelphia to pursue her long lasting call to become an educator. She received a Masters degree in Education from Temple University in Philadelphia. While earning her degree, she worked as an Undergraduate Advisor in the College of Science and Technology at Temple. After completing the masters program, Jill and her new husband moved to Los Angeles, where she began her teaching career. Jill is dedicated to the continuing growth of Carthay, a neighborhood school for the O'Brien family. Jill's daughter Liv is five years old, and her husband Matt is a screenwriter. Contact Jill O'Brien at jao8869@lausd.k12.ca.us. [top] Monica Pacheco :: KindergartenMonica Pacheco is a native Angeleno; born on the Westside and raised in Venice where she continues to enjoy the sun and fun. Her hobbies include sailing out of Marina Del Rey, and roller blading on the Strand. Her favorite food is, in one word, sushi. Kindergarten is a perfect fit for Ms. Pacheco. As a former Pre-K, Kinder and 1st grade teacher, she has a wealth of knowlege about the development of young minds as students arrive in Kindergarten and what level they should be at when they leave. Ms. Pacheco emphasizes academics in her classroom. Ms. Pacheco appreciates the warm, friendly staff and the supportive administration at Carthay Elementary. She loves the students, who present her with enthusiastic eagerness for learning and new experiences. Ms. Pacheco earned her Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Liberal Arts from California State University, Northridge and received her professional Clear Credential from UCLA. Before Carthay, Ms. Pacheco taught in Long Beach for five years. [top] Marcia Pascoe :: School Administrative Assistant
[top] Melissa Ruiz :: Pre-Kindergarten
[top] Sonia Salgado :: KindergartenSonia Salgado is a native Californian. She grew up in Glendale along with her twin and her older sister. She has always enjoyed working with children and dreamed of becoming a teacher since her elementary school days. Ms. Salgado's goal is to help her students build a strong educational foundation that will help them succeed in their future academic pursuits. Ms. Salgado attended Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles where she earned her BA in Liberal Studies and American Studies as well as her Multiple Subject teaching credential. She then went on to earn a Master's degree in education. Whenever Ms. Salgado has a free moment she enjoys reading books (mysteries, drama, adventure, historical- she likes almost everything). In addition, she is crazy about puzzles from suduko to jumbles as well as the old time favorite- the jigsaw puzzle. Contact Ms. Salgado at sonisalg@yahoo.com. [top] Andrea Schwartz :: Writing Coach
Andrea joined Carthay five years ago as the Writing Coach known as Ms. Stockton. Since getting married and changing her name last November, she now confuses students, teachers, and sometimes even herself as the new Mrs. Schwartz. She loves the school and takes great delight in reading the creative writing of students from kindergarten through fifth grade. A UCLA Writing Project Fellow, Mrs. Schwartz strongly believes in developing student voice, which is why she revived Carthay Views-a collection of work from all students. She looks forward to many more editions showcasing the incredible talent that lives at Carthay Center. Ms. Schwartz received her BA in International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington D.C. She has a Clear Credential as well as a CLAD. Contact Andrea Schwartz at andrea.schwartz@ucla.edu. [top] Helen Steinmetz :: 3rd Grade
Mrs. Steinmetz began teaching in Williamsburg, NY, an area mainly made up of Puerto Rican children of limited English. It was challenging but exciting and a great learning experience for a young teacher. Mrs. Steinmetz then moved to Israel, in 1971, and taught English to Israeli children. "That was a new and very difficult experience. I was successful, but it took a lot of hard work, especially trying to teach during a war time, the Yom Kippur War." In 1976, Mrs. Steinmetz left Israel and moved to Memphis, Tennessee where she stayed for one year before making Los Angeles her home...\img\staff\HelenSteinmetz.jpg Mrs. Steinmetz taught at the Center for Early Education, before coming to Carthay, almost 20 years ago. Mrs. Steinmetz says, “I love teaching the children here at Carthay. They are eager to learn and have unique personalities. It's fun to see them blossom and change before your eyes, especially in 3rd grade.” [top] Susan Stockhammer :: 1st GradeSusan Stockhammer moved to South Carthay in 1978 so that her children could attend Carthay Center School. Eighteen years later she returned as a faculty member. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated community resident. A native of Los Angeles, Ms. Stockhammer herself is a product of the Los Angeles Public School System. After graduating from North Hollywood High School, she attended the Juilliard School in New York where she received both Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees. She was awarded a Kent Graduate Fellowship from the Danforth Foundation upon enrolling for Doctoral Studies at the University of Southern California. The Kent Fellowships are granted to American doctoral students whose postgraduate goal is a career in university education. Ironically, it was at a Kent conference that she realized the dramatic significance of elementary education, and the futility of university studies without this foundation. With the Doctorate completed, Ms. Stockhammer embarked on a career of teaching and performing classical music. In addition to many years of elementary and high school teaching, Ms. Stockhammer has taught at Pomona College and two campuses of California State University Fullerton and Dominguez Hills, where she also received her California State Teaching Credential. She has played flute with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the New York City Opera Orchestra, the American and Joffrey Ballet Orchestras, and the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Orchestra. Ms. Stockhammer is passionate when it comes to the subject of children and books.“ Let's get them excited about reading!” she says. “If they realize how powerful the reading skill can be, everything else will follow naturally!” [top] Jim Whalen :: 1st Grade
For Mr. Whalen, teaching at Carthay is an adventure. Some of the things he likes most about the school are the amazing potential, great atmosphere, the diversity, and working with his mentor, Gina Balaban. Ms. Balaban also teaches 4th grade at Carthay. Mr. Whalen doubled majored at the University of Wisconsin where he earned a BS in Marketing and French. He earned his California Teaching credential at CSU-Long Beach. In his time away from school Mr. Whalen enjoys competitive springboard diving. He competed in the World Masters Games in Edmonton, Canada this summer and won two Bronze medals in 3 meter springboard and platform diving. He also enjoys skiing, snowboarding, and traveling with his family. Mr. Whalen is the president of Carthay Center School's PTA for the 2007-2008 school year. Contact Mr. Whalen at JPW8941@lausd.k12.ca.us. [top] |
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Gina Balaban has taught 4th grade at Carthay Center Elementary School for
20 years. Her specialty is Shakespeare. Alumni of Ms. Balaban's class fondly
remember the annual play she staged called "Shake Hands With Shakespeare."
Many of her students have gone on to become actors and musicians. Ms.
Balaban says learning should be fun and the classroom lively. When possible
she likes to broaden the daily curriculum by including cooking, art, acting,
music and field trips. She also teaches International Folk Dance.
For Christine Cathern, teaching Kindergarten is "like a calling."
Jill Aaron O'Brien is the new Literacy Coach at Carthay Center. Jill has been
teaching in Los Angeles for the past seven years and is very enthusiastic about
her new position as a Literacy Coach. She is committed to providing effective,
immediate, and thoughtful support to teachers for language arts instruction.
