Scroll down for biographies...  Principal: Felicia Sexsmith
I have been working in education for 12 years. After my undergraduate
work in public policy at Brown University, I joined Teach For America
and fell in love with teaching. I spent 7 years in the inner city
teaching grades 2-8. I obtained my MEd from UCLA a few years ago in
Educational Administration. When my husband became a professor of
Ecology at UCSB, we moved here to SB county and I taught in the Gifted
Program in Santa Barbara schools. I’ve been the principal at CMS since
June 2006. I love getting to know your children and helping to create
an environment in which they can flourish. Dean of Students: John Merritt To be developed....
Counselor: Elizabeth Cervantes To be developed....
Counselor: Stephanie Stahl To be developed....
Psychologist: Amy Smith To be developed....
Teacher: Echo Camardella
My name is Echo Camardella. I teach eighth grade science at Carpinteria Middle School. This is my 5th year as a teacher at the middle school, and I was a substitute here for a number of years. For my undergraduate degree, I studied biological sciences with emphasis in entomology (the study of insects), at UCSB. As a graduate student, I attended Occidental College, earning a single subject credential in science and continued my research and thesis in insects. I have lived in Carpinteria my entire life, attending Canalino, Aliso, and the middle school, as a student. I love teaching because I have the privilege of passing on the knowledge that I have gained in my life as a scientist and naturalist, with the hope to create the next generation of teachers, doctors, preservationists, and researchers. I love working with young adults in a fast-paced environment that is always changing. In my free time, I enjoy walks on the beach, hiking, reading, running, gardening, listening to music, and just being outside, especially with my two Boston Terriers, Bella and Ollie. I love attending concerts and hanging out with my friends and family. While I am on summer break, you will often find me on the beach, in the mountains, at Lake San Antonio , or just traveling the globe. This past summer, I went to the Little Cayman Islands and snorkeled the most turquoise waters I have ever seen. I look forward to a great year working with students, parents, and colleagues to provide the best working environment possible for all. Teacher: Gabriel Clinton Class: Language Arts Teacher Message:
My name is Gabriel Clinton, and this is my eighth year teaching English and history at Carpinteria Middle School. As an undergrad, I double majored in English and history at UCSB and then completed my M.Ed. and credentialing work at the same institution. I am a participating fellow in UCSB's South Coast Writing Project and California History Project, affiliations committed to advancing literacy development and historical inquiry. Being an avid reader and writer, I enjoy studying art, photography, and nonfiction in biographies, current events, and historical issues. I am teaching at my best when my students' insights and observations transform my thinking.
Teacher: Jennifer Eaton Class: Mathematics Teacher Message:
Teacher: Cindy Faust Teacher:
Jennifer Foster I have been teaching at CMS for 14 years... time flies when you are having fun! I currently teach 7th grade advanced math and 7th grade science. I also serve as co-chair of the science department. I earned a bachelor of science in mathematics and physical science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and I also hold a Master's of Education degree. Aside from my responsibilities at school, I am married with a wonderful 7-year-old, Jacob, who is in 2nd grade. We also have one cat and five fish. I love giraffes and have been collecting them for years. I also enjoy watching football (Go Green Bay Packers!) and NASCAR racing. Teacher:
John Fowler In my fourth year teaching at CMS, I am enjoying teaching more than any of my previous eight years working in education. I especially enjoy the experiences and knowledge my students share with each other as we imagine the past, further realize the present, and envision the future. I also enjoy surfing, camping, cooking, and playing music. Teacher:
Crystl Hotchner Mrs. Hotchner has been teaching math at CMS for seven years. Mrs. Hotchner was raised in Sacramento, California. She attended UC Santa Cruz for her BA and UC Santa Barbara for her Master's degree. Every year Mrs. Hotchner looks forward to meeting her new students and their families.
Teacher:
Jay Hotchner My name is John S. Hotchner. Five years ago, after receiving my
Master of Education from UCSB, I began teaching Social Science at
CMS. I enjoy teaching. It allows me to witness and consider learning
on many levels. This is not only my profession, but my fascination.
Teacher:
Curtis Johnson My name is Mr. Johnson, but most of the kids just call me Mr. J. I teach American History and Physical Education. I have been teaching at CMS for 10 years. I'm an avid surfer and proud father of 2. I have a B.A. in Political Science from UCSB and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Studies from Cal Poly SLO. You can see more of what I do by visiting my webpage which can be found here on the CMS homepage.
Teacher:
Sharon Kaklamanos I have been teaching for twenty-six years and fourteen of those
years have been in Carpinteria. This year, I am privileged to be
teaching Art, Digital Photo and Girls Physical Education and the ASB
Advisor. I’ve always taught the middle school grade level and believe
that this is the” most wonderful” age group to teach. I am a
“transplant” from Oklahoma and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts in
Education in 1980 from the University of Tulsa and my Masters of
Technology in 2000 from Azusa Pacific. Teacher:
Debra Leiter My name is Debra Leiter – 1st year On Your Own teacher, 17 year science teacher. I started teaching at CMS in 1994 and my favorite subjects have always been nutrition, health, and the human body. So when the opportunity arose to teach these subjects in OYO, I jumped at it and have been enjoying it tremendously. I am originally from Boston, but my 2 children and 1 dog are native Californians. We spend a lot of time cooking, especially baking desserts. We also love the beach, swimming, and just hanging outside in the yard. When I get a few moments alone I love to read, go hiking, or shop. Summers are spent traveling to new places or visiting old friends. Teacher:
Eric Lewis
My name is Eric Lewis and I've been teaching Special Education at CMS
for three years. I earned my degree at Cal State University of
Northridge and credential at Cal State University Channel Islands. I
enjoy the unexpected challenges that teaching at CMS presents everyday.
In my spare time I coach youth sports, while in the summer embark on
adventurous road trips across the United States with my family. Teacher: Marlene Limon Teacher: Kathleen Manos I teach physical education, and have been for over 20 years. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, because there are lots of educators in my family, and I loved hearing and talking about it. Being one of three daughters, my sisters and I were very active athletically with my Dad; we were his "team", and we, more often than not, won any challenges that came our way. Because I had so much fun playing as I grew up, all of my jobs, were related to sports, and teaching kids how to have as much fun as I always did. I am a firm believer, that the more you move, the more efficient you become at it, which translates to more enjoyment, and ultimately an active lifestyle. My first job, at the age of 14 was that of a playground leader, and while attending college, I was the Director of the playground, and then the first female lifeguard at Hickam Harbor, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where I obtained my teaching degree in Physical Education. I began teaching at Carpinteria Middle School, in 1986, and I have loved every minute of it!
Teacher:
Robin McCulley
Teacher:
Jack Meyer My name is Jack Meyer. I have taught here at Carpinteria Junior High School/Middle School for thirty years. I teach technology classes. In the past I have taught English, mathematics, reading, and special education classes. In the farther past I taught elementary grades, from first to sixth. I have lots of degrees and certifications that authorize me to teach technology classes and work with your children. I have a stellar, loving family, and I value them more than I can say. I like sports and reading. Teacher: Kevin O'Hara
It is
my desire to create a cooperative, nurturing environment where students
and their families will experience a sense of belonging. Teacher: April Nuñez
This is my fourth year teaching seventh grade language arts and I am
proud to be a part of CMS. I am excited to be teaching the eighth grade
AVID elective this year. I enjoy the teaching profession because it is
challenging and rewarding. In the past several years I have realized
influencing the life of a child is priceless. I am especially
passionate about teaching because I am able to teach students character
and community building within my classroom. Teacher: Emily Rios
Teacher: Craig Sabraw
Teacher: Jan Shiells
Teacher: Leigh Swarm I came "home" to CMS in 1994 to replace the legendary Eleanor
Wennberg, when she retired after teaching Language Arts to thousands of
Carpinteria students over the years... including MYSELF! I love
teaching 8th grade because I see it as a pivotal year for young people
-- a gateway to success in high school and beyond! Personal
Accountability is my mantra, and besides reading, writing and
communication, possibly the most important thing I teach.
Teacher: Alyssa Taylor
My name is Alyssa Taylor. This is my second year here at CMS and
loving it. Last year I was here at CMS in the mornings and at CHS in
the afternoon and I am thrilled to be in one place this year. I am
currently teaching 8th grade Language Arts, Leadership, Reading, and
7th grade AVID and enjoying every minute of it. Teacher: Elise Unruh Ms. Unruh has been teaching music and performing arts both here at CMS and at CHS for 22 years. Before coming to the CUSD, she spent 10 years teaching general music in various Santa Barbara area elementary schools. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music from UCSB. Along with teaching, she has also been active in the area as a professional musician, including serving as the music director/conductor of the Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera for 18 years and playing in the Santa Barbara Symphony for 25 years. Because she especially likes sharing performing arts with young people (which is why she enjoys being a teacher), she has also been conductor of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and with the Santa Barbara Youth Theater. If she ever has any free time, she enjoys reading, especially science fiction and mysteries. She also likes to travel to far-away places during summer breaks.
Teacher:
Megan West |
|
|
Staff |
