La Mariposa TK - Meet The Teachers

jconroy@pleasantvalleysd.org

I have spent the past five years helping young learners grow as a reading intervention teacher and also served as one of La Mariposa's substitute teachers. I have a background in special education and Deaf education and am fluent in American Sign Language. As a mom of four and a PTA leader, I understand how important strong partnerships between families and schools are. I believe learning should be joyful, engaging, and filled with opportunities for every child to feel successful. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I am thrilled to begin this new adventure and cannot wait to learn, grow, and make wonderful memories with our TK/K students and families!

gkurtz@pleasantvalleysd.org

Hello, my name is Gail Kurtz and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher! I have been teaching for over 25 years and love being a teacher. My husband used to be active duty military for 20 years and we happily made Camarillo our home 11 years ago. I attended UCLA for my undergraduate degree and received my teaching credential from CSU Long Beach! When I am not teaching, you can find me sitting on the beach reading a book, travelling to visit my sons at their respective colleges or watching UCLA sports! We are going to have a great year together and I am excited to help your child learn and grow.

kmusselman@pleasantvalleysd.org

Hello! My name is Katie Musselman and I am so excited to teach TK for the 2025-2026 school year. This is my 13th year teaching and my 13th year in PVSD. I previously taught kindergarten and first grade at Pleasant Valley School of Engineering and Arts for 9 years, and joined the La Mariposa team 3 years ago. I wanted to teach for as long as I can remember. Or rather, since 5th grade, when I realized my many animal allergies were going to get in the way of my elementary school dreams of being a veterinarian. When I am not teaching I like to read, play games, attend live theater, and travel. I can’t wait to be a part of your child’s educational journey!

awest@pleasantvalleysd.org

Hello, I'm Alyssa West. This is my 27th year of teaching. I have taught 1st, 3rd, 4th, TK-8 reading intervention, and homeschool coaching- but I love Transitional Kindergarten best!

As a child I moved often, and several teachers were important in my life during those transitions. As a result, from a young age I aspired to become an elementary teacher who will likewise nurture and inspire children. I graduated from Westmont College and began my teaching career in the San Francisco bay area. I moved to Camarillo in 2003 and taught part-time for many years in Ventura Unified. During this time I also raised our four children; they are now 16, 18, 20 and 22 years old. Some of my favorite things are watching my kids play sports, drinking coffee, and spending time in the redwoods.

I look forward to getting to know each unique student and feel confident we will have a wonderful year in TK!