My name is Carly (Mrs. Horton), and the 2026/2027 school will be my sixth year at Sunol Glen. Previously, I taught in the Cupertino Union School District, at a school in San Jose. After moving to Livermore in November 2020, I knew that I had to find a school closer to home. I was excited when I found Sunol Glen - I was drawn to the small school and the close knit atmosphere. 

I grew up in San Carlos, then went down South for my undergraduate degree at San Diego State. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology, and a minor in Child Development. I found my love for teaching when I volunteered at SDSU’s preschool. Once I moved home after college, I taught preschool for a few years before moving to Los Angeles. I met my now husband while home for Christmas, which is what brought me back to the Bay Area!

After teaching preschool for about ten years, I was ready for a challenge and decided to get my MA and Teaching Credential at San Jose State University. I have now taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade, and I am currently enjoying the adventure as a 2nd/3rd grade teacher! 

You’ll notice a Hawaiian theme in my classroom - I’m part Hawaiian through my mom’s side of the family. (The “K” in my middle name stands for “Kalawakua,” a name that has been passed down to the women in our family for over 100 years.) I was even able to teach from my mom’s house on Oahu during distance learning. Hawaii is my happy place!

Outside of school, I am currently focused on spending quality time with our children, Jordan Kainoa (attending Sunol Preschool this year!), and our twin girls Savannah and Sienna Kalawakua who we welcomed back in January 2026. We are enjoying (almost) every moment of being new parents of 3! In my spare time (which I don't have much of these days), I enjoy cooking from scratch, reading, gardening, finding new restaurants to try, and exercising. I love to stay busy! I also love being outdoors, preferably at the beach! 

The most important part of teaching for me is building a classroom community. Every year, my students and I will work together as a team to create a classroom environment that feels safe, welcoming to all, and fun to be in.

Feel free to email me anytime with questions or concerns.

Email: chorton@sunol.k12.ca.us

Room 302