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Name: Bev Boorman Preferred Pronouns: She Title: Director of Community Engagement
What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2000 and 2022 What school(s) did you attend? Ryerson Polytechnical Institute Toronto
Why did you want to work in a school? If you can make a difference in one child's life that is amazing—that is what we do at Marin Horizon! What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? Students, parents, faculty and staff—it's a place where kids love to learn, and that inspires me. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? The community. How have you adapted during COVID-19? We have had to find ways to build and support our communities.
Why Marin Horizon? It's home. What has been your experience at Marin Horizon so far?
It has been a great welcome back and I am thrilled to be here. Which of our Pillars resonates with you the most and why? (We are insatiably curious, We are complex thinkers, We embrace challenge, We are active community members, We have a voice) Active community members that have a voice. Do you have any hobbies? Cooking, gardening, and knitting.
Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? I was born in Canada and grew up in Toronto. I live in San Rafael.
Name: Natalie Silman Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Title: Toddler Garden Associate Teacher What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? I am currently in my last year at San Francisco State University, pursuing a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. Why did you want to work in a school? I have always had a passion for working with kids. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? I am pursuing a career as a child psychologist because of how important I feel mental health is during development and throughout life. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? Getting to watch the students grow each year. Why Marin Horizon? Marin Horizon is a friendly, close-knit community which I think is an amazing atmosphere for a school.
Name: Anna Faigenbaum Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers Title: 3rd Grade Associate Teacher What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? University of Colorado–Boulder, BA in Psychology and Minor in Elementary Education Why did you want to work in a school? I wanted to become a teacher because I love working with kids. I love coming to work where the halls are colorfully decorated with students' artwork and projects, and kids are always laughing, smiling, and learning new things. Working with kids always reminds me to celebrate the little things in life and to be kind. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? My students! I love hearing about the things that they're excited about—the cool experiment they did in science class, the juicy book they can't put down, or that hilarious movie they watched over the weekend—they love to share. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? Seeing students take pride in their work. Whether they're learning a new concept in math, or creating a PSA, the best part is seeing students show off their work and embrace the challenges that they've overcome.
Name: Brittley Tringali Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His Title: 5th Grade Advisor and 5th/6th Social Studies What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? Chico State: BA in Social Sciences and Social Studies Single Subject Teaching Credential Why did you want to work in a school? I wanted to become a teacher because I enjoy working with and inspiring young people to be their best selves. I also enjoy seeing the process of student growth, both inside and outside the classroom. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? I am inspired by the "ah-hah" moment of a student. I also love introducing the history of our world to students. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? My favorite thing is that each day is different, and I get to interact with our wonderful students. How have you adapted during COVID-19? I believe I have more empathy for the student and family who might need extra time or support. I think I have become more patient and try to understand why students act and behave the way they do.
Name: Simon Kingsley Preferred Pronouns: He/him Title: Upper School Math Teacher What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? Rutgers University: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master's in Education, Elementary Education with a Middle School Math Certification Why did you want to work in a school? I really enjoyed tutoring middle school students while in high school, and I decided to consider pursuing teaching as a full-time job. Once I became a college student, I loved my student teaching. It was so exciting to hear students talk about the skills they once struggled with and now were able to complete. It was so fun to hear about the connections they would make about the math they were learning with the activities they enjoyed doing in their lives. I knew I had found a lifelong field for myself! What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? As someone who has a passion for math, I want to share this passion with young students who may or may not feel the same connection. It's such an important subject to understand in day-to-day life and in so many careers, so if my efforts are able to help students foster or grow their passion for and ability in math, I'll be content in knowing I've been able to use my ability for good. The students inspire me, too. I'm always amazed at their creativity, effort, and energy, and it makes me want to put in my own best effort, and provide them with the best math class experience where they're learning and engaged. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? Easy—the students! They make every day unique. Some create fun "math songs," some show their incredible artistic work, some talk about their success in their daily sports, etc. It's very fun to learn about their lives, and they all come together to combine their talents to create some great connections with the math they're learning.
Name: Kelly Kaufman Preferred Pronouns: She/Her Title: Second Grade Teacher What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? Colorado Mountain College: Fine Arts, Dominican University: BA Humanities and Cultural Studies and Sustainable Practice Certificate, Dominican University: CA Multiple Subject Credential Why did you want to work in a school? I began my teaching career by volunteering in classrooms because I saw a need for teachers to be supported. I then began teaching cooking, garden, and nutrition in K-8 after college. After a few years of working in classrooms with students of all ages, I felt the need to be in the classroom full-time. I thought that if I became a teacher I could share my expertise and the importance of growing and cooking healthy food with my class every day. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? I continue to be inspired by students and their enthusiasm for learning.
What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? Getting to know students and their families and staff are my favorite things about working in a school. Connecting with the school community and families helps me get outside of my own little world. I also really enjoy teachers and staff at schools because they are kind people who want to make a difference in the lives of the students.
Name: Kate Mahoney Preferred Pronouns: She/her Title: 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher, 8th Grade Service Coordinator, and Director of Aftercare and Enrichment What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? University of Central Florida-Bachelor's degree in English Language Arts Education, George Mason University-Master's degree in English (concentration in Linguistics) Why did you want to work in a school? When I think about my childhood, I was always playing "school" with my stuffed animals. I always gravitated toward babysitting or volunteering my time working with younger kids. It seemed like a natural direction as I got older. I feel it is a career where I can make a positive impact. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? Staying in contact or seeing former students is the most rewarding part of the job. I love hearing what students have gone on to do and when they tell me they learned something from my class that applied to their lives. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? Spending my time interacting with kids. It helps keep me young and fun. I enjoy all the extracurricular activities available for kids. I enjoy seeing them playing sports, acting in a play, playing an instrument, etc.
Name: Lucy Hampton Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers Title: Office Manager, Registrar & Pandemic Coordinator What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? I did my undergrad degree at the University of Bath in England. I got my Teaching credential from Dominican University in San Rafael. Why did you want to work in a school? The children! I love to hang out and spend time with children. I enjoy their endless positivity and curiosity, their honesty, openness, and can-do attitude. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? The children! Working with children makes me feel positive about the future of our world. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? The children! Young children are always so curious and open to new ideas. I find young children inspire me to be a better, kinder person. How have you adapted during COVID-19? When I was classroom teaching, masks made phonics and language learning very different. I found that I had to rely more heavily on technology to teach the phonics piece. I'd always been resistant to technology in the classroom but found that if used intentionally, it can be a very positive addition. Why Marin Horizon? The mission! Inclusion, diversity, community, and kindness. I'm a big believer in the "Golden Rule."
Name: Steve Hagee Preferred Pronouns: He/Him Title: Director of Facilities & Transportation What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2022 What school(s) did you attend? Kutztown University Why did you want to work in a school? I absolutely love to watch the kids grow and expand their horizons. What continues to inspire and drive you to work in a school? There are numerous times during any given day, when watching the kids interact with each other and/or their teachers that you get to witness one of those "AHA" moments. I find this absolutely inspiring. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? The ability to help shape an environment that allows teachers to thrive and to concentrate on developing the hearts and minds of those that will become this planet’s future.
Name: Andrea Lopez Preferred Pronouns: She/Her Title: Accounting Manager What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? California State University, Stanislaus - B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting Why did you want to work in a school? During my public accounting career, I started to work with non-profit organizations, including schools. I absolutely loved working with these organizations and being indirectly involved in helping with each school’s mission. What’s your favorite thing about working in a school? I love that, although I am in the business office, I am part of such an amazing organization and get to indirectly have an impact on the students. What has been your experience at Marin Horizon so far? I have felt so included and welcomed by the entire faculty and staff. I really feel like part of a team, all working towards the same goal, no matter what department you are in.
Name: Sean How Preferred Pronouns: he/him Title: Upper School Math Teacher Grade(s) Taught Currently at Marin Horizon: 5th, 6th, and 8th What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? Loyola Marymount University, BA in Classics Why did you want to become a teacher? I didn't set out to become a teacher early on. I was living in Los Angeles, playing in multiple bands when a call came from a professor of mine that a private school in the Pacific Palisades needed a Latin teacher a month into the school year (their previous teacher took a job at UCLA). I got the job, confident in my Latin skills but not really knowing anything about teaching middle school. But I soon realized how much I loved teaching challenging material to kids and how much fun it was getting them excited about a dead language. I was also able to incorporate some of my music background into my teaching. I performed with an 8th grade band for the annual Winter Festival performance. What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? For me, it's that there is always something new happening in the classroom. Whether it's a new way to teach an idea, a new perspective, a new question...no day is the same. And the kids are so open to pushing themselves. As adults, we sometimes can lose track of how challenging it can be to learn something new. But the kids do it for hours a day, every day. Being a part of that keeps me motivated to always push myself, too.
For this week's edition of faculty spotlight, we have two ways for you to learn more about our amazing Stevie Lee: read his spotlight below AND listen to Stevie's recent podcast interview with Anne Roche, life leadership coach and wife of Bill Perrine!
Name: Stevie Lee Preferred Pronouns: He/Him Title: Executive Director, Horizon Community School, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Marin Horizon School Grade(s) taught currently at Marin Horizon? 7th grade Race and Culture Class What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? Fall 1997 What school(s) did you attend? San Francisco State and Dominican College Why did you want to become a teacher? I started coaching youth sports teams and then I fell into teaching through coaching. What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? Helping to provide a foundation for educational success for children and families. HCS is the inspiration that keeps me going. What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher? The sharing of stories through historical timelines. Why Marin Horizon? As a founder of Horizon Community School, being able to bring my two worlds together–Marin City and Marin Horizon–is a dream come true. Partnering with Marin City families, organizations, and folks in the philanthropic communities has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.
This partnering allows us to foster and share resources including curriculum planning, staff development, and parent engagement. HCS is essential in the continued growth and positive educational experiences for Marin City families.
Name: Stephanie Godfrey (previously Aschenbrenner) Preferred Pronouns: she/her Title: Database Manager What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2016 What school(s) did you attend? I attended California State University, Chico and graduated summa cum laude with a major in exercise physiology and a minor in nutrition. Why did you want to work at a school? My parents both chose teaching as their second careers in life. They always spoke of the impact they made on kids and the joy they experienced in their jobs. After college, I dipped my toes in substitute teaching as well as working as a paraprofessional. The job was rewarding but I was not utilizing my strongest qualities. After working at a tech start-up then in clinical research, I realized I can utilize these experiences in database management and client services in a school environment and have the best of both worlds. What continues to inspire and drive you to work at a school? The fact that I can indirectly impact children inspires me each and every day. I may not be there with them through each step but I know the work I do only helps make their education an experience they will always remember.
Name: Annie Scribner Preferred Pronouns: she/her Title: 4th Grade Co-Teacher What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? BA - U of Wisconsin, Madison, MAT - Columbia College Chicago Why did you want to become a teacher? I was a camper and counselor in northern Minnesota for many years. I loved working with kids, especially the upper elementary and middle school ages. I taught sailing and swimming and loved being outside teaching. What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? I really enjoy developing and tweaking curriculum each year–whether it is trying out new technology, differentiating to the needs and interests of my students, and/or just reading a new read-aloud. What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher? Besides working with kids and awesome teachers every day, I love the cadence of a school year. Each part of the year is different and adds to the excitement and challenge of working at a school. I also love that every day is different. You never know what the day will bring when you are spending it with twenty 4th graders!
Name: Ben Fussiner Preferred Pronouns: He/Him Title: Director of Upper School What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? B.S., Southern Connecticut State University, Ed. M., Harvard University Why did you want to become a teacher? My mom was a preschool director. I used to go to her preschool on my way home from middle school and I would help out with the students in the afternoon. When I was 19, one of my mom's former teachers remembered that I was good with little kids and hired me to work in the after-school program she directed. The rest, as they say, is history. What grade(s) have you taught? After working as an after-school teacher, I became a 3rd grade teacher, then a 5th grade teacher, then a middle school director. What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? When students have an even better answer than the best answer I was even considering. What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher? The low-level hum of joy that constantly permeates the air. Why Marin Horizon? I have only ever wanted to work in schools that value learning for the sake of learning, and it felt to me that Marin Horizon was dedicated to this value.
Name: Nicole Schoentag Preferred Pronouns: she/her Title: Kindergarten-4th Grade Learning Specialist What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? UCSB - Bachelors in Literature, Fresno State - Masters in Education, CA State Multiple Subject Credential, CA State Single Subject Credential - Art, CA State Administrative Credential Why did you want to become a teacher? Growing up, I never thought I'd be a teacher. It was only after I graduated college that I realized how much I loved school and wanted to continue to be in school. Schools are a place of inspiration and discovery. I feel so lucky to be able to come here every day. What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? The students, of course! In the last year and a half, I have been particularly inspired by kids’ emotional resilience in the face of COVID. They often remind me to stay positive and go with the flow. What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher? I love the pace of life at a school. I'm busy all day–I never look at the clock and wonder when the workday will be over. I look at the clock and am shocked by all the time that has flown by. I love laughing along with kids, making discoveries with them, and celebrating their hard work. Dream job!
Name: Natalie How Preferred Pronouns: She/Her Title: Co-Teacher, 4th Grade What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2021 What school(s) did you attend? Northern Arizona University, Double-major in Elementary and Special Education
Why did you want to become a teacher? From a very early age I realized how important passionate educators are. I had a very successful and positive relationship with school and with learning. I owe that to my teachers. I, too, felt the draw to give back that same connection that was so important to me as a child.
What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? There is really no occupation like teaching. It is an opportunity to connect with the most present of us all: KIDS. I never feel like I am the teacher, merely a facilitator. It is the kids who teach me.
What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher? Every day is a fresh start. Children have the most magnificent way of seeing the world through a clear and curious lens. If I take even a fraction of their enthusiasm and apply it to my life, I have moved forward in a positive way.
Name: Julia Ripperton Preferred Pronouns: She/her Title: 1st Grade Teacher What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2019 What school(s) did you attend? University of San Francisco, B.A. Psychology, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential; Masters in Teaching Why did you want to become a teacher? I love helping children develop a love for learning. I think it is so important to be a lifelong learner and any part I can play in helping my students find what they love is special to me. What continues to inspire and drive you to teach? The joy on kids' faces when they have an "ah-ha" moment inspires me to be the best teacher I can be. What’s your favorite thing about being a teacher? I love to teach children how to read. It is such a magical process to witness. I say it is my superpower!
Name: Kathy Piscioneri Preferred Pronouns: She, her, hers Title: Art Teacher Grade(s) Taught: K-8 What year did you start working at Marin Horizon? 2018 What school(s) did you attend? CUNY Queens College, BA Fine Art. Parsons School of Design, Paris, Independent Study, Painting. CUNY Queens College MSEd. Elementary Education, Specialty: Children’s Literature Why did you want to become a teacher? I was surrounded by teachers and I loved all the stories they told about their students—I wanted to have my own stories like that!
Title: Director of Performing Arts/Arts Coordinator
Grade(s) Taught: 4th-8th, after school musical 1st-5th
What year did you start working at Marin Horizon/HCS? 2016
What school(s) did you attend? UCLA Theater/Film & Television major, minor Musical Theater; NYU Business Management for Non-profit Organizations and Theater Education.
Why did you want to become a teacher? The future rests in the hands of the youth. Education is the key to progress and enlightenment for this world, and I want to help be a part of that. It's very fulfilling to be able to make change for the positive and teach something that brings such joy to so many. Kids are awesome and hilarious and full of such complex emotions, great for performing on stage!
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