school the way it should be
Supported by amazing teachers
Each morning, teachers at Pacific Academy Encinitas see every students’ face, be they happy, tired, eager, or anxious. It is a rare opportunity to work with students in such a way that we are able to really see each one of them, and how the various stressors of life and being young, affect them. Whether it's in or out of the classroom, assessing how we can best serve Pacific Academy students, is our highest priority.
Pacific Academy Encinitas is a school that exists because of the passion the teachers and administrators possess, to become a school that lives up to what we imagined a school would be like when we were in college. In many ways, it is rare in our modern society to work at and attend a school that is more concerned with critical thinking and individuality, as opposed to how well a student scores on a standardized test.
Many of us come from public school backgrounds; places we know as being often overwhelmed by the student population, and where being another face in the crowd is the most common experience. In reflection, we look back at our high school selves and think, “What would have been different if I would have had received this level of teacher support? What confidence might I have gained from a teacher who had a real concern for my well-being?” Working at PAE we are able to answer those questions for ourselves and our students, every day.
MARIO GONZALEZ
PRINCIPAL
Administrative Credential
Single Subject Teaching Credential
M. Ed., Diversity in the Classroom
B.A., History.
Mario is an extraordinary hands-on leader at PAE who has been with Pacific Academy for over 14 years. His educational journey started well before he earned his first degree. Mario began working with Native American youth in California and Hawaii to help them find their pathway to college. He became inspired by the prospect of assisting students in achieving their academic and social goals.
After graduating college, Mario entered the teaching world and began his career in the Hawaiian Islands. While a full-time teacher, he decided to continue his education and earned a Master's degree in Classroom Diversity, focusing on Cognitive Development.
As a fully credentialed administrator and teacher, Mario has worked as an educator for decades in the public, charter, and private school arenas. His experience working with students in large schools and small-by-design programs has shaped his educational philosophy. From Maui to Los Angeles, East County San Deigo to North County San Diego, Mario’s extensive experience gives him a unique perspective on education.
Mario has happily been a principal at Pacific Academy Encinitas since 2014.
BRITTNEY MABUS
DEAN OF STUDENTS, English Teacher
M.A., Teaching, University of Southern California, Los Angles, California
B.S., Early Childhood Education and a minor in English, Iona College, New Rochelle, New York
After growing up in New York, Brittney relocated to California in order to further her teaching career. During her four years at Iona University, she played lacrosse in the MAAC conference and was involved in several different community service programs. After graduating, she continued her education by earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from USC.
Brittney has been teaching at Pacific Academy for nearly ten years. She teaches AP English courses and serves our PAE community as Dean of Students. Her educational philosophy is to cultivate a student-centered environment that encourages personal growth and critical thinking through inquiry, exploration, and discovery.
STEPHEN STRONG
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS, MATH DEPARTMENT HEAD
M.A., Education, University of Oregon
B.S., Mathematics and General Science, University of Oregon
Mr. Strong has been teaching at Pacific Academy Encinitas for the past 10 years. He has over 20 years of experience in teaching mathematics and science.
He enjoys traveling with his kids and is an avid fan of his Oregon Ducks. Mr. Strong has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and General Science as well as a Master's of Education from the University of Oregon.
MAY HO LEE
Executive Admissions Assistant, Int'l Student Liaison
B. Arch., University of Southern California
May graduated from USC with a degree in Architecture. After working in the architectural field for some years, she took a break to take care of her family. During that time, she actively volunteered at her son's school as a graphic editor for a school newspaper, LEGO league coach, Science Olympiad committee member, and Boy Scout troop Advancement Chairperson.
May switched gears to the educational field because she finds working with young people so deeply rewarding. She connects with the international students especially as she shares a similar background has come to the US when she was a teenager.
LAYLA HRZINA
Admissions, Marketing & graphic design
Layla moved to Encinitas in 1997, and would consider herself a proud local. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is where she calls home, along with her daughter, Olivia. PAE will welcome Liv to Kindergarten in the fall! Layla began a career in Marketing in the medical field while earning her BA in Communication at Cal State University San Marcos.
Layla loves to read, she's an avid beach-goer, a big foodie, and loves the outdoors. Travel has also been a major part of her life and personal growth, it is her joie de vivre. Layla's love of travel and cultural diversity encouraged her to become a mentor with International Rescue Committee (IRC), where she cultivated her love of working with children and families from all backgrounds and nationalities. She is delighted to be working with the Pacific Academy team.
JAYE LEE
Accountant
Jaye was born and raised in South Korea, where she attended Ewha Woman's University and attained 2 Bachelor's degrees, the first in Public Administration, and the second in Elementary Education. She relocated to Irvine, CA in 2011 in her early 30s. Having planned to stay only for 3 years at first, she ended up deciding to stay and become a Californian forever, fascinated by the beautiful weather! So the 3-year plan was canceled and now Rancho Bernardo, SD has become her permanent home, with one handsome guy, two adorable kids, and one very cute puppy.
Jaye loves numbers, coffee, and children.
You can tell how much she loves numbers by her career choice, how much she loves coffee by her photo, and how much she loves children, by her major!
She is so happy to join the Pacific Academy team, where she can work with numbers, be surrounded by children... and coffee is always on her desk!
LISA DECRAUSAZ
aDMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & LUNCH MONITOR
Lisa is a Sothern California native and currently resides in South Oceanside with her husband and doggy. She loves cooking, hiking Torrey Pines and walking the beach in search of sand dollars and sea-glass.
In recent years, Lisa attained her real estate license and is also a property manager. She is a master of the "side-hustle." Early in her career, Lisa was an Instructional Assistant for Encinitas Union School District, and also a Kitchen Manager for Solana Beach School District. In the 10 years she has worked in schools, Lisa cultivated her love of working with children. She feels so fortunate to have this opportunity at Pacific Academy.
PRISCILA COLLAZO
Elementary school Teacher
B.A. in Liberal Studies Multiple Subject\ California State University Bakersfield
Priscila was born in the Dominican Republic, but was raised in Bakersfield, CA. She graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Priscila began her teaching career in Roatan, Honduras with an organization called Helping Children of The World(HCOW). She taught Math and English in a village on the island. She focused on tracking student academic improvements and building student portfolios to report to the Board of Education.
She continued her career by being a preschool teacher for two years. Priscila has worked with students grades K-8th through long term substitute teaching positions, tutoring, and mentoring at afterschool programs. This year she will be completing her fourth year teaching kindergarten. Priscila enjoys traveling, hiking, family, and eating gelato.
CASSIDY SCHMOKE
Elementary school Teacher
Cassidy was born and raised in San Diego, California and grew up in a small town called Alpine. She graduated from Northern Arizona University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication. A year after graduating from NAU, she decided to further her education and completed the Teaching Program at San Diego Christian College. While completing her teaching program, Cassidy became a Special Education Instructional Aide at a local elementary school where she worked with students from grades K-5th with a variety of different learning needs.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys being outdoors, reading, hanging out with her friends and family, shopping, eating sweet treats and most importantly, drinking coffee!
KATE ACKELL
Elementary School Teacher
Kate was born in New York City and was later raised in San Diego, California, and grew up in Del Mar. She graduated from the University of Oregon where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Educational Foundations with a minor in Ethnic Studies and then a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English Speakers of Other Languages. Most recently in Eugene, Oregon, Kate substitute taught for grades K-5 and taught second grade and is now teaching back in her hometown of San Diego.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, taking pilates classes, shopping, finding new restaurants, traveling, and reading at the beach.
MACKENZIE SEATON-TODD
elementary teacher
B.A. Early Childhood Education PK-3, Ohio University
M.A., Reading Education K-12, Ohio University
MacKenzie grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Ohio University for both undergraduate and graduate school. She knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age and spent her summers working at a summer camp in Asheville, North Carolina. After graduate school she moved to that same area of North Carolina and taught elementary school there for three years.
Having always valued travel, MacKenzie knew she wanted to travel long-term for some period in her life, so she then took two years off teaching to backpack around South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. After those two years she relocated to San Diego and is now excited to be back in the classroom and teaching at Pacific Academy!
DYLAN JONES
History Department chair
Social science
M.A., Education, University of Phoenix
B.A., History, Cal State University Fullerton
A.S., Mathematics/ Science, Mt. San Jacinto Junior College
Dylan Jones holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Cleared California Teaching Credential from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor’s Degree in History from California State University, Fullerton, and an Associate’s Degree in Math/Science from Mt. San Jacinto Junior College. Dylan cleared his Teaching Credential through High Tech High and holds a Certificate of Merit from the Southern California AP Institute for AP US History.
Dylan believes that education is the key to creating a peaceful, global community. Dylan’s academic dream is to contribute to the world in a positive way, which is also his reason for deciding to become a teacher. Dylan currently teaches AP US History, US History, U.S. Government and Politics, Economics, Music Theory 1, and Music Theory 2 at Pacific Academy, Encinitas. When he's not teaching in the classroom, you can either find him sweating in the boxing gym, or on stage somewhere rocking out with his band.
KATE SETIAN-GONZALEZ
ENGLISH, art, YEARBOOK
Kate was born and raised in Southern California. She grew up in Huntington Beach and attended California State University, Long Beach for her undergraduate and graduate courses. She has a BA in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Health, Physical Education, and Life Management. She earned her Multiple Subject Credential in 1998 through Long Beach State.
While working as an elementary teacher in Long Beach, California Kate pursued her MA in Education with a focus on Curricular Design through Long Beach State. Kate holds a Single Subject Credential in English from UCLA and has worked in grades K-12 and Special Education for over a decade.
Kate is married and has three children, two lovely girls, and an inquisitive boy. She and her family enjoy spending time at the beach and visiting with family and friends.
KELLY PAWLAK
SCIENCe, oceanography, home economics
B.S., Biology and Chemistry
Saint Francis University
Kelly graduated from Saint Francis University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. After graduation, she worked at several outdoor education facilities on both the east and west coast teaching marine science.
Kelly continued her love for working with children by working as an academic coach modifying curriculum for students with IEPs and 504s at High Tech High Media Arts and High Tech Middle Arts in San Marcos. While at HTMMA, she also taught math and science.
MARIA SANTOS-OCHOA
Spanish TEACHER
B.A. Latin American Studies | San Diego State University
Maria was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies. She has 20 years of classroom experience with Pre-K-8th grade students, faculty and parents. Maria began her teaching career as a College Prep Advisor for the Student Outreach Services at San Diego State University. She later became a Teacher's Assistant at Kit Carson Elementary School. Since then she has held a position as Dean of Students at Harriet Tubman Charter School and has taught Spanish Immersion as a visiting teacher for the San Diego Unified School District.
Maria enjoys teaching all grade levels. Her hobbies include reading, swimming, crafting and recently has taken up trail running. Her dream one day is to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
KATIE HUETINCK
ENGLISH, photography
M.A. Education, San Diego State University
B.A. Liberal Studies, Point Loma Nazarene University
Katie grew up and was schooled in Southern California, but early on discovered that the world is wide and filled with educational opportunity.
She became, and remains, a world traveler and an avid explorer of wild places. This energetic approach to life and learning has made her intellectually nimble, emotionally adaptable and artfully improvisational. All these qualities are essential for good teaching and engaged students, adding depth, texture, nuanced insight and authentic creativity to the academic experience.
While Katie's nearly two decades of hands-on teaching experience is impressive enough, the real key to her artistry in teaching is the keen ability to see and accept the uniqueness of a student and then help to orchestrate the symphony of possibilities embodied in an individual. This is the secret sauce of the teacher and in the end, probably the reason for doing the work.
Outside the halls of academia, Katie leads an enthusiastic and ever evolving life with active interest in travel, hiking/backpacking, yoga, photography, animal husbandry, gardening, numerous artistic endeavors and finally, she is a real fine baker.
ROB XU
MATH, CHINESe, video production
B.S. Chemistry, California Polytechnic State University
Rob was born and raised in northeastern China and moved to California in the 3rd grade. His interest in education began with a profound appreciation for science communicators, among whom were Bill Nye, Michael Stevens of Vsauce, and Carl Sagan. He initially pursued scientific research at the Jisan Research Institute, co-authoring published research on entrochemical technology there, as a student researcher in 2015.
Rob went on to study Chemistry at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, but realized that most chemistry jobs were not to his liking. He instead pivoted to a career in education, having had pleasant experiences tutoring and mentoring peers. In the years following graduation, Rob worked with students in grades spanning 1st to 12th, through field work and independent tutoring. Daily opportunities to brighten a child's day (and by extension, brighten everyone's future) gave him reason to enjoy waking up every morning.
Captivated by PAE's atmosphere and Encinitas' excellent weather, Rob gladly decided to continue teaching here for a second year. In addition to expanding the Elementary Chinese program, Rob is now teaching Video Production to middle school and high school, piloting the creation of PAE's very own student-run live news program.
AMBER JONES
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Originally hailing from Colorado, Amber Jones recently moved from Castle Rock with her high school sweetheart, and two beautiful teenagers. She earned her BA in Kinesiology from the University of Northern Colorado, and has been teaching and coaching for over 24 years.
She recently taught Yoga, Adventure Ed, Dance, and Health. Her thoughtful curriculum was delivered to reflect self-acceptance and inclusion, and led to Amber being honored as Educator of the Year at the Respect Awards in New York. Walking the Red Carpet along with Robin Roberts & George Stephanopoulos was a highlight in her career.
Amber is the founder of the youth sports program, PEP Club Sports. She served as the Vice President of Sportswomen of Colorado, and Chair of GLSEN Denver. In her spare time, she discovered a passion for playing semi-pro tackle football, aerial dance, and escape room design. Amber is often seen photographing her kids during basketball and lacrosse games, and her guilty pleasure is a relaxed evening dealing Texas Hold 'em.
MICAH QUINTANA
SCIENCE, math
Micah graduated from California State Polytechnic University of San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor's Degree in Physics. During this time he worked with the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation to help organize and run tournaments as well as making robotics accessible to students in 6-12. His experience with working with students during that time, he decided to become a teacher.
After graduation, he taught at Central Coast New Tech High School and Nipomo High School. During this time he was a football and baseball coach and the anime club advisor for students on campus. He is excited to join Pacific academy and is looking forward to the 2022-2023 school year.
KEVIN KUHLMAN
SOCIAL SCIENCE, ENGLISH
Single Subject Teaching Credential
B.A. History, Point Loma Nazarene University
A California native, Kevin was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California. After graduating high school with 2 years of college credit, he went to Point Loma Nazarene to pursue a degree in History. While there, he developed a passion for working with students through his volunteering at Young Life Point Loma. Kevin graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and his Single Subject Teaching Credential.
In addition to teaching in various school districts throughout San Diego, Kevin has worked with student development organizations such as Junior Achievements and Young Life Point Loma. He especially enjoys working with students from difficult means or backgrounds. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, skateboarding, trail running, and reading science fiction.
