A School with Great Teachers
Guiding your student's journey beyond education
Grades K-2
Gabriela Badillo (Kindergarten Teacher) —I was born and raised in South East San Diego, in a small community called Lomita Village. I have always had a passion for school and learning; I often find myself asking the question, "Why?" It's no wonder I've been in school for 18 years and counting; there is so much to inquire about! I've worked in the field of education for five years now and have loved every day of it. This is my second year at Innovations Academy and being in the Kindergarten classroom has been such a wonderful learning experience! I feel like it is a perfect match because one of the most common questions asked is, "Why?"I love spending time with my husband, my family, and my in-laws. It's always good food, good company, and good times when I'm with them. And getting them all in the same room together is the perfect recipe for a perfect riot! When I'm not with them, I enjoy reading, writing, and drawing. But my favorite pastime right now is being with my two young nephews; they are so full of life and questions and are so inspiring to me as a learner.
Visit Gaby's Blog
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Jennifer Kirkby Tatro (1st grade teacher) — I grew up in a small town called Goleta, near Santa Barbara, California. At the end of my street was a stand of eucalyptus trees that my brother, two sisters and I called "the forest." Beyond that were fields that became the bluffs overlooking the ocean. This was my back yard and it did a lot to shape who I am and what I love: the ocean, being outdoors, relaxing, reading, imagining and figuring out how things are put together. In my spare time I go biking, people watch at cafes, listen to music, dance, knit, crochet, paint, sew, garden and make jewelry. I have been teaching for over 15 years, and still love sharing my passion and creativity with children. This is really an exchange, children share their theories and thoughts about life, and I get to listen and discuss with them. I am sure I am forgetting to tell you other things that make up who I am, but that's the cool part: we'll get to know each other more over this school year!Visit Jennifer's blog.
Dee Dee Remington (2nd Grade teacher) — I joined Innovations Academy because I am able to use an incredibly innovative curriculum,. I have experience and a desire to work in a charter school because of the freedom and creativity it allows me to bring to my classroom. I have an undergraduate degree in International Affairs and Spanish from the George Washington University in Washington, DC and received my Masters in Education from George Mason University in Virginia. My hero is Rosie 'the Riveter' Monroe from the "We Can Do It" campaign of the 1940's. I feel I can do anything I put my mind to and I hope to teach your children the same. I look forward to working with your children this year!
Visit Dee Dee's blog.
Monique Colasanti (3rd grade teacher)
I grew up in the small, laid-back beach town of Ventura, CA with many family gatherings, a diversity of friends, camping, traveling, dancing and art. Dancing became a passion of mine at a young age and holds a large place in my heart. I studied jazz, ballet, tap and modern for fifteen years. Later in life, during high school, I was drawn to another love in my life, art. I believe that art is a powerful communicator and that everyone is an artist. It is my job as a teacher to encourage art expression in every child. After receiving my BA in liberal studies with an emphasis in art, I pursued the teaching profession through studies at Azusa Pacific University. I currently hold a multiple subject California teaching credential with an emphasis in art and a Masters in Education.
Visit Monique's Blog
Grades 3-5
Patrick Garland (4th grade Humanities teacher) — I was born in Omaha, Nebraska and grew up in the same house my parents were married in. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 18. At Loyola Marymount University I studied Communications. Later, I went back to LMU to get a degree in education. I taught at a progressive school in Los Angeles for five years. I moved to San Diego last year to join the IA community.
Visit Patrick's blog
Elizabeth Grimes (4th grade Math/Science teacher) — I grew up in upstate New York, in a small town outside of the Saratoga/Albany area. I was inspired to become a teacher in the 3rd Grade. I am extremely excited to have found a school where I can share my passions and excitement. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Childhood Development at SUNY Cortland. Once I finished college I moved to beautiful San Diego and have spent the past three years working in various charter schools and celebrating life. In my spare time I enjoy going for hikes, riding my bicycle, going to the beach, painting and reading. In the winter I like to head up to the mountains to go skiing. The earth is my playground and play I do. I am looking forward to the upcoming school year continuing my journey as an educator.
Visit Elizabeth's Blog
Bill Thomas (5th grade teacher) — I was drawn to Innovations Academy because of the artistic expression this school offered for both teacher and student. I have been looking for just the right school and I found it! I feel wanted, appreciated, and accepted here. Each of us has a unique gift to offer the world. At Innovations Academy I know these gifts of mine will be fully realized through endless possibilities. I received my BA in Geography. I believe that having an understanding of the world in this day and age is imperative. My heroes are Gandi, MLK, and artists like Stevie Wonder, who seek the higher level of expression, which is inclusive to all people.
Visit Bill's blog.
Grades 6-8
Michael Grimes (6th Grade Humanities Teacher) — I was born and raised in upstate N.Y. obtaining my bachelors degree in physical education, health, and coaching at SUNY Cortland. After completing my masters degree in educational administration at SUNY Albany I moved to post-Katrina New Orleans where I volunteered at the Welcome Home Kitchen while working with Education Design Management to write the charter for three project based charter schools. From New Orleans, I moved to Arizona where I taught 8th grade English at a traditional public school. I then moved to San Diego where I spent the past two years teaching physical education at the King-Chavez Arts & Athletics Academies. I'm incredibly excited to continue my evolution as a teacher at Innovations Academy. Away from school, I play on a baseball team, paint pictures, strum the guitar, cook and eat an abundance of delicious morsels, hike mountains, work in my garden, and recently published my first book, Americas Awakening.Visit Michael's blog.
Stephanie Robinson (6th Grade Math/Science Teacher) — I am a proud mother of three children. My daughter Crysta is 17, and my sons Aris and Joshua are 14 and 6. I have my Undergraduate Degree in Finance and my Masters Degree in Science. Prior to IA, I worked in 6th grade Math/Science at High Tech Middle School and worked as a College Instructor teaching courses in accounting and business. I enjoy teaching in an environment that doesn’t dictate but rather guides students’ interests, fostering growth and never stifling creativity. IA will allow us to embark on an educational journey together, and I can’t wait to get started. Visit Stephanie's blog.
Tony Spitzberg (7th grade Humanities teacher) — I am originally from Dallas, Texas and have lived in San Diego for eight years. I have a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Tulane University and recently received my Masters in Education from the University of San Diego. I firmly believe that children benefit from a student-centered classroom where they are active and learn by doing. My role is to treat students as co-creators in the learning process, with their own ideas and concerns that deserve attention and consideration. I aspire to help my students discover the tools that will enable them to achieve their highest potential. This is why I am so excited to join the Innovations Academy community, where the emphasis on self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning is second to none!
Visit Tony's blog.
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Wes Davis (7th grade Math/Science teacher) — I have always been fascinated by the natural world and exotic places. In third grade I was chosen to leave school and shadow a marine biologist for a few hours. I remember riding in her four-wheel drive jeep, sampling plankton with a net and eating a “healthy” granola bar that I didn't care for at the time. That day, I decided I would go to college to study biology. Since graduating from California State University, Chico in 2000, my biology degree has led me to cloning DNA in Santa Cruz, studying carnivores near Lake Tahoe, and filming coral reef fish in French Polynesia. I earned my teaching credential for math and science in 2005 and have taught in project-based charter schools and homeschool classrooms since then. My student's past projects have included creating living sculptures from reclaimed materials (aka Planted Junk), native plant restoration, running a 5K race, and writing the children's book “Nico the Gnatcatcher”.
I am excited to teach seventh and eighth graders at Innovations Academy and I look forward to meeting you!
Visit Wes's Blog
Lisa Moncrief (8th grade Math/Science teacher) — I am so excited to be a part of the amazing group of educators at Innovations Academy. I heard about I.A. by accident and discovered immediately that I had found a place where I could grow as a person as well as share my love of learning with children.
First and foremost, I am a mother of six children. Five of them are still at home with me and my high school sweetheart, Brian. They range in age from 16 to 6. We live in Poway and are active in our community in youth and church activities, baseball, piano, horseback riding....well, you name it we've done it! I love to swim, run, read in the bubble bath and spend as much time at the beach as possible. I dream of some day participating in a triathalon and paddling down the Amazon river.
I went to Mission Bay High School here in San Diego and graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii where I recieved my BS in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics. I am currently in the process of finishing my Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. I have spent the last ten years tutoring kids of all ages in math and science. I am passionate about teaching and watching children visualize and reach their highest potential.
I am grateful to be a part of something big in San Diego and I look forward to seeing the impact the children and families at Innovations Academy will have on our community.
Visit Lisa's blog and Lisa's class page.
Jennie Ganeson (8th grade Humanities teacher) Jennie Ganesan - I was born and raised in Northern New Jersey. I pretty much knew I was going to be a teacher since I was in high school. Teaching is in my blood, my aunts, uncles, and many cousins are all teachers in India. I completed my bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education at Hofstra University, in Long Island, NY. I’ve taught history for nine years in San Diego, NY and NJ in both middle and high schools. I’ve had experience teaching in both very traditional and non-traditional environments and found myself absolutely in love with teaching in a project-based school. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and our 4 year old twins, who have taught me to not take things so seriously! Also, I love watching and playing basketball, doing arts & crafts, cooking, and being with friends and family. I’m super excited to be a part of the team at Innovation Academy.
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Home Learning Community
Teresa Draguicevich I am very excited about joining the Innovations Academy learning family as a teacher/guide to the K/1 students in the 2-day home learning program. I have taught for 15 years and over the years, it has been my privilege to accompany many students and their families on their learning journeys: people who come from all walks of life and represent many different cultures and religions. It has been their beautiful diversity and unique learning styles that have enriched my life tremendously.Married to my high school sweetheart for 24 years, my passions include raising our two wonderful and creative boys to be prejudice-free, spending time in nature and community building. Over the years, it has been a source of great joy to develop, as well as work with existing programs that promote cooperation among different cultures and that celebrate diversity in our human family. This year I look forward to improving my yoga practice, starting a garden and learning to speak Spanish.
Since becoming a mother, it has been on my bucket list to home school and last year that dream became a reality for me! This year, I feel privileged to be able to continue that path of discovery, and I look forward to learning more from being a part of your family's journey. It is my privilege to be of service to you and your children!
Visit Teresa's Blog
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Home Learning Community (Independent Study Teachers for Homeschoolers)
Jill Keltner (Home Learning Community, K-2 Teacher) — I am very excited to come work at Innovations in the 2010/11 school year. I’ve been an educator for over 25 years, beginning as a gymnastics coach and camp counselor, working as a classroom teacher, tutor, yoga teacher, and, most recently, homeschooling my kids for four years. I look forward to having the opportunity to create a community of home educated learners, something I missed as a homeschooling parent.
I got my BA in English at UC Berkeley and my teaching credential at UC Berkeley's Bay Area Writing Project. I have two boys, Ben (10) and Aiden (8). We came to San Diego two years ago. Before coming here we lived in Cambridge MA, Oxford England, and San Francisco CA. We love to travel, camp, hike, read, write, dance, make music, do yoga, play soccer, basketball, and chess.
Visit Jill's blog.
Jennifer McMakin (Home Learning Community 2-6 Teacher/Special Education Administrator) — I am so very excited to be a part of the Innovations Home Learners program this year!I am a home schooling mother of two truly amazing girls, ages 9 and 8. It is incredibly rewarding to be there with them when those “aha!” moments occur in their lives. I love reading, belly dancing, attending Renaissance Fairs, spending time at home with my family, cuddling with our cats and all sorts of gaming. Once a week, I co-lead a Girl Scout troop of 10 giggly, spectacularly active and creative girls.
I am also a learning specialist who focuses on helping students become independent, self-motivated learners. After earning both my B.A. in Elementary Education and my Master’s degree in Special Education, I spent the next 19 years working with struggling students in a variety of settings; from public school classrooms and special education resource rooms to private school classrooms and after-school tutoring. Currently, in addition to home schooling my own children, I run a private educational therapy business.
Visit Jennifer's blog.
Alex Antohin (Extended Care Program) - I come from Fairbanks, Alaska. I received my B.A. in Sociology and have been with Innovations Academy for 2 years. I run our Innovations Academy Extended Care program, as well as being our school aide. During my free time, I enjoy Brazilian martial arts (capoeira), surfing, and climbing. I hope to attain my teaching degree in the near future, and teach at IA!
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Anna Stinson (Ed Specialist) I was born in Sweden and moved to America when I was 10 years old. I grew up in Hawaii but have lived in Europe and numerous places in the states. I have a BA in Psychology from San Diego State University and teaching credentials in General Education and Special Education as well as a Masters in Education from California State University. I have taught General Education and now teach Special Education as an Education Specialist. I love working with all students and helping them achieve their potential and realize their gifts in becoming a valued member of society. For the past two years, I have been a Cluster Support Teacher for Special Education with San Diego Unified School District and this year am so excited to be back working in the classrooms with the children! Thank you for welcoming me to Innovations Charter School!