K - 8 Program

Lead Kindergarten Teacher; K-2 Team Coordinator

First year teaching: 1992
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2001

"Ms. Dauterman's kindergarten" has become a treasured community institution within the SLO area. Ms. Dauterman shares her sense of wonder with her children within rich and exciting explorations into science and nature, people and places. She creates a nurturing environment that promotes self-confidence and a strong "sense of self"; hands-on, inquiry-based learning within her special kindergarten provides a firm foundation in reading, writing, and math. In addition to gardening with her kindergarteners, gardening in her own yard and reading are Ms. Dauterman's favorite relaxations when she is not involved with her two college-age daughters, Katelynn and Hayley.

ndauterman@laureateschool.org

Kindergarten Co-Teacher

First year teaching:
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2010

emanzo@laureateschool.org

First Grade Teacher, Arts and Culture Committee Head

First year teaching: 1972
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2005

Prior to coming to San Luis Obispo and The Laureate, Mrs. Townsend taught for 30 years in second, third, and fourth grades in Visalia, California. For 2 years she substitute taught in grades K-high school for San Luis Coastal. She delights in bringing rich, high-level learning experiences to her first graders, and with lots of love and passion, she enriches learning through inspired hands-on, multifaceted projects throughout the year. Project-based learning in Mrs. Townsend's class reflects her own creativity as well as her interest in other cultures, two important ingredients for inspired learning, which she has shared school wide as head of the Arts and Culture Committee. The leisure time activity she enjoys most is spending time with her family, and having been a dancer herself, she is a great fan of dance, especially ballet, jazz, and modern.

Second Grade Teacher

First year teaching: 2008
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2008

The Laureate was thrilled to have its Mrs. Brabenec back teaching in 2010 where she began her teaching with middle school math and science. The year prior Amy taught at Bellvue-Santa Fe in a combined 2/3 classroom as a long-term substitute. The Laureate second grade was a perfect spot for Amy to return to as she spent a year of Cal State Teach Field Experience in that very same classroom in 2007 while completing her credential. Amy lives in Paso Robles “with my wonderful husband Mike, son Noah, and daughter Ava. We enjoy golfing, bowling, spending summers at the water park, and we’re enthusiastic Giants baseball fans.” Amy enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and building forts with Noah and Ava. “I am very excited to be back at The Laureate where creativity and hands-on learning make teaching so much fun!”

Third Grade Teacher, Drama

First year teaching: 1998
First year teaching at The Laureate: 1999

Ms. Rowlands wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl in Michigan and saw that the benefits of teaching included fun, helping others, opportunities to problem solve, and spending the day with young minds and energies. She began her studies in Connecticut, but laid roots in sunny California - and we are glad she did. Ms. Rowland's student teaching for her Multiple Subject Credential was in first grade, and she fell in love with primary education (K-3). Her teaching at The Laureate began with kindergarten; she graduated along with her class to first grade, where she remained until taking a maternity leave in 2003. As soon as her daughter, Camille, was ready for pre-K she was back to The Laureate, enjoying her former students and having fun in kindergarten again. Again Ms. Rowlands graduated with her class - this time skipping to third grade! She is excited to be a part of this stage of elementary development. The strengths she brings to the classroom are "my passion for words, drama, science, math and music."

mrowlands@laureateschool.org

Fourth Grade Teacher, K-8 Administrative Coordinator, Elementary Team Coordinator, 3rd-5th, Health and Nutrition Committee Head

First year teaching elementary: 2000
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2000

As a graduate of Cal Poly's Human Development program, Cindy began teaching preschool when she married and had her two daughters. She continued on to elementary education and began teaching in fourth grade at The Laureate - which she loves and where she has remained since. Beginning with initiating the annual Sacramento three-day trip, Cindy brings something new to her class each year, from long-tom gold-sluice building to cattle roping to an additional trip to San Francisco's China Town. Mrs. Richmond also shares schoolwide her passion for teaching children healthy eating and lifestyle choices through her Play with Your Food project and by heading the school's Health and Nutrition Committee. Comfortable in the kitchen, Cindy enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. Her hobby is collecting I Love Lucy memorabilia.

Fifth Grade Teacher, 1st-5th Technology Teacher

First year teaching: 1999
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2010

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Shaw attended school in Florida before beginning her varied, international teaching career in both public and private schools. We are glad that Ms. Shaw has settled in California and brought her unique global experiences to The Laureate. During her years of teaching, she has helped restructure math and science curricula, trained in Everyday Mathematics, directed middle school plays, taught kindergarten and first grade, and provided learning support for elementary and middle school students. In her first year at The Laureate Kacy taught Technology to the 1st-5th graders, and middle school Pre-algebra, Algebra, and Leadership. Ms. Shaw accepted with great enthusiasm the classroom position for fifth grade teacher that opened for the fall of 2010, to the delight of her current fourth grade technology students - and the entire Laureate community. Ms. Shaw has published articles in educational magazines and, with inspiration from her two Yorkies, Everydog magazine! In her free time Ms. Shaw enjoys mixed media art and photography, drumming with Morro Bay and SLO drumming groups, and taking enrichment classes at Cuesta.

kshaw@laureateschool.org

Life Lab and Learning Support, Extended Care

First year teaching: 2007
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2009

Ms. Noyes student teaching was at the first grade level. While she is credentialed to teach all subjects in the classroom, she has a special passion for teaching Environmental Education and Experiential Learning. Therefore, she has worked in various sectors of such education: the Massachusetts Audubon Society, a residential Outdoor School in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and most recently, the California State Parks. Now at The Laureate, she is excited to continue growing as both a classroom teacher and as an Environmental Educator through the Life Lab "Growing Classroom" Program, which addresses content areas through gardening. She is also teaching fifth grade Science. As a recent New England transplant, she has been enjoying life in her birthplace of sunny California! Heather's hobbies include yoga, hiking, and music - all of which she shares with our students. We are glad that she keeps her guitar handy!

Middle School Spanish

First year teaching: 2008
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2010

Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Ms. Plascencia moved to Oceano, California at the age of thirteen. Upon arriving in the US, Claudia recalls, “I had a hard time adjusting to a new culture and way of life, but with the support and encouragement of my family and teachers, I was able to go on to college and achieve my BA in Spanish. I decided to continue with my MA in order to learn more about my culture. I was given the opportunity to teach Spanish to college students, which helped me grow professionally and also made me realize my true passion for teaching Spanish. I participated in the Upward Bound Program working as a college advisor, teacher and tutor at Central High School in Fresno. I am excited to now be teaching Spanish to middle school students at The Laureate, both professionally and personally, as it was at this age that I began learning English. It brings joy to me knowing that I am able to help other students in their learning experience." Ms. Plascencia's love of younger children, also, is evident whenever she has the opportunity to be around them on the playground or in Summer School classes, and it was not surprisingg to learn that her mother has a preschool! Claudia is dynamic and patient, making her a perfect fit for a preschool - 8 environment. She descibes herself, accurately, as "hard working and dedicated to everything I do."

Alma McCarty

Toddler - 2nd Grade Spanish

Rachel Kitson, "Ms. Huang," B.S. Animal Science, Minor in Biology, emphasis in Mandarin; CA Single Subject Teaching Credential 
Primary - 5th Grade Mandarin

Rachel Kitson (Ms. Huang) 
 
Preschool – 5th Mandarin Teacher
 
First year teaching: 2009
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2010
 
During the middle of her undergraduate work at Cal Poly, Ms. Kitson decided to take a year off to live in China and study Mandarin. During her stay there, she fell in love with the language and the culture - and teaching, and decided to get a teaching credential when she came back to the U.S. She has since been a substitute teacher in both Lucia Mar School District as well as Atascadero Unified School District. Rachel spent a summer teaching at an orphanage in Kenya and has traveled to seventeen different countries; she “is excited to bring a global perspective and excitement for language learning into the classroom for young learners.” While in China, Rachel received her Chinese name of “Huang,” which she uses in her role as Mandarin teacher. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys running with her two dogs, cooking, and making jewelry.

1st-5th Grade Technology Teacher, 5th Grade Teacher

First year teaching: 1999
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2010

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Shaw attended school in Florida before beginning her varied, international teaching career in both public and private schools. We are glad that Ms. Shaw has settled in California and brought her unique global experiences to The Laureate. During her years of teaching, she has helped restructure math and science curricula, trained in Everyday Mathematics, directed middle school plays, taught kindergarten and first grade, and provided learning support for elementary and middle school students. In her first year at The Laureate Kacy taught Technology to the 1st-5th graders, and middle school Pre-algebra, Algebra, and Leadership. Ms. Shaw accepted with great enthusiasm the classroom position for fifth grade teacher that opened for the fall of 2010, to the delight of her current fourth grade technology students - and the entire Laureate community. Ms. Shaw has published articles in educational magazines and, with inspiration from her two Yorkies, Everydog magazine! In her free time Ms. Shaw enjoys mixed media art and photography, drumming with Morro Bay and SLO drumming groups, and taking enrichment classes at Cuesta.

kshaw@laureateschool.org

First year teaching: 2002
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2002

Ms. Lewis has an extensive and varied musical background, which is reflected in her music program through such diverse curricula as Garage Band, acoustic guitar, music theory, and school wide classical music appreciation Etudes program. Ms. Lewis' training in Orf instruments enriches the musical experience she brings to our students, and her gentle, patient nature is an asset in meeting the challenges of teaching students from preschool through middle school. Ms. Lewis organizes and produces two schoolwide musical productions each year as the school's Performing Arts program. Ms. Lewis remains immersed in music, singing with two local professional groups. When she is not performing or teaching, Ms. Lewis enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and her dogs and cats.

Middle School English & History Teacher, Middle School Technology

First year teaching: 2005
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2009

Ms. Snowdy came to us after 4 years teaching in the Atascadero Unified School District. She was excited to join The Laureate School to add to her experience the benefits of private school. With her knowledge and interest in young adult literature and classics, and her creativity, Ms. Snowdy has truly brought learning alive in history and other integrated subjects. Outside of school she is involved in Big Brothers, Big Sisters; she has a 10-year-old "Little" with whom she enjoys many fun activities. In the summers, she is the Daytime Director of Camp Hapitok, a camp for children with communication disabilities in SLO County. Ms. Snowdy also enjoys reading, helping her family make wine, and "all the outdoor activities our beautiful area has to offer."

Middle School Science and Leadership Teacher

First year teaching: 1999
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2009

Before joining The Laureate Mr. Berdoll spent the past 11 years teaching sixth grade at a large school in Texas and a school in Idaho; 7 of those years he was Science Department Head and key member of the district science team. Prior to obtaining his teaching certification, Mr. Berdoll worked as a botanist, and as a naturalist and instructor at an outdoor education school. His background in curriculum development makes him an ideal fit for the hands-on, engaged learning focus of The Laureate, and his integrated teaching focus matches the school's 21st century program design. Mr. Berdoll teaches middle school science and math. A man of varied talents and interests, he also teaches environmental watercolors in our afterschool Enrichment Academy, and Yoga in the SLO community. Mr. Berdoll is settling into the San Luis Obispo area with his fiancée, Shauna.

cberdoll@laureateschool.org

Life Lab and Learning Support, Extended Care

First year teaching: 2007
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2009

Ms. Noyes student teaching was at the first grade level. While she is credentialed to teach all subjects in the classroom, she has a special passion for teaching Environmental Education and Experiential Learning. Therefore, she has worked in various sectors of such education: the Massachusetts Audubon Society, a residential Outdoor School in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and most recently, the California State Parks. Now at The Laureate, she is excited to continue growing as both a classroom teacher and as an Environmental Educator through the Life Lab "Growing Classroom" Program, which addresses content areas through gardening. She is also teaching fifth grade Science. As a recent New England transplant, she has been enjoying life in her birthplace of sunny California! Heather's hobbies include yoga, hiking, and music - all of which she shares with our students. We are glad that she keeps her guitar handy!

Middle School English & History Teacher, Middle School Technology

First year teaching: 2005
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2009

Ms. Snowdy came to us after 4 years teaching in the Atascadero Unified School District. She was excited to join The Laureate School to add to her experience the benefits of private school. With her knowledge and interest in young adult literature and classics, and her creativity, Ms. Snowdy has truly brought learning alive in history and other integrated subjects. Outside of school she is involved in Big Brothers, Big Sisters; she has a 10-year-old "Little" with whom she enjoys many fun activities. In the summers, she is the Daytime Director of Camp Hapitok, a camp for children with communication disabilities in SLO County. Ms. Snowdy also enjoys reading, helping her family make wine, and "all the outdoor activities our beautiful area has to offer."

Middle School Spanish

First year teaching: 2008
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2010

Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Ms. Plascencia moved to Oceano, California at the age of thirteen. Upon arriving in the US, Claudia recalls, “I had a hard time adjusting to a new culture and way of life, but with the support and encouragement of my family and teachers, I was able to go on to college and achieve my BA in Spanish. I decided to continue with my MA in order to learn more about my culture. I was given the opportunity to teach Spanish to college students, which helped me grow professionally and also made me realize my true passion for teaching Spanish. I participated in the Upward Bound Program working as a college advisor, teacher and tutor at Central High School in Fresno. I am excited to now be teaching Spanish to middle school students at The Laureate, both professionally and personally, as it was at this age that I began learning English. It brings joy to me knowing that I am able to help other students in their learning experience." Ms. Plascencia's love of younger children, also, is evident whenever she has the opportunity to be around them on the playground or in Summer School classes, and it was not surprisingg to learn that her mother has a preschool! Claudia is dynamic and patient, making her a perfect fit for a preschool - 8 environment. She descibes herself, accurately, as "hard working and dedicated to everything I do."

First year teaching: 2002
First year teaching at The Laureate: 2002

Ms. Lewis has an extensive and varied musical background, which is reflected in her music program through such diverse curricula as Garage Band, acoustic guitar, music theory, and school wide classical music appreciation Etudes program. Ms. Lewis' training in Orf instruments enriches the musical experience she brings to our students, and her gentle, patient nature is an asset in meeting the challenges of teaching students from preschool through middle school. Ms. Lewis organizes and produces two schoolwide musical productions each year as the school's Performing Arts program. Ms. Lewis remains immersed in music, singing with two local professional groups. When she is not performing or teaching, Ms. Lewis enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and her dogs and cats.