Jr. Kindergarten
Alecia Carvalho
Education:
A.A. Liberal Studies, emphasis in early childhood education from De Anza College
30+units in Child Development
Work Experience:
10+years experience with early child development
5 years with Action Day Primary Plus
-2 years in the Infant/Toddler Room at Phelan Preschool
-3 Years in the 2-3 Toddler Room at Amber Preschool
Special Interests & Hobbies:
Spending time with my Husband Justin and my one and a half year old son Logan, Spending time with Family & Friends,
Quilting, Relaxing with a good book or movie, Watching San Jose Sharks Hockey
Goal for the Year:
My goal is to provide my students with the ability to communicate and create meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers. I want my students to know that they are truly special and that sky is the limit!
Quote:
“Sometimes the thing your students need most right now, has nothing to with what is on your lesson plan”
Katie Hunter
Education:
De Anza College, Foothill College
Work Experience:
9+ years experience working with children and in Early Childhood Education
1 Year with California Teaching Fellows Foundation
4 years at The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
5 years with Action Day Primary Plus
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3 years in Room 8 Extended Day at Amber
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1 year in Infant Center at Moorpark
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1 year Jrk at Amber
Special Interests & Hobbies:
Reading
Creating art
Taking walks
Road Trips
Goal for the Year:
To integrate learning with play! I am a strong believer in teaching Social/Emotional skills to our young students in order to prepare them for the academics they will be exposed to in Kindergarten.
Quote: “Education must not simply teach work – it must teach Life” – W. E. B. Du Bois
Abby Charles
Education
25+ Units in Early Childhood Education
Work Experience
Began working for ADPP in 2002
10+ years Jr. Kindergarten Teacher at Moorpark Campus
Special Interests, Hobbies
Art
Sewing
Dancing
Camping
Traveling/Adventure
Goals for the School Year
I believe in the saying “it takes a village.” In order to create a loving and successful future, I believe parent, teacher, and child must work together.
Pamela Nava
Work Experience:
I have worked with children for 10+ years and have always known working alongside little souls was my way to go. I began as a volunteer for Humane Society working with Girl Scouts advocating for animal rights and continued on working with children in behavioral therapy, special needs, Spanish lessons, tutoring and more throughout the years. I have loved all my jobs and feel immensely grateful to continue doing something I love while calling it “work”. I am uber excited to get to know your child!…continued below
My family is originally from Mexico City but I was born and raised in San Jose and have always loved it. I really don’t feel old but seeing our beautiful city evolve has been surreal and I am excited to see it continue to grow.
Hobbies and Interests:
Reading, painting, hiking, museums, dancing, volunteering,
Favorites
Color : Purple, Black, Teal
Season: Fall, Winter
Drinks: Tea, fresh fruit water
Fruit : Mangoes, Strawberries
Favorite Quote:“A person is a person, no matter how small” Dr. Seuss
Jackie Matthew
Education
High School Graduate
30 Child Development units from DeAnza College
I am currently continuing my schooling doing night and online classes working towards an A.A. in Early Childhood Education.
Work Experience
I have worked with young children for 10+ years
I have taught Preschool, Kindergarten, 4th to 8th Grades
Most of those years I have worked with 4 – 6 year olds (it’s my favorite age to teach!)
I have prepared lesson plans and activities for all academic areas and extracurricular activities with many cross curricular activities
Special Interests, Hobbies
Spending time with my son and family visiting amazing places like: Monterey Bay Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, Great America, the beach and more!
Finding fun and inspiring projects or activities for my students
Going camping or snowboarding
Playing sports or games
Doing activities with friends
Goals for the Year
Maintaining an interesting and exciting environment with hands-on activities
Encouraging children to improve on their social skills with their classmates Working as a team with each child and their parents to help them learn
Helping each child grow up and be ready for Kindergarten
Janice Rich
Janice Rich
Education
Over 100+ Units in General and Early Childhood Education
Work Experience
Began working for ADPP in 2009
7+ years Jr. Kindergarten Teacher at El Quito Campus
Special Interests, Hobbies
-Reading
-Spending time with my family.
-Watching my children dance their heart out
Goals for the School Year
My goals for the school year include an emphasis on social-emotional development while fostering a life-long love of learning and an appreciation for various styles of learning.
Kindergarten
Carolyn J. McCaleb
Education
AA Liberal Arts, Cañada College
BA Child Development, San Jose State University
Psychology Minor, San Jose State University
Work Experience
Taught for 7 years at our Coventry Campus
Began teaching Kindergarten at Amber in fall 2000
Special Interests, Hobbies
Swimming
Nature enthusiast
Avid baseball fan – GO GIANTS!
Goals for the School Year
My goal is to help each child know that they are an important part of our class as we learn together.
Favorite Quote
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning, but for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood” Fred Rogers
Mary Lou Rodriguez
Education
BA in Child Development, San Jose State University
Member of the California Kindergarten Association
Work Experience
20+ years teaching Kindergarten (one of her great passions)
10+ years Principal of Primary Plus Elementary School
Years of experience teaching 4th Grade, Technology, and Music
Special Interests, Hobbies
I enjoy dancing and spending time with friends and family – especially my grandchildren!
Favorite Quote
“Some people make things happen, some people have things happen to them, and some people don’t know what’s happening!”-John Madden
Christie Laborin
Education
Bachelor of Arts Social Science San Jose State University California Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential National University
Work Experience
Primary Plus Kindergarten
First Grade San Jose Unified School District
Kindergarten San Jose Unified School District
Substitute Transitional K thru 5th grade
Special Interests
Watching my son play water polo, School site council for Pioneer High school Committee Member, Silicon Valley Princess Project, Spending time with family and friends for BBQ, and sporting events
Goal for the year
For each child to enjoy learning in a safe and loving environment and become a confident student leader.
Favorite Quote
“Follow your dreams and Don’t give up!”
-Unknown
Kindergarten - Allen
Traci Laszlo
Education
BS Early Childhood Education-Oregon State University
Held teaching credentials in the states of Oregon, Washington, and California
CLAD Certified
Work Experience
2+ years teaching in Aberdeen, WA
16+ years teaching 1st grade at our Amber Campus
Kindergarten at our Allen Campus since 2010
Special Interests, Hobbies
Traveling with my family and spoiling my pets
Relaxing and reading in the sun
Listening to music
Gardening and flowers
Kindergarten - Campbell
Leanne House
Education
BA Child Development & Education, San Jose State
University
Work Experience
16+ years experience working with children
7+ years Jr. Kindergarten teacher at Moorpark Campus
Began teaching Kindergarten at ADPP Campbell in 2014
Special Interests, Hobbies
I am very involved in Presentation & Bellarmine High School’s theatre programs. I am also involved with the Children’s Musical Theater of Shan Jose. If I am not in the classroom or the theater, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Kindergarten - El Quito
Deena Ichimura
Education
BA Childhood Development – San Jose State University
Work Experience
Began teaching at Primary Plus in 2001
Taught Jr. Kindergarten for 2+ years
Taught Pre-Kindergarten
Special Interests, Hobbies
Reading
Camping
Being outdoors
Spending time with family
Fostering dogs
1st Grade
Alisa Dietz
Education
Studied Liberal Studies, Ohlone College
BA in English, California State University, East Bay
Teacher Education Program, Calfornia State University, Monterey
Work Experience
4+ years teaching Kindergarten
6+ years teaching 2nd Grade
1+ year teaching 4th Grade
3+ years teaching 5th Grade
1+ year working as a Para-Educator
Special Interests, Hobbies
Hiking
Writing
Reading
Favorite Quote
“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” – Abraham Lincoln
Jillian Marchetti
Education
BA in Liberal Studies, Notre Dame de Namur University
Minor in Dance, Notre Dame de Namur University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, California State East Bay University
Completed Post-Graduate Work at Fresno Pacific University
Work Experience
3+ years Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
1+ year teaching 1st Grade
Special Interests, Hobbies
Dance/Performing Arts
Running
Reading
Traveling
Goals for the Year
Develop strong readers and writers;
Foster number sense (addition, subtraction, place value);
Discover by observing, analyzing, and problem-solving;
Learn about the community, geography, and culture;
Cultivate kind, safe, and respectful students;
Have fun learning!
Favorite Quote
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” Dr. Seuss
Ron Martin
Education
BA liberal Arts, San Jose State University
Business Administration Minor
Teaching Credential
Work Experience
8+ years Kindergarten Co-Teacher
6+ years 1st Grade Teacher
6+ years 2nd Grade Teacher
6+ years Principal of Primary Plus Elementary School
Special Interests, Hobbies
Softball
Backpacking
Running
Collectibles
Goal for the Year
To develop fun creative learning centers that address the diverse needs of all students.
Karlee LaHue
Education
Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
Work Experience
7+ years in education, ranging from infant to 5th grade.
At Primary Plus:
1 year Kindergarten
2 years First Grade
2 years Second Grade
Special Interests, Hobbies
Coffee, Children’s Literature, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my family.
Goal for the Year
To instill a love of learning and grow the values of kindness and responsibility
Favorite Quote
Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child, Listen to the DON’TS, Listen to the SHOULDN’TS, The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT’S,
Listen to the NEVER HAVES, Then listen close to me- Anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be
– Shel Silverstein
2nd Grade
Brenda Hogue
Education
B.A. Child Development, Chico State University
National University Credential Classes
Work Experience
Started with Primary Plus in 1990
Vice Principal for 2 years
2nd grade for 20 years
Special Interests, Hobbies
Working in my garden & spending time with my family.
Other
I have one son who graduated from West Valley Middle School, and now attends Archbishop Mitty High School. He went through the Action Day Nurseries/Primary Plus Programs from the time he was 4 months old.
Favorite Quote
“Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible in your life.”
Stefanie Plaat
Education
BS in Psychology – University of Oregon
Teaching Credential & MA in Education (in progress) – National University
Work Experience
2+ years teaching combo 1st & 2nd Grade classes
1+ years teaching 3rd Grade
Special Interests, Hobbies
Arts & Crafts
Yoga
Hiking
Watching college sports, especially the Oregon Ducks
Favorite Quote
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.” – Confucius
Melissa Walters
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies for Teacher Preparation from San José State University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San José State University
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from San José State University (in progress)
Work Experience
Started teaching in 2015
Started at Primary Plus in 2018
First year teaching 2nd grade
Special Interests, Hobbies
Spending time with my family, reading, arts and crafts, thrift shopping, and spending time in nature.
Other
I have two amazing sons, James and Teddy, ages 8 and 2.
Favorite Quote
“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” ―J.K. Rowling
3rd Grade
Stephanie Hodges
Stephanie Hodges
In order to establish a successful classroom community and learning environment, I need to ensure that students feel safe in a warm, inviting, and positive setting. I will strive for my classroom to be a place where all students feel they truly belong. I will create and maintain positive and effective learning environments that address all different talents, cultures, and the needs of my students. My genuine love for learning and love for the students will create a positive and happy environment where all students feel valued. Without this environment, the potential of learning would be greatly affected. I truly believe that is our differences that make us special. Realizing this, and celebrating this, is truly a beautiful gift. – Stephanie Hodges
Education
BA in Liberal Studies at San Francisco State
Multiple Subject Credential San Jose State University
Work Experience:
12 years teaching 3rd grade at a public elementary school
3 years teaching 1st grade at a public elementary
2 years kindergarten student teaching
3 years as Lead Teacher at Bright Horizons Preschool
Special Interests:
Yoga and meditation/mindfulness
Bike riding
Weight training
Tennis
Traveling
Ocean lover
Favorite Quote:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nancy Camp
Education
BA in Modern Literary Studies UC Santa Cruz
Multiple Subject Credential CalState TEACH
Work Experience:
3 years teaching experience at public schools around the Bay Area
First year teaching 3rd grade at Action Day Primary Plus
Special Interests:
Camping
Traveling
Reading
Cooking
Favorite Quote:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
4th Grade
Alexis Giusti
Education
BA in Liberal Arts, University of the Pacific
MA Curriculum and Instruction, University of the Pacific
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, San Jose State University
Work Experience
4th Grade for 6 years at Primary Plus
5 years of experience working in the elementary level (Grades 1st-4th)
Special Interests, Hobbies
Health and fitness
Wakeboarding
Sports
Favorite Quote
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Saija Alanen
Education
Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology in Elementary Education,
University of Helsinki, Finland
CA Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
15 units in Special Education
CLAD certified
Work Experience
Taught in Finland and in California
1+ years teaching 3rd grade
3+ years teaching 4th grade
5+ years teaching 5th grade
Special Interests, Hobbies
Crossfit
Playing the piano
Gardening
Traveling
Favorite Quote
“What if I Fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” – Erin Hanson
Science
Lori Mikles
Education
Marine Biology B.S. – UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Science Education M.S. – Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Experience
Lori Mikles started working with Action Day Primary Plus in 2016, but has taught science since 2006. Mrs. Mikles begins her first year teaching at Primary Plus Elementary, sharing Science with our Junior Kindergarten through 4th grade students.
Special Interests, Hobbies
During Mrs. Mikles’ spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband, Chandler and their 2 1/2 year son Vaevictis. She has found a passion in “planned creative” activities like crocheting and sewing. She also loves cruises and hanging out at the beach.
Goals for the Year
Mrs. Mikles’ goal for the year is to make science a fun activity that reinforces the lessons in the individual classes. She hopes to inspire every student to be like a scientist: always questioning, hypothesizing, researching, testing and finding more questions.
Favorite Quote
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” – Bill Nye
Music
AeJa Mortensen
Education
Musical Theater, Voice and Piano Instructor & Glee Club
BA International Relations, Brigham Young University
BA Business, Brigham Young University
Work Experience
I worked in the business world after graduating from college. When I started my own family however, I became interested in teaching. I taught Kindergarten for five years and fell in love with the gratification that comes from seeing the difference I can make in a child’s life. Since then, I have taught music, piano, vocals and directed musical plays and was heavily involved in singing competitions including the World Championships. I am currently a music teacher at Primary Plus and Director of the Glee club and Musical Theater at both Primary Plus and West Valley Middle School. I love dancing, and dance with a Polynesian Performing Group. Aside from that, I love to ride quads, snow ski and most of all spending time with my family.
Goals
My goal is to help students explore and build a love for all aspects of music and theater. I believe that they can develop a love for music that will last a lifetime. I want to build confidence in my performers, and hope to make music a magical thing that gives them passion and joy each day!
