MP&MS Meet the Specialists 2023

Meet the Specialists

MP&MS 2023

4th-6th

Nora Bailetti ~ Spanish

I was born and raised in Argentina surrounded by a family of teachers. As a child, I often played being an educator, teaching my imaginary students a very complicated, pretend foreign language. Although I first became a Physical Education teacher, my passion for languages, especially my native Spanish, and the opportunity to teach in a classroom, changed my life forever.

I love being around kids and finding ways to make learning Spanish fun and engaging. I started at MP&MS in 2003, and I knew instantly this was my place to be. In my classes, students are reached at their own capacity, and I really try to utilize methods that best accommodate their individualities. The openness to expressing my creativity here at school, and the warmth the community demonstrates, have made a life-changing impact.

Middle School

Lindsey Bates ~ Physical Education

Growing up I was naturally a very high-energy kid who preferred to always be moving. As an elementary student, I enjoyed leading activities including an after school sports club and backyard summer camp. In middle school, I became my own coach and trained for a half marathon. I initially didn't tell my parents in fear they wouldn't want me to run that far but soon came to the realization I was not old enough to drive myself to the startline. As I advanced in age, the adventures continued with multi-day backpacking trips, white-water kayaking trips in different states, and summiting glacier covered mountains. Hiking, climbing, paddling, and caving are a few of the many different ways I get outside and have fun with my family. I love it all and have realized that being active includes much more than just traditional sports and exercise..

I provide my students the opportunity to experience the joy of movement through sports and games.

Whether students want to play sports, do martial arts, or go for a bike ride, I encourage them to embrace a positive mindset around being active. I also aim to motivate and inspire them to live a healthy lifestyle through various daily activities and adventures just like my parents were able to teach me.

All School

Kate Brubaker ~ School Counselor

I am a graduate of MP&MS! Then, after a decade of living on the east coast for college, and a career in marketing and advertising in Los Angeles, I moved back to San Francisco and finally, returned to Marin. My husband Sean, our children, Jack (4th grade) and Zoe (Kindergarten), can typically be found at the beach, on a hike, discussing the ins and outs of Pokemon, or dancing to the Frozen soundtrack for the 375th time.

This is my sixth year as school counselor at MP&MS. I love working with kids because they are authentic, hopeful, and oh so unique. My goal is to help create and support resilient, compassionate, well-rounded students/humans. At MP&MS, I lean on collaboration with parents, teachers and staff.

Using a “whole child” lens, I provide every student that walks through my door with an individualized plan tailored to that child. I work with students one on one, in small groups, and love doing whole class work. I look forward to partnering with you and your family.

Preschool-4th

John Cunningham ~ Music

I’ve performed live on stage from the time I could stand, having been born into a large musical family who performed live musical variety shows annually at the Russian River for over 20 years. I sing and play guitar, ukulele, and bass, as well as a bit of piano and drums. My passion for music is as strong today as when my journey began.

From the time I was young, I wanted to teach music to children, to help inspire young students and to help children reach their full musical and creative potential. In my music classroom, I strive to create a fun, safe and creative environment where students can explore music through song, dance, music games, percussion instruments, xylophones, and more. Every child’s music journey is unique and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of each one.

K-6th

Ferenc Dobronyi ~ Projects Lab When I was growing up, there was a man in my neighborhood named Jack Kasper. Jack was a truck mechanic in the desert, and a humble veteran of World War II. He was a handyman who could fix anything and the father of two daughters, a few years older than me, who could also fix anything. He let me use real tools when I showed curiosity about the noisy goings-on in his garage and yard. When I was a kid, Jack taught me carpentry, and when I was a teenager we rebuilt engines and I built a dune buggy. The one thing I never learned from Jack was patience, but when I became a patient man, I realized that was his lesson all along - the patience to understand the mysterious workings of machines, and the patience to fix them; the patience to dream and design my ideas, and the patience to follow through with the build.

As I work with your children, I think of Jack Kasper everyday. The Projects Lab isn't about every kid building an identical birdhouse. It's about the students gaining confidence with the tools, and learning to choose the right one to solve a problem. It's about developing fine motor skills and recognizing quality craftsmanship. Projects Lab is about nurturing creativity, designing ideas and making them real, and fixing the “failures”, a word we don't shy away from.

We'd like your children to grow into confident, capable innovators who can solve their own problems, help others with empathy, and understand and help solve the world's problems. I'd also like their experience to be so much fun, they don't even know they are getting an education.

Preschool-3rd

Samareh Eskandaripour~ Library

Reading to children, and sharing my love of books and stories brings me so much joy! It all began with reading to my own child many years ago and witnessing the delight and awe she experienced with each story. The seed was planted.

As an educator in the Bay Area for over 20 years, my love of books, the magical journeys they take us on, and teaching young children has led me to this wonderful position as librarian for preschool-3rd grade. I encourage you to please come by, say hello and introduce yourself if we have not already met! I am really looking forward to the year ahead sharing stories with your children!

Preschool, 7th-8th

Joey Higuera ~ Spanish

¡Hola! As a first-generation immigrant, with parents from South and Central America, sharing the love I have for language and my culture has become one of my many passions. I was born and raised in Southern California but have lived in the Bay Area long enough to call it home. I have been in education for sixteen years. I am going on my fourth year teaching Spanish and my sixth year teaching at MP&MS. Again this year, I am serving as DEIJ Coordinator and look forward to incorporating this work into my day-to-day life at school.

I love teaching Spanish and I try to bring my culture into the classroom as much as possible. I love to learn about cultural differences and traditions, and strive to weave those elements into my teaching. Learning a new language is intimidating and I do my best to make students feel safe while encouraging them to take risks and believe in themselves. I consider myself an advocate for all children. When I am not on campus, you can find me playing soccer, pokemon or video games with my 8-year-old son Ozzy or shooting hoops and talking about music with my 14-year-old daughter Navah. Gracias y ¡Hasta luego!

4th-8th

Margot Holtzman ~ Library

I will never forget the feeling of being in the school library as a young girl. My librarian, Mrs. Noguchi, would patiently show me how to fold origami and tell me stories of her childhood in Japan. It was like being enveloped in a warm hug. The books were my connection to other worlds and opened up a world of possibilities for me.

It doesn’t surprise me that I became a librarian at Marin Primary & Middle School. I started here 24 years ago as a parent. My three children attended MP&MS, classes of '07, '10, '13, and while they were here, I was involved in the Friends of the Library Committee reigniting my passion for reading and books. As a former teacher of English as a Second Language, I knew that books had the power to change people’s lives through literacy and offered them hope and a place that they could see themselves. Being a librarian gives me the opportunity to share stories and offer the children of MP&MS that warm hug.

All School

Paul Maes ~ Art

I've been teaching art at MP&MS for over 25 years! I've been an artist for a lot longer than that, since I was in primary school at least. When I was young, I drew all kinds of weird monsters and things that made me laugh. Now that I am grown, I mostly draw weird monsters and things that make me laugh. I love collaborating with other artists, and lucky for me, every single one of my students is an artist. I am always inspired by the amazing things they make in the studio. One of my class mottos is, "IF YOU MAKE ART YOU ARE AN ARTIST." It's as simple as that! You don't have to make a certain kind of art, in any particular way, or to please anyone but yourself; you just have to keep creating things. The more art you make, the more you find out how you, as a singular individual, experience the world. Wow! That's deep.

But wait, there's more! Looking at each other's art allows us to start to understand how similar and how unique we all are — and how beautiful that is. It's a complex web of a universe and we are all essential pieces of the design. Art lets you see that in yourself and in everyone around you. That kind of understanding is what our world needs more of now and in the future. To quote Bay Area art teacher and artist Wendy MacNaughton, "Everything is better when we draw together!"

3rd-8th

Katie McGee ~ Drama I enjoy sharing stories and inspiring students to tell their own.

My direction and teaching encourages students to strengthen their awareness, communication skills, creative initiative, and sense of community. My project-based curriculum is guided by student interest and founded in a belief that students deserve space to express themselves and take risks. I have taught a wide variety of theatre-based courses such as acting technique, playwriting, costuming, film, and improvisation. Outside of MP&MS, I enjoy making commissioned puppets, hiking around Marin, and spending time with family.

K-2nd

Tarryn McGregor ~ Drama

Living in Singapore, I discovered an affinity for drama through the theatre company 'Evolve Arts'. I was originally an exhibiting Fine Artist, but soon discovered a flair for the dramatic. My colleagues at Evolve Arts helped shape me into the thespian I am today. After cutting my teeth in their yearly, traditional, budget-theatre rendition of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', I realised I found a calling. I am bold, loud, expressive, kind, and compassionate. I have a deep sense of responsibility to look after our environment and help all creatures thrive. I like to view our world from the perspective of an intergalactic explorer, with constant fascination and appreciation for the beauty of our planet and the humans that inhabit it.

I hope to help students tap into their creativity and personal form of expression. I want to help them discover methods to understand their world, each other and themselves, to communicate effectively and connect with empathy.

Barn/Zoo - 4th

Matt Penwell ~ Physical Education

I grew up in Fairfax at a time when everyone knew one another, the town only had a couple of stop signs, and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. was a two-lane road. I was afforded a fair amount of freedom early on, and I used my Red Schwinn cruiser bike to explore the far reaches of town. My mother, keenly aware of her six-year-old’s desire to be active and outdoors, registered me for youth soccer on a team called “Pezan’s Flower Gallery”.

Arriving at my first practice, I received a bright green uniform with a picture of a flower bouquet on the front. I remember putting on my uniform, walking onto the field, and chasing after my first ball. I was hooked, and from that moment on, I began to live and breathe soccer. Even after becoming a multi-sport athlete, and also discovering mountain biking, surfing and distance running, soccer remains my number one. I played soccer at the collegiate level, and continue playing and coaching soccer to this day.

I’ve been a part of the MP&MS community since the mid 1990’s. I love helping young people learn about the benefits of exercise - building strong bodies, having fun, and working together! Children receive great satisfaction discovering and participating in a physical activity they enjoy. I work with passion, and take pride in teaching and modeling the philosophy of “Life-Long Fitness”, positively supporting my students through their journey of finding an enjoyable physical activity so they are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lifetime.

Primary School

Jesse Swagerty ~ Exploration Lab

My name is Jesse Swagerty. This is my 13th year at Marin Primary and Middle School, and my third year as the Exploration Lab teacher. I’m a parent at MP&MS with daughters in 5th grade and 2nd grade. I come from a family of educators, and ever since I started working in schools, a position like this has always felt like an inevitability to me. I have always been an early adopter and quick to use technology effectively in my classrooms and with my students. Novel and different excites and motivates me. I find learning to be exciting and thrilling. I enjoy taking on innovative projects and trying new things. The position of Exploration Lab teacher is the job of a perpetual learner. I love to seek out new ideas, think of meaningful projects to integrate into existing programs, and put technology into the hands of kids to learn.

Exploration Lab will focus on making, design engineering, coding, and robotics. I develop and lead hands-on integrated projects for classes throughout the school to give students a chance to construct their learning and be exposed to the opportunities technology can provide. Kids need opportunities to build their learning through experience, reflection, probing questions, and peer collaboration. Exploration Lab is also a place to be creative, have fun, and try new things! I can’t wait to expand this program and see where the learning takes us!

K-3rd, 5th

Silvia Vasquez ~ Spanish

¡Hola! I'm Silvia Flores-Vasquez, aka Sisi. I was born in El Salvador and migrated to the United States of America as a teenager. My passion for teaching began when I was in first grade. I loved my first grade teacher so much that I wanted to be her helper all the time. I helped by sweeping and mopping the classroom, organizing the teacher book shelf, and wiping the desks; but erasing the chalkboard was my favorite way to help. As a reward, Srita. Carmencita would let me take home the little bits of leftover chalk from the day. Those tiny pieces of chalk were what I used to imitate her lesson each day for all the children in my "barrio" neighborhood.

Every afternoon, I’d have my own little class of at least five kids at my house, ready to receive the lesson I’d learned that day. Those kids (now adults) still call me "Profe" - which means teacher - to this day.

I have a passion for teaching children, and have been at MP&MS since 2012. Children learn Spanish by exploring the culture, food, and music of all the many Spanish-speaking countries. I'm excited for this school year with my students, because one thing is for sure: we'll have lots of fun!

7th-8th

Sara Wolfe ~ Spanish

¡Saludos! I was born in Mexico City and raised by American parents who had a passion for Mexico and all its beauty. Even though we came to the United States when I was five years old, the culture and language were always a huge part of my life. I remember lying in bed, trying to remember the colorful homes, the delicious meals, and the kindness of the people, marking every day off on the calendar that led me to going back. I travelled to Mexico every summer and accompanied my mom to many events at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington DC, where she worked. When it was time to go to college, I opted to study in Mexico and lived there for almost three years, soaking up every bit of life as possible. Those were the most exciting and educational years of my life, so it was a tough decision to return to the US to complete my studies.

As I continued my education, I knew I loved Spanish and the culture, and also loved working with kids, so becoming a Spanish teacher was the perfect career choice for me. For me, teaching Spanish is not just about showing my students the rules of the language, but also instilling in them the beauty of travel and appreciation for people who are different from us. I want my students to understand how unbelievably cool it is to speak another language and have the ability to communicate with people around the world.

Middle School

Michael Wray ~ Music + 5th PE

When I was 9 years old, my grandmother took me to see a Big Band performing in a park where many folks were swing dancing. I saw the piano player and asked if I could learn to do that. Now several decades later, I am happy to still sit down at the piano and enjoy the expression of music. I thought I wanted to be a rock star, but after witnessing some of the circumstances that come with it, I decided it would be much more enjoyable to work with young people and hopefully inspire them in a musical way.

I have been teaching music at MP&MS for 30 years. I have had the unique opportunity of creating a program from the ground up. I know that every single one of us has the potential to make music with a group and this is what drives me to teach. Seeing a young person discover for the first time the joy of singing or playing an instrument is truly a magical moment. I continue to enjoy my own performances in a Big Band, jazz and rock groups and community musical theater

Preschool-4th

Rebecca Wunderlich ~ Garden

I grew up in Mill Valley, playing beneath the redwoods in Old Mill Creek. As a young child, I loved identifying wildflowers on Mt. Tam. I feel most at home when I’m in nature and in the ocean. My two favorite hobbies are gardening and surfing! Some of my most inspiring and lasting memories as an early child were spent with Mrs. Terwilliger, aka Mrs. T, the beloved Marin County naturalist and pioneer environmental educator. My first job from age 12-18, was in Homestead Valley working in a garden, where natural color was extracted from native wildflowers and used for organic cosmetics and dying yarn. I began teaching environmental education, natural history, and wilderness leadership at the age of 19. Before landing and calling our beloved school home, I taught at several schools, including Urban High, Aim High Academy, and Colorado Outward Bound. I began teaching fifth grade math & science at MP&MS in 2005 and transitioned to becoming the garden teacher and sustainability coordinator in 2023.

My heart is devoted to our beautiful planet. Raising awareness about plastic pollution and learning how to live sustainably guide my teaching. The Outdoor Education Center, aka “Garden”, is a living lab where students connect to the natural world just steps away from their classroom. Our learning garden aims to deepen students’ understanding of natural systems, while honoring imagination, exploration, and play. By growing our own food and flowers from seed to harvest and having hands-on experiences preparing ingredients and natural crafts for special events such as the Harvest Festival, students gain insight in the value of whole foods, the great amount of energy required to make food, and develop a relationship and deep appreciation for our precious, natural resources.

Learning Resource Program

Nicole Artiga-Purcell ~ Learning Specialist

Primary

I started my career path by earning a B.S. in Animal Science from Cal Poly SLO, where the motto is, “Learn by Doing!” Several internships and research projects took me all over the world and allowed me to work directly with a variety of animals including: hyenas, elephants, sea turtles, dolphins, and many more. Through my experience educating others about these amazing animals, I discovered a passion for teaching and I made the switch from penguins to primary students.

My now 12+ years of teaching in schools all over the Bay Area has reaffirmed in me the importance of education and the joy of working with these young learners. In my role as the Primary Literacy Learning Specialist, I gladly welcome the opportunity to work in a variety of settings across the different grade levels. I plan to continue to cultivate a nurturing environment where students feel a sense of belonging and feel comfortable taking academic risks. The student is at the center of all that I do.

In addition to teaching, I am a proud MP&MS Kindergarten and Preschool parent. I love being a part of this community and being at a school that prioritizes joyful learning. When I’m not at school, you can usually find my family and I exploring Marin or heading to the beach. I also enjoy swimming, practicing yoga, reading, and playing sports.

Primary

Sarah Abbey ~ Learning Specialist

My name is Sarah Abbey, and I am the Primary School Math Specialist in the Learning Resource Program. I have been a classroom teacher for the past 24 years, with 15 of those years spent teaching 3rd grade at MP&MS. This year, I am excited to fully focus on my love of math and use it to inspire others. A few themes that I incorporate into my math work with students are: Math is fun! We dance, sing, build, go outside, and play while exploring mathematical concepts.

Everyone can be good at math! It is my job to guide your students and highlight their strengths, and then to give them tools and strategies to tackle the tricky stuff.

Mistakes are a must! The good stuff comes from making a mistake, taking a second/third/fourth try, and then experiencing the amazing “Aha!” moment that is the reward for perseverance.

Not only am I an educator at MP&MS, but I am a parent too. My son started in our preschool at 2 years old, and is currently in 2nd grade. I live in San Francisco with my husband and love taking advantage of all the exciting and fun activities that surround us.

Middle School

Kristine Munro ~ Learning Specialist

This is my sixth year teaching at MP&MS and second year in the Middle School as a Learning Specialist. I began my teaching career in New York City where I lived and worked for 8 years before settling down in Fairfax. On the weekends you can find me exploring new restaurants, having fun at Giant’s games, or cheering on my son’s sports teams.

I grew up in northern San Diego where nature, sports, and academics played an equal part of my life. I continue to learn something new every day and I love making learning fun and accessible to all types of learners. I feel especially proud of my students when they embrace a growth mindset while persevering through challenges.

Middle School

Mike Knapp ~ Learning Specialist

I am embarking on my 4th year as a learning specialist at Marin Primary & Middle School. A Fairfax native, I have worked across Marin County as a tutor and served as a math substitute for MP&MS for several years before officially joining the LRP. I love the natural escapes from the City that Marin has to offer, like hiking and biking in protected open space. I enjoy traveling and there are only 12 states I haven't visited yet!

Preschool

Julia Smith ~ Tree School

Julia Smith taught at MP&MS, starting in 2004, for six years and returned this past spring as a substitute teacher. I have been in early education for over 20 years and cherish each day with children. I most recently worked at Stretch the Imagination, teaching five days a week in the Presidio, during the pandemic. During this time I saw how children had the opportunity to connect to nature deeply through their curiosities surrounding the natural world. My love of nature runs deep; I love walking, hiking and swimming on most days. This past September/October I culminated my love of hiking by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with 20 women. This experience has forever changed me, and I look forward to sharing this love of being outside with your children.

Preschool

Teresa O’Connor ~ Tree School

Teresa O’Connor has fifteen years of experience teaching preschool and grade school age children in various educational contexts and roles - as an art teacher, garden teacher, and most recently, a forest school teacher in Mill Valley. I am passionate about outdoor education and sharing joyful moments with children in nature, my happy place, as well as crafting together with earth-centered materials. My personal practice focuses on developing deeper relationships with the plants and trees that surround us through natural dyeing, weaving, and stitching. I’m thrilled to be here at MP&MS, and I look forward to climbing trees, playing in the mud, and creating strong, heartfelt connections with your children!