High Tech High North County (HTH Foundation) verified non-profit
About
Carol Cabrera
Humanities Teacher
My name is Carol Cabrera. I am a singer-songwriter, an actress, a director, a playwright, an avid reader, a lover of comic books, but at heart, I'm a teacher and I always will be. I am in my first year teaching at High Tech High North County, in my second year as a project based learning teacher, in my third year as a full time teacher, and in my fifth year as a classroom teacher. I am extremely interested in the creation aspect of education. I seek to blend the real world into the world of my classroom, to extend my walls so they don't end at the square footage marked Room 129. I seek to explore the vast terrain of our universe with my students, but at the same time, I'm curious about what happens when we ask students to isolate their thoughts, and see what they can create from the vast amount of wonder that exists in their own heads. I am most interested in creative writing, and in how that writing can be brought to life, so playwriting and theatre is a natural fit for my interests.
Kurt Schwartz
Physics Teacher
I am a passionate educator, in love with Physics and Solar Engineering. I am passionate about helping students develop critical thinking skills and a love for science.
Gail Gonzalez Coloyan
Mathematics Teacher
Gail is a Mathematics educator at High Tech High North County in California. She received a BS in Business and a minor in Education at UC Berkeley. (GO BEARS!) After almost a decade in the technology industry as a consultant, software developer and project manager, she decided to pursue her passion for education and went back to school at the crosstown rival, Stanford University, where she received her teaching credentials and Masters in Education. She started her teaching career as a 9th grade mathematics teacher at June Jordan School for Equity, a small school by design in San Francisco. Last year, she and her family decided to leave the fog to search for sunshine and landed in the San Diego area, where she found her new home at the High Tech High organization. Aside from hanging out with her family, her favorite things to do are: expressing herself through dance, stretching her limits through yoga, going the distance through endurance sports, and exploring nature, the world, cultures and herself through travel.
Rob Vetter
environmental engineering
My convoluted past and great good fortune has somehow led me to HTHNC and I couldn't be happier! Many moons ago I taught in the New York City Public School System in lower Manhattan. More recently I taught at an international high school in San Salvador, El Salvador. In addition to these academic posts I also ran a construction company, owned a coffee shop, owned a corner bar, remodeled an 1860 brownstone in Jersey City, raced bicycles, worked in a foundry, was a pastry chef, baked bagels, was a line cook, worked on a rose farm, tended the bar, waited tables, and washed more than my share of dishes! In between jobs I wandered the globe with a backpack of books. Then I married a rock star and we expatriated ourselves to Central America where we surfed profusely right up until we had three glorious children in rapid succession. A strange chain of events relocated us to San Diego and, as aforementioned, we couldn't be happier! To conclude, I have a passion for science, and life in general, that I want to impart to each and every one of my students. I want to foster a lifelong curiosity for all the intricate beauty and incredible complexity that our humble existences have to offer.
Lee Wright
Academic Coach/ Teacher
I work with 9th grade students at a charter located in the northern reaches of San Diego county. My strength is in humanities, which is the subject I teach. I work with young students because the energy is amazing, and this age group is wonderful because the intensity of their exploration is influenced by the growing realization that adulthood is just around the corner. They are developing as independent community members, and their expressions reflect these academic, personal, and social maturations. These are my draw. The school focuses on interdisciplinary work through project based learning. This affords us opportunities to do some amazing projects, tapping in to student creativity and zeal.
Edward Kramer
Teacher
Producer/Director/Educator - Edward Kramer A filmmaker native to California, he has also lived extensively in Peru and Brazil. With an upbringing and formal education in what is the cultural patchwork of Southern California, he has learned how to navigate and learn from the cultural campsites that mark contemporary American society and translate this talent into eye opening journeys of moving image and sound. His award winning documentaries focus on strong communities and the nature of the individuals that hold them together. His works strive to create "An electronic town square" where, an exchange of ideas and information can take place which bonds a community in its self-perception. Edward Kramer is currently a High School Educator at High Tech High North County.
Joshua Brower
Environmental Science Teacher
I teach 12th grade Environmental Science at High Tech High North County in San Marcos, Califronia. We take a project based learning approach to education and our students produce meaningful work that benefits the school and their communities.
Henry Cohn-Geltner
Digital Arts Teacher
I am a digital arts educator at High Tech High North County in San Marcos, California. My work with students involves deepening community involvement and understanding of community issues, through creative expression and storytelling. I am in a unique position to collaborate with teachers from other disciplines to use the tools for self-expression and artistic production to facilitate learning and skill building. In the near future, HTHNC will be launching a student-run radio station and doing more community based art projects.
Tina Chavez
Teacher
I am a 12th grade teacher at High Tech High North County trying to put on an Exhibition for their final semester with our classes.
Gail Gonzalez Coloyan
Mathematics Educator
Gail is a mother, wife, sister, educator, learner and lover of life. Born in the Philippines and raised in the SF Bay Area, she received a BS in Business and a minor in Education at UC Berkeley. (GO BEARS!) After almost a decade in the technology industry as a consultant, software developer and project manager, she decided to pursue her passion for education and went back to school at the crosstown rival, Stanford University, where she received her teaching credentials and Masters in Education. She then taught Mathematics for six years at June Jordan School for Equity, a small school by design in San Francisco. She and her family decided to leave the fog to search for sunshine and landed in North San Diego County. She is thrilled to join the High Tech High North County team, and is excited to find ways to facilitate meaningful learning for all students through Project Based Learning.
Cate Challen
Teacher
A former biotechnology professional, I transitioned to teaching to inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists.
Matthew Leader
11th Grade Biology Teacher
I am a former park ranger and surf school director that has transitioned to teaching high school in a project based setting in order to connect students to high level content within an outdoor setting.
Charlene Parsons
Chemistry Teacher
Hailing from Schenectady, New York, the invention place of (drum roll please) the broom, Charlene Parsons attended the School of Visual Arts, Rochester Institute of Technology, and San Jose State University before finally obtained her BS in Geology from San Francisco State University. The next six years of her life were spent as a member of the Coastal and Marine Geology Team of the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California. As a Marine Sedimentologist, Charlene dedicated the majority of her professional career studying Hawaiian coral reefs and the Northern California coastline. In January 2006 Charlene's life was turned upside down and inside out with the birth of her first daughter, Samara. She essentially spent the next 2 years on "Mommy Leave". Fascinated by how quickly a child's mind develops, Charlene discovered a passion for teaching. She spent those "Mommy Leave" years teaching Geology labs part-time at the Elementary institute of Science. In May of 2008, Samara was promoted to Big Sister status with the birth of her sister, Huxley Mei. Charlene then decided it was high time for her husband, Jason, to discover the joys of stay-at-home-fatherhood while she further pursued her passion for education here at High Tech High North County. She is very excited to tie her Marine Science background into her position as an Environmental Chemistry teacher. When not teaching HTHNC students, Charlene can be found pondering over how to create more space in her home for the ever growing number of children's book she obsessively collects. Three times a week she can be found on roller skates and full safety gear hitting the rink with her Roller Derby team the Wine Town Rollers (her derby name is Polly Phos Fate). When not skating or teaching, Charlene can be found supporting her daughters love for the theater, doing whatever odd jobs needed to ensure the success of the most recent show (on occasion that even means dusting off her acting skills and getting up on stage herself). In the very little spare time she manages to find, Charlene reads like it's going out of style. She hopes to one day finish up her training in Kung Fu and finally get her black belt, and will always hold a special place in her heart for art incorporating both robots and donuts.
Johnnie Lyman
Chemistry Teacher
I am a chemistry teacher at High Tech High North County. My own research focused on climate, geoscience, and ecosystem-wide change. I am passionate about bringing this to my classroom, and emphasizing the importance of good communication in science!
Jeremy Manger
Teacher
3rd grade teacher at High Tech Elementary North County, San Marcos, CA. Our class has 22 students that are working on a project about social stereotypes. We want to change negative stereotypes around gender and race.
Jennifer Buffington
student
A student who wants to help others
The Heart Bag
Student
We are a group of three motivated high school students who have created a product called The Heart Bag. The Heart Bag is a emergency supply kit that provides a home, health, and security for those who need it. In these canvas bags, sporting a medical cross in a heart logo, is a canvas sheet, rope, first aid kit, food, and instructions on how to make a tent. These bags can support a wide verity of people, whether you're homeless, affected by a natural disaster, or just want to be prepared, The Heart Bag can help you.
Michelle Sadrena Clark
Teacher
Hello! I pasted my bio below. It's written in third person but it's me! Michelle Sadrena Clark earned her Master’s in Pacific International Affairs, with a career concentration in International Development and a regional specialization in Latin America at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego. Prior to entering graduate school, Michelle lived in Bisai, Japan for two years, teaching English and American culture at public junior high schools while engaging in performance dance and theater. Michelle received her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Irvine, with a major in International Studies and a minor in Clinical Psychology. During this time she also attended La Universidad Catolica Pontificia in Santiago, Chile for one semester. Proficient in Spanish, conversational Japanese and Portuguese, Michelle enjoys international travel and leaves the country at least twice a year. As a former member of the renowned public speaking organization, Toastmaster’s International, Michelle has won numerous accolades for competitive public speaking. Michelle earned a Certificate in Dance at Palomar College, where she was also awarded 2013 Dancer of the Year. In May of 2014 she was the teacher speaker at the USC Shoah Foundation's 20th Anniversary Gala in honor of President Barack Obama and in June of 2014 she spoke about the impact of digital footprints at TEDx Hollywood. With a dual passion for education and dance Michelle embraces an energetic teaching style that truly motivates students to learn.
Melissa Cochran
Humanities Teacher
I have spent the past 12 years working in education as a teacher, researcher, and teacher educator. I am passionate about integrating students' passions into their project work and promoting equity in my classroom. I work at High Tech High North County, a charter school that focuses on project based learning.
Do Hyeon Jeong
9th grade student's father
I majored in Food and Biotechnology. I started venture company 2009.
Jennifer Howard
10th Grade Humanities Teacher
Jennifer has been teaching too many years to count, but is proud to say that this is her 9th year at HTHNC. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in History, then attended Loyola Marymount for her teaching credential, finally earning her MA in American Studies at Pepperdine University. I am passionate about travel and want my students to experience the world outside of my classroom walls. We enjoy taking field trips to the theater, hikes, and art museums. I look forward to getting to know each of my students and discover their passions and abilities.
Kurt Schwartz
9th Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in Texas, where I met my wife working part time durning high school. We raised three exceptional, successful children. I made a career in the international arena of commercial and industrial building products, where I was in charge of six branches in the U.S. and Mexico. After our children finish their educations I decided to follow the mantra of Monty Pythons Flying Circus "and now for something completely different" and become a high school science teacher. Every year I have been leading a team of future engineers into designing, developing and racing a solar boat in the Metropolitan Water District annual Solar Cup Race against 40 other high school teams. I have a passion for the my subject and all of science and believe that learning is a life long endeavor. My hope is to instill this passion for science and learning to all the students I work with.
High Tech High North County Science Olympiad
Club Founder and President
At Gary and Jerri-Ann High Tech High North County, the Science Olympiad Team is an up and coming organization that is rapidly outpacing any expectations for improvement. High Tech High North County is seeking funding for our Science Olympiad team with the objective of educating students on different science subjects. We aspire to inspire high school students to enter STEM fields with the proper training and knowledge needed to succeed. We have a goal of raising funds for the purchase of materials to train students and sustain this team for the 2016-17 season.
Adrianne Santa Romana
12th Grade Student
Adrianne is a 12th grade student at High Tech High North County. She has been in San Diego most of her life while being raised in a Filipino household. She enjoys being a part of the Arts.On her free time she develops photography skills in addition to taking a class to learn American Sign Language. Most of all, she loves anything and everything Disney.
