St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School
Private School in Thousand Oaks, CA - Conejo Valley Kindergarten through 6th Grade
FACULTY AND STAFF
At St. Patrick’s, your child is known. Our highly qualified and dedicated faculty and staff are deeply committed to the growth and development of each child through individualized attention and support.
Home Room Teachers
Mrs. Gardella is in her fourth year at St. Patrick’s. She brings a vast knowledge of this age group as she enters her twentieth year of teaching.
What Mrs. Gardella loves most about teaching:
“I love the feeling of community that develops each year in my class and at our school. The children are so excited to learn. I’m proud of how the children respect each other, work together, and use kind words. I loved kindergarten as a child and am so happy I’m still in kindergarten.”
Having both public and private school experience, Mrs. Borkovec enjoys the small class sizes at St. Patrick’s. It allows her to get to know each of her students really well.
“I love teaching the third grade. The students enjoy a rich curriculum in all subject areas. Especially noteworthy is the work the third graders do with connecting service learning to science and literature.”
Mrs. Butters has been teaching for twenty years at St. Patrick’s. She is a beloved teacher on campus.
What Mrs. Butters loves most about teaching:
“I love connecting with the students and seeing them accomplish new goals. I try to create a fun and positive environment so that each child can flourish socially, emotionally, and academically. There’s nothing like seeing a child have that “ah-hah” moment!”
Something for which Mrs. Butters is proud:
“I am proud that I have managed to stay in touch with many of my students and have been able to be a part of their journey. It is an honor to teach, and I would not want to do anything else.”
Mrs. Pantoja has just the right experience and knowledge of this age group. She prepares her students well and effectively guides them in making a smooth transition to the next step of their educational careers.
What Mrs. Pantoja loves most about teaching:
“I love teaching because watching children develop into life-long learners is thrilling to experience. My students’ growth through the school year always amazes me and brings me joy.”
Something for which Mrs. Pantoja is proud:
“While at dinner with my family one evening, I ran into a former student who is now in his twenties. As we were catching up, he chuckled and said, ‘Wow, seeing you has made me feel star-struck. You were such a great teacher, and I have the best memories of your class.’ This student’s sentiment was the best compliment ever and made me feel proud to have had such an impact on a student.”
Teachers' Assistants
- Mrs. Paige Draper, Kindergarten Assistant
- Miss Melissa Birch, 1st Grade Assistant
- Mrs. Heather Garman, 2nd Grade Assistant
- Mrs. Carolyn Harrison, 3rd Grade Assistant
- Ms. Jeanette Wright, 3rd Grade Assistant
- Mrs. Marie Ponce, 5th Grade Assistant
- Ms. Sophie Schnietz, K-6th Grade Assistant
Specialty Teachers
- Mrs. Liz Kavetzky, Technology
- Reverand Sarah Kitch, Values
- Mr. Chris Leslie, Ukelele and Guitar
- Mr. Valentin Castillo, Spanish
- Mrs. Emma Roche, Music
- Coach Brandon Russell, Physical Education
Office Staff
- Mrs. Nancy Whitson, Head of School
- Mrs. Andrea Porterfield, Office Manager
- Mrs. Isabella Millar, Business Manager
- Ms. Amy Felknor, Administrative Assistant