Summer Elementary Program Information

TK* – Donna Villaescusa

This is my 16th year teaching Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, and I truly love working with these little learners — watching how much they grow and change over the year is always amazing.

I’ve been with the school district since 1999, teaching most of my career at Soleado Elementary. Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom of two teenagers. My family and I love traveling and discovering new places together. In my spare time, I enjoy doing craft projects and finding great bargains. I’m looking forward to a fun and engaging summer of learning with all of you!

K* – Roni Johnson

I love helping young learners discover the joy of school through play-based, hands-on learning that builds strong foundations in early literacy, math, and social-emotional growth. In my classroom, students explore through stories, music, movement, art, counting collections, and dramatic play in a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, seen, and celebrated. I enjoy reading, hiking local trails, cheering at youth sporting events, and finding creative ways to bring learning to life in the classroom.

K* – Lynda Louise

This June, I will complete my 40th year of teaching, including 20 years in Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten with the Palos Verdes Unified School District, most recently at Lunada Bay Elementary. I remain continually inspired by the curiosity, innocence, and joyful spirit of 4–6 year olds. Their sense of wonder mirrors my own, and I love learning and being playful right alongside them each day.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy walking along the Palos Verdes coast — often with my dogs — photographing the beauty I see. I also love reading, writing, and drawing. It has been a true privilege to spend my life working with young children; their spirit brings me joy and has shaped who I am. This summer, I look forward to teaching American symbols through music and crafts in my Kindergarten class.

1st – Meagan Kukawsky

Welcome incoming 1st graders! I am looking forward to teaching you this summer. We will enjoy many fun and interactive activities in all subject areas including some great crafts! Have you ever played a Kahoot? This is a computer game activity that I like to incorporate into my lessons. They are super fun! Summer is right around the corner, let’s get excited!

I currently teach TK and have previously taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade. Every grade level has wonderful things for students to learn about, and children of every age have brought so much joy to my life.

1st – Christina Lloyd

I am a proud graduate of Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and have taught for over 18 years in the district. I have been a first-grade teacher at Dapplegray for over a decade, and I love seeing the growth and joy of learning in my students! When I’m not teaching, I enjoy going out to dinner with my family and taking our two dogs, Sushi and Sonny, to the local dog park. During the summer, I love going on cruises and taking walks at the beach. I take lots of photos of special moments with my family and enjoy looking back at those memories throughout the year.

2nd – Elzbieta Gant

My name is Elzbieta Gant, and I have worked in this district for over 24 years. I have been teaching at Point Vicente School for the last 22 years in various grade levels because I love the challenge of change. Currently, I am teaching second grade.

I love reading and discussing stories with my students and helping them discover the joy of writing and creating art. It is exciting to see students realize how science, social studies, math, and language arts are all connected.

I am excited to teach summer school because I get to collaborate with teachers across the school district and continue to grow in my craft. I look forward to meeting students from other schools and becoming even more connected to my neighborhood community.

2nd – Julie Murray

I have taught at Rancho Vista for 30 years. I love all the children and families at my school. When I am not at school, you will find me rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the Dodgers!

3rd – Wendy Ackerman

Hi!  I am Mrs. Ackerman!  I have been teaching at Mira Catalina Elementary for 29 years.   I am looking forward to creating a fun, exciting, and nurturing learning environment this summer.  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love the beach, reading, and traveling to new places.  I can’t wait for an exciting summer filled with adventure and learning!

3rd – Anna Crouthamel

I am a third-grade teacher at CS where I also lead our student council. I have been teaching 3rd grade for 7 years. I have 3 labradors, I like to bake sourdough and do arts and crafts.

4th – Brian Kono

I have been teaching at Cornerstone Elementary for 12 years and in PVPUSD since 2007. I create a class environment that focuses on thinking of creative solutions and making them happen through problem solving, so there is usually something interesting happening in my classroom! My goals for school are the same as yours—keep learning, have fun, and remember the Golden Rule (be kind to everyone)!

4th – Maxine Reynoso

I have one daughter. Her name is Lyla. We enjoy riding King Arthur’s Carousel and It’s A Small World at Disneyland and going to the beach. I am the proud owner of a pug named Stella. She is 11 years old, snores often, and loves chicken! I love doing yoga. I’ve attended a goat yoga class at the South Coast Botanic Garden. I love learning while traveling. Last summer, I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and it was an amazing experience! I’ve taught for 9 years. I’ve taught second grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade. I love teaching literature and reading core literature books as a class!

5th – Emily Pham

My name is Ms. Pham, and I am so excited for another incredible summer of learning! This marks my fourth year teaching and my second year as a fifth-grade teacher at Rancho Vista. I’m also thrilled to share that I recently got married, so I’ll be starting the summer as Mrs. Lacayo!

I was born and raised in Orange County and earned my B.S. in Human Development and B.A. in English from University of California, Davis, followed by my Master’s in Teaching from USC Rossier School of Education. My journey in education has included teaching English abroad in Japan and working with young learners in creative, hands-on environments experiences that shaped my belief that curiosity is the foundation of meaningful learning.
In our classroom, students can expect a supportive, energetic space where questions are encouraged, ideas are valued, and effort is celebrated. I’m passionate about helping students build confidence, think critically, and take ownership of their growth.

This summer, we’ll challenge ourselves, collaborate often, and dive into engaging lessons that strengthen academic skills while keeping learning dynamic and purposeful. I’m looking forward to a focused, positive, and memorable summer together!

5th – Heather Sorenson

Welcome to fifth grade! I grew up here on the peninsula and have been teaching elementary school since 1991. I started at Hong Kong International School, then journeyed to Glencoe, Illinois, and returned to Palos Verdes and Mira Catalina Elementary School. That’s almost four decades of helping young minds shine! I believe in cultivating a classroom of trust and kindness. Where students feel safe to take positive risks, tackle new challenges, and discover just how capable they really are. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing children light up with curiosity and develop a true love of learning.

Get ready for a fun-filled summer school adventure packed with reading, writing growth, math exploration, and exciting STEAM activities. We’re going to learn, create, problem-solve, and have an amazing time doing it!