JCSMO Phoenix Learning Center
Directors
Jennifer CauzzaExecutive Director |
As early as the fifth grade, Jennifer Cauzza knew she wanted to be a teacher. Committed to that goal, and much to the surprise of her parents, she graduated from Julian High School, attended San Diego State University and obtained her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with supplementary authorizations in English and Technology. Ms. Cauzza taught grades K-12, including GATE programs. In addition to teaching, Ms. Cauzza held various leadership positions including Union President, Mentor Teacher, and Friends of the Library Chairperson. In 1999, Ms. Cauzza accepted the position of Executive Director of Julian Charter School, moving from the classroom to the administration side of education, and went on to obtain her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University. During the past twelve years, Ms. Cauzza has expanded upon her passion in educating children through building personalized learning programs for students in the San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties.
Ms. Cauzza lives in Julian with her husband of 37 years, Adam. She has two grown children, Allison and Joseph. Although her leisure time is limited, Ms. Cauzza loves to spend time with her family on their ranch, travel, and make memories with family and friends. email: jcauzza@jcs-inc.org |
Kathleen BloughSchool Director |
Kathleen Blough is the founder of JCS Mountain Oaks, formerly called Phoenix Learning Center. Her deep belief is to nurture life long learners who strive for excellence. Her vision for the school is that gifted strategies (GATE) are good for all children, but necessary for gifted students.
Mrs. Blough received her Masters in Teacher Leadership from the Graduate School at High Tech High. She spent time researching and collecting data on how cross-age dialogue journals and critical friend work develops students who are self-directed, life long learners. Her research can be found in the book, It Takes a Community: Developing Self-Directed Learners. She also obtained her BA (Social Ecology) from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She has a Professional Clear Multiple Subject Credential, a Cross Cultural Language and Academic Development certificate, and a Gifted and Talented Education certificate. She has been in GATE training for over 20 years and currently trains our staff in gifted models of instruction. She has attended advanced Javits institutes for gifted education at USC with Dr. Sandra Kaplan. She has provided teacher training in Advanced Reading Strategies at the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) conference. She was a participating teacher at the Colonial Williamsburg Institute in Virginia. She was honored to receive San Diego County’s GATE teacher of the year and Teacher of the year at Palmquist Elementary School in 2005. She lives in Carlsbad with her supportive husband, wonderful boys and Wheaten Terrier (Rob, Tanner, Connor, and Angel). Tanner, a former PLC scholar, recently graduated from Vassar College. Connor, who also attended JCS MO (PLC), committed to play baseball at Loyola Marymount this fall. Her family is involved in many sports activities, and they are die-hard Angels and Padres Fans! Quote to live by: "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can CHANGE the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead email: kblough@jcs-inc.org website: https://sites.google.com/jcs-inc.org/jcsmountainoaksms/ phone: (760) 632-4989 ext: 560003 |
