Middle School Team |
Chrystina Jun6th Grade Humanities TeacherChrystina Jun's upbringing took place in Temecula, CA. She later relocated to San Diego to pursue her education at UCSD. Her academic journey led her to achieve both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. During her time at UCSD, she served as a student teacher within the Oceanside Unified School District.
As she steps into her first official year of teaching, Chrystina is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to acquaint herself with her students and to cultivate a classroom atmosphere that underscores the importance of a growth mindset. Beyond the classroom, Chrystina finds joy in the company of her husband and their two dogs. Her free time is primarily divided between watching movies, going to the beach or embarking on exciting expeditions with her family. |
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Madison NicholsMiddle School Visual Arts TeacherThroughout my entire life, I have been deeply immersed in the world of art, and I’ve always known it was my calling to bring art into the lives of everyone around me.
I was born and raised in Carlsbad where my passion for art was fostered. My educational journey brought me to places like New York City, where I laid the foundation for my artistic pursuits at Pratt Institute. Then, I transferred to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL, where I worked to earn my Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential simultaneously. Alongside my academic endeavors, I have also exhibited my own artwork in Encinitas, CA, and Chicago. I maintain my own artist practice in various media such as ceramics, fiber arts, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. The opportunity to share my unwavering passion for creativity with eager minds brings me great joy. I am so grateful to be a part of an institution that values the importance of artistic expression and fosters an environment where students can explore their own artistic journeys! |
Kathleen Blough
Founder, Director, Middle School Teacher

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
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
Tanner Blough
Middle School Math Teacher
Tanner Blough is the Middle School Math Teacher of JCS Mountain Oaks Phoenix Learning Center. Mr. Blough is from Carlsbad, CA and graduated from Sage Creek High School. He then went to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York to further his education and play collegiate baseball. He graduated with honors with a BA in Economics and is advancing with a Masters in Education.
His passion is to provide a positive learning environment for all scholars, support them in their math journey, and foster lifelong learning. Mr. Blough attended Phoenix Learning Center and has a strong understanding of the vision of the school and wants to continue building the academic community. He strongly believes in creating an engaging learning experience that will improve our scholars' knowledge on math discussions, strategies, writing, and building on a love for math. He currently is the Head JV Baseball Coach at Sage Creek High School as well as 3rd Grade Head Coach with the North County Mavericks. He loves baseball and providing a fun learning environment on the baseball field. When not teaching or coaching, he enjoys golfing, the beach, hanging out with friends, and my Wheaten Terrier (Angel). Go Padres! Quote to live by: "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." - Babe Ruth |
Amy Glancy
Middle School Science Teacher
Amy Glancy is excited to return as our Middle School Science teacher. She began teaching in 1995 and has worn many hats within education since then- from classroom teacher, intervention teacher, consultant and now science teacher here at Mountain Oaks. She brings boundless enthusiasm and a passion for learning. Her vibrant energy captivates students' attention and ignites their curiosity.
Originally from the LA area, she moved to San Diego for college and never left. She has 3 kids (only one still lives at home) and a dog named Liza Jane. When she is not teaching, you can probably find her in nature as she LOVES the outdoors- camping, hiking, backpacking, walking, trail running, kayaking, snowboarding, and just being. She also enjoys reading and paper crafts. |