Universal Transitional Kindergarten

Christine Gunn

To be a teacher at Torrey Pines is to be a part of a family. A family of educators that want the very best for their students and with very hard work, collaboration and flexibility they give it their all each and every day. To be a teacher at Torrey Pines is to be proud. 

Monika La Borie

Co-Teacher with Mrs. Gunn

Oriana Luko

I attended TPES as a child and love being able to teach here.  I worked at La Jolla Elementary as a long term visiting teacher, support teacher, and finally a kindergarten teacher.  I started teaching kindergarten at TPES 3 years ago.  This will be my second year teaching UTK.  My passion when not teaching is running.  I love to travel and run races.  Last year, I ran the Eugene Marathon and Chicago Marathon.

Marijiane Echan

I began my teaching journey 25 years ago in Early Childhood Education. I stayed home with my own 3 children for several years and was active at their school. My youngest is a senior in High School this year! I truly value the early years in education and have spent most of my teaching years with students under 6. I approach all students with warmth and care, aiming to give them a positive school experience. I keep busy with two teenagers at home and love being their mom. 

Kindergarten

Tara Bustani

I have been at Torrey Pines Elementary for eight years and I can honestly say that I love my job and what I do. I think a lot of that has to do with the exceptional teachers, administration and staff that I am surrounded by and the close-knit community that offers endless support. I miss being with my students in the classroom and watching them grow and transform throughout the year. Teaching is not an easy job, as I have heard from many parents during quarantine 😉, however to me when you are at a school like Torrey Pines Elementary it is no longer  a job. It is what I love to do. 

 Kayla Curran

I received my Masters in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. My husband's job brought us to San Diego in 2020. In my free time, I love watching sports, spending time with friends, and skiing.

Sarahbeth Wintringer

I am so excited to have your child in our class at Torrey Pines Elementary!  I have been teaching for 20 years but not all in a row. A little FUN Fact about me and my family is that my husband attended TPES when he was a boy, and so did our three children.  I was LUCKY enough to have a substitute teaching assignment here turn into a full-time job.  I truly ENJOY teaching the younger grades as I daily get to feel like a SUPER STAR because of all the amazing growth each student makes and watching their confidence grow.  On my free time you might see me walking around the neighborhood, at La Jolla Shores Beach, or even at Trader Joes when I am trying to be gourmet.