Support Staff
Sydney Allen
- Upper Grade Education Specialist -
I was born and raised in San Diego and attended San Diego State University (Go Aztecs!) for my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. From SDSU, I attended Western Governors University to obtain my Multiple Subject teaching credential. Throughout that time, I was able to complete my student teaching at Torrey Pines Elementary. After earning my Multiple Subject teaching credential, I was offered the education specialist position here at TPES in 2019. Given this opportunity, I went back to school to earn my Education Specialist credential along with a Masters in Education. I am glad that I accepted this position and have made connections with so many wonderful Torrey Pines families and colleagues. When I am not teaching, I enjoy wake surfing, skiing, and spending time with my family and dogs.
Jana Paper
- Lower Grade Education Specialist -
Renee Polonsky
Hello! I am originally from Boston, MA. I married my husband, a Naval Officer, 19 years ago and since then have lived and taught all over the United States. I've taught in grades 2 - 8 as a classroom teacher, reading teacher and RTI support. We relocated to San Diego 4 years ago. I'm thrilled to have taught at Torrey Pines as a Resource Teacher for the past 4 years. I have two daughters, a 7th grader and 9th grader. I enjoy traveling, walking, hiking and reading.
Being a teacher at TPES means raising up compassionate and confident children who listen with understanding and speak with clarity for the meaningful, creative building up of the diverse community.
Katie Paul
- School Counselor -
I am very excited to be the new counselor at TPES!
I will be at the school on Mondays and Wednesdays.
I am a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati for my bachelor’s degree, and Northern Kentucky University for my master’s degree. I started my school counseling career as a counselor in Cincinnati Ohio. I have been in San Diego for a little over four years. I was the Resident Visiting Teacher last year at Correia Middle School as I waited for my school counselor license to transfer to California.
I am a huge sports fan, specifically a University of Cincinnati Bearcat fan. I grew up going to all the basketball and football games as my parents were alumni and had season tickets.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my amazing daughter who moved out here with me. She is 22 and just graduated from Paul Mitchell. I moved to San Diego for the weather and to live a more outdoorsy lifestyle. I love the beach, camping, kayaking and hiking.
Below are some responsibilities of a counselor:
School counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program.
School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, school counselors create a school culture of success for all.
School counselors help all students:
- apply academic achievement strategies
- manage emotions
- 504 plans
-classroom guidance lessons
- Small groups based on needs of the students
-individual student academic planning and goal setting
- short-term counseling to students
-referrals for long-term support
-collaboration with families/teachers/ administrators/ community for student success
Jessica Stone
- School Psychologist -
Lynda Arnett
- Para-Independent Facilitator -
Elizabeth Bostater
- Para-Independent Facilitator -
Darcy Johnson
- Para-Independent Facilitator -
Marie Keledjian
- Para-Independent Facilitator -
Rose Lynn
- Para-Independent Facilitator -