Our Staff

Mindy Shelton, Principal

• I started teaching 29 years ago at the elementary school I attended as a child. I taught kindergarten for a year and then 5th grade for 12 years before becoming a TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) focusing on school climate and wellness. I love helping students (and teachers!) discover new ideas that help them to be their best selves.
• I love that 4th and 5th Graders are able to think big and are beginning to understand so much more about the world around them. They really start to develop their own sense of identity and values.
• I live with my husband and 2 sons. I love to travel and spend time with friends. I’m a huge fan of musical theater, and I love to listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
  
  

Tracey Olazar, Administrative Assistant

• I have worked as a Paraeducator and Administrative Assistant for the San Carlos School District for 11 years. I have worked at Arroyo, Brittan Acres, Central Middle School, and Tierra Linda.
• In the 4th Grade, we used to do a fun rainy-day activity call Chicken Fat. It was a fast, fun exercise, and we would all end up laughing.
• I live with my husband, three daughters, and our favorite family member Zoey, our black Lab. I love to vacation with my family and friends. I enjoy music, the beach, horseback riding, boating, and camping.

Julie Jobak, Counselor, Shared with Central

• I have been a teacher for 23 years, and I have taught 4th through 8th Grade. I love helping people.
• The students are so nice and cute and small.
• I like hiking and spending time with my friends.

Page Pollack, School/District Nurse

• I was a teacher of K,1 and 2 before becoming a nurse in 2019.  I have been a school based nurse since 2020!  I love being back in the schools, working with students and staff.  I've made great friends here at Arroyo, which I am so grateful for!
• I got pneumonia in the fourth grade and remember how amazing my teacher Miss Dalstrom was when I was sick.  She was my fave teacher!
• I live in San Francisco, and I love taking advantage of all the fun in the city!  I love walking, hip hop dance and pickleball!

Katie Hultgren, Librarian

• I started as the Central-Arroyo librarian 11 years ago, when both my kids were students here. I enjoy being a school librarian because I love getting kids excited about reading! The part of the job I like best is making the Library a fun space that belongs to all the Arroyo and Central students.
• My favorite thing about 4th and 5th Graders is how interested all of you are in exploring the world and new ideas. 
• My husband and I have a son and a daughter who are now young adults. In my free time I like to walk the neighborhood with my dog, Maysie. I also love doing word games, baking bread, and going out to coffee!

4th Grade Teachers

Jamie Skinner, 4th Grade Teacher

• I have been teaching in the San Carlos School District since 2007 and have taught Grades 1 through 5. I love teaching, and I particularly love sharing my passion for learning with my students. We are all life-long learners, and one of my goals is to instill or grow the spark of passion for learning into every student.
• 4th Grade was the year I first truly realized that the world was so much larger than my little hometown in Colorado. I love teaching 4th Grade because I am passionate about helping students figure out their connection to California’s history and also expanding their sense of belonging and acceptance within our community and the world. In 4th Grade, students make many cross-curriculum and real-world connections, and for me that is very exciting.
• My family lives on a small ranch in Loma Mar, right next to where 5th Grade goes for Outdoor Ed. It is a true treasure in the heart of California redwoods. My husband and our three daughters love taking care of our chickens, goats, ducks, guinea fowl, cats, and dogs. Our three girls attended school in San Carlos and are now out in the world adulting. My favorite things to do are cooking, gardening, going to the beach, and travel adventures with my family.

Samantha Erickson, 4th Grade Teacher

• I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2023 and am excited for my first year as a full-time teacher! I student-taught in 3rd, 4th, and 8th Grade rooms in Madison, Wisconsin, and loved getting to see the growth in the students, both academically and socially. I love teaching because I get to help students foster a love for learning and learn from them in return. As a life-long learner myself, I hope all students see themselves as smart and capable, both inside and outside of the classroom, and continue to develop their knowledge of any and everything.
• My favorite thing about 4th Grade is seeing students growing into themselves as individuals; they really start to learn who they are and what makes them unique. I also love the deep conversations they start having as they begin learning about the world around them.
• My partner, Matt, and I are new to the Bay Area, bringing along our two cats, Frasier and Niles. We are so excited to get to know the area and explore the redwoods! In my free time I enjoy reading books and baking using my grandma’s favorite recipes.

Talia Lamb, 4th Grade Teacher

• This will be my 17th year teaching. I have taught 4th-8th Grade, spending the first 11 years of my career at Central Middle School. Children at this age are incredibly creative, fun,  and willing to be silly (they are always up for a 30-second dance party in the middle of class!). They are working on their independence but still ask interesting questions and want to learn. Finally, I love the connections made in class, not only between students but with the adults in the room too. 
• I have really great memories of my 4th and 5th Grade classes at White Oaks, specifically my teachers, Mr. Grasham and Mrs. Shalasta. Some of my most memorable reading experiences come from these grades. Listening to the teacher read after lunch was always a favorite, and I will never forget listening to the heartwarming (and tear-jerker) book Where the Red Fern Grows. Also, I was introduced to one of my favorite books growing up, Matilda. 
• I live locally with my husband, son, and two daughters. We love going on family adventures to the mountains and the beach, as well as adventures to the city or biking around town. (With three kids, everything feels like an adventure!) Food is a love language in our family, and we spend lots of time in the kitchen together cooking and baking. Lately, Harry Potter and Taylor Swift have taken over the household, so lots of singing, dancing, and reading are happening too. 

Michelle Sales, 4th Grade Teacher

Still listed as Michelle Pastor (her maiden name) in our district systems including email and our class rosters.

• I started my career in education in 2008 as a preschool teacher. I studied and moved to Italy to teach English as a Foreign Language and taught EFL for a few years. In 2013, I decided to go back to school for my Master of Arts in Education. I love being able to guide and encourage our future change-makers to be humans this world needs.
• My favorite thing about 4th Grade is how intuitive these scholars are at this age. 9- to 10-year-olds are so observant of the world around them, and what better way to discover their strength and abilities than in a community that fosters their curiosities, their identities, and their voices. 4th Graders, honestly, never cease to amaze me.
• I truly believe I am solar powered and one with the ocean — I love paddle boarding, hiking along the coastline, and reading somewhere outdoors. My husband and I are also avid Disneyland attendees and can’t wait to be annual pass holders again!

Sheila Sevilla, 4th Grade Teacher

• I’ve been teaching in SCSD since 2001 and have taught 4th Grade, as well as 1st, 2nd, and 6th. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for learning with students and helping them get excited about learning as well! I find the 4th Grade curriculum very interesting, and I love to share my passion for the “Story of California” with my students.
• My favorite teachers were my 4th and 5th Grade teachers. I remember learning so much during those years from teachers who made our classrooms fun. There are many reasons I love teaching 4th Grade. One is that students have a growing curiosity about the world.  They learn to dig deeper into literature and history discussing multiple perspectives and possible influences behind the perspectives. Students grow in confidence and skills in math as the year progresses. They encourage and support one another, holding the spirit of “we are all in this together and we will conquer the bar model.”
• I have two amazing daughters. We enjoy exploring new places and visiting bookstores, shops, and restaurants. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors running, hiking, bike riding, and exploring new places. I also like reading, baking, and being with family and friends. 

5th Grade Teachers

Marianne Cheatham, 5th Grade Teacher

• I’ve been teaching on and off for 32 years. I have taught 1st through 5th Grades. I love seeing the light bulb go on in students’ minds when they understand a new concept, and learning about all the different personalities in my class each year.
• I love going to Outdoor Ed with the 5th Graders. It’s such fun to see the kids outside of the classroom. You really get to see their personalities shine.
• I am married and have three daughters and a dog. My girls all went through San Carlos schools (White Oaks and Central). Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love reading, listening to music, baking, and being outdoors.

Jennifer Crettol, 5th Grade Teacher

• I started teaching 5th Grade in 2007 at Central Middle School. I taught 5th for nine years at Central, then transferred to Arroyo in 2016 to continue teaching 5th Grade.
• I remember going to Outdoor Ed when I was in 5th Grade — beach day was my favorite day!
• I am a Disney fan! I love all things Disney, especially going to Disneyland with my three children and my two grandsons!

Shelli Murphy, 5th Grade Teacher

• I have been teaching for 26 years, 21 of which have been in San Carlos. I taught Kindergarten for one year before finding my sweet spot teaching upper elementary students (5th and 6th).
• I moved to a new school when I was in 5th Grade, and it was one of the most important moments of my life! I’ll never forget how welcoming everyone was and have tried to carry that spirit with me throughout my teaching career.
• I’m someone who is constantly on the go, and I thrive on being active. Spending time with my family fills my bucket! We have two boys. I’m a devoted hockey mom, and my husband and I love nothing more than watching our boys play.

Angela Naughton, 5th Grade Teacher

• My teaching career began in 2003, in Arusha, Tanzania, where I volunteered in a K-1st classroom. Since then, I have taught grades 2-8, as a classroom teacher and Resource Specialist. My favorite part of teaching is how every day is different, and brings both triumphs and challenges. Teaching also allows me to be a perpetual student, as I continue to learn new things every day!
• My favorite thing about 5th Grade is how it acts as a bridge to middle school. The students are learning to navigate their way to becoming young adults and show a tremendous amount of growth as they finish their elementary school years.
• I enjoy reading, writing, exploring new parks and trails, and spending time with my family in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.

Michelle Robinson, 5th Grade Teacher

• I started my teaching career in 1997.
• I have enjoyed teaching both in the middle school and elementary level — 8th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd Grade.
• Hobbies: I LOVE laughter and enjoy spending time with family and friends. My favorite place to be is the beach. When I’m not teaching, I love to read and spend time with my family.

Student Support Staff

Jade McMahan, School Psychologist

• I am ecstatic to say this will be my 6th year working as a school psychologist. I graduated from San Francisco State University and am pleased to continue my journey with SCSD. I love helping students overcome challenges and believe in their own success while also encouraging others.
• My favorite thing about 4th and 5th Graders are the big ideas they are able to share. I love the creativity and continuous growth. When working with 4th and 5th Graders, I feel that every day provides a new adventure.
• I love being near large bodies of water and using my five senses to be in the moment. My best friend is my dog, and together we listen to audiobooks, explore, and find new things to try.

Brandi Blucher, Education Specialist 

• I am looking forward to another year at Arroyo as the Special Education teacher. I am so thankful to be a part of this amazing community and do the job that I love! 
• When I was in 4th and 5th Grade, I loved having more independence in school and made some great friendships. 
• Whenever I get a chance, I love to head to the beach with my family and my doggies!

Varduhi Vivien, Paraeducator

• I have been a paraeducator for six years. I worked with 6th-8th Graders at Tierra Linda Middle School. Last year, I worked with 4th and 5th Graders at Arroyo. Earlier in my career, I was a math tutor working with 4th-8th Graders. I did this for 12 years in Armenia, my home country.
• My favorite thing about 5th Grade is that students have a perfect combination of curiosity to learn new topics and a willingness to ask for assistance. I love helping students gain confidence as they face and overcome challenges.
• My husband and I like to hike and go to the beach. We enjoy traveling and the opportunity to experience other peoples and cultures.
  

Katie Gotelli, Paraeducator

• I have worked in education for over 15 years. This will be my 6th year as a Paraeducator at Arroyo. My first two years at Arroyo were spent teaching Makerspace.
• 4th and 5th Grade is such a unique time. I’m glad our students have a special school catered just for them.
• I have two sons. My boys love to play baseball, and we love to go to baseball games together.

Lijah Jordan, Paraeducator

• This will be my second year as a paraeducator. I've worked with 4th-8th graders and enjoy finding the best ways to help them.
• My 4th grade teacher was amazing and I want to have the same kind of positive impact on students.
• I like spending time with with my siblings and dad.

Elective & PE Staff

Colyn Fischer, Orchestra Director

• I've been teaching music since 2005, starting in my native Pennsylvania and since 2008 here in San Carlos. Before that I was a professional violinist in Pittsburgh and Chicago.
• I’ve been playing violin since 1980, and after school I put my musician cape on and try to make the world a little more awesome with my fiddle!
• I have a cat named Petunia with lots of whiskers and personality who likes to sing at night.
• Hobbies: Hiking, camping, travel, reading, writing, listening to good music and making art!

Sarah Green, Band Director

• I have been teaching middle school band and orchestra for 15 years. I love this age group. Students at this age group are excited, eager to learn, and full of curiosity. Nothing is better than those light bulb moments!

• I love to play in pit orchestras for musical theater and to spend time with family and loved ones.

Nicole Murray, Makerspace & Design Teacher

• I received my teaching credential in 2005 and have been teaching in San Carlos since 2015. I have taught K-2 and 4-8 in varying capacities.  Being a teacher has been my dream since I was a little girl, and I am lucky enough to be living it!

• My favorite thing about 4th and 5th grade is that they are old enough to engage in higher-level thinking, but young enough to give you a hug everyday.  

• I have a husband, two children, and two dogs. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to California in 2014. When I have free time, I enjoy working out, reading a good book, and going on adventures with my family.

Staci Kavanagh, Art Teacher

• I have taught high school students art for over 15 years. I love guiding the students through the creative process and helping them create something that they are proud of.
• My favorite thing about teaching 5th Graders art is that they do not have the self-doubt of older children. They believe that they can do anything, and their creativity is boundless.
• I have two boys. We like to do art projects and bake together, but most of my time is spent taking them to sports and piano practices and coaching sports teams. I have coached my son’s baseball team since he was in Kindergarten.

Chris Davidson, PE Teacher 

• I was born and raised in San Carlos. I graduated from Central in 2000, and I have been teaching in Redwood City since 2014, working with Grades 5 through 8. Growing up, I always loved sports, and I remember thinking that being a PE teacher would be the coolest job in the world! I love teaching for so many reasons, but my favorite thing is making connections and building relationships with students so that they have a fun and memorable experience as they grow up.  There is nothing better than watching a student develop skills and grow throughout the school year! 
• Some of my favorite memories as a 4th and 5th Grader are walking to school with my friends, playing kickball and basketball at lunch, and I was always extra hyped up when it was hot lunch pizza day!
• My wife Ercilia, daughter Sophia, and I live in San Carlos, and we love taking walks down Laurel Street, hanging out at Burton Park and eating at Sneakers. When I can get out, I love playing golf, and I am an avid sports fan. I am so excited to be back teaching on the campus where I went to school! 

Christi McGuirk, Life Skills & PE Teacher

• This will be my 13th year of teaching. I taught three years of high school in Alabama and taught elementary for the past seven years in San Lorenzo. I love teaching PE because it helps kids learn how to be healthy, provides focus, and helps increase academic achievement. It also teaches students about teamwork and sportsmanship, and it increases attention and brain function through regular exercise.
• 4th and 5th Graders really start to understand how exercise and sports can help them lead a healthy lifestyle.
• In my free time I enjoy exercising, playing sports, and spending time with my family and our dog, Eli. 

Derek Nazar, PE Teacher 

• This is my fifth year as a teacher, and I have taught 6th through 8th grades the past few years. I love teaching because I get to see all of the “lightbulb” moments that students have when they accomplish a new skill or concept. I also get to help develop and see the growth that they have throughout the year. And, finally, building all of the awesome connections and relationships with the students throughout the year makes this one of the most rewarding careers that's out there!
• My favorite thing about the 4th Grade is the endless amount of enthusiasm and energy that they bring to class every day, making every lesson and activity extremely engaging and fun! My favorite memory from upper elementary school was definitely being able to play a bunch of different sports with my friends every day. Whether it was before school, at lunch, or during PE, it was always a ton of fun.
• I like to spend time with my friends and family, work out, go fishing, and play golf on the weekends!

Gustavo Romero, Head Custodian

• I have been working for SCSD for 8 years.
• In 4th and 5th grade, I enjoyed recess, especially playing football on the blacktop.
• I have a daughter and a son.

Arnoldo Rodriguez, Custodian

Photo background is our beautiful Arroyo mural, courtesy of artist Flo de Bretagne.