San Marcos Master Teachers

Alphabetized by last name.

Carol Adams

760-744-1150 ext. 3381

I have worked at the ECE Lab School since 2004. I went through the Child Development Program at Palomar College and obtained my AA in Child Development, as well as 3 certificates in Child Development. I decided to go back to school to further my education in 2008, and I obtained my BS in Social Science with a concentration on children. I have a son who was born in 2012, and we enjoy spending time in sunny San Diego at the beach, park, and local amusement parks. I feel I can go to work every day and enjoy the children in my classroom who encourage me to look at things in a different way. These children are the future, and I enjoy watching them grow and develop.

Sarah DeBaun

sdebaun@palomar.edu

760-744-1150 ext. 3379

Bio coming soon!

Karina Gutierrez

kgutierrezortiz@palomar.edu

760-744-1150 ext. 3476

Hello, my name is Karina Gutierrez-Ortiz, and I have been working at the lab school since 2016 and became a Master Teacher in 2020. I am a first-generation graduate from Palomar College with an AA in Child Development. I also have a Site Supervisor permit and earned a certificate as an infant and toddler teacher. While attending Palomar, I did my student teaching in Room 1 with the infants and learned so much. My favorite part about being a teacher in early childhood is watching children learn new skills through play. Some of my favorite things to incorporate in the classroom are music and movement, and sign language. I am very passionate about working with parents because parents are a child’s most important teachers. When I’m not at the Lab School, I enjoy taking my dog to the beach and spending time with my family.

Karen Luna

kluna@palomar.edu

760-744-1150 ext. 3278

Hello, my name is Karen Luna. I have been working at the ECE Lab School since 2019, and I truly enjoy it. I have received an Associate’s Degree in Child Development from Palomar College and a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State San Marcos. I am quite outgoing and adventurous. I enjoy going to the beach, parks, and traveling. One of my goals when it comes to children is to make them feel important and valued. I enjoy teaching them through play such as free play, water play, walks, and cooking activities. I love to expand the curiosity of a child’s mind.

Sylvie McCann

smccann1@palomar.edu

760-744-1150 ext. 2576

My name is Sylvie McCann, and I am one of the master teachers here at the ECELS. I am from Belgium and have lived in San Diego for about 20 years. I have two daughters in their twenties. I have been working with children from 18 months to 5 years old at Palomar College since 2004. I have my AA in Child Development and my Bachelor’s in Science of Human Services. I really enjoy working with children and truly believe that preschool is very important for the development of the whole child.

Shelbi Morales

smorales@palomar.edu

760-744-1150 ext. 3380

Hello Families! I am Shelbi Morales. I have been working at Palomar College since 2008 and became a Master Teacher in 2019. I went through Palomar College’s Child Development Program, where I attained several AA’s and permits. I have my BA in Human Development from CSUSM. I have worked in many areas of our Lab School, including the 3-5 year old classrooms, but I found my heart in the toddler room. When I am not at work, I spend time with my two children out in nature, going camping, to the beach, or the desert. I cannot wait to start our journey together!

Rachel Thompson

rthompson@palomar.edu

760-744-1150 ext. 2579

I have been working at the ECELS since 2011 and couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I absolutely enjoy working with children and have been since I was 13 years old. I started as a volunteer, helping out in a small local child care center, then became a nanny shortly after, as I got into high school. I received an AA in Child Development and General Studies with an emphasis in Special Education. I graduated from CSUSM with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development. A few years ago, I incorporated sign language into the classroom, and I loved it. I will be continuing to use it in my classroom going forward. I love going to the beach, camping, and going on road trips to Texas (my favorite place in the world!) or anywhere else.