Our School » Faculty and Staff

Faculty and Staff

 
 
Meet our amazing Arundel staff!

Our educators and administrators work together to create a rigorous, safe, and caring learning environment for your child.
Transitional Kindergarten Teaching Team
Amy Mackewicz
  • Started at Arundel in 2011.
  • Previously taught Kindergarten in East Palo Alto for 5 years before coming to San Carlos.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: My mom was a teacher for 40 years, so I grew up always helping her with school things at home and in the classroom.
  • Hobbies/Interests: I love to cook, watch the SF Giants, and read.
  • Fun Fact: I lived in Munich, Germany for a year as an au pair after I graduated from college.
 
Kindergarten Teaching Team
 
Julia Kelly 
 
Picture coming soon...
Fun Fact: Attended Arundel for elementary school and is returning to teach here!
Erin Granados
  • I began at Arundel in 2013. I have taught TK-1st grade with a majority of years in TK/K. Prior to teaching as a credentialed teacher, I was an aide in kindergarten for two years. I also taught 8th graders at a bridge program for 4 years.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: I always liked working with kids. Many members of my extended family are teachers – and are an inspiration. I love working with children and the way their faces light up when they learn something new. It is fun to be a part of helping them learn and grow socially/emotionally-especially in the younger grades.
  • Hobbies/Interests: SF Giants, travel, fun time with family & friends, hiking, swimming, walking my chocolate lab, Otis, and playing with my kids.
  • Fun Fact: I went to Arundel as a child and had Ms. Wolfe as my 2nd-grade teacher.
 
Ashley Brown
  • Ashley Brown joined Arundel Elementary in 2012. After working in HR in Southern California, Ashley decided it’s time to go pursue her goal her working with children.
  • Ashley earned her Master's degree and teaching credential from Pepperdine University in Irvine. Upon graduation, Ashley moved to Half Moon Bay, volunteered in SF schools, and substitute taught prior to joining the Kindergarten team.
  • Ashley loves teaching Kindergarten, and when she is not in the classroom, Ashley loves baking, shopping on Amazon, and strolling through the Half Moon Bay Farmer’s Market for fresh quality produce.
  • Her best times are spent playing and traveling with her two young ones, husband, and family along the coast.
 

Email: [email protected]

Julie Polati
  • Started at Arundel in 2003 and has been teaching Kindergarten ever since.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: I’ve always been inspired to learn new things throughout my life and teaching is a perfect way to share with children my excitement to learn.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Horseback riding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, golfing, and traveling.
  • Fun Fact: I don’t know how to dive, but I keep trying to learn!
  • Email: [email protected]
First Grade Teaching Team
Brenda Taylor
BT
•Started at Arundel in 2021, but has previously taught at White Oaks, Brittan Acres and Heather •School teaching grades 3 and 4 since 2003. Taught Literacy Intervention for 3 years focusing on reading development.
•Inspired to become  a teacher because she enjoys spending time with children and watching students explore the world around them.
•Hobbies/Interests: Brenda is a runner and hiker. She lives in Pacifica and loves her daily walks on the coast with her husband, two children and dogs.
•Fun Fact: Her mother is from Central America and she speaks Spanish.
Jen MacKinney
  • Started at Arundel in 2012, previously taught at Heather Elementary in San Carlos for 19 years. Have taught grades K, 2, 2/3, 3,3/4, 4.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: Wanting to work with children and make a difference.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Gardening/home improvement, Scrapbooking, Softball, Shopping.
  • Fun Fact: I was born in Bombay, India
  • Email: [email protected]
Lisa Vina
  • Started at Arundel in 1999. I have taught second grade (for two years) and first grade (14 years).
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: My sister worked at a school for deaf kids and I found myself helping out a lot.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with my family. We love going to the beach, traveling, skiing and playing sports together. When I am without my family I hit the mall and shop!
  • Fun Fact: I am very afraid of spiders and snakes!
  • Email: [email protected]

Terri MaccanTerri Maccan
  • Started at Arundel in...... I came to Arundel as a Reading Intervention teacher in 2017.  I have worked in the district since 2003  teaching mostly fourth grade. I have also taught in Burlingame and in Menlo Park. 
  • Inspired to become a teacher because:  I have always loved working with children. From my high school's preschool learning center to coaching gymnastics at summer camps.  I enjoy the curiosity and enthusiasm children have for learning. There is nothing better than to watch students bloom into confident learners.
  • Hobbies/Interests:  I love to read,  tend my garden, bird watch, cook new recipes and hike. My family and I are big campers. We camp throughout all seasons of the year. We enjoy fishing, boating and exploring our amazing state.
  • Fun Fact: I love to sing, dance and travel. And I can juggle!
 
Second Grade Teaching Team
Connie Hesselink
  • Started at Arundel in 1997 and have been teaching here ever since.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: I was inspired by one of my favorite teachers to become a teacher. I have always had a heart and passion for children. I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in the 5th grade.
  • Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy getting pampered at spas.
  • Fun Fact: I love to dance!
  • Email: [email protected]

LBLogan Brickley
 
  • First year at Arundel
  • Inspired to become a teacher because...I have always enjoyed being someone who makes a difference in the life of a child and inspiring students to be good people that add value to the world. 
  • Hobbies/interests: I love to travel, be outdoors, and playing with my dog, Hendrix.
  • Fun fact: I lived in Germany as an exchange student! 
 
Carrie Moreci
  • Started at Arundel in 2002, teaching second grade the whole time.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: My mom was a second grade teacher and I always helped in her classroom. And, I am passionate about teaching future generations to care for the earth.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family, SF Giants, going to Lake Tahoe
  • Fun Fact: I love snorkeling!
 
 
 
Ken Chen
 

Ken Chen
  • Started at Arundel in...... 2018.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: I care for the future of our country. My teachers cared for me and my learning when I was growing up, and now it's my turn to pass on this care to my students. Also, I enjoy seeing students learn and achieve something new every day. Nothing beats that kind of satisfaction.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Tennis, soccer, snowboarding, traveling with my wife and son, visiting local parks and libraries, and trying some new and trendy restaurants.
  • Fun Fact: Where did I go for high school? (Hint: That's the first time I tried Vegemite but I didn't like it. 🙁)
 
Third Grade Teaching Team
Genie Kim
Genie
 
 
  • Started at Arundel in 2010 as a substitute teacher. I later taught Kindergarten in 2016, then moved to Third Grade in 2017. I "officially" started Arundel in 2005 as a parent when my daughter started kindergarten here.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: I have always loved working with kids. They push and inspire me in so many ways, and can always bring a good smile or laugh to my day.
  • Hobbies/interests: I love to travel, garden, exercise and read. I especially enjoy spending time with my family, discovering new places to visit, and new restaurants to eat.
  • Fun Fact: I worked in the video game industry for almost 13 years, but I wouldn't call myself a gamer.
 
Jen Garbo


  • Started at Arundel in 2001. Spent 11 years teaching kindergarten and this is the fifth year teaching 3rd grade.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I always loved playing school at home. I also loved the organization of the classroom (the supplies, desks, calendar, etc). My first fond memory of a teacher was Miss Carpenter in 1st grade at Highlands School in San Mateo. She was beautiful, tall, kind, & patient!
  • Hobbies/Interests: Sports, Reading, Travel, Food/Wine, Animals!
  • Fun Fact: I was as an administrative assistant at David Powell, Inc, an executive search firm for six years before becoming a teacher at Arundel.
 
 
                               
Rachel Meyendorff
 
 
 
Rachel
 
 
  • Started at Arundel in 2019. Previously taught 5th grade (5 years) and 1st grade (1 year) in Daly City.
  • Inspired to become a teacher because: I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher since I was in elementary school!  I remember learning how to read and how my teachers helped foster my love for reading.  As a teacher, I love seeing children learn new things and develop their own passions.
  • Hobbies/Interests: baking, hiking, traveling, reading
 
 
 
Breeann Romo
 
breean