Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten *

Jessica Beck, Transitional Kindergarten 

jessica.beck@simivalleyusd.org

I am thrilled to be at Sycamore Elementary School as I attended Kindergarten here years ago. Since then, I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and also hold a Masters of Education. Both degrees I obtained from the University of La Verne. In addition I have two daughters, Milana and Jadelyn, who both attend school in the Simi Valley Unified School District. I am a child advocate and respect the rights of all children. I am excited to work with your child as he or she will be teaching me too!

Nicole Kund, Transitional Kindergarten

Nicole.Kund@simivalleyusd.org

Hi! My name is Mrs. Kund and this is my 7^th year teaching TK. This is my 2^nd year teaching at Sycamore, and I am proud to be a Skyhawk! I was born and raised in Simi and love that I get to teach in the district I grew up in.

In 2016, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and Family Relations from East Carolina University. In 2017, I graduated with a Master’s of Art in Teaching Elementary Education from University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily.  I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. 

I am a mom to a 2-year-old boy who brings so much joy to my life. I enjoy being outdoors, working out, cooking, and exploring new places with my husband and our 7-year-old dog.  I love the Dodgers, watching sports, and playing sports. My favorite places to travel are Oregon and Colorado. I love traveling and have been to 38 states!

I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!

Linda Blount, Kindergarten

linda.blount@simivalleyusd.org

I am originally from Dallas Texas and I moved here with my husband 25 years ago for his job. I live in Moorpark and I have three amazing sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. I also have four dogs! In my free time I love reading and jigsaw puzzles. Teaching is my passion and I love seeing little Kindergarteners grow and blossom. Teaching  brings me so much joy and when you teach kindergarten, you laugh every day!

I attended Texas Tech and I earned a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood and a Masters Degree in Reading Instruction. I have taught Kindergarten for 15 years and I have taught at many different schools in Simi Valley. I have enjoyed all of my different school experiences but Sycamore Elementary School has been my favorite. Our school is like a family where we are working together to teach all of the Sycamore children. It is such a supportive, encouraging environment full of educators who love children and love their jobs. Our Sycamore students and families are also the best!

Leslie Hoolihan, Kindergarten

Leslie.hoolihan@simivalleyusd.org

A little bit about me...

I have a bachelor's of science in psychology and a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Northridge. I have 18 years teaching experience and I love teaching young children and celebrating those "light bulb moments" in learning. I am married with two children, Sophia and Grace. Sophia just completed her 4th year of college and Grace just completed her 1st year of college. My family and I love animals and we have 2 dogs and 2 cats. We love traveling, hiking, camping, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Judi Muniz, Kindergarten/1st Grade (SDC)

judisue.muniz@simivalleyusd.org

I was born and raised as an only child in sunny, San Diego. I moved to Northridge after high school where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Deaf Studies at California State University-Northridge. Shortly after, I began my teaching career in the Los Angeles Unified School District. During this time, I earned my Masters Degree in Moderate/Severe Special Education. I took a break from teaching to raise my children for several years, but missed the joy I find working with students, families and my colleagues. I have been a part of the Sycamore Elementary School family for 11 years now.

My SDC Kindergarten room is a busy room filled with active movement, hands-on activities and lots of learning. I value working closely with my general education Kindergarten team to encourage inclusion and exposure to the same general education curriculum.

In my free time I enjoy long outdoor walks, cooking and watching my children’s extra curricular activities (lots of baseball).