University Field Supervisors

Amy Byrne

Amy Byrne earned her BA and K-8 teaching credential from California Lutheran University.  She has spent the last 20+ years working in the field of education.  She has taught third grade, reading and math intervention, and English language learners.  Amy also has her MA in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in educational technology.  In addition, she has been working with deaf and hard of hearing students, promoting appropriate auditory access and working to ensure appropriate modifications and accommodations are in place.

Negin Mahmoudi

Negin Mahmoudi has been working in public education for the past decade after earning her BA in History and Masters of Education and Secondary Teaching Credential from UCLA. She has taught various grade levels and subjects, and worked with numerous populations of students including those classified as English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and students in advanced placement courses. During her years teaching, she also served as an instructional coach, restorative justice coordinator and mentor teacher to a handful of student teachers from various universities. Most recently, Negin earned another Masters in Education, this time in Educational Leadership from UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute where she also worked towards earning her Administrative Credential. 

Donna McInnes

Donna McInnes received her BA and teaching credential from Pepperdine University. Ms. McInnes possesses a California State Multiple Subject Clear Credential, CLAD emphasis, and a Supplemental Credential in Mathematics. In addition, in 2007 she received her National Board Certification. 

Ms. McInnes worked as an elementary school classroom teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District for 22 years. She has experience teaching all elementary school grades from Kindergarten through grade 5. Throughout her teaching career[HKL1] , Ms. McInnes has worked with English language learners, students receiving special education services, and specialized programs including gifted and talented (GATE) education. She has served as a mentor to new teachers, provided professional developments for colleagues, and facilitated parent workshops. 

Matt McKagan

Matt McKagan was the band director at Lindero Canyon Middle School from 1990 to 2023. During that time student enrollment in his program grew to 400 students - about one third of the student body. His concert and jazz bands were granted numerous awards, including consistent "Superior" ratings at SCSBOA festivals and the Sweepstakes Award for Excellence in Performance for over twenty five consecutive years at the Heritage Festival in San Diego. His Jazz bands continually win top awards including the first place award in the middle school division at the Reno Jazz Festival on five separate occasions.

Mr. McKagan has a music degree and teaching credential from Cal State, Northridge, and a Masters degree in Educational Administration. In addition to his teaching, he has been the director of the Conejo Valley Community Concert and Jazz Bands. 

Mr. McKagan has been recognized for his outstanding efforts in the field of education by receiving the Agoura Hills Chamber of Commerce's "Outstanding Educator" Award, the Mr. Holland's Opus Award, the Los Angeles Music Center's BRAVO Award, the Amgen Award for Teacher Excellence and was named a semifinalist for the 2023 Grammy Music Educator Award.

Rosa Serratore

Rosa Serratore holds California Teaching Credentials in Mathematics and French, as well as an Administrative Services Credential. She earned a Masters of Education in Administration from CSU Northridge, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Ms. Serratore was the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) PK-12 Coordinator of Mathematics and Curriculum Support from 2006-2024, as well as the PK-12 Coordinator of Science/NCSS | STEM from 2019 until her recent retirement.

In her leadership roles, Ms. Serratore focused on supporting teachers and students through effective instruction, formative assessment, data analysis, curriculum guidance and resources. She also facilitated professional learning communities and professional development to site leaders and staff across the district. Ms. Serratore is a member of the California Mathematics Council, past member of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, and contributor to the California Mathematics Framework.

Bonnie Thoreson

Bonnie Thoreson has worked in public education for over 30 years, after becoming credentialed in English, history and art through U.C. Berkeley’s Bay Area Writing Project, and later earning an Administrative Credential at CSUN.  She has taught a range of subjects, including middle school art and history in Oakland, and courses ranging from freshman English to AP English and history at Malibu High School.  

Ms. Thoreson has served in a variety of roles beyond the classroom including English department chair, teacher leader of professional development, multi-year member of Site Council, and summer school principal. She also spent a year as a literacy coach, working with K-8 students, and discovered a real affinity with the primary grades. Her M.F.A. in Studio Arts from U.C. Berkeley reflects her love of visual arts, and she continues to create large scale mosaic murals, oil paintings, drawings and prints.  

Jerry Tintor

Jerry Tintor has taught at all grades 1-12 throughout his 39 year career in Los Angeles Unified School District. In addition to teaching, he has served as a math/science/computer coordinator, resource specialist, music teacher, and mentor teacher. Jerry has taught in bilingual classrooms and has worked with children with mild to moderate learning disabilities and special needs.

Priscilla Traylor

Priscilla Traylor earned a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University, along with a Professional Clear Teaching Credential and CLAD Certification, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development from University of California, Riverside. She also possesses a Certification for Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Ms. Traylor is an educator, educational diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging specialist, as well as a writer with over 21 years of experience. Her current position is as Academic Technology Coordinator, Creative Writing / Journalism Instructor at St. Jude School, and she has also served as a board member and Director for Educational Programming at the Children’s Museum in Pasadena. Her previous teaching experiences include St. Mel and Laurence private Schools, as well as Franklin and Arlington Elementary Schools.

Jane Woodwell

Jane Woodwell earned her BA From Carleton College and her Master’s from Yale University. She is certified in elementary education, high school science, and holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard’s joint program in education and business. She taught at the Malibu Elementary School for seven years, where she also served on the Site Governance Committee.  After teaching fourth grade at Viewpoint School in Calabasas for 10 years, she joined the administration as the Assistant Head of the Primary School for six additional years.  Jane also taught the Science Methods class at Pepperdine for several years. She lives on the Pepperdine Campus, and her husband, Chris Soper, is a member of the Pepperdine faculty.