George Humphreys
Director
George first designed HBA’s lab science program in 2008. He has earned local fame among the TPHS community for teaching Chemistry, AP Chemistry and Physics. George can take the most complex information and make it seem easy. He creates lasting relationships with his students who view him as a mentor and friend. George also teaches our technology and engineering classes. He is also a talented chef and teaches our cooking class. George and his students provide lunch for the entire school every Friday. George graduated from the University of San Diego and has three children: Jase, Lucy and George. When not at HBA, George can be found on the golf course.
Molly Sun
Assistant Director
Molly holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University, where she gained a strong understanding of the U.S. higher education landscape. She also holds California teaching credentials in Chinese. Prior to joining HBA, Molly taught Chinese courses at San Diego State University and worked in their military immersion program in collaboration with the Defense Language Institute. She is passionate about supporting students and families, actively partnering with them to strengthen community engagement and promote a welcoming, inclusive school environment.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for her family, visiting the Pilates studio, and taking walks with her golden retriever, Turbo.
Kristin O'Connor
Front Desk Lead
Kristin is pleased to be joining the High Bluff Academy Administration team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from San Diego State University, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding how students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Her education, combined with her dedication to supporting young people, has shaped her passion for working closely with families to ensure every student is equipped to reach their highest potential in both high school and college.
She is deeply committed to helping students thrive by providing guidance, encouragement, and individualized support throughout their educational journey. Whether assisting currently enrolled students or welcoming future families, Kristin serves as a resource, advocate, and partner in helping each student succeed.
Outside of work, Kristin lives in Oceanside with her two dogs, who keep life fun and active. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially beach walks and scenic coastal hikes. She also loves trying new cuisines, exploring different restaurants, and occasionally treating herself to a fun shopping trip. These experiences help her stay balanced, energized, and connected to the vibrant community here in San Diego.
Ethan Alvarée
Math Department Chair
Ethan is an accomplished educator with more than ten years of teaching experience in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. They hold a B.S. from Michigan State University and an M.S. from UC San Diego. Since joining HBA in 2018, they have played a key role in implementing the integrated Common Core math curriculum and launching new courses in symbolic logic, linear algebra, and group theory.
Beyond teaching, Ethan is an active writer and researcher in the field of mathematics. They are a writer at the College Board, developing curriculum for the new AP Precalculus course and crafting lessons for the SpringBoard textbooks. Ethan’s research has been featured in the Journal of Statistics and Management Systems, and they are currently authoring additional textbooks in mathematical subjects. Outside their professional endeavors, Ethan enjoys spending quality time with their two golden retrievers, Mister Fibonacci and Miss Ada.
Ellen Sullivan
English Department Chair
After a career in international affairs, Ellen has been an English teacher since 2010 because it provides her the opportunity to work with young people to shape the reading, writing, and oral communication skills she knows are needed in today’s professional world. Encouraging and observing the growth in each of her students is one of Ellen’s greatest joys. Ellen, who holds California teaching credentials in both English and Social Science, received her BA in International Relations at the College of Wooster in Ohio, and completed her courses in education at Old Dominion University in Virginia and journalism at the University of Texas, Austin. When not in school, Ellen is taking photos of her surfing kids; sitting in a beach chair with toes in sand and book in hand; practicing yoga; or finding new and interesting places in the world to visit.
Kris Bunce
Math and Science Teacher
Kris is a former Nuclear Engineer/Research Scientist that currently teaches math, chemistry, and physics. He has been a teacher since 2010, teaching math and science courses for High Tech High, SDSU, and University of Phoenix. Kris also helps develop curriculum. In fact, he led two teams of instructional designers in reconstructing the math program at University of Phoenix. He was recently awarded Distinguished Faculty of the Year for outstanding teaching practices and for creating and facilitating faculty development workshops. In addition to teaching at High Bluff Academy, Kris helps the US Academic Decathlon develop exams, runs a tutoring business, and occasionally gives guest lectures at SDSU.
Kevin Hopp
Math Teacher
Kevin received his BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Riverside in 1995 and his California teaching credential in math in 1997. He joined the staff at HBA after a successful career in public school at Canyon Crest Academy. Kevin enjoys teaching all levels of mathematics. When not in the classroom, Kevin can be seen running in the mountains or along the San Diego coastline. His most recent accomplishment is finishing a 100-mile race!
Fran Dickson
Spanish Teacher
Fran is a passionate Spanish teacher from Chile, with a deep love for her language and culture. She holds a degree in Spanish and a teaching credential, which enables her to inspire and educate students with a comprehensive understanding of the language. With years of experience in the classroom, Fran is dedicated to making Spanish come alive for her students, fostering not only language proficiency but also an appreciation for the rich traditions and history of the Spanish-speaking world.
Each summer, Fran enjoys traveling back to her homeland of Chile, reconnecting with her roots and exploring new corners of the country. These travels enrich her teaching, providing firsthand experiences and stories that she shares with her students. Outside the classroom, Fran loves spending quality time with her son, David, cherishing family moments and creating lasting memories. Her passion for teaching, her cultural connection to Chile, and her devotion to her family make her an inspiring educator and a wonderful role model for her students.
Alan Saltamachio
Biology & Environmental Science Teacher
Alan earned his degree in Biology from Cal Poly SLO and received his teaching credential from SDSU! Alan has a California single subject, teaching credential in Biology with supplemental authorization in introductory Chemistry.
With over 30 years of experience in teaching Biology, AP Biology, and Environmental Science, Alan Saltamachio has dedicated his life to inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. After an extensive career at Fallbrook High School, where he made a lasting impact on countless students, Alan came out of retirement to share his wealth of knowledge and passion for the environment at High Bluff Academy in recent years.
Alan is a strong advocate for sustainability and environmental consciousness, and he brings this passion into every lesson. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the idea of “learning by doing,” encouraging his students to step outside the classroom and engage with the world around them through hands-on activities, field research, and real-world projects. His classes are renowned for being interactive and engaging, providing students with practical experience that connects theory to the environment they see and live in.
When Alan isn’t in the classroom, you’ll likely find him out on the waves—surfing is his favorite way to recharge and stay connected to nature. With his dedication to education and the environment, Alan continues to make a positive difference in the lives of his students, equipping them with both knowledge and the curiosity to explore the world beyond the classroom.
Tricia Tigli
French/ESL Teacher
Growing up in a Polish-speaking family in Paris, Ms Tigli’s exposure to language started young. She moved to the US at the age of 10 and perfected her third language, English. Tricia earned both her B.A. in French and Linguistics with a minor in Political Science and her M.A. in French Literature at San Diego State University. After earning her degrees and teaching credential, she spent a year and a half in Paris at the Sorbonne earning her Certificat de Litérature et Civilization Française. Before joining the staff at HBA, she taught French at La Jolla High, Patrick Henry, and University City High, and Language Academy Immersion School. She has also taught ESL and TOEFL prep.
Tricia Tigli is an inspiring ESL and history teacher known for her dynamic and culturally rich teaching style. With a passion for global exploration, she incorporates lessons from her extensive travels into her classroom, offering students a unique, immersive learning experience. Having visited numerous countries across the world, Tricia shares real-world insights from her journeys, blending personal stories and historical context to make lessons come alive.
Every school holiday, Tricia eagerly sets off to discover new destinations, continuously broadening her understanding of the world. These experiences not only shape her teaching methods but also help her foster a global perspective in her students. With an engaging and hands-on approach, she encourages students to appreciate cultural diversity and develop a deeper understanding of history and language.
Tricia’s love for travel and teaching creates an environment where curiosity, exploration, and learning thrive.
Ms Tigli is the proud parent of two children Jonathan and Amanda.
Lindy Bensen
Economics Teacher
Born and raised in South Africa, Lindy holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with majors in Accounting and Economics, as well as an Honours degree in Economics, from the University of South Africa. She is happily married with four children, and their lively home includes two dogs and five cats. A passionate long-distance runner, she has completed numerous half, full, and ultra marathons, balancing her love of family life with time on the road. Deeply committed to animal welfare, she fosters cats and kittens for a local rescue organization, opening her home and heart to animals in need. She has been teaching for many years at both school and college level, where she loves sharing her enthusiasm for economics with her students.
Mariam Ahmed
Social Science Teacher
Mariam is a curriculum developer and educator with over ten years of K-12 teaching and four years of university-level instruction experience. She holds a B.A. in English and Sociology from UC Davis and an MFA in Creative Writing from San Diego State University. As a poet-teacher certified through California Poets in the Schools, Mariam is an active poet and historian with poems, interviews and book reviews in literary journals along with her full length poetry book, “Hidden Parts” (Broken Tribe Press 2025).
At High Bluff Academy, Mariam teaches AP U.S. History, AP Government and Politics, AP World History, and other History and English courses. She designs engaging, supportive lessons that build students’ critical thinking, analytical writing, and confidence as readers and historians.
Outside of teaching at High Bluff Academy, Mariam regularly volunteers with youth and refugee communities by leading literacy and creative writing workshops. She creates a warm, encouraging classroom where students feel supported both academically and emotionally.
Judy Beck
Studio Art Teacher
Judy attended Massachusetts College of Art, was a toy designer for Hasbro Toys, and went on a career in advertising and design, first with Doyle Dane & Bernbach, and then was the principal partner of Chambers of Design in Santa Monica, which specialized in tourism and travel clients. She also owned an interior design firm for many years. Judy is an accomplished painter, whose work is in the permanent collection of UCLA at the Eli Broad Bio-Medical Research Center, and in many private collections, and who exhibits her work frequently in shows. Beck also volunteered for many years as an Art Angel at Santa Monica High School with the AP art students.
Judy has a long history of chairing many charitable fund raisers, serves on the Los Angeles Region Red Cross Board, is the Co-chair of the LA Centennial Circle, and has been a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle National Council since 2009. She has won the Spirit of the Red Cross Award and the Red Cross Star Award. Judy served on the Board of Trustees for Otis College from 2017-2022 and joined tech Board of Governors in September 2022 and serves on the Board Affairs Committee. She is involved in many other nonprofits, serving on the board of the IDG Guild at Saint John’s Health Center where she also volunteers. Judy and her husband, Charles, live in Brentwood, love to travel, and have visited 44 countries so far.