Cecilia Melendez

A Santa Barbara native, Ms. Melendez attended one of Goleta’s first elementary schools,  the now defunct Cathedral Oaks School, whose mascot was a “Punkin Roller.”  From Santa Barbara, Ms. Melendez ventured to a private college in Mexico where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology.  

A stalwart at IV School, Ms. Melendez enjoys the diverse community of the school.

In her spare time, Ms. Melendez likes to exercise, read, and watch movies.  In addition, she taught a writing class at Santa Barbara City College for 15 years.

Jenna Montgomery

Ms. Montgomery grew up in San Diego, CA. She is the oldest of three, and has a younger brother and sister. Growing up she played soccer and softball which she continued to play through high school.  

Ms. Montgomery received her B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State Long Beach. She themn moved back to San Diego and attended University of San Diego to get her teaching credential. In college, she was able to take many education classes and also spent two years working in a kindergarten classroom in downtown Long Beach. This was a great experience since she decided when she was five that she was going to be a teacher. Mrs. Cuff, her kindergarten teacher, was incredible, and inspired Ms. Montgomery to be a teacher. 

Ms. Montgomery loves Isla Vista school and has been working here since 1995.  All three of her children attended Isla Vista School.  It is a special place and she feels fortunate to have spent her career working with such a talented and dedicated group of teachers. There is no place like Isla Vista School!  

When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to walk on the beach, hang out in her backyard and laugh with her family. She has two dogs, Riley and Tanner that keep her house both lively and dirty.  For now she enjoys the chaos since her kids are older and will likely not be living at home for too many more years.

Jackie Pabon

Ms. Pabon was born in Staten Island, NY, past home of three members of the Professional Bowlers Hall of Fame.  At age eight, Ms. Pabon and her family moved to Santa Barbara.  Her parents claim the family moved because Ms. Pabon’s Staten Island accent was so striking.  It was, though, on Staten Island that Ms. Pabon began playing the violin.

Once in Santa Barbara, Ms. Pabon, repeated third grade (she’d gone through that grade in New York).  Ironically, that’s the grade she now teaches.  Ms. Pabon wisely chose Westmont College and is proud to have earned her degree in Liberal Studies upon graduation.

Ms. Pabon is grateful for the community atmosphere at IV School.  She also appreciates the proximity of the campus to ocean bluffs and the opportunity to take a quick walk there during lunch breaks.

When she’s not working, Ms. Pabon enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding her bike, hiking, reading, playing and listening to music, and trying out new recipes.