Monticello School takes great pride in providing our students with Master Academicians (educator specialists) in each subject. Their vast knowledge, deep enjoyment of their subject area and love for teaching are evident in the enthusiasm, inspiration and creativity they bring to the classroom. They motivate students to enjoy learning and achieve to academic excellence.
Monticello Preparatory School Faculty Biographies
Patricia Curran
Mrs. Curran is well known to the SCV Community. Prior to coming to
Monticello Prep School, she taught for Saugus and Newhall Union School Districts
as well as at Gymnastics Unlimited where she has
been a much loved coach. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University
of Northridge where she was also awarded her Multiple Subject
Teaching Credential. Mrs. Curran also graduated Magna Cum Laude from the
College of the Canyons. Mrs. Curran is fluently multi-lingual in
French, Polish and English. Mrs. Curran is a Primary School Specialist
and also teaches French at the Middle School level.
Yessinia Fuentes
Mrs. Fuentes was named Valedictorian of her High School graduating
class at Queen of Angels Academy in Los Angeles She studied Pre-Med and Political Science at the University of Long Beach where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and graduated Cum Laude. She received the University’s most coveted honor, the President’s Scholar Award and received a full scholarship. She then earned a Masters Degree in Political Science. She was awarded the California State Teaching Credential at the University of Bakersfield. Mrs. Fuentes is a native speaker of Spanish. After working as a social worker and then a teacher in both private and public schools, Mrs. Fuentes came to Monticello Preparatory School. At Monticello, Mrs. Fuentes teaches Algebra and Geometry, Upper Elementary level and Middle School level Math, History and Social Studies. She teaches Spanish at the Primary School, Elementary School, and Middle School levels.
Martin Fox
A graduate Summa Cum Laude in the Baccalaureate and Master of Arts programs of the University of Long Beach, Mr. Fox teaches Latin and Western Civilization to Middle School students at Monticello. He holds California State Teaching Credentials in three different subject areas, History, Social Studies and Language Arts. As a young man, Mr. Fox studied with the Jesuits and was then a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels Organization! Before joining the faculty of Monticello Preparatory School, Mr. Fox, a father of three, was Chairman of the Languages Department at the world renowned Buckley School in Sherman Oaks. We are honored to have Mr. Fox as a member of our faculty. He is a glowing example to our students of the multi-talented and well rounded person to which we encourage our students to aspire. This is what Mr. Fox has to say about Monticello, “Monticello offers not merely learning but “Love of Learning.” The teachers at Monticello understand this vitally important concept. The leadership of Mrs. Cranert is both palpable and inspiring. We are reminded why we are here and what is possible…She understands that education is such a precious, fragile and vitally important part of who these young students are to become…I had the pleasure of teaching at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks for many years. I knew the founder of the school, Mrs. Isabelle Palms Buckley, very well and much admired her. I cannot help but see a young Dr. Buckley in Mrs. Cranert and I can see Monticello in the near future becoming, and even surpassing a school like Buckley.”
Rebecca Cranert
Mrs. Cranert graduated from the University of Los Angeles with degrees in English Literature and Education with emphasis in Humanities, Music and Theatre with Cum Laude honors. She was selected to participate in the Honors Humanities Program at San Jose State University. Mrs. Cranert won full scholarships to both The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and the very prestigious USC-Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Workshop. She earned the Option Single Subject Credential at the University of Los Angeles. She is a Nationally Certificated School Administrator. Before founding Monticello Preparatory School, Mrs. Cranert, an educator of many years in both public and private schools, served as Chairman of the English and Fine Arts Department at St. Genevieve High School. She developed the Multi-Cultural Drama Enrichment Program for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mrs. Cranert served as the Director of the Theatre Program for the Los Angeles County Arts Counsel. Mrs. Cranert teaches upper levels of Elementary and Middle School Language Arts, Theater and Vocal Music at Monticello. Rebecca studied vocal technique with legendary vocal maestro, Seth Riggs, whose students include Barbara Streisand, Natalie Cole and Michael Jackson. Mrs. Cranert headlined at major venues throughout the West coast and Nevada with her ten-piece show band. She also produced and directed professional theatrical productions throughout the Los Angeles area.
Frederique Salomon
Madame Salomon teaches French classes and French Cooking at Monticello. She was born in Lorraine France and holds a degree in Speech Pathology from Universite Henri Poincare in Nance, France. She is fluent in French, Italian and English. She has lived in the U.S. since 2000 and has taught French to adoring students throughout that time. Her French Cooking classes are magnifique!
Rose Smither
Our inspiring Art Teacher, Rose Smither, has been at Monticello since it’s founding.
She brings her love and enthusiasm of Art to our school with every class that she teaches.
Mrs. Smither graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from the University of Northridge. She also studied at the Pasadena Art Center
College of Design. In addition to teaching at Monticello Preparatory
school, Mrs. Smither illustrates children’s books. Her work is displayed in art galleries throughout Southern California.
Mindy Cabral
Mindy Cabral leads our fantastic elementary school Music Program. She has been at Monticello since its inception. Miss Mindy attended the Julliard School of Music and graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She is also trained to teach music to young children through the well known Orff-Shulwerk method of musical instruction and is a Master Teacher. She has been teaching music for more than ten years. Miss Mindy owns SCV’s Little School of Music. Professionally, she continues to tour with artists such as Kenye West, Michael Bolton, The Four Tops, The Temptations and has even played at Carnegie Hall and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. At Monticello, Miss Mindy teaches beginning piano, glockenspiel, recorder, and numerous rhythm instruments. She also teaches the students to sing, dance and read music.
Kelly Shanahan
Mr. Shanahan has developed the immensely popular Middle School Rock
Band Program at Monticello. As a youngster, he studied under the tutelage of his father, the highly revered Dick Shanahan, who is credited with providing the drum tracks for films such as West Side Story, Funny Girl, Music Man among many similar credits. He is also known for his years as a Big Band drummer with (among others) Les Brown, Harry James and Charlie Barnett. Dick Shanahan developed his own drum instructional method, The Shanahan Method, which was widely published and used by drum instructors throughout the U.S. Following in his father’s footsteps, Kelly Shanahan began working professionally at age 16 with players such as Larry Carlton, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Mike Pocaro (of Toto) and David Paich. Within a few short years, Kelly was playing and recording with Rock and R and B icons such as Boz Skaggs, Jimmy Buffet, Dan Fogelberg, John Sebastian, Eddie Money, The Mark/Almond Band, Cher, Seals and Crofts and Randy Mesiner (The Eagles) to name only a few. Mr. Shanahan continues to record and play professionally in addition to teaching and passing along his legacy of excellence in music to a new generation of students. Kelly instructs students in Rock, Jazz, Big Band, R and B, and Show styles.
Patricia Curran
Mrs. Curran is well known to the SCV Community. Prior to coming to
Monticello Prep School, she taught for Saugus and Newhall Union School Districts
as well as at Gymnastics Unlimited where she has
been a much loved coach. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University
of Northridge where she was also awarded her Multiple Subject
Teaching Credential. Mrs. Curran also graduated Magna Cum Laude from the
College of the Canyons. Mrs. Curran is fluently multi-lingual in
French, Polish and English. Mrs. Curran is a Primary School Specialist
and also teaches French at the Middle School level.
Yessinia Fuentes
Mrs. Fuentes was named Valedictorian of her High School graduating
class at Queen of Angels Academy in Los Angeles She studied Pre-Med and Political Science at the University of Long Beach where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and graduated Cum Laude. She received the University’s most coveted honor, the President’s Scholar Award and received a full scholarship. She then earned a Masters Degree in Political Science. She was awarded the California State Teaching Credential at the University of Bakersfield. Mrs. Fuentes is a native speaker of Spanish. After working as a social worker and then a teacher in both private and public schools, Mrs. Fuentes came to Monticello Preparatory School. At Monticello, Mrs. Fuentes teaches Algebra and Geometry, Upper Elementary level and Middle School level Math, History and Social Studies. She teaches Spanish at the Primary School, Elementary School, and Middle School levels.
Martin Fox
A graduate Summa Cum Laude in the Baccalaureate and Master of Arts programs of the University of Long Beach, Mr. Fox teaches Latin and Western Civilization to Middle School students at Monticello. He holds California State Teaching Credentials in three different subject areas, History, Social Studies and Language Arts. As a young man, Mr. Fox studied with the Jesuits and was then a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels Organization! Before joining the faculty of Monticello Preparatory School, Mr. Fox, a father of three, was Chairman of the Languages Department at the world renowned Buckley School in Sherman Oaks. We are honored to have Mr. Fox as a member of our faculty. He is a glowing example to our students of the multi-talented and well rounded person to which we encourage our students to aspire. This is what Mr. Fox has to say about Monticello, “Monticello offers not merely learning but “Love of Learning.” The teachers at Monticello understand this vitally important concept. The leadership of Mrs. Cranert is both palpable and inspiring. We are reminded why we are here and what is possible…She understands that education is such a precious, fragile and vitally important part of who these young students are to become…I had the pleasure of teaching at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks for many years. I knew the founder of the school, Mrs. Isabelle Palms Buckley, very well and much admired her. I cannot help but see a young Dr. Buckley in Mrs. Cranert and I can see Monticello in the near future becoming, and even surpassing a school like Buckley.”
Rebecca Cranert
Mrs. Cranert graduated from the University of Los Angeles with degrees in English Literature and Education with emphasis in Humanities, Music and Theatre with Cum Laude honors. She was selected to participate in the Honors Humanities Program at San Jose State University. Mrs. Cranert won full scholarships to both The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and the very prestigious USC-Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Workshop. She earned the Option Single Subject Credential at the University of Los Angeles. She is a Nationally Certificated School Administrator. Before founding Monticello Preparatory School, Mrs. Cranert, an educator of many years in both public and private schools, served as Chairman of the English and Fine Arts Department at St. Genevieve High School. She developed the Multi-Cultural Drama Enrichment Program for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mrs. Cranert served as the Director of the Theatre Program for the Los Angeles County Arts Counsel. Mrs. Cranert teaches upper levels of Elementary and Middle School Language Arts, Theater and Vocal Music at Monticello. Rebecca studied vocal technique with legendary vocal maestro, Seth Riggs, whose students include Barbara Streisand, Natalie Cole and Michael Jackson. Mrs. Cranert headlined at major venues throughout the West coast and Nevada with her ten-piece show band. She also produced and directed professional theatrical productions throughout the Los Angeles area.
Frederique Salomon
Madame Salomon teaches French classes and French Cooking at Monticello. She was born in Lorraine France and holds a degree in Speech Pathology from Universite Henri Poincare in Nance, France. She is fluent in French, Italian and English. She has lived in the U.S. since 2000 and has taught French to adoring students throughout that time. Her French Cooking classes are magnifique!
Rose Smither
Our inspiring Art Teacher, Rose Smither, has been at Monticello since it’s founding.
She brings her love and enthusiasm of Art to our school with every class that she teaches.
Mrs. Smither graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from the University of Northridge. She also studied at the Pasadena Art Center
College of Design. In addition to teaching at Monticello Preparatory
school, Mrs. Smither illustrates children’s books. Her work is displayed in art galleries throughout Southern California.
Mindy Cabral
Mindy Cabral leads our fantastic elementary school Music Program. She has been at Monticello since its inception. Miss Mindy attended the Julliard School of Music and graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She is also trained to teach music to young children through the well known Orff-Shulwerk method of musical instruction and is a Master Teacher. She has been teaching music for more than ten years. Miss Mindy owns SCV’s Little School of Music. Professionally, she continues to tour with artists such as Kenye West, Michael Bolton, The Four Tops, The Temptations and has even played at Carnegie Hall and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. At Monticello, Miss Mindy teaches beginning piano, glockenspiel, recorder, and numerous rhythm instruments. She also teaches the students to sing, dance and read music.
Kelly Shanahan
Mr. Shanahan has developed the immensely popular Middle School Rock
Band Program at Monticello. As a youngster, he studied under the tutelage of his father, the highly revered Dick Shanahan, who is credited with providing the drum tracks for films such as West Side Story, Funny Girl, Music Man among many similar credits. He is also known for his years as a Big Band drummer with (among others) Les Brown, Harry James and Charlie Barnett. Dick Shanahan developed his own drum instructional method, The Shanahan Method, which was widely published and used by drum instructors throughout the U.S. Following in his father’s footsteps, Kelly Shanahan began working professionally at age 16 with players such as Larry Carlton, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Mike Pocaro (of Toto) and David Paich. Within a few short years, Kelly was playing and recording with Rock and R and B icons such as Boz Skaggs, Jimmy Buffet, Dan Fogelberg, John Sebastian, Eddie Money, The Mark/Almond Band, Cher, Seals and Crofts and Randy Mesiner (The Eagles) to name only a few. Mr. Shanahan continues to record and play professionally in addition to teaching and passing along his legacy of excellence in music to a new generation of students. Kelly instructs students in Rock, Jazz, Big Band, R and B, and Show styles.
