Jill Duoto
Director
Jill Duoto is the Founder and Director of High Bluff Academy. She has been an educator for 30 years as a principal, teacher, curriculum director and college counselor. She taught at Francis Parker High School, Singapore American School and international schools in Brazil, Colombia and Japan. She holds a B.A. in political science from U.C. Berkeley and an M.A. in Education from SDSU. Jill lives in Carmel Valley with her husband Mike.
Nicolas Duoto
Assistant Director/Student Guidance Counselor
Nicolas has been the business manager and student guidance counselor since 2014. Nick handles all billing questions, advises parents and students on course selection, scheduling, and college counseling. Nick is certified in College Counseling with a certificate from UCSD. Nick graduated from Canyon Crest Academy and San Francisco State University and lives in Carmel Mountain Ranch with his wife Lindsey, his sons Nolan and Carter, and his Golden Doodle Cider.
George Humphreys
Principal / Science Department Chair
George Humphreys 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.
Fran Dickson
Spanish Teacher
Fran Dickson 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.