Meet our Staff

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 and son Bobby. 

Nicolas has been the business manager and assistant director 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 son Nolan, and his Golden Doodle Cider. 

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, engineering and golf classes, and is the ASB advisor. 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.

Geoff Stevens has been teaching Social Studies, Chemistry and ACT prep at HBA since 2012. He is the most well-rounded teacher at the school. Geoff holds teaching credentials in Social Science, Biology, Chemistry and English. Geoff graduated from Trinity College with a degree in History and minors in Biology and Creative Writing. He holds an M.A.T. in History from Boston University. Geoff is beloved by his students for his dry wit and his caring attitude. HBA graduates always credit Geoff for preparing them well for college-level writing. He also gets amazing results from his ACT prep courses. Geoff teaches College Prep and AP level U.S. History, Human Geography, American Government and Economics. He also teaches Chemistry during the summer. He enjoys playing and teaching Chess and advises the National Honors Society.

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.

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.

Maya has been teaching math at High Bluff Academy since 2019. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics from UC San Diego, and has experience teaching all levels of math from the very basics through Calculus (which is her favorite to teach!). Maya has experience working as a private tutor for over 6 years, and has worked as a test reviewer for the US Academic Decathlon. When she isn’t teaching at High Bluff, you can find her adding to her extensive collection of books!

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! 

Brian teaches Studio Art and Digital Art at HBA. He holds California teaching credentials in Studio Art and Digital/Computer Art. He taught for 14 years at Valley Center High School and Vallley Center Middle School. Brian has a degree in Painting and Printmaking from SDSU. His students won Best of Shows in Digital Art at the Del Mar county fair, as well as several Best of Class in digital art and many blue ribbons. Brian joined HBA in 2022.

Growing up in a Polish-speaking family in Paris, Ms Tigli’s exposure to language started young. She moved to the 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 has 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. As an avid world traveler, Ms Tigli brings these enriching experiences to the classroom which brings life the language and culture she teaches. Ms Tigli is the proud parent of two children Jonathan and Amanda.