Nathan Molina joined the school’s administration team as the new assistant principal on Feb. 7, following Robert Shockney’s  promotion to the Coordinator of College and State Testing for SDUHSD.

From 2002 to 2010, Molina taught special education at the school and served as the department chair. He now oversees students with last names H-N and coordinates Facilities, Nutrition Services and the Mathematics & World Languages Department.

Molina has worked in education for 28 years. From Los Angeles to Carmel Valley Middle School, he has held a variety of jobs.

“I think [the job] is really about learning what’s important to Torrey Pines,” Molina said. “I plan on listening and learning from the adults and students on campus to understand what initiatives we might implement.”

Molina has recognized familiar freshmen and sophomores from his time at CVMS, which has helped the school “not feel so big or so lonely.” 

“Being visible, available, at events … I just want to experience Torrey Pines on its own terms whether that’s athletics or academics,” Molina said.

Principal Robert Coppo has known Molina since 2008. Coppo believes Molina’s extensive background in education is only part of what makes him a great addition to the administration team.

“[Molina] is very well-spoken, very smart, very capable, has a calm disposition and [is] someone you can go to and trust that he will make a well thought out, reasoned decision,” Coppo said.

Outside of school, Molina spends most of his time with his family. His son is a high school senior and his wife is a business owner.

“We like to travel [and also] find unique and interesting dining spots throughout San Diego and beyond,” Molina said.

Molina has goals and aspirations he hopes to share with the school.

“I want to be available and be someone who is centered and able to address issues as they come up,” Molina said. “I also want to celebrate achievements as they come …  And just being available to support or celebrate people when they need or deserve it.”