List of 105 members.

• 

  Jessica Alva 

  Human Resources Director

  Bio

  Jessica Alva joined the CDS team in 2022 as our Human Resources Director. She came to CDS with nearly twenty years of experience in human resources work, most recently at Kaiser Permanente and previously at Recology Sunset Scavenger. Jessica holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State and a master’s in human resource management from Golden Gate University.
• 

  Terry Ashkinos 

  8th Grade Humanities Teacher

  Bio

  Terry Ashkinos, Eighth Grade Humanities Teacher, was the middle school social studies and journalism teacher at Everett Middle School for six years before joining CDS in 2005. Prior to working at Everett, Terry was an ESL teacher in Los Angeles and Bratislava, Slovakia. He has a bachelor's degree in philosophy and humanities from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a master's degree in philosophy from San Francisco State University. Terry has been trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies. He and his wife have two children, Ashley (CDS ‘17) and Catcher ('23). Terry is an occasional writer of fiction as well as a local musician.
• 

  Xochi Batlle 

  Farm & Garden Program Manager

  Bio

  Xochi Batlle, Farm & Garden Program Manager, holds a bachelor of science in wildlife ecology and conservation and a bachelor of arts in anthropology from the University of Florida, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching and a California multiple-subject teaching credential through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at Holy Names University. Prior to joining CDS, Xochi taught a science-based curriculum to preschool through fifth grade students at Fairmount Elementary School through Education Outside, a nonprofit organization that advances science education and environmental literacy by teaching outdoors in public school. She also has been a lead teacher at Aim High, a summer learning and enrichment program that serves under-resourced middle school students, and a teacher-in-residence at Slide Ranch, leading outdoor experiential learning programs that emphasized farming, cooking, caring for animals, and exploring the wilderness and the coast. In 2018, Xochi began CDS' garden education program in partnership with the neighboring Boys & Girls Club, and she has been running it ever since.
• 

  Valentine Batra 

  3rd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Val Batra, Third Grade Teacher, joined the classroom team in 2019 after having worked in our extended care program since the fall of 2018. Val has a bachelor's degree in history from Lewis & Clark College and has worked as an educator on three different continents. She has been a volunteer English teacher in Nepal and a summer camp counselor in rural Spain, and in America she has served as a math tutor, an intern for children’s programs at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, and a camp counselor and social media director at the Portland Children’s Museum. Val also volunteered for four years at a nursing home in New York.
• 

  Lucy Beltran 

  TK Teacher & ECP Afternoon Teacher

  Bio

  Lucy Beltran joined the CDS team in 2019. She is currently studying child development at City College of San Francisco. She has worked as a high school teaching assistant and volunteered with buildOn, an organization that empowers urban youth to transform their neighborhoods through intensive community service. While with buildOn, Lucy provided childcare at a career center, worked at a food bank, and provided support to senior citizens.
• 

  Kristina Berman 

  Director of Enrollment Management

  Bio

  Kristina Berman joined CDS in 2014 as a first-grade teacher and in 2021 became our Director of Enrollment Management. She received her master's degree in education and her California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of California, Berkeley, and she has a bachelor's degree in history with a double minor in Spanish and education from the University of California, Davis. Prior to joining CDS, Kristina taught kindergarten at Cherry Chase Elementary School in Sunnyvale, California. A Bay Area native, she is on the Lick-Wilmerding Alumni Board. Kristina is proficient in Spanish. She has two young children, including a son who attends Children's Day School. 
• 

  Selinda Medrano Bernal 

  Extended Program Teacher
• 

  Sharyne Beza 

  1st Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Sharyne Beza joined the CDS first grade team in 2024. Sharyne comes to us from Live Oak School, where she taught first grade for seven years. At Live Oak, Sharyne was an integral part of the faculty who supported her students, families, and colleagues with mission-aligned initiatives and contributions. Before moving to San Francisco, Sharyne taught in New York City for nine years, working with students of various ages as both a classroom teacher and a theater teacher. Sharyne holds a bachelor's degree in human development and theater from UC San Diego, a master's in theater education from NYU, and a master's in urban elementary education from LIU.
• 

  Henrry Blanco 

  7th/8th Grade Spanish Teacher

  Bio

  Henrry Blanco joined the CDS team in 2023 with more than twenty years of experience as a Spanish teacher, including twelve years of K-8 classroom experience. Most recently, Henrry taught Spanish at Saint Thomas the Apostle School in San Francisco, where he developed the Spanish curriculum for all grades throughout the school. Henrry also has eight years of experience as an art teacher in grades kindergarten through 8th. Henrry earned his undergraduate degree in Modern Languages from Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas.
• 

  Tina Bravo 

  Controller

  Bio

  Tina Bravo joined the CDS team in 2022 as our Controller. She had most recently served as the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at the Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus, and she has also worked with many other local schools and nonprofits, including Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, Project Open Hand, and Catholic Charities. A native San Franciscan who grew up in the Mission neighborhood, Tina holds a degree in accounting from Heald Business College. She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and being immersed in new cultures and traditions.
• 

  Julie Bruins 

  Lower School Music Teacher

  Bio

  Julie Bruins, Early Childhood and Lower School Music Teacher, joined CDS in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience teaching early childhood and elementary school music. Prior to CDS, she held similar positions at Alta Vista, Coronado Elementary in Richmond, Piedmont Avenue Elementary in Oakland, The Bentley School, and St. Elizabeth Elementary School. Julie holds a bachelor of music from NYU, majoring in flute performance and graduating cum laude. She also possesses a Level III Orff Certificate, a World Music Drumming Level I Certificate, and has training in Kodaly and Dalcroze pedagogies as well. She serves as the Vice President of the Northern California chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and is heavily involved with her work there providing professional development to Bay Area music teachers. In her free time, she loves spending time making music and trying to tire out her dog, Carl.
• 

  Wyatt Cameron 

  Middle School Athletic Director & PE Teacher

  Bio

  Wyatt Cameron joined CDS in 2024 as the Middle School Athletics Director & PE Teacher. Wyatt brings 26 years of experience in directing athletics programs, developing PE curriculum, and teaching to a range of age groups, both here in the U.S. and internationally. Most recently, he chaired the PE department and taught at Chadwick International School. Prior to Chadwick, Wyatt had created and launched Super Moverz in San Diego, a kids' sports company. He believes that what children learn in PE sets the foundations for a balanced, fulfilling life and is passionate about building confidence, inspiring students to build their skills, and using every opportunity in PE to teach children lifelong lessons about respect, confidence, teamwork, and sensitivity to others. Wyatt holds a bachelor's in journalism from California State University and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Curriculum Development & Instruction from George Mason University.
• 

  Lauren Campagna 

  Recreation Coordinator

  Bio

  Lauren Campagna graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. She worked for South San Francisco Parks and Recreation for 8 years where she created a sports summer camp as well as taught after-school care classes. Lauren most recently worked for Redwood City School District as a Paraprofessional. While working at these places, she also coached middle school Volleyball, Basketball and Lacrosse. Lauren is excited to continue as the Recreation Coordinator here at CDS.
• 

  Ash Carera-Henry 

  MS Learning Specialist

  Bio

  Ash Carera-Henry, our Middle School Learning Specialist, joined the CDS team in 2022. Ash previously worked as a teacher and case manager at Elmhurst United Middle School in Oakland, where she also served as a temporary assistant principal. Prior thereto, she worked as a dean of students and instructional coach at Guidepost Montessori in Yerba Buena and as a classroom teacher in various California schools, supervising students ranging from third to eighth grades. Ash holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Santa Barbara and a master’s in the same subject from Cal State Northridge.
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  John Castro 

  Director of Facilities

  Bio

  John Castro joined CDS in July 2015 as our Director of Facilities, bringing more than twenty years of experience in facilities direction and management. For the previous eight years, he was the Director of Facilities at Salesian College Preparatory School in Richmond. He also worked for many years as the building manager for KRON TV-4 in San Francisco.
• 

  Lizzie Chapman 

  Middle School Drama Teacher

  Bio

  Lizzie Chapman joined the CDS team in 2023 as our Middle School Drama Teacher. A lifelong performer with a passion for pedagogy, Lizzie joined CDS after a decade of teaching the performing arts to students of all ages. Prior to her time at CDS, Lizzie taught with Spindrift School of Performing Arts in Pacifica, most recently in the role of Director of Outreach & Curriculum and Head of the Musical Theatre Department. In her time there, she served as the resident K-8 Drama Teacher at Cabrillo Elementary School. Lizzie also spent several years working in non-profit theatre, having served as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory and the Artistic Chair at Pacifica Spindrift Players. She graduated from Humboldt State University with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Dance Studies: Dance Education and a Minor in Theatre Performance, and was awarded Outstanding Senior of her graduating class by the Department of Theatre, Film, and Dance. Outside of her professional life, Lizzie aims to read at least one book each week, is learning to figure skate, and still enjoys acting, dancing, choreographing, and directing in the community when she can.
• 

  Jennifer Choi 

  5th/6th Grade Math Teacher

  Bio

  Jenni Choi, 5th/6th Grade Math Teacher, came to CDS in 2021 after spending seven years as a middle school math teacher at CICS Prairie and St. Nicholas Cathedral School, both in Chicago. At St. Nicholas, she also taught science and coding to middle schoolers, led an after-school coding and robotics club for lower schoolers, collaborated with the University of Chicago on a summer math camp, and served as the leader of a professional development program for teachers. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in urban elementary education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master's in educational technology from Concordia University in Irvine.
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  Anna Marie Christiansen 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Anna Christiansen joined our preschool teaching team in 2023. Anna came to us with a decade of experience teaching children from preschool to first grade at schools including Ohlone Elementary School in Palo Alto, Stanford University's Bing Nursery School, and Discovery Charter School in San Jose. Anna has a Master of Arts in teaching early childhood from Trinity Washington University in Washington D.C. and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown University. Away from school, Anna enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and reading. She is dual nationality Swiss/American and is fluent in French.
• 

  Kate Corliss 

  LS Counselor

  Bio

  Kate Corliss joined CDS in January 2017 as our Lower School Counselor. She holds a master’s degree in school counseling from George Washington University and has many years of experience working with children and families. Prior to joining CDS, Kate served as a family case manager for the Raphael House of San Francisco, where she developed and implemented a wide-ranging counseling program for homeless children and families. Kate has two young children, both of whom attend CDS.
• 

  Brandon Culley 

  4th Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Brandon Culley joined our fourth grade team in 2022. He has more than 20 years of experience at various schools in California, most recently as a third and fourth grade teacher at Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Marin City. In his previous position as a second and fourth grade teacher at Brookside Elementary School in San Anselmo, he was named the school's Teacher of the Year for 2017. Brandon holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s in education from National University.
• 

  Laura DiMonte 

  ECP Specialist Teacher, Afternoon & Camp Coordinator

  Bio

  Laura DiMonte joined CDS in 2021 as our Preschool Specialist Teacher. She arrived with more than a decade of experience as an arts educator in New York and the Bay Area, including a tenure as an art studio lead teacher at Bright Horizons (where she won an Environmental Champion Award for leading environmental awareness in the workplace), as an arts specialist and after school coordinator at Mission Montessori, and an at-home preschool pod teacher at Happy Little School during the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Nazareth College.
• 

  David Eastin 

  7th Grade Humanities Teacher

  Bio

  David Eastin joined the CDS team in 2021 as our Seventh Grade Humanities Teacher. He had most recently served as a fifth-grade teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School (where he was a member of the Culture and Climate Team as well as the Digital Learning Facilitator Program) and sixth through eighth-grade humanities teacher at Spanish Infusion School. Prior thereto, he spent seven years in Spain as an English instructor at various local schools. David holds a bachelor’s degree in literary studies from Utah Valley University and completed master’s courses in English literature at St. Louis University in Madrid.
• 

  Phillip Fillastre 

  Middle School Art Teacher

  Bio

  Phillip Fillastre joined CDS in 2024 as our Middle School Art Teacher. A lifelong artist, Phillip has over 16 years of experience as a multidisciplinary STEAM teacher with a focus on visual arts, design thinking, social justice, creative expression, project-based learning, and communication skills. Prior to CDS, Phillip worked as a Ceramics Teacher and Studio Manager, Assistant Director of Middle School, and Art Specialist at Brightworks School. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University, where he studied art education, printmaking, and ceramics.
• 

  Jasmin Flores 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Jasmin Flores, Preschool Teacher, joined CDS in 2015. She was a preschool teacher for 14 years at Buen Dia Family School in San Francisco, an arts-focused English-Spanish bilingual preschool program, and prior thereto she taught at Guided Discovery, an inclusion preschool that is a program of the YMCA in Boise, Idaho. Jasmin earned her Early Childhood Education units through City College of San Francisco and has received training in mindfulness in education. She is fluent in Spanish. 
• 

  Regina Foldes 

  Farm & Garden Teacher

  Bio

  Reggie Foldes, Second Grade Teacher, joined CDS in 2012. Reggie received a multiple subject teaching credential and master's degree in curriculum and instruction through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific. Reggie also has a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in education studies from The Colorado College. She brings experience teaching environmental education to elementary-aged children with Vida Verde Nature Education, The Marine Mammal Center and the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, with a focus on hands-on, inquiry-based and experiential learning. When not teaching, Reggie loves to hike in beautiful places, listen to bluegrass music, and cook delicious fresh foods.
• 

  Susan Friedlander-Holm 

  Math Specialist and Instructional Coach

  Bio

  Susie Friedlander-Holm joined CDS in 2024 as a math specialist and instructional coach. Susie spent the previous four years as a math teacher at San Francisco Schoolhouse and also worked as a math and science teacher at Guidepost Montessori. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature and elementary education from Hofstra and an instructional leadership certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
• 

  Greg Gardner 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Greg Gardner, Preschool Teacher, joined us in 2012 from Presidio Early Education School, an inclusive Reggio Emilia preschool. Prior to that, he was a substitute for special ed/child development classrooms through San Francisco Unified School District and has also been an instructor at the Thrive Foundation for Youth in San Francisco. He earned his Early Childhood Education credits from City College of San Francisco. Greg graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. In 2021, Greg was awarded the Molly Huffman Award for Teaching Excellence (named after former CDS Head of School Molly Huffman). He also owns his own independent record label, creates children's songs and books about social justice issues, and designs graphics for the San Francisco Skate Club. As a result of his creative work, Greg has recorded a children's album on Smithsonian Folkways, written lesson plans for the Smithsonian, and been featured on NPR and Pitchfork. He is the father of two children.
• 

  Daven Gee 

  Digital Innovation Specialist

  Bio

  Daven Gee, Digital Innovation Specialist, is an experienced educator, administrator and digital media artist. He has a bachelor's degree in public communications and a master's degree in film production. Prior to joining CDS in 2018, he worked with Streetside Stories, co-creating curricula and co-teaching in Bay Area elementary and middle school ELA and ELD classrooms, integrating media arts practices.
  
  

  Daven is especially interested in strengthening personal voice, community engagement, and social justice through creative expression and media literacy. In addition to pursuing this work as an educator, he has done so with many award-winning documentary films, including Regret to Inform, Blessed Is the Match, Scout's Honor, and the PBS documentary series  P.O.V. and Independent Lens.
  
  

  Born in Southern California and raised on a farm in Northern California, Daven has long been interested in cross-cultural exchange. He is passionately engaged with family and community in the East Bay and is earning a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of California, Berkeley.
• 

  Belinda Gray 

  1st Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Belinda Gray, First Grade Teacher, joined CDS in 2014 with nine years of teaching experience, including teaching first grade at San Francisco Day School and at the Keys School in Palo Alto. Belinda has an M.F.A. in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute and a bachelor's degree in photography from Humboldt State University. She holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at San Francisco State University. Belinda has received mindfulness curriculum training through Mindful Schools and in Responsive Classroom. Using lessons from Teaching Tolerance, the California Conference for Equality and Justice, and many other resources, she designed the first-grade social justice/mindfulness/social-emotional learning curriculum, which helps students understand their feelings and reactions, learn to advocate for themselves, and be an ally for others. In addition, Belinda has taken courses in Harvard's Project Zero program and used its principles to support our Inquiry units; she has also used a variety of literacy trainings to differentiate instruction for learners with diverse backgrounds, needs, aptitudes, and interests while identifying and remediating students’ learning needs and profiles to facilitate skill acquisition, understanding, and mastery.
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  Antonette Greene 

  Early Childhood Program Director

  Bio

  Antonette Greene, Early Childhood Program Director, joined CDS in 2016 with many years of experience in the area of early childhood education. Antonette completed her Ed.D. in educational leadership from Mills College and also has a master's degree in educational leadership from Mills. As a classroom teacher and assistant director for 18 years at Kumara School in Mill Valley, she served in many roles, including teaching, mentoring classroom teachers, partnering with the director to develop curriculum and program priorities, and presenting the program and curriculum to families. She has also worked as a teacher trainer, helping set goals for teacher growth and developing content and materials for trainings.
• 

  Catherine Grove 

  4th-5th Grade Learning Specialist

  Bio

  Catherine Grove, Fourth and Fifth Grade Learning Specialist, joined CDS in 2017 after 14 years as a teacher with the San Francisco Unified School District. Catherine holds a California Teaching Credential in both Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects) and Special Education from San Francisco State University. She has a master's degree in special education with an emphasis on mild/moderate learning disabilities from San Francisco State. Catherine is trained in Slingerland Multisensory Structured Language Approach, Project Read, LindaMood Bell, Making Math Real, and Social Thinking Curriculum. Outside of teaching, Catherine enjoys biking, reading, and playing at the beach with her two children.
• 

  PB Gutierrez 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  PB Gutierrez joined the transitional kindergarten team in 2019. They hold a bachelor's degree in child and adolescent development with a school age concentration from San Francisco State University and a master's degree in early childhood education from the same institution. They taught for four years at Children’s Campus, one of the two early childhood lab schools on the SF State campus, and also served as an intern in the kindergarten classroom of Spruce Elementary School in South San Francisco.
• 

  Katie Hart 

  Lower School Art Teacher

  Bio

  Katie Hart, who joined us in 2018 as our Early Childhood Program and Lower School Art teacher, holds a master’s degree in urban education from Holy Names University, a bachelor's degree in visual arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a California Clear Single-Subject Art Teaching Credential. She is a practicing artist and has more than a decade of experience teaching art to students across all grades from kindergarten to high school. Before coming to CDS, she served for eight years as the K-6 art teacher at Lighthouse Community Charter School in Oakland.
• 

  Tim Hathaway 

  Staff Accountant

  Bio

  Tim Hathaway, Staff Accountant, joined CDS in March 2015. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tim moved to San Francisco in 1995 and has lived and worked in The City since then. With 20 years of accounting and finance experience, Tim has spent his career working for San Francisco corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits. Tim enjoys travelling, reading, good food and binge-watching.
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  Karen Hayes 

  Assistant Head of School

  Bio

  Karen Hayes joined CDS in 2023 after serving as Advancement Director for the past six years at Escuela Bilingüe International. While there, she played a leading role in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, designed strategic fundraising plans, launched a family communication portal, and led a rebranding effort, all of which led to dramatic increases in the school’s application numbers and community satisfaction ratings.

  
  Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Howard University and a master’s in business administration from UC Berkeley. Before entering the education industry, she spent nearly two decades at Procter & Gamble, where she eventually became a North America Associate Sales Director and led the creation of a digital and mobile innovation team. She later founded the Bounce Blowdry Bar hair salon in Oakland and Berkeley and oversaw its operations for the first four years of its existence.
• 

  Katie Haylon 

  Head Librarian

  Bio

  Katie Haylon joined CDS in 2024 as our new Head Librarian. She most recently held the same position at The Hamlin School, where she also served as a middle school social studies teacher. Prior to that, she worked as a fifth grade teacher at Marin Preparatory School. Katie holds a bachelor's degree in recreation management and policy from the University of New Hampshire, a master's in elementary education from Simmons College, and a master's in library and information science from the University of Alabama.
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  Analise Heid 

  MS Food & Agricultural Science Teacher

  Bio

  Analise Heid, Food and Agricultural Sciences Teacher, joined CDS in 2014 from the Nueva School, where she taught science and coordinated the School Garden program. Since 2009, Analise has served as a master teacher in the STEM Teacher and Researcher Program at the Center for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Education at Cal Poly State University. Prior to that, Analise worked for 10 years as the Nature and Environmental Science Program Director as well as a naturalist, science and math teacher at the Greenwood School in Mill Valley. She has a bachelor's degree in forestry from the University of California, Berkeley, a California teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and a master's degree in secondary science education from San Francisco State University. Analise is an outdoor enthusiast and, in her free time, enjoys surfing, gardening, hiking, and traveling to update her guidebooks, Hiking and Backpacking Big Sur, Sierra South, and Backpacking California.
• 

  Allie Hersh 

  MS Counselor

  Bio

  Allie Hersh, our Middle School Counselor, joined CDS in 2022 with nearly 25 years of experience in the education industry. Most recently a counselor and learning specialist at the Peninsula School in Menlo Park, she also served as a counselor at various schools in Las Vegas and Texas as well as a sixth grade English teacher at San Francisco Day School and the American School of Madrid in Spain. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Middlebury College and a master's in Educational Psychology/School Counseling from the University of Texas, Austin. Allie and her dog Honey are so happy to live and work in the Mission and give back to this vibrant community!
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  Lindsay Hershenhorn 

  Director of Curriculum and Program Innovation

  Bio

  Lindsay Hershenhorn originally joined CDS in 2009 as a first grade head teacher. She left CDS in 2012 to pursue her doctorate in educational leadership. Lindsay returned to CDS in 2014, first as our Literacy Specialist, then the Assistant Lower School Director, and currently as the Director of Curriculum & Program Innovation. Lindsay holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ithaca College, a master's degree in early childhood education from New York University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Mills College.
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  Dan Hicban 

  Third Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Dan Hicban joined CDS in 2024 as part of our third grade team. Dan previously taught for four years at St. Brendan Parish School in San Francisco in several roles, including 1-8th grade technology teacher crafting dynamic and integrated units in collaboration with teachers across the school’s campus. Dan has served in a leadership role with EROS at San Francisco State University as the Executive Director and Program Coordinator for the Pilipinx-American Collegiate Endeavor. Dan graduated from SF State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and an emphasis in Teacher Education. 
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  Riley High 

  Extended Program Teacher
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  Jo Hoffman 

  5th/6th Grade Science Teacher

  Bio

  Jo Hoffman joined us in 2021 as our 5th/6th Grade Science Teacher. They hold two bachelor’s degrees—one in environmental studies and another in ecology and evolutionary biology—from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as a master’s in natural resources from the University of Idaho. Jo has worked in a variety of science education positions in the Bay Area, including as a science teacher at Achieve Academy, a professional learning specialist at the Lawrence Hall of Science, a program manager at KIDS for the BAY, and a field science instructor at YMCA East Bay Outdoor School.
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  Scott Hunt 

  Director of Advancement

  Bio

  Scott Hunt became the Director of Advancement at CDS in 2024, bringing over 25 years of expertise in fundraising, events, marketing, and communications. His extensive background in educational advancement is complemented by degrees in philosophy from the New School University and marketing from Parsons School of Design, both in New York City. Prior to joining CDS, Scott held key advancement roles at independent schools in New York City and New Hampshire, including the Lycée Français de New York, The French Culinary Institute, and the White Mountain School. Most recently, he served as the Director of Institutional Advancement at the Phillips Brooks School in Menlo Park.
  
  

  Outside of his professional life, Scott is passionate about travel, the performing arts, and culinary exploration. A native of New Hampshire, he enjoys hiking and kayaking and has volunteered on several non-profit boards in the performing arts sector.
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  Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney 

  Director of Finance & Operations

  Bio

  Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney joined the CDS team in 2021 as our Director of Finance & Operations. Jeanne has 30 years of experience as a business officer in California schools, including Abraham Joshua Heschel School in Northridge, Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, and The Center for Early Education in West Hollywood. Some of her projects have included managing the creation of an Innovation Lab and reimagining a summer camp program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from La Salle and a master’s in the same subject from California Lutheran University.
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  Anjali Jariwala 

  PM Receptionist

  Bio

  Anjali Jariwala, a CDS graduate, joined our front desk team in 2023 after working for several years in our summer camp and as an extended program teacher. She has led a wide range of activities ranging from arts and crafts to STEM work to field trips. Anjali has also served as a Spanish teaching aide and a front desk aide at Design Tech High School. She is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in fashion design at City College of San Francisco.
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  Tristan Jemiolo 

  Kindergarten Teacher

  Bio

  Tristan Jemiolo joined the CDS kindergarten team in 2016. He started working with children in 2009 coaching lacrosse, soccer, and basketball, and he has coached or taught students ranging from pre-k to high school. Tristan was previously the Commissioner of the Boys U-13 and U-15 Divisions of the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association. He holds a bachelor's degree in film from Vassar College and is a graduate of the New Teacher Institute at Town School for Boys. Tristan enjoys art, food, games, and being silly, and during the summer he works on a farm in Vermont.
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  Lamat Kateb 

  Fourth Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Lamat Kateb joined CDS in 2023 after working at San Francisco Day School, where for six years she taught students ranging from first through fifth grade and also led the school’s Asian American and Pacific Islander student affinity group. Lamat has also been a professional yoga teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine, double majoring in social ecology and criminology, law, and society, as well as a master’s in teaching from Holy Names University in partnership with BATTI (Bay Area Teacher Training Institute).
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  Marie Keating 

  Lower School Director

  Bio

  Marie Keating joined CDS in 2021 as a first grade teacher, and became the Lower School Director the following year. She previously taught first and second grades at Hamlin, Woodland School, and Convent of the Sacred Heart, as well as teaching ESL abroad in Thailand. Marie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from the University of Colorado, and completed a Master’s in Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College in 2023.
  Marie has received extensive anti-racist education training and chaired the humanities department at Woodland, where she also founded the environmental committee and worked as a literacy coach.
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  Katie Keating-Klamm 

  Kindergarten Teacher

  Bio

  Katie Klamm joined the Kindergarten team in 2019 with a decade of experience teaching kindergarten and transitional kindergarten. Before coming to CDS, she taught for five years at the Mission Preparatory School, first in kindergarten and later in transitional kindergarten. Previously, she worked as a teacher in the charter school network Rocketship Education and as a Teach for America educator. She co-created and piloted the TK programs at both Rocketship and Mission Preparatory School, and she has been a teacher mentor to new teachers at The Mission Preparatory School and CDS. Katie holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley and an master's degree in education (Early Childhood Concentration) from Arizona State University.
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  Radha Kindler 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Radha Kindler, Preschool Teacher, joined CDS in 2015. Radha earned an associate degree in child development and a certificate in child development from City College of San Francisco. She has 10 years of experience teaching according to the Reggio Emilia philosophy at the Jewish Community Center and over 25 years of teaching experience altogether. Most recently, Radha has been the Lead Volunteer and Childcare Coordinator for Project Homeless Connect, an agency that connects San Franciscans experiencing homelessness with the care and support they need to move forward.
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  Jessica Kumar 

  K-3 Learning Specialist

  Bio

  Jessica Kumar joined CDS in 2017 as a classroom teacher and moved to become our K-3 Learning Specialist in 2022. She has an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from University of the Pacific, Bay Area Teacher Training Institute; a BA in Religious Studies from Pomona College; and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University, Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. Jessica has been a lead teacher in first grade at Prospect Sierra School in El Cerrito, California, and at Ormondale School in Portola Valley, California. She also has taught kindergarten and fourth grade and was a teaching fellow in fifth grade at Epiphany Middle School, an independent, tuition-free middle school serving children from low-income families in the Boston area.
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  Anna Lee 

  4th Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Anna Lee, Fourth Grade Teacher, joined CDS in 2018. She is a graduate of Swarthmore College and a former Teaching Fellow with Breakthrough Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that provides summer academic programming and school-year support to under-resourced students. Anna also possesses experience as a student teacher in multiple constructivist schools, has worked with students between third and sixth grades, and has designed interdisciplinary lessons focused on equity and equality. She is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.
• 

  Ky Lim 

  Technology Systems Administrator

  Bio

  Ky Lim joined the CDS team in 2021 as our System Administrator. He earned his degree as an Enterprise Security Professional from De Anza College. Before joining CDS, Ky worked as a System Engineer at Return Path, where he gained extensive experience successfully implementing various systems, including Active Directory, Group Policies, Google Workspace, Okta, Symantec Management Platform, and ShoreTel. His passion for technology drives him to find effective solutions that improve the user experience and productivity. Outside of tech, Ky enjoys hiking and taking walks in nature.
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  CJ Logel 

  2nd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  CJ Logel joined the second grade team in 2021. He came to CDS after six years at The San Francisco School, where he taught first through third grades, helped found and lead the school’s Rainbow Alliance, and coached the middle school cross country team. CJ has a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of California, Riverside and a master’s in education from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific. He is also a professional contemporary dancer and a certified kids’ yoga teacher.
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  George Lopez, Jr. 

  Head Receptionist

  Bio

  George Lopez Jr., Head Receptionist, joined CDS in June 2014 after spending many years in the retail management/customer service and film industries. Originally from Southern California, he moved to San Francisco in 1994 and has made the city his home. George enjoys cooking, creating art, visiting local museums, and traveling.
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  Madison Luber 

  2nd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Madison Luber joined the second grade team in 2022. Madison is a Bay Area native who is returning home after having lived and taught in Western NY for several years. She previously taught and co-created the curriculum for the visual arts and English Language Learner programs for children ranging from kindergarten to seventh grade at Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School and Buffalo Collegiate Charter School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from Biola University and a master’s of science in childhood urban education with an emphasis in TESOL from Canisius College. 
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  Shelly Luke Wille 

  Head of School

  Bio

  Shelly Luke Wille joined CDS as Head of School in 2018. A Bay Area native, she possesses a deep knowledge of and commitment to progressive education. Shelly holds a master's degree in special education and a bachelor's degree in diversified liberal arts (with an emphasis on math and science) from St. Mary’s College, California, as well as credentials in Multiple Subject Teaching and Special Education. Before coming to CDS, Shelly served as the Head of School at Chadwick International in South Korea, a K-12 school with 1,200 students. She was previously the Assistant Head and Elementary School Head at Chadwick before ascending to the Head position. She also served as Assistant Head and Lower School Head at Hillbrook School in Los Gatos, California.

  
  Shelly and her husband, Michael, are passionate believers in our child-centered, constructivist approach, so they were thrilled to find a mission-aligned school for their own children. Their two younger sons, Séamus and Braden, attended CDS and their eldest, Kaffie, recently graduated from college.
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  Candy Mabry 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Candy Mabry, Preschool Teacher, joined the CDS preschool team in 1990. During the 2004-2005 school year, Candy was the Assistant Head of School, and from 2006-2008 she taught kindergarten. During the 2003-2004 school year, Candy served as the early childhood representative for the California Association of Independent Schools Northern Professional Services Committee. Candy earned her bachelor's degree in music at San Francisco State University and received certificates from City College of San Francisco in early childhood education and early childhood administration. Candy is certified in the Project Approach and has received training through All Kinds of Minds. Prior to joining CDS, she spent eight years as a head teacher at the Jewish Community Center, Rosenberg Early Childhood Center in San Francisco.
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  Mark Mandapat 

  Afternoon Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Mark Mandapat, who joined the Extended Program team in 2022, was born and raised in the Lakeview/Excelsior neighborhoods of San Francisco. He has previous experience as an After School teacher at an elementary school for The Richmond Neighborhood Center, as well as a full-time Community Hub Leader in partnership with DCYF and SF Parks and Recreation during the pandemic in 2020. Mark is currently working on his degree in Early Childhood Education at City College of San Francisco.
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  Yari Mander 

  MS Music Teacher

  Bio

  Yari Mander, Middle School Music Teacher, joined CDS in 2019 with more than two decades of experience at Bay Area schools. Before coming to CDS, he worked as a music teacher in the Oakland Unified School District; prior thereto, he served in the same position at Walden Center and School and Live Oak School, and also was a classroom teacher for grades 3-5 in the San Francisco Unified School District. In addition, he is the founder and lead instructor of the Oakland performing arts organization Heart of Rhythm. Yari holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from New College of California, a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and an Orff-Schulwerk Certification. As a musician, he has performed with artists and groups including Joan Baez, Gamelan X, the Chochmat HaLev Ensemble, Octopretzel, Lauren Arrow, Suzanne Sterling, the Agape International Choir, and Mikey Pauker.
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  Manny Marquez 

  Technology & Network Support Specialist

  Bio

  Manny Marquez joined the CDS team in 2022. Born in Puebla, Mexico, he has lived in the Mission District for over 20 years. Before coming to CDS, Manny worked as an IT technician at the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Lighthouse Community Public Schools in Oakland. A few hobbies of his are playing and watching soccer, going for walks, and spending time with family.
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  Daisy Martinez 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Daisy Martinez, Preschool Teacher, joined CDS in 2019 as our ECP Extended Program Coordinator before moving to the preschool team later that year. Daisy is bilingual (English & Spanish) and holds a bachelor's degree in child and adolescent development from San Francisco State University. She has nine years of experience in the field of early childhood education working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, both as a lead preschool teacher and as a site supervisor.
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  Roy Martinez 

  Lower School Spanish Teacher

  Bio

  Roy Martinez joined CDS in 2024 as our Lower School Spanish teacher. Roy previously held the same position at Prospect Sierra School in El Cerrito, and he has also taught at Escuela Bilingüe Internacional in Emeryville. He holds a bachelor's degree in pedagogy from Universidad del Estado de México.
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  Salvador Martinez 

  SEL Program Assistant

  Bio

  Salvador Martinez joined us in 2023 after working at San Francisco Friends School for the past several years as a Lower School Teaching Assistant and substitute teacher. For more than ten years, Salvador was a children’s yoga teacher at The Charrette School in New York City. He is trained in Responsive Classroom. Salvador earned his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with an emphasis in Cross Cultural Studies from San Francisco State University.
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  Mimi Matthews 

  1st Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Mimi Matthews joined the first grade team in 2022. Before coming to CDS, she taught first grade students at Ponderosa Elementary School and fifth grade students at Vargas Elementary School while earning her graduate degree. Prior to moving to the Bay Area from the east coast, she worked in Boston at The Learning Project Elementary School for three years as a teaching fellow and an all school academic support teacher. Mimi holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Middlebury College and a master's of arts in education from Stanford University.
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  Brionna McGhee 

  Afternoon Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Brionna McGhee joined CDS's after school and preschool team in 2019. She has worked as a substitute teacher in local schools since 2016, and she has also served as a patient support assistant for UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay and as a hospital security officer. Brionna is currently pursuing an associate degree in business and fashion merchandising from City College of San Francisco.
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  Erin McHale 

  Assistant Director of Enrollment Management

  Bio

  Erin McHale joined CDS in 2021 as our Assistant Director of Enrollment Management. She has taught students from kindergarten through eighth grade as a classroom teacher and a youth leadership coordinator, in both private and public schools in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, she has held the roles of Assistant Principal and Head of Lower School, and has led schools' admissions and community engagement efforts as part of her work in those roles. Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in world religions and American government from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts in curriculum and teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Master of Education in private school leadership from the Klingenstein Center for Private School Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. Erin and her husband's twins are students in the CDS class of 2027.
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  Erika Mendez Jacobo 

  Afternoon Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Erika Mendez joined the Children's Day School preschool team in February 2023. Before CDS, Erika served as a SFUSD paraeducator, overseeing children during meals and breaks, working one-on-one with children in reading, writing, and math, and assisting in the classroom. Erika holds an associate degree from the City College of San Francisco and is currently pursuing a B.A. in Communications at San Francisco State University.
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  Todd Mitchell 

  Extended Program Teacher

  Bio

  Todd Mitchell joined the CDS Extended Day team in 2024. Originally from New Hampshire, Todd brings a passion for adventure and exploration to our Extended Day Program, having spent a decade in camp and outdoor education. Todd has worked at Camp North Star, Mountain Camp, the Pali Institute, and the Cal-Wood Education Center. With a Journalism degree from Emerson College, Todd’s life outside CDS now includes a specialized focus in rope access. His rope access work has taken him to incredible heights, from the tops of wind turbines to the roof of the Chase Center and even the iconic Salesforce Tower! When he’s not working with students or on high-rise structures, Todd enjoys hiking, climbing, road trips up the coast, and cozy movie nights at home with his cat, Monty.
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  Vasudha Narasimha 

  Early Childhood Program Counselor

  Bio

  Vasudha Narasimha became our Early Childhood Program Mental Health and Well-Being Counselor in 2023. She joined CDS with thirteen years of experience working with young children and their families in the mental health field. She is currently on the UC Davis-Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship faculty. She is also the Co-Founder of Dear Families, an organization that supports mental health and emotional wellness of families from prenatal through age 5, utilizing science-based information. Vasudha earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Cognitive Science and Dance (Provost Honors) from the University of California, San Diego. Her Master of Social Work with a concentration in mental health (Dean’s Scholar) is from University of Southern California.
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  Sharon Ng 

  Director of Community Engagement

  Bio

  Sharon Ng joined CDS in 2023 as our Director of Community Engagement. Sharon is known for her innovative and culturally centered auxiliary programs, ranging from children’s foreign language classes and activist girls’ maker camps to place-based service-learning programs that educate children to be compassionate, curious, and courageous young citizens who take action for social good. She possesses a Master's in Public Administration from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia, and she spent  four years as the Director of Special Programs at The San Francisco School.
  
  

  In her free time, Sharon enjoys working in her community garden and hiking daily with her mini poodle Qiqi (Mandarin for "energy"). She is an avid reader and an Adrienne Maree Brown enthusiast. She hails from Vancouver, Canada, and loves to open-water swim all year round; you can find her at China Beach on Sunday mornings. She loves traveling with her family internationally - she can be found with her two daughters on the hunt for delicious local street eats and global handcraft markets, whatever destination she visits here and abroad.
   
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  Paola Nou 

  5th/6th Grade Spanish Teacher

  Bio

  Paola Nou, Fifth & Sixth Grade Spanish Teacher, joined CDS in 2017 after teaching Spanish for 12 years at Presidio Hill School. She has taught middle school Spanish at Live Oak School (middle school), Greenwood School in Mill Valley (grades K-8), and Gateway High School. She also has served as a Spanish-language crisis line volunteer at Casa de las Madres, a nonprofit organization providing support and services to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Paola holds a master's degree from the National University of Córdoba, Argentina and is trained in Developmental Designs.
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  Kerri O'Malley 

  Director of Marketing & Communications

  Bio

  Kerri O'Malley joined CDS in 2024. Prior to CDS, Kerri was the Director of Marketing & Communications at The Willow School in New Jersey. While at Willow, Kerri worked with a team to lead a rebranding of the school, launch its first-ever digital marketing campaign, and redesign its website, helping more families discover the progressive, preschool-grade 8 independent school. She also enjoyed working with students, chairing the student-led yearbook committee, acting as a middle school advisor, teaching a music history elective, and partnering with the alumni society coordinator. When Kerri moved to the Bay Area in 2022, she searched for a school whose mission and community would be just as inspirational and was elated to discover CDS. Outside of school, Kerri is a passionate community radio DJ and music lover who broadcasts back east and volunteers for BFF.fm locally. Kerri earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual & Critical Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
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  Robin Ostenfeld Adams 

  MS Food & Agricultural Science Teacher

  Bio

  Robin Ostenfeld Adams, Food and Agricultural Science Teacher, joined CDS in 2015 with more than ten years of experience teaching in inquiry-based and materials-driven environments. Previously, Robin has served as a fourth and fifth grade science teacher, service learning coordinator, and an adjunct professor. In addition, Robin was an instructor for several summers in the cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica, working with K-8 teachers from Bank Street College of Education in an immersion program that focused on science education and sustainable communities. An east coast transplant, Robin earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Fordham University and a master's degree in museum education from Bank Street College of Education. Away from school, Robin enjoys gardening, cooking, yoga, surfing, and hiking with her dog, Olivia.
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  Gretchen Ott 

  Preschool Teacher

  Bio

  Gretchen Ott worked on the CDS preschool team from 2001-2019 and returned to the school in 2022. She received her BA in child development from California State University, Humboldt. Gretchen has been a presenter at the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Regional Conference and in 2011 authored an article for the CAIS quarterly publication on using online blogging as a communication tool to make preschool learning visible to parents. Gretchen is certified in the Project Approach, a teaching approach where teachers guide students through in-depth studies of real-world topics, and is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.
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  Darryl Owens 

  5th Grade Humanities Teacher

  Bio

  Darryl Owens, Fifth Grade Humanities Teacher, joined us in 2017 as a fourth grade teacher and moved to the middle school team five years later. Darryl came to CDS from Presidio Hill School, where she was the maternity leave substitute in fifth grade for over a year. Prior thereto, she taught fourth and fifth grade for four years at the Kennington Junior Academy in England, and previously was a summer volunteer teacher with Art in Tanzania, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that promotes the development of vulnerable communities in Tanzania through education, arts and health and environmental programs. Darryl holds a bachelor's degree and Qualified Teacher Status in primary education from Canterbury Christ Church University in England. She is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.
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  Alicia Perdue 

  Kindergarten Teacher

  Bio

  Alicia Perdue, Kindergarten Teacher, has been teaching at CDS since 1997. Alicia earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. She has a child development master teacher permit with the State of California, is certified in the Project Approach, trained in the Responsive Classroom, and in 2004 served as the early childhood representative for the California Association of Independent Schools Northern Professional Services Committee. In 2020, Alicia received a certificate in Early Education Leadership through the Zaentz Professional Learning Academy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
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  Laura Picciarelli 

  601 Receptionist

  Bio

  Laura Picciarelli, 601 Receptionist, joined CDS in September 2016. Originally from Georgia, Laura graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. In 2013, she moved to San Francisco with her husband and her dog Teddy. Laura enjoys playing softball, taking her dog on long walks around San Francisco, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
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  Luisa Pinto 

  Kindergarten Teacher

  Bio

  Luisa Pinto, Kindergarten Teacher, came to CDS in 2008 after teaching kindergarten, first, and second grades at Ring Mountain Day School in Mill Valley. She previously taught elementary school at The Nueva School in Hillsborough. Luisa has a master's degree in early childhood education and a multiple subject teaching credential with a focus on early childhood education from Mills College, and holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State University. She is fluent in Portuguese and enjoys yoga, traveling, cooking, and biking to the beach.
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  Sonia Pinto-Torres 

  LS Physical Education Teacher

  Bio

  Sonia Pinto-Torres joined the Lower School PE team in 2022 after serving for many years as our K-4 Spanish Teacher. She joined CDS from the Head-Royce School in Oakland and has extensive experience teaching elementary, middle school, and high school Spanish. A native Spanish speaker, she has a master's degree in biology from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in biology from Oberlin College.
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  Antonio Quadra 

  2nd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Antonio Quadra joined the CDS second grade team in 2024. Antonio has spent the past three years as a lower school teacher at Redwood Day School in Oakland, where he also served as a math tutor and soccer coach. Antonio has also worked as a STEAM teacher for Aim High, and he holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Occidental College as well as a master's in education from Holy Names University in partnership with BATTI. 
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  Sadie Renjilian 

  3rd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Sadie Renjilian joined our third grade team in 2021. She previously worked for three years as a teaching fellow at San Francisco Day School. In recent years, Sadie has also worked as a sixth grade math teacher at Aim High, an educator at Project Ember, and a one-on-one tutor for students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University, from which she holds a bachelor’s degree in history, and she earned her Masters of Education from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. Sadie is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. 
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  Amanda Richard 

  High School Transition Counselor

  Bio

  Amanda Richard, High School Transition Counselor, originally joined the CDS administration in 1993. Subsequently she worked in the CDS development office before joining the admission team in 2008. She added responsibilities as our High School Transition Coordinator in 2014 and began exclusively focusing on that position in 2019. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Boston University and loves to spend the summers in Hawaii, her childhood home. Amanda is the parent of CDS alumnae Marina (’10), Serena (’13) and Ciara (’15) Richard.
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  Serena Richard 

  Data & Systems Support Specialist

  Bio

  Serena Richard became our Data & Systems Support Specialist in 2022 after having previously worked for us as a substitute teacher, receptionist, and Assistant to the Middle School Director. A CDS graduate, she holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Willamette University. Before joining the CDS team, she worked in a realtor’s office and also served as an advancement database research assistant at Willamette.
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  Lori Roberts 

  MS Physical Education Teacher

  Bio

  Lori Roberts, Middle School Physical Education Teacher, joined CDS in 2015 after more than ten years at Beacon Day School in Oakland, where she taught physical education in kindergarten through eighth grade, coached after-school sports, and managed the after-school program for all grades. Lori holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.
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  Teresa Rodriguez 

  2nd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Teresa Rodriguez joined the CDS team in 2022. She has worked as an educator in the Bay Area for over 15 years, teaching in both public and private school settings. Most recently, she was a second and third grade teacher at Connect Community Charter School in Redwood City. Prior thereto, she taught the same two grades at Synergy School for more than a decade, and also served as a bilingual fourth and fifth grade teacher at Sanchez School. Given her extensive training in Making Math Real, a multisensory approach, Teresa has been an educational math tutor for students in grades 1-6. She is also trained in Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop, the Institute for Multisensory Education Orton-Gillingham approach, and the Six Seconds Model of Emotional Intelligence. Teresa has also served as a school design team member with the San Mateo Foster City School District as part of the Pedro Noguera Consulting team. 

   

  Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from UC-Berkeley and a Multi-subject BCLAD teaching credential from San Francisco State University. She is fluent in Spanish and is the former owner of a fitness studio.
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  Rhonda Ross 

  LS Head Physical Education Teacher

  Bio

  Rhonda Ross, Physical Education Teacher, joined us from St. Paul’s School in Oakland, where she taught P.E. for twelve years. She also served as a basketball and volleyball coach. Before St. Paul’s, she taught P.E. at Chinese American International School. She has a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport sciences with a specialty in exercise science from Colby-Sawyer College and a teaching credential (physical education) from California State University, Hayward.
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  Tzarina Saenz 

  Middle School Coach

  Bio

  Tzarina Saenz joined CDS in 2022 as a Middle School Coach. Her prior experience includes founding the

  Miramar Jets Peers & Players Society in San Diego, which specializes in community development among student athletes and peers. She also volunteered at AIM Sports Medicine in Hermosa Beach for the purpose of practicing soft tissue therapy, and at Gaspar Doctors of Physical Therapy in San Diego working with clients on rehabilitation services.

  Tzarina has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from San Francisco State University.
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  Veronica Saucedo 

  Extended Program Teacher

  Bio

  Veronica Saucedo joined our extended program team in 2021. They previously served as a community hub leader at the Richmond Neighborhood Center, where they provided full-day supervision and enrichment for elementary-aged students; prior thereto, they worked as a research assistant at the Native American Health Center in Oakland. Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in ethnic, gender, and labor studies from the University of Washington Tacoma and is working towards a degree in early childhood education from City College of San Francisco.
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  Anne Sculley 

  7th/8th Grade Science Teacher

  Bio

  Anne Sculley joined CDS in 2017 as our 7th/8th Grade Science Teacher. She has previously served as a middle school science teacher and department coordinator at St. Cecilia School, a 7th-12th grade science teacher at Waverley College in Sydney, Australia, and a science teacher and department head at St. Vincent’s College in the same city. Additionally, she has worked as a preschool teacher and fundraising chair at Miraloma Cooperative Public School, a teacher for English language learners at Transworld School, and a production executive in the film and television industry for more than a decade. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Canberra.
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  Jenny Seeds 

  1st Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Jenny Seeds joined the CDS first grade team in 2024. Jenny has nearly two decades of teaching experience spanning four different continents, having worked in England, India, Indonesia, and New Zealand, as well as the United States. She most recently co-founded and served as a lead teacher guide at The Farm School, a multi-age home/school located on a 234-acre farm in Moorpark. Jenny holds a bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University, as well as a master's in literacy learning from University College London.
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  Sam Sevett 

  Innovation Lab Teacher

  Bio

  Sam Sevett began working in the CDS Innovation Lab in 2016. Previously, Sam was a teaching assistant for two years at Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, where he worked with elementary and middle school students in programming, 3D modeling, computer simulations, and other STEM learning. His pedagogical approach emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning as a vehicle for students to practice important real-world skills like collaboration, planning, and perseverance. Sam holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a master's degree in Education from the University of the Pacific.
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  Hannah Tacke 

  Fourth Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Hannah Tacké joined the Fourth Grade team in 2023. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credentials and Masters in Education in 2018. Afterwards, she participated in the Associate Teacher Program at Stuart Hall for Boys, then moved to San Jose to teach Fourth and Fifth grades at Discovery Charter School.
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  Tanner Taylor 

  Extended Program Director

  Bio

  Tanner Taylor joined CDS in 2023 as our Extended Program Director. He is experienced in both administrative and student-facing positions, having served as the Assistant Director of Advancement for Extended Programs at Phillips Brooks School for four years and a second grade associate teacher at the same institution for another two years. Tanner holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and at-risk youth care from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
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  Elsa Townsend 

  ECP & LS Library Specialist

  Bio

  Elsa Townsend joined CDS as our Librarian in 2005. Previously, Elsa was the head librarian at Sherman Elementary School for five years. Elsa volunteers in various organizations, serving on the board of directors of Blind San Franciscans, Inc. and The Welcome Ministry, non-profits providing services for blind and homeless people, respectively. She has a bachelor's degree in French language and literature from Goucher College. Elsa enjoys singing, gardening, reading, and cycling.
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  Ryan Trutner 

  7th/8th Grade Math Teacher

  Bio

  Ryan Trutner joined CDS in 2016 as our Seventh & Eighth Grade Math Teacher. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon, and prior to joining CDS he taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math at the Hillcrest School in the East Bay. In his first year at CDS, Ryan was instrumental in creating math and statistics clubs designed to provide extracurricular challenges to students. He is a former semi-professional soccer player and has played semi-pro soccer in Spain.
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  Cassia Ureta 

  Full-Time Substitute Teacher

  Bio

  Cassia Ureta joined CDS as a full-time substitute teacher in 2024. Prior to CDS, Cassia was a Power Scholars Academy assistant teacher at the YMCA of San Francisco, a substitute teacher in the Jefferson Elementary School District, and a program coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of North San Mateo County. Cassia earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, with a minor in race and resistance studies, from San Francisco State University. 
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  Madelyn Vilhauer 

  Annual Fund & Events Manager

  Bio

  Maddie Vilhauer joined CDS as our new Annual Fund & Events Manager. She previously worked in development at Horizons at San Francisco Friends School, and as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Global Glimpse. Having begun her career in Washington D.C. before relocating to the Bay Area, she has extensive experience in fundraising, event production, and development.
  Maddie is a Cum Laude graduate of The George Washington University.
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  Lexi Villasana 

  601 Afternoon Receptionist

  Bio

  Lexi Villasana joined CDS in 2018 as our 601 Dolores Afternoon Receptionist. A graduate of California College of the Arts with a bachelor's degree in illustration, she also works as a freelance creator of illustrations, paper goods, and window displays. Before coming to CDS, she worked as a buyer and sales associate at the San Francisco shops Rare Device and Foggy Notion.
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  Divya Vyas 

  Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

  Bio

  Divya Vyas, Transitional Kindergarten Teacher, joined CDS in 2014 with more than ten years of experience in curriculum planning, classroom teaching, and documentation of different early childhood settings. Divya earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and child care from SNDT University, Mumbai, India, a master's degree in English literature from JNV University, and a master’s degree in early childhood education from San Francisco State University.
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  Christopher Wachsmith 

  Middle School Director

  Bio

  Christopher Wachsmith became our Middle School Director in 2021. Prior to joining CDS in 2015 as a Seventh Grade Humanities Teacher, Christopher was a language arts and math teacher at St. John School in San Francisco. He also has teaching experience abroad, having worked as an English as a Second Language Instructor for high school-aged students in Pokhara, Nepal. Christopher earned a master's degree in teaching from the University of San Francisco and also holds bachelor’s degrees from San Francisco State University in psychology (child development) and literature. In 2018, he received the first annual Molly Huffman Award for Teaching Excellence as the teacher whose work best exemplifies the core educational values of CDS: engaging students in critical and creative thinking, inspiring the joy of learning, challenging and inspiring students to do their best work, exhibiting high personal and professional standards, and engaging actively in professional development.
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  Ali Walker 

  Chief of Staff

  Bio

  Ali Walker joined the CDS team in 2023 as our Chief of Staff. She had previously served as a marketing coordinator and internal operations manager for Whisper.ai, and before that she was a school programs interpreter and education specialist at the Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside. Ali has also worked as a freelance illustrator, a volunteer field trip interpreter at the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Vice President of the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Stanford and is working on a master’s in illustration from Academy of Art University.
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  Katherine Washington 

  3rd Grade Teacher

  Bio

  Kay Washington, Second Grade Teacher, joined CDS in 2011. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature and child development from Mills College, as well as a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific. Kay also has experience working in the elementary grades in the Oakland Unified School District. She is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies, and is fluent in Spanish.
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  Afandie Winter 

  Director of Technology

  Bio

  Afandie Winter began his journey at CDS as the Technology & Network Support Specialist in 2021 and quickly showcased his dedication and expertise. By early 2022, Afandie assumed the role of IT Manager, a testament to his leadership skills and technical acumen. CDS recognized Afandie's continued passion and upward trajectory, culminating in his position of Director of Technology later in 2022. Born and raised in Singapore before moving to San Francisco in 2005, Afandie is passionate about food and is always exploring new cuisines. Outside of work, Afandie is an avid record collector of 60s-early 70s Jamaican music and DJs his record collection monthly at an all-ages event.
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  Laura Wolfram 

  6th Grade Humanities Teacher

  Bio

  Laura Wolfram, who became our Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher in 2021, first joined CDS in 2015 as our Learning Resources and Middle School Curriculum Coordinator. Previously, Laura taught at Town School for Boys, where she was the Inquiry Project Coordinator for the school's eighth grade cross-curricular course, a seventh and eighth grade English teacher, and the school’s Directory of Library Services. Her prior teaching experience includes positions at The Marymount School and Horace Mann School in New York City. Laura earned her bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College, her master's degree in art history from the Institute of Fine Arts in New York City and an M.L.S. from Queens College, City University of New York.