STAFF RESOURCES

Staff & Faculty Working at SFS Professional Development SFS Staff Tools

ADMINISTRATION

Steve Morris, Head of School
BA, The College of Wooster, English
MA, Stanford University, Education Administration
The faculty and staff inspire me on a daily basis.  Their commitment to their profession is undying—they are consistently working to become better teachers.  They strive to keep their curriculum fresh by investigating the latest educational trends and spending time in various professional development workshops.  Their dedication to serving a broad spectrum of students truly makes them master teachers.  I was attracted to SFS because I felt “safe” from the moment I stepped on to the SFS campus.  I immediately knew that this School was a place that allowed individuals to “bring their whole self” to the community. smorris@sfschool.org

Julie Galles, Assistant Head of School, Middle School
BS, Stanford, Biology
MA, Stanford, Education
CA Credential, Life Sciences
I love middle school students and I love working with middle school teachers. There are wonderful dichotomies at the middle level: innocence and sophistication, earnestness and goofiness, aloofness and the ability to become totally absorbed. I was drawn to SFS’s educational philosophy: academics and creative excellence in the progressive tradition with an emphasis on not just the whole child, but the whole family and whole community. jgalles@sfschool.org

Maggie Weis, Assistant Head of School, Lower School
BS, Adelphi University, Physical Education
After working in business for a few years, I felt a calling to work in a community filled with social interaction and committed goals.  The School’s values truly matched 19 years ago, and they continue to match my personal and professional values today.  What sustain me are the questions that arise in the community and how sincerely The School seeks to find answers that both serve and fulfill the mission statement.  mweis@sfschool.org

Paloma Herman, Co-Director of Admission & Director of High School Guidance
BA, Brown University, Education Studies
I was surprised to discover how true the information I read about The San Francisco School was compared to the reality of daily life here -- teachers really do create, shape, re-shape, and collaborate regularly and students really do ask great questions, make connections, and appreciate learning through doing. pherman@sfschool.org

Steve Rubin, Director of Technology
Brooklyn College, Liberal Arts
I love that people at SFS are always open to trying new things.  This has given me great freedom to bring new technologies to The School.  Both staff and parents are so positive, I love The School and the sense of community. srubin@sfschool.org

Cindy Woo, Director of Finance and Operations
BA University of California, San Diego, Communications
MPH, University of Michigan, Health Education
University of Southern California, Certificate in Business Administration
I first looked at the school through the lens of a prospective parent. Through that lens both the educational program and school community stood out. I look forward to working with the entire school community in my professional role and as a parent. cwoo@sfschool.org


Nina Wang, Co-Director of Admission
BA University of California, Berkeley, Mass Communications
Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University
What inspires me most is The San Francisco School’s genuine commitment to diversity. This commitment is not only seen, but also felt through the culture of the school.  All children are deserving of a good education.  Being the product of immigrants, my personal mission is to make this type of education accessible to all types of families. nwang@sfschool.org

TEACHING FACULTY

Josefina Bolton, Middle School Spanish Teacher
BA, University of Puerto Rico, Elementary Education
I am inspired by the wonderful sense of community, work ethic, diversity and social justice that is seen throughout The School. jbolton@sfschool.org

Andrea Burgasser, 4th and 2nd Grade Teaching Intern
BS, UC Davis, International Agricultural Development
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, SFSU / BATTI - in progress
One of the aspects of the SFS culture that inspires me is it’s dedication to diversity. It is wonderful to be part of a community that models and embraces all of our individual differences and fosters a sense of inclusion, understanding and mutual respect in it’s students. aburgasser@sfschool.org

Laura Burges, 3rd Grade Teacher
BA, San Francisco State
San Francisco State, Speech and DramaTeaching Credential
I love The San Francisco School’s diverse student and teacher population and the feeling that it is a lively, creative place for children to learn and grow together. lburges@sfschool.or

Rebekah Cantor, 1st Grade Teaching Intern
BA, Marlboro College, Art History
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, SFSU / BATTI - in progress
I love the supportive and collaborative nature of The SFS community. rcantor@sfschool.org


Ruth Cardillo,Middle School Art Teacher
BA, SUNY, Albany, English & Art
BFA, California College of Arts, Painting & Illustration
I think the most inspiring part for me is the creativity energy that I experience here. The rest of the world doesn’t embrace, or attract the quality and commitment to creative activities at the same level that The San Francisco School Community does and for me this is inspiring simply to be around. When I think about the word passion I think of in both small joyful moments and large expressions of potential. What I am most passionate about is the process with the kids. I love the small moments of connection, the little break throughs and the heartfelt successes that teaching art gives me and the students. As this relates to teaching at The San Francisco School specifically, is that, I have freedom here, as a teacher, to nurture passionate moments and participate in the larger community expressions of passion and commitment in meaningful ways. rcardillo@sfschool.org


Liz Curley, 2nd Grade Resource & Assistant Teacher; 5th Grade Co-Teacher
BA, Michigan State University, Psychology & International Studies
MS, Mercy University, Elementary Education & Special Education
SFS understands that a child's social and emotional well-being is a crucial part of a child's development and impacts all aspects of learning. This inspires me to think critically about my students' responses to all academic and social situations. lcurley@sfschool.org

Madeleine Day, 2nd Grade Teacher
BA, University of Iowa, Spanish and Global Studies
MA, Indiana University, Language Education
MA, Indiana University, Elementary Curriculum
The San Francisco School really allows me to be present with the kids I teach - which is great.  There is something different here; a trust and a culture that makes me want to be here in this community.  mday@sfschool.org


Solveig Dimon, Librarian/Garden Staff
UC Berkeley: Undergraduate Degree in Botany
San Francisco State University: California Teaching Credential
San Jose State University: Masters in Library Science
The aspect of SFS’s culture that inspires me every day is the community. We encourage each faculty member and child to develop according to his or her passions and strengths. We treasure our human diversity.What attracted me to the SFS and has kept me here for twenty years is the feeling that the values of the school are the actual core and heart of the place. As teachers we strive to figure out how human beings learn. The school is a lively, fun place to be: art work and student projects color the walls, music and the smells of lunch cooking fill the halls and the kids and teachers are perfectly at home, here. sdimon@sfschool.org

Melissa Doezema, 6th Grade Math and Science Teacher
BS, Michigan State University, Mechanical Engineering
I am motivated by seeing kids light up when they figure out the solution to a problem they have grappled with.  It is great to inspire kids to love learning and be in a school community that is so accepting of the diversity of students, families and staff. mdoezema@sfschool.org

Stewart Dorsey, Preschool and Middle School Spanish Teacher
BA, Stanford University, Spanish and Philosophy
MA, Klingenstein Center - Teachers College Columbia University, School Leadership
When I first came to campus, I could see the school's mission vividly reflected in its students. The children here are curious, passionate, diverse, kind, and dynamic. The opportunity to work with these students and help them grow is energizing. sdorsey@sfschool.org

Dolores Elkin, North Class Preschool Head Teacher
BS, SUNY, Art Education
MS, Bank Street, Early Childhood Education
Montessori Teacher Education Center, San Leandro
I am most passionate about loving to work with children. I think SFS allows me as an educator to guide children forward with the whole child being respected and educated; the mind, the body and the spirit. I find that everyone I work with at SFS truly cares about education and every child here. delkin@sfschool.org


Tiffany Fong, Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
BA, University of New Orleans, Communications
Master in Sports Management, University of San Francisco
SFS has achieved many accolades as an academic institution and I see great potential for growth and expansion in the athletics area.  I work in education because it is so great to see a child grow and learn by putting forth effort. tfong@sfschool.org

Harald Fröhlich, South Class Prechool Head Teacher, Summer Program Director
Certified Kindergarten Teacher, Academy for Social Pedagogy, Nuremberg Germany
AMS Certified Montessori Teacher, Montessori Education Center, San Leandro, CA
What I most treasure about The San Francisco School is the strong sense of community and mutual respect toward one another. It is great to have a place where we celebrate the humanitarian promise of each student and guide the students towards respectful and peaceful resolutions to conflicts. hfrohlich@sfschool.org

Doug Goodkin, Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Music Teacher
BA, Antioch College
Orff Schulwerk Certification, University of California, Santa Cruz
I hope to help children play, sing and dance their way into understanding and community celebration—a song for every occasion, every occasion worthy of a song.  I have loved being in a place where the teachers have been free to define and create their own vision, both individually and collectively. We have had the opportunity to “be the change we want to see in this world.” (Gandhi). dgoodkin@sfschool.org

Karen Goodkin, Elementary Art Teacher
BFA, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Masters in Education, Leslie University
I love that I can teach material that is current and exciting and I have the freedom to change my curriculum.  SFS is unclassifiable and unique with creative thinking going on among the children and adults. kgoodkin@sfschool.org

Peter Grandquist, 3rd Grade Intern
BA, Bates College, Music
I moved to San Francisco from New England and was lucky to find SFS.  It feels very much like the school I grew up attending.  I love the close-knit environment here and the generosity of all of the staff. pgrandquist@sfschool.org

James Harding, Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Music Teacher
BS, Yale University, Biology
Orff Schulwerk Certification, University of California, Santa Cruz
I saw a music class here back in 1989 - two groups of 2nd graders making up dances to a simple folk tune. I was delighted to see the children working together with such joyful intelligence. It was clear to me that they were having fun but also taking the process of creating seriously. This describes the students I work with at The San Francisco School today. jharding@sfschool.org


Francisco Hernandez, 5th Grade Teacher
BS, University of California, Davis, Environmental Biology and Management
Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University
There is a culture of adventurous learning which students catch on to quickly.  It allows me to tell my students, “get a clipboard and magnifying lens, then follow me.”  I am encouraged and supported to bring my passion into the classroom.  By teaching in my strengths, I can engage and inspire students to bring their own passion into learning. fhernandez@sfschool.org

Melissa Holman, 4th Grade Teacher
BA, Tufts University, Drama & English
MA Tufts University, Education & Child Development
Each day as I walk through the front gates, I find myself inspired by SFS in new and different ways - from the school's strong commitment to both academics and the arts, to the importance placed on children's social and emotional development, to the collaboration between faculty, administration, and families that models the real definition of the word "community" - all of this and more makes me grateful to be part of the San Francisco School!  mholman@sfschool.org

Kai King, 7th/ 8th Grade Mathematics Teacher
University of California, San Diego, Mechanical Engineering
BS, Cal State University East Bay, Applied Mathematics
I am inspired by the strength of the SFS community. It is obvious that students love SFS and see the community as extended family. There is a special moment in teaching where a student suddenly understands material they have been struggling with. These 'Ah-Ha' moments can be miraculous in a students life as teachers we get to help cultivate, witness and celebrate these great events. kking@sfschool.org

Helen Mae Lee, Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher
BA, San Francisco State University, Physical Education
Teaching Credential and Child Development Program Permit, San Francisco State University
The school is a warm and loving environment for children to learn. It challenges and encourages children to grow as creative individuals as well and it promotes diversity in the community. I work in education because I have always loved teaching and working with young children. It’s wonderful to be a part of their education. Their curiosity to learn and to explore is endless. They’re our future hopefuls and leaders! hlee@sfschool.org

Erika Liedtke, 6th Grade Humanities Teacher
BA, San Francisco State University, Liberal Studies
Reading Specialist Credential, San Francisco State UniversityAs a teacher, I love shaping writers – working with students to express themselves through writing in any given situation.  What led me to be a teacher were my own parents who were both teachers and I started teaching my friends when I was in 2nd grade using leftover ditto sheets. eliedtke@sfschool.org

Sofia Lopez-Ibor Alino, Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Music Teacher
Music Pedagogy, Royal Conservatory of Music, Madrid
Music & Dance Education, Orff Institute, Salzburg
Music is the heart of The San Francisco School community. All children participate in the program, sing, dance and play.  I work in music education because I am more interested in the process of making music than in being a performer only working on the final product.  I became a teacher becausewhile growing up in Spain, I was a student at a school that had an Orff program and every day after school, I went home thinking I wanted to be a music teacher. slopezibor@sfschool.org

Linda Louie, North Class Preschool Teacher
BA, San Francisco State University
Montessori Certificate, Montessori Teacher Educational Center – San Francisco
I feel the families and staff are working toward the same goal and that is inspiring.  Also, I feel supported in my learning at The School. llouie@sfschool.org

Nancy McCallister, Learning Specialist
BS, University of Oregon, Political Science
MIM, American Graduate School of International Management
MA, San Francisco State University, Special Education
I believe that all children deserve the right to learn in an environment that promotes self-esteem and self-advocacy, as well as independent, creative and critical thinking. After 20 years as a high technology marketing professional, I was looking for a career change that provided me an opportunity to contribute to my community in a more meaningful way. It was serendipitous that at the same time, my son was identified with learning differences. His challenges and successes inspired me to pursue a career as a learning specialist. nmccallister@sfschool.org


Rachel Mulry, 2nd Grade Teacher
BA, Evergreen State College, Language & Literacy Acquisition
CA Teaching Credential, Currently enrolled in San Francisco State University/Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI)
Responsive Classroom InstituteIn the classroom, I am passionate about creating a caring community where all students feel safe and respected. Given that children spend a significant portion of their day at school, it is important that they feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in the classroom. This is essential in order for students to be able to take the risks required for real learning. rmulry@sfschool.org


Vahlee Peters, North Class Preschool Head Teacher
BA, Social Pedagogy, University of Berlin
MA, Educational Administration, San Francisco State University
Montessori Certificate, Pacific Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Berkeley
Multiple Subject Credential, San Francisco State University
I am drawn to The School’s diversity and willingness to engage in courageous conversations. Also, I am passionate about the team teaching, the constant striving to improve curriculum and the student learning experience. vpeters@sfschool.org

Annalise Porras, Middle School Spanish Teacher
BA, Social Work, Spanish, Western Washington University
MA, International & Multicultural Education, University of San Francisco
I work in education because I truly believe that the world can change through the transformation of ideas and new experiences, and that every child has the potential to succeed. Being raised in a bilingual family, I developed a passion for languages and traveling from a young age. I am inspired to bring that sense of curiosity into the classroom with the hope that the students will also become inspired to explore the world with open minds. aporras@sfschool.org

Nova Ray '93, North Class Preschool Teacher
BA, Fine Art, minor Education, University of California Santa Cruz
Early Childhood Education, City College of San Francisco & Santa Monica
I am an alumni of the school, class of '93. A huge part of why I became a preschool teacher was because of my experience primariliy with art & music at The SF School. I stay because children thrive here. nray@sfschool.org

Elana Romero, South Class Preschool Head Teacher
AA, CCSF, Early Childhood Education
BA, UC Berkeley, Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration on Child Development
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, SFSU / BATTI - in progress
I am currently pursuing my American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential. I love learning and am committed to lifelong learning. I am a passionate educator and can’t imagine a more personally challenging or fulfilling profession. Teaching is a reciprocal relationship between “teacher” and “student” in which the roles are interchangeable. All I’ll ever need to know, I’ll learn from teaching Kindergarten! The most significant aspect of The San Francisco School’s culture is that we are a community. We are a community of people: teachers, parents, and children committed to one another. In this sometimes crazy world, The San Francisco School has provided many with a renewed sense of hope and promise for all humankind.  eromero@sfschool.org


Tiphani Russell, Preschool Art Teacher and Assistant Teacher
BFA, Rochester Institute of Teachnology (RIT), Visual Media
California Site Supervisor Permit
I was attracted to The San Francisco School because of the amount of time that the students spend outside learning, playing and growing within nature...it's a unique quality that first showed me that SFS is a special place that I wanted to be a part of. tmrussell@sfschool.org

Toni Russell, Preschool & Elementary Physical Education Teacher
BA, University of San Francsico, Psychology & Sociology
Early Childhood Certificate, Skyline College
The most significant aspect of SFS's culture that inspires me is the countless learning opportunities that the staff and students provide for one another. The students are exposed to so many different subjects, experiences and opportunities to be comfortable in a safe, diverse learning community. trussell@sfschool.org

Andy Schine, 7th Grade Language Arts
BA, University of Vermont, LiteratureTeaching Credential, San Francisco State University
There’s magic beyond the gate at SFS.  The tangible and intangible elements of this magical community astound me every day.  I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work in a field where I can help children determine how they will move through the world.  In doing so, I learn how to move through the world as well.  aschine@sfschool.org

Eugene Stampley, Jr., 7th/ 8th Grade Science Teacher
BS, Eureka College, Biology & Chemistry
Illinois State University, Graduate Courses in Biological Sciences
DePaul University, Graduate Courses in Curriculum & Instruction
300 Gaven Street...The San Francisco School...a place where students inspire faculty...faculty inspire students...faculty inspire and support faculty... and where parents, students and faculty work as a TEAM to guide students in finding their passions in life…my passion of teaching has been rekindled at this magical place and I wonder why it took so long for me to find a place where passionate, engaged learning is the NORM! estampley@sfschool.org

Molly Treadway '99, 1st Grade Teacher
BA, Smith College, Psychology
MA, Smith College, Elementary Education
Teaching Credential, Smith College
For me, to teach at The San Francisco School is an honor. As an alumna of the school, I feel privileged to share with a new generation of students the joy and wonder of learning that I experienced as a child. I am inspired by the school's ability to nurture students who thrive academically, but who also develop into joyful, creative and playful thinkers. The school creates a community committed to a shared set of values - children and adults who work to treat each other and the world with respect and intelligence. mtreadway@sfschool.org

Elyse Wolland, Learning Specialist
BA, Dartmouth College, Religion
Teaching Credential, Dartmouth College
MA, San Francisco State University, Special Education
Resource Specialist and Educational Therapy Certificate, San Francisco State University
I am most passionate about connecting with, learning from, and teaching young people, especially when it comes to exploring learning differences and self-advocacy issues. SFS is an incredible place to create, learn, and grow as a child and as an adult. This vibrant community is filled with life-long learners and dedicated parents and teachers, of which I'm excited to be a part. ewolland@sfschool.org

Vivian Walz, After School Director
BA, San Francisco State University, Art
I am passionate about making connections between people and ideas and that is what called to me about teaching. I feel so fortunate as a parent and educator to be part of The San Francisco School community. vwalz@sfschool.org


Michelle Yi-Martin, 8th Grade Humanities Teacher
BA, Santa Clara, Classical Studies
MA, University of San Francisco, Teaching
Teaching Credential, University of San Francisco, English
I work in education because it is living creatively, and I was inspired to become a teacher because of my grandmother’s appreciation for teachers and school. myimartin@sfschool.org

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Patty Corwin, Food Service Co-Manager
I had a few years of my own baking business making French pastries and selling to restaurants before taking over the kitchen at The San Francisco School in the 1980’s. The people, staff, kids and the whole kitchen atmosphere attracted me to the school.  pcorwin@sfschool.org

Emily Garlock, Associate Director of Development
What I first remember about walking on campus was the energy and activity of the students.  It was so vibrant and interactive among students, staff and parents.  And I realized this would be a great place to continue the work I enjoy, which is organizing events. egarlock@sfschool.org

Sharon Jong, Receptionist
I like the strong sense of community and the commitment to the students and their families.  Also, it is great to work at a place where the staff works well together. sjong@sfschool.org

Jane Loeser, Food Service Co-Manager
Our school is a community.  This sounds hokey and overused, but it’s true.  Everyone needs another family – and SFS plays that role.  What first attracted me to the school was when I first saw SFS when babysitting my niece, Yakira, who was in 1st grade with Pamela, studying the dinosaur unit.  I fell in love.  That was 20 years ago!  jloeser@sfschool.org

Corrine Olague, Assistant to the Head of School
What attracted me to The School was the passion of the staff.  The teachers show our students dedication and commitment that is beyond just doing a job.  After 15+ years of working here, I can truly say I enjoy coming to 300 Gaven Street every day.  I am inspired by knowing that our graduates, including my two daughters, leave with knowledge ranging from critical thinking skills to the importance of caring for each other to acting on their beliefs. colague@sfschool.org

Carson Perez, Associate Director of Development, Campaign
SFS genuinely allows for a healthy equilibrium of community and self-reliance, discipline and creativity, tradition and progress—for students, faculty, and staff. I advocate, on behalf of the SFS community, because I believe that this is an extraordinary place that our city and world need. cperez@sfschool.org

Andrea Reed, Receptionist
I have been associated with The San Francisco School for over 20 years.  As the parent of three alumni, I have benefited from the opportunity to volunteer in various capacities every year.  I have three adult children living in different parts of the city. They all continue their commitment to The School through work, volunteerism, and strong community ties. areed@sfschool.org