Live Oak School Faculty at Staff

Kilalanin ang Aming Koponan

List of 88 members.

Edie Alejandre

Tagapamahala ng Operasyon
Bio
Si Edie Alejandre ay orihinal na mula sa Mexico ngunit nandayuhan sa San Francisco sa edad na 3 at nanirahan dito mula noon. Nakuha niya ang kanyang Bachelor's Degree sa political science mula sa San Francisco State University. Nagtrabaho si Edie sa industriya ng pahayagan sa loob ng 15 taon at binago ang mga landas sa karera upang magtrabaho sa administrasyon sa larangan ng edukasyon. Bago pumasok sa Live Oak, nagtrabaho siya ng pitong taon sa Marin Prep/SÍ School at pagkatapos ay Terra Marin School sa Mill Valley. Si Edie ay may asawa at may dalawang anak na lalaki. Ang kanyang mga paboritong aktibidad ay ang pagbabasa ng mga libro, pangingisda ng alimango, mga paglalakbay sa kalsada, at isang malaking tagahanga ng Disney. edie_alejandre@liveoaksf.org
Michelle Andelman

Guro sa Humanities sa Middle School
Bio
BFA, New York University; MA, New York University; MPhil, City University of New York

Michelle is excited for her fifth year at Live Oak for the 2023-24 school year. She enjoys teaching and learning alongside her seventh grade humanities students because of their readiness to discuss bigger ideas, while keeping it fun. Michelle previously taught high school English at The Harker School in San Jose, and also gained experience in university and early childhood classrooms.

Michelle’s professional development includes Teaching Foundations, Equity as Excellence, Building Better Brains: Academic Success Through Executive Functioning Skills, and The Institute for Social and Emotional Learning. Michelle majored in Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and worked in children’s/YA book publishing for a decade. A focus of her teaching is helping students to develop their voices and feel more confident in their self-expression. When not at school, Michelle can be found on the basketball court with her husband and son, a Live Oak student, or at one of San Francisco’s many independent bookstores. michelle_andelman@liveoaksf.org
Rafa Arms

Guro sa Kindergarten
Bio
BA, Tufts University

Rafa joined the kindergarten team in the fall of 2024 after spending the 2023-24 school year leading a Spanish-English fifth grade class at Bryant Elementary while earning his teaching credential through the SFUSD Pathway to Teaching Program. Rafa previously taught in the Design Lab for grades pre-K through fifth at American International School in Chennai, India and taught first and fourth grades as an associate teacher at Marin Country Day School. While in India, Rafa took part in a professional development with Adaptive Schools focusing on collaboration within professional teaching teams. He earned his BA in International Relations and Spanish from Tufts University, while also enjoying time studying abroad in Valparaiso, Chile. Rafa was born and raised in Berkeley, CA and enjoys backpacking, mountain/road biking, rock climbing, and playing tennis. He also loves photography and working in the darkroom at the Harvey Milk Photo Center near Duboce Park. rafa_arms@liveoaksf.org
Keren Bein

Guro sa Ikalawang Baitang
Bio
BA, Unibersidad ng California Santa Cruz; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, San Francisco State University

Sinimulan ni Keren ang kanyang karera sa pagtuturo bilang Reading Specialist para sa mga mag-aaral ng K-5 sa South San Francisco School District. Noong lumipat siya sa pagtuturo sa silid-aralan, sinunod niya ang kanyang hilig sa pagtuturo sa literacy na gumugol ng 10 taon sa pagtuturo sa unang baitang sa South San Francisco Unified School District. Bago ang pagtuturo sa silid-aralan, itinuro ni Keren ang edukasyong pangkalikasan sa mga mag-aaral ng K-5 sa Environmental Science Center sa San Francisco. Tumulong din si Keren sa nangungunang programa sa pag-aaral sa larangan ng kapaligiran sa antas ng kolehiyo sa pamamagitan ng Sierra Institute. Si Keren ay lumaki sa Bay Area, nag-aaral sa UC Santa Cruz para sa undergraduate na pag-aaral na may BA sa American Studies at isang diin sa lahi at etnisidad. Natanggap niya ang kanyang Multiple Subject Teaching Credential mula sa San Francisco State. Sa kanyang libreng oras, nasisiyahan si Keren sa pagtugtog ng musika, paggugol ng oras sa kanyang pamilya, at pag-explore sa lungsod. keren_bein@liveoaksf.org
Jackie Burgos

Guro sa Humanities sa Middle School
Bio
BA, San Francisco State; MA, UC Irvine

Jackie joined the Live Oak middle school faculty in the fall of 2024. She had previously spent two-and-a-half years teaching at the San Francisco Schoolhouse, splitting her time between fourth and fifth grade and serving as a lead middle school teacher. She also brings coaching experience as a freshman and JV head volleyball coach at University High School in 2021. Outside of education, Jackie worked on the Princess Cruises Youth Staff from 2019-2020, working in the youth center on Princess Cruise Ships and traveling around Mexico and the Southern Caribbean. She attended the People of Color Conference and took part in Responsive Classroom training in 2023. Jackie believes in cultivating a safe space in the classroom for academic and emotional growth, creating lifelong learners, and engaging in student-centered learning. Born and raised in Orange County, Jackie earned her BA in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State with an emphasis in Elementary Teacher Preparation and double minor in Music and Education before going on to earn a Master's in Teaching at UC Irvine in 2021. jackie_burgos@liveoaksf.org
Jeff Burnaugh

Guro sa Agham sa Middle School
Bio
BS, Colorado State University

Jeff came to Live Oak in the fall of 2023 to teach eighth grade science. He brings with him nearly two decades of teaching and administrative experience in grades 6 through 12. Over his career he has taught in Denver, Austin, and San Francisco. Jeff has also served in a range of roles that helped parents, teachers, and students to leverage technology to enrich learning. He has taken part in a range of professional development opportunities, including workshops and trainings with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Computer-Using Educators, International Society for Technology in Education, and Texas Teaching Fellows. Jeff's approach in the classroom is to help students learn how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and discover what learning strategies work best for them. Originally from Atlanta and raised in Knoxville, Jeff enjoys playing guitar, pool, mountain biking, and hiking. jeff_burnaugh@liveoaksf.org
Si Jenny Burns

Guro sa Ikalawang Baitang
Bio
BA, MA San Francisco State University; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, BATTI

Si Jenny ay ipinanganak at lumaki sa Bay Area at may higit sa isang dekada ng karanasan sa pagtatrabaho sa mga bata sa mga independiyenteng paaralan. Si Jenny ay nag-aral sa San Francisco State University kung saan nakuha niya ang kanyang undergraduate degree sa Psychology. Pagkatapos ay nakuha niya ang kanyang master's degree sa Education at kredensyal sa pagtuturo sa pamamagitan ng Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI) program habang nagtuturo sa Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew sa San Mateo. Naniniwala si Jenny sa diskarteng nakasentro sa mag-aaral sa pagtuturo at hinihikayat niya ang kanyang mga mag-aaral na pagmamay-ari ang kanilang pag-aaral. Sa kanyang libreng oras, nasisiyahan si Jenny sa mahabang paglalakad sa Golden Gate Park at paggugol ng oras kasama ang mga kaibigan at pamilya. jenny_burns@liveoaksf.org
Malika Carter

High School Guidance Counselor
Bio
B.A., Carleton College; Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Mills College; M.A. Educational Leadership, University of the Pacific

Malika has worked at Live Oak since 2006. She has been a lower and middle school teacher as well as a curriculum design specialist. Currently she is the high school placement counselor. malika_carter@liveoaksf.org
Neil Cashman

Middle School Science Teacher and Dean
Bio
BA, Unibersidad ng Oregon; MBA, Unibersidad ng Phoenix

Si Neil ay may labindalawang taong karanasan sa pagtatrabaho sa mga estudyante sa gitna at elementarya. Nagtrabaho siya sa Harbour MicroSchool, New Village School, at Town School for Boys. Siya ay may partikular na hilig para sa mga aralin na nakabatay sa proyekto sa matematika at agham at agad na naakit sa mataas na kalidad ng pakikipag-ugnayan ng mag-aaral sa kurikulum ng Live Oak. neil_cashman@liveoaksf.org
Minerva Cerón

Middle School Division Director
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MA, Unibersidad ng Pasipiko

Minerva is a native San Franciscan and loves everything this city has to offer. Minerva graduated from San Francisco State in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in French. She later joined the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI), where she received her teaching credential and Masters in Education. Her journey with Live Oak School began in 2013 as a lower school teacher assistant. She then taught second grade for five years and middle school humanities for three years. These experiences have shaped her educational philosophy and reinforced her belief in the importance of knowing her students well to teach them well. She has participated in a range of professional development experiences, including recently, Mastering Your Role as Middle School Dean of Students through Independent School Management (ISM) and Project Zero through the Harvard Graduate School of Education. When she's not busy with school life, Minerva loves to bake, go on walks, play the clarinet, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. minerva_ceron@liveoaksf.org
Myky Chau

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
Myky is one of the two Extended Day Program Leaders for the first-grade and second-grade combo groups. She is from San Jose and moved to San Francisco this year to pursue a Bachelor's in Animation at the Academy of Art University. Myky worked with K-8 students right out of high school as a YMCA afterschool leader and YMCA summer camp counselor. myky_chau@liveoaksf.org
Mary Ann Chin Ng

Direktor ng Mga Serbisyo sa Pag-aaral
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MA, San Francisco State University

Nakuha ni Mary Ann Chin Ng ang kanyang bachelor's degree mula sa San Francisco State University. Nagpatuloy siya sa pag-unawa sa mga pangangailangan sa pag-aaral ng mga bata sa pamamagitan ng pagkumpleto ng kanyang Master's degree sa Special Education. Siya ay may hawak na mga kredensyal sa Elementarya at Espesyal na Edukasyon at may hawak na sertipiko sa Educational Therapy mula sa San Francisco State. Siya ay regular na dumalo sa Association of Educational Therapy at sa mga kumperensya at workshop ng International Dyslexia Association. Si Mary Ann ay dumalo rin sa programa ng pagsasanay ng guro na "School's Attuned" ni Mel Levine at isang kalahok sa Teacher-Leader Program ng Bay Area Teacher Development Collaborative. Malayo sa paaralan, nasisiyahan si Mary Ann sa paglalakbay, pagniniting, beading, at paggawa sa mga proyekto sa sining at sining. Nagsimulang magtrabaho si Mary Ann sa Live Oak School noong 1978 bilang guro sa Ikatlo at Ikaapat na Baitang. Siya ang naging full-time learning specialist ng paaralan mula noong lumipat ito sa Mariposa campus noong 2001. maryann_chinng@liveoaksf.org
Vicki Cho

Guro sa Unang Baitang
Bio
BA, San Francisco State; MA, University of San Francisco

Vicki joined the Live Oak faculty in the fall of 2024. Her teaching career includes roles in first grade, fourth grade, and as an interventionist throughout different schools in San Francisco. Vicki has taken part in Applied Behavior Analysis training for autism. Live Oak stood out to her as a learning environment that is very student-centered, while allowing for a lot of creativity on her part with and for her students. Originally from Los Angeles, Vicki grew up in Koreatown and Glendale before moving to San Francisco for college. She earned her BA in Communications Studies from San Francisco State and her MA in Teaching from the University of San Francisco, while also earning her teaching credential at USF. Outside of school, Vicki loves crafting, camping, and cooking–but more importantly eating–and enjoys going to the park with her son. vicki_cho@liveoaksf.org
Camilo Coelho

Middle School Spanish Teacher and Dean
Bio
BA, Unibersidad ng Buenos Aires

Si Camilo Coelho ay ipinanganak at lumaki sa Buenos Aires, Argentina. Nakakuha siya ng Bachelor's degree sa Spanish mula sa University of Buenos Aires at isang ESL teaching diploma mula sa Instituto Lenguas Vivas. Nakatira siya sa Bay Area sa nakalipas na 16 na taon, kung saan nagturo siya ng Spanish at nag-coordinate ng mga programa sa sports at academic intervention para sa mga bilingual na estudyante sa elementarya. Siya ay naglakbay nang malawakan sa buong Timog at Gitnang Amerika, sa kanlurang Estados Unidos, French Polynesia, at Espanya. Ang hilig ni Camilo sa pag-aaral at pagpapahalaga sa mga katutubong wika at kultura ay nagbigay-daan sa kanya na magkaroon ng maraming kaibigan, maglaro ng hindi mabilang na mga laro ng soccer, at mag-surf sa ilang magagandang pahinga. Si Camilo ay kasalukuyang nagtuturo ng isang mapagkumpitensyang U12 boys' soccer team sa Mill Valley Soccer Club. camilo_coelho@liveoaksf.org
Josephine Corlett

Espesyalista sa Pag-aaral
Bio
BA, Wellesley College; MA, Unibersidad ng Pasipiko

Josephine taught second and third grade at Woodland School in Portola Valley for five years before coming to Live Oak in 2017. Prior to Woodland, she taught in the East Bay at Prospect Sierra School, Chabot Elementary School and The Berkeley School.

As of the summer of 2023, Josephine is completing a graduate program at Notre Dame de Namur University in Educational Therapy. This program focuses on teaching students who are neurodivergent. In addition, she completed the Orton-Gillingham Associate Level I Training Course in the summer of 2021, followed by the Orton-Gillingham Approach Basic Structured Literacy Training during the summer of 2022.

Josephine is a Bay Area native who grew up in Alameda. After graduating from Wellesley College with a focus in English and French, Josephine taught in after school programs and as an adult literacy teacher with AmeriCorps. This experience piqued Josephine’s interest in primary education, which was furthered by joining the Bay Area Teacher Training Initiative (BATTI) program. Alongside her classroom teaching and curriculum development work, Josephine is passionate about professional development as a lifelong learner. She loves to spend her free time reading, traveling, and cooking.
josephine_corlett@liveoaksf.org
Yoalli Correa

Guro sa Ikalawang Baitang
Bio
BA, Cal State Northridge

The 2024-25 school year marks Yoalli's first at Live Oak. She served as a kindergarten teacher for the previous four years at The Mission Preparatory School. She also taught at Children’s House Montessori and Stanley Mosk Elementary. Yoalli holds a BA in Child and Adolescent Development from Cal State Northridge. yoalli_correa@liveoaksf.org
Layla Degani

Library Assistant
Bio
BA, UC Santa Cruz

Layla joined the Live Oak staff in the fall of 2024 after working in public libraries since 2018, primarily in circulatory duties and as a bookseller for two years helping people find their next favorite book. Layla strives to encourage a safe space for individuals to journey into their interests, try things on, and discover things that make them feel seen. Born and raised in Ventura County, Layla has lived in Oakland since 2021. She earned her degree in Feminist Studies, Politics and History of Consciousness at UC Santa Cruz and is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science at San Jose State. Layla loves reading, playing games, and preparing and enjoying food with her loved ones. layla_degani@liveoaksf.org
Jean DeWitt

Guro sa Ikaapat na Baitang
Bio
BA, UC Berkeley

Si Jean ay ipinanganak sa California at ginugol ang halos buong buhay niya dito sa Bay Area. Si Jean ay may labing-isang taong karanasan sa pagtuturo sa mga setting ng pribado at pampublikong paaralan. Ginugol ni Jean ang nakalipas na limang taon bilang guro sa ikaapat na baitang sa The Academy sa Berkeley. Nakuha ni Jean ang kanyang BA mula sa UC Berkeley at nagtapos ng pag-aaral sa edukasyon sa parehong San Francisco State University at St. Mary's College. Nasasabik si Jean sa pagiging bahagi ng komunidad ng Live Oak at makilala ang mga mag-aaral at pamilya. Kapag wala sa paaralan, nasisiyahan si Jean sa pagbisita sa iba't ibang museo ng sining at sa maraming pagkakataong manood ng live na teatro sa Bay Area. Gustung-gusto niyang maglakad-lakad sa Berkeley Hills at gumugol ng oras kasama ang kanyang pamilya. jean_dewitt@liveoaksf.org
Wilbart "Wil" Dionisio

Guro ng Pisikal na Edukasyon
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University

Si Wil Dionisio ay mula sa Daly City, California, at nakakuha ng kanyang Bachelor's degree sa liberal na pag-aaral mula sa San Francisco State University. Nagtrabaho siya sa Live Oak sa loob ng 3 taon sa programa ng pinalawig na pangangalaga. Isa rin siyang assistant teacher sa San Francisco Schoolhouse. Minsan sa malapit na hinaharap, inaasahan ni Wil na makuha ang kanyang kredensyal sa pagtuturo. Sa kanyang libreng oras, nasisiyahan si Wil sa pag-rooting para sa lahat ng mga sports team ng Bay Area, pagdalo sa mga live na konsyerto, at paglalakbay. wil_dionisio@liveoaksf.org
Jordan Drosd

Guro sa Ikalimang Baitang
Bio
BA, University of California-Riverside; MA, Programa ng BATTI

Jordan grew up in San Francisco and counts herself lucky that she gets to share her love of San Francisco with her students everyday. Jordan joined Live Oak School in 2019 as a fourth grade teacher, and moved to the fifth grade team in 2021. She began her teaching career at St. Phillips Preschool in 2010. She then taught kindergarten, second, and fourth grade at The Hamlin School while she obtained her teaching credential and MA in Curriculum and Instruction through the BATTI program. She spent four years as a fourth grade teacher at the Spanish Infusion School (previously Marin Preparatory School).

In her free time, Jordan loves to eat interesting foods while traveling, explore her favorite city, and spend time with her very busy toddler and husband. También habla Español!
jordan_drosd@liveoaksf.org
Holly Dunn

Guro sa Ikatlong Baitang
Bio
BS, East Carolina University; M.Ed., Cambridge College; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo

Holly brings a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching to her role at Live Oak. With a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood and Family Relations from East Carolina University, and a Master’s in Education in Literacy from Cambridge College, Holly has been a dedicated teacher since 1997. Her teaching journey has spanned schools in Maryland and San Francisco before she became a member of the Live Oak community in 2002. Holly is not only an experienced educator but has always been committed to continuing her growth through professional development. She has led and participated in numerous workshops, covering diverse topics such as curriculum development, SEL, Differentiated Instruction, DEI, as well as focusing in on the core subjects like math, reading, writing, and science. Outside of the classroom, Holly enjoys reading, watching her son play sports, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her love for food, music, and meaningful connections enriches her approach to teaching. holly_dunn@liveoaksf.org
Annie Fleury

Guro sa Ikaapat na Baitang
Bio
BA, Fairleigh Dickinson University; MA, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Annie joined the fourth grade teaching team at Live Oak in the fall of 2024 after wrapping up a three-year stint teaching second grade at Stratford School. Annie started her teaching career at the Clarendon School in New Jersey and also served as a summer camp music teacher, specializing in teaching violin. Annie's teaching aspiration is to foster an environment where each student is valued and help students recognize and embrace their unique talents and strengths, nurturing the determination necessary to navigate challenges and realize their full potential. Born and raised in New York City, she moved to the Bay Area in 2021. Annie earned a BA in Humanities and an MA in Teaching with a focus on elementary education, both from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Away from school, Annie's passions include playing and listening to music, baking, animals, reading, running, finding new adventures and places to eat, and spending time with friends and family. annie_fleury@liveoaksf.org
Johnny Galang

Librarian
Bio
BA, Haverford College; MA Stanford University; MLIS San Jose State University; Mga Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo

Johnny Galang received a BA in East Asian Studies from Haverford College, completed an MA in Curriculum and Teacher Education at Stanford University, and, most recently, completed his MLIS and teacher-librarian credential at San Jose State University. Prior to becoming the librarian at Live Oak School, Johnny was a classroom teacher for sixteen years, mostly in first grade. He believes that books have the power to not only educate, but also help people develop empathy and understanding of others.

Johnny served for two years as the faculty coordinator for Live Oak’s Rainbow Kids, a social group for students with diverse gender identities. Beginning in the fall of 2023, he will also serve as a seventh grade advisor. When he is not cataloging, shelving, or recommending books, Johnny enjoys reading (of course), running, knitting, and playing video games.
johnny_galang@liveoaksf.org
Sofia Garcia Guzman

Extended Day Program Coordinator
Bio
Sofia was born and raised in San Francisco. After graduating high school, she started babysitting and discovered that she liked working with kids. Sofia currently attends San Francisco City College, and will transfer to San Francisco State University to obtain her Bachelor’s in communication science or psychology. Her favorite season is summer when she takes advantage of the heat to swim in rivers and lakes. Sofia also loves camping with her family and scouting out new swimming holes. In her free time, she likes to binge watch Friends and go to the beach to watch the sunset no matter how hot or cold it is. sofia_garcia@liveoaksf.org
Shannon Gomez

Guro sa Ikatlong Baitang
Bio
BS, Unibersidad ng California-Berkeley; MA University of Colorado-Denver

Nagtapos si Shannon Gomez sa University of California – Berkeley noong 2014 na may Education Minor at isang Interdisciplinary Studies Major sa Business and Psychology. Nakuha niya ang kanyang Masters in Education mula sa University of Colorado Denver na may konsentrasyon sa Curriculum and Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically and Diverse Learners. Nagtrabaho siya sa Colorado bilang isang tagapagturo at tagapagtaguyod ng patakaran sa Edukasyon sa loob ng 4 na taon. Pagkatapos bumalik sa Bay noong 2018, pinasimunuan niya ang programang STEAM sa Grattan Elementary. Si Shannon ay masigasig tungkol sa panlipunang hustisya, panlipunang emosyonal na pag-aaral, at paglikha ng mga inklusibong silid-aralan. Sa labas ng silid-aralan ay nag-e-enjoy siya sa surfing, backpacking, snowboarding, at pagluluto. shannon_gomez@liveoaksf.org
Halen Groce

Guro sa Ikaapat na Baitang
Bio
BA, Kennesaw State University; M.Ed., Kennesaw State University

Halen joined the Live Oak faculty for the 2024-25 school year. Born and raised in the Atlanta area, he has taught first grade, third grade, fifth grade, and STEM in Georgia and Tennessee. Throughout his career in education, Halen has found joy in honing his craft and establishing meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. He believes that children who are taught to view the world through a lens of empathy and open-mindedness, paired with the ability to inherently think critically and seek change, will become successful, global citizens of the future. Halen recently completed Orton-Gillingham training with Ron Yoshimoto. He earned a BS in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University followed by his M.Ed., also from Kennesaw State. In his spare time, Halen loves to travel with his partner, exercise, read, and play with his Golden Retriever named Governor (a.k.a. Govie). halen_groce@liveoaksf.org
Janeth Gutierrez Moreno

Receptionist
Bio
Janeth Gutierrez Moreno is a San Francisco Native of Mexican descent. She joined the front office staff at Live Oak in the spring of 2020. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her 12-year-old daughter. She enjoys reading, cooking and drinking coffee amongst other things in her spare time. janeth_gutierrezmoreno@liveoaksf.org
Francisca Guzman

Direktor ng Pagsulong
Bio
BA, Wellesley College

Si Francisca Guzman ay nagdadala ng higit sa sampung taong karanasan sa hindi pangkalakal na pag-unlad at mga komunikasyon. Bago sumali sa Live Oak, nagtrabaho siya bilang Associate Director sa Statewide Independent Living Council of TN at Development Director sa Disability Rights Tennessee. Si Francisca ay madamdamin tungkol sa kapangyarihan ng mga kuwento upang baguhin ang mga organisasyon at isulong ang katarungang panlipunan. Kapag wala sa trabaho, nasisiyahan siyang mag-yoga, mag-hiking, magbasa at magsulat, at mag-explore sa Bay Area. francisca_guzman@liveoaksf.org
Naomi Hamburger

Guro sa Ikalimang Baitang
Bio
BS, Unibersidad ng California, Davis; MA, Unibersidad ng California, Davis; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo

Si Naomi Hamburger ay nagtuturo sa elementarya mula noong 2004 at sa Live Oak mula noong 2009. Siya ay may hawak na Bachelor of Science degree sa International Agricultural Development at isang Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential, parehong mula sa UC Davis. Bumalik si Naomi sa UC Davis noong 2012 upang pag-aralan ang paglutas ng problema sa elementarya at natanggap ang kanyang MA sa Edukasyon. Kasama sa iba pang propesyonal na pag-unlad ang Project Zero ng Harvard Graduate School of Education, Math Camp sa Colombia University, Math Workshop sa Dana Hall, at Learning and the Brain's Neuroscience sa Silid-aralan. Kasama sa mga paboritong gawaing nauugnay sa edukasyon ni Naomi ang pagpaplano ng mga field trip at pagtatrabaho tungo sa katarungang panlipunan kasama ang kanyang mga mag-aaral. Sa labas ng paaralan, nasisiyahan si Naomi sa pagiging magulang, pagbabasa, yoga, at paggalugad ng kalikasan at kultura sa Bay Area. naomi_hamburger@liveoaksf.org
Yvonne Hendricks

Tagapayo sa Mababang Paaralan
Bio
BA, Ohio Wesleyan University; MA, California Institute of Integral Studies; LMFT

Yvonne Hendricks is a Hartford, CT native who loves New England sports–Go Pats! Yvonne holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Dance Theatre & African studies. She also holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. As of summer 2023, she is completing a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in children & adolescents.

A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Yvonne has worked in the therapy field for 10 years working with children and families. Yvonne also has a background in behavioral therapy working with children on the autism spectrum. In her free time you will find her listening and dancing to Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé. yvonne_hendricks@liveoaksf.org
Adam Hicks

Direktor ng Komunikasyon
Bio
BA, Saint Mary's College; M. Ed., Arizona State University

Adam grew up in the Seattle area and currently lives with his family in Novato. Prior to moving to the Bay Area, Adam lived in Phoenix, AZ where he started his career in education as a high school English teacher and baseball coach right after graduate school at Arizona State. He was propelled into the world of education to emulate the positive growth experiences that he enjoyed from great teachers and coaches growing up. Altogether, Adam taught high school English and Yearbook for 10 years in Marin County, Napa, Orinda, and Sonoma with a mix of experience between public and private schools. In between teaching stints, Adam served as a sports information director at the University of San Diego and the University of San Francisco for six years, feeding his passion for athletics, storytelling, and creativity. Outside of work, Adam loves exploring the outdoors with his wife and kids, Parker and Parisa, watching sports, playing and listening to music, and doing projects around the house. adam_hicks@liveoaksf.org
Maurice Hill

Direktor ng Pamamahala ng Pagpapatala at Pagtanggap
Bio
BA, Wesleyan University; MA, Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University

Maurice or "Mo" began his tenure with the Live Oak admissions office in July 2023. Mo comes to Live Oak from Cranbrook Schools outside of Detroit where he was most recently the Dean of Upper School Enrollment. His career has brought him to a variety of independent schools and higher ed institutions throughout the Midwest and East Coast, including Beaver Country Day School (Chestnut Hill, MA), Walnut Hill School for the Arts (Natick, MA), Worcester Academy (Worcester, MA), and Kenyon College. In addition to a range of admissions roles over the years, Mo has served as a dorm parent and a Black Student Union Advisor, demonstrating his passion for and commitment to opening access for transformative educational experiences like the ones he experienced growing up. Mo graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in Sociology and African American Studies before earning his Master's in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. maurice_hill@liveoaksf.org
Marvie Hill

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
Marvie has been a part of Live Oak’s Extended Care team since 2021. Growing up in the small town of San Juan Bautista, Marvie gained practical experience in childcare through babysitting, nannying, counseling summer camps, and helping to raise the younger children in their family. They have found a passion for childcare due to their interest in play, as well as the desire to support children in growing into the best versions of themselves. Marvie resonates deeply with Live Oak’s vision of knowing a child well, and has enjoyed getting to know the students as they develop. In their free time, Marvie enjoys crafting, playing puzzle games, cycling, and spending time with loved ones. marvie_hill@liveoaksf.org
Brian Jacobs

Guro sa Humanities sa Middle School
Bio
BA, Cal State Long Beach; MFA, Naropa University, Ph.D., Swansea University

Brian joined Live Oak's middle school humanities faculty in the fall of 2024. His 30+ years in education includes positions as a literacy coach, adjunct English professor, and secondary English teacher, mostly with the Gifted and Highly Gifted at Los Angeles Unified School District. Live Oak stood out to him for the opportunity to teach critical thinking to eager students and aid them in navigating a complicated world. His teaching approach centers around creating a learning community that is committed to achieving the highest level of academic, individual, and collective excellence in an environment that requires intellectual honesty, maintains trust and respect, and cultivates responsible citizenship through engaging, affirming, and meaningfully relevant curriculum. Brian was born in Long Beach, CA and has lived all over the world. He earned his BA in English from Cal State Long Beach, followed by his MFA in Writing and Poetics from Naropa University, and recently earned a doctorate in Creative Writing from Swansea University. In addition, he is currently pursuing an MA in Gender at San Francisco State. His hobbies include writing poetry, publishing books, travel, and attending arts events from museums to concerts. brian_jacobs@liveoaksf.org
Lianna Kali

Direktor ng Instructional Innovation
Bio
BA, Menlo College; MA, Unibersidad ng San Francisco

Si Lianna Kali ay ipinanganak at lumaki sa Ohlone Land sa Bay Area at kasalukuyang tinatawag na tahanan ng San Francisco. Ang kanyang paglalakbay sa mundo ng edukasyon ay nagsimula sa murang edad, nagtatrabaho sa Camp Galileo habang nasa high school. Napagtanto niya ang potensyal ng masasayang diskarte sa pag-aaral at nagpasya na balang araw ay tatahakin ng kanyang karera ang landas na iyon.

Pagkatapos ituloy ang isang Bachelor's Degree sa Humanities mula sa Menlo College, ang kanyang trabaho ay nakatuon sa mundo ng impormal na edukasyon. Higit sa lahat, ginugol niya ang huling 11 taon kasama ang Exploratorium sa koponan ng Tinkering Studio, na bumubuo at nangunguna sa mga programa na pinagsasama ang sining, agham, teknolohiya, at komunidad sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga nasasalat na bagay at artifact. Noong 2018, natapos ni Lianna ang Master's Degree sa International and Multicultural Education mula sa University of San Francisco. Nakatuon ang programa sa mga kritikal na pedagogies at sinusuri ang papel ng kapangyarihan at pribilehiyo sa mga sistemang pang-edukasyon. Siya ay nasasabik na dalhin ang pangakong ito sa katarungang pang-edukasyon sa kanyang tungkulin bilang Direktor ng Instructional Innovation, na may pagtuon sa mga intersection ng paggawa at panlipunang hustisya sa ChangeMaker Lab at maalalahanin na pagsasama ng teknolohiya sa K-8.

Higit pa sa kanyang hilig sa edukasyon, mahilig magbasa si Lianna (lalo na ang Afrofuturist science fiction), magluto ng mga pagkain para sa malalaking grupo, at mag-aalaga sa kanyang maraming houseplants. lianna_kali@liveoaksf.org
Alayna Kramer

Guro sa Kindergarten
Bio
BA, Mills College; MS, Bank Street College

Alayna joined Live Oak with the expansion of the school in 2014 and has taught in both first grade and kindergarten. While a Bay Area native, Alayna spent ten years in New York City working in schools and producing closed circuit television for pediatric patients at Mount Sinai Hospital. Alayna holds a BA in Sociology from Mills College and a M.S.Ed. from Bank Street College. Alayna has a deep commitment to constructivist teaching and learning. When not at Live Oak, Alayna enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new foods to eat and places to visit. alayna_kramer@liveoaksf.org
Kathryn Kundrot

Guro sa Math sa Middle School
Bio
BA Statistics and Psychology, Rice University; MA, Rice University

Bago sumali sa Live Oak, nagturo si Kathryn ng matematika sa high school sa Houston, Texas sa loob ng 4 na taon. Nasiyahan siya sa pagtuturo ng iba't ibang antas ng matematika–mula sa Algebra 1 hanggang AP Statistics at Pre-Calculus. Lumaki si Kathryn sa Houston, at lumipat sa San Francisco sa pagtatapos ng 2020. Tuwang-tuwa si Kathryn na makatrabaho ang mga mag-aaral upang magkaroon ng hilig sa paglutas ng problema gamit ang intuition at imbestigasyon. Kapag wala sa paaralan, naglalakad si Kathryn sa kanyang aso na si Murphy, nagluluto ng mga bagong pagkain, at nanonood ng mga pelikula. kathryn_kundrot@liveoaksf.org
Edward Lee

Guro sa Math sa Middle School
Bio
BA Math and Business Management, UCSC; MA Math Education, USF

Si Edward Lee ay ipinanganak sa China, at dumating sa Estados Unidos noong siya ay 13 taong gulang. Bago naging guro sa Math si Edward, isa siyang project manager at academic planner sa International Student Center. Nagsagawa si Edward ng ilang mga internasyonal na proyekto at ginabayan ang mga mag-aaral kung paano mag-aplay sa kanilang ideal na unibersidad. Sa panahon ni Edward ng higit sa pitong taon ng pagtuturo sa karera, hinikayat niya ang maraming mga mag-aaral na lumalaban sa matematika na tingnan ito sa ibang liwanag at magsaya sa pag-aaral. Sa kanyang libreng oras, si Edward ay masigasig din sa pagluluto at paglalakbay. Palagi niyang sinasabi na magiging qualified chef siya kung hindi siya magiging guro. edward_lee@liveoaksf.org
Sharon Lee

Guro sa Ikaapat na Baitang
Bio
BS, Unibersidad ng Michigan; MS, Montclair State University

Sharon was born in Seattle, Washington but spent most of her life on the east coast in New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) in Brain Behavior and Cognitive Sciences and her Master’s degree in Teaching Elementary Education from Montclair State University. She previously taught third and fifth grade at a public school in New Jersey. She enjoys reading, iced lattes, trying different cuisines, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to become a part of the Live Oak community and to get to know her students this year! sharon_lee@liveoaksf.org
Audrey Lin

Guro sa Humanities sa Middle School
Bio
BA, UC Berkeley

Audrey joined the Live Oak middle school faculty in the fall of 2023. Audrey spent the last decade serving a wide range of education-related roles for Bay Area non-profit organizations. Recently, she directed summer service internship programs and developed curriculum for a virtual transformative "laddership" (a form of servant leadership) program with an organization called ServiceSpace. Her passion for real-world changemaking extended to a position teaching project-based environmental classes with StopWaste in Alameda, following a year as an Americorps Urban Fellow co-designing and co-teaching a pilot service-learning summer class on food literacy. After growing up in Massachusetts, Audrey earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in nonviolence and social change from UC Berkeley. Away from school, Audrey likes to hike, meditate, and learn new skills. audrey_lin@liveoaksf.org
Dionysia "Dia" Loufas

Guro sa Mababang Paaralan
Bio
BS, Northern Arizona University

Tuwang-tuwa si Dionysia na sumali sa komunidad ng Live Oak! Siya ay nagturo sa parehong Arizona at California sa taong ito na minarkahan ang kanyang ikapitong taon ng pagtuturo. Nagturo siya sa School of the Epiphany sa huling apat na taon, sa Excelsior District. Nagtapos si Dionysia sa Northern Arizona University na may Bachelor's Degree sa Elementary Education at isang menor de edad sa ESL. Siya ay madamdamin tungkol sa edukasyon at lahat ng aspeto ng pag-aaral at umaasa na patuloy na palawakin ang kanyang kaalaman sa mga lugar na iyon. Kapag wala si Dionysia sa silid-aralan, makikita mo siyang naglalakbay sa buong mundo, manood ng live na musika, tumutuklas ng mga bagong recipe sa pagluluto at tuklasin ang kagandahan ng San Francisco. dionysia_loufas@liveoaksf.org
Rebecca Mallabone

Guro sa Ikatlong Baitang
Bio
BA, San Francisco State; MA & Teaching Credential, San Francisco State

Rebecca joined the Live Oak faculty full-time as a third grade teacher in the fall of 2023, but had previously substituted at Live Oak while working on her Master's in 2014. Prior to Live Oak, spent five years teaching at the Stratford School following a three-year stint as a learning specialist at SF Friends School. Originally from Cambridge, England, Rebecca has recently taken part in professional development workshops around Orton-Gillingham reading instruction, Brain Frames, Racial Equity in Learning Services, Readers and Writers Workshop, and Structured Word Inquiry. Rebecca earned both her BA in Liberal Studies and MA in Elementary Education from San Francisco State and enjoys gardening, yoga, and reading. rebecca_mallabone@liveoaksf.org
Amelia Manes

Guro sa Kindergarten
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MEd, Concordia University Portland; TESOL

Si Amelia ay ipinanganak at lumaki kasama ang kanyang limang kapatid sa Claremont, CA. Nag-aral siya sa San Francisco State University kung saan nakuha niya ang kanyang Bachelors in Liberal Studies. Pagkatapos ng graduation, sumali siya sa programang Teach For America sa New Orleans kung saan nagturo siya sa mga mag-aaral sa isang moderate-severe Special Education setting. Nagbakasyon siya ng isang taon sa paglalakbay at pagkatapos ay nakarating siya sa Mexico City na nagtuturo sa unang baitang sa isang internasyonal na paaralan na may dual immersion/International Baccalaureate program, habang tinatapos din ang parehong TESOL certification at Masters in Education. Ang pandemya ay nagdala sa kanya pabalik sa lugar ng Bay noong nakaraang taon at nagpatakbo siya ng isang maliit na pod school para sa mga mag-aaral ng Pre-K sa Marin. Sa kanyang libreng oras, mahilig maglakbay si Amelia, mag-explore ng mga bagong parke, makinig ng musika, at kumain ng lahat! También, habla español. amelia_manes@liveoaksf.org
Renata Martin

Middle School Humanities Teacher and Changemaker Program Coordinator
Bio
BFA, Rochester Institute of Technology; MA, Unibersidad ng Pasipiko; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo

Renata joined the Live Oak community in 2014, and though she started out her professional life as an industrial designer, she quickly fell in love with teaching by way of designing museum exhibits and being an interpretive naturalist at an aquarium (both on land and underwater!) and on a boat to the Farallon Islands. She's been part of environmental groups everywhere she's been, including Engineers for a Sustainable World in upstate NY, and green teams at West Office Exhibit Design and Park Day School, prior to starting Live Oak's Green Team. Before pivoting to the world of formal education, Renata co-founded a sustainability education program, EarthMojo, focused on "change-making and life-shaking for a more ecologically- and socially-sustainable world." Social and environmental sustainability inform both her living and her teaching, and in her free time she loves to make music, scout out hidden swimming holes, and explore this amazing coast. renata_martin@liveoaksf.org
Claudia Martinez

Associate Director of Admissions
Bio
Si Claudia Martinez ay sumali sa Live Oak bilang aming Associate Director of Admissions. Si Claudia ay ipinanganak sa Nicaragua at lumaki sa San Francisco. Dati siyang nagsilbi bilang isang kalihim ng paaralan para sa SFUSD, ang Executive Assistant sa Principal at Presidente ng DeMarillac Academy, at bilang Direktor ng First Impressions sa Fusion Academy. Sa kanyang libreng oras, mahahanap mo ang kanyang pagluluto ng mga pagkain na matatagpuan sa internet para sa kanyang pamilya. Isa rin siyang malaking tagahanga ng Giants. Nasasabik si Claudia na maging bahagi ng komunidad ng Live Oak at tumulong na ipakilala ang mga prospective na pamilya sa paaralan. claudia_martinez@liveoaksf.org
Dorothy Martinez

Director of Extended Day Programs
Bio
The 2024-25 school year is Dorothy's sixth year as Director of Extended Day Programs and her eighteenth year at Live Oak School. Dorothy first joined Live Oak School's Summer Oaks Camp in 2007. She has been lucky enough to work with various ages and grades at Live Oak School and has used this knowledge to expand the Extended Day Programs as the director. Growing up in San Juan Bautista, Dorothy moved to San Francisco to finish a degree in fashion design and work with various theater groups. She has worked with extended day programs in SFUSD, the Mission YMCA of SF, as program director for ExCEL ASP, and the Randall Museum Summer Camp. Recently, she presented at the NAIS People of Color Conference and the NoCa PoCIS Regional Conference, focusing on empowering afterschool professionals to transform independent school programming and culture. When not in the EDP, she is active in the Bay Area Latino Theatre Artist Network, volunteers in art-centered activities, and goes on family trips with her three children.
dorothy_martinez@liveoaksf.org
Michael Martinez

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
BA, Academy of Art University

Michael joined Live Oak's Extended Care team in the fall of 2023 after being drawn to our mission to support the potential and promise of each student, by which he strives to promote a creative space where students are encouraged to question, explore, and innovate and where he can help Live Oak's learners use their imagination, while developing critical thinking skills and collaboration. After earning a degree in Studio Art and Architecture from the Academy of Art University, Michael has been working on promoting access to essential mobility aids, like wheelchairs and hospital beds for the elderly and people with disabilities. Outside of work, Michael enjoys playing music, sketching, hiking, playing soccer, reading, and exploring the city with his family. michael_martinez@liveoaksf.org
Mario Martinez-Munoz

Art Teaching Assistant
Bio
Si Mario ay ipinanganak at lumaki na residente ng San Francisco. Ang kanyang natatanging propesyonal na karanasan ay nagmumula sa mga taon ng pagbibigay ng mahusay na pagpapadali sa mga museo, pagbuo ng mga makabagong aktibidad ng STEAM, at ang kanyang pagkahilig para sa pantay na edukasyon. Sa paghahanap ng mga paraan upang ibalik ang kanilang komunidad, si Mario ay pinangunahan sa isang paglalakbay upang kumilos laban sa mga hindi pagkakapantay-pantay sa edukasyon na laganap sa bansang ito. Ang kanyang paniniwala ay kailangan ng lahat na magdisenyo at mag-facilitate ng mga puwang para sa mga estudyanteng may kulay, queer na estudyante, at working-class na mga estudyante hindi lang para sa kanilang kapakinabangan, ngunit dahil nakakakuha din tayo ng napakaraming nakalap na kaalaman sa kultura, na sinubukang burahin ng white supremacy. mario_martinezmunoz@liveoaksf.org
Sydney McGhie

Guro sa Humanities sa Middle School
Bio
BA, Denison University

Lumaki si Sydney McGhie sa Marin County at tumanggap ng kanyang undergraduate degree sa Gender Studies mula sa Denison University. Sinimulan niya ang kanyang paglalakbay sa pagtuturo noong 2018 sa Synergy School kung saan siya ay isang Fourth Grade Teacher, Summer Camp Director, at isang Coach para sa maraming team. Bago sumali sa Live Oak nagturo siya ng Ika-apat-Anim na baitang sa The Renaissance School sa East Bay. Kapag hindi siya nagtuturo, gustung-gusto niyang mag-hike kasama ang kanyang aso, magbasa ng maraming libro, at magsaya sa lahat ng mga sports team ng Bay Area! sydney_mcghie@liveoaksf.org
Amy Meyers

Middle School Music Teacher
Bio
BS, Teatro, Northwestern University

Si Amy Meyers ay lumaki sa Dallas, Texas at nakatanggap ng kanyang degree sa Theatre mula sa Northwestern University sa Chicago. Naakit sa San Francisco noong 1991 sa pamamagitan ng umuusbong na eksena sa musika at teknolohiya na hinasa niya ang kanyang mga kasanayan sa teknolohiya ng impormasyon at disenyo ng audio habang hinahabol ang isang karera bilang isang propesyonal na musikero at kompositor. Noong 2000, sa paghahangad ng kanyang hilig sa pagtuturo, itinatag niya ang kanyang sariling pribadong piano, gitara at voice program at sumali rin ngayon sa kapwa guro sa Live Oak, si Jill Pierce, bilang isang instruktor sa sikat na programang Music For Children, na itinatag ni Mary Ann Hall . Siya ay nasasabik na maging bahagi ng Live Oak Family at ibahagi ang kanyang kagalakan, hilig, at kaalaman sa kanyang mga estudyante. Kapag hindi siya nagtuturo, si Amy ay isang propesyonal na artista, na gumanap ng mga pangunahing tungkulin sa parehong mga dula at musikal sa maraming lokal na produksyon ng teatro sa Bay Area. Sa kanyang bakanteng oras, mahilig siyang magluto, maglakbay, mag-ehersisyo at, siyempre, pumunta sa teatro. amy_meyers@liveoaksf.org
Carmina Miguel

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
BA, San Francisco State

A San Francisco native, Carmina started working at Live Oak in 2021. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education from San Francisco State. In her free time, Carmina likes to play pool and hangout with her friends. carmina_miguel@liveoaksf.org
Lesley Miyagawa

Guro sa Ikatlong Baitang
Bio
BA, Unibersidad ng California, Los Angeles; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, San Francisco State University (BATTI)

Tuwang-tuwa si Lesley na makabalik sa Live Oak! Pagkatapos makapagtapos sa UCLA na may degree sa Asian American studies, nagturo siya ng preschool sa loob ng dalawang taon bago bumalik sa San Francisco. Nakuha ni Lesley ang kanyang kredensyal sa pagtuturo mula sa Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI) habang nagtuturo din bilang katulong sa una at ikatlong baitang sa Live Oak. Pagkatapos makapagtapos sa BATTI, nagturo siya sa ikalawang baitang sa Manhattan Beach, CA, at gayundin sa Waianae, HI. Muling bumalik si Lesley sa San Francisco kung saan siya ay nagtuturo sa North Oakland Community Charter School sa huling apat na taon sa kindergarten/una at ikaapat/ikalimang baitang. Sa kanyang libreng oras, nag-e-enjoy siya sa barre fitness, nanonood at nag-rooting para sa lahat ng mga sports team ng Bay Area, at nakikipag-snuggling kasama ang kanyang aso na si Remy. lesley_miyagawa@liveoaksf.org
Katie Moore

Guro ng Pisikal na Edukasyon
Bio
BS, Cal State East Bay; MS, Cal State East Bay

Katie joined the Live Oak faculty in the fall of 2024 following a long tenure at Sea Crest School in Half Moon Bay, serving as a PE teacher across multiple grades and nearly a decade as the school’s director of athletics. Katie helped build Sea Crest's athletic department and revamp its PE curriculum. A collegiate soccer and softball student-athlete, her sports background includes a four-year stint as the head women’s soccer coach at College of Marin and four years as the girls varsity soccer coach at Half Moon Bay High School, leading the team to a league title. Katie has participated in a range of professional development, including workshops with the Institute for Social Emotional Learning, Responsive Classroom, Independent School Management, and Women's Leadership Seminar. A native of Hayward, Katie holds both a BA and MA in Kinesiology from Cal State East Bay. She got married on August 9, 2024 and in her personal time, Katie loves to cook, watch sports (go Warriors and Raiders!), go to concerts, listen to music, dance, travel, and play games. katie_moore@liveoaksf.org
Ruby Navarro MacDonald

Tagapamahala ng Employment Resources
Bio
AA, City College, San Francisco

Ruby MacDonald, isang taga-San Francisco. Nagtrabaho siya sa retail management nang mahigit 20 taon at nagtrabaho bilang Student Advisor at Site Coordinator para sa SFUSD sa Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. Siya at ang kanyang asawa ay naging abala sa kanilang pamilya. ruby_macdonald@liveoaksf.org
Stephan Nguyen

Tagapayo sa Middle School
Bio
BA, Willamette University; MS, Unibersidad ng San Francisco

Stephan Nguyen was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and loves going back to the Pacific Northwest whenever he can. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Willamette University, he began his educator journey as a special needs paraprofessional at Echo Shaw Elementary School. Inspired by the school counselor there, he moved to San Francisco and joined USF’s School Counselor Graduate Program in 2017. Upon graduating with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Stephan began working at various middle schools within SFUSD before landing at Live Oak.

Sa kanyang libreng oras, nasisiyahan si Stephan sa paggalugad sa San Francisco, pagtikim ng mga bagong lutuin, at pagsasayaw sa klase ng zumba. Nakasusumpong din siya ng kagalakan sa pagluluto at pagluluto, pati na rin ang pagkukulot gamit ang isang magandang libro. Kapag pumasok ka sa kanyang opisina, maaari mong makita siyang nakikipag-jamming sa K-Pop, R&B, Disney/Broadway Soundtracks, at higit pa! stephan_nguyen@liveoaksf.org
Jade Nouchi

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
BA, San Francisco State

Jade started working with Live Oak's Extended Care team in the fall of 2022. Originally from Southern California, she was raised in Riverside and has lived in San Francisco for seven years. She earned degrees in Broadcasting & Electronic Communication Art and Studio Art from San Francisco State. Her favorite part of working at Live Oak is the joy of seeing children’s perspective on life because they have such an amazing way of viewing the world. When she's not working with Live Oak students, her hobbies include gardening, ceramics, and cycling. One day she hopes to stay in the world of education and become a ceramic professor at a university. jade_nouchi@liveoaksf.org
Kai O'Neill

Support Engineer
Bio
BS, San Diego State University

Kai started at Live Oak in the fall of 2024 after teaching math and computer science to middle and high schoolers at Fusion Academy for the 2023-24 school year. Kai led afterschool art and movement programs for preschool and elementary school students, in addition to leading creative coding and art periods for high schoolers at The Urban School. Before moving into education, Kai worked as a software engineer for several years. Live Oak's values of equity and inclusion, while instilling a passion for learning appealed to Kai. Kai was born in San Francisco but grew up in San Luis Obispo, CA, eventually earning a BS in Computer Science from San Diego State University. Outside of work, Kai likes to bike, play guitar, sew dolls, and roller skate. kai_oneill@liveoaksf.org
Ana "Anita" Ocampo

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
Ana "Anita" Ocampo started working at Live Oak in September of 2021. A native of El Salvador, Anita has been living in San Francisco for 17 years. She earned a degree in dentistry in El Salvador before learning English so she could work with refugees here in San Francisco. She then decided to work with children because she realized that children are the future and wanted to be part of their academic development and influence them to be better people. Anita enjoys the diversity at Live Oak and seeing the kids interacting and developing. One day she would like to get a Master's degree in Spanish and become a Spanish teacher at Live Oak. Outside of Live Oak, Anita loves to dance, listen to music, read and go hiking with her husband. ana_ocampo@liveoaksf.org
Karen Olson

Middle School Learning Specialist
Bio
BS, UC Davis; MA, Estado ng San Francisco; Mga Kredensyal ng Maagang Edukasyon at Espesyal na Edukasyon

Nagtapos si Karen Olson sa UC Davis noong 1999 na may BS sa Human Development. Nagtapos siya sa Estado ng San Francisco noong 2001 na may MA at mga kredensyal sa Early Childhood at Mild/Moderate Special Education. Ang unang buong taon na pagtuturo ni Karen ay isang preschool na espesyal na araw na klase sa East Bay para sa 3-5 taong gulang sa autistic spectrum. Pagkatapos ay nagturo siya sa loob ng anim na taon bilang isang resource specialist sa San Bruno na nagtatrabaho sa mga mag-aaral na K-6 na baitang na may banayad hanggang katamtamang mga pagkakaiba sa pag-aaral. Dumating siya sa Live Oak noong 2009 upang magbigay ng akademikong suporta sa ilang mga mag-aaral sa ikaanim na baitang at ang kanyang tungkulin ay lumawak sa Middle School Learning Specialist Position. Kapag wala siya sa paaralan, nasisiyahan si Karen na gumugol ng oras kasama ang kanyang asawa at tatlong anak, nag-pilates classes, pumunta sa wine country, nag-explore sa lungsod, at nasa ilalim ng araw! karen_olson@liveoaksf.org
Virginia Paik

Pinuno ng Paaralan
Bio
BA, Kolehiyo ng Pomona; MA Columbia University Teachers College

Si Virginia Paik ang pinuno ng paaralan ng Live Oak. Si Virginia ay nasa Live Oak mula noong 2001, kung saan siya ay humawak ng mga posisyon bilang guro sa ikatlong baitang, Direktor sa Mababang Paaralan at Katulong na Pinuno ng Paaralan. Si Virginia ay mayroong BA sa English Literature mula sa Pomona College at isang MA sa Curriculum and Teaching mula sa Teachers College, Columbia University. Ginugol niya ang karamihan sa kanyang siyam na taon sa silid-aralan bilang isang guro sa kindergarten at preschool. virginia_paik@liveoaksf.org
Lily Panetta

Database at Tagapamahala ng Mga Kaganapan
Bio
BA, Seattle University

Si Lily ay nagmula sa buong bansa kabilang ang Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, at ngayon ay California! Siya ay nanirahan kamakailan sa Seattle kung saan nag-aral siya ng Strategic Communications at Studio Art sa Seattle University. Si Lily ay palaging gustong magtrabaho kasama ang mga bata. Bilang intern sa komunikasyon para sa Eli's Park Project sa Seattle, WA, nagtrabaho siya upang lumikha ng parke para sa mga bata sa lahat ng kakayahan. Bago iyon, isa siyang guro sa sining sa Children's Healing Art Project sa Portland, OR, na nagdadala ng sining sa mga bata sa inpatient at outpatient na pangangalaga. Hindi na siya makapaghintay na makita kung ano ang susunod para sa kanya sa Live Oak. Sa kanyang libreng oras, naglalaro si Lily sa isang soccer team, sumusubok ng mga bagong recipe, at naglalakad sa baybayin. lily_panetta@liveoaksf.org
Angelina Payne

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
Angelina started working with the Extended Care program in the fall of 2023. A graduate of De Anza High School, Angelina has worked at CYO summer camp where she supported an engaging summer program for 8 to 11-year-old campers that included sleep-away camp experiences. She was excited to join Live Oak's Extended Care program because of how open and diverse the school is and the sense of individualized care the school provides for students. In her free time Angelina loves to engage in creative work like scrapbooking, making friendship bracelets, and has been dancing for four years. angelina_payne@liveoaksf.org
Vanessa Peat

Head's Office at Board Relations Manager
Bio
BA, UC San Diego; MA, PhD, Unibersidad ng Geneva

Vanessa Peat moved back to the U.S. in 2010 after spending 16 years in Europe, joining the Live Oak staff in 2013. She has had a career in marketing and academia in the UK and Switzerland. She has a Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a PhD and MA in Development Studies from the Graduate Institute of Development Studies, University of Geneva and a BA in Political Science from UC San Diego. In 2022, Vanessa earned her Google Project Management Certification.

Vanessa is fluent in French and Spanish. In her free time, she is a volunteer French translator for Kiva and a volunteer lobbyist for the San Francisco chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense Policy. She also enjoys exploring Golden Gate Park with her rescue puppy. Her daughter is a Live Oak alum, class of 2020.
vanessa_peat@liveoaksf.org
Edward Pertcheck

Guro sa Math sa Middle School
Bio
BArch, Unibersidad ng Cincinnati; BA, Unibersidad ng Cincinnati; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, San Francisco State University

Si Edward Pertcheck ay nagtapos mula sa Unibersidad ng Cincinnati noong 2000 na may Bachelor of Architecture at isang Bachelor of Arts na may High Honors sa Espanyol. Pagkatapos ng kolehiyo, nagtrabaho siya sa isang architecture firm sa loob ng pitong taon. Noong 2009, natapos niya ang kanyang kredensyal sa pagtuturo sa San Francisco State University habang nagtuturo ang estudyante ng Algebra I para sa ika-siyam na baitang sa Mission High School sa San Francisco. Si Edward ay isang lisensyadong arkitekto at sa nakalipas na labindalawang taon ay nagturo siya ng iba't ibang klase sa arkitektura at matematika sa kolehiyo. Noong 2019, bumuo at nagturo siya ng isang klase sa arkitektura para sa Urban High School sa San Francisco. Kapag hindi siya nagtuturo, nasisiyahan siyang gumugol ng oras sa kanyang pamilya, ginagawa ang lahat mula sa pagluluto, pagpunta sa mga palaruan, at panonood ng mga musikal. Nagboluntaryo si Edward sa taunang Victorian House Alliance Tour sa San Francisco pati na rin ang taunang Swim-A-Mile na sumusuporta sa Women's Cancer Resource Center sa Berkeley. edward_pertcheck@liveoaksf.org
Jennifer Phillips

Lower School Division Director
Bio
BA, UC Santa Barbara; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, Estado ng SF; MS, Bank Street College of Education

Jen is a California native who has been teaching young children in independent schools since 2005. She joined the Live Oak faculty in the fall of 2021. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in sociology and went on to receive her multiple-subject teaching credential through BATTI (Bay Area Teacher Training Institute) from SF State and a masters in curriculum and instruction from Bank Street College of Education. She has participated in many professional development opportunities, including Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED), Responsive Classroom, and the People of Color Conference (PoCC), Project Zero, and Orton-Gillingham reading instruction. Over the summer of 2024, Jen participated in training through Independent School Management (ISM) called, How to Successfully Transition from Teacher to Administrator. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, she is taking part in the California Teacher Development Collaborative (CATDC) Emerging Leaders program. jennifer_phillips@liveoaksf.org
Jill Pierce

Lower School Music Teacher
Bio
BA, Music Education, Keene State College; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo

Jill Pierce has been teaching music in some capacity since she was 16. She taught with Mary Ann Hall in Connecticut, and started teaching Mary Ann Hall’s Music for Children classes in the Bay area in 1997. She also taught at Mary Silveira Elementary School in San Rafael from 2011-2013. Jill recently took part in the SF Orff Jazz Course in New Orleans. When she is not teaching, she is often performing around the Bay Area with her band, Orange Sherbet, which plays tasty music for families. She also loves to go camping with her husband, Steve, and two kids, Stella and Billy, and dogs, Crawford and Jelly Bean. jill_pierce@liveoaksf.org
Kelley Plasterer

Fifth Grade Teacher and Garden Coordinator
Bio
BA, Cal Poly SLO; MA, Unibersidad ng Pasipiko (BATTI); Credential sa Pagtuturo ng Maramihang Paksa ng CA

Nakuha ni Kelley ang kanyang Bachelor's Degree mula sa Cal Poly San Luis Obispo na may pagtuon sa journalism at psychology (kasama ang isang side job sa pagtuturo ng beekeeping). Bago sumali sa Live Oak, nagturo si Kelley ng mga programa sa pagluluto ng nutrisyon pagkatapos ng paaralan gamit ang Cooking Matters. Inilipat ng karanasang ito ang kanyang career focus sa pag-aaral sa silid-aralan, at natapos niya ang isang taon ng Americorps bilang isang K-5 outdoor science teacher sa SFUSD. Natapos niya ang kanyang Master's in Education and Teaching sa pamamagitan ng Bay Area Teacher Training Initiative (BATTI) na programa, habang nagtuturo sa ikatlong baitang sa Phillips Brooks School. Si Kelley ay masigasig tungkol sa agham at emosyonal na kagalingan, at nakikilahok sa maraming workshop tulad ng Teachers for Social Justice Conference, Youcubed Mathematical Mindsets, at Culturally Responsive Teaching. Sa kanilang libreng oras, gagawa si Kelley ng anumang dahilan upang makalabas, at mag-e-enjoy sa pamimili sa mga merkado ng magsasaka, paghahardin, hiking, at rock climbing. kelley_plasterer@liveoaksf.org
Esther Porcella

Tutor sa Middle School
Bio
MA at Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, San Francisco State University

Si Esther Porcella ay may hawak na kredensyal sa pagtuturo ng maraming paksa at isang MA sa mahina-moderate na mga kapansanan sa pag-aaral mula sa Estado ng San Francisco. Mayroon siyang panimulang sertipiko ng Slingerland at regular na tumulong sa Slingerland Method Summer School, na dalubhasa sa multisensory literacy. Sinanay si Esther sa Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Culturally Responsive Classroom methodology at pati na rin sa restorative justice. Si Esther ang ipinagmamalaki na ina sa dalawang makikinang na dyslexic na bata at nagdadala ng hilig para sa neuro-diverse na pag-aaral sa kanyang pagsasanay. Dumating siya sa Live Oak School mula sa San Francisco Day School, kung saan siya ang 7/8 Learning Specialist. Si Esther ay nagpapanatili din ng isang pribadong pagsasanay kung saan siya ay dalubhasa sa pagsuporta sa lahat ng mga lugar ng dyslexia at ADHD. Siya ay nasasabik na sumali sa Live Oak sa pagsuporta sa mga estudyante sa middle school habang natutuklasan nila ang kanilang potensyal. esther_porcella@liveoaksf.org
Dreas Ratteray

Guro sa Agham sa Middle School
Bio
BS, Stanford University; MS, Stanford University

Dreas started teaching middle school science at Live Oak during the 2024-25 school year. With a background in environmental science and education that includes a BS and MS in Earth Systems Science from Stanford University, Dreas has led several conservation projects from coral reefs to seagrass beds, mangrove forests, chaparral woodland, and desert rivers in both the US and his native land of Bermuda. Locally, Dreas has most recently served as an afterschool counselor with the Golden Gate Park Botanical Society, while in Bermuda he continues to lead a regenerative forestry operation at Burt Island where he also teaches SCUBA diving, natural and human history, and basic to advanced waterman skills. Dreas’ teaching style centers around play, creative expression and the intersections between human society and the natural world. When not teaching, Dreas enjoys skateboarding, surfing, writing and dancing. dreas_ratteray@liveoaksf.org
Anna Redmond

Guro sa Unang Baitang
Bio
BA, NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study; MA, Teachers College at Columbia University

Anna joined the first grade teaching team in the fall of 2024 after spending the previous year as a third grade teacher at The Village School of Naples in Naples, FL. Prior to that, Anna taught in a general education classroom and an integrated co-teaching classroom in New York City public schools. Over the summer of 2024, Anna completed Orton-Gillingham reading training with Ron Yoshimoto. Her teaching practice centers relationships, noting that getting to know her students as individuals and fostering community are her favorite parts of teaching. As an undergrad, Anna volunteered as a writing mentor for immigrant youth at a bilingual high school in NYC. A native of China, Anna spent most of her childhood in Minnesota. She holds a BA in Child Psychology from the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study and an MA in Elementary Inclusive Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University. In her free time, Anna enjoys exploring the city, spending time with horses, and listening to Taylor Swift. anna_redmond@liveoaksf.org
Briana "Bre" Ruiz

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
BS, UC Irvine

Bre joined the Live Oak Extended Care team in January 2022. A first-generation Mexican-American, Bre was born and raised in the cozy garlic capital of the world, Gilroy, CA. Her favorite part about working at Live Oak are the students, sharing that their empathy, kindness, and courage give her hope for a better, more gentle tomorrow. She double majored and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Anthropology with a Minor in Medical Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine. Away from campus, Bre's hobbies range from reading literature and writing short stories to playing video games and walking throughout the hills of San Francisco. Her future plans include attending graduate school as a PhD candidate in the near future, hoping to nurture her skills and interests in psychology and research its cultural aspects. She hopes to publish fiction books that may help others connect to each other and to themselves. briana_ruiz@liveoaksf.org
Joanna Sacks

Tutor
Bio
BA, Oberlin College and Conservatory; California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University

Joanna spent 11 years at Daniel Webster Elementary as an in-class/small group support for students in all grades and led afterschool small group math clubs for third through fifth graders. Joanna also previously worked with a small number of Live Oak students over the course of the last three years. Outside of education, Joanna worked for over a decade in IT and project management. She has undergone training in Orton-Gillingham reading instruction and Safety Care Behavior Deescalation. A parent of a Live Oak graduate from the class of 2016, Joanna has been deeply involved in a variety of Live Oak volunteer roles over the years. A native of Washington D.C., she earned BA in Psychology from Oberlin College and Conservatory and later her teaching credential from San Francisco State. Outside of work Joanna loves to garden, hike–or just be outside in general–knit, read with her book club, and work to nurture and maintain connections with the family and friends. joanna_sacks@liveoaksf.org
Jonathan Silverman

Guro sa Ikalawang Baitang
Bio
BA, University of the Pacific; MA, San Francisco State; Teaching Credential, San Francisco State

Jonathan joined the Live Oak lower school faculty in fall of 2023. Jonathan spent the last decade teaching first grade in public schools in South San Francisco where he helped create a variety of art, music, and social-emotional enrichment programs. An avid nature lover and traveler, Jonathan spent time as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica and served as an ecoliteracy consultant within the SFUSD. Jonathan is originally from Princeton, NJ and earned his BA in Studio Art and Liberal Studies from the University of the Pacific before earning a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction from San Francisco State. Since 2019, Jonathan has taken part in creative residencies at the K12Lab at Stanford D. School, while also taking part in the MERIT Program through the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College. jonathan_silverman@liveoaksf.org
Robbie Smiley

Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University

Born and raised in San Francisco, Robbie Smiley has come to appreciate how lucky he is to have grown up in such a wonderful city. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education. He joined Live Oak in 2009 and gained experience in the extended care program and the Summer Oaks program before becoming a Physical Education teacher in 2012. Robbie also began coaching at Live Oak in 2012 and has been directing the middle school Athletics program since 2016. Robbie has also taught an exercise class at the Richmond Senior Center in San Francisco for two years. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active, reading, and spending time with his family.
robbie_smiley@liveoaksf.org
Audrey Soriano

Guro sa Kindergarten
Bio
BS, Unibersidad ng California, Davis; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, San Francisco State University

Audrey Soriano began teaching in 2004 and has taught kindergarten for 16 years, 13 of those at Live Oak. Audrey holds a BS in Human Development from the University of California, Davis, and earned her teaching credential through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute from San Francisco State. In addition to her role in the classroom, Audrey has served as a faculty trustee since the 2023-24 school year. She also has participated in numerous workshops and seminars to support the work in her classroom, including the People of Color Conference, Responsive Classroom, Project Zero, and SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity). Audrey has two daughters, both of whom attend Live Oak School. A resident of Oakland who recently moved to Lake Merritt, Audrey is an avid Golden State Warriors basketball fan, and even danced professionally for the team many moons ago! Audrey is a certified Zumba instructor and teaches online Zumba classes in her free time. audrey_soriano@liveoaksf.org
Tanya Susoev

Head of Divisions
Bio
BA, Unibersidad ng San Diego; MA, Unibersidad ng San Diego; MA, EdD Educational Leadership, Mills College

Si Tanya Susoev ay ipinanganak at lumaki sa San Francisco. Siya ay kinilala bilang isang biracial, unang henerasyong Asian/Korean-American, at unang henerasyong nagtapos sa kolehiyo. Ginabayan at pinagbabatayan ng pagkakakilanlang ito ang kanyang kasanayan sa pagkukuwento at pagdiriwang ng mga pagkakakilanlan ng mag-aaral/kasama at praktikal na kasanayan.

Siya ay may hawak na BA sa English Literature na may konsentrasyon sa Creative Writing mula sa Unibersidad ng San Diego, kung saan nakuha rin niya ang kanyang kredensyal sa pagtuturo. Bumalik siya sa USD, nakuha ang kanyang MA sa Peace and Justice Studies kasama ng isang sertipiko sa mga negosasyon at paglutas ng salungatan. Ginugol niya ang kanyang maagang karera gamit ang sining bilang pundasyon para sa pagpapagaling at pagkakasundo ng komunidad pagkatapos ng hindi pagkakasundo, na nagpapadali sa mga art mural sa maraming komunidad sa San Diego at sa ibang bansa.
Nagsimula ang karera sa pagtuturo ni Tanya sa San Diego, nagtuturo sa loob ng dalawang taon bago bumalik sa Bay Area at nagpatuloy sa silid-aralan para sa karagdagang walong taon. Sa panahong iyon, nagsilbi rin siya bilang swim coach, club moderator, DEI committee leader, direktor ng service-learning, at kinatawan ng unyon. Nakuha ni Tanya ang kanyang Administrative Services Credential at MA at Ed.D. sa Educational Leadership mula sa Mills College, pagkumpleto ng kanyang pananaliksik at disertasyon sa puting pagkakakilanlan at supremacy sa mga paaralan. Bago siya sumali sa Live Oak School, nagsilbi siya ng tatlong taon bilang isang associate principal sa high school.

Si Tanya at ang kanyang pamilya ay nakatira sa Oakland. Gusto niyang mag-recharge sa pamamagitan ng paggugol ng oras sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kaibigan at paglalaro ng flag football. tanya_susoev@liveoaksf.org
Adrian Takyi

Direktor ng Diversity, Equity at Inclusion
Bio
BA, Haverford College

Si Adrian ay naging Direktor ng Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ng Live Oak mula noong 2019. Pagkatapos sumali sa komunidad noong 2015, humawak siya ng iba't ibang tungkulin kabilang ang guro sa 1st at 2nd grade, faculty trustee, at miyembro ng Strategic Planning Committee. Kasalukuyan ding naglilingkod si Adrian sa People of Color in Independent Schools (PoCIS) board of directors, kung saan nagtatrabaho siya upang suportahan ang tagumpay at kagalingan ng mga mag-aaral, pamilya, at tagapagturo ng kulay sa mga independyenteng paaralan ng Bay Area. Bago ang Live Oak, nagturo at nagturo si Adrian sa San Francisco Day School at Wilmington Friends School. Tubong Chatham, NY, may hawak siyang BA sa kasaysayan at edukasyon mula sa Haverford College. Kapag wala siya sa paaralan, makikita si Adrian na naglalaro ng basketball, kumakain ng tacos, at nagre-relax sa East Bay. adrian_takyi@liveoaksf.org
Templo ni Stephanie

Guro ng Drama
Bio
BA, University of Southern California, MA, San Francisco State University

Stephanie Temple has led the drama program at Live Oak since 2002 and is the Education Director at the New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC). As a children's playwright, she has created over thirty original plays and adaptations for young audiences, including Out of This World, Snow White in the Wild, Wild West, The Emperor's New Posts, Silent Movie, and Wonderland. Stephanie specializes in devised theatre that allows students to be involved in the creation process. Her favorite lessons are paper bag costume-making, anything involving theatre history, puppetry, and the annual Halloween make-up sessions.

In addition to middle school, Stephanie has taught drama and dance at the high school and college levels at CSU Stanislaus, Merced College, Young Artists Conservatory, and PCPA Theatrefest.
She brings her professional expertise to Live Oak as a director/choreographer and enjoys collaborating with Bay Area Theatre Artists to enrich and expand the experiences for her students. As a professional actor, singer, and puppeteer, Stephanie has worked locally at SF Opera, NCTC, 42nd Street Moon, and Sierra Rep. When she's not rehearsing or in tech week, she enjoys visiting Napa, baking chocolate chip cookies, and working towards her goal of becoming the world's best dog photographer.
stephanie_temple@liveoaksf.org
José Trujillo

Guro sa Sining sa Mababang Paaralan
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University

Nagturo si José sa The Russian Hill School at Alvarado School dito sa San Francisco at sa Carpenter Elementary School sa Studio City. Siya ay isang nagsasanay na printmaker at kamakailan ay nagkaroon ng interes sa mga materyales at larawang nakapalibot sa mga construction site sa Bay Area. jose_trujillo@liveoaksf.org
Vivian Tse

Controller
Bio
Si Vivian Tse ay sumali sa Live Oak School noong Pebrero 2022 bilang Controller at nagdala ng higit sa 16 na taon ng independiyenteng kaalaman at karanasan sa paaralan ng Bay Area. Gustung-gusto niya kung paano siya binabad ng vibe ng mga bata, edukasyon, at progresibong pag-aaral. Kapag wala sa trabaho, ang kanyang mga paboritong aktibidad ay nakikipag-ugnay sa kanyang mga anak na tinedyer, sinusubukan ang mga bagong culinary delight, pagluluto, paglalakad sa Bay Area, at pagkakaroon ng magandang kasiyahan kasama ang mga kaibigan at pamilya. vivian_tse@liveoaksf.org
Joel Valencia

Extended Day Program Leader
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University

Joel joined the Extended Day Program staff in the fall of 2024. Prior to coming to Live Oak, he spent four years as an assistant teacher at a children's center working with kids between two and preschool ages. Live Oak stood out to Joel because of his experience attending a similar school to Live Oak and a desire to encourage kids to do well in school, while also being allowed to find their interests, have fun, and socialize with other kids and teachers. Joel is a native of San Francisco, but lived in Peru for four years. He earned his BA in Criminal Justice at San Francisco State and is currently pursuing his Master's in Early Childhood Education. Joel can speak Spanish, Italian, French, and some Portuguese and enjoys traveling, playing soccer, spending time at the beach, playing guitar, and skateboarding. joel_valencia@liveoaksf.org
Leah Vanevenhoven

Guro sa Unang Baitang
Bio
BS, University of Wisconsin; M.Ed., Johns Hopkins University

Leah joined the Live Oak faculty in the fall of 2024. Her vast teaching career spans both nationally and internationally, including elementary teaching positions in Baltimore, Maryland, Green Bay, Wisconsin, San Francisco, and Half Moon Bay, along with teaching roles in international schools in Beijing, China and Bogota, Colombia. Leah underwent Lucy Calkins Teachers College training for readers and writers workshops in both the K-2 and 3-5 settings, and was trained in Conscious Discipline, a social-emotional approach that empowers teachers with the skills to create a safe, connected, and problem-solving environment for the school community. She believes that teaching should be culturally relevant, accessible for all students, and provide opportunities for students to grapple with contextual, real world ideas and issues. Leah grew up in a small town near Green Bay before going on to earn her undergraduate degree in Social Work and Educational Policy from the University of Wisconsin and a Master's in Education from Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time you can find Leah mountain biking the single track trails along the coast, quite possibly training for a mountain bike race, catching a zen yoga class, surfing or trail running in Quarry Park. leah_vanevenhoven@liveoaksf.org
Ashley Vela

Guro ng Espanyol
Bio
BS, San Francisco State University

Tuwang-tuwa si Ashlley na muling sumali sa komunidad ng Live Oak bilang isang guro sa Espanyol, kung saan siya nagtapos labinlimang taon na ang nakararaan! Siya ay ipinanganak at lumaki sa San Francisco at nagtapos sa San Francisco State University na may degree sa Sociology. Kamakailan lamang ay nagturo siya sa isang Spanish immersion program at umaasa na maihatid ang kanyang kaalaman bilang isang katutubong nagsasalita ng Espanyol. Kapag wala siya sa silid-aralan, nasisiyahan siyang magluto, gumugol ng oras kasama ang kanyang pamilya, naglalakbay, at nagha-hike kasama ang kanyang aso at asawa. ashlley_vela@liveoaksf.org
AJ Viola

Director of Finance
Bio
BS, Stanford University; MBA, Harvard Business School

AJ began his tenure as Live Oak's Director of Finance in July 2024. He brings extensive and diverse experience in the nonprofit and for-profit finance industries over the last two decades, leading operations and finance functions at healthtech and real estate companies. Most recently, he held the position of principal/venture builder at Endurance Companies, a multifamily investment office launching mission-driven startups in healthcare and financial technology. Prior to that, AJ co-founded and spent four years as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Kindred Uncommon, a development company based in Austin, TX aimed at building thoughtfully designed living communities for older adults that emphasize longevity and social health. A first-generation college graduate, AJ earned his degree in psychology from Stanford in 2006. AJ went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School in 2010. A native of New York, AJ has always felt at home in California, and enjoys sailing, surfing, reading fiction, and motorcycling outside of work. aj_viola@liveoaksf.org
Scott Wilber

Middle School Art Teacher
Bio
BFA, Unibersidad ng Oklahoma

Si Scott Wilber ay naging guro sa Middle School Visual Arts sa Live Oak School mula noong 1996. Si Scott ay mayroong Bachelor of Fine Arts degree na may diin sa Visual Communications mula sa University of Oklahoma. Kasama sa propesyonal na pag-unlad ni Scott ang SF School-Art Conference, Palo Alto – Mosaic Instruction, Bentley School – For Art Teachers, at Project Zero San Francisco.
Bilang karagdagan sa kanyang trabaho sa Live Oak, si Scott ay isang freelance illustrator na nagtatrabaho para sa mga kliyente tulad ng Target, Disney, at Town Square Graphics. Siya rin ay naging isang magandang pintor at set designer mula noong 2000 para sa mga kumpanya ng teatro ng San Francisco tulad ng 42nd Street Moon at New Conservatory Theater Center. Sa kasalukuyan, si Scott ay nagtatrabaho sa isang bagong hanay ng mga pagpipinta para sa isang palabas sa malapit na hinaharap. Sa kanyang "bakanteng" oras, nasisiyahan si Scott na gumugol ng oras kasama ang kanyang asawa at anak na babae, at madalas na pumunta sa mga flea market at dumpsters sa paghahanap ng mga materyales para sa kanyang likhang sining at mga proyekto sa paaralan. scott_wilber@liveoaksf.org
Londynn Young

Guro sa Ikalimang Baitang
Bio
BA, Academy of Art University

A native of Albertville, Minnesota, Londynn joined the Live Oak faculty in the fall of 2023. Londynn previously served as a paraeducator at June Jordan School for Equity and a director with Steve and Kate's Day Camp. She was motivated by the friendly community that Live Oak offered. In addition to Minnesota and California, Londynn has lived in Indiana and Florida. She earned her degree in Fashion Design and loves to draw, paint, dance, and has been trying to learn new languages. Londynn brings a sense of humor to her teaching and wants to create a personable, comfortable learning environment for her students. londynn_young@liveoaksf.org
Nicole Zaheed

Guro sa Unang Baitang
Bio
BA, UCLA; MS Ed, Nova Southeastern University; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo, LAUSD Internship Program

Nakuha ni Nicole Zaheed ang kanyang Bachelor's degree sa Geography mula sa UCLA, nakuha ang kanyang kredensyal sa pagtuturo sa California sa pamamagitan ng intern program ng Los Angeles Unified School District, at natapos ang kanyang MS in Education, Brain Science, Teaching and Learning, mula sa Nova Southeastern University. Nagtuturo si Nicole mula noong 1997 sa Los Angeles, Washington, DC, at San Francisco. Lumahok siya sa mga pagkakataon sa pag-unlad ng propesyon upang suportahan ang trabaho sa kanyang silid-aralan, ang ilan ay kinabibilangan ng Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop conference, Dana Hall Math Institute, Education Through Music Colloquium, at Sowing Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) na pagsasanay. Kapag hindi siya nagtuturo, abala siya sa pag-e-enjoy kasama ang kanyang asawang babae sa pagkanta, pagtugtog, at pag-explore sa Pacifica.
nicole_zaheed@liveoaksf.org
Carlos Zerzan

Guro ng Espanyol sa Middle School
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MA, San Francisco State University; Kredensyal sa Pagtuturo

Carlos came to Live Oak in 2016 after moving back to his native Bay Area from Chicago, IL. He has over a decade of experience as a Spanish teacher in both public and independent schools. He has published a research study and has presented on language acquisition. Previously, Carlos taught Spanish at San Domenico School in Marin County. Most recently he taught Spanish at a historic progressive public school and an independent school for gifted students in Chicago, IL. When Carlos is not teaching, he enjoys playing music, traveling, snowboarding, and hiking with his wife and son. carlos_zerzan@liveoaksf.org