Rebecca Kroll, Assistant Head of School, joined CDS in 2005 after completing the graduate-level Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. Previously, she taught fifth grade with Teach for America in Long Beach, CA and also served as the Academic Program Coordinator for the “I Have a Dream" Foundation in San Francisco. Rebecca has a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Texas, Austin and an master's degree in educational leadership from the University of the Pacific. She speaks Spanish, and in her free time she enjoys photography, reading, travel, and studying U.S. history.

Middle School Director Ed Rhee has previously served as an administrator, teacher, and coach for nearly twenty years on the east coast.  Ed has a master's degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a bachelor's degree in English and drama from Kenyon College. He and his wife Katie, along with their two sons Emerson and Lachlan (both CDS students), enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

Cheryl Ewers joined CDS in May 2016 as our Director of Finance and Operations. Cheryl worked as a Vice President for Finance in educational publishing beginning in 2004 and before that as a Director of Finance. She has a M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, serves on the board of St. Brendan School, and lives in the West Portal neighborhood.

Diane Larrabee, Director of Admission, joined CDS in 2005. Diane has a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She was a commercial litigator for ten years before leaving the practice of law to pursue nonprofit interests. Diane has served as a trustee for several nonprofits, including Compass Family Services and Town School for Boys, where she chaired the diversity committee for four years. Diane enjoys cooking, writing, and reading.

Chris Teare, who joined CDS in 2018 as the Director of the Extended Program, has a master's degree in education from Harvard and a bachelor's degree in modern literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has worked in teaching positions at numerous Bay Area organizations, including four years as a teacher and afterschool program director for the Jewish Community Center in Berkeley as well as afterschool positions at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz and Americorps in East Oakland. Most recently, he served as the program director for Compass Education Group, a local tutoring organization. Chris has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and is proficient in Spanish. Outside of work, Chris is a musician, photographer, and an outdoor sports enthusiast.

Kate Corliss joined CDS in January 2017 as our Lower School Counselor. She holds a master’s degree in school counseling from George Washington University and has more than a decade of experience in a variety of positions and grade levels. At various schools in Washington, D.C. and Maryland from 2004-2012, she served as a Pre-K classroom teacher, as a K-8 art instructor, as an administrator for a Summer Academy program targeted at failing and below-proficient students, and as a counseling intern for District of Columbia public schools. After moving to the west coast in 2012, she served as a case manager for the Raphael House of San Francisco, where she developed an implemented a wide-ranging counseling program for homeless children and families. 

Jill Rosenberg joined CDS in 2018 as our Middle School Learning Specialist. She had served in the same position for the previous four years at Chinese American International School, and she has more than ten years of experience working in various roles in the teaching world, including as a classroom teacher, an administrator, and an educational therapist. Jill holds a master’s degree in educational therapy from California State University, Northridge, and a bachelor's degree in family & consumer sciences, early childhood education from San Francisco State University.

Gretchen Ott, Starfish Head Teacher, began serving as a preschool teacher at Children’s Day School in 2000. She received her bachelor's degree in child development from California State University, Humboldt. Gretchen served as a faculty representative on the CDS Committee on Inclusion and Diversity for over five years. She has been a presenter at the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Regional Conference and in 2011 authored an article for the CAIS quarterly publication on using online blogging as a communication tool to make preschool learning visible to parents. Gretchen is certified in the Project Approach, a teaching approach where teachers guide students through in-depth studies of real-world topics, and she is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.

Guillermo Cortez joined CDS in 2016 as a Starfish Teacher after holding various teaching positions in San Francisco and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Most recently, he was a first grade co-teacher at San Francisco Day School, and prior thereto was a paraprofessional teacher at Presidio Early Education School, an inclusive Reggio Emilia preschool, and a lead science instructor at Galileo Innovation Camp for Kids. He holds a bachelor's degree in child development from Tufts University and is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies. Guillermo is fluent in Spanish. 

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

Shaye (Shaghayegh) Shirinbab permanently joined the Teddy Bears team in 2018 after having previously served with CDS as a substitute teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Bahonar University in Iran, a Montessori Early Childhood Diploma from the Toronto Montessori Institute, a master's degree in arts education from Concordia University in Montreal, and an Administration Early Childhood Certificate from City College of San Francisco. Shaye has served as a lead teacher at Toronto Montessori schools, an after school educator and administrator at the Golestan Center for Language Immersion and Cultural Education in Berkeley, and an art education intern at Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco. She is the co-founder and program director of Multiverse Art Gallery, a showcase for multicultural works of art in the Bay Area.

Kristina Berman, First Grade Co-Head Teacher, received her master's degree in education and her California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of California, Berkeley. She has a bachelor's degree in history with a double minor in Spanish and education from the University of California, Davis. Prior to joining CDS in 2014, Kristina was the lead teacher in kindergarten for four years at Cherry Chase Elementary School in Sunnyvale, California. Kristina has served as a site director for the Aim High summer program at The Urban School campus in San Francisco. She is proficient in Spanish. Kristina is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.

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

Tristan joined the Kindergarten Sequoias team in the spring of 2017, after having served there as a maternity substitute earlier in the school year. Tristan holds a bachelor's degree in film from Vassar College and is a graduate of the New Teacher Institute at Town School for Boys. While at Town School, Tristan was an intern teacher in kindergarten and in third grade. He was previously the Commissioner of the Boys U-13 and U-15 Divisions of the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association, and has coached lacrosse, soccer, and basketball at Town School and at Stuart Hall for Boys.

Jessica Kumar joined CDS full-time in 2017 after having previously served as a maternity substitute. She has a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific; a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Pomona College; and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at San Francisco State University. Jessica has been a lead teacher in first grade at Prospect Sierra School in El Cerrito, California, and at Ormondale School in Portola Valley, California. She also has taught kindergarten and fourth grade and was a teaching fellow in fifth grade at Epiphany Middle School, an independent, tuition-free middle school serving children from low-income families in the Boston area.

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

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

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

Josephine Saunders, Second Grade Dolphins Teacher, holds a bachelor's degree in English with Qualified Teacher Status from Liverpool John Moores University in England. Prior to joining CDS in 2016, Josephine was a third grade teacher at Concord Hill School in Chevy Chase, Maryland for two years. Prior thereto, she was at The British Schools of America for 12 years, where she held several positions, including classroom teacher for various grades, Instructional Coach, Literacy Subject Leader, International Primary Curriculum Coordinator, and Director of Lower School. She also taught elementary grades at St. Margaret Mary’s Primary School in Liverpool, England. Josephine has received extensive professional development in the area of multicultural education and while at Concord Hill School was the school’s Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator. 

Ginny Spivey returned to the Third Grade Quails classroom in 2018 after having served as CDS' K-4 Director of Teaching and Learning for four years. She originally joined CDS in 2006 after teaching in the Virginia public school system for five years. She also has worked as an instructional coordinator and assistant principal, and she piloted a partial Spanish immersion program in the Charlottesville City Schools in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ginny has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master’s degree in teaching (dual certification in special education and elementary education) from the University of Virginia, and she is National Board-certified. She is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.

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

Barbie Brannon joined CDS in 2016 as a Fifth Grade Humanities Teacher with more than ten years of teaching experience, most recently at St. Philip Elementary School in San Francisco and prior thereto at St. John School in San Francisco. While at St. John School, she was a lead teacher in second and fourth grade, taught fifth grade history for four years, taught fifth and sixth grade language arts in the 2007 summer program, and was principal of the summer program in 2009. Barbie holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of San Francisco and a master's degree in cross-cultural education and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University.

Frances Elsberry, Fifth & Sixth Grade Math Teacher, holds a master's degree in education, a California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific, and a bachelor's degree in politics from Pomona College. Prior to joining CDS in 2017, Frances was a co-teacher in fifth grade at San Francisco Day School, where she taught differentiated lessons in math using the Universal Design for Learning framework to develop conceptual understanding, estimation techniques, effective communication of reasoning, and application to real life situations. Prior thereto, she was an intern teacher at Breakthrough Collaborative, an intensive academic enrichment and support program for motivated San Francisco students with limited educational opportunities, and previously was a team leader and corps member for Jumpstart (Americorps), a pre-kindergarten program for children from under-resourced communities. Frances is trained in Developmental Designs, an approach that builds student skills and engagement in three key areas of school life: social-emotional, relationship and community, and academic. Frances is proficient in Spanish.

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

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

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

Jeri Countryman, Director of the Innovation Lab, brings to CDS a rich and diverse background in technology, innovation, and design thinking. Previously, she was a senior project manager at Chabot Space & Science Center and has served as a curriculum and technology consultant for various educational organizations. Jeri earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Simmons College, a master’s degree in interdisciplinary computer science from Mills College, and a master’s degree in education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Jeri is a parent at CDS.

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

Jackie Katz joined CDS in 2017 as our Middle School Drama Teacher, having formerly worked as a teaching assistant at the California College of the Arts, a lead teacher with the Renegade Girls Club after school program, an Education Coordinator at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a facilitator of Visual and Social Practice Art at Centre 3 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (her hometown!). Jackie has also been a volunteer teacher in refugee centers in Toronto, New York, and the Bay Area for over 12 years. She is the founder of Play:ground, an adventure playground on Governor’s Island in New York, and of Stellarvisions, a creative arts program that has been implemented in multiple cities. She holds a bachelor's degree in theatre studies from Dalhousie University and a master's degree in social practice and public forms from California College of the Arts. She is fluent in Hebrew and learning Arabic. 

Julia Middleton, Food and Agriculture Sciences Teacher, joined CDS in 2019 with more than 10 years of experience teaching edible education to urban young people. Previously, Julia worked as a Program Manager and Educator for Edible Schoolyard NYC in Brooklyn, collaborating with K-8 teachers to incorporate hands-on gardening and cooking lessons into more traditional classroom environments. Prior to that, she developed curriculum and programming for youth food justice initiatives and ran summer youth employment programs for high school students in Brooklyn and Chicago, her hometown. Outside of the classroom, Julia loves to explore new environments, cultures and cuisines, locally and internationally.

Sonia Pinto-Scherstuhl, K-4 Spanish Teacher, joined CDS from the Head-Royce School in Oakland and has extensive experience teaching elementary, middle school, and high school Spanish. A native Spanish speaker, she has a master's degree in biology from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in biology from Oberlin College, and she holds a Massachusetts Foreign Language (Spanish) Preliminary License.

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

Nick Saunders joined CDS in 2018 as our Athletic Director and Middle School PE teacher. He has nearly two decades of experience in PE leadership roles, having served as athletic director at schools in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and California; before coming to CDS, he held that position at Redwood Day School in Oakland. Nick has a bachelor's degree in secondary physical education from Liverpool John Moores University in England. He is the husband of Second Grade Dolphins teacher Josephine Saunders and is father to Emily ('24) and Gabriel (Preschool Leaping Lizards).

Samuel Sevett joined CDS in 2016 as the Innovation Lab Intern. Previously, Sam was a teaching assistant for two years at Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, where he worked with elementary and middle school students in programming, 3D modeling, computer simulations, and other STEM learning. Prior thereto, Sam served two years as the Sports and Judaic Studies Program Developer at Sinai Temple Religious School in Los Angeles, where he created a unique curriculum blending aspects of traditional Judaic values with sports and athletics. While in Los Angeles, Sam also was a Hebrew tutor at Temple Israel of Hollywood. Sam holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

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

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

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

Alyce Ide joined the CDS team in 2017 as the Technology Support Specialist with over 15 years’ experience of educational technical support in the Oakland Unified School District, Laney College, and California College of the Arts. She is an Oakland native and holds associate degrees in Asian/Asian American studies and applied design from Laney College.

In her spare time, she freelances as a graphic designer for nonprofits and community service organizations that help low-income and minority groups.

Victoria Kaplun, Advancement Associate, joined CDS in November 2018. She graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in English. Before coming to CDS, she worked for a number of Bay Area startups as a Social Media and Community Manager, including Zynga, CrowdStar, and more. In her free time, Victoria enjoys running with her dog at Ocean Beach, cooking, and planning her next travel adventure.

Cristobal Perez has worked at CDS for eight years. In addition to helping maintain our beautiful CDS campus, Cristobal also works with MC Janitorial Services. Cristobal is a resident of the Mission in San Francisco.

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

Julius Cedeno first joined the after school team in 2013 and returned in 2018 after a brief absence. He is a bilingual (Spanish/English) San Francisco native and has coached baseball at Stuart Hall Elementary School. Julius is experienced in infant care, motivating children, and being a team player. He is currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology at San Francisco State University.

Jose Olmedo joined the after care team in 2018. A bilingual Spanish speaker, he is currently a senior at SF State studying child psychology. Before coming to CDS, Jose worked for several years in the after school departments at St. Cecilia School and Mission Preparatory School.

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