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.

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

Rico Tan, Director of Technology, received his education in business and computer science at the Indonesian Business Institute in Jakarta, Indonesia. Prior to joining CDS in 2009, he worked at 3Com Corporation, leading their Customer Briefing Center, and also at Heller Ehrman LLP, leading their Worldwide Video Conferencing technology department. At CDS Rico has overhauled the technology infrastructure and introduced Apple desktop computers, laptops, and iPads to staff, faculty, and middle school students. He keeps the CDS Technology Department moving at a very fast pace, and played a key role in the Innovation Lab project for our 601 Dolores middle school building. Rico loves to travel, is an accomplished photographer and, of course, likes all things related to technology.

Anthony Witte, Director of Inclusion, is an experienced educator, administrator, and diversity practitioner who joined us in 2014 from Head-Royce School in Oakland. Anthony has a bachelor's degree in Asian studies from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree in education, equity, and social justice from San Francisco State University, and has studied abroad in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou. He brought with him 10 years of independent school and community experience and possesses a skill set that includes restorative justice, design thinking, differentiated instruction, and social justice theater. Anthony is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Call to Action, a national think tank on diversity, and has been a facilitator, presenter, and blogger at the NAIS People of Color Conference. He is the co-author of Diversity Work in Independent Schools: The Practice and the Practitioner. Anthony is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies.

Catherine Grove, Lower School Learning Specialist, joined CDS in 2017 after 14 years as a teacher with the San Francisco Unified School District. Catherine holds a California Teaching Credential in both Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects) and Special Education from San Francisco State University. She has a master's degree in special education with an emphasis on mild/moderate learning disabilities from San Francisco State.

Catherine is trained in Slingerland Multisensory Structured Language Approach, Project Read, LindaMood Bell, Making Math Real, and Social Thinking Curriculum.

Outside of teaching, Catherine enjoys biking, reading, and playing at the beach with her two children.

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

Guillermo Cortez, Preschool Teddy Bears Teacher, joined CDS in 2016 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. 

Radha Kindler, Preschool Starfish Teacher, joined CDS in 2015. Radha earned an associate degree in child development and a certificate in child development from City College of San Francisco. She has 10 years of experience teaching according to the Reggio Emilia philosophy at the Jewish Community Center and over 18 years of teaching experience altogether. Most recently, Radha has been the Lead Volunteer and Childcare Coordinator for Project Homeless Connect, an agency that connects San Franciscans experiencing homelessness with the care and support they need to move forward.

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.

Caitlyn Connolly joined the Fourth Grade Hummingbirds team in 2019 after teaching students in grades 1-3 at Shanghai Community International School in China for five years. She has considerable experience in the Bay Area educational world: after receiving a bachelor's degree in history from Santa Clara and a master's degree in teaching from the University of San Francisco, she served as a kindergarten teacher first at Rosa Parks Elementary School in San Francisco and then at St. Timothy’s Catholic School in San Mateo, and later as a first grade teacher at All Souls Catholic School in South San Francisco. Caitlyn also served as a middle and high school basketball coach during her time in China.

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 Jemiolo joined the kindergarten 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.

Jodi Kraning joined the Kindergarten Sequoias team in 2015. Jodi has held a variety of teaching roles, including positions at The Children’s School in La Jolla, CA, St. Therese Community Preschool in Sydney, Australia, and the Boulder Journey School in Colorado. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies with an emphasis on the young child from Michigan State University. Jodi also holds an master's degree in education and human development from University of Colorado, Boulder Journey School with a specialization in literacy. 

Christy Kyong, Kindergarten Sequoias Associate Teacher, joined CDS in 2015 as a Preschool Teddy Bears teacher after more than a decade of teaching and developing curriculum for strings and music in schools around the Bay Area. During the 2018-2019 school year, Christy served in the Fourth Grade Marbled Murrelets classroom as she started pursuing a master's degree in education and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific. She earned her bachelor's degree in music and interdisciplinary studies in early childhood from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's of music in violin performance from Northwestern University, Bienen School of Music. Christy is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies. A Bay Area native, she lives in Castro Valley with her husband, Jay, and her three children, Kevin (CDS student), Chloe, and Kaylee.

Alex Miller, Third Grade Pelicans Head Teacher, joined CDS in 2013. He earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of San Diego and a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Phoenix. Previous to CDS, Alex worked as a 3rd grade intern and a 1st grade intern in the New Teacher Institute at Town School for Boys. Alex has extensive experience in athletics, serving as a head coach for 6th grade baseball and soccer, 8th grade basketball, 5th-8th grade golf, and 1st grade baseball. He also was a 5th grade after school teacher with Growth & Learning Opportunities in San Francisco. Alex is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies. Away from school, Alex enjoys cooking and exploring new hiking trails with his dog, Bear.

Luisa Pinto, Kindergarten Redwoods 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.

Ami Sciarrillo, Fourth Grade Hummingbirds Associate Teacher, joined CDS in 2019 as a second-year BATTI student pursuing a master's degree in education and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through the University of the Pacific, Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. Last year, she served as a third grade teaching assistant at San Francisco Friends School.  She has a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State and has worked as a volunteer in multiple local schools, including Starr King Elementary School and Marshall Elementary School. Ami also has done educational work with Jumpstart and Amigos de las Americas. She is trained in Responsive Classroom, an approach that implements classroom practices that build academic and social-emotional competencies, and she is fluent in Spanish and conversational in French.

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.

Jonah Mandis, Fifth & Sixth Grade Science Teacher, joined CDS in 2017 with 15 years' experience teaching science, most recently for three years at The Academy School in Berkeley, California, where he taught a hands-on science curriculum to grades K-8. Prior thereto, he taught sixth through eighth grade science for two years at Archway Middle School, also in Berkeley. He also has taught chemistry, biology, environmental science, and AP Honors Physics at the School for Independent Learners, was a K-1 science teacher at the Nueva School, and has been a science educator for nonprofits such as Coyote Point Museum, the Aquarium of the Bay, and Camp Galileo. Jonah holds a master's degree in entomology from San Jose State University and a bachelor's degree in plant ecology from San Francisco State University.

Art Oloresisimo joined CDS in 2016 as a Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher after teaching middle school social studies for nine years at St. Philip School in San Francisco. He also has taught social studies in middle and high school with the San Francisco Unified School District, and has taught advanced reading to adult ESL students at the College of San Mateo. Art holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree in teaching English as a second language as well as a Single-Subject California Teaching Credential from the University of San Francisco. 

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.

Julie Bruins, Early Childhood and Lower School Music Teacher, joined CDS in 2019 with 15 years of experience at various Bay Area schools. She most recently served as the music teacher at Alta Vista School; prior thereto, she held the same job at Coronado Elementary School, Piedmont Avenue Elementary School, The Bentley School, and St. Elizabeth Elementary School. Julie holds a bachelor of music from NYU, majoring in flute performance and graduating cum laude, and she also possesses a Level III Orff Certificate and a World Music Drumming Level I Certificate. She is a board member of the Northern California chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association.

Spencer Donaldson, Lower School Associate PE Teacher, joined CDS in 2016 as a lower school classroom teacher before moving to the athletic department in 2019. He holds an master's degree in education and a California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute at the University of the Pacific, as well as a bachelor's degree in English from Occidental College. He has been a counselor at various camps for elementary-aged children, including working with third grade students at the summer academy of Growth and Learning Opportunities (GLO), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower youth and families to be leaders toward equitable communities. Spencer is an experienced podcaster, blogger, and writer, focusing on sports topics, and an accomplished musician.

 

Matt Goldberg returned to CDS in 2019 as our Middle School Art Teacher after having served as a maternity sub for the first half of the previous school year. Matt holds bachelor’s degrees in studio art and art history from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute. Before coming to CDS, Matt was the Resident Art Teacher at Town School while also working as a teaching artist for various institutions, including SFAI and SOMArts Cultural Center (where he serves as the Director of Ceramic Programs). He maintains his own studio art practice and regularly exhibits work. 

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

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

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

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).

Serena Chen joined CDS in 2019 as our Annual Fund & Events Manager. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in language studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, she moved to Bali to teach English to young students through a nonprofit called Yayasan Bumi Sehat. Upon her return, she moved to San Francisco and enrolled at City College of San Francisco, earning an associate degree in hospitality management. Before coming to CDS, Serena worked for Project Open Hand as their Events and Community Relations Associate.

In her spare time, she enjoys discovering new hiking and camping spots, dabbling in yoga, and spending time by the ocean surfing or relaxing on the beach.

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.

Grecia Lacayo joined CDS in 2019 as our Donor Relations Associate. Originally from Los Angeles, Grecia moved to San Francisco to attend the University of San Francisco, from which she holds a bachelor's degree in biology. She also holds a master's degree in primate conservation from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, and her thesis research led her to live in Colombia for some time. For over a decade, Grecia has worked in schools in various roles, and she most recently worked at San Francisco Friends School before joining CDS.

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

Metzali Andrade, who joined the CDS Extended Program in the fall of 2018, is a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, experienced youth mentor and community organizer. She has a bachelor’s degree in Latina/o Studies from San Francisco State with two minors in Political and Earth Science. Before joining CDS, she was a K-5 Garden Educator at Junipero Serra Annex and Elementary School, and she helped to organize Hummingbird Farm in the Excelsior District of San Francisco. She has created STEAM and project-based learning opportunities for students in school and is passionate about art, ethnic studies, and environmental justice education.

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.