Live Oak School Faculty & Staff

Meet Our Team

List of 89 members.

Edie Alejandre

Operations Manager
Bio
Edie Alejandre is originally from Mexico but immigrated to San Francisco at the age of 3 and has lived here since. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in political science from San Francisco State University. Edie worked in the newspaper industry for 15 years and changed career paths to work in administration in the educational field. Before coming to Live Oak, she worked for seven years at Marin Prep/SÍ School and then Terra Marin School in Mill Valley. Edie is married and has two sons. Her favorite activities are reading books, crab fishing, road trips, and is a big Disney fan. edie_alejandre@liveoaksf.org
Michelle Andelman

Middle School Humanities Teacher
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

Kindergarten Teacher
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

Second Grade Teacher
Bio
BA, University of California Santa Cruz; Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University

Keren began her teaching career as a Reading Specialist for K-5 students in South San Francisco School District. When transitioning to classroom teaching she followed her passion for literacy instruction spending 10 years teaching first grade in South San Francisco Unified School District. Prior to teaching in the classroom, Keren taught environmental education to K-5 students at the Environmental Science Center in San Francisco. Keren has also assisted in leading college level environmental field studies program through the Sierra Institute. Keren grew up in the Bay Area, attending UC Santa Cruz for undergraduate studies with a B.A. in American Studies and an emphasis on race and ethnicity. She received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State. In her free time, Keren enjoys playing music, spending time with her family, and exploring the city. keren_bein@liveoaksf.org
Ashlley Belcher

Spanish Teacher
Bio
BS, San Francisco State University

Ashlley is thrilled to rejoin the Live Oak community as a Spanish teacher, where she graduated fifteen years ago! She was born and raised in San Francisco and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Sociology. She most recently taught in a Spanish immersion program and looks forward to bringing her knowledge as a native Spanish speaker. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, traveling, and hiking with her dog and husband. ashlley_belcher@liveoaksf.org
Jackie Burgos

Middle School Humanities Teacher
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

Middle School Science Teacher
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
Jenny Burns

Second Grade Teacher
Bio
BA, MA San Francisco State University; Teaching Credential, BATTI

Jenny was born and raised in the Bay Area and has over a decade of experience working with children in independent schools. Jenny attended San Francisco State University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She then went on to earn her master’s degree in Education and teaching credential through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI) program while teaching at Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew in San Mateo. Jenny believes in a student-centered approach to teaching and encourages her students to take ownership of their learning. In her free time, Jenny enjoys long walks through Golden Gate Park and spending time with friends and family. 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, University of Oregon; MBA, University of Phoenix

Neil has twelve years of experience working with middle and elementary school students. He has worked at the Harbor MicroSchool, the New Village School, and Town School for Boys. He has a particular passion for project-based lessons in math and science and was immediately drawn to the high quality of student engagement in Live Oak’s curriculum. neil_cashman@liveoaksf.org
Minerva Cerón

Middle School Division Director
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MA, University of the Pacific

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

Director of Learning Services
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MA, San Francisco State University

Mary Ann Chin Ng earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. She went on to further her understanding of the learning needs of children by completing her Master’s degree in Special Education. She holds credentials in Elementary and Special Education and holds a certificate in Educational Therapy from San Francisco State. She is a regular attendee at Association of Educational Therapy and the International Dyslexia Association conferences and workshops. Mary Ann has also attended Mel Levine’s “School’s Attuned” teacher training program and is a participant in the Bay Area Teacher Development Collaborative’s Teacher-Leader Program. Away from school, Mary Ann enjoys traveling, knitting, beading, and working on arts and crafts projects. Mary Ann started working at Live Oak School in 1978 as the Third and Fourth Grade teacher. She has been the school’s full-time learning specialist since it moved to the Mariposa campus in 2001. maryann_chinng@liveoaksf.org
Vicki Cho

First Grade Teacher
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, University of Buenos Aires

Camilo Coelho was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Buenos Aires and an ESL teaching diploma from Instituto Lenguas Vivas. He has lived in the Bay Area for the past 16 years, where he has taught Spanish and coordinated sports and academic intervention programs for bilingual elementary school students. He has traveled extensively throughout South and Central America, the western United States, French Polynesia, and Spain. Camilo’s passion for learning and appreciation for native languages and cultures has allowed him to make many friends, play countless soccer games, and surf some beautiful breaks. Camilo is currently coaching a competitive U12 boys’ soccer team at Mill Valley Soccer Club. camilo_coelho@liveoaksf.org
Josephine Corlett

Learning Specialist
Bio
BA, Wellesley College; MA, University of the Pacific

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

Second Grade Teacher
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

Fourth Grade Teacher
Bio
BA, UC Berkeley

Jean was born in California and has spent most of her life here in the Bay Area. Jean has eleven years of teaching experience in private and public school settings. Jean has spent the past five years as a fourth-grade teacher at The Academy in Berkeley. Jean earned her B.A. from UC Berkeley and pursued graduate studies in education at both San Francisco State University and St. Mary’s College. Jean is excited about being a part of the Live Oak community and getting to know the students and families. When not at school, Jean enjoys visiting the various art museums and the many opportunities to see live theater in the Bay Area. She loves to hike around in the Berkeley Hills and spend time with her family. jean_dewitt@liveoaksf.org
Wilbart "Wil" Dionisio

Physical Education Teacher
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University

Wil Dionisio is from Daly City, California, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State University. He has worked at Live Oak for 3 years in the extended care program. He was also an assistant teacher at San Francisco Schoolhouse. Sometime in the near future Wil hopes to earn his teaching credential. In his free time, Wil enjoys rooting for all the Bay Area sports teams, attending live concerts, and traveling. wil_dionisio@liveoaksf.org
Jordan Drosd

Fifth Grade Teacher
Bio
BA, University of California-Riverside; MA, BATTI Program

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

Third Grade Teacher
Bio
BS, East Carolina University; M.Ed., Cambridge College; Teaching Credential

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

Fourth Grade Teacher
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; Teaching Credentials

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

Third Grade Teacher
Bio
BS, University of California-Berkeley; MA University of Colorado-Denver

Shannon Gomez graduated from the University of California – Berkeley in 2014 with an Education Minor and an Interdisciplinary Studies Major in Business and Psychology. She went on to earn her Masters in Education from University of Colorado Denver with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically and Diverse Learners. She worked in Colorado as an educator and Education policy advocate for 4 years. After moving back to the Bay in 2018, she pioneered the STEAM program at Grattan Elementary. Shannon is passionate about social justice, social emotional learning, and creating inclusive classrooms. Outside of the classroom she enjoys surfing, backpacking, snowboarding, and cooking. shannon_gomez@liveoaksf.org
Cord Greene

Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
BA, UCLA; MS, Cal State East Bay

Cord joined Live Oak in the fall of 2024 with 16 years of experience in schools, serving as an extended day program administrator, middle school teacher, lower school teacher, and intervention specialist. He has also served as a student mentor and after school teacher and tutor. In addition to his extensive experience as an educator, Cord holds a B.A. in History and Education with a M.S. in Educational Leadership.
cord_greene@liveoaksf.org
Halen Groce

Fourth Grade Teacher
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

Director of Advancement
Bio
BA, Wellesley College

Francisca Guzman brings over ten years of experience in nonprofit development and communications. Prior to joining Live Oak, she worked as Associate Director at the Statewide Independent Living Council of TN and Development Director at Disability Rights Tennessee. Francisca is passionate about the power of stories to transform organizations and promote social justice. When not at work she enjoys doing yoga, hiking, reading and writing, and exploring the Bay Area. francisca_guzman@liveoaksf.org
Naomi Hamburger

Fifth Grade Teacher
Bio
BS, University of California, Davis; MA, University of California, Davis; Teaching Credential

Naomi Hamburger has been teaching at the elementary level since 2004 and at Live Oak since 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Agricultural Development and a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential, both from UC Davis. Naomi returned to UC Davis in 2012 to study problem solving in elementary math and received her MA in Education. Other professional development has included the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero, Math Camp at Colombia University, Math Workshops at Dana Hall, and Learning and the Brain’s Neuroscience in the Classroom. Naomi’s favorite education-related pursuits include planning field trips and working towards social justice alongside her students. Outside of school, Naomi enjoys parenting, reading, yoga, and exploring nature and culture in the Bay Area. naomi_hamburger@liveoaksf.org
Yvonne Hendricks

Lower School Counselor
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

Director of Communications
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

Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions
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

Middle School Humanities Teacher
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

Director of Instructional Innovation
Bio
BA, Menlo College; MA, University of San Francisco

Lianna Kali was born and raised on Ohlone Land in the Bay Area and currently calls San Francisco home. Her journey in the world of education started at a young age, working for Camp Galileo while in high school. She realized the potential of joyful approaches to learning and decided that someday her career could take that path.

After pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from Menlo College, her work has focused on the world of informal education. Most significantly, she has spent the last 11 years with the Exploratorium on the Tinkering Studio team, developing and leading programs that combine art, science, technology, and community through making tangible objects and artifacts. In 2018 Lianna completed a Master’s Degree in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco. The program focuses on critical pedagogies and examines the role of power and privilege in educational systems. She is excited to bring this commitment to educational equity to her role of Director of Instructional Innovation, with a focus on the intersections of making and social justice in the ChangeMaker Lab and thoughtful technology integration across K-8.

Beyond her passion for education, Lianna loves to read (particularly Afrofuturist science fiction), cook meals for large groups, and tend to her many houseplants. lianna_kali@liveoaksf.org
Alayna Kramer

Kindergarten Teacher
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

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

Before joining Live Oak, Kathryn taught high school math in Houston, Texas for 4 years. She has enjoyed teaching various levels of math–from Algebra 1 to AP Statistics and Pre-Calculus. Kathryn grew up in Houston, and moved to San Francisco at the end of 2020. Kathryn is thrilled to be working with students to develop a passion for problem solving using intuition and investigation. When not at school, Kathryn is walking her dog Murphy, cooking new dishes, and watching movies. kathryn_kundrot@liveoaksf.org
Edward Lee

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

Edward Lee was born in China, and came to the United States when he was 13 years old. Before Edward became a Math teacher, he was a project manager and academic planner at the International Student Center. Edward carried out several international projects and guided students on how to apply to their ideal university. During Edward’s more than seven years of tutoring career, he encouraged many students who were resistant to mathematics to view it in another light and enjoy learning. In his spare time, Edward is also keen on cooking and traveling. He has always said that he would become a qualified chef if he did not become a teacher. edward_lee@liveoaksf.org
Sharon Lee

Fourth Grade Teacher
Bio
BS, University of 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

Middle School Humanities Teacher
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

Lower School Teacher
Bio
BS, Northern Arizona University

Dionysia is thrilled to be joining the Live Oak community! She has taught in both Arizona and California with this year marking her seventh year of teaching. She has taught at School of the Epiphany for the last four years, in the Excelsior District. Dionysia graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in ESL. She is passionate about education and all aspects of learning and hopes to continue expanding her knowledge in those areas. When Dionysia isn’t in the classroom you can find her traveling around the world, going to see live music, discovering new baking recipes and exploring the beauty of San Francisco. dionysia_loufas@liveoaksf.org
Rebecca Mallabone

Third Grade Teacher
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

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

Amelia was born and raised with her five siblings in Claremont, CA. She attended San Francisco State University where she earned her Bachelors in Liberal Studies. After graduating, she joined the Teach For America program in New Orleans where she taught students in a moderate-severe Special Education setting. She took a year off to travel after which she landed in Mexico City teaching first grade at an international school with a dual immersion/International Baccalaureate program, while also completing both a TESOL certification and a Masters in Education. The pandemic brought her back to the Bay area last year and she ran a small pod school for Pre-K students in Marin. In her free time, Amelia loves to travel, explore new parks, listen to music, and eat everything! También, habla español. amelia_manes@liveoaksf.org
Renata Martin

Middle School Humanities Teacher and Changemaker Program Coordinator
Bio
BFA, Rochester Institute of Technology; MA, University of the Pacific; Teaching Credential

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

招生副主任
Bio
Claudia Martinez joins Live Oak as our Associate Director of Admissions. Claudia was born in Nicaragua and raised in San Francisco. She previously served as a school secretary for SFUSD, the Executive Assistant to the Principal and President of DeMarillac Academy, and as the Director of First Impressions at Fusion Academy. In her spare time, you can find her cooking up meals found on the internet for her family. She is also a huge Giants fan. Claudia is excited to be part of the Live Oak community and helping introduce prospective families to the school. 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
Mario is a born and raised San Francisco resident. His unique professional experience stems from years of providing excellent facilitation in museums, developing innovative STEAM activities, and his passion for educational equity. In finding ways to give back to their community, Mario has been led on a journey to take action against the educational inequities that have been so prevalent in this country. Her belief is that everyone needs to design and facilitate spaces for students of color, queer students, and working-class students not just for their benefit, but because we also gain so much culturally gathered knowledge, which white supremacy has tried to erase. mario_martinezmunoz@liveoaksf.org
Sydney McGhie

Middle School Humanities Teacher
Bio
BA, Denison University

Sydney McGhie grew up in Marin County and received her undergraduate degree in Gender Studies from Denison University. She started her teaching journey in 2018 at Synergy School where she was a Fourth Grade Teacher, Summer Camp Director, and a Coach for multiple teams. Prior to joining Live Oak she taught Fourth-Sixth grade at The Renaissance School in the East Bay. When she is not teaching she loves to hike with her dog, read a ridiculous amount of books, and cheer on all Bay Area sports teams! sydney_mcghie@liveoaksf.org
Amy Meyers

Middle School Music Teacher
Bio
BS, Theatre, Northwestern University

Amy Meyers grew up in Dallas, Texas and received her degree in Theatre from Northwestern University in Chicago. Lured to San Francisco in 1991 by the burgeoning music and technology scene she honed her skills in information technology and audio design while pursuing a career as a professional musician and composer. In 2000, in pursuit of her passion for teaching, she founded her own private piano, guitar and voice program and also joined now fellow Live Oak teacher, Jill Pierce, as an instructor in the renown Music For Children program, founded by Mary Ann Hall. She is excited to be part of the Live Oak Family and share her joy, passion, and knowledge with her students. When she is not teaching, Amy is a professional actress, having played principal roles in both plays and musicals in many local Bay Area theatre productions. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, travel, exercise and, of course, going to the theatre. 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

Third Grade Teacher
Bio
BA, University of California, Los Angeles; Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University (BATTI)

Lesley is very excited to be back at Live Oak! After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Asian American studies, she taught preschool for two years before returning to San Francisco. Lesley earned her teaching credential from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI) while also teaching as an assistant in first and third grades at Live Oak. After graduating from BATTI, she taught second grade in Manhattan Beach, CA, and also in Waianae, HI. Lesley again returned to San Francisco where she has been teaching at North Oakland Community Charter School for the last four years in kindergarten/first and fourth/fifth grades. In her free time, she enjoys barre fitness, watching and rooting for all of the Bay Area sports teams, and snuggling with her dog, Remy. lesley_miyagawa@liveoaksf.org
Katie Moore

Physical Education Teacher
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

Employment Resources Manager
Bio
AA, City College, San Francisco

Ruby MacDonald, a San Francisco native. She worked in retail management for over 20 years and was employed as Student Advisor and Site Coordinator for SFUSD at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. She and her husband keep themselves busy with their family. ruby_macdonald@liveoaksf.org
Stephan Nguyen

Middle School Counselor
Bio
BA, Willamette University; MS, University of 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.

In his free time, Stephan enjoys exploring San Francisco, tasting new cuisines, and dancing in zumba class. He also finds joy in cooking and baking, as well as curling up with a good book. When you enter his office, you may find him jamming to K-Pop, R&B, Disney/Broadway Soundtracks, and more! 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, San Francisco State; Early Education and Special Education Credentials

Karen Olson graduated from UC Davis in 1999 with a B.S in Human Development. She graduated from San Francisco State in 2001 with a MA and credentials in Early Childhood and Mild/Moderate Special Education. Karen’s first full year teaching was a preschool special day class in the East Bay for 3-5 year olds on the autistic spectrum. She then taught for six years as a resource specialist in San Bruno working with students K-6th grade with mild to moderate learning differences. She came to Live Oak in 2009 to provide academic support to a few students in sixth grade and her role has expanded into the Middle School Learning Specialist Position. When she’s away from school Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, taking pilates classes, going to the wine country, exploring the city, and just being out in the sun! karen_olson@liveoaksf.org
Virginia Paik

Head of School
Bio
BA, Pomona College; MA Columbia University Teachers College

Virginia Paik is Live Oak’s head of school. Virginia has been at Live Oak since 2001, where she has held positions as third grade teacher, Lower School Director and Assistant Head of School. Virginia holds a B.A. in English Literature from Pomona College and an M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She spent most of her nine years in the classroom as a kindergarten and preschool teacher. virginia_paik@liveoaksf.org
Lily Panetta

Database & Events Manager
Bio
BA, Seattle University

Lily hails from all over the country including Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and now California! She most recently lived in Seattle where she studied Strategic Communications and Studio Art at Seattle University. Lily has always loved working with kids. As a communications intern for Eli’s Park Project in Seattle, WA, she worked to create a park for children of all abilities. Prior to that, she was an art teacher at Children’s Healing Art Project in Portland, OR, bringing art to kids in inpatient and outpatient care. She cannot wait to see what is next for her at Live Oak. In her free time, Lily plays on a soccer team, tries new recipes, and hikes on the coast. lily_panetta@liveoaksf.org
Angel 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 and Board Relations Manager
Bio
BA, UC San Diego; MA, PhD, University of 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

Middle School Math Teacher
Bio
BArch, University of Cincinnati; BA, University of Cincinnati; Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University

Edward Pertcheck graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2000 with a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts with High Honors in Spanish. After college, he worked at an architecture firm for seven years. In 2009, he completed his teaching credential at San Francisco State University while student teaching Algebra I for ninth graders at Mission High School in San Francisco. Edward is a licensed architect and for the past twelve years he has taught various architecture and math college classes. In 2019, he developed and taught an architecture class for Urban High School in San Francisco. When he is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family, doing everything from cooking, going to playgrounds, and seeing musicals. Edward volunteers at the annual Victorian House Alliance Tour in San Francisco as well as the annual Swim-A-Mile supporting the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley. edward_pertcheck@liveoaksf.org
Jennifer Phillips

Lower School Division Director
Bio
BA, UC Santa Barbara; Teaching Credential, SF State; 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; Teaching Credential

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, University of the Pacific (BATTI); CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Kelley earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a focus in journalism and psychology (plus a side job teaching beekeeping). Prior to joining Live Oak, Kelley taught after school nutrition cooking programs with Cooking Matters. This experience shifted her career focus to classroom education, and she completed an Americorps year as a K-5 outdoor science teacher in SFUSD. She completed her Master’s in Education and Teaching through the Bay Area Teacher Training Initiative (BATTI) program, while teaching third grade at Phillips Brooks School. Kelley is passionate about science and emotional wellness, and participates in numerous workshops such as Teachers for Social Justice Conference, Youcubed Mathematical Mindsets, and Culturally Responsive Teaching. In their free time, Kelley will take any excuse to get outside, and enjoys shopping farmer’s markets, gardening, hiking, and rock climbing. kelley_plasterer@liveoaksf.org
Esther Porcella

Middle School Tutor
Bio
MA and Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University

Esther Porcella holds a multi-subject teaching credential and a MA in mild-moderate learning disabilities from San Francisco State. She has an introductory Slingerland certificate and has regularly assisted in Slingerland Method Summer School, specializing in multisensory literacy. Esther is trained in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Culturally Responsive Classroom methodology as well as restorative justice. Esther is the proud mother to two brilliant dyslexic kids and brings a passion for neuro-diverse learning to her practice. She comes to Live Oak School from San Francisco Day School, where she was the 7/8 Learning Specialist. Esther also maintains a private practice where she specializes in supporting all areas of dyslexia and ADHD. She is thrilled to join Live Oak in supporting middle school students as they discover their potential. esther_porcella@liveoaksf.org
Dreas Ratteray

Middle School Science Teacher
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

First Grade Teacher
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

Second Grade Teacher
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

Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
BS, University of California, Davis; Teaching Credential, 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, University of San Diego; MA, University of San Diego; MA, EdD Educational Leadership, Mills College

Tanya Susoev was born and raised in San Francisco. She identifies as a biracial, first-generation Asian/Korean-American, and first-generation college graduate. This identity has guided and grounded her practice in storytelling and celebration of student/colleague identities and reflective practice.

She holds a B.A. in English Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing from the University of San Diego, where she also earned her teaching credential. She returned to USD, earning her M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies alongside a certificate in negotiations and conflict resolution. She spent her early career using art as the foundation for post-conflict community healing and reconciliation, facilitating art murals in numerous communities in San Diego and abroad.
Tanya’s teaching career began in San Diego, teaching for two years before returning to the Bay Area and continuing in the classroom for an additional eight years. During that time, she also served as a swim coach, club moderator, DEI committee leader, director of service-learning, and union representative. Tanya earned her Administrative Services Credential and M.A. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Mills College, completing her research and dissertation on white identity and supremacy in schools. Prior to joining Live Oak School, she served three years as a high school associate principal.

Tanya and her family live in Oakland. She likes to recharge by spending time connecting with friends and playing flag football. tanya_susoev@liveoaksf.org
Adrian Takyi

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Bio
BA, Haverford College; MA, Teachers College, Columbia University

Adrian has been Live Oak’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion since 2019. After joining the community in 2015, he held several different roles including 1st and 2nd grade teacher, faculty trustee, and Strategic Planning Committee member. Adrian also currently serves on the People of Color in Independent Schools (PoCIS) board of directors, where he works to support the achievement and well-being of students, families, and educators of color in Bay Area independent schools. Prior to Live Oak, Adrian taught and coached at San Francisco Day School and Wilmington Friends School. A native of Chatham, NY, he holds a BA in History and Education from Haverford College and a Master's in School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. When he’s not at school, Adrian can be found playing basketball, eating tacos, and relaxing in the East Bay. adrian_takyi@liveoaksf.org
Stephanie Temple

Drama Teacher
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

Lower School Art Teacher
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University

José has taught at The Russian Hill School and Alvarado School here in San Francisco and at Carpenter Elementary School in Studio City. He is a practicing printmaker and has recently taken an interest in the materials and images surrounding construction sites in the Bay Area. jose_trujillo@liveoaksf.org
Vivian Tse

Controller
Bio
Vivian Tse joined Live Oak School in February 2022 as Controller and brings over 16 years of Bay Area independent school knowledge and experience. She loves how the vibe of children, education, and progressive learning saturate her. When not at work, her favorite activities are meshing it up with her teenage kids, trying new culinary delights, cooking, doing Bay Area walks, and having good fun with friends and family. 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

First Grade Teacher
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
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, University of Oklahoma

Scott Wilber has been the Middle School Visual Arts teacher at Live Oak School since 1996. Scott has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Visual Communications from the University of Oklahoma. Scott’s professional development includes SF School-Art Conference, Palo Alto – Mosaic Instruction, Bentley School – For Art Teachers, and Project Zero San Francisco.
In addition to his work at Live Oak, Scott is a freelance illustrator working for such clients as Target, Disney, and Town Square Graphics. He has also been a scenic painter and set designer since 2000 for San Francisco theatre companies such as 42nd Street Moon and New Conservatory Theatre Center. Currently, Scott is working on a new set of paintings for a show in the near future. In his “spare” time, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and frequenting flea markets and dumpsters in search of materials for his artwork and school projects. scott_wilber@liveoaksf.org
Londynn Young

Fifth Grade Teacher
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

First Grade Teacher
Bio
BA, UCLA; MS Ed, Nova Southeastern University; Teaching Credential, LAUSD Internship Program

Nicole Zaheed earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geography from UCLA, earned her California teaching credential through Los Angeles Unified School District’s intern program, and completed her M.S. in Education, Brain Science, Teaching and Learning, from Nova Southeastern University. Nicole has been teaching since 1997 in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. She has participated in professional development opportunities to support the work in her classroom, some of which include the Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop conference, Dana Hall Math Institute, Education Through Music Colloquium, and Sowing Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) training. When she is not teaching, she is busy enjoying time with her husband and daughter singing, playing, and exploring Pacifica.
nicole_zaheed@liveoaksf.org
Carlos Zerzan

Middle School Spanish Teacher
Bio
BA, San Francisco State University; MA, San Francisco State University; Teaching Credential

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