Tessellations – The Beneventi School

Staff

Meet Our Staff

The remarkable staff at Tessellations shares a passionate dedication to teaching gifted children. Our teachers’ diversity of experience allows them to bring a deeper, richer worldview into the classroom, and their kindness, intelligence, and authenticity help set the tone for our whole community. Our teachers have diverse backgrounds and interests, hold an uncharacteristically high number of advanced degrees, and have taught all over the world. We have mathematicians, artists, practicing naturalists, a former criminal attorney, scientists, and one of the nation’s foremost experts in the social/emotional needs of the gifted. Read on for more:

Grace Stanat

he/him

Head of School, Founder

Grace has guided Tessellations since our humble beginnings, from 34 kids in a Zoom meeting to what we are today. He became our Head of School because of his belief that gifted students need a specialized environment to thrive. Grace has hired our staff, negotiated our premises, managed our finances and fundraising, and led admissions through our first three seasons. Grace takes great pride in our exceptional teachers, happy students, and the warm community he’s helped build and grow thus far. Grace graduated valedictorian from Pomona College with dual degrees in Mathematics and Fine Art, after which he attended Oxford University on a Marshall Scholarship, earning both a Masters in Computer Science and a Masters in Fine Art from the Ruskin School of Drawing (Oxford). As the former founder and CEO of several successful companies, Grace excels at leading early-stage organizations.

Anne Beneventi

she/her

Founding Visionary

Anne is a Certified Master Practitioner of Gifted Qualitative Assessment (GQA), and is the successor to Annemarie Roeper, a pioneer and giant in the field of education who taught that the emotions of the gifted child are as important as their cognitive abilities. Anne is an Associate of the Gifted Development Center, has served as Chair of the Global Awareness Network of the National Association for Gifted Children, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) in 2017 for promoting an understanding of the essence of giftedness and for her method of identification of giftedness through GQA. Tessellations is the fourth school for the gifted that she has successfully co-founded. Her greatest professional accomplishments have been creating communities where gifted families can connect, belong, and thrive, and assisting the educational journey of gifted children so they can actualize their potential, principles which continue to serve as Anne’s personal and professional mission at Tessellations.

Emma Ludwick

she/her

Head of K-8

Emma’s passion for creating environments in which children and families find understanding, connection, and community has always guided her professional path. She served for ten years in a variety of roles at Stanford University’s Bing Nursery School, and taught courses on early childhood development and teacher training at the Stanford Department of Psychology. Emma later became a child development and educational consultant, working with technology companies, parent education programs, and a variety of schools. She holds a B.A. from Stanford in Psychology, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and completed training in children’s mental health with Boston Children’s Hospital. She first fell in love with Tessellations as a parent. “Being a part of Tessellations has been wonderful for my family,” she says. “As Head of K-8, I am thrilled to serve this incredible community and to support our collaborative efforts to build an outstanding and enduring school in any way I can.”

Aisha Amer

she/her

Primary School Teacher

Aisha is an experienced educator with a heart full of love for children and an unwavering passion for making a lasting impact on their lives. “I love spending time with miniature tornadoes,” she says. With a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Punjab in Pakistan, as well as a degree in Graphic Design, she combines her artistic and design talents to create dynamic learning experiences. Having worked as a UX designer for three years, Aisha brings a valuable perspective to her educational approach, incorporating innovative and user-friendly strategies in her teaching methods. Outside of the classroom, Aisha finds inspiration in hiking and exploring the great outdoors. As an artist, she also dedicates her free time to painting, allowing her creativity to flourish. Above all, she treasures moments spent with her family. Whether it’s sharing laughter, embarking on adventures, or simply enjoying quality time together, family is at the core of her happiness.

Audrianna Aquino

she/her

Outdoor Educator (Naturalist) / Curriculum Lead, K-3rd Outdoor Education

Audri grew up in East San Jose playing soccer and enjoying time outside. She is half Mexican and half Filipino and definitely takes pride in both cultures. She played soccer at Chaminade University of Honolulu, and graduated with a BS in Environmental Studies. After college she became an Environmental Educator at Walden West Outdoor School in Saratoga, and loved having the forest as her classroom. “I’m excited to continue working outdoors, to be a part of creating and running our Nature Campus, and creating long term relationships with our students,” Audri says. “I am also personally very happy to be part of a school community that truly cares about the well-being of teachers, students, and families — both physically and especially mentally. I love the understanding that as adults, we all must role model how to be good human beings to our kiddos, for them to treat others and themselves with love and respect.”

Rachel Bagnani

she/her

Kindergarten Teacher / Curriculum Lead, K-1st

A Bay Area native, Rachel earned a BA in Child and Adolescent Development and an MA in Education from San Francisco State University. Drawing on her passion and knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach to early education, Rachel was an integral part of the team that developed Google’s highly regarded Children’s Center at the Woods. Her experience and expertise with gifted children deepened when she shifted into teaching gifted kindergarteners in a private school setting in 2014. She and her co-teacher Claudia give the youngest students at Tessellations a particularly warm, engaging, and fun introduction to their school experience. “I’m thrilled to be a part of such a kind and caring community,” says Rachel. “One of my passions is designing beautiful, engaging environments for children, and I’m excited to be able to do this as well as lead the kindergarten program at Tessellations.”

Sarah Baker

she/her

Primary School Teacher

Sarah loves cultivating environments that make learning meaningful and memorable with social emotional development at the heart of her instructional approach. She has a BS in Dance from the University of Oregon and a MA in Education from USF, where her thesis centered on kinesthetic movement in elementary education for all curricular subjects. As a teacher of movement and creativity since 2001 and a credentialed elementary educator since 2011, Sarah has taught Kindergarten and 2/3 combination classes across public, private, special, and gifted education settings. Outside of work, Sarah plays with her daughter, teaches yoga, and spends as much time as possible immersed in nature.

Shelby Barthold

she/her

Primary School Teacher

Shelby always wanted to be a teacher. “Even though I’ve been in education for a while now, I still feel so lucky that I get to do what I’m passionate about every day,” she says. “I especially enjoy teaching math and showing children how fun and exciting it can be. Math doesn’t have to be a scary thing!” Shelby began her journey in education as a math interventionist for Denver Public Schools, and then continued teaching in the classroom and in after-school programs in California, including five summers at The Nueva School. She received a BA in Psychology from Claremont McKenna College and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego. Shelby is also passionate about sports, especially basketball, which she played at the collegiate level. In addition to playing in adult leagues, she enjoys coaching children, to show them the multitude of life skills that can be learned through playing sports.

Kanchan Bhandare

she/her

Intermediate School Science Teacher / Curriculum Lead, 4th-5th Science

Kanchan went to school at the University of Mumbai and earned a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Analytical Chemistry. After spending a few years in AIDS research at a major hospital in Mumbai, she “fell backward” into teaching by substituting at her kids’ school and never looked back. Since 2009 she’s taught science at the middle school level, and particularly enjoys creating fun, engaging lessons that support and challenge students. Her particular passion for environmental science made Tessellations’ Nature Campus especially appealing, but no matter the topic, Kanchan’s teaching style shows her heartfelt commitment to fostering a positive environment for students and helping them flourish. “Tessellations’ approach to teaching resonates with me,” says Kanchan. “I make connections with all my students and believe that every student needs a champion. Every voice matters.” She is the mother of two grown daughters and loves gardening, hiking, reading, and doing art projects.

Len Bloch

he/him

Middle School Science Teacher

Len’s love of teaching was ignited in 1985, one year after he earned a BS in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, he has taught every academic subject, every age from pre-school to post-graduate, and both gifted and special education. Still, he always returns to middle school science, and he finds a special joy in working with gifted students. When he wasn’t busy teaching, he earned an MA in Education from UC Berkeley, and a PhD in Science Education from the University of Georgia. His dissertation asked how master teachers teach about climate change, and he is deeply committed to helping young people prepare to face the challenges of life on a rapidly changing planet. His two TED-Ed videos have garnered over four million views, and he received the “Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award” for California in 2018.

Ivar Blomquist

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After-School Teacher

Growing up in the Bay Area, Ivar had exposure to all types of sports from a young age. As an adult he has explored a multitude of ways to engage youth in physical activity. A variety of previous opportunities working with kids helped him realize that any and every interaction can be a meaningful moment of learning to a child. When he looks back at his own life, Ivar remembers the smallest moments being the ones that helped define his character as he grew up. He admires how Tessellations allows young people to explore many kinds of activities, fields, and interests, because he values exploration as a means to help kids shape their identity and self esteem. He is excited to play all types of games, whether they are physically or mentally challenging, with Tessellations students. Ivar holds a BA in kinesiology from Chico State University.

Danny Boyer

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Middle School Science Teacher

Inside and outside the classroom, Danny’s teaching career has centered on inspiring in his students a love and respect for nature, and the confidence and motivation to have a positive impact on the world. He has taught middle school science in a classroom setting for fifteen years, and has led an outdoor adventure summer camp for twenty, taking kids surfing, kayaking, and rock climbing. Danny graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BS in geology and an emphasis in paleontology, and first found his love for teaching working as a naturalist. He worked as a sea kayak guide in Alaska, California, and Baja California, and has traveled to or lived in over thirty countries. At Tessellations, he most enjoys getting to know all the students, collaborating with other faculty, and, most of all, sharing time with everyone outdoors surrounded by nature.

Dominic Cala

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Primary School Teacher

Dominic began working with elementary-aged students while earning his BA in Child Development from California State University, Sacramento. His passion for working with children began when he coached baseball for the SF Junior Giants while completing his degree, working with seven and eight-year-olds. For the past seven years, he has been working in education in many different roles. He worked as an after-school program teacher, then served as a program manager in Sacramento public schools, before spending the past four years at Athena Academy as an elementary homeroom and language arts teacher. Dominic was drawn to Tessellations’ nature program, as time in nature has been a vital part of his life, but the school’s mission of helping gifted students thrive academically, while also nurturing their social-emotional development, speaks to him most profoundly. He’s proud to have the chance to make a difference in the lives of Tessellations students.

Claudia Campano

she/her

Kindergarten Teacher

Claudia co-teaches Tessellations’ kindergarteners with Rachel. She started her career by working as a preschool innovation coach, helping other teachers build curricula with engaging, hands-on lessons to capture the hearts and minds of the youngest students, and provide them a foundation for technological subjects like coding. Since then, she’s moved into classroom teaching, starting with first graders. Since 2018 she’s taught gifted kindergarteners, including designing their curriculum. “I most enjoy working with younger ones because it’s when learning is the most exciting. I’ve seen the wonder and enthusiasm the young ones have whenever we start a class and I love seeing their eagerness to apply their learning to the world around them. I love watching them come into kindergarten as one child, sometimes timid, and seeing them flourish into independent thinkers.” Claudia earned a BA in Elementary Education and Exceptional Education from the University of Miami.

Jose Caraan

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Early Childhood Associate Teacher

With a BA in Psychology and a minor in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University, Jose originally planned to become a clinical and research psychologist. But after realizing his joy working directly with children at the university’s Child Development center, Jose switched careers to early childhood education. He has worked with infants to preschoolers, and has an inclination towards music and the natural world. He encourages children to develop their rhythm and ear for music, as well as explore the different lifeforms found in our world. A child at heart, Jose can often be found sitting on the floor examining something alongside the children. His life goal is to help others be the best versions of themselves. He hopes to build that foundation with little ones by giving them the excitement and confidence to explore the world around them.

Lauren Castro

she/her

School Counselor

Lauren is passionate about supporting youth. She helps unlock their potential by partnering with them to overcome mental, social, and emotional struggles, and works collaboratively to cultivate an environment for success. Lauren values creating a safe space for individuals to be vulnerable and get in touch with their emotions, and is experienced in crisis management and de-escalation techniques. Her approach is eclectic, bringing flexibility to meet an individual where they are, challenge them, and work together to achieve growth. Lauren has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Canisius University in Buffalo, NY, and is registered as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. When she’s not working, she’s chasing down a good sunset, on a walk, traveling, or hanging out with loved ones.

Gary Comstock

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Primary School Teacher

Gary came to Tessellations after nearly three decades in education, both in the classroom with students from preschool to post-secondary, and in public school administration. Gary enjoyed working as a principal at a top-performing public school, and as a director for a district of over 60,000 students. “Having trained school staff and allocated resources to ensure student success, I appreciate how Tessellations fosters each student’s curiosity and love of learning, while keeping them rigorously challenged,” he says. “I am beyond excited to return to the reason I entered the field and have missed every day, working in the classroom.” He first found a passion for education in the primary grades when he worked as a bilingual educator and reading specialist for students in preschool through third grade. Gary holds a BS in Psychology with a Spanish Minor, and an MA in Education Administration and Supervision.

Cade Conkle

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Middle School Science Teacher

Cade is thrilled to be one of the middle school science teachers at Tessellations. As an educator he values Tessellations’ emphasis on nature, project-based learning, social and emotional development, small class sizes, and the flexibility to mold the classes and curriculum to the interests of the students. He has always loved working and connecting with children. At 12, he was already coaching basketball and tutoring younger children in Palo Alto. Cade graduated from San Francisco State University in 2011 with a BA in audio production and engineering, then taught elementary, middle, and high school for seven years in America, Cambodia, and Taiwan. Cade returned to the US in 2019 with his wife and their two young boys to settle down. Cade is passionate about playing basketball and playing music (he’s a multi-instrumentalist with an affinity for drums). He builds computers, plays video games, and goes to campsites, travel destinations, concerts, and sporting events as much as he possibly can.

Dusten Conlon

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Early Childhood Teacher

As the oldest son of teachers in a blended family, it was almost as if Dusten was fated to become one himself. Taking a keen interest in the science of learning and development, he graduated from UC San Diego with a BS in Cognitive Science. Specializing in Human Cognition, he researched how the brains of parent and child respond and synchronize to unexpected outcomes while playing games together. He has mentored undergraduates, homeschooled communities of rural students, and worked extensively with special needs populations. Beyond campus, Dusten hosts a weekly dinner and book club. He also enjoys musicals, keeping up with research findings, and being a Dungeon Master for his friends.

Yudith Dian

she/her

Primary School Teacher

Yudith’s passion for education took root when she was a child in Indonesia, watching her mother teach neighborhood children in a fun, energetic environment that engaged every single child in the room. The family moved to the US and Yudith eventually earned a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley and an MA in Education from Harvard University, but her own difficulties at school growing up gave her a compassionate perspective. “I have learned the value of a rigorous curriculum that allows children to explore their interests and have experiences that may not be found in a traditional classroom,” Yudith says. “What I love about working with young children is the opportunity to grow alongside them, to learn about what each child needs to reach their individual success, and to instill a love for learning.”

Andrew Dinh

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Intermediate School Humanities Teacher

An East San Jose native, Andrew studied at San Jose State University and has taught elementary school in multiple South Bay districts over the last 13 years. They take pride in sharing their perspective as a second-generation Vietnamese-American who loves graphic novels, nature, music, and running. Students know him for his empathy and his exuberance, not to mention his sense of humor. They are excited to join the Tessie community because they feel right at home in a community that values curiosity, individuality, and imagination. Andrew lives in downtown San Jose with his partner, daughter, cats, and 100+ pairs of sneakers.

Bethany Domingo

she/her

Early Childhood Associate Teacher

With a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and over seven years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Bethany has always been passionate about fostering a positive learning environment. She is devoted to helping students reach their full potential early to become the best versions of themselves, and is now moving toward a Master’s in School Counseling. She hopes to continue advocating for youth through education as long as possible, and is excited to join the Tessellation’s Children Center as an Associate Teacher. Bethany also finds joy in spending time with her friends, boyfriend, and three pets.

Jenny Dumas

she/her

High School Launch Team, Admissions

Jenny loves the energy, vibrance, and diversity that comes with working in a school setting. After undergraduate studies in social work, she earned a MA in Education, K-12 School Counseling and spent the next 15 years as a school and college counselor helping students build resilience, set individual goals, and find creative ways to explore their interests. She finds joy in seeing people succeed and helping them feel connected, seen, and heard. She is happiest spending time with her wife, 8-year-old twins, and their dog Clark W. Griswold “Griz” hiking, having a beach day, connecting, and being with family.

Hugo Escobedo

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Custodian

Hugo has worked in maintenance for over six years, mostly at nonprofit organizations, including another school and a church, before he came to Tessellations. He also has prior experience in construction. He was attracted to Tessellations in particular for its fair employment policies, but also likes the environment, finding it to be very friendly. He feels the staff are inviting and that they listen to him. Hugo lives nearby, and when he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his young daughter.

Michael Fariss

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Director of Technology

Michael Fariss has been helping independent Bay Area school communities with technology for well over a decade. He was responsible for running IT departments at several schools, including managing staff, projects and training educators to use technology without techno-babble. His vision for technology in education is to allow technology to enhance the communication of concepts, without interfering with students’ learning process. Michael has an extremely broad knowledge base including shop-mechanics, electrical systems and many digital devices. He earned his BS in Software Engineering at San Jose State University, an MBA at Argosy University as well as some classes at various other schools including Berkeley Extension. When not wrangling digital devices, he enjoys exploring new hiking trails, mountaintops, and historic sites in the Bay Area.

Remy Freeman

they/them

After-School Teacher (Base Camp) / Associate Teacher

Remy helps lead the after-school program at Tessellations through games and explorations and has led D&D clubs for lower school students. They went to San Jose State University and earned a BA in Child and Adolescent Development in 2018. Lead by their deep love for nature, they spent 7 years in outdoor education as a field instructor, specializing in environmental science, team building and social emotional learning. In August 2017, Remy had a fast and victorious battle against cancer, which resulted in having their vocal cords removed. A few weeks after surgery, they leapt back into the field, ready to teach with their new voice. Eventually, they left outdoor education in search of a more student-centered community that values exploration and experiential learning, which is exactly what they’ve found at Tessellations. They enjoy incorporating an appreciation of nature and big imagination into everything they do with students. Remy sees every moment as teachable and loves to learn new things themselves, which they funnel into hobbies like knitting, gardening, and playing TTRPGs with friends in their free time.

Lilyana Galvan

she/her

Administrative Assistant and Substitute Coordinator

Lilyana started her career as an administrative assistant in the corporate world, but after becoming a room parent for her daughter’s preschool class, she found herself pulled in a new direction. She went back to school in Early Childhood Education and served as a preschool and Spanish teacher at the very same private school for 14 years. “Something in particular I like about Tessellations is the community feel. When I first arrived on campus, everyone was so welcoming and the students were so happy,” she says. “Interacting with all the great students and their families makes me excited to be a part of Tessellations.” In her spare time, she loves spending time with her daughter and family, whether taking family walks around the neighborhood or fun-filled vacations to Disneyland.

Prachi Gangwal

she/her

Innovation Teacher

Prachi has been a learner of life and always curious about how machines and technology work. As Innovation teacher at Tessellations, she is dedicated to educating and guiding children to use critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and empathetic project-based learning. It has been a passion for her to combine art and design thinking with science and engineering at its core and she believes in providing a space for young minds where their imagination and creativity can be nourished. She holds a BS from Nagpur University and an MS from North Carolina State University, both in Civil Engineering. She felt a deep inner calling to serve others, especially children, through teaching. “Teaching them and learning from them is profound. I find magic around children.” she says. In addition to being a teacher, she is an artist, podcast host, the author of several self-published children’s books and a “life-long learner of human inner engineering.” She loves to spend time outside of school by spending time with her family, hiking in the woods, gazing at the stars, weaving words in poetic ways, creating artwork, taking photos and learning new skills.

Shoshana Gleit

she/her

Visual Arts Teacher

Shoshana is an artist from Philadelphia. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York City where she studied illustration and art education. She loves art history and gets excited to learn about diverse and unique visual artists. She particularly loves 16th-century Flemish art, Japanese Ukiyo-e, and the Guerrilla Girls. Shoshana is excited to introduce a choice-based, child-centered art program to Tessellations that encourages exploration and experimentation with different materials and techniques. Outside of teaching, she is an avid traveler who loves to visit World Heritage Sites, art museums, national parks and unique kitschy landmarks. She has visited over 20 countries and has a constant plan for a new adventure. Shoshana also enjoys vegetarian cooking, hiking, camping, and spending time with her husband and kids.

Caroline Gupta

she/her

Director of Operations

Caroline is a true Renaissance woman. After earning her Bachelor Degree from the University of Ottawa, she started exploring politics and ended up assisting the Canadian Prime Minister. She then co-owned a restaurant for a few years and eventually became the chef. Next, she pivoted to the tech industry, joined a startup, and moved to California. While working for another company, she temporarily relocated to France to open new corporate offices, and loved traveling all over Europe dealing with vendors and suppliers and managing events. Later, Caroline became a stay at home mom. She served on the board of the preschool, then was PTA president and on the PTA team for many years, helping organize, fundraise and manage multiple events. She re-entered the workforce a few years ago, doing project management for Microsoft and Apple, but her love of being with children and in a school environment led her to Tessellations.

Mehrnaz Habibi

she/her

Intermediate School Science Teacher

Mehrnaz’s passion for environmental science, belief in educating the whole child, and focus on encouraging hard work and dedication led her to Tessellations. She has taught preschool through upper elementary grades with an approach centered on inquiry-based, hands-on activities where students take responsibility for their learning. Mehrnaz earned a BS in Environmental Pollution from Iran, a BS in Early Childhood Studies and an MSEd with a concentration in Mathematics and Science from Walden University. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D degree in Educational Leadership at California Coast University. Outside work, Mehrnaz frequents crafting stores, engages in crafting projects, and makes music with family and friends. She enjoys playing ukulele, percussion, and the piano.

Mary Hansell

she/her

Middle School Humanities Teacher

Originally from Wisconsin, Mary matriculated at the University of Dallas to take advantage of its well-established program in Rome, where she enjoyed experiencing different cultures and learning from all of them. After earning a BA in Elementary Education, Mary spent a few years teaching computer programming, reading, math and science before pursuing an MA in Humanities to combine her interests in art, history, and literature. At The Episcopal School of Dallas, she taught a world cultures course and helped her students become more informed and appreciative of multicultural viewpoints. She designed collaborative projects with students around the world, including Shenzhen, China and Sydney, Australia. Using mock trials, simulations and student-centered activities, she delighted in engaging her students to deepen their learning. She also served as Department Chair for History and was the school’s Director of Educational Technology. Mary is inspired by Tessellations’ mission, values and belief in using imagination to bring positive change in the world.

Kyle Hietala

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Middle School Humanities / Speech & Debate Teacher

Kyle believes that students can realize exceptional interpersonal and intellectual growth through advocacy and argument. He is excited to help students develop the critical compassion needed to illuminate truth, advance justice, and understand others in a pluralistic, technological society – and have fun competing at tournaments! Kyle began teaching with Breakthrough Collaborative and Teach For America and has taught speech and debate at schools including St. Luke’s (CT), Spence (NY), and Sidwell Friends (DC). He was a two-time speech and debate State Champion in Lincoln Douglas Debate, competed in Original Oratory, and placed as a National Semifinalist and was the North American (NorthAms) Champion in 2017 for Parliamentary Debate. Kyle holds a BA in Cognitive Science from Yale University and completed coursework at the Johns Hopkins School of Education. He lives in Menlo Park with his partner Miles and their cat, Candace. He enjoys spamming his friends with memes, hunting for new-release items at Trader Joe’s, and watching socio-political documentaries.

Stephanie Holson

she/her

Founding Director, Lead Teacher, Children’s Center @ Tessellations

Stephanie serves as Founding Director and Lead Teacher for the Children’s Center at Tessellations. She brings a deep understanding of child development to her work: she taught at Stanford University’s Bing Nursery School for 10 years, and holds both a BA in Child Development and MA in Early Childhood Education from Mills College. She excels at creating inviting spaces and compelling curriculum that enable young learners to continue their exploration and understanding of the wondrous world all around them. “I feel so lucky to spend my time supporting young children and their families,” she says. When she’s not in the classroom, you can find Stephanie spending quality time with her husband, two great kids, and their small menagerie of pets.

Ellen Honeck

she/her

Assistant Head of K-8

Ellen Honeck has devoted her career to gifted education. She has been a classroom teacher, administrator, gifted specialist, curriculum developer, consultant, and adjunct professor. She earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver, with a concentration in gifted education, particularly social-emotional elements of curriculum and instruction. Ellen later served as Associate Director of the university’s Institute for the Development of Gifted Education, and authored several books on giftedness. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) awarded Ellen the 2021 Professional Development Network Award, as well as the 2016 President’s Award, for her contributions to the field. She has been an important advisor to Tessellations since its inception, and her professional relationship with Anne Beneventi goes back many years. “I chose Tessellations because of the teachers and staff, and the joy on campus when I visited,” says Ellen. “It’s exciting to work with educators who enjoy designing meaningful curricula at a high level.”

Jonny Hopkins

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Outdoor Educator (Naturalist)

Jonny instills a deep connection with nature and fosters lifelong environmental stewardship in his students with engaging, hands-on experiences. He specializes in STEM curriculum development focused on environmental sustainability, including organic farming, renewable energy, natural building, and regenerative systems design. Jonny has a BA in Environmental Politics with a minor in Appropriate Technology, a MS in Sustainable Design, and 25+ years of experience as a Certified Permaculture Design Consultant (PDC). His passion for sustainability led him to found the PhillyEarth Center for Environmental Education at the Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia, PA, where he developed a hands-on, project-based curriculum focused on urban farming and sustainability. Outside the classroom, he enjoys gardening, cooking, camping, and traveling.

Debora Hoppis

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Early Childhood Teacher / Director of Extended Care

Born and raised in Brazil, Debora has worked in education for 15 years, living in California for the last 10 years. She has an AS in Early Childhood Education from Orange Coast College, a BA in Pedagogy Education from Brazil, and is finishing her MS in Early Childhood Studies (specializing in Administration, Management, and Leadership) from Walden University. Debora has a long and impressive history working as Site Director, Child Development Instructor, and Teacher Trainer in a variety of environments, including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and play-based approaches. In addition, she led, created, and implemented a hands-on emergent curriculum for children 1-6 at the Apple Children’s Center with Bright Horizons. Also a published author, she’s currently writing a series of bilingual, self-empowering STEM books for young children. When she’s not in the classroom or writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, being outdoors, candle making, or finding new things to learn.

Kyle Houston

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Physical Education & Associate Teacher

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Kyle’s philosophy is that all children—no matter their age or circumstance—have genius within them and should be respected as such. Kyle has been instrumental in the launches of several schools. Along the way he taught multiple subjects at the middle school level, and has coached youth gymnastics and motor skill development for over a decade. This honed his abilities as a mentor, and helped hundreds of kids realize their potential physically and academically as more confident, capable movers. Kyle pursues a calling to help children develop healthy lifestyles when they’re young that lead to healthy lives as adults. He believes physical and mental health are deeply connected, and that creating a healthy, supportive environment is key to both. In his free time he enjoys reading novels, cooking, and turning his music up really loud.

Teddy Hulsker

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Resident Dungeon Master / Drama Teacher

Teddy Hulsker is an Oakland-based Bay Area native and Game Master for hire, as well as resident Dungeon Master for Tessellations School. A lifetime nerd, Teddy decided to make a career of his passion when the pandemic hit in 2020. Since then Teddy has run camps and campaigns for all ages. As a DM Teddy creates a fun environment for play that rewards players for creativity and ingenuity. He loves games that feature a blend of humor, excitement, danger and collaborative problem solving. In addition to his work as a dungeon master, Teddy is an award-winning theatrical sound and projection designer. His work has been seen and heard at local venues like TheaterWorks, Marin Theater Company, San Francisco Playhouse and Aurora Theater Company. He was also the founder and artistic director of Klanghaus, an East Bay artists’ ensemble that produced monthly happenings in an eclectic range of venues between 2014 and 2019. He is immensely grateful for this opportunity to share his passion with the students of Tessellations.

Victoria King

she/her

Primary School Teacher / Curriculum Lead, Bridges Math K-5

After spending time working with learners in various settings, including a rare opportunity teaching in a refugee camp for a summer, Victoria earned a BA in Education from Biola University. She dedicated her time as an educator to cultivating a student-centric classroom, as well as training other educators on various best practices. For the past couple of years, Victoria took advantage of a chance to work in management at a general contracting design/build firm, but now, excited, invigorated, and equipped with new skills, she is thrilled to be returning to education. A lifelong learner herself, Victoria believes the best gift a teacher can give his/her student is not knowledge itself, but instead, a love of learning and tools for the pursuit of knowledge. “There are few communities as unique and remarkable as Tessellations,” Victoria reflects. “I’m honored to be a small part of something so incredible.”

Brianna Kirby

she/her

Kindergarten Teacher

A lifelong learner, Brianna explored various interests before eventually landing in the field of early childhood education. While working as a professional photographer, she earned an Associate’s degree from City College of San Francisco, followed by a BA in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Stanford University with minors in Spanish and Italian. For over a decade, Brianna enjoyed teaching preschool in the play-based, child-centered environment at Stanford’s famous Bing Nursery School. She is currently working toward an MA in Early Childhood Education at San Francisco State University. Her research focuses on supporting multilingual learners in the classroom community with the inclusion, respect, and celebration they deserve for optimal growth and development. “As a Tessellations parent, I experienced the mission, vision, and values of this incredible school firsthand,” she says. “I am thrilled to work closely with fellow educators who support and celebrate the diversity of each unique child on their learning journey.”

Kelly Li

she/her

Early Childhood Teacher

Kelly is passionate about providing a nurturing, supportive, and enriching learning environment for children. Her educational and professional background reflects a deep commitment to progressive and child-centered education. Along with her Master of Arts in Education from Heidelberg University (signifying a strong foundation in educational theories and practices), her Montessori credential highlights her training in a respected, widely recognized approach to early childhood education. In this spirit, she ensures the environment is carefully prepared to meet the developmental needs of each child. As a teacher, Kelly enjoys observing each individual child, tailoring the environment to nurture these unique needs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and jogging in the woods, spending time with her cat, and helping friends by walking their dogs.

Phyllis Lopez

she/her

Intermediate School Humanities Teacher / Curriculum Lead, 4th-5th Humanities

Phyllis’s love of education has taken her on a global journey teaching in Nicaragua, Taiwan, Myanmar, and now California. She holds a BA in Linguistic Education from Universidad CentroAmericana. She has a strong background in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a passion for languages and art, which she hopes to instill in all her students. In addition, Phyllis is an active advocate for Education for All, an international initiative to raise primary education standards worldwide, and volunteered to teach English and math to low income, rural communities in developing countries. Her teaching philosophy is that an ideal student outcome is a balance between academic progress and emotional growth through meaningful experiences. She actively integrates her lessons with mindfulness practice, connection to nature and fostering the empathy of her students toward others. She was thrilled to join the Tessellations family as a lower school teacher and continue to learn alongside her students.

Lizzy Lyons

she/her

Outdoor Educator / Naturalist

Growing up, you could find Lizzy doing gymnastics or hanging out on the beach in Virginia. At James Madison University, she completed a 5-year Teaching Licensure program with a BS in Middle Grades Education, MA in Teaching, and Postgraduate Professional Licensure in Middle Grades Math and Science. Exploring options beyond the traditional classroom, Lizzy moved out to the redwoods to become a Naturalist at San Mateo Outdoor Education in La Honda, CA. The magic and wisdom of the forest inspired her to further pursue a career in outdoor education and deepen her connection with the natural world. She’s passionate about connecting students with nature and empowering them to believe they can have a positive impact on the world, and she’s grateful to be part of a school community that upholds those core values. She also loves to do yoga, bake, read poetry, and (unsurprisingly) spend time outdoors.

Sylvia Major

she/her

Outdoor Educator (Naturalist)

Sylvia is dedicated to sharing her love and knowledge of the natural world with others and is inspired by the diversity of perspective and experience of gifted learners. She was a nature immersion instructor at Riekes Nature Awareness and other programs, and as a homeschooling parent, she founded an outdoor program to create community for her son and other gifted learners in the Bay Area. Sylvia has a BS in Biology from Cornell and an MS in Ecology & Evolution from UCLA. Travel and living abroad have also been integral parts of her education. She hopes to pass on her love of learning and a commitment to leave things better than we found them.

Kai Marks

she/her

Assessment & Curriculum Specialist

Kai Marks has worked in Bay Area education for nearly 30 years, serving in public, independent, non-profit, and for-profit schools. A graduate of the Disney Institute Program for Excellence in Leadership, she has served as Head of School, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and coach for teachers. She has experience working with neuro-typical and neuro-divergent students and staff, and has taught in middle, high school, and university settings. Kai has a deep love for school accreditation processes and has helped schools with their self-study processes and chaired many visiting teams. Her bachelor’s degrees are in English and Latin-American Studies from Notre Dame de Namur University, and she earned a master’s degree in Writing as well as an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco. She also holds a single-subject teaching credential in English. When not working, Kai is happy to curl up with her mini labradoodle and a good book or explore Disneyland.

Adrienne Marquette

she/her

Drama and Theater Arts Teacher

Adrienne was born and raised in the Bay Area. She began acting in first grade, and has had a passion for the performing arts ever since. She started teaching and directing her original theater curriculum at age 20 at a small private school in Campbell, CA, where she developed and ran performing arts programs and summer arts camps for TK-8 students for 16 years. In 2011 she began teaching and directing theater classes and productions all over the Bay Area for K-12 students through a non-profit arts education organization. She created a Healing Arts program for the Pediatric ICU at Kaiser Santa Clara, and created and developed Starting Arts Studios Productions, where she directed up to twelve productions each year, including musicals, comedies, murder mysteries and melodramas. Adrienne has touched thousands of students through theater and performing arts over her career and feels incredibly lucky to do what she loves every day. She is very excited to put down roots at Tessellations and create an inclusive, creative theater arts program for our students and community.

Thomas Marquette

he/him

Safety Specialist

Growing up in Willow Glen, Thomas saw the joy that the arts and working with children brought to his parents. He has worked with kids of all ages backstage in theater productions, taught drums at School of Rock, and performed in the School of Rock House Band at festivals and events throughout the Bay Area. Prior to teaching drums, Thomas played quad and snare in his high school marching band, played in the wind ensemble, and also studied drum, bass, and guitar at School of Rock for 6 years in their Performance Band program. He graduated from Willow Glen High School and Silicon Valley Career Technical Education in Metals Technology (SVCTE) in 2022. He loves bouldering, exploring, camping, working out, and fast cars!

Tristan Matlock

he/they

Middle School Humanities Teacher

Tristan’s progressive education journey has led him through public, private, charter, and international school models as a humanities teacher, school leader, and teacher trainer, eventually inspiring him to create his own NPO. His camps and workshops for teens focused on rite of passage experiences, restorative and social justice, SEL and creative arts, community building, leadership development, vocational empowerment, and wellness. He also led service and adventure trips for teens across U.S. national parks and internationally in Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Hong Kong, India, and Nepal. He has a BA in English literature, an English teaching credential, is a yoga and meditation teacher, and is working toward an MA in transpersonal psychology. Tristan lived in a yoga monastery for ten years, where he learned to meditate. In his free time he enjoys hiking, free diving, hot yoga, soccer, gardening, studying philosophy and psychology, and traveling to new places.

Kristine Nakada

she/her

Director of Outdoor Education

Kristine Nakada was very excited to join Tessellations as a multidisciplinary teacher, teaching an upper level math course, PE, and serving as a member of the Nature Campus core team. After spending her younger years in the East Bay, she earned her BA in Mathematics from Williams College and her MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. While her teaching career started in a boarding school on the East Coast, she has most recently lived in Pasadena, CA, where she taught high school math, coached numerous sports, and led a variety of outdoor ed trips. In addition to having her Wilderness First Responder certification, Kristine has held various leadership positions in the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She loves the energy and intentionality of new schools and is excited to think about ways to design spaces that allow all students to feel like they belong.

Julie Nakamura

she/her

Assistant Director of After School and Summer Programs

Julie’s love of theater and public speaking in high school transformed into a passion for helping students and young adults find their own voices and develop a love of learning along the way. Julie is a graduate of San Jose State University and has a BA in Anthropology. She has a background in both outdoor education and special education. She loves the outdoors and combined her love of nature and learning as an Environmental Educator at Walden West Outdoor School in Saratoga. Here she was able to expand the classroom beyond four walls and let the students explore, create, and learn in spaces that engaged and excited them. Now that she’s with Tessellations, Julie hopes to continue motivating, encouraging, and learning from students and her fellow staff members. She hopes to instill in all her students a strong sense of self and to inspire them to be confident, kind humans.

Alejandro Navarro

he/him

Outdoor Educator (Naturalist)

Born in Visalia, California, near Sequoia National Park, Alejandro developed a deep love for the outdoors from an early age through countless backpacking adventures with his sisters. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach, Alejandro found his calling and passion for outdoor education at the Clemmie Gill School of Science and Conservation (SCICON). He continued to hone his craft as an educator with the Santa Cruz County Outdoor Science School (SCCOSS). “I just want my students to be sure that their voices can be heard and that school is a very fun and safe place to be for all,” Alejandro says. “I’m always striving to learn as much as I can to help teach others.” When Alejandro is not inspiring young minds in the great outdoors, he can be found exploring trails, hiking to breathtaking vistas, nurturing his garden, or enjoying quality time with his cherished rescue cats, Alexa and Thundercat.

Sarah Naylor

she/her

Music Teacher

With a passion for empowering children to use their voice through creative arts, Sarah is delighted to be Tessellations’ music teacher. She studied harp performance and musical theater at the Manhattan School of Music and the Boston Conservatory, as well as philosophy at Columbia University. Sarah has performed throughout the US as a soloist, with orchestras, chamber groups, and on Broadway in Wicked and Beauty and the Beast. Also drawn towards therapeutic arts, Sarah studied sound healing and meditation in Thailand and Laos, and has worked in children’s hospitals and recovery centers, using music and sound to heal. Sarah discovered her deep love for working in education while teaching music and drama at the Ricardo School in Harlem. She went on to teach fine arts in private, independent schools and gifted programs in Boston, New York, Salt Lake City, and the Bay Area. She maintains a private studio for harp and voice. When not teaching or playing music, Sarah can be found writing, running, and hiking with her two children and dogs.

Jay Patel

he/him

Early Childhood Associate Teacher

Born in Lancashire, UK. Jay holds a BA in Graphic Design and a Foundation Degree in Art & Design. He worked at the award-winning Clitheroe Castle Museum for 10 years where he taught Arts & Craft activities to children of all ages. “I love to bring a spark to a child’s eye as they learn something new in fun, creative ways,” he says. In 2018, Jay and his family moved to the US and joined Tessellations as an After School Teacher inspiring kids in the Maker Space & Art Clubs. Now an Early Childhood Associate Teacher, he’s excited to be a part of every child’s learning journey and help design a creative curriculum. He believes in a play-based, child-centered approach and understands that children learn best through hands-on experiences. A father of 3, in his spare time Jay enjoys many things including art, photography, exploring nature, vegetarian dining, visiting museums, reading books, cinema, collecting video-games, graphic designing and organizing free craft kits & workshops for his local community in Sunnyvale.

Ketki Pendse

she/her

Primary School Teacher

Since earning her Bachelor’s in Child Development from California State University, Ketki has been working with children in different capacities for over a decade, including teaching first grade for about 6 years prior to joining Tessellations. Ever since she was in elementary school, her teachers were her heroes, and as an adult, teaching is where she finds her greatest peace and rewards. “I have always loved working with children, especially the younger ones. Their innocence and zest for life is so refreshing! And the welcoming and calming environment at Tessellations makes it so wonderful to come to work every day,” she says. When she is not in the classroom, Ketki loves to hike and read books.

Nathaniel Polussa / “Coach Nate”

he/him

Associate Teacher / PE Teacher / Athletics Coach

Coach Nate taught many subjects and every grade level K-12 over his fourteen years in education. He began coaching soccer seven years ago and now has two teams with Los Altos Red Star Academy, a premier soccer club in Silicon Valley. He holds a USSF D License in soccer coaching, a NCSAA Goalkeeping Diploma, and is a licensed referee for both youth and adult players. “I believe the energy I bring to the field is reciprocated in the players I have the joy of working with,” he says. “My prime directive is to provide a positive learning environment for youth as they begin to play. Soccer is a vehicle to help us develop life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, and, above all else, respect – respect for the game, coaches, referees and players, but most importantly, respect for oneself.” He looks forward to learning and growing from his experiences with everyone at Tessellations.

Michael Prater

he/him

Director of High School Education

Michael believes that teaching is an act of moral courage, rooted in the individual dignity of each learner. He is focused on creating an innovative high school that will honor the Tessie mission and extend students’ meaningful educational journey beyond middle school. After earning an MA from Columbia University’s Teachers College, Michael worked with Independent Schools in New York City for more than 20 years as a teacher, division director, and interim head of school; his students have gone on to study at the most prestigious universities in the United States and Europe. Through extensive accreditation work, he acquired a deep understanding of dozens of educational systems at some of the most renowned schools in the country. Michael is trilingual, a scholar of Shakespeare, and nourishes his heart and mind with big ideas from great books. He is a father of twin toddlers and enjoys cultivating his hobbies as an amateur musician, an adept potter, and an able chef.

Alyssa Puga

she/her

Middle School Science Teacher / Outdoor Educator (Naturalist)

Alyssa is passionate about creating unique learning opportunities for middle schoolers. She started her career as a substitute and discovered her love for teaching. Later, as a middle school teacher, she was enchanted by the curiosity and open-hearted nature of the age group. Alyssa is a first generation college graduate, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Royal Holloway – University of London, and recently completed a Masters in Education. She is a California native who loves to travel, finds joy in sunshine, and spending time with her dogs and fiancé.

Tiffani Quick

she/her

Director of After School and Summer Programs

Tiffani finds joy and purpose supporting young people to overcome obstacles, spark curiosity, and build relationships with their peers. Even as a teen, she was determined to pursue a career in youth development. Tiffani earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco. She has extensive experience providing high-quality, enriching, and engaging after school and summer programs to students of local independent schools and community-based programs. Tiffani is focused on meeting young people where they are and challenging them to develop the skills to become the best versions of themselves. She is a former youth athlete in soccer and basketball, and enjoyed coaching SF Bay Area youth and her two sons in both sports.

Kari Van Bebber Ramirez

she/her

Gifted Specialist

Kari has a passion for the social and emotional well-being of others and always meets individuals where they are in their personal journey of growth. She started her teaching career after earning a BS in Child Development with a Psychology Minor and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at California Polytechnic University, SLO. Soon after, Kari earned a MA in Counseling at San Francisco State University, which led to nearly 10 years as an elementary school counselor and MFT in private practice. As an administrator for the Knox School of Santa Barbara, she specialized in the academic and SEL needs of the gifted population. Kari also provides coaching, consulting, and counseling to all ages across a variety of needs, including specialized support for gifted students and their families.

Sheena Rose

she/her

Bookkeeper / Payroll Administrator

Sheena’s passion for people and principles surfaces in her focus on business integrity and transparency. She spent a decade in operations management fostering teamwork and guiding talent before transitioning to more administrative roles. She earned a degree in Accounting and Business Administration from De Anza College. Sheena regularly volunteers at supportive organizations, such as the YMCA, One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding, and CASA. In her free time she enjoys cooking, roller-blading, traveling, and practicing mindfulness at every step.

Lacee Spicer

she/her

Kindergarten Teacher

Lacee grew up in Silicon Valley, where she was introduced to project-based learning as part of her school’s GATE program. She began her career in education by teaching students with special needs at a nonprofit organization. Over time, her passion for teaching and love for learning inspired her to specialize in teaching gifted kindergartners. “I look forward to facilitating the development of creativity and curiosity in a secure and supportive setting,” she says. “I am thrilled to find myself in an environment that fosters student autonomy and empowerment, while providing the necessary guidance and support to facilitate a fruitful learning journey.” As part of her passion for teaching, Lacee believes in continuous learning and professional development, and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest teaching techniques and research.

Sara Spiegel

she/her

Director of Systems & Logistics

Sara came to Tessellations after more than 20 years as an administrator at small- to medium-sized education-focused nonprofits. Her work has encompassed public education reform, grantmaking in support of math and science education, and providing technical assistance and curricula for public school systems. Sara helps establish systems, tools, and routines both to serve Tessellations’ immediate needs and to ensure efficient operation long into the future. She was initially drawn to the school by “the staff’s dedication to student experiences as much as their depth of knowledge and skill,” she says. “I’m inspired by this professional team that is so focused on student culture, and what they have accomplished in such a short period of time.” Sara earned her BA in Linguistics with a concentration on Education & Society from Stanford University. When she’s not working, Sara loves puzzles, even unsolvable ones. She is an avid reader of fiction and supporter of public libraries everywhere.

Susan Stanat

she/her

Director of Admissions

Susan is passionate about helping new families find their way to Tessellations, having experienced the positive impact of a strong peer community for students and their families. She is excited to be an Admissions Director again after 10 years serving the broader gifted community as PTA co-chair, board member, Admissions Director (Helios), and founding family at Tessellations. Following a first career in tech, she searched for the best path for her gifted children leading to a life-changing meeting with Anne Beneventi. Joining a school focused on serving gifted students, Susan’s children blossomed, forming strong friendships with peers with whom they clicked easily in an environment where they were respected, nurtured, and challenged. As a bonus, she and her husband also found community for themselves. Susan holds a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley.

Carrie Stouffer

they/them

Media Specialist

Carrie’s passion for teaching began at an early age, when they started coaching gymnastics at only 14 years old. A fourth generation educator, Carrie earned a BS in Human Development and Family Services with a focus in Child Development at Indiana University-Bloomington, and went on to pursue a teaching opportunity at an independent school for gifted children. Throughout their years in the program, Carrie had the privilege of being mentored by other impassioned educators that helped them hone their understanding of gifted youth and the students’ unique needs. They strive to create curriculum that honors the interests, passions, and needs of students, while bringing social and emotional learning, design thinking, structured word inquiry, and a social justice lens into as many areas as possible. They were also the founding ambassador for their previous school’s Environmental Citizenship program. Carrie sees themselves as a lifelong learner, inspired by their students’ passions and growth every day.

Isaac Strong

he/him

HS Launch Team, Science Teacher / Curriculum Lead, 6th-8th Science

After earning a PhD in Cellular Biology from UCSF, Isaac taught biology at St Ignatius Preparatory School and volunteered as chief program officer of Minds Matter San Francisco, an education non-profit preparing low-income, high-achieving high school students for college success. He returned to UCSF as director of graduate faculty development, but says, “I missed direct interactions with students and the opportunity to shift the way they think about science, away from memorizing facts and toward a process of asking questions, critical thinking, and making and learning from mistakes.” Tessellations’ appeal was twofold. “I wanted to be part of a community that is excited about new ways of doing things. Project-based learning is where I think science education should be moving,” he says. “And second, the commitment to outdoor education. I grew up wandering forests, climbing trees, and observing wildlife, and I love that students here get to have that as part of their education.”

Christie Trott

she/her

Middle School Humanities / Curriculum Lead, 6th-8th Humanities

Christie has taught for over 20 years in both public and private schools and joined Tessellations at its inception, serving as one of its founding teachers. Christie holds a BA in Government from Wesleyan University and a JD from Santa Clara School of Law – practicing criminal law before discovering that her true passion was education. As a teacher, Christie has taught a range of subjects from middle school humanities to 11th grade AP Language and Composition and has led many international trips with her students. This year, Christie will serve as a Tessellations Instructional Coach for grades 4-8, supporting Tessellations’ teachers development and performance. She will also contribute to the humanities curriculum design and implementation for grades 6-8. Christie is excited to actively engage with teachers to support their work, highlight their strengths, identify goals, implement new and effective teaching strategies, monitor progress, and partner with teachers through challenges. Tessellations instructional coaches utilize coaching cycles designed to improve teaching and planning practices with the ultimate objective of enhancing student learning and fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Christie is eagerly looking forward to this new chapter of her career, where she can continue making a positive impact on education through instructional coaching.

Robin Trujillo

she/her

Math Specialist / Special Projects

Robin’s journey to Tessellations combines a breadth of skills and experiences acquired along a “non-linear career path”. Growing up in the East Bay as a science nerd with interests in theater and mock trials eventually led her to Caltech where she earned degrees in biology and literature. While pursuing PhD research on RNA silencing at Stanford, she developed an interest in teaching at the Tech Museum and Stanford’s Educational Program for Gifted Youth. She then worked as a high school tutor and COO of a laser-cut wood toy startup before having twins and shifting to be a stay-at-home parent. When her twins started at Tessellations, Robin got involved with the community, serving as a room parent and running board game activities for students and families. Outside of work, Robin enjoys knitting and pottery, losing to Grace at board games, and volunteering at the Oakland Zoo.

Bailey Ubellacker

she/her

Intermediate School Science Teacher

Bailey aspires to support each student’s cognitive, emotional, and social development by fostering a growth mindset, encouraging engagement in a community of care, and working toward their individual academic goals. Her teaching journey began at the University of Kentucky, where she taught and supervised developmental mathematics after earning BAs in Elementary Education and Spanish with a minor in Psychology. She went on to earn a MA of Education in Teacher Leadership and a PhD in Educational Leadership Studies also from the University of Kentucky while working with elementary school communities in Kentucky and teaching multiple grade levels in Spain, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. She has served as an elementary mathematics and reading interventionist, taught graduate classes for current and aspiring K-12 teacher leaders, and was recognized with the 2022 Robert Kottkamp Outstanding Dissertation Award. Prior to Tessellations, Bailey taught 1st grade, 4th grade English, and 5th grade English at a first year school in Silicon Valley.

Shazia Usman

she/her

Associate Art Teacher

Shazia is an artist at heart and the mother of three daughters. She was born and raised in Pakistan, where she received her Masters in English Literature and later went on to pursue art at Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts. When she moved to California, she earned her early childhood teaching credentials from De Anza Community College, along with furthering her artistic education by taking classes in different art disciplines. Shazia has spent most of her professional career dedicated to teaching preschool-aged children while pursuing her passion for painting on her own time. The opportunity to bridge both interests, art and working with children, brought her to Tessellations. She is enthusiastic about interacting with students in the creative environment Tessellations provides and looks forward to helping them cultivate their artistic minds and talents.

Colleen Vandevoorde

she/her

Math Department Head

Raised in both the Midwest and the Deep South, Colleen enjoyed a rich childhood exploring new places and learning about the cultural and geographic differences in our vast country. Colleen went on to earn three degrees in Chemical Engineering: a BS from Tulane University and her MS and PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Working first as a chemical engineer and then a professional musician, Colleen found her home in education after volunteering at her children’s schools and realizing how rewarding it is to work with students and be involved in the community. She teaches math at Tessellations and continues to teach music in her private studio in Sunnyvale. Her hope for all of her students is that they feel empowered to learn through the acquisition of new tools and strategies, that they live creative lives, and that they never lose their drive to discover new ways of thinking about things.

Annie Wait

she/her

Intermediate School Humanities Teacher

A fifth-generation educator, Annie Wait grew up enjoying the gifted programs in Pasadena’s public schools and dreaming of becoming a teacher. She earned her BA in English and Comparative Literature and an MA in Education at Occidental College, and began her career by returning to the district in which she grew up. Annie, who has taught every grade K-12, has a special passion for teaching humanities and integrating academic subject areas to create immersive, multi-dimensional learning experiences that excite students. She is certified in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and has led groups of students and families on multi-day field trips to Colonial Williamsburg, Sacramento, and California’s Gold Country. Throughout her career, she’s sought to bring out the best in each learner, no matter their abilities. She has lived with her husband in the Bay Area since 2017 and enjoys gardening, raising chickens, and visits from their four young-adult children.

Liz Wallach

she/her

Curriculum Lead 1st-3rd

After she graduated with a BA in Art History from Smith College, Liz began her teaching career in China, as a founding faculty member of an international kindergarten in Shanghai. Upon her return to the States, Liz earned an MA from Bank Street Graduate School of Education in New York City, and was, once again, a founding teacher at a progressive public school right next to the United Nations. Over the years she supported English Language Learners and their families acclimating to community, as well as established STEAM and library programs. In 2018, Liz moved cross country to work with gifted elementary students and teachers. A career highlight was as a founding lower school teacher at Tessellations. That first, remote, year forced her to step outside of her comfort zone and to become a better, more flexible educator. Four years later, as the primary school’s Instructional Coach, she is committed to helping teachers craft and deliver curriculum that supports the creativity, curiosity, sensitivity and passion of the gifted learner.

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