Teacher Spotlights
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. 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. Aisha finds inspiration in hiking, painting, spending time with her family.
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. Gary holds a BS in Psychology with a Spanish Minor, and an MA in Education Administration and Supervision.
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.
Tristan’s progressive education journey as a humanities teacher, school leader, and teacher trainer, eventually inspired him to create his own nonprofit organization. His camps and workshops for teens focus on rite of passage experiences, social justice, leadership development and much more. 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.
Originally from Wisconsin, Mary earned a BA in Elementary Education at the University of Dallas. 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. She also served as Department Chair for History and was the school’s Director of Educational Technology.
Robin’s journey 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 at Stanford, she developed an interest in teaching. Outside of work, Robin enjoys knitting and pottery, board games, and volunteering at the Oakland Zoo.