SFS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Lower School Interim Spanish Teacher
As the Front Desk Coordinator, I am excited to get to know the staff, children, and their families and be at the front of the school!
I am so excited to be a part of The San Francisco School Community! I have been in the education field since 2014. I was an infant toddler teacher for six years, an inclusion specialist, and more recently a care coordinator, supporting families in getting special education services and educating parents to become their child's best advocate.
I am a Bay Area native, and I hold a bachelor's degree from San Jose State in Child & Adolescent Development and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Arizona State. In my spare time, I love to look for new food places to try, enjoy cooking with my stepmom (who is the most amazing cook), and spend time with my family and best friends.
The Advancement Committee furthers the SFS mission through building enduring relationships and inspiring a culture of philanthropy, while providing strategic input and partnership to the SFS Advancement Office.
Ali Gass has been a parent at The San Francisco school since 2014 when her kids started in the South Class as a Grasshopper and Kindergartner. Though she and her family briefly left San Francisco and SFS for a few years, they very happily returned home with an even deeper gratitude for the San Francisco School community and experience. Ali is grateful for the ways that a commitment to social emotional development weaves throughout every aspect of her kids' daily lives at SFS. She knows how lucky her kids are to be somewhere that prioritizes helping them become thoughtful and kind members of their classroom, their city, their country
and their world! In the rest of her life, Ali spends time with her French bulldog, her Himalayan cat, and is the Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco.
I enjoy the inclusive environment of the SFS because it offers a safe space to everyone who enters its doors.
Angela Taylor has been a school leader for more than 20 years. Currently the Head of School at Park Day School in Oakland, Angela previously served as the Head of School at Convent Elementary (K-8 girls division) at the Convent & Stuart Hall Schools in San Francisco, where she worked and taught for nearly two decades.
I'm deeply committed to seeing and creating a more equitable and just world for ourselves and our young people.
With experiences ranging from executive catering chef to hospitality industry consultant, I'm excited to bring my culinary passion to The San Francisco School!
Job Titles:
- School Health Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Director of Equity and Inclusion at Prospect Sierra School
Britt Anderson is the Director of Equity and Inclusion at Prospect Sierra School. Britt has worn many hats during her 17 years at Prospect Sierra, including seventh grade humanities teacher and middle school librarian. She has served in her current role for more than 10 years.
Originally from the Bay Area, Britt has a master's of Library Science from San Jose State University and a teaching credential from Mills College. She began her education career with an Americorps organization, Partners in School Innovation, supporting the 7th grade service learning program at King Middle School in San Francisco. She taught 7th grade humanities at San Francisco's James Lick Middle School and helped start the middle school section of Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto. She returned to the East Bay, supervised Mills College teaching credential students, and began her varied career at Prospect Sierra School.
When she's not learning, thinking about, and/or applying ways to transform systems toward human equity, she is tending to her California native garden-a late blooming pandemic hobby-or supporting her two teenage children as they grow up right in front of her eyes.
Job Titles:
- Technology / STEAM Program Advisor and Data Systems Analyst
I love teaching 3rd Grade because it's developmentally when the mind of a learner grows by leaps and bounds. Abstraction and perspective get going and reflect the world back to kids during this time. The a-ha moments are countless.
My family immigrated to the United States for better education and opportunities.
I was born and grew up in Hong Kong. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Prior to joining SFS, I worked at Park Day School for seven years, and other non-profit organizations for several years. I have two children, Christy and Justin, and enjoy listening to soft music and doing crossword puzzles.
I am so excited to be a part of the SFS community as a Extended Day Instructor and substitute teacher!
Job Titles:
- Preschool Teaching Assistant
Job Titles:
- Technology Services Manager
SFS is not only a place of learning but also a tight-knit community, one where its members embody the school's mission and values everyday. Whether in a classroom or not, my hope is to support the school community and serve as a helpful resource to everyone.
I was born and raised in San Francisco and have called the Bay Area home for many years. I even went to college in the Bay Area-I majored in Cognitive Science and minored in Education at UC Berkeley (Go Bears!). Throughout college, I enjoyed working with youth as a mentor in various capacities, and that led me to my first job as a middle school educational advisor for the Japanese Community Youth Council College Access Programs, where I coordinated programming to get students thinking about their paths to higher education.
I also spent three years at Tenderloin Community School teaching computer science to K-5 classes along with supporting the school with its digital learning needs. Most recently, I completed my M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology from Cal State Fullerton. I'd like to think that I am a learner at heart, and I bring the growth mindset with me each day at SFS.
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten Co - Head Teacher
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee
Ellen has worked as a physician leader in the San Francisco Department of Public Health and at UCSF, focused on improving health equity for our city's populations. She has served at SFS as a consultant and member of the COVID Testing Task force during the pandemic, and as a co-room parent and volunteer in Family Association and Diversity Committee events.
Job Titles:
- Enrollment Management Assistant and High School Guidance Counselor
I love working at a school where we're proud that our students go home "dirty, tired and hungry" … for all the right reasons!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Treasurer
- Chief Financial and Operations Officer
The only thing I love more than food is my family and friends.
I am a native San Franciscan and life long lover of cooking and baking. I turned my childhood passion for food into a career, and for the past 5 years, I have been the assistant pastry chef at the Seaglass restaurant, as well as managing the Seismic Cafe, both located within the Exploratorium science museum.
I am an SFSU grad with a BA in Family & Consumer Sciences, where I studied Nutrition and Food Service Management. My emphasis on child nutrition has provided a balanced approach for eating healthy, as well as tips and tricks to offer children healthy options. I regularly test out my recipes on my husband Donny and 3-year old Jude. The only thing I love more than food is my family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Teaching Assistant
Job Titles:
- Accounting, Events, and Database Manager
Job Titles:
- Communications and Marketing Manager
From the patient bedside to the Tuesday Note Home, clear and empathetic communications is critical.
I was born and raised on the East Coast. My Korean-American family moved from Washington, D.C., NYC, and Philadelphia, before settling in the Allentown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Brown University and the Tufts University School Medicine, I trained in general/vascular surgery and worked in metropolitan Boston. It was a deeply gratifying experience, treating patients with an array of histories, cultural backgrounds, and illnesses, in the city and in the suburbs. But after more than a decade in private practice, dissatisfied with balancing family with work, I made the difficult decision to leave medicine.
With my husband Dana (a California native) and our young daughter, we left Massachusetts arrived in San Francisco in 2012. I have engaged with the School from so many perspectives - preschool and elementary school family, room parent, tour guide, and library volunteer! I've learned so much as a trustee, especially while co-chairing the Public Purpose Committee, chairing the Strategic Planning Committee, and serving as the Vice Chair of the Board. My exposure to the School's operations and challenges deepened my understanding of SFS and its many constituents. I became the Communications and Marketing Manager in March 2020, and have tried to keep the community informed and connected throughout the pandemic and beyond.
The Public Purpose Committee (PPC) works to promote student, adult, and institutional action at the neighborhood, educational, civic, and global levels. The committee supports parent/guardian, staff, and institutional programs that inspire San Francisco School adults to model humanitarian spirit; assures resources for school programs that empower students; and seeks avenues for The San Francisco School as an institution to be actively engaged in community partnerships that contribute to the public good. The Environmental Committee is a sub-committee of the Public Purpose Committee.
Job Titles:
- Extended Day Instructor and Substitute
I'm excited and honored to be a part of the team here at The San Francisco School.
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, specifically Daly City! I am a recent graduate of Cal State Fullerton where I earned my BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning.
I have served the youth through summer camp, after-school programs, and caring for my many nephews and nieces. I played sports from elementary to high school, and my love of athletics carried over into my earning a degree in kinesiology. I recently held a summer camp for kids, and this experience ignited a passion to be involved with the youth in a way that they can enjoy being active!
Fun fact: I love to try new places around the Bay Area for good food.
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten Co - Head Teacher
I am a proud SFS parent and Kindergarten co-head teacher.
I am a San Francisco native who has lived in San Francisco for most of my life! I received my undergraduate degree in early childhood education and a masters in Special Education from San Francisco State University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience in the classroom, I have facilitated children's immersion in developmentally appropriate and challenging activities.
I started at SFS as a substitute teacher, was a teacher during summer camp, and enjoyed my time as the 3rd Grade Teaching Assistant as well as the 2nd Grade Teaching Assistant. I love my role as a Kindergarten Co-Head Teacher - Kindergarten is such an important transition from Preschool to Lower School, and I am happy to be part of it!
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
The Finance Committee, chaired by the Treasurer, develops and monitors the operating budget, capital budgets, investments, salary and benefit policies, and financial aspects of the Strategic Plan. The Investment Committee is a sub-committee of the Finance Committee.
John and his wife Neha joined the SFS community in 2016 when their older son began preschool; their younger son joined SFS in fall 2019. An active participant in many class and school functions, John currently serves as Chair of the school's Finance Committee.
John is a passionate believer in holistic and inclusive learning environments for children that encourage exploration, creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. With an eye toward the long term, John looks forward to working collaboratively with the board to further SFS's mission.
John is a portfolio manager focused on the real estate sector for Salient Partners, an alternative asset management firm. He earned an MBA in finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and graduated with high honors from St. Olaf College, majoring in mathematics and economics.
Job Titles:
- Communications Associate, Middle School Advisor, and Extended Day Instructor
I see SFS as a place for me to use all of my experience to help make a day here the best it can be!
Having spent my entire life in the Bay Area, I feel a deep connection with helping out our community in any way I can. After studying at Sacred Heart Cathedral, I received my Bachelor's in English Writing from the University of San Francisco. During my time at USF, I was heavily involved in several facets of performing arts. Here at SFS, I've learned the importance of advocating for our students and, now that I work as a Communications Associate, I see it as my duty to uplift and amplify the creativity and vibrance that makes this school so special.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Officers Team
- Chief Operating Officer at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Executive Committee includes the President of the Board, the officers, the chairs of standing committees, and the Head of School. The Committee helps prepare the agenda for Board meetings, reviews committee reports, recommends resolutions, oversees Board and committee goals, and monitors the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The committee meets one to two weeks before each Board meeting.
Josué is the Chief Operating Officer at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Josué manages central operations for the organization while serving as a chief strategic advisor to the Co-CEOs and the leadership team. The teams under his leadership include Central Operations (Security and Facilities), Brand and Communications, Community team, Finance, People, Recruiting, and Ventures.
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Member of the Officers Team
- President
I love all things literacy and strive to ignite the same passion in my students!
Job Titles:
- Head of Preschool & Director of Special Programs
Job Titles:
- Upper School Counselor and SEL Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Secretary
- Associate Director of Operations and Advancement
I fell in love with SFS initially as a parent, particularly appreciating the school's arts program, humanitarian mission, focus on social justice, and commitment to reflecting the diversity of the city.
Originally from the DC area, I have been in California since 1992, when I started my career in education as a 5th Grade teacher in Southern California. After five years in the classroom, I moved to the Bay Area for graduate school and got my MA and PhD in Education at Stanford. I have spent my career working in and with schools in a variety of capacities, primarily focused on improving education for traditionally underserved students. I fell in love with SFS initially as a parent, particularly appreciating the school's arts program, humanitarian mission, focus on social justice, and commitment to reflecting the diversity of the city. Now as a member of the administrative team, I'm thrilled to be helping the School achieve the visions of the Strategic Plan.
I am so excited to be a part of a community that is devoted to cultivating socially responsible students who will influence positive change in the world.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice Chair
The Committee on Trustees (COT) is chaired by the Vice Chair of the Board. The committee recruits potential trustees, orients new trustees, and attends to the ongoing training of all trustees. As part of the ongoing training, the committee organizes biannual board retreats and other special events to build understanding and camaraderie. The COT also nominates the Board officers. In February the committee expands with the addition of one non-board parent/guardian and one teacher to become the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee identifies and nominates candidates for openings on the Board.
The Risk Management Committee identifies and explores potential risk concerns on campus and develops strategies to minimize these issues. In addition, it is charged with overseeing all aspects of the School's annual financial auditing. It is the Board's liaison with the auditor. This committee partners closely with the Business Office to ensure a timely and effective completion of the process.
As an art educator, I have more than 15 years of experience teaching K-12 visual and digital arts in a wide variety of settings.
As an art educator, I have more than 15 years of experience teaching K-12 visual and digital arts in a wide variety of settings that include the Oakland Unified Hospital School Program, the San Francisco Art Institute's Young Artist Program, the Children's Creativity Museum, and the Asian Art Museum. Additionally, I have taught students at George Washington Carver Elementary in Bayview-Hunters Point and Sunnyside Elementary in Westwood Park.
I received my Bachelors of Arts in International Relations from Wesleyan University and my Master of Fine Arts degree from University of Michigan School of Art & Design.
Job Titles:
- Spanish Teacher and Spanish Curriculum Coordinator
I am passionate about languages, love traveling around the world, making new friends, and finding joy in the most simple things in life.
I visited San Francisco for the first time in 2012 and I instantly fell in love with its incredibly rich diversity of cultures and decided to make it my permanent home in 2013. Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, I had found my passion for education early as I started to work as a youth coach during my college years. From there, it just felt natural to keep learning and complete my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Grades and a Master's Degree in Psychopedagogy.
Over the last 18 years, I have had the luck to work as a teacher, learning specialist, and school counselor, with a focus on supporting diversity and inclusion inside and outside the classroom.
Prior to joining The SFS, I worked as a Spanish teacher and Middle School Advisor at the Spanish Infusion School, where I taught Spanish through projects based on culture, history, literature, drama, and science.
Sapna Gupta is the mother of three SFS students. She is trained as a physician, completing her residency at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio where she served as a Chief Resident in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.
Sapna has served as a room parent, the Family Association Communications Lead, and most recently as ex officio Trustee & Chair of the Family Association where spearheaded numerous community building initiatives such as the Carnival, Parent Ed events, Movie Night, and more. Sapna is currently serving as both a Trustee and Past Chair of the Family Association. Sapna is a passionate believer in SFS's values of academic excellence, stewardship, social justice, and inclusion.
The Site Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the physical structures of the School. The committee oversees maintenance plans for current buildings, works with architects to develop plans for facility expansion or upgrades, researches land acquisition and suitability, and acts as liaison with appropriate agencies.
Job Titles:
- Lower School Health & Wellness Teacher and Middle School Advisor
Job Titles:
- Athletic Director & Health and Wellness Teacher
I appreciate how SFS is a reflection of San Francisco, embodying a free spirit and an environment of limitless opportunities.
I grew up in Jefferson Parish and I played basketball at Loyola University of New Orleans. I then finished my bachelor's degree in Communications at the University of New Orleans. Before receiving my undergraduate degree, I started my work in youth sports as a basketball coach for various AAU programs, and then began my tenure in education. I've coached basketball for over 15 years and decided to grow into an administrative position. After receiving my master's in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco, I continued my passion of working in youth sports. Proud to be raised in the culture of the South, I continue to practice "ma'ams" and "sirs" in the relaxed atmosphere of 300 Gaven Street.
Job Titles:
- Director of Enrollment Management
I wake up extremely blessed to be working with a passionate staff, amazing students on an awesome campus every day!
I am a San Francisco native, born and raised in this extraordinary city. I am a Sacred Heart Cathedral alumna and I continued my education at the University of San Francisco where I studied Psychology and Sociology. I was blessed to receive a full athletic (basketball) scholarship at the University of San Francisco. After college I worked with inner city youth at an afterschool program at Booker T. Washington Community Center. Later I discovered a passion for teaching Physical Education in the public school system at Claire Lilienthal Elementary and Sutro Elementary.
With three brothers and a family who loves sports, I quickly developed a passion for athletics. I was fortunate enough to pursue my childhood dream and play basketball professionally in Montenegro. Upon my return I attended Skyline College where I received my certificate in Early Childhood Education. I have coached basketball at elementary, middle school, and high school.
I began my career at SFS as a substitute for two years. When the Preschool & Elementary PE position opened up, I applied. SFS has continued to support me in my professional development as a lifelong learner. I have held several positions (interim Athletic Director, Middle School Advisor, Extended Day Instructor, etc.), chaired committees, served on the SFS Board of Trustees. I am currently an Admissions Coordinator and, almost 12 years later, I am now a proud parent of a student here at SFS.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant and Enrollment Family Liaison
What I love about the San Francisco school is its deep roots within its community. We pride ourselves in building a community beyond the front gate, seeing how we can support and be a part of the neighborhood as a whole.
I was born and raised in Stoughton, MA, a suburb of Boston. I moved to the Bay Area in 2011 and fell in love with San Francisco. After high school, I went on to college and did coursework focusing on special education, art education, business, and communications.
I taught elementary school for two years with a focus on special education, but always had a passion for the part of my job that included supporting my students and the community outside of the classroom. I have enjoyed working with the community to register voters, hand out resources for food, and work together to improve the community through volunteer work.