ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of College Counseling
Dr. Lips earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.A. in teaching from the University of Portland, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. As a doctoral candidate he focused his research efforts on higher education policy issues in the areas of college admission and financial aid. Prior to enrolling in his doctoral program, Dr. Lips worked in college admissions and financial aid at Emory University and Loyola University Chicago.
Outside of work, Dr. Lips enjoys spending time with his family-his wife Carol, daughter Anna, and their dog Hazel.
Lips, A.J.A. (2011) A typology of institutional Loan Replacement Grant initiatives for low- and moderate-income students. The Review of Higher Education, 34(4), 611-655.
Lips, A.J.A. (2009). The adoption of Loan Replacement Grants for low- and moderate-income students at American colleges and universities: A comparative case study. Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
Job Titles:
- Computer Science Instructor
Alice has worked with students in a myriad of educational settings, including summer programming, outdoor education, and teaching college courses. She received a B.A. from Oberlin College and an M.F.A. for Poets and Writers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Alice focuses on creating a dynamic learning environment where positive risk-taking, creative problem-solving, and inclusive community are paramount. Along with her passion for education, Alice brings a dedication to social justice, a love of learning, and an adventurous spirit to her work. When not at school, Alice enjoys gardening, cycling, and exploring California with her family.
Job Titles:
- English Instructor and Writing & Resource Center Tutor
- Writing Instructor
Anthony Bennette received his undergraduate degree from the University of California Berkeley and his Masters in English Composition from San Francisco State University. His master's thesis focused on language acquisition of English language learners and the 1.5 generation. More recently, he has explored instructional models for online courses as part of his studies at Cal State University East Bay.
Shortly after completing his Masters at San Francisco State University, Anthony began working as a full-time online writing instructor for the Education Program for Gifted Youth and has fifteen years of experience teaching writing online. He has also taught for different colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In his free time, Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He is also an avid reader, card player, gardener, and sci-fi film buff.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head of School, History Instructor
Dr. Smith is originally from San Antonio, Texas. He received his B.A. in History from Carleton College and his Ph.D. in History from Harvard University. He focuses on the history of North America and Europe from the seventeenth century to the present and maintains research interests in the history of philosophy and social thought. He is always eager to talk and learn about history of any kind.
In his spare time, Dr. Smith enjoys being outdoors and reading good books from any field.
April joined Stanford OHS in 2021. She received a B.S. in History, Technology, and Society from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2014 where she developed a love of Sociology work and research. She moved to the Bay Area in 2015 and worked as a Student Services Specialist for Stanford Summer Session for a few years. She took a brief hiatus from Stanford to work as an Administrative Business Partner at Google before returning to Stanford, this time as a Financial Analyst for Stanford OHS.
When time allows, April enjoys riding and showing horses in hunter/equitation shows, exploring California with her husband, and spending time at home with her cat, Nelly.
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Writing Instructor
Bil Hrusovsky is an instructor in the Writing & Tutoring Center. He earned his bachelor's degree from Kent State University and his master's degree from Texas Tech University. He teaches writing at California State University Fresno and was formerly a lecturer teaching Junior Year Writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He also has experience as a writing tutor for undergraduate and graduate students at multiple universities in Massachusetts.
His studies focused on Renaissance Literature, primarily reading John Donne, and delving into the History of the Book and Readership. He worked on the John Donne Society's Digital Text Project, coding manuscript copies of John Donne's "Paradoxes and Problems" in XML to create the first scholarly digital edition of any of Donne's works.
In his spare time, Bil enjoys reading comics and going on hikes with his family.
Job Titles:
- Residential Program Coordinator / Registrar
Britta has over 20 years of experience in building and managing software systems and IT teams in various industries and has worked on OHS technology for the last 6 years. She is applying her strong belief in creating user friendly, efficient, and robust technologies alongside an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
Job Titles:
- Division Head of Mathematics, Mathematics & Economics Instructor
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Business Operations
Christine joined Stanford OHS in 2019. She worked as a consultant and software analyst in her home state of Maryland before moving to California in 2011, where she spent several years writing, working as an editor, and spending time with her two daughters. Christine's books of poetry include Even Years (Kent State University Press, 2017, winner of the Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize) and The Wanderer (Beloit Poetry Journal, 2019).
Christine loves reading, gardening, woodworking, hiking, making trips to visit national parks, and-occasionally-finding time to write.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Web Content & Communications Specialist
Cody joined Stanford OHS in 2014. In addition to his role in communications, Cody is also the school yearbook advisor.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Interactive Digital Media from Northwest Missouri State University where he spent four years as a designer and photographer for the yearbook and newspaper. After working as the Managing Editor for a city newspaper and a designer for a magazine in New York City, he began his career in higher education in 2007 where he served at Molloy College in Long Island as the campus photographer, graphic designer, and videographer for athletics, student affairs, and public relations. Cody gained extensive experience in video production, photography, graphic design, coding, and editing through his own business.
A proud Los Angeles native, Danielle joined Stanford OHS in 2022. She is a passionate educator, admissions professional, DEI Practitioner, and Special Needs Advocate with over a decade of varied PK-12th grade experience. Danielle earned a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Spanish from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and also studied at La Universidad Nacional in Heredia, Costa Rica, ultimately earning a Master's in Social Justice Education and Bilingual Teaching Credential from UCLA's TEP in the Graduate School of Education & Information Studies.
She most recently served as the Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as an Admission Counselor at Harvard-Westlake School though she credits her time as the Associate Director of the Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs as the foundation for her drive to champion equitable access to exceptional education.
Outside of work, you can find Danielle practicing yoga, exploring boutique hotels and spas, or enjoying the traditional Friday movie night in with her husband, her daughter, and her son. Danielle works from Los Angeles.
Diem joined OHS in September 2018. She has a passion for technology and loves working in education. Diem is happy to provide necessary technical support to student, staff, and faculty for all technology platforms OHS uses and ensure technical issues are resolved promptly and accurately.
In her spare time, she enjoys working out and making healthy meals.
Job Titles:
- English Instructor & Project Head of University - Level English Course Development
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Admissions
Ellen has worked in higher education for the last 11 years, primarily in college admission. She started her career working in Diversity Recruitment at Denison University, and spent the last eight years working in undergraduate admission at Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU, Ellen worked on an array of teams within the office that spanned diversity recruitment, CRM system development, pre-college admission, and recruitment programming, on top of reviewing applications for undergraduate admission. Ellen lives in Pennsylvania with her husband Charles, but she was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, where she still has family. She loves traveling, reading (real and audiobooks!), and volunteering her time with women's organizations.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Admissions
Emily is originally from Arizona, and joined Stanford OHS in 2017. She holds both a B.S. and a B.A. from the University of Arizona in Urban & Regional Development and German Studies. In college, she was an exchange student in Germany and South Africa, and in high school was also selected as a Sister Cities delegate to New Zealand. Her biggest passions are education, travel, music, history, and the ocean.
Before joining Stanford OHS, she served in a variety of admissions and student services roles at Minerva Schools at KGI, San Jose State University, and CEA Global Education.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma moved to the Bay Area and joined Stanford in 2018. She received her B.A. from California State University, Fullerton in Art History. Her studies have fueled her passions in education and art, especially its role in expressing the human experience across history. Outside of the office, Emma likes to try new baking recipes, oil paint, crochet, and score baseball games.
Job Titles:
- High School Academic Advisor
Estefany is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, but has lived in central Florida most of her life. She earned a B.A. in International Studies with minors in Political Science, Latin American Studies, and Community Engagement from Stetson University. Before joining Stanford OHS, Estefany directed student volunteers in the Andes mountains of Peru, taught English and Spanish in the public school system, and most recently, served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Asturias, Spain. She is passionate about educational equity and education as a powerful tool for social change.
Outside the office, she loves painting in all mediums, watching the sunset in different places, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Administrator
Job Titles:
- Division Head of Science & Physics Instructor
Dr. Nuckols earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2010, and he also holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. His clinical experience includes work with adults, families, and adolescents in clinics and counseling centers in Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo, and Palo Alto. He has contributed to secondary education projects at Stanford as a tutor, course developer, and supervisor, and he also served as an Instructor and Division Head at Stanford OHS.
In his free time, Dr. Nuckols enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and woodworking.
Job Titles:
- Desktop Support / Read More / Read More
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Writing Instructor
Joe Horton is an instructor in the Writing & Tutoring Center. He has undergraduate degrees from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of the Zell M.F.A. writing program at the University of Michigan. He teaches writing at the University of California, Davis, and UC Berkeley, and was formerly interim director of the English Department Writing Program at the University of Michigan.
His recent fiction and nonfiction has appeared with Ploughshares, Hobart, PRISM international, Midwestern Gothic, the Colorado Review, and TIME magazine. He is also playwright-in-residence with Savio(u)r Theatre Company, and his plays have been nominated for six Off West End Awards in London, including Best New Play. He has also worked as a journalist with the PBS NewsHour in Washington and in public relations with Ketchum Pleon in London.
He regularly collaborates with the faculty and students of Dine' College on the Navajo Nation. He has worked with many different writing organizations including InsideOut Literary Arts, 826michigan, Bright Futures, and the American Language Institute.
Joe enjoys traveling, reading, watching the Oakland Athletics and wrangling his cats, and exploring the west with his family.
Job Titles:
- Computer Science Instructor
Job Titles:
- Director of Records, Business Operations, and Finance
Originally from Southern California, Josh Carlson joined Stanford OHS in 2017. After graduating from the University of Redlands with a BA in History, Josh moved to the Bay Area to pursue his passions in non-profit and educational management. Most recently, Josh managed the Fremont/Newark YMCA for 4 years, focusing on program expansion and increasing community partnerships.
Josh loves to bring people together, and can often be found organizing trips to Yosemite or nearby points of interest. He enjoys new experiences, and travels often.
Job Titles:
- Registrar
- Academic Records Manager
Born in the Bay Area, Kaitlin earned a B.A. in Music History & Literature at Indiana University of Pennsylvania before returning to California for a Master's in Library & Information Science (M.L.I.S) from San Jose State University. She began her career with Stanford's Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY) as an Administrative Associate in 2013 and has continued working in education and educational technology since then, joining the Online High School as an Academic Records Officer in 2020. She enjoys reading, singing, and healthy cooking.
Job Titles:
- Senior Academic Technology Implementation Specialist
Job Titles:
- Middle School Academic Advisor
Kellye holds a bachelor's degree in music education and French horn performance from the University of South Carolina. After 11 years of being a band director and private music studio owner, she decided to shift her focus to student success. This led her to enroll at Clemson University in the Masters of Education, Student Affairs program. She spent one year working as an advisor in the Clemson Honors College before joining Stanford OHS as the middle school academic advisor. Kellye has a passion for middle school- as someone who loved it as a student, she has always had a drive to work that age student. When she's not working with young people, she loves playing board games, reading historical fiction, and eating chips and salsa. Kellye lives on the lake in the upstate of South Carolina with her husband, three children, and their three cats.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head of School, Biology Instructor
- Stanford OHS in 2007 As the Lead Biology Instructor
Dr. Failor earned her B.S. in Cell and Structural Biology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. While at UC Berkeley, she worked with Dr. Gary Firestone studying the steroid hormone regulation of cell signaling in mammary epithelium that controls the interaction between cells and the development of the mammary gland. She also taught a variety of courses including cell biology and prepared students for the Biological Sciences section of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
Dr. Failor joined Stanford OHS in 2007 as the Lead Biology Instructor and is currently the Division Head of Science. She has been involved in the development of numerous OHS courses including AP Biology and Advanced Topics in Biological Research. In addition, the division has expanded its extracurricular offerings including middle school and high school Science Bowl teams, the OHS Science Fair, and Student Research Colloquium. For Dr. Failor, working with students is the highlight of the job.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
Originally from a small town in Northern California, Kimia first joined the Office of Admissions at Stanford OHS in 2012. She has now returned to Stanford OHS as Director of Admission and Financial Aid after two years as an Associate Director in Stanford University's Office of Undergraduate Admission. She holds a B.A. from Stanford University in Classics with a concentration in ancient history. During her undergraduate years, Kimia also engaged in coursework at Stanford's Graduate School of Education, focusing on education technology, history of education policy, and education in rural areas.
Ms. Habibi loves to travel, take pictures, and hike with her rescue dog.
Since earning a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2012 and a Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs in 2014, Ms. Sullivan has been committed to supporting both college and pre-college students in their journeys. She has a particular passion for guiding students in conversation about leadership and empowering them to co-create communities centered on positivity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Kristen enjoys exploring her home state of California, spending time with her family, cooking, baton twirling, and getting outside as much as possible.
Job Titles:
- Spanish and Humanities Instructor
Job Titles:
- Division Head of Languages and Chinese Instructor
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Stanford Pre - Collegiate Studies and Outreach Programs
Lauren Lee is originally from Hawaii, and earned her B.A. from Loyola Marymount University. Before joining Stanford OHS in 2021, she was the Director of Marketing and Communications for a private school in Everett, Washington. Lauren previously worked for Stanford Continuing Studies as the Marketing Specialist, and as a Graphic Designer at a design firm in Los Angeles.
Lauren enjoys traveling back home to Hawaii with her husband and son. In her free time, she loves exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Job Titles:
- Senior Software Developer
Lisa has 15+ years of experience as a Senior Software Developer. She loves software development and is happiest supporting the education environment within Stanford OHS.
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Stanford
Louise Schultze joined Stanford OHS in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She has extensive marketing, communications, and public relations experience across industries ranging from fashion, to healthcare, technology, and education. Most recently, Louise served as the Director of Communications for The Nueva School in Hillsborough, Calif.
Louise and her husband Brian Schultze both work at Stanford University, and they live in San Mateo, Calif. with their two young children.
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Mathematics & Computer Science Instructor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head of School, English Instructor
Meg Lamont received her A.B. in English and American Literature from Brown University in 1999, where she graduated magna cum laude (Brown's highest honors) and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 2007 she received her Ph.D. in English Literature from UCLA, specializing in the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Most recently she was an assistant professor of English at North Carolina State University, where she taught advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. She has experience teaching literature from the ancient world through the 21st century. A few of her favorite authors are Geoffrey Chaucer, Sir Thomas Malory, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, Emily Brontë, Wilfred Owen, and Virginia Woolf.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of College Counseling
- College Counselor
Ms. Renwick earned her B.A. in English and is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, both from Cornell College. Before coming to Stanford OHS, she served as an Associate Director of Admission for Cornell College and then made the switch to secondary college counseling at the British International School of Chicago. Ms. Renwick is particularly passionate about college admission essays and has focused her graduate work on helping students find their authentic narrative voice.
In her free time, Ms. Renwick can be found reading, writing, baking, roller-skating, and going on long walks with her partner, Marc, and dog, Jake.
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Division Head of Humanities, History Instructor
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of College Counseling
- Associate Director of College Counseling
Ms. Cooper earned her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University and her B.S. in Business Administration from NC State University. Prior to joining Stanford OHS in 2019, she worked in fraternity and sorority life, admissions, and career counseling (focusing on post-baccalaureate fellowships and scholarships). Her professional and academic interests include student choice in admissions, data-informed enrollment management, and equity and access in higher education.
In her free time, Ms. Cooper enjoys exploring new places, trying new recipes, exercising, reading, and spending time with her husband, Chris.
Job Titles:
- Director of Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging & Access
Nicole Varveris was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon in 2014 and later pursued a Master's in Educational Counseling. Nicole joined Stanford Online High School in 2015 and was a High School Academic Advisor and High School Counselor before becoming the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Access in 2022.
Nicole is passionate about offering support and development to the next generation of leaders by making education more equitable and accessible to all.
In her free time, Nicole loves walking outdoors, practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her dog, Banana.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Registrar / Student Life
Olivia recently moved to the Bay Area from Pittsburgh, PA. She earned her B.S in Psychology from Georgia College & State University and then received her Master of Education from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga. Olivia has worked as an elementary and middle school counselor. She has a passion for working with adolescents and helping them navigate the ups and downs of middle school.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and dog, Piper!
Job Titles:
- High School Academic Advisor
- High School Counselor
Paige is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and earned her B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Psychology from Middlebury College. She also earned an M.S. in Counseling from the University of Vermont and an M.A. in Education and Administration from Santa Clara University. Prior to OHS, she worked as a public High School Guidance Counselor for 15 years. Outside of the office, Paige's time is devoted to her husband and three children. When there is a free moment you will likely find her running, playing soccer, or attempting a new craft project.
Job Titles:
- Computer Science Instructor
Job Titles:
- Director of the Writing & Tutoring Center
- Founding Director of the Writing & Tutoring Center
- Member of the International Writing Centers Association
Rebecca Shields is the founding Director of the Writing & Tutoring Center. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of California at Davis and her Master's and a Certificate in Teaching Composition from Sacramento State University.
Before joining the OHS, Rebecca taught college-level composition and for nine years, served as Supervising Instructor of Writing for Stanford's Education Program for Gifted Youth. Passionate about composition pedagogy and online instruction, Rebecca has created introductory through advanced-level writing and literature courses, including courses tailored for school programs in Saudi Arabia and China.
Rebecca is a member of the International Writing Centers Association and Journalism Education Association. Her continued education includes completion of Stanford's Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Program and Columbia Scholastic Press Association's courses for advisors.
For fun, Rebecca runs and bikes along the American River, hikes in the foothills, and thinks up daring adventures for her favorite characters, her sons.
Job Titles:
- Director of Academic Advising
Though he was born in the Bay Area, Ryan has spent most of his life on the East Coast. He earned his B.A. in English with a minor in Spanish at the University of Maryland, where he worked with freshman and transfer students as an Orientation Advisor. Afterwards, Ryan traveled to the cornfields and earned a M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Illinois. Ryan loves working in education and has taught classes and workshops in ESL, leadership/student services, the global economy, and Argentine tango to students of all ages and backgrounds.
Ryan joined the OHS in 2012 as an Assistant Registrar before moving to the Academic Advisor role in 2014. He loves his work in guiding OHS students in this part of their educational journeys.
Outside of the office, he is a voracious reader, a hobbyist photographer, and an adventurous cook.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Administrator
Job Titles:
- Director of Educational Outreach Programs
Sara Mumolo earned her BA in English from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Creative Writing from Saint Mary's College of CA. Sara received a NAGAP, The National Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, Promotion of Excellence Award for developing innovative methodologies in admissions marketing, as well as a Poetry and the Senses Fellowship from UC Berkeley's Arts Research Center. She joined OHS in 2021 as the Director of Online Outreach Programs. In her free time, Sara enjoys traveling, cooking, and yoga.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Outreach Business Operations
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Residential Experience
Taylor received his B.A. in Global Development Studies and M.Ed. in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education from the University of Virginia. His professional background has focused on Residence Life, primarily supporting college students who live on campus. He is passionate about developing inclusive and intentional communities that allow residents to challenge one another, learn together, and grow. When he is not working, Taylor enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and exploring new parts of the Bay Area.
Job Titles:
- English and Latin Instructor
- Latin and English Instructor
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Head of School, Philosophy Core & Mathematics Instructor
Originally from Japan, Dr. Hoshi earned his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Tokyo, M.A. in Philosophy at Texas A&M, and Ph.D. in Philosophy at Stanford University. After teaching courses on logic and philosophy at a number of places, including Stanford University, he joined Stanford Online High School as Head of School. He will still continue to teach a class for History and Philosophy of Science (OHSC0).
In addition to teaching, Dr. Hoshi has engaged in various research projects on logic and has published papers in related fields, including philosophy, computer science, and mathematics.
Dr. Hoshi also loves cooking. In Tokyo, he worked as a cook for four years. His favorite foods are Italian, Korean, and Japanese. He also is a part of the Stanford Japanese Running Club and has been training for his third marathon this year.
T. Hoshi and A. Isaac. Taking Mistakes Seriously: Equivalence Notions for Game Scenarios with Off Equilibrium Play, in H. van Ditmarsch and J. Lang, eds., Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Logic, Rationality, and Interaction (LORI-III), Lectures Notes in Computer Science, pp.111-124, 2011.
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Affairs
Dr. Steele earned a Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Development from Stanford University in 2009. She holds two Master's degrees, one in School Counseling and Guidance and the other in Secondary Teaching. Prior to entering the Stanford doctoral program, Dr. Steele held a variety of positions working with secondary students. She has worked as a teacher and/or director in South Africa, Venezuela, Russia, and the U.S. Currently, Dr. Steele serves as the Director of Student Support at Stanford OHS where she focuses on student social and emotional development, wellness, and issues of diversity, equity and inclusion while also conducting research and teaching at the university level.
Steele, T. M., Jacokes, D. E., & Stone, C. B. (2017). An examination of the role of online technology in school counseling. In T. P. Remley, Jr., W. D. Rock, & R. M. Reed (Eds.), Ethical and legal issues in school counseling (4th ed.)(pp. 29-49). Reprinted article from Professional School Counseling, 18(1), 125-135. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5330/prsc.18.1.428818712j5k8677
Job Titles:
- Mathematics, Computer Science, & Economics Instructor
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor
Job Titles:
- Philosophy Core Instructor