Meet the New Upper School Faculty and Staff

I joined Menlo in 2023 as a social science teacher in the Upper School. I’m currently teaching Ethnic Studies and Modern World History.

After receiving my BA in Asian American Studies from San Francisco State University in 2009, I taught as a volunteer teacher in a service-learning organization called Pin@y (Pinay/Pinoy) Educational Partnerships (PEP) in San Francisco. After receiving my MA in Teaching: Urban Education and Social Justice at University of San Francisco in 2012, I started my credentialed teaching career at James Denman Middle School (SFUSD), teaching various levels of English language arts, social science, video journalism, and STEM for seven years. More recently, I taught at Abraham Lincoln High School (SFUSD) from 2019 to 2023, teaching Ethnic Studies Honors, AVID, and Modern World History.

I enjoy spending my free time on the California coast with friends and family while camping, fishing, or kayaking. 

I’m thrilled to be teaching, advising, and coaching at Menlo — I was previously the AP Gov teacher at Summit Prep Charter High School in Redwood City, where I also taught AP US History during my teacher residency and coached Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Track, and JV Basketball.

A California native, I graduated from Stanford with a BA in American Studies before working at Sutter Hill Ventures in Palo Alto. After several years in finance and venture capital, I was really interested in finding different ways to leverage my skills and interests in meaningful ways, so I returned to Stanford’s School of Education and completed an MA in Policy, Organizations, and Leadership Studies.

I currently live in San Francisco right above Golden Gate Park with my fiancé Adriana and pup Oliver. I enjoy traveling, playing the violin, and desperately clinging to whatever fitness and athletic coordination I have left.

I am excited to become a part of the World Languages Department here at Menlo School!

I earned my B.A. in Modern Languages from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Afterward, I joined the Teaching Associates and Language Fellows program at Williams College. This experience served as the spark that ignited my passion for language education. As I continued my educational journey, I pursued my graduate studies at UC Berkeley. During my time as a graduate student, I also served as a Graduate Student Instructor, a role that significantly enhanced my teaching skills. Building upon my academic foundation, I successfully obtained my Teaching Credential in Spring 2020.

Throughout my career, I’ve instructed students across a diverse range of Spanish proficiency levels. As a lifelong learner myself, I appreciate and admire the process of learning a language. I believe that learning a language provides us with the invaluable ability of viewing the world through the cultural lens of others, expanding our perspectives.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, engaging in activities like yoga, strength training, exploring art, reading, and playing video games. I’m also passionate about the culinary arts, and enjoy both cooking & baking.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and graduated from Menlo School in 1999. After majoring in creative writing at the University of Southern California, I decided to study music full-time and pursued an MFA at CalArts in piano performance and composition. I then received my PhD from UCSD, where I had the opportunity to teach several courses in the music department. Most recently, I was a Visiting Lecturer at the University of the Pacific where I taught Music Appreciation and the History of Hip Hop.

I’m happy to be back at Menlo School where I began my musical journey. I believe music is foundational to learning, and I hope to bring this passion for knowledge and creativity to the students at Menlo. 

Born in North Carolina and growing up in a military family, the arts and music have always been the most grounding force of community and belonging for me. I have worked as a professional actress, voice teacher and musical theater director from coast to coast. While in NYC, I performed Off-Broadway, with NY Lyric Opera and Brooklyn Philharmonic, alongside serving as a Voice Instructor at NYU. After hustling in the Big Apple, I moved to the Bay Area and music directed productions at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre as well as performing with Theatreworks Silicon Valley, Jewel Theater in Santa Cruz, South Bay Musical Theater, and Montalvo Arts Center. 

I love being in nature, trail running, doing yoga, dancing like no one is watching, and mostly going on adventures with my two little ones and husband! 

I’m a native of Santa Clara in the South Bay. I went to Harker back when it was still an “Academy” and before it had an Upper School - actually came very close to matriculating at Menlo (opting eventually instead for Bellarmine), and then went on to study a slew of humanities at Santa Clara University (Latin, Greek, Classics, Medieval & Renaissance Studies, English, and History, plus a heavy dose of Environmental Studies courses just as passion projects) before continuing on to the University of Virginia for graduate school. I then spent two years teaching at Kenyon College in Ohio and one at Brooklyn College, CUNY before moving to Las Vegas, where I taught (mostly Latin, but also ancient Greek, Spanish, and English several times each) at a private school for 10 years before joining Menlo in the fall of 2023.

Mixed in there along the way, I’ve lived and/or studied in several countries, including Australia, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Brazil. I love to travel, and think my country tally was somewhere around 85 as of the time I was hired. I love exercise of almost any kind, especially cycling and hiking; have coached not only volleyball and basketball, but also competitive Quiz Bowl; and have been an ardent (almost) vegan for my entire adult life. I’ve been a science/speculative fiction and fantasy fan since childhood; adore languages, geography, and trivia/knowledge of all stripes; and also love music of most genres, from electronic to bluegrass to pop (just no country; sorry!).

Other than teaching, nothing gives me more joy than whiling away whole days playing board games with friends, reading, and/or just snuggling with my surprisingly affectionate cat, Mini (Minerva).

I started in admissions through my alma mater, NDNU, and then transitioned to Santa Clara University where I got to oversee the tour program and the tour guides (Student Ambassadors). As I got into higher Admissions roles, the further I got from working closely with students, and I missed it! Working with the Student Ambassadors as they figured out their next steps in college, careers, and life was so fulfilling and so when an opportunity came to become a college counselor, I jumped at the chance. I spent the last four years at Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose helping guide young men onto their next great adventure. It has been incredibly humbling to journey with the students I’ve worked with thus far, to see their interests and passions come to life, and their eyes opened to the incredible opportunities that await them in college and beyond.

My partner and I live in Redwood City with our two cats, Hank and Bandit. We are avid sports fans, adventurous foodies, voracious readers, and history buffs!

I began at Menlo as a part-time sports performance coach in Winter 2022. I have worked at Menlo College as a sports performance coach since August 2022. Prior to that, my stops include Lead Performance Coach at Roseville Area High School (MN), Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Long Beach City College Football (CA), and a few collegiate-level internships. My coaching experience has allowed me to work with athletes ranging from youth to semi-pro.

I am passionate about serving others so that they may access their full potential. Outside of coaching, my interests include hiking, traveling, and music.

I’m delighted to be joining the Menlo community as an educator with a rich history in teaching and mentoring. Prior to my time at Menlo, I spent twenty-seven years in the history department at Castilleja School, where I also served as the sophomore dean for thirteen years.

Over the course of my nearly three decades in education, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of subjects, including US history, US government, psychology, gender studies, ethics, and philosophy. My passion lies in fostering a safe, positive, and interactive classroom environment, where students feel supported in developing their abilities to construct and express authentic viewpoints on important and thought-provoking topics.

As an educator, I firmly believe in the power of history and social science as transformative lenses through which students can develop the essential skills of productive and healthy discourse. My primary goal is to equip my students with the ability to have meaningful discussions and respectfully disagree with one another. I see myself as their chief advocate, mentor, and role model, guiding them on their journey towards becoming confident, critical thinkers, and responsible, ethical citizens of the 21st century.

At Menlo, I have the privilege of teaching sophomore US history and the junior-senior history elective AP US Government.My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, I have experience working on Capitol Hill and serving as a research assistant for a successful US Senate campaign.

I live in San Carlos with my wife, daughter, and our feline companion, Pippin. My son will be away starting college this fall. I have a passion for trail running and am an avid singer-songwriter and composer.

I have a background in film-making and learning experience design. I pursued my doctoral study to combine my passion for education and digital storytelling and developed innovative ways to enhance learning experiences.

Prior to joining Menlo, through positions including Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor, and Academic Director, I got to serve diverse learning communities and enjoyed working with students and colleagues who inspired me to develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences and environment.

I enjoy playing music, creating digital stories, and helping children to broaden their minds and reach their full potential.

I grew up in Quebec, Canada. As a young student, my thirst for knowledge led me to embark on a journey of traveling for studies, and I never looked back.

Over the years, I explored various countries, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences. Then, a little over five years ago, destiny brought me to the Bay Area, and I instantly fell in love with its vibrancy and opportunities.

With a desire to share my experience and expertise, I decided to transition from being a student or researcher to becoming a teacher. After completing the SJSU credential program, I found my first teaching job. Watching my students grow and learn brought me immense joy and satisfaction. I knew I was on the right path!

When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me swimming, cycling, and practicing yoga to keep me active and energized. And there’s nothing like a good board game session to unwind with friends and family!

I am a proud born and raised Silicon Valley native! I am eager to be taking over for Angela while she is on maternity leave as the new Upper School Dance Educator.

I attended California State University, Chico where I was both a member and eventual captain of the Chico State Dance Team. I began my instructional career at HYPE Dance Studio where I educated children from 3 to 18 years old in both a private and group setting. I also served as a Studio Manager and pivotal part of the competitive dance team. I have helped set and assist choreography for various court routines for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA as well. I am currently a Co-Director of the Fusion Pro Dance Company and teach at a plethora of Bay Area dance studios.

I moved back to the Bay 3 years ago and currently reside in Walnut Creek, CA with my partner and sweet dachshund puppy, Dot. I am a social butterfly and coffee enthusiast! I cannot wait to share my passion and grow alongside my students here at Menlo. 

I started my nonprofit journey in 2002, shortly after moving from New York City to San Francisco. After working in Development at the Sierra Club and Low Income Investment Fund, I joined Menlo School, where I spent nearly 10 years as Director of Alumni Relations. In 2015, I was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and joined a startup alumni relations software company based in Ireland. It was there that I discovered my passion for writing.

In addition to the content marketing pieces I wrote to raise the visibility of our product, I began blogging about my journey as a “startup mom.” My days were a comical juxtaposition of pitching potential investors and cutting turkeys out of construction paper in my son’s kindergarten classroom. Because my stock options didn’t exactly pay the bills, I moonlit as a Brand Sponsored Content Writer for Houzz, telling stories about countertops, kitchen islands and towel warmers.

Because young kids and long hours don’t mix, I transitioned back to nonprofit life as Associate Director of Marketing and Communications at Children’s Health Council (CHC) where I’d spend the next 7 years. There, I was able to combine my newfound writing prowess with my passion for mental health, launching a blog for the organization to showcase the compassionate expertise of our clinicians. I also wrote short and long-form content for the website, social media, presentations and print publications.

As the sister of a novelist and the daughter of an editor, I’m amazed that it took me this long to realize that I wanted to write full-time. And when the opportunity arose to rejoin the community that I care about so deeply, I was not about to let it pass me by. I’m thrilled to be coming back to Menlo as part of the Communications team.

I live in San Carlos with my husband, two kids and our German Shepherd mix, Willow. I am happiest in the mountains or on the beach, on a trail run, or around a campfire with family and friends. 

I am originally from the East Coast and quickly fell in love with the Bay Area during my time at Santa Clara University! After graduation, I lived in Hawaii for a year before returning back to San Francisco where I spent the last 5 years working in Human Resources at a few start up companies in San Francisco before joining Menlo. I am excited to join Menlo’s Human Resources team to help support the Menlo community!

I live in Santa Clara with my husband, Will, and our two dogs, Shasta and Hayes. In my free time, you can find me hiking, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, or trying out a new local restaurant!

I first stepped foot on the Menlo campus almost 20 years ago as a 6th grader participating in the Summer Bridge Program, and am so thankful to be back to work with families as we navigate and celebrate our students’ academic lives!

I am a Menlo Park native, first-gen college student, Salvadoran-American, and hold a BA in Economics from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Although I started my career in advertising and tech, I have always been a mentor and part-time tutor to grade school and high school students and decided to re-route my career to education by moving to Spain in 2019 and teaching English as a second (and third) language for almost three years.

Prior to Menlo, I worked on the Development and Communications Team at 826 Valencia, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting under-resourced students in developing their writing skills, where I was a tutor before joining the staff.

Outside of work, I like crafting greeting cards, dancing (ballet, flamenco, and salsa), hiking, and learning new languages (and subsequently learning about cultures outside of my own).