PSP Staff Lookbook 2023 Meet your teacher educators, instructors, assessors & staff!
TEACHER EDUCATORS
Alayne currently works at Bryant Elementary in the Mission as a first grade teacher. She is wrapping up her 4th year at Bryant and 9th year in SFUSD. Prior to Bryant, Alayne worked as a transitional kindergarten teacher. Alayne loves teaching early literacy and is currently supporting Bryant as they transition into more innovative ways of teaching reading via the Science of Reading. This will be her second year serving as a Teacher Educator for the Pathway PSP program. If she’s not in the classroom you can find her taking a yoga class, hanging out at the park with friends, or spending time with family in Southern California. B.A. in Lib e r al S t u die s , C al P oly S a n L uis O bis p o A L A Y N E C O L E S T e a c h e r E d u c a t o r S h e, H e r, H e rs
Anand currently teaches Kindergarten at César Chávez Elementary School, where he has taught for the last 3 years. He graduated from the Pathway program, and he taught 1st grade at Junipero Serra Elementary his first year as a teacher. He also has 3.5 years of experience as a substitute teacher in SFUSD. He is currently part of the district team piloting the new Benchmark Advanced ELA curriculum. When he's not teaching, Anand helps run San Francisco Zine Fest, participates in readings, and pretends to work on a children's book draft so his agent won't be mad at him. ANAND VEDAWALA Teacher Educator He, Him, His B.S. in Civil Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology; M.F.A. in Computer Animation, Academy of Art University
B.A. in Sociology, UCSD M.A. in Elementary Education, SF State, M.A. in Educational Administration, SF State My name is Betty, I am born and raised in the city. I am currently a literacy coach at Hillcrest Elementary School, prior to that I taught 2nd grade at Visitacion Valley Elementary School for 7 years. When I am not teaching, I like to eat and try different foods, travel, and go on walks. BETTY CHEUNG Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers
Originally from Chicago Ill, moved to SF 6 years ago, I’m a 1st grade teacher at Bessie Carmichael FEC K-8, but previously taught 3rd grade at Bessie for 4 years. Before that I worked long term positions at Sherman, and Spring Valley Elementary School teaching 2nd and 4th grade. My next career goal is to pursue my administration credential. I enjoy almost anything outdoors and traveling. BROCK BIERBRODT Teacher Educator He, Him, His B.A. in History, University of North Florida
B.A. in Liberal Studies, SF State University M.S. in Ed. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Walden University Gabrielle is a National Board Certified teacher with 18 years of experience in K-3 grade classrooms. She currently completed her 13th year as a first grade teacher at Sheridan E.S, where she is also part of the Instructional Leadership Team and has been helping to facilitate PDs around structured literacy and science based approaches that help all students learn to read and write. Gabrielle has helped to facilitate National Board Candidate support groups to help educators obtain their National Board Certification in the district and has also worked with Be The Change to cofacilitate PDs around building an anti-racist classroom community. When not teaching, Gabrielle loves to travel to Disneyland and sunny and warm beaches with her husband and their son. She also loves to binge watch new shows on Netflix as a means of self care when she can't travel. GABRIELLE MILLEZA Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers
Julia has broad experience in early childhood and elementary education, drawing from her time in Oakland, Harlem, the Mission, and Bayview-Hunters Point, as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, action researcher, instructional literacy coach, professional development facilitator, and teacher educator. She is currently the literacy coach at Flynn Elementary and at Carver Elementary from 2017- 2021. Her expertise includes supporting educators in developing effective literacy instruction, facilitating professional learning communities, training teacher candidates, curating family engagement events, and designing curriculum that integrates the arts, service learning, and project based learning. When she’s not in a school, she loves to swim and explore the Bay Area’s food and wine scene. JULIA GELORMINO Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers B.A. in Child Development and Education, UC Berkeley M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching, Teachers College Columbia University NBCT in Early Childhood Education
Kara currently teaches 5th grade at Tenderloin Community School, where she has taught for 25 years. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Literacy. She is a member of her school site Instructional Leadership Team where she co-plans and facilitates Professional Development for the school staff. She is also a Co-director of California Reading and Literacy Project (CRLP) at UCB. In this role she provides professional learning experiences centering on educators as learners, leaders and partners. When she's not teaching she is spending time with her 17 year daughter or her partner, hiking, gardening or throwing dinner parties. KARA WHISTON Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers B.A. in History, SF State University
Katy has worked in special education since 2015 as a para-educator, Registered Behavioral Therapist, and a teacher. Katy received her Masters in Special Education from the University of Oregon in 2019. Katy just completed her fifth year as a special education teacher, her first as an RSP at Sutro Elementary School. Previously, she has worked as an SDC teacher in a SOAR classroom, and as a middle school resource teacher. This is Katy’s second summer as a teacher educator with Pathways. When she’s not teaching Katy enjoys running, hiking with her dog Stella, and a nice sushi dinner. KATY MEMON Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers B.A. in Philosophy, Neuroscience & Psychology, Washington University in St Louis M.S. in K-12 Special Education, Mild to Severe Disabilities, University of Oregon
B.A. Psychology, University of San Francisco M.A. Teaching Reading, University of San Francisco Matt is currently the Instructional Reform Facilitator at Rosa Parks in the Western Addition. He has taught 2nd, 3rd and 6th grades in SFUSD and the Hawai’i Department of Education. In his role as IRF, he facilitates PD and coaching around research-based practices in literacy instruction to support all learners with their diverse needs. When he is not teaching, you can find him at the beach with his corgi named Custard! MATTHEW BORDALLO Teacher Educator He, Him, His
Michelle is currently teaching Kinder Spanish immersion at Monroe; where she has been teaching for the past 6 years. She is now the Kinder representative of the internal leadership team at her school. Michelle is a proud pathway alumni and was part of the second cohort and is eager to help others the same way she was helped. BA in Communication Disorders, SF State MICHELLE BRICEÑO Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers
B.S. in P s y c h olo g y , S F S t a t e U niv e r sit y Nin a P e t e r s h a s b e e n in P u blic e d u c a tio n f o r o v e r 1 5 y e a r s a r o u n d t h e B a y A r e a. H e r j o u r n e y in t o t e a c hin g s t a r t e d wit h a r t cla s s e s in a ft e r s c h o ol p r o g r a m s a t M alc olm X A c a d e m y a n d J e a n P a r k e r in S F U S D. S h e o b t ain e d a t e a c hin g c r e d e n tial a t S F S U , a n d t a u g h t in W e s t C o n t r a C o s t a U nifie d Dis t ric t f o r 7 y e a r s , all u p p e r g r a d e s ( 4 - 6 ). In 2 0 1 8 , s h e r e t u r n e d t o S F U S D t o t e a c h 5 t h g r a d e a t B r y a n t Ele m e n t a r y , w h e r e s h e's b e e n t h e U B C R e p , C ult u r e & Clim a t e M e m b e r , a n d V A P A C o o r din a t o r , w o r kin g wit h lo c al a r tis t s a n d o r g a niz a tio n s f r o m t h e Mis sio n N eig h b o r h o o d. NIN A P E T E R S T e a c h e r E d u c a t o r S h e, H e r, H e rs
B.A. in Psychology, George Mason University M.A. in Elementary Education, George Washington University Samantha is currently the literacy coach at Malcolm X Academy, where she has worked for the last 4 years. She has worked with PK5th grade teachers at Malcolm X Academy and has enjoyed coaching Pathways teachers who are at her site. Samantha previously taught in 2nd and 3rd Grade in Oakland and Fairfax, Va for 7 years. Literacy is her passion! When she is not working, she enjoys going to the beach and hiking with her one year old daughter, partner, and 2 dogs. SAMANTHA RUMLEY Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers
Hi my name is Tim. I am born and raised in Northern California. I am a proud public school graduate and value reinvesting in my community. When I'm not working, I love listening to music, gardening, and lazy days on a beach somewhere! B.A. Labor Studies, SF State University MA Special Education Mild/Mod Support Needs, SF State TIMOTHY DELAVAN Teacher Educator He, Him, HIs
Vicky currently teaches TK-5 students with IEPs as the Resource Specialist at Sheridan, where she's taught for the last 7 years. She also serves as the site testing coordinator, which she has done for the last 5 years. Vicky is a member of the National Board Certified Teachers. She has an added teaching authorization in Reading & Literacy and has a certificate as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. She is currently piloting grades 2-5 Steps to Advance ELA program for the district. When she's not teaching she loves to scrapbook while watching her favorite shows and being outdoors enjoying scenic California. B.A. in Psychology, UC Riverside MA in Sociology, San Jose State University VICTORIA ROSALESMANGISEL Teacher Educator She, Her, Hers
BA in Fine Arts from New York University I have worked in SFUSD since 2002, as a Special Education Teacher. I have taught at elementary, middle, and high school levels. Currently at James Lick Middle. I think teaching is the best job in the world. WILLIAM FORD Teacher Educator He, Him, His
TEACHING ASSISSTANT
B.A. and Multi Subject credential SF State Ann has been teaching 4th grade at Hillcrest since 2000. She has focused on science instruction as her personal area to grow and develop for the last ten years. She has been the science lead teacher for her site for around eight years. She has participated in a variety of science teaching programs, fellowships and cohorts through The Academy of Sciences, The Explorotorium, Lawerence Hall of Science, San Mateo County Office of Education, Stanford School of Education and UCSF/SFUSD. She loves yoga, kayaking and cooking. ANN HUGHES TA She, Her, Hers
BA in Fine Arts from New York University Frances has worked as an RSP teacher at Sherman Elementary School for 14 years. Prior to that she taught middle school RSP for 1 year at AP Giannini and 4 years at KIPP SF Bay Charter School. Non SFUSD prior experience includes 4 years of RSP at Sunshine Gardens Elementary School in South San Francisco as well as several student teaching and long term substitute placements at various elementary and middle school special day classes in Eugene, Oregon. Her first job was 2 years of teaching at a non-public high school for students with behavior disorders outside Los Angeles. At Sherman, Frances serves on the school leadership team, a Light Awards PLC examining equity issues at the school, and the CARE team as well as serving multiple terms on the school site council. When not on campus, Frances lives by the beach where she loves to run, swim and bike. FRANCES TREFNY TA She, Her, Hers
B.S. in Kinesiology, University of San Francisco Jenn Freyttsie Pineda currently teaches 2nd grade at Malcolm X Elementary. She completed Pathway's Summer PSP in 2021 after receiving her BS in Kinesiology from the University of San Francisco. Her teaching philosophy is founded on the principles of inclusion and diversity and is rooted in her own experiences growing up as an ELL student. At Malcolm X, Jenn is a member of the Teacher Leader Fellowship and the Instructional Leadership Team. In her free time, she takes yoga classes, explores local bookstores, tries to keep her plants alive, and hangs out with her cat, Ziggy. JENN FREYTTSIE TA She, Her, Hers
B.S. in Biology (Zoology), SF State University Daniel currently teaches 5th grade as a Spanish Bilingual Teacher at Cesar Chavez in the Mission, where he's taught for the last 4 years. His time at Chavez has been life changing. Daniel is a member of UBC, School Site Council, it the site's Science Liaison and facilitates their Rainbow Club. Besides trying to make his community a better place, Daniel enjoys advocating for the oppressed (readvegetarian). When he's not teaching he rushes home to take care of his fur babies, watch YouTube or hangout with his friends. TZADAKEL ALONSO TA He, Him, His
ASSESSORS
I have been a SFUSD educator for 17 years. I have taught second grade and fifth grade, and currently I am the Instructional Reform Facilitator (IRF) at Bret Harte Elementary School in the Bayview Hunter's Point neighborhood. As IRF, I am responsible for teacher professional learning and coaching, as well as school wide data. I will be finishing the Principal Leadership Program at UC Berkeley this summer, and moving into an Assistant Principal position in the fall. KELLI RIGGS Assessor She, Her, Hers B.A. in Psychology, UC Berkeley M.A. in Math Education, SF State M.A. in Educational Administration, UC Berkeley
I started my carrier in education back in my native country, Argentina. In 1998, SFUSD welcomed me, and I began as a paraprofessional in bilingual and special day classrooms. During these years, I have worked at different district levels as I played various roles: Spanish bilingual teacher, literacy coach, reading specialist, curriculum developer, assistant principal, and principal. I also feel honored and excited to be part of the Pathway To Teaching Program for the 5th consecutive year. Every summer, I get inspired by the new generation of committed and invigorating educators taking the education path as a profession. LAURA CODICETTI Assessor She, Her, Hers MA in Language and Literacy, San Francisco State MA in Mental Health MFC Counseling
Mia currently is the Assistant Principal of Alamo Elementary School. In her tenure at San Francisco Unified School District, she has taught grades K - 8 and was an Instructional Reform Facilitator and Academic Response to Intervention Facilitator. Mia’s current project is uplifting student voice and promoting student agency through Multimedia Portfolios. When she is not consumed with the inner workings of school, she can be found taking long walks with her family, volunteering in her children’s scouting troops, or simply enjoying the sunset at the beach. MIA YEE Assessor She, Her, Hers B.S. in Biology (Physiology), SF State MA in Elementary Science Education and Educational Administration, SF State
INSTRUCTORS
Anna is a first grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary. She began her career at SFUSD as a Spanish immersion teacher in K-1 and 3rd grade, then worked as a literacy specialist, coach, interventionist and curriculum developer. She has taught the reading methodology course for credential candidates at San Francisco State University, and the graduate writing course for the literacy credential. She has coached and mentored new teachers in the district. Five years ago she returned to the classroom because that was where her heart was. She has taught at Pathway for the past five summers. She loves to recommend her favorite books to anyone who's looking for something good to read. ANNA SOPKO Instructor She, Her, Hers BA Linguistics, Honors in Education, Stanford University MFA Creative Writing, University of San Francisco
Anthony currently works as a teacher on special assignment as an academic instruction coach supporting veteran and new teachers in SFUSD. Prior to be an academic instruction coach he served as a culture and climate coach supporting schools to create safe and supportive school and classroom learning communities that welcomes all students regardless of their backgrounds. Before becoming a coach Anthony taught K-2 grade. He started his teaching career in 2000 in Los Angeles Unified School District. He has been teaching and coaching in SFUSD since 2007. ANTHONY ARINWINE Instructor He, Him, His BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, National University MA in Education (Equity and Social Justice), SF State University.
I have worked in SFUSD as a classroom teacher for 20 years and the last 7 as a literacy coach and interventionist and Newcomer teacher. I am Elementary Program Lead for the California Reading and Literature Project. I have also worked with MPD (Multilingual Pathways Department) on various projects over the years, writing curriculum to support English Learners. My passion is all things literacy, supporting out English Learners and guiding teachers in instruction. CHRISTINA HUIZAR Instructor She, Her, Hers B.A. in Fine Arts, UC San Diego National Board Certification in Literacy
Christine is a Pathway school year Spanish Bilingual Instructional Coach. Previously, she was Spring Valley Elementary’s Interim Principal, Instructional Reform Facilitator, and a 3rd Grade Spanish Bilingual Teacher. Additional roles in SFUSD have included working with Pathway on a variety of committees, as well as being a Teacher Educator and an Assessor for PSP. Christine joined San Francisco Unified five years ago after working in Portland Public Schools as a Spanish Immersion Teacher and Instructional Coach for 9 years. Christine’s purpose in education continues to be advocating for native language rights and equitable resource allocation and support for teachers, students, and families that are learning English. She loves to travel, explore the city with her partner and three children, and eat brunch. CHRISTINE KLEIN-LEONG Instructor She, Her, Hers BFA in Theatre, Southern Oregon University FA in Teaching, George Fox University Administrative Licensure, Portland State University
As an educator for 35 years, Glenn has worked in bilingual kindergarten, first grade, fourth and fifth grades, sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and has even taught math classes at SF State. He is most passionate about the many connections within and across curricular areas and what brings him the greatest joys are seeing students' eyes light up when they come to understand something important. While he has specialized in math education for the past 15 years, he also teaches middle school writing, first in China for 4 years and now in the Bay Area. GLENN KENYON Instructor for EDUC 103 He, Him, His BA in Latin American Studies and Environmental Studies from UCSC MA in Math Education from SF State University MA in Spanish Linguistics from FUNIBER in Spain
Greg spent 5 years doing wilderness training and outdoor adventure trips with middle school kids before becoming a teacher in San Francisco. Since then, he has taught 5th and 6th grade math and science, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. He has also been a teacher coach focusing on behavior interventions and classroom community. Greg is currently a 4th grade teacher at Visitacion Valley Elementary School. His favorite work related activity is listening to random stories that students tell, and outside of school he loves laughing with his friends and being outside in nature. GREG GALLUP Instructor He, Him, His B.A. in English, Valparaiso University M.A. in Counseling, California Institute of Integral Studies
I started my career as a special educator with SFUSD in 1996 as a substitute paraeducator. I fell in love with the profession and went on to teach M/S SDC for 20 years, with a few years of RSP/Inclusion (all of them at Dolores Huerta Elementary.) I have been a Special Education Content Specialist for the past 4 years and working with other special educators has helped expand my understanding of the continuum of services in Special Education. I really love collaborating with and coaching new special educators! KIMBERLEY ANDERSON Instructor She, Her, Hers B.A. English Lit UC Davis
I am a National Board Certified, Bilingual (Spanish) elementary school teacher, instructional coach and teacher leader with 27 years of experience serving Kindergartners-5th grade students and their families in the Fruitvale Community of Oakland and the Mission District of San Francisco. I have taught grades Kinder, 1st, 2nd, & 5th and currently, work as a literacy coach at Sanchez Elementary School. I am also an adjunct professor in the Teacher Education Department at the University of San Francisco and a doctoral candidate at USF in International & Multicultural Education, with a Racial Justice Concentration. I absolutely LOVE working with students, families, and aspiring teachers!! MARNA WOLAK Instructor She, Her, Hers B.A in Spanish, Sonoma State University M.A in Instructional Leadership, National University
Shendi began her career in education as an ELD (English Language Development) tutor in a newcomer high school in New York City and has since worked in multiple university settings, an ed non-profit, and secondary public schools for over 10 years. She is a Pathway coach during the school year and prior to that, served as an RSP (resource specialist) and SDC (special day class) teacher at Francisco Middle School, where she completed the Pathway program and cleared her credential. She has been a PSP TE, instructor, and a school-year Pathway coach since 2021. Shendi holds a BA in English and American Literature from NYU, which informs her persistent passion for foundational literacy, textual analysis, and argumentative writing. She is a proud 1.5-generation Chinese American, intersectional feminist, and forever Jersey girl committed to personal transformation and mandatory fun. Talk film, television, and personality tests with her anytime, and definitely invite her to karaoke! SHENDI XU Instructor She, Her, Hers B.A. in English and American Literature, NYU
Tessa is an instructional coach on the Pathway school year team and previously taught 2nd, 4th and 5th grade Spanish Immersion at Daniel Webster. She is passionate about supporting new teachers, bilingual education, equity-centered instruction, and teaching math and science. She has facilitated math professional development through Lesson Study and was a member of the Amplify Science R&D Team where she piloted the 2nd grade Earth and Physical Science units. This will be her fourth summer as a member of the PSP team; in previous years Tessa has been a Teacher Educator and Elementary Science course instructor. When she's not teaching and coaching she volunteers as a Winter Wildlife Docent in Pt. Reyes National Seashore doing whale and elephant seal interpretation and loves to hike, cook, and read. TESSA ARTALE MCGOVERN Instructor She, Her, Hers B.A in Sociology, B.A in Spanish, UC Davis BCLAD and M.A in Teaching, USF NBCT in Middle Childhood Education
STAFF
Hi Future Teachers! My name is Sylvia Rodriguez. I am a secretary here at BVHM. A little bit about myself, my favorite color is blue. On my free time I love to spend time with my family. I Love working here and love serving my community. Lastly my favorite food is ALL kinds of salads! Happy to help you with any questions you may have! SYLVIA RODRIGUEZ Administrative Assisstant She, Her, Hers
WELCOME PATHWAY TO TEACHING, COHORT 7!