Our faculty and staff are the heart of Keys School. 

A diverse and talented group of individuals, our faculty and staff bring their passions to the classroom and the entire school community. Whether they are artists, bakers, scientists, musicians, gardeners, or mathematicians, they all share a genuine dedication to education and a deep commitment to seeing every Keys student flourish.

Lower School Faculty

  • Nazneen Aibara
    First Grade Teacher
    Nazneen Aibara Nazneen Aibara
    First Grade Teacher

  • Claire Balle
    First Grade Teacher
    Claire Balle Claire Balle
    First Grade Teacher

    Education: Teaching Credential from the Institut de Formation des Professeurs des Ecoles (Paris, France), M.A. Degree in Multimedia and Technology from Paris II (Paris, France), A.A. in Child Development and Psychology from Foothill College

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Soren Bergeson
    Third Grade Teacher
    Soren Bergeson Soren Bergeson
    Third Grade Teacher

    Education:  B.A. from Columbia University in East Asian Languages and Cultures; M.S.Ed. from Bank Street College in Elementary Education

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Carmen Centeno
    Lower School Spanish Teacher
    Carmen Centeno Carmen Centeno
    Lower School Spanish Teacher

    Education: B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela; M.S. in Bilingual Education and ESL from the University of Houston Clear Lake

    Years at Keys: 7


  • Patricia Chang
    Coordinator of Student Support and Lower School Learning Specialist
    Patricia Chang Patricia Chang
    Coordinator of Student Support and Lower School Learning Specialist

    Education: B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Michigan; Ed.M. in School Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University

    Years at Keys: 7


  • Monique Corley
    First Grade Associate Teacher
    Monique Corley Monique Corley
    First Grade Associate Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Criminal Justice; a California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit; will graduate with an M.Ed. from the University of San Diego (Spring 2023) 

    Year at Keys: 1


  • Sharon Diamond
    Lower School Counselor and Self-Science Teacher
    Sharon Diamond Sharon Diamond
    Lower School Counselor and Self-Science Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Sociology and Social Services from UC Davis; M.A. in Marriage, Family, and Counseling from the University of Southern California

    Years at Keys: 12


  • Susan Essary
    Kindergarten Teacher
    Susan Essary Susan Essary
    Kindergarten Teacher

    Education: B.A. from University of Buckinghamshire, England; Education certificate from Brunel University, England

    Years at Keys: 13


  • Jeanette Garcia
    After Care Assistant
    Jeanette Garcia Jeanette Garcia
    After Care Assistant

  • Marisa Hodgett
    Lower School Music Teacher
    Marisa Hodgett Marisa Hodgett
    Lower School Music Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Music Education from Loyola University, New Orleans; Orff Certification – Level I; Kodály Certification-Level I
    Years at Keys: 15


  • Cameron Johnson
    Lower School Technology Teacher
    Cameron Johnson Cameron Johnson
    Lower School Technology Teacher

    Education: B.S. Public Relations from Northern Arizona University; M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from University of Maryland University College 

    Years at Keys: 4


  • Jackie Villacorte
    First Grade Assistant Teacher
    Jackie Villacorte Jackie Villacorte
    First Grade Assistant Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University

    Years at Keys: 3


  • Sean McConnell
    Fourth Grade Teacher
    Sean McConnell Sean McConnell
    Fourth Grade Teacher

    Education:  B.F.A. Studio Arts Drawing and Painting from The College of Santa Fe; B.S. Interior Design from Northern Arizona University; M.A. Education from Pacific Oaks College (in progress)

    Years at Keys: 3


  • Kelsey McMillan
    Fourth Grade Teacher
    Kelsey McMillan Kelsey McMillan
    Fourth Grade Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Integrative Studies: Art History/Women’s Studies/Modern Dance from Guilford College; M.S. in Museum Education and Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education

    Years at Keys: 9


  • Fiona Merridew
    Lower School Librarian
    Fiona Merridew Fiona Merridew
    Lower School Librarian

    Education: B.A. in Fine Arts from University of Witwatersrand; M.A. in Art Therapy and Family and Marriage Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur

    Years at Keys: 6


  • Kiri Nakamura
    Second Grade Teacher
    Kiri Nakamura Kiri Nakamura
    Second Grade Teacher

    Education: B.A. in English from University of Pennsylvania

    Years at Keys: 7


  • Nikki Portner
    Third Grade Teacher
    Nikki Portner Nikki Portner
    Third Grade Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University; M.A. from Boston University in Teaching History and Social Sciences

    Years: 1


  • Maria Purcell
    Kindergarten Teacher
    Maria Purcell Maria Purcell
    Kindergarten Teacher

    Education: B.Ed. and Double Major in English Literature, Philosophy and World Religions from University of Wales College

    Years at Keys: 8


  • Quinton Rief
    Coordinator of Auxiliary and Summer Programs
    Quinton Rief Quinton Rief
    Coordinator of Auxiliary and Summer Programs

    Education: B.A. in Outdoor Recreation from Indiana University Bloomington

    Years at Keys: 5


  • Nicole Shiotani
    Lower School Math Specialist
    Nicole Shiotani Nicole Shiotani
    Lower School Math Specialist

    Education: B.A. in English from Emory University; M.Ed. in Multicultural Education from George Mason University

    Years at Keys: 13


  • Rav Simon
    Second Grade Teacher
    Rav Simon Rav Simon
    Second Grade Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Theatre – Acting from Columbia College Chicago; M.S. in Early Childhood Education, with Special Needs Endorsement from Erikson Institute.

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Parmprit Singh
    After Care Assistant
    Parmprit Singh Parmprit Singh
    After Care Assistant

    Education: LVN from Gurnick Academy Medical Arts Modesto, CA

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Anitha Sunder Ram
    After Care Assistant
    Anitha Sunder Ram Anitha Sunder Ram
    After Care Assistant

    Education: B.A. in English Language and Literature

    Years at Keys: 6


  • Charles Tanedo
    After Care Assistant
    Charles Tanedo Charles Tanedo
    After Care Assistant

  • Grace Ting
    Lower School Mandarin Teacher
    Grace Ting Grace Ting
    Lower School Mandarin Teacher

    Education: M.A. in TESOL from San Jose State University, California Single Subject Credential in Mandarin, San Jose State University

    Years at Keys: 10

     


  • Julien Tomasello
    Lower School Art Teacher
    Julien Tomasello Julien Tomasello
    Lower School Art Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Fine Art from Monmouth University & Parsons School of Design; M.F.A. in Visual Art from School of the Museum of Fine Arts; M.A.T. in Visual Art Education from University of the Arts, Philadelphia

    Years at Keys: 4


  • Maresa Tucker
    Lower School Science Teacher
    Maresa Tucker Maresa Tucker
    Lower School Science Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Berkeley; M.A. in Education from University of California, Los Angeles

    Years at Keys: 9

     


  • Candy Varelas
    Second Grade Assistant Teacher
    Candy Varelas Candy Varelas
    Second Grade Assistant Teacher

  • Kathryn Varda
    Lower School Reading Specialist
    Kathryn Varda Kathryn Varda
    Lower School Reading Specialist

    Education: B.Ed. in Education from Leicester University, England

    Years at Keys: 19


  • Bobby Walton
    Lower School P.E. Teacher
    Bobby Walton Bobby Walton
    Lower School P.E. Teacher

  • Steve Zehrung
    Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
    Steve Zehrung Steve Zehrung
    Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

    Years at Keys: 3


Middle School Faculty

  • María José Arrufat Marqués
    Middle School Spanish Teacher
    María José Arrufat Marqués María José Arrufat Marqués
    Middle School Spanish Teacher

    Education: B.A. in English Philology from Universitat Jaume in Castello, Spain; M.A. in Teaching English in Multilingual Contexts from Universitat Jaume in Castello, Spain; M.A. in Applied Second Language Acquisition from Carnegie Mellon University; PhD in Applied Linguistics from Universitat Jaume in Castello, Spain

    Years at Keys: 3


  • Khalid Birdsong
    Middle School Art Teacher and Communications
    Khalid Birdsong Khalid Birdsong
    Middle School Art Teacher and Communications

    Education: B.F.A. from Howard University in Washington D.C.

    Years at Keys: 10

     


  • Chris Chiang
    Middle School Social Studies Teacher
    Chris Chiang Chris Chiang
    Middle School Social Studies Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine; M.A. in Teaching History from Stanford University; M.A. in Educational Leadership from Columbia University

    Years at Keys: 3

  • Ying Cui
    Middle School Mandarin Teacher
    Ying Cui Ying Cui
    Middle School Mandarin Teacher

    Education:  B.A. in English from Xi’an International Studies University; M.Ed. in TESOL & World Language Education from University of Georgia; Educational Specialist in Language & Literacy Education from University of Georgia

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Mary Ann Davis
    Middle School English Teacher
    Mary Ann Davis Mary Ann Davis
    Middle School English Teacher

    Education:  Ph.D. in Literature and Gender Studies from the University of Southern California; M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; B.A. in English from Denison University

    Years at Keys:  2


  • Shermagne Gunn
    Middle School Physical Education Teacher
    Shermagne Gunn Shermagne Gunn
    Middle School Physical Education Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Physical Education from CSU-Chico; CA Teaching Credential in Physical Education

    Years at Keys: 22


  • Angie Higgins
    Theatre Arts Teacher
    Angie Higgins Angie Higgins
    Theatre Arts Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Creative Art, minor in Drama from San Jose State University; M.A. in Theatre Arts Education from San Jose State University

    Years at Keys: 23


  • Cathy Hsu
    Middle School Counselor
    Cathy Hsu Cathy Hsu
    Middle School Counselor

    Education:  B.A. in Psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, Psy.D. in Professional Child /School Psychology from New York University 

    Years at Keys:  2


  • Jessica Ibarra
    Middle School Spanish Teacher
    Jessica Ibarra Jessica Ibarra
    Middle School Spanish Teacher

    Education: B.S. in Secondary Education and Spanish from The State University of New York, Oneonta

    Years at Keys: 5


  • Corrinne Lieu
    Middle School Math Teacher
    Corrinne Lieu Corrinne Lieu
    Middle School Math Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Marketing/Communications and English from Monash University in Australia; Certificate in Education from the National Institute of Education in Singapore

    Years at Keys: 9


  • Stephanie Norton
    Middle School Librarian
    Stephanie Norton Stephanie Norton
    Middle School Librarian

    Education: B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University

    Years at Keys: 7


  • Terence Pellum
    Middle School Athletic Director and P.E. Teacher
    Terence Pellum Terence Pellum
    Middle School Athletic Director and P.E. Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Kinesiology, with minor in Coaching and Administration: from Chico State University

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Jeff Redlawsk
    Middle School Music Teacher
    Jeff Redlawsk Jeff Redlawsk
    Middle School Music Teacher

    Education: B.M in Percussion Performance from Western Michigan University; M.A. in Percussion Performance from San Jose State University

    Years at Keys: 11


  • Soraya Saeed
    Middle School Learning Specialist
    Soraya Saeed Soraya Saeed
    Middle School Learning Specialist

    Education: B.A. in Political Science and Rhetoric from UC Berkeley; M.S. in Elementary Education from Mercy College, NY; Credential in Multiple Subjects K-8 and Single Subject in Social Science; Certificate in Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development; Degree in Educational Therapy from UC Santa Cruz Extension

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Kelsey Simpson
    Middle School Social Studies Teacher
    Kelsey Simpson Kelsey Simpson
    Middle School Social Studies Teacher

    Education: B.A. in History from Western Washington University

    Years at Keys: 3

     


  • Jennifer Spaeth
    Middle School Science Teacher
    Jennifer Spaeth Jennifer Spaeth
    Middle School Science Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Biology from U.C. Santa Cruz; M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Policy from the University of London, Wye College

    Years at Keys: 14


  • Javon Sturns
    Extended Day Coordinator
    Javon Sturns Javon Sturns
    Extended Day Coordinator

  • Jackie Wyant
    Middle School English Teacher
    Jackie Wyant Jackie Wyant
    Middle School English Teacher

    Education: B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Cornell University; M.S. in Elementary Education from Northwestern University

    Years at Keys: 9


  • Steven Zeigler
    Middle School Technology Integrationist
    Steven Zeigler Steven Zeigler
    Middle School Technology Integrationist

    Education: B.A. in History from Cal State – Sacramento; Apple Certified Macintosh Technician and Google Certified Educator

    Years at Keys: 12


  • Katrina Zerga
    Middle School Science Teacher & Outdoor Education Coordinator
    Katrina Zerga Katrina Zerga
    Middle School Science Teacher & Outdoor Education Coordinator

    Education: B.S. in Anthropology and Biology from the University of Oregon

    Years at Keys: 28


Staff

  • Kate Atmore
    Director of Special Projects
    Kate Atmore Kate Atmore
    Director of Special Projects

    Education: B.A. & M.A. in Social Psychology from Stanford University

    Years at Keys: 14

     


  • Samantha Birtola
    Events Specialist
    Samantha Birtola Samantha Birtola
    Events Specialist

  • Susanna Bonetti
    Middle School Office Administrator
    Susanna Bonetti Susanna Bonetti
    Middle School Office Administrator

    Education: A.A. in Library Technology from City College San Francisco; B.A. in Italian Literature from Universita’ di Bologna

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Vanessa Breach
    Accounting Manager
    Vanessa Breach Vanessa Breach
    Accounting Manager

    Education: BS from Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente A.C. (ITESO), Guadalajara, Mexico

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Joanna Chu
    Assistant Head of Middle School and Curriculum Coordinator
    Joanna Chu Joanna Chu
    Assistant Head of Middle School and Curriculum Coordinator

    Education: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University; M.A. in International and Development Economics from University of San Francisco

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Lisa Coates
    Advancement Associate
    Lisa Coates Lisa Coates
    Advancement Associate

    Education: B.S. from The College of William and Mary in Physics and Mathematics; M.S. and Ph.D in Physics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Betsy Doss
    Head of Lower School
    Betsy Doss Betsy Doss
    Head of Lower School

    Education: B.A. in Environmental Biology and Psychology; Elementary Education Certification from University of Colorado, Boulder; M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University

    Years at Keys: 10


  • Ella Duncanson
    Director of Development and Alumni Coordinator
    Ella Duncanson Ella Duncanson
    Director of Development and Alumni Coordinator

    Education: B.A. in Law and Society from University of California, Santa Barbara; Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law

    Years at Keys: 8


  • Ernesto Escalante
    Middle School Facilities Technician
    Ernesto Escalante Ernesto Escalante
    Middle School Facilities Technician

  • David Frykenberg
    Assistant Director of Admission and Strategic Enrollment
    David Frykenberg David Frykenberg
    Assistant Director of Admission and Strategic Enrollment

    Education:  B.A. in Art and in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz & M.A. in English from Claremont Graduate University

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Manny Hernandez
    Facilities Manager
    Manny Hernandez Manny Hernandez
    Facilities Manager

    Education: Certified in Appliance Work, Lead and Asbestos Abatement, Mold Prevention; Graduate of Prospect High School, San Jose

    Years at Keys: 6


  • Douglas Ibey
    Controller
    Douglas Ibey Douglas Ibey
    Controller

    Education: B.S. in Business Administration with an Accounting Emphasis from University of Montana; B.S. in Computer Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University

    Years at Keys: 9


  • Sprinza Katz
    Director of Advancement
    Sprinza Katz Sprinza Katz
    Director of Advancement

    Education: B.A. in American Studies from UC Berkeley; M.A. in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Michelle Mathers
    Senior Office Administrator, Lower School
    Michelle Mathers Michelle Mathers
    Senior Office Administrator, Lower School

    Education: A.A. in Environmental Studies; B.A. in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Social Science
    from San Jose State

    Years at Keys: 12

     


  • Ryan Matyjasik
    Director of Technology
    Ryan Matyjasik Ryan Matyjasik
    Director of Technology

    Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Cleveland State University

    Years at Keys: 12


  • Kristin Neirinckx
    Director of Communication
    Kristin Neirinckx Kristin Neirinckx
    Director of Communication

    Education: B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Larry Purcell
    Head of Middle School
    Larry Purcell Larry Purcell
    Head of Middle School

    Education: B.A. in Theatre from UC-San Diego; M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from University of Illinois-Chicago

    Years at Keys: 13

     


  • Heather Rogers
    Head of School
    Heather Rogers Heather Rogers
    Head of School

    Education: B.A. English with a concentration in Medieval Literature from Dartmouth College; Teaching Fulbright in the Classics at the American Academy in Rome, Italy; M.Ed. Private School Leadership from the University of Hawaii, Manoa

    Years at Keys: 4


  • Natalia Spritzer
    Assistant Director of Communication
    Natalia Spritzer Natalia Spritzer
    Assistant Director of Communication

    Education: BA in Art with minors in Applied Psychology and Education from the University of Santa Barbara, College of Creative Studies; MA in Teaching and Learning in Art and Design from Rhode Island School of Design

    Years at Keys: 1


  • Kipp Trieu
    Assistant Head of Lower School/Curriculum Coordinator
    Kipp Trieu Kipp Trieu
    Assistant Head of Lower School/Curriculum Coordinator

    Education: B.A. in Communication, Education Studies, and International Studies from the University of California, San Diego; Diplôme du Programme International from Sciences Po – Paris (Institut d’études politiques de Paris); M.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum & Instruction, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential – English Learner Authorization, Single Subject Teaching Credential – English, Supplementary Authorization – Introductory French from the University of California, San Diego; Ed.D. in Urban Leadership and Education from the Johns Hopkins University (expected May 2022)

    Years at Keys: 3


  • Maria Varelas
    Day Porter
    Maria Varelas Maria Varelas
    Day Porter

  • Cathie Whalen
    Director of Finance and Operations
    Cathie Whalen Cathie Whalen
    Director of Finance and Operations

    Education: B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance from University of California, Berkeley; Progress toward Masters in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Santa Clara University

    Years at Keys: 2


  • Jing Xu
    Director of Admission and Strategic Enrollment
    Jing Xu Jing Xu
    Director of Admission and Strategic Enrollment

    Education: B.A. from Hangzhou Normal University in Elementary Education and Credential for Teaching; M.S. from East China Normal University in Comparative Education, Ph.D. from UCLA in Social Science and Comparative Education; Fellow of Asia Pacific Leadership Program from East-West Center, Hawaii

    Years at Keys: 1


"I love working at a school where everybody feels welcome. Our students are excited to learn and teachers know and care about the children not only as students, but also as individuals." Sandra, Lower School Spanish Teacher