Our faculty and staff are the heart of Keys School. 

Lower School Faculty

• Cynthia Arnold
  Kindergarten Associate Teacher
  Cynthia Arnold

  Kindergarten Associate Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Oregon; M.A. in Special Education from Notre Dame de Namur

  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Jeff Berridge
  Lower School Physical Education Teacher
  Jeff Berridge

  Lower School Physical Education Teacher

  Education: B.S. in Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur; Single Subject Credential in Physical Education from Notre Dame de Namur
  Years at Keys: 4

  
  
• Carmen Centeno
  Lower School Spanish Teacher
  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: 5

  
  
• Patricia Chang
  Coordinator of Student Support and Lower School Learning Specialist
  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: 5

  
  
• Sarah Copeland
  First Grade Teacher
  Sarah Copeland

  First Grade Teacher

  Education: BA in Psychology from The University of Vermont, MA in International Education from New York University
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Yael Cushman
  First Grade Teacher
  Yael Cushman

  First Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Art History from University of Oregon; Teaching Credential from DeLeT Fellowship – Hebrew Union College
  Years at Keys: 7

  
  
• Sharon Diamond
  Lower School Counselor and Self-Science Teacher
  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: 10

  
  
• Anastacia Elias
  After Care Assistant
  Anastacia Elias

  After Care Assistant

  
  
• Susan Essary
  Kindergarten Teacher
  Susan Essary

  Kindergarten Teacher

  Education: B.A. from University of Buckinghamshire, England; Education certificate from Brunel University, England
  Years at Keys: 11

  
  
• Laura Greenlees
  Third Grade Teacher
  Laura Greenlees

  Third Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Sociology from The Catholic University of America; M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College Columbia University
  Years at Keys: 6

  
  
• Angie Higgins
  Theatre Arts Teacher
  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: 20

  
  
• Elizabeth Hoang
  Second Grade Teacher
  Elizabeth Hoang

  Second Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Mass Communications/Journalism from California State University; M.A. in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco

  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Marisa Hodgett-Chiang
  Lower School Music Teacher
  Marisa Hodgett-Chiang

  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: 14

  
  
• Cameron Johnson
  Lower School Technology Integrationist and MakerSpace Coordinator
  Cameron Johnson

  Lower School Technology Integrationist and MakerSpace Coordinator

  Education: B.S. Public Relations from Northern Arizona University; M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from University of Maryland University College 
  Years at Keys: 2

  
  
• Chiara Lama
  Second Grade Assistant Teacher
  Chiara Lama

  Second Grade Assistant Teacher

  Education: A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Cuesta College; B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University of Northridge
  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Katie Laughlin
  First Grade Associate Teacher
  Katie Laughlin

  First Grade Associate Teacher

  Education: B.S. in Public Health Science and Psychology from Santa Clara University
  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Kelsey McMillan
  Fourth Grade Teacher
  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: 7

  
  
• Fiona Merridew
  Lower School Librarian
  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: 4

  
  
• Kiri Nakamura
  Second Grade Teacher
  Kiri Nakamura

  Second Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in English from University of Pennsylvania
  Years at Keys: 5

  
  
• Maria Purcell
  Kindergarten Teacher
  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: 6

  
  
• Daphne Razon
  Kindergarten Teacher
  Daphne Razon

  Kindergarten Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Liberal Arts Education from Southern Adventist University
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Quinton Rief
  After Care Coordinator
  Quinton Rief

  After Care Coordinator

  Education: B.A. in Outdoor Recreation from Indiana University Bloomington
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Kelly Ritz
  Fourth Grade Teacher
  Kelly Ritz

  Fourth Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Elementary Education from CSU-Monterey Bay; M.A. in General Education from UC Santa Cruz; Cleared Credential from UC San Diego Extension
  Years at Keys: 10

  
  
• Maren Scheiner
  Lower School Math Specialist
  Maren Scheiner

  Lower School Math Specialist

  Education: B.A. in French and Elementary Education from Middlebury College; M.A. from Bank Street College of Education, New York
  Years at Keys: 9

  
  
• Holly Sheetz
  Third Grade Teacher
  Holly Sheetz

  Third Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Early Childhood Education and General Science from Boston College; M.A. in Reading and Literacy from Boston College
  Years at Keys: 7

  
  
• Anitha Sunder Ram
  After School Assistant
  Anitha Sunder Ram

  After School Assistant

  Education: BA in English Language and Literature
  Years at Keys: 4

  
  
• Manisha Tejura
  After School Assistant
  Manisha Tejura

  After School Assistant

  Education: MA in Commerce from Mumbai University
  Years at Keys: 4

  
  
• Hayley Thirlwall
  Theatre Arts & Dance Teacher - Maternity Leave Replacement
  Hayley Thirlwall

  Theatre Arts & Dance Teacher - Maternity Leave Replacement

  Education: B.F.A. in Acting from Southern Oregon University
  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Grace Ting
  Lower School Mandarin Teacher
  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: 8

   

  
  
• Julien Tomasello
  Lower School Art Teacher
  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: 2

  
  
• Maresa Tucker
  Lower School Science Teacher
  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: 7

   

  
  
• Joy Uzarraga
  Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
  Joy Uzarraga

  Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

  Education: B.S. in Elementary Education and General Sciences from Andrews University in Michigan
  Years at Keys: 1

   

  
  
• Kathryn Varda
  Lower School Reading Specialist
  Kathryn Varda

  Lower School Reading Specialist

  Education: B.Ed. in Education from Leicester University, England
  Years at Keys: 17

  
  
• Jackie Wyant
  Second Grade Teacher
  Jackie Wyant

  Second Grade Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Cornell University; M.S. in Elementary Education from Northwestern University
  Years at Keys: 7

  
  
• Brian Yanari
  Second Grade Assistant Teacher
  Brian Yanari

  Second Grade Assistant Teacher

  Education: A.A. in Liberal Arts from West Valley College; B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University

  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Steve Zehrung
  Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
  Steve Zehrung

  Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

  Years at Keys: 1

  
  

Middle School Faculty

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

  Middle School Spanish Teacher

  Education: B.A. in English Philology from Universitat Jaume I in Castello, Spain; M.A. in Teaching English in Multilingual Contexts from Universitat Jaume I in Castello, Spain; M.A. in Applied Second Language Acquisition from Carnegie Mellon University; PhD in Applied Linguistics from Universitat Jaume I in Castello, Spain
  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Khalid Birdsong
  Middle School Art Teacher
  Khalid Birdsong

  Middle School Art Teacher

  Education: B.F.A. from Howard University in Washington D.C.
  Years at Keys: 8

   

  
  
• Natalie Chambers
  Athletic Director & Middle School Physical Education Teacher
  Natalie Chambers

  Athletic Director & Middle School Physical Education Teacher

  Education: B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology emphasizing Physical Education from San Francisco State University; Youth Exercise Specialist Certificate (YES), Climbing Wall Instructor Certificate (CWI), NASM Personal Training Certificate
  Years at Keys: 5

  
  
• Chris Chiang
  Middle School Social Studies Teacher
  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: 1

  
  
• Louise Fernquest
  Middle School Language Arts Teacher
  Louise Fernquest

  Middle School Language Arts Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Languages and Literature from Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
  Years at Keys: 23

  
  
• Shermagne Gunn
  Middle School Physical Education Teacher
  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: 20

  
  
• Angie Higgins
  Theatre Arts Teacher
  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: 20

  
  
• Corrinne Lieu
  Middle School Math Teacher
  Corrinne Lieu

  Middle School Math Teacher

  Education: BA in Marketing/Communications and English from Monash University in Australia, and a Certificate in Education from the National Institute of Education in Singapore
  Years at Keys: 7

  
  
• Stephanie Norton
  Fifth & Sixth Grade English Teacher
  Stephanie Norton

  Fifth & Sixth Grade English Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University
  Years at Keys: 5

  
  
• Zane Ranney
  Middle School Math Teacher
  Zane Ranney

  Middle School Math Teacher

  Education: B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; M.A. in Mathematics Education from Kings College London

  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Jeff Redlawsk
  Middle School Music Teacher
  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: 9

  
  
• Jennifer Short
  Middle School Mandarin Teacher
  Jennifer Short

  Middle School Mandarin Teacher

  Education: B.A. in History from the National Taiwan University; M.S. in Computer Science from San Jose State University
  Years at Keys: 9

  
  
• Kinga Sarmasi
  Extended Day Coordinator
  Kinga Sarmasi

  Extended Day Coordinator

  Education: B.A. in Teaching Math and Physics from West University of Timisoara, Romania
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Kelsey Simpson
  Middle School Social Studies Teacher
  Kelsey Simpson

  Middle School Social Studies Teacher

  Education: B.A. in History from Western Washington University
  Years at Keys: 1

   

  
  
• Jessica Snapp
  Middle School Spanish Teacher
  Jessica Snapp

  Middle School Spanish Teacher

  Education: BS in Secondary Education and Spanish from The State University of New York, Oneonta
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Jennifer Spaeth
  Middle School Science Teacher
  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: 13

  
  
• Monica Sullivan
  Middle School Learning Specialist
  Monica Sullivan

  Middle School Learning Specialist

  Education: B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University; Special Education Teaching Credential from National Hispanic University
  Years at Keys: 5

  
  
• Hayley Thirlwall
  Theatre Arts & Dance Teacher - Maternity Leave Replacement
  Hayley Thirlwall

  Theatre Arts & Dance Teacher - Maternity Leave Replacement

  Education: B.F.A. in Acting from Southern Oregon University
  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Joan Young
  Middle School Counselor and Self Science Teacher
  Joan Young

  Middle School Counselor and Self Science Teacher

  Education: B.A. in Psychology from UC Irvine; M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
  Years at Keys: 8

  
  
• Steven Zeigler
  Middle School Technology Integrationist
  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: 10

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

  Middle School Science Teacher & Outdoor Education Coordinator

  Education: B.S. in Anthropology and Biology from the University of Oregon
  Years at Keys: 26

  
  

Staff

• Alyson Abrego
  Assistant Director of Development for Data Management
  Alyson Abrego

  Assistant Director of Development for Data Management

  Education: B.S. in Marketing from Santa Clara University; M.B.A. in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley
  Years at Keys: 5

  
  
• Kate Atmore
  Director of Advancement
  Kate Atmore

  Director of Advancement

  Education: B.A. & M.A. in Social Psychology from Stanford University
  Years at Keys: 12

   

  
  
• Jan Bruzzese
  Director of Communication
  Jan Bruzzese

  Director of Communication

  Education: B.A. in English from Notre Dame de Namur University
  Years at Keys: 21

  
  
• Maria de la Paz
  Business Assistant
  Maria de la Paz

  Business Assistant

  Education: B.A. in Behavioral Science from Notre Dame de Namur University
  Years at Keys: 12

  
  
• Katie Dlesk
  Assistant Head of Middle School/Curriculum Coordinator
  Katie Dlesk

  Assistant Head of Middle School/Curriculum Coordinator

  Education: B.A. in History from Yale University; Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education
  Years at Keys: 6

  
  
• Betsy Doss
  Head of Lower School
  Betsy Doss

  Head of Lower School

  “Keys students are caring and unique individuals. They have the confidence to be themselves and the willingness to accept and encourage others to do the same.”

  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: 8

  
  
• Ella Duncanson
  Director of Development and Alumni Coordinator
  Ella Duncanson

  Director of Development and Alumni Coordinator

  Education: B.A. in Law and Society from University of California, Santa Barbara; ABA/AALS from California Western School of Law
  Years at Keys: 5

  
  
• Greg Engel
  Director of Finance and Operations
  Greg Engel

  Director of Finance and Operations

  Education: B.A. in Marketing and Accounting from the University of Saint Thomas; M.B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago

  Years at Keys: 1

  
  
• Tevita Fakatou
  Facilities Manager
  Tevita Fakatou

  Facilities Manager

  Education: A.A. in Athletic Training from Foothill College; B.S. in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Manny Hernandez
  Lower School Maintenance Technician
  Manny Hernandez

  Lower School Maintenance Technician

  Education: Certified in Appliance Work, Lead and Asbestos Abatement, Mold Prevention; Graduate of Prospect High School, San Jose
  Years at Keys: 4

  
  
• Douglas Ibey
  Controller
  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: 7

  
  
• Victoria Kimball
  Assistant Director of Admission
  Victoria Kimball

  Assistant Director of Admission

  Education: A.S. from Valencia Community College
  Years at Keys: 4

  
  
• I-Han Liang
  Director of Admission
  I-Han Liang

  Director of Admission

  Education: B.A. in English from Stanford University
  Years at Keys: 6

  
  
• Michelle Mathers
  Senior Office Administrator, Lower School
  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: 10

   

  
  
• Ryan Matyjasik
  Director of Technology
  Ryan Matyjasik

  Director of Technology

  Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Cleveland State University
  Years at Keys: 10

  
  
• Emily Nadler
  Middle School Office Administrator
  Emily Nadler

  Middle School Office Administrator

  Education: BA in English with a Minor in Economics from the University of Puget Sound
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Lindsay Obringer
  Assistant Director of Advancement
  Lindsay Obringer

  Assistant Director of Advancement

  Education: B.S. in Advertising from San Jose State University and M.S. in Communications from Purdue University
  Years at Keys: 4

  
  
• Anisha Patel
  Assistant Director of Communication
  Anisha Patel

  Assistant Director of Communication

  Education: BA in English Literature and Art from Vanderbilt University
  Years at Keys: 3

  
  
• Larry Purcell
  Head of Middle School
  Larry Purcell

  Head of Middle School

  “Keys is more than just a school at which to learn. Keys is an experience to live. I have worked in schools where curriculum, test scores and standards are the measure of success. At Keys, the measure of success is one of heart and head, of process not product, and of connection to community. Those qualities align with my philosophy as an educator and as a human being – perfectly.”

  Education: B.A. in Theatre from UC-San Diego; M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from University of Illinois-Chicago
  Years at Keys: 11

   

  
  
• Heather Rogers
  Head of School
  Heather Rogers

  Head of School

  “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Keys community because its mission resonates deeply with me. Every person I’ve met values intellectual engagement, cultivating authentic connection and relationship, and developing emotional intelligence. Students, teachers, and parents alike recognize that social emotional learning is essential to academic success – something I firmly believe in. The community knows that social emotional learning is critical to knowing oneself, and knowing oneself, as Aristotle posits, is the beginning of all wisdom. I’ve found the Keys community to provide an oasis in the heart of Silicon Valley where wonder of learning and childhood are sacred!”

  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: 2

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

  Assistant Head of Lower School and 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: 1