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
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Jeff BerridgeLower School Physical Education Teacher
There is a powerful sense of optimism and inclusion among Keys students and community members that really sets it apart from other schools.
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: 3
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Carmen CentenoLower School Spanish Teacher
My hope for our students is that they look back at their time at Keys with love and appreciation and they grow to become balanced and caring human beings.
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: 4
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Patricia ChangCoordinator of Student Support and Lower School Learning Specialist
Keys students’ inquisitiveness and unhesitant exploration of learning in all its forms, the care in the hugs between our youngest and oldest student buddy pairings, the generosity of their sharing with classmates and adults alike. It’s hard to succinctly describe what I love most about our students, because the breadth of my answer probably speaks volumes itself about the outstanding learners we have here!
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: 4
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Sarah CopelandFirst Grade Teacher
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Yael CushmanFirst Grade Teacher
I push my students to try new things, to push themselves out of their comfort zone even if it feels scary. I often teach them that if something is hard either academically or socially, they should try to find the fun in all of it. In life there are certain curve balls that are thrown our way, but it is the way that we handle the situation that help us learn and grow as people.
Education: B.A. in Art History from University of Oregon; Teaching Credential from DeLeT Fellowship – Hebrew Union College
Years at Keys: 6
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Sharon DiamondLower School Counselor and Self-Science Teacher
Every time I see or hear a student naturally use the skills or language that have been explicitly taught, I feel such a sense of satisfaction. To know that life skills that are not academic in nature are being imparted in such way that they can develop and play out in a natural manner is so heartwarming and satisfying to witness.
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: 9
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Anastacia Elias
After Care Assistant -
Susan EssaryKindergarten Teacher
I want our students to enter the world with a sense of who they are and confidence that they can handle and persevere through anything life gives them. To know their strengths and accept their growth areas with self-compassion. To know they have the power to impact everyone they meet in their lives by just the smallest action and for them to live each day with the unspoken philosophy that life begins just outside their comfort zone.
Education: B.A. from University of Buckinghamshire, England; Education certificate from Brunel University, England
Years at Keys: 10
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Laura GreenleesThird Grade Teacher
I love that teaching allows me to work with children, parents, and other educational professionals. The best part about teaching is that every day is different! I was particularly interested in Keys because I have always enjoyed working in independent school environments, and I felt a warm sense of community immediately. I love that the school is proud of its traditions while encouraging new initiatives in order to best serve the families and faculty.
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: 5
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Angie HigginsTheatre Arts Teacher
Having the attention of an audience is a gift. It is a chance to help them forget their worries, make them laugh, make them cry, transport them to a world of wonder, make them reflect on life, or even help them think of something in a new way. The collaboration I experience in every production is a magical melding of minds, creativity, and hard work. Merging my passion for Theatre and my strong desire to help that shy child that I used to be come out of their shell has made me who I am today.
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: 19
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Marisa Hodgett-ChiangLower School Music Teacher
Keys students are up for anything! They bounce into every classroom with smiles beaming, minds on, and hearts open. They develop deep bonds with their classmates and teachers, and they diligently take care of others. They are able to equally celebrate their individuality and come together as a team.
Education: B.A. in Music Education from Loyola University, New Orleans; Orff Certification – Level I; Kodály Certification-Level I
Years at Keys: 13
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Cameron JohnsonLower School Technology Integrationist and MakerSpace Coordinator
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Kelsey McMillanFourth Grade Teacher
We live in a competitive world and face many complex global issues as a society. My dream for all Keys students (and what we try to teach them) is to become thoughtful global citizens who advocate for themselves and for others. I want students to become well-rounded individuals who are compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply motivated to grow, innovate, and creatively express themselves in every capacity.
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: 6
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Fiona MerridewLower School Librarian
I remember walking into my classroom on the first day of fourth grade many years ago and being greeted by a still life art display in the middle of the classroom. It was so wild and totally unexpected. I was thrilled that a teacher had dared to do something so different, so creative, and so exciting on our first day of school. I remember my teacher clearly, her enthusiasm, and what she inspired in her students. This is what I strive for as a teacher.
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: 3
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Kiri NakamuraSecond Grade Teacher
Keys students are great listeners who ask dynamic questions. They support one another by accepting each other’s similarities and differences. Students, starting as early as Kindergarten, respectfully challenge one another and benefit from each other’s perspectives.
Education: B.A. in English from University of Pennsylvania
Years at Keys: 4
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Maria PurcellKindergarten Teacher
Having taught in public schools, learning support schools, and private schools, my journey in education has been a long one that keeps evolving. I view education as a life long practice of growth and discovery, revolving around meeting the academic and social needs of every new student. It is exciting, challenging, and always different. Teaching allows for change to occur constantly in very worthwhile ways.
Education: B.Ed. and Double Major in English Literature, Philosophy and World Religions from University of Wales College
Years at Keys: 5
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Quinton RiefAfter Care Coordinator
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Kelly RitzFourth Grade Teacher
Everyone at our school is so welcoming and willing to lend a hand. I know that I can go to anyone, at any time, to ask questions or to just chat over lunch. We truly care about one another professionally and personally.
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: 9
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Maren ScheinerLower School Math Specialist
In college, I came to the realization that much of my learning to that point in my life had been dictated by and rewarded by a teacher or coach. When I had the opportunity to choose the subject matter and direct my own learning, I came to a deeper understanding with far greater rewards than praise or a letter grade. As a teacher, I truly appreciate the value of voice and choice in the learning process.
Education: B.A. in French and Elementary Education from Middlebury College; M.A. from Bank Street College of Education, New York
Years at Keys: 8
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Holly SheetzThird Grade Teacher
The students at Keys are kind, caring, empathetic, responsible, and independent people who grow up to be life-long learners. They care deeply about their family, friends, teachers, and the world around them.
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: 6
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Anitha Sunder RamAfter School Assistant
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Manisha TejuraAfter School Assistant
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Grace TingLower School Mandarin Teacher
I hope my students are not only learning Mandarin as a foreign language but will explore and know themselves by experiencing a different culture, people, and customs. They will be more open-minded and flexible when interacting with people with different backgrounds, and they will develop their own value systems when facing fast-changing circumstances around them.
Education: M.A. in TESOL from San Jose State University, California Single Subject Credential in Mandarin, San Jose State University
Years at Keys: 7
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Julien TomaselloLower School Art Teacher
Julien Tomasello
Lower School Art TeacherEducation: 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: 1
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Maresa TuckerLower School Science Teacher
Students at Keys are not afraid to fail. They understand how to learn from their mistakes and are inspired to do things differently until they do succeed.
Education: B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Berkeley; M.A. in Education from University of California, Los Angeles
Years at Keys: 6
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Kathryn VardaLower School Reading Specialist
When I became a mother and I had a child who struggled to learn to read, this gave me incredible insight into the world of students who feel the struggle of learning. This prompted me to learn everything I could about teaching children to read. There is no greater motivation than knowing you have to be the best resource you can possibly be to help people who need you. There is no greater satisfaction in life than knowing you have the power and the ability to change someone’s life for the better.
Education: B.Ed. in Education from Leicester University, England
Years at Keys: 16
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Jackie WyantSecond Grade Teacher
The students here at Keys are curious, creative, open minded, and quirky! Keys’ students encourage one another to be themselves; no one is pressured to fit into some external conception of “normal” or “cool.” As a teacher, it gives me immeasurable pleasure to see students feel comfortable embracing all of themselves.
Education: B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Cornell University; M.S. in Elementary Education from Northwestern University
Years at Keys: 6
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Steve Zehrung
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Jeff Berridge 
Carmen Centeno 
Patricia Chang 
Sarah Copeland 
Yael Cushman 
Sharon Diamond 
Susan Essary 
Laura Greenlees 
Angie Higgins 
Marisa Hodgett-Chiang 
Cameron Johnson 
Kelsey McMillan 
Fiona Merridew 
Kiri Nakamura 
Maria Purcell 
Quinton Rief 
Kelly Ritz 
Maren Scheiner 
Holly Sheetz 
Anitha Sunder Ram 
Manisha Tejura 
Grace Ting 
Maresa Tucker 
Kathryn Varda 
Jackie Wyant Middle School Faculty
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Khalid Birdsong
Middle School Art Teacher
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Natalie ChambersAthletic Director & Middle School Physical Education Teacher
My family is full of doctors, nurses, teachers and athletes; people who care not just about their own health but about the health of others. My family’s active and engaged mindset has encouraged me to push harder and to follow my dreams. My decision to become a physical education teacher was no surprise to anyone, and was met with overflowing support. Keys School encompasses that same support and engaged attitude that I grew up with; from the moment I walked onto the Keys campus, I knew that this was my new family.
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: 4
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Chris Chiang
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
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Ana DubeyMiddle School Spanish Teacher
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Louise FernquestMiddle School Language Arts Teacher
As I look back now at my own elementary school experience in a remote sheep farming valley in New Zealand, I realize how profoundly influential it was for me as a student, and that it inspired the first stirrings of my love of teaching. Being in a tiny, one-room school house with a single teacher for K – 8 meant that the older students became teachers themselves – helping the little ones with their reading, explaining math to those a few years younger, supervising the games on the playground. We all interacted all day long, whether in the classroom or outside studying the ferns in the native forest around us. For much of the day, we had no individual attention from our teacher, so we became independent and resourceful – good at working in groups and helping one another. I see now that this was where the seeds of my Keys experience were sowed.
Education: B.A. in Languages and Literature from Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
Years at Keys: 22
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Shermagne GunnMiddle School Physical Education Teacher
I was asked to be a tutor for a classmate in elementary school. By helping him I learned how YOU can be an act of kindness and how a minute here and a minute there can be remembered for a life time.
Education: B.A. in Physical Education from CSU-Chico; CA Teaching Credential in Physical Education
Years at Keys: 19
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Angie HigginsTheatre Arts Teacher
Having the attention of an audience is a gift. It is a chance to help them forget their worries, make them laugh, make them cry, transport them to a world of wonder, make them reflect on life, or even help them think of something in a new way. The collaboration I experience in every production is a magical melding of minds, creativity, and hard work. Merging my passion for Theatre and my strong desire to help that shy child that I used to be come out of their shell has made me who I am today.
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: 19
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Corrinne LieuMiddle School Math Teacher
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Stephanie NortonFifth & Sixth Grade English Teacher
The first time I stepped foot on campus, I knew Keys was a special place. The students here are truly kind-at-heart. From making sure no one feels left out on the playground, to accompanying each other to the office when a friend isn’t feeling well. The other day one of my students brought me a lemon lozenge because I had told the students that I was recovering from being sick!
Education: B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University
Years at Keys: 4
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I. ParkMiddle School Social Studies Teacher
It is the people who make this place one of a kind. My colleagues regularly stop by my classroom at random points throughout the day to connect, collaborate, and assist.
Education: B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley; M.S.W. with a Concentration in Children, Youth and Families from Boston College
Years at Keys: 6
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Zane Ranney
Middle School Math Teacher
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Jeff RedlawskMiddle School Music Teacher
I want our students to include music in their lives every day going forward. I want them to be curious about music, always exploring past, present, and future trends. I want them to enter high school with a skill set that allows them to thrive while they continue their musical studies in appreciation, performance, or teaching, however that looks for them.
Education: B.M in Percussion Performance from Western Michigan University; M.A. in Percussion Performance from San Jose State University
Years at Keys: 8
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Jennifer ShortMiddle School Mandarin Teacher
When I came to Keys to work as a teacher, it opened my mind about the importance of building relationships with students and faculty, and how to appreciate each and everyone’s uniqueness.
Education: B.A. in History from the National Taiwan University; M.S. in Computer Science from San Jose State University
Years at Keys: 8
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Kinga SarmasiExtended Day Coordinator
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Jessica SnappMiddle School Spanish Teacher
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Jennifer SpaethMiddle School Science Teacher
Our students are adept at following and extending their passions. They are self-motivated, emotionally aware, adventurous, kind, and risk taking. They are always up for a challenge and have the grit to take on difficult things. All of this allows for the development of really wonderful curriculum – when you know your students will be able to handle a unit or project that is challenging in multiple ways, intellectually, socially, creatively.
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: 12
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Monica SullivanMiddle School Learning Specialist
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Joan YoungMiddle School Counselor and Self Science Teacher
The fact that Keys addresses the needs of the whole child means the world to me. I believe that students are complex, unique, and quite vulnerable at the Middle School phase. Our kids need faculty who prioritize their emotional, social needs along with academic needs…it really feels like here students have a safety net ready to catch them when they fall and boost them as they succeed.
Education: B.A. in Psychology from UC Irvine; M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
Years at Keys: 7
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Steven ZeiglerMiddle School Technology Integrationist
My hope for Keys students is that they use the gifts given to them and the trajectories they are on to help others or bring beautiful ideas or things into the world.
Education: B.A. in History from Cal State – Sacramento; Apple Certified Macintosh Technician and Google Certified Educator
Years at Keys: 9
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Katrina ZergaMiddle School Science Teacher & Outdoor Education Coordinator
Outdoor Education is such a vital part of our program at Keys. Students learn just as much about themselves throughout the years on their outdoor trips as they do about the ecology, the recreational activities, and the environments that they spend their time in. Time in the outdoors offers new challenges, opportunities for discovery, and can pique their curiosity. Connecting with the natural world provides unique experiences.
Education: B.S. in Anthropology and Biology from the University of Oregon
Years at Keys: 25
Natalie Chambers 
Ana Dubey 
Louise Fernquest 
Shermagne Gunn 
Corrinne Lieu 
Stephanie Norton 
I. Park 
Jeff Redlawsk 
Jennifer Short 
Kinga Sarmasi 
Jessica Snapp 
Jennifer Spaeth 
Monica Sullivan 
Joan Young 
Steven Zeigler 
Katrina Zerga Staff
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Alyson AbregoAssistant Director of Development for Data Management
My hope for Keys students is that they leave here confident and kind, with a love of learning and a passion to think beyond themselves that stays with them throughout their lives.
Education: B.S. in Marketing from Santa Clara University; M.B.A. in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley
Years at Keys: 4
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Kate AtmoreDirector of Advancement
I am grateful to be part of a school that allows parents, teachers, and students to bravely choose a balanced approach – an approach which values the arts, the whole child and childhood itself – in the face of increasing local and worldwide pressure to achieve “perfection” at all costs.
Education: B.A. & M.A. in Social Psychology from Stanford University
Years at Keys: 11
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Jan BruzzeseDirector of Communication
Over the years, I have seen so many students at Keys “find” themselves, emerge from boxes that previously had defined how they perceived themselves as students or their place within the social fabric of a class. That emergence of the true individual, the authentic person, is an awesome thing to witness. I believe that the role we as a school have to play in fostering the emergence and development of self is possibly one of the most vital things we do.
Education: B.A. in English from Notre Dame de Namur University
Years at Keys: 20
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Maria de la PazBusiness Assistant
My hope for Keys students is that they enter high school knowing they can be who they are and be ok with that – not to let others be so much of an influence on them or change who they are for others.
Education: B.A. in Behavioral Science from Notre Dame de Namur University
Years at Keys: 11
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Katie DleskAssistant Head of Middle School/Curriculum Coordinator
I had a hunch from a pretty early age that I wanted to be an educator. I had always loved working with kids, but in college, I tried to explore other fields. After doing the crossword all through economics lectures and failing to connect to medieval poetry, I signed up for a course called “Schools, Community and the Teacher.” Being in the course felt like coming home. The content was important, challenging, inspiring, and real. After that, I dove head first into the world of education and never looked back.
Education: B.A. in History from Yale University; Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education
Years at Keys: 5
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Betsy DossHead 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: 7
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Ella DuncansonDirector of Development and Alumni Coordinator
The relationships that develop between Keys teachers and their students are so unique and really set Keys apart from other schools. When your child attends Keys, you can rest assured that they will not be lost in a sea of students – they will be known, cared for, and respected for who they are as individuals.
Education: B.A. in Law and Society from University of California, Santa Barbara; ABA/AALS from California Western School of Law
Years at Keys: 4
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Greg EngelDirector of Finance and Operations
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Tevita FakatouFacilities Manager
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Manny HernandezLower School Maintenance Technician
Keys is a really unique place to work. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I was surprised at how respectful and caring the faculty and the students were.
Education: Certified in Appliance Work, Lead and Asbestos Abatement, Mold Prevention; Graduate of Prospect High School, San Jose
Years at Keys: 3
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Douglas IbeyController
I love the unabashed self-confidence that Keys students display.
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: 6
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Victoria KimballAssistant Director of Admission
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I-Han LiangDirector of Admission
I chose to come to Keys because I believe passionately in its mission and the community of people who comprise it. I’ve seen first hand how it can change lives for the better and I wanted to be a part of a place that cares for and supports children and families during such a pivotal time in their lives. Providing families with a safe and nourishing environment is what Keys does best, and I’m honored to carry on that tradition in any way I can.
Education: B.A. in English from Stanford University
Years at Keys: 5
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Michelle MathersSenior Office Administrator, Lower School
At Keys we take care of the whole child. We are a part of our students’ lives in such a deep and meaningful way. Not only do we foster them academically but we take care of them as if they were our own children. We appreciate and understand that every student is unique, and we take pride in knowing all those little details about each student that makes them who they are.
Education: AA in Environmental Studies; B.A. in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Social Science
from San Jose State
Years at Keys: 9
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Ryan MatyjasikDirector of Technology
Ryan Matyjasik
Director of TechnologyI love the curiosity and willingness of Keys students to be themselves, but also their open acceptance of each other as individuals. My greatest joy is seeing that handful of students who want to learn more about technology even to the point of pushing the bounds of appropriate use. They are truly independent in their learning but ask the appropriate questions to help their learning get over the speed bumps they encounter. They fully own the fact they are the “Computer Geeks” and enjoy that badge. I was that same computer geek at their age, but was not comfortable owning it as they do.
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Cleveland State University
Years at Keys: 9
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Emily NadlerMiddle School Office Administrator
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Lindsay ObringerAssistant Director of Advancement
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Anisha PatelAssistant Director of Communication
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Larry PurcellHead 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: 10
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Heather RogersHead 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: 1 (Rookie Year)
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Kipp Trieu
Assistant Head of Lower School and Curriculum Coordinator
Alyson Abrego 
Kate Atmore 
Jan Bruzzese 
Maria de la Paz 
Katie Dlesk 
Betsy Doss 
Ella Duncanson 
Greg Engel 
Tevita Fakatou 
Manny Hernandez 
Douglas Ibey 
Victoria Kimball 
I-Han Liang 
Michelle Mathers 
Emily Nadler 
Lindsay Obringer 
Anisha Patel 
Larry Purcell 
Heather Rogers 
