Sea Crest spent most of its early years with only a head of school and director of admissions. As we entered our teens, we filled out the administration to allow us to focus on the big picture—instead of just the day-to-day tasks of running the school. Having a lean administration is how we keep our tuition moderate and within reach of a greater variety of students.
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dr. tom walters, interim head of school
Tom is no stranger to Sea Crest School, having served as the school’s interim head during the 2005–2006 school year. With forty years of experience as teacher and administrator, he has worked in both public and international schools, most recently as interim head of school in Zambia and Belgium.
He has M.A. degrees in English and Education Administration from San Francisco State University, and an educational doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
michelle giacotto, director of lower school and curriculum
Part of Sea Crest School since 1998, Michelle began her teaching career in San Bruno and then taught Kindergarten at Sea Crest for three years before starting a family in 2001. She continued to serve the school in part-time positions, including consulting in the area of literacy. She has been in her present position since 2007, guiding the faculty in school-wide curriculum articulation and teaching methodologies. Michelle has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Hayward, and her multiple subject teaching credential with CLAD emphasis from Notre Dame de Namur.
elyse belanger, director of middle school, enrichment and student support
An elementary school principal for several years, Elyse focused her work on helping teachers reach the diversity of learners in their classrooms. She received both her B.A. and M.A. in Music at San Jose State University, and taught music in the Tacoma, WA, public schools for 15 years before earning her K–12 Educational Leadership Credential and returning to the Bay Area. She is currently working on her dissertation for her PhD. in K–12 Educational Leadership with emphasis on Special Education Administration. Elyse joined us in 2011.
kelly spaeth, business manager
At Sea Crest since early 2009, Kelly became Business Manager in January, 2010. Kelly ran her own accounting business prior to joining Sea Crest. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University and her M.B.A. from UC Davis.
ellen wright, director of advancement
Joining Sea Crest in 2011, Ellen is the former Director of Development for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. For the past 20 years, most recently as a national consultant for Project Lead the Way, she has helped schools and school districts raise money primarily for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) initiatives, raising over 4.5 million dollars for varying projects. Ellen earned her B.A. from UCLA, and her M.A. in Education and PhD in Administration and Public Policy from Stanford University.
regan daniels, director of marketing, communications and admissions
Regan has more than 15 years of marketing experience in industries including technology, healthcare, and clean energy. Before joining Sea Crest in 2012 she was a vice president at Access Communications, where she led campaigns for clients ranging from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She was also part of the early team of employees at OpenTable.com, and has led communications campaigns for Bay Area events like Fleet Week and the Bay to Breakers. Regan holds a B.A. from Roanoke College in Virginia and an M.A. from San Francisco State University.
cathy greenwald, office manager
Cathy has led the office staff at Sea Crest since her arrival in 2000. Prior to that, Cathy was a swim instructor at La Petite Baleen in Half Moon Bay for five years. Previously, she worked in administration at the Wilkinson School in El Granada and served as an office manager for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
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lower school faculty
The instructors in grades K through five are dynamic and talented individuals truly committed to their profession. They were chosen for their warmth, caring, and ability to tune in to the needs of individual learners and help them excel both academically and socially. They are excellent role models for our students and go the extra mile to make the classroom experience a rich one.
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laura griffith, kindergarten
Laura earned her B.A. in Humanities and teaching credential from California State University, Chico and her M.A. in Teaching with specialization in Reading from National University. For 10 years, Laura taught the primary grades in the Cupertino (Teacher of the Year in 2007-08!) and then Palo Alto school districts before becoming a K–5 reading specialist in Burlingame. She joined the Sea Crest team in 2011.
emily travis, kindergarten
A San Francisco native, Emily Travis came to Sea Crest in 2012 with a lifetime of experience in independent schools both as a student and a teacher. Her immediate prior experience was at Live Oak School in San Francisco. Ms. Travis earned her B.S. in Educational Studies from the University of Oregon, and her teaching credential through the Bay Area Teaching Training Institute and San Francisco State University.
lee ann tarling, kindergarten assistant
Lee Ann, at Sea Crest since 2002, is a long-time resident of Half Moon Bay. She assists in the Kindergarten classrooms and at the front desk. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from San Francisco State University. Lee Ann is also the parent of a Sea Crest graduate.
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stephanie hanepen, grade one
Stephanie taught primary grades for six years in her hometown of Toronto, Canada, before teaching at the Woodland School in Portola Valley for three years. Stephanie earned her B.A. and teaching credential from York University (Toronto) and a further degree in Special Education from the University of Toronto. Stephanie joined the Sea Crest faculty in 2008.
daniel larson, grade one
At Sea Crest since 2012, Daniel most recently taught grades one and two at Ring Mountain Day School in Mill Valley, CA. Before relocating to the Bay Area, he taught a variety of lower-school grades in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his B.S. from Central Michigan University and a Masters of Education from Georgia State University in Atlanta.
kate dickey, grade two
Prior to coming to Sea Crest in 2010, Kate taught first and second grade at an independent school in Colorado. After earning her B.A. in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire, Kate had a career in Outdoor Education. Before teaching in Colorado, Kate earned a M.A. in Experiential Education and teaching credential from Prescott College, Arizona. She's happy to be back near the water.
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rosalie simrock, grade two
Rosalie has been teaching for over 21 years. She started as a bilingual kindergarten teacher in Los Angeles, and was a founding teacher at Fiesta Gardens International School in San Mateo. Ms. Simrock spent nine years as a First Grade Spanish immersion teacher at two different schools in San Francisco. She earned her B.S. in Journalism (French minor) from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and an M.A. in Elementary Education from San Francisco State.
She came to Sea Crest in 2011.
sherri trigueiro, grades one and two asst.
Prior to coming to Sea Crest in 2005, Sherri was a nanny and school bus driver in addition to raising her own three children. In 2010, during summer break, Sherri traveled with another Sea Crest teacher to Tanzania, Africa, to work with students of the Arusha Alliance, the school with which many Sea Crest students connect as a part of their study of literacy.
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kathe bybee, grade three
Kathe has spent close to 30 years in education. She was one of the founding teachers at Sea Crest in 1996. Prior to moving to Half Moon Bay, Kathe taught in Colorado, and at the TASIS England Lower School. Kathe is a certified instructor of Discipline with Love and Logic, which she teaches to Sea Crest faculty and parents. She holds a M.Ed. in Computers in Education from Lesley College, a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and has a teaching credential.
debra christian, grade three
At Sea Crest since 2002, Debra is a veteran teacher who has taught at many grade levels. She has most enjoyed co-teaching with Jennifer Guevara in Grade 5 over the last several years, now joining her in the Grade 3 classroom. Debra has had extensive literacy training and especially enjoys teaching writing. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Chico, and a multiple-subject teaching credential.
jen guevara, grade three
Prior to joining Sea Crest in 2001, Jennifer taught at La Honda Elementary School. Jennifer has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno, and a multiple subject teaching credential with CLAD emphasis. She has had extensive training in literacy, and enjoys her co-teaching assignment with Debra Christian in one of our third grade classrooms.
shelly sikkema, grade four science/math
Shelly is a nationally board-certified teacher with over 13 years' experience in the classroom. Prior to coming to Sea Crest in 2008, Shelly worked at Monarch Academy—an Aspire Charter School in Oakland —for nine years. Shelly earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies for California State University, Stanislaus, and her teaching credential from San Francisco State University.
lucinda neergheen, grade four humanities
Lucinda earned her B.A. in History, Spanish Language and Literature from Boston University, an M.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts, and a teaching credential from Shady Hill School in Cambridge, MA. She most recently worked as an associate teacher for grades three and four at Nueva School after relocating to the Bay Area from Massachusetts in 2010. Lucinda came to Sea Crest in 2012.
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anastasia pickens, grade five science/math
Joining Sea Crest in 2011, Anastasia started her teaching career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Micronesia and later taught for three years at an international school in Guinea, West Africa, before bringing her talents to San Francisco. She taught two years in second grade and then taught a 4/5 combination class for seven years at Alvarado Elementary School. Anastasia earned her B.A. in History and Government at Adams State College (CO), her Masters in International Management at the School for International Training (VT), her teaching credential at Sonoma State, and has a National Board Certification.
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chris voisard, grade five humanities
A long-time coastside resident, Chris has taught for the past 17 years in Redwood City, primarily as a 6th Grade Humanities teacher. Prior to that, she taught elementary grades at Wilkinson School for several years. She received her B.A. in Aesthetics in Education from UC Santa Cruz and M.A. in Elementary Education from San Francisco State University. Chris joined Sea Crest in 2011.
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middle school faculty
Sea Crest Middle School educators are particularly attuned to the needs of the individual learner, engaging the whole child in the learning process and instilling in each one a sense of confidence and self-worth. They empower students to achieve their goals and give them a lifelong love of learning.
We believe that impassioned educators make learning relevant and exciting. The Sea Crest faculty employs teaching techniques and strategies that are at once traditional and innovative. Our program of on-going professional development and educational opportunities helps our teachers stay abreast of the latest trends and contributes to their longevity with the school. We take great pride in their achievements, skills, and dedicated service.
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andy chaffee, math
Before joining Sea Crest in 2001, Andy taught middle school math, science and technology in Napa Valley for six years. He has also taught math at the collegiate level as well as coaching tennis at all levels. He holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge, and a multiple-subject teaching credential, with supplementary authorizations in English and mathematics.
wendy connolly, history
Wendy came to Sea Crest in August 2006 after being a Grade 8 core (English/History) teacher for 13 years at Abbott Middle School in San Mateo. Since 2002, Wendy has also been an education instructor of special methods at Notre Dame de Namur University. She holds her B.A. in Social Ecology from UC Irvine and her multiple subject credential from San Francisco State University.
rob kashima, science
Rob arrived at Sea Crest in 2010 after several years teaching in Menlo Park and Redwood City. Prior to teaching, Rob had an extensive career as a Dietician. He has also been a long-time youth basketball and softball coach. Rob earned a B.S. in Dietetics from UC Davis and his science teaching credential from San Francisco State University.
petra mckown, spanish
Prior to joining Sea Crest in 2004, Petra taught French and Spanish at Brookwood School in Massachusetts for Grades K through 8. She first joined Sea Crest as a teacher of PE, but has used her facility in languages to build our Middle School Spanish program. She holds a B.A. in Biology and Society from Cornell University and a teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur.
sheila woods, english
At Sea Crest since August 2006, Sheila worked for seven years in publishing before entering San Francisco State University to get her teaching credential in English in 1996. She taught at El Camino High School and Westborough Middle School, before teaching full-time at St. Francis High School in Mountain View. Sheila did her undergraduate work in English at St. Mary's College in Moraga.
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enrichment faculty
Our founding families always knew they wanted the arts to figure strongly in a Sea Crest education. Offering so much beyond the fun, arts education also has a positive impact academically, personally and socially, not to mention giving students the opportunity to discover their passions and hidden talents.
There are all kinds of learners, and a well-rounded program helps connect with all of them. In addition to its arts program, Sea Crest also offers classes in the use of modern technology, getting students up to speed in the use of today’s communication and research tools. We also offer an introduction to Spanish culture and language, in which students are exposed to beginning vocabulary and study the traditions and celebrations of Latino culture.
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adam coopersmith, instrumental music
After assisting in our instrumental program in 2008 and 2009, Adam took over in 2010. A coastside native, Adam earned his B.F.A. from The New School University in New York City, where he taught elementary school music in an after-school program for a number of years. Besides being a professional musician, Adam has been a private instrumental teacher and a counselor at the Stanford Jazz Workshop during summers.
acoopersmith@seacrestschool.org
amy cowan, music
Amy Cowan, at Sea Crest since 2010, earned a B.M. in voice from Rice University and an M.M. Opera from The Longy School of Music as well as certification in Kodaly Methodology from Holy Names University. In addition to her work at Sea Crest, she is music director for Coastside Lutheran Church, teaches private voice, and acts as vocal instructor for Coastal Theatre Conservatory. From 2005–2011 she was the Intermediate Director for Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose, and has also taught general music for CUSD. Amy has appeared in a number of Coastal Repertory productions, her favorite role being that of Maria in The Sound of Music.
rachel dewald, lower school spanish
At Sea Crest since August 2009, Rachel Dewald earned her B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies from UC Santa Cruz, and her teaching credential from Cal State Hayward. She taught in Oakland for three years, kindergarten through third grade, in a Spanish bilingual program, before teaching second grade in the Hatch Spanish Immersion program.
alice engelmore, art
Prior to coming to Sea Crest in 2008, Alice taught art for three years in the Palo Alto School District, and before that, taught for one year at Hatch Elementary School. She taught at the college level for six years earlier in her career. Alice holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts in New York, NY.
janicee forchini, director, after-school program
Prior to joining Sea Crest in August 2006, Janicee directed the extended day childcare program at Juana Briones Elementary School in Palo Alto. She has spent her entire professional career in the non-profit world after earning her B.S. in Recreation Administration from San Diego State University.
ellyn kohrs, technology
On the faculty since 2003, Ellyn has been involved with Sea Crest since 1997 as a parent and member of the technology committee. Ellyn brings with her 15 years' computer-industry experience. In her 15 years with IBM, Ellyn held a variety of positions including Systems Engineer, Regional Support Staff and Education Manager. She has a B.S. in Mathematics from Calvin College.
michael “bub” lederman
Michael had 25 years' experience as a professional actor before coming to Sea Crest in 2001. He has studied at California Institute of the Arts and Lee Strasberg workshop among other acting studios. Michael is the Artistic Director at the Coastal Repertory Theater where he also runs a children’s drama program after school. At Sea Crest, he teaches the K–8 drama classes and as well as directs the annual all-school musical production.
sulema villalobos, after-school program
Sulema Villalobos, at Sea Crest since August 2008, has spent her entire 16-year professional career working with children. A product of coastside schools herself, Sulema has worked at the Coastside Infant Toddler Center, Holy Family Preschool, Kids-by-the-Sea Preschool, and the Coastside Children’s after-school Program. She did her studies in Early Childhood Education at Cañada College.
svillalobos@seacrestschool.org
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athletics
The Athletics/Physical Education program at Sea Crest School perfectly complements its academic program, in that the healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful.
Physical competence also helps build self-esteem, and the Sea Crest Athletics program gives students unique circumstances for demonstrating leadership, socialization, goal setting and gaining confidence.
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katie moore, athletics co-director
Katie has been a physical education teacher and coach at Sea Crest since August 2006. Prior to Sea Crest, Katie was head coach of the women's soccer team at the College of Marin and assisted in the softball program at Napa Valley College. She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology at California State, Hayward.
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craig strong, athletics co-director
Craig came to Sea Crest in 2009 with 12 years’ experience teaching in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Bucharest (Romania), and Oakland. He spent seven years in a classroom—primarily third grade—before switching to teaching exclusively physical education (and coaching) for the past five years. Craig earned his B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and his multiple subject teaching credential from Bethany University.
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board of trustees
Sea Crest is governed by a Board of Trustees, who set policy, approve plans, budgets and expenditures, and review school operations. Board members are chosen with an eye to diversity, and typically serve on a subcommittee for one or more years before asked to serve on the board. You may learn more about the role of the trustees by reading the associated FAQs. If you would like to nominate someone for a position, please contact Pam Izzo, President.
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pamela izzo, president
Pamela Izzo is currently Executive VP of SKS Investments, a San Francisco-based commercial real estate investment and development firm, and has over 20 years’ commercial-property experience. Ms. Izzo holds a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Southern California School of Journalism and a M.S.B.A. (Finance) degree from California State University, Los Angeles. A volunteer since 2000, and the parent of one current and two graduated Sea Crest students, she joined the Board in 2007.
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keith fukui, cfo
Keith Fukui has an extensive financial background, having been an executive with several large retail banks, including Washington Mutual. He has broad finance experience with expertise in corporate financial planning, accounting and financial reporting. He is a former CPA and a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. Keith and his wife Lucy have two children at Sea Crest. He joined the Board in 2011.
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david hosilyk, secretary
David A. Hosilyk is a partner at Fine, Boggs & Perkins, LLP Half Moon Bay. He and his firm specialize in Labor and Employment counseling and litigation. A native of Southern California, David graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in International Relations, and earned his JD at the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific. Mr. Hosilyk is the parent of one current and one future Sea Crest student, and joined the board in 2006.
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dr. tom walters, ex-officio, interim head of school
Tom is no stranger to Sea Crest School, having served as the school’s interim head in 2005–2006. With forty years of experience as teacher and administrator, he has worked in both public and international schools, most recently as interim head of school in Zambia and Belgium. He has MA degrees in English and Education Administration from San Francisco State University, and an educational doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
barry franklin, development
Barry Franklin is the West Coast Global Banking and Brokerage Regional Manager at FactSet Research Systems, Inc., overseeing industry-specific business-to-business software sales. Mr. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Science from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. The parent of two Sea Crest students, he joined the board in 2010.
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greg joswiak, marketing
Greg is Vice President of the Hardware Marketing Group at Apple Computer with primary oversight of marketing the iPhone and iPod. He and his wife, Sue, have two Sea Crest graduates and a daughter in the Sea Crest Lower School. He joined the board in 2009.
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laura leber kammeyer, at-large
Laura Leber Kammeyer is Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Genomic Health, Inc., a genomic cancer diagnostics company. She has a long history in strategic communications, specializing in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Laura holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. The mother of two Sea Crest students, Ms Leber joined the Sea Crest Board in 2010.
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gretchen mcdougall, marketing
Gretchen McDougall has been an active volunteer at Sea Crest school since 2002, joining the board in 2005. She brings 20 years' experience in marketing and advertising, most recently having served as Vice President and Design Director for the Retail, Promotions and Mechandising division of the San Francisco office of Young & Rubicam, one of the world's largest advertising agencies. She is the parent of one current Sea Crest student and one graduate.
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tom mcguirk, at-large
On the board beginning September 2012, Thomas McGuirk is a Managing Director and Partner at HighTower. He is a graduate from the University of California, Berkeley. He and his wife, Melissa, have two Sea Crest students.
susan mihara, development
Susan Mihara has a long history in the software industry, primarily drafting and negotiating customer and partnership agreements, and currently works for Magma Design Automation. Ms. Mihara attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Political Science, and went on to Loyola Law School. She is the mother of one Sea Crest student. Just one of her many school and community volunteer efforts, she joined the Board in 2010.
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sheri olson beckner, at-large
A trained scientist and professional Project Management consultant, Ms. Beckner is currently a Senior Program Manager for worldwide Product Development at Life Technologies in Forensics and Human Identification. She led key lab teams for the successful completion of the 9/11 World Trade Center identification project and the Human Genome Project. She holds degrees in Biology from Virginia Tech and The Johns Hopkins University. The mother of one Sea Crest student, she joined the board in 2010.
mike polacek, at-large
Mike has over 25 years in the semiconductor industry, most recently as Corporate Officer and Sr. VP at National Semiconductor, leading its new business incubation efforts, corporate strategy, business development and M&A activities. Mike has a computer engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Santa Clara University. Mike’s wife Ana was a teacher at Sea Crest from 1999 to 2001 and they have two children who are Sea Crest students. He joined the board in 2012.
amy ramsey, ex-officio, parent assn. president
Amy Ramsey has 15 years’ experience in the events industry organizing large-scale corporate events as well as non-profit fundraisers. Prior to becoming a full-time parent in 2002, she worked at Siebel Systems managing Training Operations & Events. The parent of one Sea Crest student, Amy is an active volunteer in the school and with Cub Scouts. She joined the Board in 2011.
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cathy shelburne, at-large
Ms. Shelburne, currently the Director of Upper School Admissions at Menlo School in Atherton, has an extensive background in education on both the East and West Coasts. She holds a B.A. in Government and Anthropology from Dartmouth College, and an M.A. in Spanish Language from New York University in Madrid, Spain. She joined the Sea Crest Board of Trustees in 2010.
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brice tarling, at-large
Brice Tarling has worked in the printing business for the last two decades. He, his wife, and their three children have lived on the coast since 1986, where he has been an active volunteer in almost all of the activities and sports in which his children participated, including time spent as both a coach and on the board of Little League. One of his children is a Sea Crest graduate. Mr. Tarling joined the Board in 2008.
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andre turenne, facilities
Andre Turenne is a Senior VP of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and an executive of the venture capital unit of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm. Mr. Turenne has more than 25 years of operating, technical, and venture investment experience in the technology sector in addition to a B.S. in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University. Andre and his wife, Maria, have two children at Sea Crest. Mr. Turenne joined the board in 2009.
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