MILLENNIUM’S PASSIONATE Guides

our team

The heart of Millennium is a dedicated team of talented educators, passionate about innovative methods of adolescent learning and development. These diverse individuals actively collaborate to guide and sustain the magical experience of Millennium.

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our leadership

Roberto d’Erizans

Head of School

(he/him)

A seasoned progressive educator with over 20 years of experience, Roberto has immersed himself in exceptional learning environments across the globe. His journey in education has taken him from teaching Spanish at the experiential adventure-based Eagle Rock in Colorado and the prestigious Taft School in Connecticut to serving in leadership roles at internationally renowned institutions.

Roberto’s career highlights include directing the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy, overseeing curriculum and instruction at the American School in London, and most recently, serving as the Middle School Principal at the American School in São Paulo, Brazil. These diverse experiences have shaped his holistic approach to education.

Academically, Roberto holds degrees from Wofford College and Middlebury College, as well as a doctoral degree in education from Northeastern University. This strong educational foundation underpins his innovative approach to teaching and learning.

Roberto’s multicultural background adds depth to his perspective on global education. Having grown up in Caracas, Venezuela, and moving to the USA during his middle school years, he brings a unique understanding of cross-cultural education and the challenges faced by international students.

These experiences, combined with his academic background and commitment to progressive education, make Roberto a valuable asset to any educational community. Interestingly, he shares a connection with Ashley, as they both studied together at Middlebury, highlighting the interconnected nature of the educational world.

Ashley Nickels

Director of Admissions & Communications

(she/her)

Growing up in Ann Arbor, MI, surrounded by makers and dreaming of far-away lands, Ashley developed a passion for creativity and exploration. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Michigan and Middlebury College in Madrid, respectively. Following her studies, Ashley spent five years teaching at an international school in Valencia, Spain, before moving to San Francisco to help build the Spanish program at SF Friends.

A multi-talented individual with over 20 years of experience working in schools, Ashley is also a professional quilter who published her first quilting book in October 2019. At Millennium, she has led the Admissions effort since the beginning, taking pride in using her language skills to connect with the Spanish-speaking community in San Francisco. Her roles at the school have included teaching Spanish and Quests, as well as serving as an advisor from 2017-2020.

Currently, Ashley also manages communications at Millennium, supervises sewing projects and zafu-making, and enthusiastically shares information about the school’s unique offerings. Her diverse skill set and international experience continue to enrich the Millennium community. Fun fact: Ashley and Roberto (Head of School) met at Middlebury College!

Kate Moriarty

Dean of Students & Director of Experiential Learning

(she/her)

With 15 years of experience teaching and working with children of all ages in diverse settings, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her educational career. Her approach centers on creating supportive, responsive, and student-driven learning environments that honor and respect the whole child.

Kate’s teaching journey began at Northfield Mt. Hermon, a boarding school in Massachusetts, where she taught Psychology and Humanities. Her role extended beyond the classroom as she coached varsity soccer and led three international trips to South Africa, Israel, and Russia, providing students with rich, global experiences.

Most recently, Kate served as Assistant Head of School at AltSchool Fort Mason, following her roles as the school’s Personalization Lead and lead educator in a mixed-aged, project-based Elementary classroom. These positions reflect her commitment to innovative educational approaches and personalized learning.

Her academic background includes a Psychology degree from Amherst College and a Master of Education in Mind, Brain and Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. This combination of practical experience and advanced study in educational neuroscience informs her holistic approach to teaching and learning.

Kate’s diverse experiences and educational philosophy contribute to her ability to create dynamic, engaging learning environments that cater to the individual needs of students while fostering their overall growth and development.

Newton Martin

Director of Operations & Finance

(he/him)

A self-described “unit of force” and student in the ever-demanding interdisciplinary study of life, Newton embodies diversity and aspires to make kindness perennially cool. His primary goal is to mobilize fellow “units of force” from all walks of life, cultures, and schools of thought to create a powerful, intelligent, compassionate, and resourceful movement fostering true egalitarianism.

Newton’s academic background includes undergraduate studies in Psychology and a graduate degree in International Affairs. However, he considers himself to be in a perpetual state of learning, “forever striving to qualify as a professional human being.” This mindset reflects his commitment to personal growth and lifelong education.

His diverse experiences include teaching art, coaching soccer, mentoring young adults, and managing a start-up. These varied roles demonstrate Newton’s adaptability and his ability to connect with people in different contexts.

Newton describes himself as a part-time humorist, percussionist, and jester, indicating his appreciation for creativity, music, and humor. At the same time, he identifies as a full-time inquisitor, highlighting his constant curiosity and desire to question and understand the world around him.

This unique combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and personal philosophy allows Newton to bring a fresh, multifaceted perspective to his work. His approach aligns with innovative educational models that value diversity, interdisciplinary learning, and the development of well-rounded individuals.

Stephanie Kinkel

Academic Architect & Humanities Guide

(she/they)

A passionate educator with a broad interest in science, art, and equity, Stephanie brings a thoughtful and open approach to learning. Their belief in the power of curiosity-driven education shapes their teaching philosophy and practice.

Stephanie’s experience includes six years at Meridian Academy, a highly progressive and inquiry-based middle and high school in Boston. During their tenure there, they took on multiple roles, primarily teaching math and science while also serving as the Dean of Faculty. In their administrative capacity, they supported their colleagues in their professional growth through inquiry, observation, and feedback.

Before returning to education, Stephanie pursued their passion for art in a year-long program in Monterey Bay. This experience allowed them to refine their illustration skills while deepening their enthusiasm for sharing the beauty of science with their students. This unique combination of scientific knowledge and artistic skill enables them to present complex concepts in engaging and accessible ways.

Stephanie’s academic background is equally impressive, with an undergraduate degree in molecular biology from UCSD, a Masters in biology from MIT, and a certificate in science illustration from CSUMB. This diverse educational foundation allows them to bring a multidisciplinary approach to their teaching, bridging the gap between science and art.

Their commitment to equity, coupled with their interdisciplinary skills and experience in progressive education, makes Stephanie a valuable asset in creating engaging, inclusive, and innovative learning environments. Their approach aligns well with educational philosophies that emphasize curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Jeff Snipes

Chairman, Millennium School

(he/him)

Serving as the Chairman of Millennium’s Board of Trustees, Jeff leads the strategic vision and collaboration of the lab school, research, and professional development programs of Millennium.org. His passion for education is evident in his weekly work with students, co-creating the school’s Forum and leadership development practices.

Jeff’s influence extends beyond Millennium, as he has served on the boards of Mindful Schools, Challenge Success, and Education Superhighway. His advisory roles include San Francisco Public Schools, the Learning for Well-Being Foundation, and the Collaborative for Spirituality in Education, showcasing his commitment to diverse educational initiatives.

Prior to his current role, Jeff spent 16 years leading the largest U.S. corporate leadership development company (now KornFerry), where he was recognized as a “Top 25 US Leadership Advisor” and “CEO of the Year” by the American Business Association. This experience in leadership development informs his approach to education and student growth.

Jeff’s journey in education also includes serving as Board President at Marin Montessori School, where he helped launch a model land-based junior high program. This experience, combined with raising his three children, inspired his mission to help adolescents develop a broader definition of success.

With degrees in Philosophy and Business from Southern Methodist University, Jeff brings a multifaceted perspective to his work in education. His diverse background in leadership, philosophy, and hands-on educational experience contributes to Millennium’s innovative approach to learning and student development.

our guides

Abigail Henderson

STEM Guide

(she/they)

A person of many passions, most of which involve teaching and learning in some form, Abigail has embarked on numerous educational adventures. Their experiences range from facilitating guest interactions with sea animals at a Florida aquarium to guiding kids through nature at a summer camp in Wisconsin. They have also helped college students understand consent in Pennsylvania and, most recently, taught middle school computer science at an all-girls school in Connecticut.

During their undergraduate career at Swarthmore College, Abigail built a cognitive science major by taking courses in six different departments. Their thesis work focused on animal cognition and communication, specifically viewing animal communication systems through a linguistic lens. They enjoy taking things apart and looking at them in a new way, both literally and figuratively.

In the classroom, Abigail recognizes that failure is a necessary part of any learning process, and they strive to make it fun for everyone involved. Their diverse background and interdisciplinary approach to education continues to shape their passion for teaching and learning.

Alice Pope

Humanities Guide

(she/her)

With over 15 years of educational experience and a commitment to real-world learning and inclusive practices, Alice brings a wealth of knowledge to the Millennium community. Trained as a Montessori educator, she prioritizes student-centered and experiential learning methodologies to nurture creativity and joy in the classroom.

Originating from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Alice began her teaching journey as a high school English teacher in St. Paul. Her introduction to the Montessori philosophy came during her tenure in Seoul, Korea, where she also met her spouse, a now-retired army officer, with whom she has shared 22 years. Their journey together has led Alice through diverse educational environments across the United States, from Montessori academies in New York to specialized middle school classrooms in Washington state.

In addition to her instructional duties, Alice actively organizes local and national learning initiatives and guides student service excursions. Following her recent role as department head for an inclusive Montessori school in Salt Lake City, she has returned to the West Coast with her spouse and youngest daughter, eagerly anticipating her continued educational endeavors at Millennium.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Alice enjoys traveling for fun, exploring museums, honing her culinary skills, and laughing whenever possible.

Aya Carpio

Assistant Director of Operations

(she/her)

Bringing 8 years of office management and administrative experience to Millennium School, Aya has been an integral part of the school’s development. In fact, she managed the temporary office where the Millennium team worked before the school doors opened and helped design the students’ journals.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Aya earned her degree in Art, reflecting her lifelong interest in creative expression. Her passion for finding new ways to facilitate personal and positive growth aligns perfectly with Millennium’s mission, which is what initially drew her to the school.

In her professional role, Aya’s organizational skills and artistic background contribute to the smooth operation of Millennium School. Outside of work, she continues to nurture her creativity by taking various art classes. Aya also enjoys spending quality time with her family and has a great appreciation for comedy.

Briana Stockton

Physical Expression Guide

(she/her)

An inspirational motivator who radiates the “wealth of health” through her everyday commitment to teachings, Briana brings a holistic approach to wellness. As a Raw Vegan food Chef, certified Personal Trainer, and Nutritional Therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, she combines diverse expertise to guide her students towards overall well-being. Briana also leads meditation through Yoga Nidra, adding a spiritual dimension to her practice.

Together with her students, Briana creates a vision of what they want, and as a team, they consciously shape reality through awareness and intention. She challenges each individual mentally, emotionally, and physically, which amplifies the strength of their intention and moves the forces of the universe to manifest their vision.

Through food, body, and soul, Briana shares her passion and knowledge of health. She guides her students to create and prioritize space for self-care, firmly believing that every person has the strength to accomplish a life of overall wellness. Her multifaceted approach empowers individuals to take charge of their health journey and unlock their full potential.

Candace Bribiesca

Creative Expression Guide

(she/her)

With a deep passion for the arts and serving middle school youth, Candace brings 16 years of hands-on experience guiding adolescents through the artistic process to the Millennium team. Her teaching journey has taken her from New York City’s Chinatown to Bayview, San Francisco, enriching her approach to art education.

Candace earned her MA in Art Education from Teachers College Columbia University and received her National Board Certification in Art in 2019 while serving at Making Waves Academy in Richmond, California. Her personal relationship with the profound impacts of exploring creative methods informs her teaching style, which emphasizes mindfulness in the classroom.

Her nurturing approach is grounded in building relationships while facilitating experiences that investigate identity, social justice, and relating to different world views. Currently completing a special SEAL certification (Social Emotional Art Learning), Candace is invigorated by the prospect of introducing it to Millennium’s unique community.

Outside of work, Candace enjoys family time, soccer, exploring the outdoors, yoga, creating art, and reading multiple books simultaneously. Her diverse interests and commitment to holistic education contribute to her effectiveness as an educator and mentor.

Christine Flores

STEM Guide

(she/her)

A love for education and learning blossomed early in Christine’s life, as she picked up tutoring gigs and played school at home with her little brother. This passion eventually led her back to the classroom as a credentialed science teacher, where she taught middle school science and agriculture for four years before relocating to the Bay Area.

In her current role as a STEM Guide, Christine continues to explore her love for learning and teaching in diverse ways, allowing her to combine her educational background with her growing interest in food and wellness.

Christine’s ultimate goal is to merge her love for education and learning with her passion for food and healing. She aspires to empower others through nutrition and wellness education, enabling them to make life choices that promote good overall health and well-being. Her multifaceted approach to education reflects her belief in the interconnectedness of learning, nutrition, and personal growth.

Colleen Erickson

Math Guide

(she/her)

A dedicated educator with a diverse background, Colleen brings a wealth of experience to her work in education. Her teaching repertoire spans from pre-algebra through calculus, and she has designed innovative math classes such as Financial Algebra and History of Math. In the classroom, Colleen’s focus extends beyond numbers, as she strives to help students see the beauty and power of mathematics while fostering community and encouraging a growth mindset.

Beyond her passion for mathematics, Colleen has devoted her teaching career to helping students develop social-emotional skills. At Bentley Upper School, she ran the Peer Counselor program, which centered around creating a culture of kindness among students. This experience reflects her commitment to holistic education that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

When not designing curriculum or exploring self-directed learning and the gamification of the classroom, Colleen pursues a variety of interests. She can be found at the local climbing gym with her husband and kids, out geocaching, working on a podcast, or practicing meditation. Her diverse pursuits outside the classroom enrich her approach to education and inspire her innovative teaching methods.

Daniel Rechtschaffen

Director of Mindfulness

(he/him)

A Marriage and Family Therapist and author of “The Way of Mindful Education” and “The Mindful Education Workbook,” Daniel brings extensive expertise in mindfulness and social-emotional learning to his work. As the founding director of Mindful Education, a platform designed for educators, he has created a valuable resource for integrating mindfulness practices into educational settings.

Daniel’s influence extends far beyond traditional classroom boundaries. He offers keynote speeches and mindfulness training at various venues, including conferences, schools, communities, and businesses. His diverse clientele includes institutions such as the University of Wisconsin Madison, Google, Esalen Institute, and schools around the globe, reflecting the broad appeal and applicability of his teachings.

Known for his creative approach, Daniel teaches mindfulness through music, sports, storytelling, games, and other engaging methods. His connection to Millennium School runs deep; he has supported the school in the past and has been an active creator and facilitator in the Millennium Forum program, which supports hundreds of educators across the country. Daniel’s innovative techniques and commitment to mindful education continue to impact students and educators alike, fostering a more mindful and emotionally intelligent approach to learning.

Erin Gevertz

Director of High School Counseling

(she/her)

A Bay Area native with over 20 years of experience working with youth, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role in education. Her approach centers on addressing individual needs and nurturing the personal growth and development of each student. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in Educational Studies and a Masters in Educational Leadership, Erin’s career path took her to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she taught at a private school.

Upon returning to San Francisco, Erin developed a strong commitment to educational access and equity. Her experiences in independent schools and educational non-profits deepened her understanding of the crucial role that choice and access play in finding the right fit schools for children. Recognizing the challenges families face in navigating the wide range of educational options, Erin has dedicated herself to bridging this gap since 2010.

Erin’s expertise lies in teaching and mentoring students through the admissions process for independent middle and high schools. Through counseling and coaching, she guides students through all aspects of this complex and challenging journey. Her joining the passionate Millennium School team marks an exciting new chapter in her career.

Outside of her professional life, Erin enjoys a variety of interests including reading, salsa dancing, cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends. These diverse pursuits enrich her perspective and contribute to her holistic approach to education and student development.

Isaac Velarde

Athletic Director & Physical Expression Guide

(he/him)

Raised in Bellevue, WA, a suburb of Seattle, Isaac developed a strong foundation that would later shape his career in education. He pursued his passion for teaching at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, where he earned a BA in education. This academic background set the stage for his future endeavors in the field.

Following graduation, Isaac’s journey led him to New York City, where he spent five years honing his skills as an educator. Three of those years were dedicated to working at a school in Harlem, an experience that undoubtedly broadened his perspective on urban education.

Isaac’s career path then brought him to the Bay Area, where he relocated with his partner. With seven years of experience teaching physical education and extensive coaching experience in soccer and badminton, he brings a wealth of knowledge in sports and physical fitness to his role.

A passionate enthusiast of all Seattle sports, Isaac also has a love for tacos and his dog, Paloma. These personal interests reflect his well-rounded nature and ability to connect with students on various levels. Now in his third year at Millennium, Isaac has eagerly and enthusiastically pioneered our Athletics program, which now consists of multiple teams for each sport. Fun fact: Our basketball and futsal teams are multi-year league champions!

Jessica Li

Humanities Guide

(she/her)

Joining Millennium from Avenues Silicon Valley, Jessica brings experience as a founding interdisciplinary project teacher and DEI Learning Guide for faculty. She designed and delivered a project-based curriculum for students and professional learning meetings for faculty. Jessica believes in lifelong learning and learning alongside her students, with a passion for supporting social-emotional well-being and creating awe and joy in learning.

Jessica’s prior experience includes teaching project-based learning in a Mandarin immersion school in San Francisco and teaching English as an additional language, both at an underprivileged elementary school in Boston and to the Chinese National Women’s Youth Ice Hockey Team.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in bilingual education from Boston University and her master’s in international education policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys bouldering, tending to her houseplants, and replicating Chinese family recipes in the kitchen.

Joshua Marcia

After School Program Coordinator

(he/him)

A San Francisco native recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a math degree in liberal arts. Josh’s experiences at college, particularly tutoring, sparked his love for math and teaching. He has tutored subjects ranging from basic arithmetic to calculus, finding great satisfaction in witnessing students’ “AHA moments” when they grasp a concept.

As a project lead, Josh helped develop the pedagogy of math tutoring practices, specifically targeting struggling students adjusting to college-level math. He and his team strategically identified optimal tutoring hours to encourage student participation.

Growing up as an older brother and uncle, Josh was often responsible for babysitting his younger siblings and nephews. He spent many weekends playing board games, soccer, and gardening with his two energetic nephews. Additionally, Josh volunteered at the Salvation Army as a tutor and mentor, assisting children with homework and coordinating outdoor games that promoted empowerment and teamwork.

Josh’s hobbies include going to the gym, studying martial arts, enjoying nature, and watching anime. Through his martial arts classes, he began practicing meditation to enhance his mind-body connection. He has found that meditation, combined with visual imagery, has been beneficial in various aspects of his life.

Karina Becerra

Spanish Guide

(she/her)

With nine years of experience as a Spanish Educator, Karina has been coaching, mentoring, and aiding students of all ages throughout her life. One of her most impactful guiding experiences occurred during her own middle school years when she served as a student aid in an English Language Development class. This experience, along with many other fond childhood memories, catalyzed her love for language and her desire to help others find meaning in their educational opportunities.

Karina is excited to return to middle school after teaching for six years at Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley. Born and raised in Mendocino County, she developed a deep appreciation for the beautiful outdoors. An avid camper and passionate karaoke enthusiast, Karina can often be found living simply at a campground or belting out (mostly) slow, sad ballads at a karaoke spot on any given weekend.

Kyle Blase

Creative Expression Adjunct Guide

(he/they)

An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer, and educator, Kyle brings a wealth of musical experience to their role. With 30 years of musical performance under their belt, Kyle’s smooth baritone voice, electric bass, ukulele skills, and engaging stage presence have captivated numerous audiences.

Kyle’s formal music education began at San Francisco State, where they studied guitar, voice, and theory, completing their music degree in 1999. Their musical journey then took them to France, where they spent a year performing and touring with The Acid Jazz Orchestra “Buzart” as their guitarist, flutist, and vocalist.

Returning to the U.S. in 2002, Kyle performed with notable artists such as Miss Faye Carol and Kellye Gray, further honing their skills and expanding their musical repertoire. In 2010, Kyle added the ukulele to their arsenal of instruments, feeling a kinship with its Hawaiian and Spanish roots that mirrored their own ethnic background.

Throughout their career, Kyle has continued to develop their craft, studying primarily with jazz guitar master Tru Born (AKA Anthony Michael Peterson). Their commitment to education is evident in their academic pursuits, having earned a Masters in education in 2010 and a Multi-subject credential in 2018.

Kyle’s diverse musical background, combined with their educational expertise, allows them to bring a unique and engaging approach to music education, inspiring students with their passion and extensive knowledge of various musical styles and instruments.

Laura Derosier

Creative Expression Adjunct Guide

(she/her)

Hailing from the Midwest and a Big Ten family, Laura’s passion for dance and choreography and desire to pursue a liberal arts degree led her to the University of Iowa. There she studied under world-class faculty and her educational focus in choreography and arts administration sparked an interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the performing arts.

Laura’s career path then took her through various prestigious institutions in arts administration, including The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Cal Performances. Simultaneously, she choreographed works around the country. In 2000, Laura settled in San Francisco, where she produced several shows at ODC and Dance Mission Theater.

Transitioning her art-focused skillset, Laura moved into photo shoot production for Gap, collaborating with art directors, photographers, models, and stylists. This experience further honed her creative problem-solving and teamwork abilities. Upon starting a family with her husband, Laura found joy in passing on her love of art to her daughters. Now, she is thrilled to be teaching middle school students at Millennium about the power of their own creativity.

Lindsay Berk

Founding STEM Guide

(she/her)

A seasoned educator with 20 years of experience in STEM curriculum design and project-based learning, Lindsay brings a diverse and innovative approach to education. Her teaching experience spans from upper elementary to graduate school students, demonstrating her adaptability and breadth of knowledge.

Lindsay’s unique teaching experiences include leading Environmental Sciences courses for undergraduates while backpacking 300 miles in the California wilderness, guiding middle school students on multi-week service-learning trips to the Makah Reservation, and designing cross-disciplinary Quests in a project-based STEM high school. These experiences reflect her commitment to hands-on, immersive learning.

For the past few years, Lindsay has found her passion in middle school science education. She has successfully implemented “Passion Projects” based on student interests, engaged students in Socratic Seminar, and coached Science Olympiad teams in robotics, aviation, and forensics.

At Millennium, Lindsay incorporates her background in wildlife biology, GIS, and outdoor education into multi-disciplinary projects with real-world applications. This approach aligns perfectly with Millennium’s innovative educational philosophy.

Lindsay’s academic background is equally impressive, with a degree from UCLA and Master’s degrees from both the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and the University of Washington. This strong educational foundation, combined with her diverse teaching experiences, enables her to bring a wealth of knowledge and creative teaching methods to her role at Millennium.

Lydia Visser

Admissions & Communications Associate

(she/her)

Born and raised in New York City, Lydia’s love affair with San Francisco began over 20 years ago after a summer internship at Stern Grove Festival. With an undergraduate degree in vocal performance from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in speech-language pathology from SF State, her diverse educational background has shaped her multifaceted approach to working with children.

Throughout her career, Lydia has consistently gravitated towards connecting with children and their families in various capacities. Her experiences range from teaching cello and chorus to school-aged children, engaging in playful speech sessions with toddlers, coaching campers on windsurfing techniques, to making challah with preschoolers. These diverse roles have now converged at Millennium, where she is thrilled to bring her wealth of experience.

Outside of work, Lydia indulges in her passion for music by singing in the SF Choral Society. She also enjoys exploring her love for food and cooking, immersing herself in nature, and attending a wide array of concerts, plays, and museums. Lydia cherishes time spent with her husband, two children, and 15-year-old dog, Zor. A notable adventure in her life includes a 7-month RV journey across the United States, during which her family explored 36 states.

raul sanchez

outdoor education director

(he/him)

Raul is a passionate social entrepreneur and the founder of EcoExperience Program, established in 2016.

His calling—and the mission of his organization—is to connect youth with nature and facilitate the space for them to also connect with their own inner nature. EcoExperience partners with schools across the Bay Area, including Millennium School, to offer local camping and backpacking adventures, as well as international trips to Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Peru.

Originally from Ecuador, Raul earned an MBA with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship from Hult International Business School in San Francisco. Now living with his wife in Marin, he can often be found exploring new hikes, meditating in nature, backpacking in the Sierras, or scouting remote destinations abroad to share with students.

Stephanie Ponce

Spanish Guide

(she/her)

A San Francisco native born to Salvadoran and Nicaraguan parents, Stephanie brings fun, spark, and cheerful smiles to Millennium School. Her deep roots in the city she’s called home her entire life contribute to her unique perspective and love for the diverse community she serves.

Passionate about sharing her Central American heritage, Stephanie incorporates the lively and colorful richness of her culture into her classroom. This approach allows her students to experience the fascinating traditions and customs she grew up with, broadening their cultural horizons.

Stephanie’s primary goal as an educator is to provide her students with unforgettable learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. She firmly believes in the power of mentorship, particularly for middle school students, and sees her role as guiding them on their path to becoming successful global citizens.

A graduate of San Francisco State University, Stephanie’s most recent teaching experience was at Spanish Infusión School, where she taught middle school Spanish. This background in language education, combined with her cultural insights, enables her to create engaging and immersive learning environments.

Stephanie’s enthusiasm for education, her commitment to cultural representation, and her belief in the importance of mentorship align well with Millennium School’s innovative approach. Her ability to bring her heritage into the classroom while focusing on creating impactful learning experiences makes her a valuable asset to the school community.

Taryn Elliott

Math Guide

(she/her)

Bringing 12 years of diverse mathematics teaching experience to the Millennium team, Taryn’s expertise spans from middle school through college level instruction. Her most recent role was teaching Algebra 1 at Envision Academy, a small project-based learning high school in Oakland, where she spent five years honing her skills.

During her time at Envision Academy, Taryn developed valuable practices for building community and supporting students’ social-emotional well-being. She is enthusiastic about sharing these strategies with the Millennium community, recognizing the importance of holistic student development.

Taryn’s teaching journey began at the collegiate level, where she supported undergraduate learners as an adjunct instructor at UC Berkeley. This experience, coupled with her B.A. in Mathematics from the same institution, provides her with a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to break them down for younger students.

Further enhancing her educational expertise, Taryn holds a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Stanford University. This advanced degree equips her with cutting-edge pedagogical knowledge and strategies for effective math instruction.

As a Teaching Fellow with the Knowles Teacher Initiative, Taryn demonstrates her commitment to ongoing professional development and collaboration within the education community. This fellowship allows her to stay current with innovative teaching practices and contribute to the broader field of mathematics education.

Taryn’s combination of experience across different educational levels, her focus on project-based learning, and her dedication to students’ holistic development make her a valuable addition to the Millennium team.

Join the Millennium School team

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