A FAVORITE DAY FOR FACULTY IS GRADUATION DAY
faculty
At the cornerstone of Eastside's program is our gifted faculty, whose talents, energy, and dedication play a vital role in our students' success.
Please click to open and close faculty member bios:
April Alvarez
Alumni Services
Alumni ServicesJoined Eastside in 2007email April
April graduated from UC Berkeley and holds a MA from PACE University. Raised in California's Central Valley, she joined Teach For America after graduating from UC Berkeley , teaching third grade in New York City. Returning to California, she joined the team at Eastside, working with alumni to ensure they are successful in college and beyond.
email AprilApril graduated from UC Berkeley and holds a MA from PACE University. Raised in California's Central Valley, she joined Teach For America after graduating from UC Berkeley , teaching third grade in New York City. Returning to California, she joined the team at Eastside, working with alumni to ensure they are successful in college and beyond.
Ryan Atkins Physics, Computer Science
Physics, Computer ScienceJoined Eastside in 2003email Ryan
Ryan teaches conceptual physics, advanced physics, computer science and algebra II. Ryan has a B.S. from Stanford University where he majored in physics and minored in philosophy. He earned a master's degree in education from Stanford, where he completed the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
email RyanRyan teaches conceptual physics, advanced physics, computer science and algebra II. Ryan has a B.S. from Stanford University where he majored in physics and minored in philosophy. He earned a master's degree in education from Stanford, where he completed the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Greg Avis Math
MathJoined Eastside in 2001email Greg
Greg teaches sophomore algebra II and trigonometry. Greg earned his B.A. from Williams College and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Greg has worked as a managing partner with Summit Partners since 2005. He serves on the boards of Williams College, National Outdoor Leadership School, Community Foundation Silicon Valley, and the James Irvine Foundation.
email GregGreg teaches sophomore algebra II and trigonometry. Greg earned his B.A. from Williams College and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Greg has worked as a managing partner with Summit Partners since 2005. He serves on the boards of Williams College, National Outdoor Leadership School, Community Foundation Silicon Valley, and the James Irvine Foundation.
Carlos BaqueroSpanish
SpanishJoined Eastside in 2010email Carlos
Carlos grew up In Bogotá, Colombia and studied dentistry at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá before receiving a degree in marketing and advertising at the University Politécnico Grancolombiano. Carlos spent several years working in the advertising industry and co-owned a small company managing marketing strategies for companies in the health sector before moving to the U.S. in 2003. In the Bay Area, Carlos has worked as a private Spanish tutor for high school students and taught Spanish to executives from large companies as well as doctors and nurses.
email CarlosCarlos grew up In Bogotá, Colombia and studied dentistry at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá before receiving a degree in marketing and advertising at the University Politécnico Grancolombiano. Carlos spent several years working in the advertising industry and co-owned a small company managing marketing strategies for companies in the health sector before moving to the U.S. in 2003. In the Bay Area, Carlos has worked as a private Spanish tutor for high school students and taught Spanish to executives from large companies as well as doctors and nurses.
Brian BeldingHistory, Government, Girls' Volleyball
History, Government, Girls' VolleyballJoined Eastside in 2008email Brian
Brian, a native of San Francisco, teaches freshman world history and sophomore modern United States history, and coaches the girls' volleyball team. Brian majored in prelaw and history at the University of the Pacific in Stockton where he played NCAA Division 1 volleyball, and earned his B.A. from San Francisco State University. He received his California teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Brian has taught history, English, and psychology, as well as coaching volleyball, at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo.
email BrianBrian, a native of San Francisco, teaches freshman world history and sophomore modern United States history, and coaches the girls' volleyball team. Brian majored in prelaw and history at the University of the Pacific in Stockton where he played NCAA Division 1 volleyball, and earned his B.A. from San Francisco State University. He received his California teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Brian has taught history, English, and psychology, as well as coaching volleyball, at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo.
Chris Bischof Principal
PrincipalFounded Eastside in 1996email Chris
Chris is the principal of Eastside College Preparatory School. He attended Stanford University and received a B.A. in history and a master's degree in education through the Stanford Teacher Education Program. Prior to founding Eastside, Chris spent several years teaching in the Ravenswood City School District and working with students from East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park in an after-school program dedicated to helping them reach their full academic potential.
email ChrisChris is the principal of Eastside College Preparatory School. He attended Stanford University and received a B.A. in history and a master's degree in education through the Stanford Teacher Education Program. Prior to founding Eastside, Chris spent several years teaching in the Ravenswood City School District and working with students from East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park in an after-school program dedicated to helping them reach their full academic potential.
Donovan BlytheGirls' Basketball
Girls' BasketballJoined Eastside in 2007email Donovan
Donovan learned to love basketball when he moved to the U.S. from Jamaica at age 12 and ultimately received a basketball scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. After moving to California, Donovan opened a group home for young people while also coaching players bound for professional teams. In 1997, he established The Second Chance Project which promotes the importance of self-esteem and achievement in school by providing tutorial services and positive role models. Throughout the years his work has been affiliated with the Bay Area Youth Home Facilities, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Peninsula Youth Basketball Camp/Blythe's Basketball Camp.
email DonovanDonovan learned to love basketball when he moved to the U.S. from Jamaica at age 12 and ultimately received a basketball scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. After moving to California, Donovan opened a group home for young people while also coaching players bound for professional teams. In 1997, he established The Second Chance Project which promotes the importance of self-esteem and achievement in school by providing tutorial services and positive role models. Throughout the years his work has been affiliated with the Bay Area Youth Home Facilities, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Peninsula Youth Basketball Camp/Blythe's Basketball Camp.
Sarah BroudyEnglish, College Readiness, Learning Resource
English, College Readiness, Learning ResourceJoined Eastside in 2009email Sarah
Sarah received her BA in English from Stanford and her Masters from the Stanford Teachers Education Program (STEP). Raised in Seattle WA, she taught pre-school and English in the Seattle area, where she was raised and also competed in crew at a national level. Sarah is interested in helping students develop analysis tools with which to view literature and the world around them.
email SarahSarah received her BA in English from Stanford and her Masters from the Stanford Teachers Education Program (STEP). Raised in Seattle WA, she taught pre-school and English in the Seattle area, where she was raised and also competed in crew at a national level. Sarah is interested in helping students develop analysis tools with which to view literature and the world around them.
Elizabeth BucknerWeekend Resident Fellow
Weekend Resident FellowJoined Eastside in 2009email Elizabeth
Elizabeth Buckner grew up in rural Virginia, where she used to do long division with sidewalk- chalk while waiting for the bus. She graduated with Highest Honors from Swarthmore College in 2006 with a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Educational Studies. Elizabeth was a Fulbright Scholar to Morocco in 2006-2007 and is currently a PhD Candidate in International/ Comparative Education at Stanford University. Elizabeth came to be a Weekend Resident Fellow at Eastside after her husband Simo Taoufik, (our Middle School PE teacher) proposed the idea of living on Eastside’s campus.
email Elizabeth
Elizabeth Buckner grew up in rural Virginia, where she used to do long division with sidewalk- chalk while waiting for the bus. She graduated with Highest Honors from Swarthmore College in 2006 with a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Educational Studies. Elizabeth was a Fulbright Scholar to Morocco in 2006-2007 and is currently a PhD Candidate in International/ Comparative Education at Stanford University. Elizabeth came to be a Weekend Resident Fellow at Eastside after her husband Simo Taoufik, (our Middle School PE teacher) proposed the idea of living on Eastside’s campus.
David Chaidez Music
Music Joined Eastside in 2007email David
A native of San Jose, David received his B.A. in jazz/world music studies from San Jose State University. Before college, he studied music for three years under the tutelage of Grammy-nominated pianist/arranger Phil Mattson at the School For Music Vocations in Iowa, receiving his degree in professional music. David has performed as a featured soloist at several prestigious venues, including the Nice Jazz Festival in France and the Monterey Jazz Festival. David has played in jazz combos, salsa groups, soul bands, vocal jazz groups, a cappella groups, and classical ensembles. In 2002, he formed the Brazilian trio Agua Na Boca. In 2006, he put together the Higher Ground Players, a soul/hip-hop group dedicated to positivity and creative expression. In addition, he plays with his jazz group, the David Chaidez Quintet. David is Director of Music for Hope Lutheran in Santa Clara and a studio vocalist, and also gives private lessons in voice and piano.
email DavidA native of San Jose, David received his B.A. in jazz/world music studies from San Jose State University. Before college, he studied music for three years under the tutelage of Grammy-nominated pianist/arranger Phil Mattson at the School For Music Vocations in Iowa, receiving his degree in professional music. David has performed as a featured soloist at several prestigious venues, including the Nice Jazz Festival in France and the Monterey Jazz Festival. David has played in jazz combos, salsa groups, soul bands, vocal jazz groups, a cappella groups, and classical ensembles. In 2002, he formed the Brazilian trio Agua Na Boca. In 2006, he put together the Higher Ground Players, a soul/hip-hop group dedicated to positivity and creative expression. In addition, he plays with his jazz group, the David Chaidez Quintet. David is Director of Music for Hope Lutheran in Santa Clara and a studio vocalist, and also gives private lessons in voice and piano.
Darren ChanMath and Verbal Reasoning, Resident Fellow
Math and Verbal Reasoning, Resident FellowJoined Eastside in 2006email Darren
Darren grew up in Temple City, California, east of Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in English and a minor in education studies. At UCLA, he was involved in leadership activities, serving as a resident assistant in the dorms and as vice president of the undergraduate student council. He earned his M.A. in Education and secondary teaching credential through the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
email DarrenDarren grew up in Temple City, California, east of Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in English and a minor in education studies. At UCLA, he was involved in leadership activities, serving as a resident assistant in the dorms and as vice president of the undergraduate student council. He earned his M.A. in Education and secondary teaching credential through the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Holly ChenetteSpanish
SpanishJoined Eastside in 1998email Holly
Holly teaches Spanish IV, Español para hispanohablantes, and AP Spanish language and literature. She holds a master's degree in Spanish literature from Indiana University and a California teaching credential with CLAD emphasis. Before coming to Eastside, she taught at Menlo-Atherton High School and St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley.
email HollyHolly teaches Spanish IV, Español para hispanohablantes, and AP Spanish language and literature. She holds a master's degree in Spanish literature from Indiana University and a California teaching credential with CLAD emphasis. Before coming to Eastside, she taught at Menlo-Atherton High School and St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley.
Marianne Chowning-DrayMath
MathJoined Eastside in 2007email Marianne
Marianne is a native of Palo Alto, and has been teaching math for more than 20 years. She completed her masters in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP), then taught in Vermont and Washington before coming back to California where she taught in the Palo Alto Unified School District for 10 years.
email MarianneMarianne is a native of Palo Alto, and has been teaching math for more than 20 years. She completed her masters in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP), then taught in Vermont and Washington before coming back to California where she taught in the Palo Alto Unified School District for 10 years.
Linda CuckovichResident Fellow
Resident FellowJoined Eastside in 2009email Linda
Linda grew up in Sacramento. She graduated from Harvard with a major in German and American Literature. She earned her master's. in secondary education from the University of Alabama while teaching at a bilingual school in Quito, Ecuador.
email LindaLinda grew up in Sacramento. She graduated from Harvard with a major in German and American Literature. She earned her master's. in secondary education from the University of Alabama while teaching at a bilingual school in Quito, Ecuador.
Blythe DuffieldMiddle School Humanities
Middle School HumanitiesJoined Eastside in 2003email Blythe
Blythe teaches seventh and eighth grade humanities. She grew up in California and Oregon, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in English and Italian. After college, Blythe went to work for a non-profit consulting firm in the Bay Area, and served as a volunteer literacy tutor at the Tenderloin Recreation Center in San Francisco, where she fell in love with teaching. Blythe returned to school at Stanford University, where she earned her master's in education and secondary teaching credential in English.
email BlytheBlythe teaches seventh and eighth grade humanities. She grew up in California and Oregon, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in English and Italian. After college, Blythe went to work for a non-profit consulting firm in the Bay Area, and served as a volunteer literacy tutor at the Tenderloin Recreation Center in San Francisco, where she fell in love with teaching. Blythe returned to school at Stanford University, where she earned her master's in education and secondary teaching credential in English.
Tori EichleayEnglish, Boys' Volleyball
English, Boys' VolleyballJoined Eastside in 2003email Tori
Tori grew up in Littleton, Colorado and graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia with a B.A. in English and politics. At Washington and Lee, she played on the volleyball and tennis teams. She earned her master of arts in education and her secondary school teaching credential from the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
email ToriTori grew up in Littleton, Colorado and graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia with a B.A. in English and politics. At Washington and Lee, she played on the volleyball and tennis teams. She earned her master of arts in education and her secondary school teaching credential from the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Linda FiloArt, Yearbook
Art, YearbookJoined Eastside in 2006email Linda
Linda comes to Eastside from New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a B.F.A. from Louisiana Tech University and M.A.in art education from the University of New Mexico. She worked as an artist in New York City and has taught visual arts in Albuquerque and New Orleans middle and high schools.
email LindaLinda comes to Eastside from New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a B.F.A. from Louisiana Tech University and M.A.in art education from the University of New Mexico. She worked as an artist in New York City and has taught visual arts in Albuquerque and New Orleans middle and high schools.
Paulina FloresResident Fellow
Resident FellowJoined Eastside in 2007email Paulina
Paulina graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, earned her B.A. from Wesleyan University and her master's in education from Harvard’s School of Education. She has dedicated her career to encouraging academic excellence among youth from underserved backgrounds in various capacities, including as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and as a community liaison.
email PaulinaPaulina graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, earned her B.A. from Wesleyan University and her master's in education from Harvard’s School of Education. She has dedicated her career to encouraging academic excellence among youth from underserved backgrounds in various capacities, including as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and as a community liaison.
Juan Grau Math
MathJoined Eastside in 2007email Juan
Juan grew up in Mexico City, and has also lived in Brazil, Cuba and Puerto Rico. He received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Rice University, and a M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Juan enjoyed a career at Hewlett-Packard developing telecommunications, radar and satellite equipment; then at Proxim where he was the VP of Engineering, developing wireless technology that later became Wi-Fi.
email JuanJuan grew up in Mexico City, and has also lived in Brazil, Cuba and Puerto Rico. He received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Rice University, and a M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Juan enjoyed a career at Hewlett-Packard developing telecommunications, radar and satellite equipment; then at Proxim where he was the VP of Engineering, developing wireless technology that later became Wi-Fi.
Cristina IsaacWeekend Resident Fellow
Weekend Resident FellowJoined Eastside in 2010email Cristina
Cristina was born and raised in Palo Alto, CA. After graduating from Los Altos High School, she went on to get a BA in psychology with an emphasis in child development. Before joining Eastside, Cristina was a case manager for a San Mateo county mental health program for youth, as well as a life skills facilitator for at risk youth at Menlo Atherton high school.
email CristinaCristina was born and raised in Palo Alto, CA. After graduating from Los Altos High School, she went on to get a BA in psychology with an emphasis in child development. Before joining Eastside, Cristina was a case manager for a San Mateo county mental health program for youth, as well as a life skills facilitator for at risk youth at Menlo Atherton high school.
Stacy IshigakiEnglish, Senior Research Institute
English, Senior Research InstituteJoined Eastside in 2007email Stacy
Stacy grew up in the East Bay and attended college at UCLA. Studying English and education, she became interested in using literature to help people better understand their world and themselves. She earned her M.A. in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
email StacyStacy grew up in the East Bay and attended college at UCLA. Studying English and education, she became interested in using literature to help people better understand their world and themselves. She earned her M.A. in the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Jennifer Johnson Middle School Science, Math
Middle School Science, MathJoined Eastside in 2005email Jen
Jen is a Bay Area native and graduated from UC Santa Barbara where she played on the UCSB rugby team. She earned her master’s degree in education from Stanford.
email JenJen is a Bay Area native and graduated from UC Santa Barbara where she played on the UCSB rugby team. She earned her master’s degree in education from Stanford.
Shaneka JulianSpanish, Middle School Reading Group
Spanish, Middle School Reading GroupJoined Eastside in 2000email Shaneka
Shaneka teaches Spanish I, II and III, as well as sixth grade reading. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). She was born and raised in East Palo Alto. In 2000 she graduated from Stanford, where she majored in sociology and minored in Spanish and history. For four years she worked for the East Palo Alto Stanford Academy as counselor, coordinator, and co-director. She served as a teacher's assistant for the Ravenswood City School District for two years and as a tutor at both Eastside and the 49ers Academy.
email ShanekaShaneka teaches Spanish I, II and III, as well as sixth grade reading. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). She was born and raised in East Palo Alto. In 2000 she graduated from Stanford, where she majored in sociology and minored in Spanish and history. For four years she worked for the East Palo Alto Stanford Academy as counselor, coordinator, and co-director. She served as a teacher's assistant for the Ravenswood City School District for two years and as a tutor at both Eastside and the 49ers Academy.
Helen KimVice Principal, AP Economics
Vice Principal, AP EconomicsFounded Eastside in 1996email Helen
A graduate of Stanford University, Helen has a B.A. in history and economics. She also holds a master's degree in education from the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) and a California teaching credential. She taught English, social studies and English as a second language at Homestead High School in the Fremont Union High School District for four years before coming to Eastside as a founding faculty member in 1996.
email HelenA graduate of Stanford University, Helen has a B.A. in history and economics. She also holds a master's degree in education from the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) and a California teaching credential. She taught English, social studies and English as a second language at Homestead High School in the Fremont Union High School District for four years before coming to Eastside as a founding faculty member in 1996.
Joyce LiouMath
MathJoined Eastside in 2003email Joyce
Joyce teaches algebra 1 and precalculus. She graduated from Stanford with a B.S. in chemical engineering and continued for an M.S. in management science and engineering. After various internships in the engineering world, she decided to pursue a passion for teaching.
email JoyceJoyce teaches algebra 1 and precalculus. She graduated from Stanford with a B.S. in chemical engineering and continued for an M.S. in management science and engineering. After various internships in the engineering world, she decided to pursue a passion for teaching.
Franklin "Buck" MatthewsWeekend Resident Fellow, Boys' Basketball
Weekend Resident Fellow, Boys' BasketballJoined Eastside in 2010email Franklin
Buck Matthews graduated from Sonoma State University with a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education. He grew up in East Palo Alto and is an alum of Eastside's class of 2003. Buck returns to Eastside as a residential fellow for the dorms, assistant coach for the boys high school boys basketball team and representative for admissions.
email FranklinBuck Matthews graduated from Sonoma State University with a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education. He grew up in East Palo Alto and is an alum of Eastside's class of 2003. Buck returns to Eastside as a residential fellow for the dorms, assistant coach for the boys high school boys basketball team and representative for admissions.
Christine Mueller Fitness and Conditioning
Fitness and ConditioningJoined Eastside in 2000email Christine
Christine holds a B.S. in nutrition and physical fitness from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She is a certified athletic trainer, a certified performance enhancement specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and a certified sports safety instructor from the American Red Cross. She also works as the athletic trainer for St Francis High School.
email ChristineChristine holds a B.S. in nutrition and physical fitness from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She is a certified athletic trainer, a certified performance enhancement specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and a certified sports safety instructor from the American Red Cross. She also works as the athletic trainer for St Francis High School.
Marlene MullinBiology, Chemistry
Biology, ChemistryJoined Eastside in 2002email Marlene
Marlene teaches chemistry, biology, and advanced biology. Marlene received her undergraduate degree in biology and biochemistry from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She then earned her master's of secondary education from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. Marlene taught chemistry for one year at a small school in Pennsylvania before coming to Eastside.
email MarleneMarlene teaches chemistry, biology, and advanced biology. Marlene received her undergraduate degree in biology and biochemistry from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She then earned her master's of secondary education from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. Marlene taught chemistry for one year at a small school in Pennsylvania before coming to Eastside.
Suney Park Sixth Grade
Sixth GradeJoined Eastside in 2005email Suney
Suney has an undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. Suney taught at both the elementary and middle school levels in Chicago and San Diego, and also has experience teaching adult English education in Korea.
email SuneySuney has an undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. Suney taught at both the elementary and middle school levels in Chicago and San Diego, and also has experience teaching adult English education in Korea.
Amy ReillyEnglish
EnglishJoined Eastside in 2001email Amy
Amy graduated with a B.A. in English from Stanford and after some time working in Silicon Valley, returned to Stanford's Teacher Education Program (STEP), graduating with her M.A. in education. In addition to teaching Writing for College, Amy serves as a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) site mentor for new teachers.
email AmyAmy graduated with a B.A. in English from Stanford and after some time working in Silicon Valley, returned to Stanford's Teacher Education Program (STEP), graduating with her M.A. in education. In addition to teaching Writing for College, Amy serves as a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) site mentor for new teachers.
Bob ReklisMath
MathJoined Eastside in 2010email Bob
Bob has a PhD in physics from Montana State University, a Masters in Liberal Arts from Stanford and a B.S. in physics from St. Lawrence University. He earned a credential to teach math, physics and industrial and technology education from San Jose State. Before teaching he worked in industry for more than 30 years.
email BobBob has a PhD in physics from Montana State University, a Masters in Liberal Arts from Stanford and a B.S. in physics from St. Lawrence University. He earned a credential to teach math, physics and industrial and technology education from San Jose State. Before teaching he worked in industry for more than 30 years.
Josh Smith Photography
PhotographyJoined Eastside in 2007email Josh
Originally from Missouri, Josh earned his MFA degree in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. Josh has exhibited his photography throughout the United States and was the recipient of the John Collier Photography Award in 2007.
email JoshOriginally from Missouri, Josh earned his MFA degree in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. Josh has exhibited his photography throughout the United States and was the recipient of the John Collier Photography Award in 2007.
Mikala StreeterEngineering
EngineeringJoined Eastside in 2010email Mikala
Mikala teaches AP Computer Science, and as a part of the Eastside Institute of Engineering, she also teaches Fundamentals of Engineering and Architecture. Mikala has a B.S. from MIT where she majored in Computer Science and minored in Applied International Studies, with a focus on Spanish language. After college, she worked as a software engineer for a large software company based in the Bay Area. After several years in the software industry, Mikala began tutoring math at Eastside, where she fell in love with teaching and with Eastside.
email MikalaMikala teaches AP Computer Science, and as a part of the Eastside Institute of Engineering, she also teaches Fundamentals of Engineering and Architecture. Mikala has a B.S. from MIT where she majored in Computer Science and minored in Applied International Studies, with a focus on Spanish language. After college, she worked as a software engineer for a large software company based in the Bay Area. After several years in the software industry, Mikala began tutoring math at Eastside, where she fell in love with teaching and with Eastside.
Jaya SubramanianEconomics
EconomicsJoined Eastside in 2010email Jaya
Jaya was born in Chennai (former Madras), India and received her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Madras. She moved to San Jose, California in 1993 and received her Master's degree and Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. Jaya taught AP Economics, World History, and Global Women's Issues at Presentation High School, San Jose for ten years.
email JayaJaya was born in Chennai (former Madras), India and received her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Madras. She moved to San Jose, California in 1993 and received her Master's degree and Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. Jaya taught AP Economics, World History, and Global Women's Issues at Presentation High School, San Jose for ten years.
Elisabeth RubinfienJournalism
JournalismJoined Eastside in 2009email Elisabeth
Elisabeth is a graduate of Pomona College and holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Before joining Eastside, Elisabeth worked as a professional reporter and editor for more than 20 years, including as Metro Editor at the San Jose Mercury News and as a foreign correspondent in Russia and Japan for the Wall Street Journal.
email ElisabethElisabeth is a graduate of Pomona College and holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Before joining Eastside, Elisabeth worked as a professional reporter and editor for more than 20 years, including as Metro Editor at the San Jose Mercury News and as a foreign correspondent in Russia and Japan for the Wall Street Journal.
Anna Takahashi College Counseling
College CounselingJoined Eastside in 2006email Anna
Anna grew up in New York and attended Brown University, graduating with a dual concentration in history and public policy. She worked in the Admissions Office at Stanford University where she served as liaison to the Asian American/Pacific Islander community, coordinated the admission process for international applicants, and worked in recruitment and yield efforts for students underrepresented in higher education.
email AnnaAnna grew up in New York and attended Brown University, graduating with a dual concentration in history and public policy. She worked in the Admissions Office at Stanford University where she served as liaison to the Asian American/Pacific Islander community, coordinated the admission process for international applicants, and worked in recruitment and yield efforts for students underrepresented in higher education.
Renee TrochetMath
MathJoined Eastside in 2010email Renee
Renee is originally from Sacramento. She attended Stanford University, where she received a B.S. in Symbolic Systems, a combination of computer science, philosophy, psychology, and linguistics. She earned her M.A. in Education and secondary teaching credential through the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). Before coming to Eastside, Renee taught math in San Jose.
email ReneeRenee is originally from Sacramento. She attended Stanford University, where she received a B.S. in Symbolic Systems, a combination of computer science, philosophy, psychology, and linguistics. She earned her M.A. in Education and secondary teaching credential through the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). Before coming to Eastside, Renee taught math in San Jose.
Mohammed (Simo) TaoufikMiddle School P.E., Girls' JV Volleyball, Boys' Volleyball
Middle School P.E., Girls' JV Volleyball, Boys' Volleyball Joined Eastside in 2009email Simo
Simo received his degree in English Literature from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. He played volleyball professionally for the FUS team in Rabat, and was the setter of the Moroccan national team at the Olympic qualifier in South Africa. He moved to the United States in early 2009 and became the coach of the Stanford Volleyball Club team as well as the Assistant Coach for the Eastside Boy's Volleyball team. Today, as the Middle School P.E. teacher he continues as Assistant Coach and also is Coach of the Junior Varsity Girls' Volleyball team.
email SimoSimo received his degree in English Literature from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. He played volleyball professionally for the FUS team in Rabat, and was the setter of the Moroccan national team at the Olympic qualifier in South Africa. He moved to the United States in early 2009 and became the coach of the Stanford Volleyball Club team as well as the Assistant Coach for the Eastside Boy's Volleyball team. Today, as the Middle School P.E. teacher he continues as Assistant Coach and also is Coach of the Junior Varsity Girls' Volleyball team.
Adam WilsonEnglish, Senior Research Institute
English, Senior Research InstituteJoined Eastside in 2010email Adam
Adam grew up in Kirkwood, MO and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a B.A. in English and Psychology. After Miami, he earned his master of arts in teaching from Webster University in St. Louis. At Eastside, Adam teaches World Literature and Senior Research Institute.
email AdamAdam grew up in Kirkwood, MO and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a B.A. in English and Psychology. After Miami, he earned his master of arts in teaching from Webster University in St. Louis. At Eastside, Adam teaches World Literature and Senior Research Institute.
Judy WongStudent Services Coordinator
Student Services CoordinatorJoined Eastside in 2010email Judy
Judy joins Eastside as the Student Services Coordinator, sharing and monitoring learning opportunities through summer enrichment, community service and tutoring, as well as through instructing Humanities Resource classes. Aside from attending college at the University of Puget Sound and pursuing a graduate degree in School Counseling at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Judy has called Northern California home. She has committed more than a decade to advancing college access and success for historically under-represented students, which drew her to the talented students and faculty at Eastside.
email JudyJudy joins Eastside as the Student Services Coordinator, sharing and monitoring learning opportunities through summer enrichment, community service and tutoring, as well as through instructing Humanities Resource classes. Aside from attending college at the University of Puget Sound and pursuing a graduate degree in School Counseling at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Judy has called Northern California home. She has committed more than a decade to advancing college access and success for historically under-represented students, which drew her to the talented students and faculty at Eastside.
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