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Louise Bedsworth | Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.S., Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Ph.D. in Energy and Resources, both from the University of California at Berkeley.
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Louise Bedsworth is the Executive Director of the California Strategic Growth Council, a state agency that brings together multiple agencies and departments to support sustainable communities emphasizing strong economies, social equity and environmental stewardship. Prior to joining SGC, Louise was the Deputy Director of the Office of Planning and Research in Governor Jerry Brown’s office. At OPR she led work on a number of collaborative research initiatives and climate change adaptation and resilience, including development of the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program and implementation of the State’s $70 million grant awarded under the National Disaster Resilience Competition. Before joining OPR in 2011, Louise was a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, where her work focused on climate change adaptation, local government action on climate change, and transportation. She has also held positions at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Redefining Progress, and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis.
Personal Statement: Our family loves being part of the Redwood Day community. I have been thrilled with the academic, social, and emotional experience each of our children is having at Redwood Day. The school has provided a warm and nurturing environment and has been incredibly thoughtful in engaging our kids and helping them navigate many of the challenging issues going on in the world around us today. I feel like we have a true partner in helping our kids to become prepared, thoughtful, and engaged people.
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Isavane Samanna | Vice Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Social Science (Hons), University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Isavane Samanna is an experienced Human Capital Sales professional with Deloitte Consulting, with a focus on Human Capital Management software and professional services. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with companies in a variety of industry sectors to redesign global HR business processes with a focus on best practices, streamlining work effort and the implementation of HR systems.
Isavane has sat on the Board of Blueskies for Children and DiversityWorks – both Oakland based organizations. During her tenure on these Boards, Isavane’s focus was on organizational development and process improvement.
Isavane lives in wonderful Oakland, CA with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she loves to read, cook, travel and spend time with friends and family. Isavane’s family has been part of the RD community since 2010. Since joining RDS, Isavane has co-chaired the Parent Education Committee, sat on the Nominations committee and toured prospective parents.
Personal Statement: Since joining the RD community in 2010, the Samanna Scovill’s have enjoyed the deep sense of community, a safe nurturing environment and thoughtful growth in the academic approach and curriculum at the school. The high professional standard of the teachers and staff, coupled with their down to earth attitude continues to instill confidence that Tenzin and Zarah are getting one of the best school experiences there is.
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Mar Brandt | Advancement Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.S. with Honors, International Business from the California State University, San Francisco
Mar is the Head of sales/sales leader at Experian. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in sales, driving deep client relationships and revenues through her knowledge of digital marketing technology and business development. She is a lean-in, high velocity sales leader with an award-winning career in the SaaS space, building and transforming teams to drive growth and scale. In her current role, Mar is Vice President of Americas Enterprise and Healthcare vertical sales for Sitecore, a global leader in web content management and customer experience platforms. Prior to Sitecore, Mar was SVP, Head of Sales for Experian Marketing Suite, Experian’s SaaS-based cross channel marketing platform, where she spent a 14 year career in progressive leadership roles. Mar’s experience also includes tours at various technology companies such as AT&T and DoubleClick.Her passions include family (especially sons Donovan and Kieran), food, interior design, women in technology, and volunteering at Redwood Day.
Personal statement: "As a new parent of Redwood Day, I felt compelled to learn about the broader community while contributing to the classroom, and becoming a room parent was a fantastic opportunity to do that. Being a board member of the PGA allows me to contribute to and stay involved with this amazing community and to help represent the lower school parents on topics that are important for us as parents of young students."
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John Kinnaman | Audit Task Force Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., International Studies, University of Wyoming
Masters of International Business, University of South Carolina
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John is a financial consultant for the non-profit Kaiser Permanente in the Information Technology organization. For the past four years, he has worked in Kaiser Permanente Information Technology (KPIT) and with KPIT facilities and operation. During his career at Kaiser and prior positions, he has worked on many large projects such as HealthConnect, the Kaiser electronic medical records project, and other smaller projects, as well.He has worked in several business sectors from retail to healthcare in large and small organizations. He has worked in Finance and Accounting for over twenty years in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
He lives in Oakland with his wife and two wonderful girls who attend Redwood Day. They have been part of the Redwood Day community since their daughters started attending. His wife has been a room parent and is a member of the PGA.
In his spare time, he likes to be outdoors, running or playing sports. He enjoys running half marathons every now and then (both street and trail) and spending time with his family and friends.
Personal Statement: "
Since joining Redwood Day in 2014, my wife and I have been very happy to be part of Redwood Day community. The community feeling at Redwood Day was an important factor in the decision to bring our daughters and family to the school. Redwood Day has been incredible experience for both of our daughters. They have flourished in the remarkably safe and supportive environment. We (the parents) appreciate the academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and the ‘whole child’ approach to learning at the school. Redwood Day has amazing teachers and staff, supplemented by a welcoming and active parent community; it is what makes the school what it is and why it is so special to us. I am very excited to have any opportunity to assist and contribute to the school and its community."
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Jordan Karp | Buildings & Grounds Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Economics and Philosophy, Columbia University; Masters, City Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Professional Experience: Urban Planner
Other Redwood Day involvement: Former PGA President; Fun-Run co-chair; PGA Nominations Committee; Room Parent
Jordan has over 20 years experience in urban design and transportation planning, working for government agencies and in private consulting. He has successfully managed complex planning and design projects for clients throughout North America. Jordan currently manages a group of planners and engineers at AECOM in Northern California, providing planning services to transportation agencies in the Bay Area and throughout California.
Jordan and his family live in Oakland, and both his sons attend Redwood Day. He loves the outdoors, and tries to sneak in as much time in the forest and mountains as he can. He has volunteered with a variety of youth outdoor-education and leadership-skills programs, and is active in bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.
Personal Statement: “Our family joined Redwood Day in 2013, and from the start we’ve valued the school’s approach to providing a comprehensive education that nurtures all aspects of a child’s growth. I'm excited to support Redwood Day and the fantastic community of faculty, staff and families that make this such a special place.”
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Suzanne Skipper | Finance Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
Iowa State University
After attending Iowa State University, Skip spent 20 years in investment banking, most of it with Bank of America Securities in San Francisco. She wrapped up that first chapter of her career as Head of Equity Capital Markets. In 2012 Suzanne embarked on the second chapter of her career by becoming a mortgage banker. She is currently a Sr. Director of Business Development and Mortgage Advisor at Sindeo; a San Francisco startup transforming the mortgage industry. This year Suzanne was a member of the Capital Campaign Cabinet at Redwood Day. After college, Suzanne interned with the Berkshire Hathaway Group in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a former lecturer for the Financial Management Association at San Francisco State University and for the Associate Training program at Banc of America Securities, and also a former little league head coach in Oakland. Ms. Skipper enjoys golfing, traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
“It has been amazing to see the way that Grayson and Blaise have thrived since coming to Redwood Day 4 years ago. The diversity and culture of inclusion is a great fit for them, and the rigorous academics taught by such talented teachers makes it a unique and special place that I am honored be a part of. This next phase of growth is an exciting process to be involved in.”
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Darek DeFreece | Secretary, Diversity Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Political Science, UC Berkeley, J.D. from Boston College Law School
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Darek DeFreece is the general counsel for 500 Startups, one of the world's most active early-stage venture capital firms. He has been an attorney and capital markets executive for more than 20 years.
Darek has served on the boards of numerous educational and non-profit organizations, including as a regent of the University of California, the president of the Cal Alumni Association, advisor to the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley, advisor to Quorum, an LGBT initiative designed to increase the board representation for "out" LGBT executives on public-company boards of directors, as well as a member of the finance committee for the Trevor Project, a national non-profit focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
Personal Statement: "I first toured Redwood Day in 2016, after discouraging tours of other nearby schools. I went home to my husband who asked how the latest tour went. I responded, "this is exactly what every school should look like." I wasn't wrong. It's a caring, nurturing and aware environment where our children have already had the chance to explore and live and learn to their fullest potential. Each child is celebrated for who they are and what they bring to the community - but with the view of where they can grow if allowed to."
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Christine Chen | Strategic Planning Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., International Relations, Pomona College
Christine Chen is a Partner and head of Communication Strategy at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, a full-service advertising agency. Her role focuses on brand positioning, audience development, media investments, creative development, and new business.
Over her 15+ years in advertising, Christine has led strategic thinking on a range of clients, including Adobe, Doritos, GoPro, Häagen-Dazs, Levi’s, Nest, Nickelodeon, and Twitter. She has also consulted on pro bono efforts, including an Oakland-based literacy organization, Super Stars Literacy, and a foundation using technology to fight child exploitation, Thorn.
She lives in Oakland with her husband, Rob, and two sons, Oliver and Jack, but is considering getting a female cat to balance things out. She is an avid cook and baker, fan of live sports and standup comedy, and amateur interior designer.
Personal Statement: "When we first visited in 2009, Redwood Day fit our idealized view of a school so easily. And the school has exceeded our expectations by celebrating kids for who they are, stimulating their desire to learn, and encouraging them to speak up for themselves and others. Now with two kids at Redwood Day, we have witnessed how the school has evolved while staying true to its roots. I’m excited to help Redwood Day tackle new ambitions and grow while continuing to evidence the school’s values."
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Leah McGowen-Hare | Trustees Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.S. in Computer Science and a M.S. in Technology Education
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Leah inspires people to build and create on the Salesforce Lightning Platform. She has 20+ years of experience in technology; mastering a variety of roles including Consultant, Developer, Manager and Technical Trainer. Her career reflects the evolution of computing technology. She's worked in mainframe, personal computing, client-server and cloud computing. Leah uses her knowledge and experience to demystify and make technology more accessible to youth, girls, communities of color and Veterans’ through organizations such as BlackGirls Code, Technovation, Girls Who Code, and Vetforce and was recently awarded Powerful Woman of the Bay 2016 Honoree for her efforts.
Leah is also a feathered keynote speaker at conference and panelist on panels discussing women and diversity in tech. She and her husband, Shane are the parents of twins, Simone and Quincy in the 4th grade and Desmond, an alum who is graduating from High School this year and headed off to college.
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Brandi Catanese | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent (Olivia '22 and Lily '26)
BA, UC Berkeley; PhD, Stanford University
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Brandi is currently an Associate Professor of African American Studies and Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, UC Berkeley, where she has taught since 2003. Her courses focus on African American cultural history, performance theory, and dramatic criticism. Her research focuses on the power of representation to both reflect and actively shape widely held understandings of racial identity. In addition to her teaching and research, Brandi has extensive higher ed administrative experience spanning from curricular redesign, public programming, and admissions policy to equity and campus climate work and doctoral program administration. Her hobbies include cooking, being in nature, and traveling.
Other Redwood Day Involvement: Classroom volunteering, PGA Faculty Appreciation Committee (since 2018)
Personal statement: "Redwood Day has been a fantastic fit for our family! I am honored to serve on the Board and to help ensure that the learning environment at Redwood Day continues to prepare students for their next challenges in these rapidly changing times."
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Cathy Hunter | Trustee
BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design; MEd from Loyola College with an emphasis on women in leadership
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Cathy Hunter has spent over forty years in independent school education, serving as teacher, dean, division head, head of school, trustee, and consultant. Born in London and raised in upstate New York, her career began on the east coast; after several years of teaching (Phillips Academy Andover and Maumee Valley Country Day School) she served as department chair and dean at St. Timothy’s School in Baltimore, Maryland for eleven years and Upper School Head at Head-Royce School in Oakland, California for twelve years.
Cathy was founding Head of School (2002-2016) at the San Francisco Friends School where she and her team built an exceptional program based on Quaker values, raised over twenty million dollars to transform the hundred year-old Levi-Strauss factory into an award-winning school facility, and pioneered numerous partnerships with organizations in San Francisco’s Mission district. Cathy spent the 2016-17 school year in London as a consultant at King Solomon Academy, and the following year as Interim Head of School at Marin Horizon School.
Personal Statement: "As a long-time resident of Oakland and an even-longer-time independent school educator, it is a delight to join the leadership team of Redwood Day School. The school is at once filled with a vision for the future and a grounded celebration of the "now-ness" of childhood. Redwood Day occupies an important place in the Bay Area educational landscape; I'm honored to help the school ask questions that drive its continued healthy growth and development."
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Mark Sopp | Trustee
Parent of two Redwood Day children.
BS in Design, Arizona State University School of Design
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Mark is Principal, Design Director, and member of the Board of Directors at SB Architects in San Francisco, CA and Miami, FL. specializing in Hospitality, Residential and Mixed-use projects. He is a licensed Architect in 9 states and have contributed design and planning of projects in 38 countries. His family loves the outdoors; hiking, biking, and sports. They are avidskiers.
Personal statement: I am honored to be part of the Board of Trustees and the opportunity to spend more time immersed in the Redwood Day community to understand how we can collectively continue the great work of providing a robust educational environment for our children.
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Charlie Soulis | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.A. U.C. Santa Barbara; M.S. University of Chicago
Charlie is a Senior Vice President at Charles Schwab in the risk management organization. Prior roles in financial services include fixed income portfolio manager positions at Wells Capital Management and Charles Schwab Investment Management.
Personal Statement: “Redwood Day represents so much more than a strong academic education. Global citizenship and collaboration is evident in the school’s curriculum and facilities. Unique interdisciplinary programming promotes collaboration through the science and innovation labs, arts, and music. Redwood Day is truly an exceptional place to be a student and I’m proud to support its continued growth.”
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Bryant Terry | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
M.A., American History from NYU and B.A. English from Xavier University of Louisiana
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Bryant Terry is a James Beard Award-winning chef, educator, and author renowned for his activism to create a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. He is currently in his third year as Chef-in-Residence at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco where he creates programming that celebrates the intersection of food, farming, health, activism, art, culture, and the African Diaspora. In December 2017 San Francisco Magazine included Bryant among 11 Smartest People in the Bay Area Food Scene. A year earlier, Fast Company included Bryant among 9 People Who Are Changing the Future of Food.
Bryant’s fourth book, Afro Vegan was named by amazon.com one of the best cookbooks of 2014. That December it was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Literary Work category.
Personal Statement: We chose Redwood Day because we felt that, more than any other school we considered, it reflects and reinforces the values of our family. We continue to be impressed with the school’s commitment to building and sustaining a community that is richly diverse and figuring out what a 21st century education looks like. I have been an active parent since our family joined the Redwood Day community, and I am eager to help the school continue to be on
the cutting edge of educating intelligent, compassionate, and courageous leaders.
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Elyse Whitehead | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
BA in Psychology and American Studies, with highest honors from UNC-Chapel Hill and JD, magma cum laude from UC Hastings
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Elyse is the parent of Eleanor (2nd) and Henry (K). Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Elyse obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then made the trek across the country to attend law school at UC Hastings in San Francisco. Following law school, Elyse spent a number of years in private practice at a boutique law firm. There, she made partner and focused her practice primarily on employment advice and litigation, as well as general litigation. Elyse recently made the move "in house" at a fintech company called Plaid, where she serves as its Employment & Litigation counsel.
Outside of work, Elyse enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, baking with her kids, and participating in the Leading Women in Tech leadership group.
Personal Statement: We joined Redwood Day because of the strong sense of community - a community that celebrates individual children and works to make them not only engaged learners but good people and citizens. I am thrilled to serve on the Board of Trustees and I look forward to contributing to Redwood Day's amazing community.
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Kareem Yusuf | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
Ph.D., University of Leeds, focused on Decision Support Systems for Civil Engineering construction
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Kareem Yusuf is the General Manager of Watson IoT, an IBM Business Unit focused on providing solutions that harness the power of IoT to provide insights, intelligence and innovation that help clients transform their business.
Kareem has been with IBM for 19 years and has held leadership positions in a variety of disciplines across IBM. These have included Offering Management, Software Development, SaaS Operations, Mergers & Acquisitions and Field Technical Sales. Kareem has a Ph.D from the University of Leeds, focused on Decision Support Systems for Civil Engineering construction. He maintains an active interest in all things technical, with a particular interest in digital media and programming languages. He is a TED Speaker and also the author of “Enterprise Messaging Using JMS and IBM WebSphere.
He and his wife, Patricia, live in Oakland and have two kids; Ramon who is a Redwood Day alum, and Medina, who is in the Middle School.
Personal Statement: My wife Patrica and I chose to send our kids to Redwood Day, not only for the excellent academics, but because of the inclusive and engaging community we found here. In our time here, Patricia has been very active volunteering both in and outside of the classroom, and I look forward to further extending our giveback to the Redwood Day community through participation on the board.
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Rob Zirkle | Trustee
Alumni Parent
B.Arch, U.C. Berkeley | M.Arch, Yale University
Rob Zirkle, longtime Oakland resident, is the President and CEO of brick., a 20-person architecture firm based in Emeryville. Brick’s designs outsmart conventional thinking to create lasting value for education, commercial, and multi-family housing clients.
Having studied under noted Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Glen Murcutt, Rob zeroes in on the possibilities of design—novel ideas that allow common building types to transcend the everyday. Two architectural traveling fellowships and work in China have added a global perspective to Rob’s work, specifically how urban design and architecture shape our cities as places of social and cultural exchange.
One of Rob’s greatest strengths is building connections between people, a valuable talent, both in his role as an architect and in his volunteer work. Rob is a former 3 term President of the Montclair soccer club, where he took a lead role in community engagement, field acquisition and program development. Additionally, he is an avid cyclist and along with his C510 cycling team mates and his staff at brick, he uses the love of riding bicycles as an avenue for charitable work in raising money for the Alameda County Food Bank and the City of Hope.
He is a Redwood Day School Alumni Parent, dedicated baseball dad, and dog lover. He is married to Tamara, his wife of 25 years.
Personal statement:
The pedagogical approach of Redwood Day School left such a positive imprint on our son, Gavin, and our family. The focus on the whole child at Redwood Day provides a valuable buttress to parents in shaping well-rounded young people. From the perspective of an alumni parent, seeing my son transition now to college, I feel thankful for his experience and how it helped to prepare him. I am honored and grateful to join the Board and give back to the Redwood Day community.
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John Loeser | Head of School, Ex-Officio
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Education and Psychology from Swarthmore College and a M.Ed. in School Leadership from Harvard University.
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John Loeser has been Head of Redwood Day School since 2011. Prior to Redwood Day, John was the Assistant Head of School at The Carey School in San Mateo, CA for seven years. He began his teaching career as a 5th grade teacher at Chenery Middle School in Belmont, Massachusetts and spent eight consecutive summers as an advanced mathematics instructor and Academic Dean at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, teaching students in grades 5-8 and leading a diverse faculty in the development of a rigorous academic program. John has written extensively for teachers in training and enjoys every opportunity to help new and veteran teachers hone their craft. He has led many initiatives in schools including those focused on differentiated instruction, curriculum development, faculty professional growth, diversity, social-emotional development, service learning and long-term sustainability. John holds a B.A. in Education and Psychology from Swarthmore College and a M.Ed. in School Leadership from Harvard University.
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Deann Hays | CFOO, Ex-Officio
B.S. in Accounting from Colorado State University
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Deann is a career finance professional with more than 20 years of financial management experience developed in both public accounting and private sector environments. She joined Redwood Day as the school’s CFOO in July of 2018. Prior to working at Redwood Day, Deann spent approximately five years as the Finance Director of the American Community School of Abu Dhabi. She holds a BS in accounting from Colorado State University and is a licensed CPA.
Deann thoroughly enjoys working at Redwood Day and loves the energy and enthusiasm of the students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travel, exercise and spending time with family and friends.
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Megan Larson | PGA President
Redwood Day Parent
BA in Political Science, University of Notre Dame; JD, University of Oregon School of Law
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Professional Experience: Web Designer
Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent, Book Fair Co-Chair, Library Committee
Megan moved to the Bay Area in 2000 and worked for many years in technology. She lives in Oakland with her husband, Zach, their 5th-grade daughter, Ramsey, and their dog, Sampson. Megan spent three years as a Book Fair co-chair, as well as being a room parent in first grade and serving on the library committee. In her spare time, she is a preschool storytime reader through the Oakland Public Library and leads Ramsey's girl scout troop. She also enjoys reading and crafting.
Personal Statement: "During our kindergarten search, we were thrilled to find Redwood Day, which seemed to have the perfect emphasis on socio-emotional development while also maintaining a carefully considered approach to academics. Every expectation has been met or exceeded for us by the school and the Redwood Day community has become an important part of our lives. I am pleased to have the opportunity to give back and invest in its future."
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Kayla Stoler | Faculty Trustee
6/7th Grade History Teacher, 7th Grade Advisor
BA, College of Social Studies, Wesleyan University
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Kayla has taught History and been an advisor at Redwood Day since ???. In her spare time, she enjoys weaving and painting. Her other Redwood Day Involvement includes being a member of WARE (White Advocates for Racial Equity), SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity), and the Equity & Inclusion Task Force
Hobbies – weaving, painting
Personal Statement: "As an educator, I know that moments of discomfort often lead to the greatest growth and learning for my students. I love Redwood Day because our school embraces this belief more globally."
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Rhonda Smith | Faculty Trustee
Parent of Theo (5th grade)
Bay Area educated - Kindergarten through UC Berkeley; BS in Psychology and Social Welfare; Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
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3rd Grade Teacher at Redwood Day for 11 years; Previously taught for Oakland Unified and Goleta Unified School Districts for 10 years.
Personal Statement: "Being a part of the Redwood Day faculty has been a huge part of me over the last 11 years. My role has been to nurture the next generation to grow into thinkers and decision-makers who will build a better world. And now, I look forward to extending my role and collaborating with a whole new branch of the Redwood Day community."
