Faculty & Staff
At Khan Lab School, we believe that everyone’s a teacher and everyone’s a student.
Our faculty and staff are experts in their respective fields and enthusiastic collaborators who enjoy sharing their deep content knowledge and research interests with the community. Members of our team model what it means to be a life-long learner and work to ensure that students discover their passions and develop the skills they need to pursue them. As members of a lab school, we never stop learning, and we never stop innovating to create the highest quality learning experiences for our students!
Alexandra Adler
History Specialist
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Alexandra Adler
History Specialist
Upper School
Alexandra received her BA in History of Art & Architecture from the University of Santa Barbara and is about to complete a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. After working as an Archivist at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where she taught college-level courses and learned in-depth about historical research practices, Alexandra decided to pursue a career in education as a history teacher. Currently an eleventh grade US history teacher at Nipomo High School, Alexandra uses project-based learning and primary source analysis to make learning come alive for her students. Although she has primarily worked with high school students, she is looking forward to taking on a new role at KLS as a middle school history teacher. She has already utilized Khanmigo and other AI to enhance the educational experience for students and she looks forward to taking our middle school students to archives in the area.
Kate Anthony
Chief Financial Officer
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Kate Anthony
Chief Financial Officer
Formerly the COO at ASU, Learning Enterprise, Kate brings a deep background in finance, strategic planning, and operations/legal compliance to her new role as CFO at KLS. She has designed, implemented, and overseen organization-wide strategic planning including multi-year forecasts to inform decision making. Prior to ASU, Kate was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey and Company, where she led comprehensive strategic and financial transformations in the education and public sectors. Kate holds a B.Sc. from Georgetown and a MSc. from Oxford.
Rasha Barakat
Humanities Specialist & Advisor
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Rasha Barakat
Humanities Specialist & Advisor
Lower School
Rasha was born in the Middle East and immigrated, with her family, to the United States as a child. After receiving a degree in Anthropology, Rasha decided to move back to the Middle East to delve into the rich culture. While there, she taught for several years at an international school while simultaneously working with the UNHCR to provide sustenance and support for Iraqi refugees. Having taught overseas and in the Bay Area, Rasha has over fourteen years of classroom teaching experience. She views her classroom as an experiential, imaginative workshop where students are consistently inspired and creating.
Rasha loves swimming, strolling through the redwoods, and spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer Battad
Assistant Director of Admissions
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Jennifer Battad
Administration
Marie-Hélène Bauguil
Art Specialist
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Marie-Hélène Bauguil
Lower School
When she is not working or passionately advocating for arts education, Marie-Hélène enjoys nature hikes, cooking for family and friends, visiting museums and galleries, and caring for her flower garden.
Jennifer Chapa
Director of Admissions and Registrar
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Jennifer Chapa
Jennifer earned a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Earlham College, an MSc in Human Resource Management and Training from the University of Leicester (UK) and a Diploma in Psychology from the Open University (UK). She is a Certified Admission and Enrollment Professional (CAEP) with the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP).
Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hula, period dramas, bold coffee, and a day out at a museum. She also follows European and Premier League football (Arsenal, Go Gunners!) and has been known to cheer too loudly at her two sons' soccer matches.
Keenan Chau
Data Manager
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Keenan Chau
Keenan Chau
Data Manager
Administration
Chi-Ray Chien
Head of Operations & Technology
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Chi-Ray Chien
Head of Operations and Technology
Administration
Chi-Ray graduated from Stanford University with B.A. and M.S. degrees in Biomechanical Engineering. He spent a few years applying his studies as General Manager for a local company, prototyping and manufacturing coronary stents. Soon, he decided to pursue his interest in system thinking, and he became an operations generalist for small-to-mid-sized organizations. Chi-Ray has held a number of roles similar to what he does at KLS, including serving as Director of Operations, Technology, and Facilities at a large church in Boston; working as Program Director for the Digital Media Academy at Stanford; and most recently, working as Director of IT and Employee Services at One Kings Lane (the online home goods retailer). In his spare time, Chi-Ray has been known to lead scouts, root for the New England Patriots, play banjo, listen to country music, wish he had a pick-up truck, and dream of seeing the U.S. on an extended RV trip with his wife, Erica, and kids, Timothy and Megan. You'd never guess he was born in Boston and raised in L.A. Chi-Ray has been a member of the KLS team since its founding in 2014.
Julia Doscher
STEM Specialist
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Julia Doscher
Lower School
When not at school or commuting to and from San Francisco, Julia is an avid cyclist and a Bananagrams champion.
Kim Dow
Executive Director
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Kim Dow
Executive Director
Administration
With more than two decades of experience in schools, research, and business environments, Kim is the KLS Executive Director. Most recently, she was the Chief of Academics at US Performance Academy — an online middle-high school for elite athletes. During her career, she has held key leadership roles at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, National Sports Academy, Emergent Academy and LRN. She has also been a consultant for a wide range of companies and organizations. Kim holds a B.S. in Physics from Marlboro College, an M.S. in Astrophysics from the University of Arizona, and an M.Ed from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Hannah Drbal
Kindergarten Teacher
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Hannah Drbal
Kindergarten Teacher
Lower School
Hannah Drbal was born and raised in the Bay Area. She joined Khan Lab School in the Fall of 2020 as an Associate and Science Teacher and she has enjoyed her time since then at KLS as Kindergarten Advisor. Hannah graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Behavioral Sciences. She completed a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters of Education. She is especially interested in progressing her knowledge in the teaching of reading and writing among English Language Learners.
Hannah has a background in teaching therapeutic horseback riding, working with occupational therapists, swim instructor, as a teacher's aide, and most recently taught music at a community center for many years. In her free time, Hannah loves to spend time with her horse, exercise, and write music.
Nick Fera
Humanities & Extended Day Specialist
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Nick Fera
Humanities & Extended Day Specialist
Upper School
Marcus Fong
Marketing Manager
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Marcus Fong
Marketing Manager
Administration
Marcus is a product of the Bay Area, though he really loves all of California as he worked for over a decade in the sports and hospitality industries across Los Angeles and San Francisco before coming to KLS. While Marcus could spend days talking about the things he has seen while working in entertainment, he equally enjoys working with students who want to learn more about the latest digital technologies. When Marcus isn’t in front of a computer at KLS, you can find him in front of a computer somewhere else!
Julie Glusker
Director of College Counseling & Community Engagement
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Julie Glusker
Director of College Counseling & Community Engagement
Administration
Julie joins KLS from US Performance Academy (USPA), an online high school for elite student athletes globally where she served in various leadership roles, including Director of College Counseling, Chief of Academics, and Head of School. Prior to USPA, Julie was the Director of Athlete Career & Education at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, advising and managing the academic, college, funding, career, and transition needs and goals for more than 400 national team student athletes.
Julie earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and M.A. from Middlebury College's Bread School of English. She formerly taught and coached at Hackley School, The Masters School, and Oakley School. She also founded Aim Advising (college counseling), Aptitude Academics (test prep, tutoring, college counseling), and Park Record Spelling Bee, served on Park City Education Foundation, and coached Park City Lacrosse, Utah Mamaci and Tenacity Project.
Jeremi Grimaldo
Office Administrator & Executive Assistant
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Jeremi Grimaldo
Lower School Administration
Jeremi is a Bay Area native whose passion revolves around children. Her 2 daughters and 2 sons attend a parent participation school in Saratoga. Her oldest son is a sophomore in High School. For the past 12 years she has been an integral part of their development. Volunteering in the classrooms, chaperoning on field trips, and coordinating schedules comprise her experience. In her spare time, Jeremi enjoys taking trips to the beach with her husband and 5 kids. They're an active family who play sports, go for hikes and take day trips to local parks and museums. She also loves to hang with her friends exploring new eateries.
Laura Haney
Upper School Director
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Laura Haney
Upper School Director
Administration
Serving most recently as the STEM Academy Dean at Saint Monica Preparatory, Laura Haney has held a number of school leadership positions in independent schools in addition to teaching high school Physics. At Saint Monica Preparatory, she trained teachers across the school in Project Based Learning approaches and developed STEM-oriented experiential learning opportunities. As a founding science department chair at Sequoyah School she taught a series of science classes including Physics, Astrobiology, Geology, Design Thinking, and Scientific Writing. At Sequoyah School she also facilitated a social innovation program, initiated the STEM Institute, and helped to develop credit areas for the Mastery Transcript Consortium. Laura holds a BA in Astrophysics from Barnard, an MA in Astronomy from UCLA, and PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from UCLA.
Jayme Hsiao
Kindergarten Teacher
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Jayme Hsiao
Lower School
Antonio Ibarra
Extended Day Teacher
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Antonio Ibarra
Extended Day Teacher
Lower School
Salvador Ibarra
Extended Day Teacher
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Salvador Ibarra
Extended Day Teacher
Lower School
Alana Ippolito
Creative Director
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Alana Ippolito
Administration
After obtaining her Master's degree in graphic design, Alana worked as a designer on the global marketing team at IDEO. She art directed visual assets that brought their project stories to life through design and photography. This provoked a transition from design to photography. Clients include Airbnb, Blue Bottle Coffee, as well as local businesses throughout the Bay Area.
Saadiya Jamil
Extended Day & Summer Program Director
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Saadiya Jamil
Alexandro Jara
English & History Specialist
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Alexandro Jara
English & History Specialist
Upper School
Alexandro comes to KLS from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where he was a Visiting Professor of History in the Department of Chicano and Latina/o Studies. He research is focussed on Ethnic Mexican, Urbanism, Culture and Politics in Silicon Valley between 1940-1980. Alexandro holds a BA in Latin American History from Santa Clara University, an MA and PhD from the University of New Mexico. Alexandro is a San Jose native and is looking forward to returning to the Bay area.
Kiara Leuteneker
Humanities Specialist and Advisor
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Kiara Leuteneker
Lower School
Sujata Mahesh
Humanities Specialist and Advisor
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Sujata Mahesh
Humanities Specialist and Advisor
Lower School
Sujata Mahesh is excited to be a part of the team at KLS. She has her Masters Degree in social work with a specialization in family and child welfare. She also has her certification from DeAnza College in Early Childhood Education.She has always been passionate about working with children and believes that children learn through observation, exploration, and collaboration - both inside the classroom and outside.
Sujata is classically trained in music and dance. She is passionate about Ancient History an Archaeology and often spends time reading about it. When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her family at home.
Jaclyn Major
STEM Specialist
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Jaclyn Major
Originally from Chicago, IL, Jaclyn joins the KLS community with over ten years of teaching experience. She has collaborated with both lower school and middle school students. In 2012, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has also obtained her master’s degree in Teaching and Learning, with a specialization in STEM Education. She holds teaching credentials in Illinois and California. This year Jaclyn will serve as a sixth grade STEM Specialist in our Lower School. She is excited to empower her students to have voice and choice in their learning.
Outside of the classroom, Jaclyn coaches club volleyball and enjoys the outdoors. She also loves exploring new places with her dog, Henry.
Morgan May
Outer Wellness and Athletic Director
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Morgan May
Outer Wellness and Athletic Director
Upper School
Morgan is an experienced middle school teacher and coach who comes to KLS after seven years at Head-Royce School as a middle school teacher and coach. Morgan has coached a wide range of sports and activities including: lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and tennis. Morgan has also led many outdoor education excursions for students focussed on skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. Morgan holds a degree in elementary education from Indiana University, and an M.Ed. from Boston University in Curriculum and Instruction.
Matt Mazzone
Maintenance
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Matt Mazzone
Kate McCracken
Associate Teacher
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Kate McCracken
Associate Teacher
Lower School
Natasha McKeown
Middle School Director
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Natasha McKeown
Middle School Director
Administration
With over 25 years of experience in education, Natasha has taught at every school level from Pre-K through university. She is particularly passionate about project and game-based learning, as well as utilizing technology to transform educational experiences. Natasha also has extensive experience in administration, most recently serving as the Dean of Curriculum and Global Education at San Domenico, a K-12 international school in Marin County. In this role, she supported the expansion of the Upper School academic program, including the addition of both the Game Design and Integrated STEAM programs. She holds a BA in History of Public Policy from UC Santa Barbara and an MA in TESOL from San Francisco State University.
Gio Perelli
Outer Wellness Specialist
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Gio Perelli
Joni Quintal
Lower School Director
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Joni Quintal
Lower School Director
Administration
Bringing over twenty years of diverse experience in education, Silicon Valley organizations (including a startup), and executive coaching, Joni has recently joined KLS as our Lower School Director.
Most recently, she served as the Head of Learning & Development at Google through Cushman & Wakefield, where she spearheaded Leadership, Communication, Unconscious Bias, and Empathy workshops for over 800 employees.
Throughout her career, Joni has taught in grades K-8 , served as an Assistant Principal at a comprehensive high school, and held the position of Principal at Yavneh Day School in Los Gatos. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Masters in Educational Leadership. Additionally, Joni has obtained certificates from programs such as the Harvard Graduate School of Education Principal Leadership Program and the Urban Change Leadership Program from Harvard GSE. She also had the privilege of collaborating with renowned educators Lisa Lahey, Bob Kegan and Tom Vander Ark, facilitating experiential workshops for Principals worldwide and changing comprehensive high schools into Small Learning Communities with support from the (former) Bill & Melinda Gates Education Foundation.
Shannon Rossi
Humanities Specialist & Advisor
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Shannon Rossi
Shannon is a Bay Area native who has dedicated her teaching career to early childhood education, working in a variety of settings primarily with children ages 3 to 8 years old. She earned her BA in Liberal Studies and completed her Multiple Subject Credential coursework at San Jose State University. During her tenure with the Diocese of San Jose, Shannon was certificated in Blended Learning through Santa Clara University’s Academy of Blended Learning. She helped to implement, manage, and produce a school-wide theater arts program as well as direct annual musicals in her classroom. Shannon is beyond excited to be a part of the KLS team and looks forward to collaborating, designing and implementing instruction, and sharing favorite picture books with her class. When not creating engaging learning experiences for her students, Shannon enjoys gardening, cooking, catching comedy shows and theatrical productions with her family, supporting her daughter on both the stage and soccer field, and collecting smashed pennies and two-dollar bills.
Baxter Smith
Innovation Hub Director
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Baxter Smith
Innovation Hub Director
Upper School Administration
Baxter recently worked at a local Bay Area startup, where he contributed to the design, construction, and installation of cutting-edge home battery and solar systems.
Previously, Baxter was at Green School in Bali, Indonesia. During his time there, he helped create and direct the Community Innovation Hub, a fabrication space dedicated to empowering individuals to explore digital design and fabrication tools and master hands-on craftsmanship. While at Green School, Baxter also played a key role in helping the school achieve 100% energy from renewable sources, and was heavily involved in the procurement, installation, and upkeep of a vortex hydro turbine in the river that crosses the school’s campus.
Baxter holds a Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley, California, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver. Baxter has always had a passion for learning, teaching and action, and at the same time inspiring positive change and driving our commitment to a sustainable future.
Justin Sparks
Humanities Specialist & Advisor
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Justin Sparks
Justin is an educator recently relocated from Cincinnati, OH. He studied secondary education at Indiana University and has been teaching and leading programs at multiple diverse schools since 2014. He will be the Humanities teacher for the 6th grade. Justin is extremely excited to be implementing project based lessons he has experimented with at previous schools and can’t wait to incorporate them into his Humanities curriculum. He is especially looking forward to working with a diverse group of learners in a new environment and about his recent move to the Bay Area.
In his personal life Justin enjoys backpacking, climbing, summiting mountains and being on the move. He has taken up running more diligently in the recent year and is excited to be bringing that perspective as the new Cross-Country coach of the Middle and Upper Schools.
Lana Steuck
Math Specialist
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Lana Steuck
Math Specialist
Upper School
Lana is a passionate and creative high school and middle school teacher with 8+ years of experience in developing curricula and teaching Math and Science courses, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus at advanced and honor levels. In addition to her teaching experience, she has 18 years of diversified experience as a Software Engineer, specializing in DevOps and programming for UNIX and PC systems.
Cristina Vazquez
Spanish and English Specialist
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Cristina Vazquez
Spanish and English Specialist
Upper School
Cristina received her BA in Spanish and International Relations and MA in Spanish from the University of California at Davis and is currently completing her PhD in Hispanic Literature and Languages from UCLA (expected 2024). A native speaker, Cristina has advanced knowledge of Spanish grammar and current theories of second language acquisition. She has taught at the college level for a number of years and is excited to make the transition to K-12 education. She is intrigued by the educational model at Khan Lab School and looks forward to experimenting with AI and other online tools to enhance the learning experience for students. In addition to teaching Advanced Topics in Spanish and Spanish 4 at KLS, Cristina will also teach an English elective on Hispanic or Latin American literature.
Ruby Vinayak
STEM Specialist
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Ruby Vinayak
STEM Specialist
Lower School
Ruby Bustos Vinayak grew up in the Bay Area and was raised by immigrant parents. She was the first in her family to attend college and complete her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she minored in Education. After graduating in 2014, Ruby discovered her passion for working with children and has been a teacher for eight years. She understands the impact a great education can have on a person's life and is one of the reasons she's so passionate about educating youth. Ruby most recently obtained her Masters of Arts in Education from SJSU with emphasis on Curriculum and Instructions in 2021.
During her free time, Ruby loves being outdoors, working out, traveling, and spending time with her husband and loved ones.
Ann Wawrose
Science Specialist
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Ann Wawrose
Science Specialist
Upper School
Raised in the Pittsburgh area, Ann first developed a deep love and respect for the natural world through frequent trips to her grandparents' home in Huntingdon, PA. She is excited to bring her passion for the outdoors and experiential learning to KLS, where she hopes to foster a scientific community that is inquisitive, supportive, and sustainable.
Previously, Ann participated in an AmeriCorps program focused on outdoor education with Teton Science School in Jackson Hole, WY. She also has over three years of experience substitute teaching, coaching, and guiding in Jackson.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ann holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Rice University, where she studied abroad at Polytech Nice Sophia in France. She has also studied Product Design at TU Delft in the Netherlands.
In her free time, you can find Ann outdoors surfing, hiking, or biking around San Jose. She also enjoys glassblowing at the Bay Area Glass Institute.
Board of Trustees
As a nonprofit organization, Khan Lab School is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the financial welfare of the school as well as its strategic planning.
Nayo Brooks
Kristen DiCerbo
Kim Dow
Curtis Feeny
Sal Khan
Todd Rose
Rakhi Singh