MILLENNIUM’S PASSIONATE Guides

Lizzie is a dedicated and innovative educator with over 18 years of experience in adolescent education. Previously she served as the Middle School Head at San Francisco Friends School where she oversaw academic and student programs that enhance student learning, engagement, and connection. Before that, Lizzie was at Crystal Springs Uplands School, where she served as the Head of Middle School and the Dean of Students. Lizzie has also taught sixth-grade humanities at Blue Oak School, where she developed curricula rooted in social justice.

Before stepping into school leadership, Lizzie founded BOCA Farm, a community-based agricultural hub in Napa where she blended her passion for education with sustainability, creating place-based learning experiences that fostered connections between students, families, and the local farming community.

In addition to her administrative expertise, Lizzie has earned a Master of Education degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education with a focus on nonprofit management, school design, and leadership for social justice. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College with a major in Religion and a Minor in Asian Studies. Over the years Lizzie has also participated in numerous professional development programs focused on social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and progressive education.

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With over 15 years of experience working in the independent school community in San Francisco, Jessica is a collaborative leader with a track record of administrative expertise, strong relationships with families and colleagues, and a deep commitment to the education and healthy development of young people. Jessica's passion for education began with her upbringing in a college town, New Haven, CT, continued through her Art History studies at Bates College in Maine, including international studies in France and Kenya, and has extended to her work as Admission Director and High School Faculty Chair at San Francisco Waldorf School. Previously, Jessica worked supporting local artists in non-profit and gallery management. Jessica's professional experience includes outreach, communications, event planning, marketing, and strategic visioning.

Jessica is committed to putting ideals into action and eager to align her knowledge and passion with Millennium's mission of empowering middle school students through a critical stage of development. She finds everyday inspiration in poetry, birdwatching, nature walks with her dog, and hearing about the adventures of her own two college-aged kids.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Originally hailing from rural Pennsylvania, Nick graduated from the University of Vermont with degrees in English and Political Science and has since lived in the Midwest for the past four years, teaching 8th grade English in Mission, SD - the traditional homelands of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate often known as the Rosebud Rez. While teaching in Mission, Nick deeply felt that the traditional model of education was and still is failing kids by creating consumers rather than bold and interesting people. Thus, he took on a leadership role by advocating for experience and project based learning initiatives. With the help of other committed educators, this program took kids from study hall one year to surviving the outdoors, meeting with indigenous advocacy groups, and cooking healthy meals the next. More than anything, he wants to be part of whatever helps kids become people rather than consumers. With this in mind, he has also coached nearly every sport under the sun and plans to be an active part of athletics at Millennium.

While education is a passion, Nick is also an always developing and occasionally published writer. His influences are Hemingway, Faulkner, Coleman, O'Connor and John Prine. His fascination with craft guides him through his summer graduate studies at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English, where he is an active member of the Bread Loaf Teacher Network. When he is not not stewing on a lesson or a short story, you can find him skiing, playing softball, contra dancing, or laying on the couch and watching the Orioles with his cattle dog, Huey.

Peter is excited to bring his eclectic interests and passion for teaching to Millennium’s team. He believes academic rigor and holistic education are complementary aims, and that the math classroom can be a theater for learning all sorts of things: how to persist in the face of fear; how to give and receive help; how to communicate complex ideas; how to carry a gift with grace.

Growing up in Seattle, math was Peter’s favorite subject, and he went on to major in Mathematical and Computational Science at Stanford University. While at Stanford, he became a zealous fiction writer; after college, he received an M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. His wide-ranging interests allow him to connect with students who already love math, students who feel a lot of anxiety about math, and everyone in between.

Most recently, Peter taught seventh-grade math at Presidio Knolls School in San Francisco. When he isn’t teaching or writing, Peter is an avid distance runner and a (mostly retired) chess master. He also enjoys backpacking, watching soccer, and listening to music.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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