Garden and Workshop Coordinator - TBH
Maria Luna, Head of School
Maria Luna has been at KMS since 1983, and is the parent of a KMS Graduate. She is a qualified teacher with over 25 years of experience and a BA in Humanities. Maria has been teaching children from Preschool to 8th grade in public and private schools in the Bay Area, she’s a professional dancer with Ballet Folklorico Ensembles. Over the years, she has developed creative, innovative programs and curriculums that have reached a large number of students.
Mrs. Luna has collaborated with educational organizations such as World Arts Wests and Young Audiences of Northern California.
Maria Luna, Director of Spanish Program and Reggio Emilia Coordinator
Maria Luna has been at KMS since 1983, and is the parent of a KMS Graduate. She is a qualified teacher with over 25 years of experience and a BA in Humanities. Maria has been teaching children from Preschool to 8th grade in public and private schools in the Bay Area, she’s a professional dancer with Ballet Folklorico Ensembles. Over the years, she has developed creative, innovative programs and curriculums that have reached a large number of students.
Mrs. Luna has collaborated with educational organizations such as World Arts Wests and Young Audiences of Northern California.
Shari Wiemer, Director of Admissions, Marketing and the Office
Shari Wiemer came to KMS August of 2023. She has more than 15 years of experience in education management. Most recently she was the Marketing & Communications Manager at Cambridge English for Life in Malaysia. She has been a Regional Sales Manager for personal development seminars, a Director of Career Services for colleges in Las Vegas and Long Beach and a Center Director for a Sylvan Learning. She began a round-the-world trip with her (then) 10 year old daughter in April 2015 and volunteered across 11 countries. She loved Malaysia so much that she made it her home for over seven years. She is happiest when she is among children, and she loves reading, travel and experiential learning. Shari has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and attended the MBA program at the University of Southern California. She is thrilled to become a part of the KMS family.
Maria Inés Olhaberry-Tisker, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Ines Tisker joined the KMS Elementary teaching team for the 2022/2023 school year. Her full name is Maria Inés Olhaberry-Tisker, everyone calls her Inés. She is originally from Argentina and the parent of a KMS Alumni.
She graduated in Argentina with a Teaching Degree in 1989 and worked as a Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten teacher for 5 years before moving to San Francisco. In San Francisco she started to get involved in the educational field working as a volunteer in several schools in the bay area, including Buena Vista, Glenridge co-op, and KMS. She was also the co-owner of a children's bookstore in Oakland, and taught Spanish at a literacy enrichment program in San Rafael. In 2012 she joined Escuela Bilingüe Internacional, where she worked as a Head-teacher for the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs for the past 10 years.
"I believe my role as an educator is to guide students to develop their critical thinking and their empathy, supporting them socially and emotionally in the explorations of the world around them.
I am excited to join the KMS community and share my experience while creating a nurturing, safe and fun learning environment for the children.”
Andrew Dean, Director of After School Program and Summer Camps
Andrew Dean joined KMS April of 2023. He is joining KMS from the New York City area where he has served as a public school art teacher, community art and programming director, and professor of art and studio education for the past 9 years. Andrew is originally from Philadelphia and holds a Masters of Education in Art Education and Studio Practices from Boston University. Andrew is an artist, photographer, and a curious wanderer at heart. Andrew’s experiences, professional and personal, shaped his philosophy that all learners deserve the opportunity to find success, communicating their stories and learning journey through a language of their own.
“The world too often views the development of children through the lens of adult experience. Effective 21st Century education and programming allows learners to foster ownership and a sense of agency over their learning while developing their identity in an environment founded in respect and rapport. The true value of this work lies in the chance for kids to create and share through the lens of their perception and experience; for their curiosities, expression, and joy to lead the way.”
Andrew is joining KMS with the goals of supporting and expanding after-school and summer programming rooted in individuality, critical thinking, and creativity all while strengthening personal, collective, and environmental awareness and sensitivity. Andrew strives to bring big ideas to learners of all ages, identities, and abilities while cultivating authentic relationships.
Yolanda Ancheta, Director of Infant/Toddler & Preschool Programs - Licensing
Yolanda Ancheta came to KMS in 1995. She had earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the National Teachers College in Manila, Philippines, majoring in History and minoring in Library Science. She taught high school for seven years and two years as a part-time College instructor at the De Lasalle Univeristy – Manila. In 1993 she received her Certificate of Completion in early childhood education from the City College of San Francisco. Two years later Ancheta joined KMS in 1995 where she says she finds “inspiration and challenge” in her young students’ intelligence, eagerness, and curiosity.
“My goal is to provide a happy and successful beginning to the child’s learning experience away from the home, with the hope that such a beginning will have a lasting effect on that child’s future development.”
Carlota Arteaga, Preschool Teacher
Loty joined KMS in 2006, supporting the Pumpkins in the KMS Preschool Program! She is also an essential component to the success of the De Colores Spanish Culture and Language Program under the direction of Maria Luna; by contributing her energy and knowledge she acquaints children with key concepts through conversation, song and play. Loty worked as a High School advisor for six years in her native Peru. She is currently completing her degree in Child Development at City College of San Francisco. Loty is the devoted mother of two children.
“I love the way KMS lets the children explore and choose, so that they can learn and discover new things on their own. I admire the teamwork and cooperation that exists between the teachers.”
Jette Dahingo, Preschool Teacher
Jette started working at KMS in 2015. She is a graduate of BS Child Development and Education from Miriam College, Philippines. For over ten years, she has taught all subjects in preschool and English in grade school. She has also worked as a preschool coordinator and assistant to the director, all in the Philippines. Since moving to the United States in 2014 she feels privileged to continue her teaching career at KMS and has advanced to a co director position with the infant, toddler and preschool programs.
Lea Lamzon, Preschool Teacher
Lea Lamzon started working at KMS in 2006. As a teacher originally from the Philippines, she has extensive experience working with children as a babysitter and in private schools. She is also a Certified Nursing Assistant.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I enjoy being part of a team of people that shares the same passion for working with children, wonderful parents and a supportive staff.”
Yolanda Ancheta, Director of Infant/Toddler & Preschool Programs - Licensing
Yolanda Ancheta came to KMS in 1995. She had earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the National Teachers College in Manila, Philippines, majoring in History and minoring in Library Science. She taught high school for seven years and two years as a part-time College instructor at the De Lasalle Univeristy – Manila. In 1993 she received her Certificate of Completion in early childhood education from the City College of San Francisco. Two years later Ancheta joined KMS in 1995 where she says she finds “inspiration and challenge” in her young students’ intelligence, eagerness, and curiosity.
“My goal is to provide a happy and successful beginning to the child’s learning experience away from the home, with the hope that such a beginning will have a lasting effect on that child’s future development.”
Dandara Soares Cardoso, Head Infant/Toddler Teacher
Dandara Cardoso joined KMS in 2018. Dandara is now the Head Teacher of the KMS Infant/Toddler Program. As a KMS Teacher Aide she completed her Early Childhood Education units at City College of San Francisco becoming a fully qualified Infant/Toddler Teacher. She is often singing songs to the babies in Portuguese, deeply understands the KMS approach and has been a strong member for supporting her fellow staff members in the program.
Andrea Sofia Izaguirre, Preschool Teacher
Andrea Sofia Izaguirre (prefers "Sofia") came to KMS as a preschool teacher in 2021. Sofia has completed her Child Development Classes at San Francisco State.. She discovered her passion for children from when she was in high school. She has had a lot of experience working with children of all ages, from infants to elementary school.
She believes adults learn every day from children as much as they learn from us. She loves working with children and knows the importance of guiding them in their daily activities.
“My goal is to support children as much as I can to make sure they thrive in their early childhood education and prepare them for the future”
Andrew Dean, Director of After School Program and Summer Camps (Copy)
Andrew Dean joined KMS April of 2023. He is joining KMS from the New York City area where he has served as a public school art teacher, community art and programming director, and professor of art and studio education for the past 9 years. Andrew is originally from Philadelphia and holds a Masters of Education in Art Education and Studio Practices from Boston University. Andrew is an artist, photographer, and a curious wanderer at heart. Andrew’s experiences, professional and personal, shaped his philosophy that all learners deserve the opportunity to find success, communicating their stories and learning journey through a language of their own.
“The world too often views the development of children through the lens of adult experience. Effective 21st Century education and programming allows learners to foster ownership and a sense of agency over their learning while developing their identity in an environment founded in respect and rapport. The true value of this work lies in the chance for kids to create and share through the lens of their perception and experience; for their curiosities, expression, and joy to lead the way.”
Andrew is joining KMS with the goals of supporting and expanding after-school and summer programming rooted in individuality, critical thinking, and creativity all while strengthening personal, collective, and environmental awareness and sensitivity. Andrew strives to bring big ideas to learners of all ages, identities, and abilities while cultivating authentic relationships.
Aziza Hayes, Elementary Teacher
Aziza, identifies as ZiZi and they, joined KMS June of 2023. ZiZi graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Psychology. ZiZi joined KMS in 2023 because of their interest in working with children in different developmental stages and levels. ZiZi relates to neurodivirgent students and people overlooked or disadvantaged by the traditional education system. ZiZi previously taught at Buena Vista Child Care. As a result of attending Buena Vista Elementary School as a child, ZiZi is fully fluent in Spanish, values art and creativity and believes that every child is an artist in their own way. ZiZi also highly values social-emotional learning in the classroom and teaching students skills to understand and manage their emotions.
Teddy Valdez-Denton, After School Program Teacher
Teddy Valdez began working at KMS in 2019. He is from the mission district of San Francisco and is a KMS alumni: class of 2006. Teddy volunteered throughout middle and high school for various KMS summer programs and school year events. He has been working with elementary through high school students for the past 9 years with the city of Pacifica, running school events, programs, and summer camps. He is currently pursuing a degree in theoretical particle physics and astrophysics. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, rock climbing, playing instruments, and chess.
“It’s great to be back at KMS and to share my love for science and learning with all the kids. I love to see other kids have the same passion for exploring and discovering that I always had when I attended KMS.”
Daniel Larson, Elementary School Teacher
Daniel Larson joined KMS in January of 2024 as a literacy specialist with the elementary children. Daniel is a Michigan native and has worked and lived in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, and San Francisco. Daniel has an extensive background as an educator. He is a Michigan native and has worked and lived in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, and San Francisco. Having previously lived in the Bay Area, he is thrilled to be back and working with students in this beautiful city. Daniel has an extensive background as an educator. He obtained his Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education in 1997 from Central Michigan University. Daniel also completed his Master's Degree in Education from Georgia State University in 2005, with an emphasis on Reading, Language, and Literacy Education. He has served as a classroom teacher, tutor, homeschool teacher, and administrator. He has a wide variety of interests including hiking, mountain biking, astronomy, photography, film, literature, painting, and travel. Daniel is delighted to be a part of the KMS team.
Quennie Topinio
Quennie joined KMS infant/toddler program as a part time teacher aide in January of 2024. She has a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education at Philippine Normal University. Her journey began as a preschool teacher at Jones Rural School from 2014 to January 2023.
“Teaching is a profession filled with challenges and rewards therefore I want to continue my journey here at KMS. As an educator, I firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives, shape the future, and remain committed to making a difference in the lives of the next generation of learners.”
Aleksandra Dekharn
Aleksandra joined the KMS infant/toddler team as a part time teacher in October of 2023. She has five years of experience working in San Francisco’s infants and toddlers program. She is a San Francisco native and a mother herself. She has a strong position in the Peach Palace working team and helps out with extra hours whenever needed.
Ricky Alexander Bac, Elementary School Teacher
Ricky Alexander Bac joined the Teaching Team at KMS as an elementary math instructor in January of 2024. He joined the Teaching Team at KMS as an elementary math instructor. He is excited to join a wonderful team of teachers, administrators, and parents, working to provide education and enrichment to the kids of KMS. His pedagogical philosophy aligns closely with the Reggio Emilia approach, and he is thrilled to inspire KMS students to utilize their "100 languages" to express themselves and learn foundational math skills.
Ricky is a Bay Area native, having lived in San Francisco, Berkeley, the Peninsula, and the South Bay. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 2009 and comes to KMS with 13 years of experience as a classroom teacher and private educator. Over the years, he has worked with individual students and families on one-on-one academic tutoring, enrichment, organizational skills, and independent school/university admissions. He is knowledgeable regarding the K-8 mathematics curriculum and how to adapt it according to the learning style of individual children. In addition, he facilitates speech and debate clubs in San Francisco and has been a teacher at Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Academy.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Ricky loves to travel to Latin America to visit family and enjoy time on the farm in Costa Rica. He enjoys incorporating multicultural components into his teaching, making learning fun, engaging, and interdisciplinary.
Holly Chargin, Infant & Toddler Teacher
Holly joined the KMS team as an infant/toddler teacher in March of 2024.
She earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University in 2021. Holly has extensive experience working with children and families and has spent recent years working as postpartum doula and infant/toddler teacher.
“I love the way that KMS values children as equals. I’m eager to provide children with the meaningful care and respect they deserve as they embark on their learning journey.”
Maranatha Mitchell, Co Director with the Infant & Toddler and Preschool Programs
Start date is March 11th, 2024 as a Co Director with the infant, toddler and preschool programs.
BIO to come asap.
Conny Cruz, Preschool Teacher
Conny Cruz joined KMS as a preschool teacher in February of 2024. Since her childhood, Conny has been surrounded by a large family. She took care of her cousins and nephews in the afternoons and helped them with their homework. That's how her interest in teaching began and it grew as she taught in her church and as a volunteer at her son's school. In her opinion, education has changed since her own childhood. Children now have many more tools and new philosophies have been developed that help us to understand their development.
"I believe that teaching is an art and learning is a pleasure. The experience I have had with children has taught me to be more dynamic, and more outgoing and to learn that expensive things are not needed to create happiness for a child -- just time and dedication."
Jasmine Batiste, Elementary Teacher
Jasmine Batiste joined KMS elementary program in February of 2024. A San Francisco native Jasmine learned the ways education reached and was taught to children like her. In 2019 Jasmine was hired with SFUSD to become a paraprofessional. This work was yet another eye opening experience in her journey to becoming an educator .
“Every child needs a safe place to learn, feel, and grow. We all have a responsibility to each other. If you see a need, that's your calling to help.”
Working at Argonne Elementary with the SPED dept. Jasmine’s focus was giving quality education and experiences to children with different learning abilities.