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.

Desiree Maravilla brings over seven years of experience in education to her role as Office Administrator at KMS. With a background as an enthusiastic teacher and recent work in Special Education, she has collaborated with teams to develop effective support strategies and educational plans. Desiree earned her BS in Business Administration from San Francisco State University and has also served as a School Administrative Assistant, where she discovered her passion for administrative work. Known for her high level of organization, Desiree is dedicated to enhancing day-to-day school operations with innovative and effective solutions. She is thrilled to be a part of the KMS family where she can contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the KMS community!

Claire, our newly appointed Director of the Elementary Program at KMS, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering a love for learning in every child. With seven years of dedicated service at Alta Vista School in San Francisco, preceded by teaching roles in Chicago charter schools, Claire has honed her expertise in educational leadership and elementary education.

She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the esteemed High Tech High Graduate School of Education, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Loyola University Chicago. Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, Claire now proudly calls San Francisco home, where she resides with her husband and two young boys who attend KMS!

Claire's educational philosophy centers on creating vibrant learning environments where students thrive as problem solvers and critical thinkers. She is dedicated to crafting integrated, student-centered experiences that nurture curiosity and creativity while fostering a holistic understanding of concepts across various subjects.

Passionate about empowering student agency and independence, Claire emphasizes the importance of helping students recognize their impact on both the present and future world. She champions open dialogue, reflective practices, and a culture of mutual respect and feedback among students. Claire is eager to forge meaningful connections within the KMS community—building partnerships with parents, students, and colleagues alike—as we embark on a journey of growth and discovery together.

Sam is joining KMS for the 2024-25 school year after recently completing his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Washington, where he spent his first year designing and facilitating outdoor education field trips. In his thesis, Sam engaged with land-based, linguistic, and interdisciplinary theory to research a self-designed literacy teaching method in the outdoors. His love for all things language began at an early age, and he has studied Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish throughout his life. He made his identity as a “word nerd” official when he majored in Linguistics and Cognitive Science at Pomona College. After college, he taught kindergarten, second, and fourth grade at the Nueva School in Hillsborough where he designed many interdisciplinary units including an exploration of Chinese-American change-makers of San Francisco’s past, literacy board game creation using principles of design thinking, and examining understandings of gender and joyful expression across history.

Sam’s educational and curricular philosophy is centered around play, safe risk-taking, reciprocal trust, and collaborative relationships. Joy is always at the center of his teaching, and he strives to empower students to guide their own learning. Outside of school, Sam can be found backpacking, creating art, gardening, and trying as many flavors of dairy-free ice cream as possible!

Jill brings years of experience in outdoor education including nature-based play in the garden and guiding field-study programs in the backcountry. With a background in the arts, Jill also has a love for dance, music, and performing and is excited to bring a blend of each to her teaching at KMS. 

Originally from the Bay Area, Jill holds a B.S from Tufts University in Biology and Environmental Studies. Jill has worked as an outdoor educator at Slide Ranch, a sleep away camp counselor at Camp Tawonga and a backcountry guide for Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo. Jill is excited to explore the intersection of the creative arts and science discovery with KMS students this year. We look forward to developing Jill's role and welcoming her to KMS! 

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 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.

Jill brings years of experience in outdoor education including nature-based play in the garden and guiding field-study programs in the backcountry. With a background in the arts, Jill also has a love for dance, music, and performing and is excited to bring a blend of each to her teaching at KMS. 

Originally from the Bay Area, Jill holds a B.S from Tufts University in Biology and Environmental Studies. Jill has worked as an outdoor educator at Slide Ranch, a sleep away camp counselor at Camp Tawonga and a backcountry guide for Archie Williams High School in San Anselmo. Jill is excited to explore the intersection of the creative arts and science discovery with KMS students this year. We look forward to developing Jill's role and welcoming her to KMS! 

Maranatha, affectionately known as Mara, is a Bay Area native deeply immersed in the world of early childhood education. With over a decade of experience, six of which at a school centered around the Reggio Emilia approach. Mara's journey in childcare began early, nurtured by her upbringing in a family church where she first discovered her passion for teaching.

Her versatile career spans roles from aide and lead teacher to curriculum coordinator and campus enrichment supervisor, working with diverse age groups from newborns to teenagers. Mara thrives in the dynamic challenges of education, driven by her love for continuous learning and personal growth.

Beyond her profession, Mara finds joy in cooking, writing, gaming, and cheering for the Warriors. Her dedication to nurturing young minds is matched by her love for exploring new culinary creations and immersing herself in fictional worlds through gaming.

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."

Maranatha, affectionately known as Mara, is a Bay Area native deeply immersed in the world of early childhood education. With over a decade of experience, six of which at a school centered around the Reggio Emilia approach. Mara's journey in childcare began early, nurtured by her upbringing in a family church where she first discovered her passion for teaching.

Her versatile career spans roles from aide and lead teacher to curriculum coordinator and campus enrichment supervisor, working with diverse age groups from newborns to teenagers. Mara thrives in the dynamic challenges of education, driven by her love for continuous learning and personal growth.

Beyond her profession, Mara finds joy in cooking, writing, gaming, and cheering for the Warriors. Her dedication to nurturing young minds is matched by her love for exploring new culinary creations and immersing herself in fictional worlds through gaming.

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.”

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, and has extensive experience working with children and families for over a decade. She spent recent years working as a postpartum doula, and infant/toddler teacher. Beyond teaching, Holly spends her time outdoors as much as possible. She enjoys creating art through ceramics, painting, and sewing. She also loves yoga, hiking, and a good picnic!

“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.”

Milagros Monzon Ruiz joined KMS Infant/Toddler program as a part-time teacher in September of 2024. Milagros is passionate about supporting and partnering with teachers, mentors, and parents to create a positive environment that nurtures growth in child development.

Saira joined the KMS Infant/Toddler program as a part-time teacher in May of 2024. She earned her BA in Child and Adolescent Development concentration in Early Childhood from San Francisco State University in 2024. Saira is often speaking and singing to the peaches in Spanish bringing her culture to her work.

"I love seeing the creativity of children blossom and reach their milestones. I learn from children as much as they learn from me."

Aside from work Saira loves to enjoy a nice walk or hike, she enjoys spending time with her friends and families and loves to play soccer during her free time.