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.

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.”

Jordan has been a teacher for almost 10 years, and has taught everything from preschool to 4th graders. She is passionate about early childhood education, and finds joy in the curiosity and enthusiasm of our youngest learners. Jordan has her teaching credential and Masters in Education from Stanford, as well as a Bachelors in Psychology. She loves reading, making crafts with felt, and spending time with her new daughter, Naomi. She is excited to join KMS and share her ideas and experiences with the students and staff!

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.

Bio coming soon

Wafa Baali is a passionate educator, linguist, and advocate for lifelong learning. She earned a master’s degree in English, which paved the way for her love of teaching and cross-cultural communication. With a strong background in teaching both English and French to children and adults, she is dedicated to fostering a love for languages and empowering her students to express themselves confidently.

Her career highlights include serving as the head of pedagogy at a private school where she trained new teachers, guided them to integrate into the school culture, and introduced creative teaching methods.

Outside of work, Wafa enjoys exploring new places, tasting different cuisines, and spreading positivity through her creative projects. Her hobbies reflect her curiosity and vibrant personality, as she finds joy in nature, fashion, and sharing meaningful experiences with others.

“Teaching has always been my way of connecting with others and helping them discover their strengths. Joining KMS has given me the opportunity to work in a creative and supportive environment where children’s unique voices and potential are nurtured. I’m excited to inspire and learn alongside such curious and imaginative young minds.”

Bio coming soon

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."

Jordan has been a teacher for almost 10 years, and has taught everything from preschool to 4th graders. She is passionate about early childhood education, and finds joy in the curiosity and enthusiasm of our youngest learners. Jordan has her teaching credential and Masters in Education from Stanford, as well as a Bachelors in Psychology. She loves reading, making crafts with felt, and spending time with her new daughter, Naomi. She is excited to join KMS and share her ideas and experiences with the students and staff!

Wafa Baali is a passionate educator, linguist, and advocate for lifelong learning. She earned a master’s degree in English, which paved the way for her love of teaching and cross-cultural communication. With a strong background in teaching both English and French to children and adults, she is dedicated to fostering a love for languages and empowering her students to express themselves confidently.

Her career highlights include serving as the head of pedagogy at a private school where she trained new teachers, guided them to integrate into the school culture, and introduced creative teaching methods.

Outside of work, Wafa enjoys exploring new places, tasting different cuisines, and spreading positivity through her creative projects. Her hobbies reflect her curiosity and vibrant personality, as she finds joy in nature, fashion, and sharing meaningful experiences with others.

“Teaching has always been my way of connecting with others and helping them discover their strengths. Joining KMS has given me the opportunity to work in a creative and supportive environment where children’s unique voices and potential are nurtured. I’m excited to inspire and learn alongside such curious and imaginative young minds.”

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.”

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. 

Bio coming soon