Our faculty & staff
James Brunner
Enrichment Department Chair
STEM Teacher
James has worked as a STEM teacher in public and private schools in Marin and Silicon Valley for the last 15 years. Through hands-on projects in his STEM class, James strives to build students’ creative confidence and problem-solving skills. James believes the core skills of engineering, iterative design, learning from your mistakes, and calm persistence in the face of adversity are widely applicable in life and academics. James trained in design thinking at Stanford University's "D school bootcamp," where he developed curriculum for teaching design thinking using popular technologies such as 3D printing. James has a BS in life science from Penn State University and holds credentials for teaching biology and chemistry.
Sam Beal
5th Grade Head Teacher
Originally from upstate New York, Sam relocated to San Francisco in 2017, where he found a new home and met his future wife. They married in 2023 and currently reside in Sausalito with their three cats: Mars, Bunny, and Billy. Over the past three years at Charles Armstrong School, Sam served as a 6th grade history and language teacher, 6th grade team coordinator, and 8th grade basketball coach, playing a pivotal role in both academic and extracurricular activities. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, with interests ranging from historical nonfiction to fantasy novels. He enjoys playing basketball, exploring nature trails, and savoring the complexities of various wines.
Jennifer Cariadus
Expressive Arts Teacher
Jen joins North Bridge community from Star Academy, where she served for more than thirteen years as a Multisensory Language Arts Specialist, Adaptive Technology Assistant, and Classroom Teacher. She also taught Music/Drama, Yearbook, and Digital Arts. Jen also spearheaded and led a school-wide creative writing and publishing program. Before her tenure at Star Academy, Jen was a Clinician, Consultant, and Associate Clinical Director of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes Clinic (Marin). When she’s not teaching, singing, dancing, writing, or otherwise creating something, She can be spotted seaside, or searching the sky for eclipses, comets, and meteor showers. She lives in San Francisco with her wife, teenage twins, and two furkids.
Claire Cordon
5th Grade Head Teacher
Claire has been an elementary teacher in San Francisco for 8 years and is thrilled to be teaching at NBA. She taught 3rd grade at the Hamlin School and Convent Elementary School. Claire holds a Masters in Education from the University of London, Goldsmiths. As an elementary student, Claire struggled with undiagnosed ADHD, and often felt alienated, shamed and misunderstood by her teachers. She strives to always remember how she felt as a student, and to never have a student feel that way in her classroom. Claire feels it is crucial that her students feel safe to make mistakes, empowered in their learning, and reminded of their innumerable strengths. Claire is also Canadian and has lived all over the world, but is happy to now call San Francisco home!
Annie Crowder
Head of School
Annie has led small, private schools for students who learn differently for the past 20+ years. Annie believes strongly in a strengths-based approach to education and that all children learn best with multi-sensory, direct instruction. It is her passion to lead school communities, holding collaboration, authenticity, diversity, and transparency as her highest ideals. Annie holds a BS in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MS in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University. When not at school, Annie enjoys spending time with her two children, Ella and Chloe, and her partner, Tara. She loves walking on the beach, looking for sand dollars and sea glass, playing board games and bingo, riding her bike, and building Legos.
Shawn Davis
Front Desk Receptionist
With twenty years as a nanny under her belt and over a decade of administrative experience, Shawn is thrilled to be a member of the NBA staff. She is excited to combine her love for children and learning with the ability to provide support throughout the school. Shawn is currently practicing Spanish and likes to make kimchi. She adores spending time with her family, cooking, hiking, reading and gardening. Spicy foods, rainy days and the ocean are a few of her favorite things. She lives in West Marin with her partner and their munchkin cat.
Emma Elizalde
Middle School Director of Learning and Instruction
Emma returned to North Bridge Academy in 2024 after 5 years of working in San Francisco as a Reading/Learning Specialist. She completed her Slingerland training and is a Certified Slingerland Instructor of Teachers (CSIT). Not only is Emma trained in Slingerland, she herself is dyslexic and learned through the Slingerland method. In the spring of 2025, she completed her doctoral work in Learning and Instruction at the University of San Francisco. She holds a Certificate in Educational Therapy, an Ed.M. in Mind, Brain, and Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a B.A. in Psychology and Education from Mount Holyoke College. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks through San Francisco with her partner, son, and dog.
Shannon G. Barkocy
4th Grade Head Teacher
Shannon is thrilled to be a part of the NBA community! She joins North Bridge from The Hamlin School, where she taught Lower School Science and Grade 4. Shannon lives in the North Bay with her husband and two dogs, Malone and Miller. Shannon holds a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and is Slingerland trained. Shannon attended the CHADD conference and is trained in Responsive Classroom. Shannon loves spending time with her family and friends and has a deep passion for gluten-free cooking and baking. She owes a lot to who she is today, to her college soccer career. Shannon loves teaching 4th grade and believes it's a year of adventure, challenge, curiosity, independence and connection.
Peter Hagan
Van Driver/Program Support Staff
Peter retired after almost 40 years in the corporate world and loves the change of pace and the sense of community at North Bridge Academy. A native San Franciscan, he and his family have lived in Novato for almost 30 years. During his free time he enjoys home improvement projects, almost anything relating to classic cars from the 60s and 70s, and getting away to Donner Lake.
Stephanie Hoyt
2nd/3rd Grade Head Teacher
Stephanie began her career as an ELA teacher in Cape Town, South Africa. After returning to the Bay Area, she obtained her teaching credential at Dominican University and spent the next five years teaching 2nd grade at San Domenico and 1st-5th grade math and history Mt. Tam School. Before joining North Bridge Academy, Stephanie taught 6th-8th ELA and social studies at St. Anselms for five years. In 2019, she completed a reading intervention certification at the University of San Francisco. Stephanie joined North Bridge Academy in 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her daughter to parks and hiking Mt. Tam.
David Klemas
Middle School Dean of Students,
History & Wellness Teacher
David has worked with middle school students in both public and private schools since 2000. In his role as Dean of MS Students, David is committed to helping students build their academic and social confidence, as well as strengthening the NBA community as a whole. He enjoys working to solve conflicts through restorative practices utilizing his training from the Marin County Youth Court. Dave also finds time to coach NBA's basketball team. Outside of the classroom, you can find David on the ice playing hockey, cooking up something delicious, or out seeing live music.
Kristen Lang
Special Projects Coordinator
Kristen is a credentialed teacher who has worked in education in the Bay Area for over a decade. She received a BA in English from Sonoma State University and received her multi-subject credential/ Masters in Education with a subspecialty in English Language Learning from Dominican University. Her passion is making sure all children get the opportunity to learn, while gaining an understanding of their value, a sense of self, the ability to self advocate, and the indelible impact they have in this world as dyslexic learners. When she is not enjoying time with her partner and two children, she volunteers rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife at Wildcare, is an advocate for Type 1 Diabetes and involves herself in bettering her neighborhood through community activism.
Erin Minuth Terris
Head of Lower School
Erin is a dyslexic educator who strives to ensure that all her students' needs are met while learning in a safe and fun environment. She was taught the Slingerland method as a student and overcame her difficulties with reading and writing. Erin graduated from Teton Science School with a certificate in Place-Based Education and then taught gap semesters abroad. Following that, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Ed. at the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. Since then, she has worked in elementary education. Erin is a Certified Instructor of Slingerland and enjoys coaching teachers and working with students.
Jeanette Molineaux
Slingerland Teacher
Jeanette is a credentialed special educator and former Child Life Specialist with a professional background in both school and hospital settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and has completed post-graduate studies in Educational Leadership, Child Life, and Parent Education and Support. Jeanette is also a dedicated advocate for families navigating special education services in Bay Area public schools. She is trained in Slingerland, Orton-Gillingham, and Handwriting Without Tears methodologies. She lives with her family in Marin and in her free time, enjoys exploring San Francisco and the greater bay area.
Julia Myers
Assistant Head of School/Director of Admissions
Julia has worked in the field of special education in Marin since 2008, both as a classroom teacher and as a Slingerland Specialist. She is a Slingerland Certified Teacher (SCT) and an International Dyslexia Association Certified Dyslexia Practitioner. Julia is also trained in Project Read’s Framing Your Thoughts curriculum and Structured Word Inquiry. Since 2012, Julia has privately tutored students using the Slingerland approach. Prior to living in the Bay Area, Julia lived and worked in Washington, D.C, London, France, Belgium and Switzerland. In addition to her Slingerland certification, Julia holds an M.A. in both French Studies and International Relations. She is a former high school French and English as a Second Language teacher. When not teaching, Julia enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and dining out.
Christian Naventi
Middle School Science Teacher
Christian has been working with students with learning differences since 2007. Previous to joining the North Bridge community he taught at Star Academy for 11 years, primarily in their middle school and high school. There he focused on writing skills, growing self advocacy, transitions and developing a science program centered around community involvement and project based learning. He has a B.A. from UCLA in Political Science and Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credentials from Dominican University. He is also a certified naturalist from the UC California Naturalist program. Christian enjoys exploring the great outdoor opportunities throughout the Bay Area and beyond, playing music with friends and hanging with his wife and 3 year old daughter.
Nick Nordlinger
Middle School English Teacher
This is Nick's 3rd year at North Bridge and 11th year of teaching. He has a background in both English and Special Education. He spent 6 years managing a caseload of IEP students while also teaching Literacy Lab and AP English Literature at City Arts and Tech High School in San Francisco. After that he spent 2 years teaching Middle School English and 5th Grade at Brandeis-Marin. Outside of work Nick writes fiction and works on creative audio projects. He has strong opinions about books, music, and movies. His favorite place in the world is the Balboa Theater. His other interests include labyrinths, cribbage, pinball, and the phases of the moon. He also takes the seasons very seriously. He lives in San Francisco on the edge of Golden Gate Park with his wife, son, and corgi.
Dr. Lauren Ogren
School Counselor
Lauren Ogren has over a decade of experience as a licensed clinician working with youth in the public and private educational setting, as well as years of clinical experience as a former member of the Kaiser Permanente psychiatry team. Most recently positioned at San Domenico as the full time Middle School counselor, she also has a private practice counseling teens and adults. Her areas of expertise include supporting neurodivergent students from a Social Learning perspective, experience guiding students and teachers in the Responsive Classroom model, and strong clinical skills in supporting the emotional needs of the students during their important developmental years. Lauren holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology, and is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, fashion, and writing.
Rando Rode
Middle School Math Teacher
A lifelong learner with a passion for teaching, Rando is thrilled to provide math assistance and instruction to North Bridge Academy’s middle school math classes. Rando’s degree is in Latin literature. In subsequent years, his interests in math and working with junior and high school students led him to develop a tutoring practice, helping students in various subjects. Rando lives to learn and loves to teach; even in his free time, he is frequently found curled over a textbook or puzzling through a math problem.
Jen Rost
Lower School Science Teacher
Jen Rost began her teaching career as an environmental educator and went on to teach 6th grade Science in New Hampshire. After moving to CA, Jen was so enchanted by the gorgeous variety of plants that she went back to school and studied horticulture and practiced landscape design. She loves gardening, but education called her back. Jen attended the 2022 Slingerland Summer School Intensive and discovered the amazing power of this approach to literacy instruction. She has been working with the very bright and loveable students at North Bridge Academy in a variety of positions since. She returns for the 2024/25 school year as an Associate Teacher. In her free time, you can find Jen exploring the Bay area, walking in the woods, reading and cooking yummy dinners with her housemates.
Jamie Lease
Van Driver/Head of Program Support Staff
Jamie Lease is the Facilities and Transportation Supervisor at North Bridge Academy, where he has worked for four years. Starting as a driver, he was promoted to oversee PSS staff, manage driver routes, maintain six vans, and ensure smooth operations of the school’s facilities. Jamie holds a degree in Automotive Science, PPG Gold certification, and has Coast Guard training in Sailing and Seamanship. He also runs Bayfront community garden in Mill Valley, has also been a professional working musician for nearly 50 years, and has managed beverage and wine departments at Mollie Stone’s and Woodlands Markets attaining a Wine Steward degree from UC Berkley
Michelle Barenbaum
Associate Teacher
Michelle has spent her personal and professional life dedicated to and focusing on the well-being of children. She was a teacher for four years at The Winston Preparatory School in San Rafael, a school for children with learning differences, teaching English, History, and executive function skills. Seeing students’ need for additional support services, Michelle launched her own academic tutoring and executive function coaching practice three years ago and continues to meet with clients of all ages to help them achieve success and hone critical skills. Before becoming a teacher, Michelle worked for seven years as a director for adolescent pregnancy prevention programs at the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health at UCSF. During her free time, Michelle loves to spend time with family and friends, particularly when she can root for her Chicago sports teams. Michelle is delighted to be joining the Northbridge community.
Daisley Kramer
Middle School Visual Arts & Ceramics Teacher
Daisley brings her background working in museums in LA, NYC and Hong Kong as well as her experience as a freelance art writer and editor to the classroom, preparing students to better understand and appreciate the broader art world while helping them to discover their own artistic voices. By focusing on process and exploration, Daisley builds relevant and engaging curriculums grounded in contemporary art within an art historical framework. A former NBA parent, she has taught Middle School Art at NBA since 2017 and launched the addition of NBA's new Ceramics program in 2025. She holds a BA from Vanderbilt and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University. She has lived in Houston, Saudi Arabia, New York City, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong and has lived in San Anselmo with her husband and three artistic daughters since 2013.
Michael Masoud
P.E. Teacher
Michael is passionate about empowering students to lead active, healthy lives and to find confidence through athletics. He views physical education as an essential part of every student’s growth, supporting not only their physical well-being but also their teamwork, resilience, and self-esteem. A longtime Marin County resident, he now lives in Mill Valley with his family and is grateful to be part of the North Bridge community, which he describes as a true second home.
Felicia Sanchez
4th Grade Head Teacher
Director of Equity and Belonging
Felicia is a former pastry chef who discovered her passion for education while leading culinary apprenticeships for middle school students in San Francisco. This experience sparked her journey into teaching, eventually leading her to earn a Masters in Reading & Literacy Education and a Certificate in Educational Therapy from Holy Names University. Before joining NBA in 2020, Felicia worked in elementary education at Marin Country Day School. She is trained in the Slingerland method, Orton-Gillingham, and Structured Word Inquiry. In the 4th grade classroom, Felicia brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging. As Director of Equity and Belonging, she hopes to continue NBA's mission to build a supportive and inclusive school community where every member feels empowered to thrive. Outside of school, Felicia enjoys spending time with her daughter, rescuing houseplants, and wandering through the Sunday Farmers Market.
Chrissy Sohn
Slingerland Teacher (Stephanie & Sam's HRs, 6A Group)
Chrissy received her Teaching Certification from The University of Massachusetts with a BA in Early Childhood Education. She was the Director and Lead Teacher at Shalom Preschool in Carmel Valley, CA and taught at The University Lab School at Georgetown University. Chrissy became interested in working with dyslexic learners when her son was diagnosed several years ago. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Structured Literacy and the Slingerland methodology. Chrissy has two children and lives with her family in San Anselmo.
Katherine Monge Arriaza
Business and HR Director
Katherine joined North Bridge Academy with a passion for helping both people and organization thrive.With more than 12 years of experience in business administration and human resources, she oversees the school’s finances, accounting, budget projections, billing, accounts payable/receivable, and HR operations. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management, and advanced certifications in Executive Coaching, Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, and Neurolinguistic Programming. She is also currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence applied to Business. Outside of work, Katherine enjoys caring for her horses, lifelong learning, reading, pilates, and spending quality time with her husband, two children, and her adored dog Benny.
Adam Kirk
Van Driver/ Program Support Staff
Adam is excited to join the North Bridge Academy team in a new capacity, continuing his long connection to the school over the past ten years. This year, he will be driving the van for early morning routes and supporting middle school math. In addition to his work in the classroom, Adam has previously shared his love of music by leading classes at North Bridge and looks forward to bringing music back to students again this year. He is grateful for the opportunity to support such a dedicated team and an inspiring group of students.
German Guido Soloranzo
Van Driver/ Program Support Staff
German is a Marin native with deep roots in San Rafael, where he lives with his wife, three children, and their three mini dachshunds. As a dedicated father, he brings the same care, patience, and guidance he values at home into his work with students, serving as both a mentor and a trusted adult on campus. His love for basketball, biking, and the Golden State Warriors, especially his admiration for Steph Curry’s work ethic and leadership, inspire him to encourage students to pursue their goals with confidence, perseverance, and joy.
Jonathan Chapple
Van Driver/ Program Support Staff
Jonathan brings his passion for mentorship and community to North Bridge Academy. As a dedicated basketball coach, he helps students build teamwork, confidence, and discipline on and off the court. Outside of school, he works at UCSF and finds daily inspiration as a loving father. A fan of classic cars, Jonathan values tradition and craftsmanship, and strives to model these qualities as a trusted guide for students.
Nate Channing
Van Driver/ Program Support Staff
Bio Coming Soon!
Greg Schwartz
Van Driver/ Program Support Staff
Greg joined North Bridge in the spring of 2025, bringing with him a background in music, journalism, and environmental justice. He enjoys connecting with students through shared interests such as baseball, Star Wars, and Marvel superheroes, which provide meaningful ways to build relationships and foster engagement.