Our Faculty & Staff

Shannon Barkocy

4th Grade Head Teacher

James Brunner
Maker Space, Innovation & Design Teacher

James teaches Middle School Digital Design. He has worked as a STEM teacher in public and private schools in Marin and Silicon Valley for the last 16 years. Through hands-on projects in his Maker Space 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.

Jennifer Cariadus

Expressive Arts Teacher

Before transitioning to the role of Expressive Arts Teacher in 2023, Jen joined the North Bridge community in 2021 as the Lead Grade 5 Teacher. Jen previously worked at Star Academy, where she served for more than thirteen years as a Multisensory Language Arts Specialist, Adaptive Technology Assistant, Homeroom Teacher, and Drama/Music/Digital Arts instructor. She 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. A mother of college-age twins and a sweet doggie named Kore, she lives in Novato.

Shannon is in her seventh year of teaching and joined North Bridge Academy in 2024. Previously, she taught fourth grade at The Hamlin School, where she developed a passion for supporting students with learning differences and helping each child discover their strengths as learners. Shannon has completed two years of Slingerland training and incorporates its structured, multisensory approach across subject areas. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and is trained in Responsive Classroom. She has continued her professional learning through the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and CHADD conferences. Shannon credits much of who she is today to her college soccer career, which instilled in her a lasting appreciation for teamwork, perseverance, and connection. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs, Malone and Miller.

Claire Cordon
5th Grade Head Teacher

Claire was an elementary teacher in San Francisco for 8 years prior to coming to North Bridge Academy. She taught 3rd grade at Hamlin School and Convent Elementary School. Claire holds a Masters in Education from University of London, Goldsmiths. Recently, Claire completed year one Slingerland training. 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. She feels it's crucial that her students feel it is safe to make mistakes, empowered in their learning, and reminded of their innumerable strengths. Claire is Canadian, but is happy to call San Francisco her 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

Shawn brings more than twenty years of experience as a nanny and over a decade of administrative experience to North Bridge Academy, where she joined the team in 2023. She studied Human Nutrition and Literature in Arizona before returning to the Bay Area to put down roots. Shawn has lived in West Marin since 2012 and enjoys picking blackberries in the summer, writing, reading, hiking, and gardening. She is currently quite proud of her blooming black lotus. CPR certified, yearbook compiler, and enthusiastic concocter of hot cocoa and pickler of beets, Shawn finds great joy in connecting with teachers, staff, families, and students.

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.

Elder Garcia
Program Support Staff & Van Driver

Bio coming soon

Peter Hagan

Program Support Staff & Van Driver

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
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. Recently, Stephanie completed her second year of Slingerland training. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her daughter to parks and hiking Mt. Tam.

Ashley Hughes

Head Teacher - 5th Grade

Ashley joins North Bridge from Charles Armstrong School, where she spent four years teaching 5th grade and fell in love with helping dyslexic students unlock their potential. With a passion for Science and seven years of teaching experience, she became a NASA certifiedAshely educator. She is a Wilson Reading System practitioner and is looking forward to pursuing her Slingerland certification. Ashley looks forward to exploring all that Marin has to offer as she moves up from the Peninsula. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family.

Billie Kallem
Associate Teacher

Billie joined the North Bridge community in 2025 as a substitute teacher and part-time associate teacher in the lower school. She is excited to expand her role to full-time associate teacher in fifth grade. Before joining North Bridge, Billie worked as a second grade associate teacher at Burke's where she first developed an interest in supporting learning differences and neurodiversity in the classroom. Billie is currently pursuing a Master's in Education through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. When not working or studying, Billie enjoys working on knitting projects and going for long walks.

Adam Kirk
Program Support & Van Driver

Bio coming soon

David Klemas

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.

Claire Koshland

Lower & Middle School Director

Claire has taught in independent schools and as a private tutor for over 15 years. Most recently, she worked as a Reading Specialist at Town School for Boys and as a volunteer art teacher at Golden Hills Academy. Claire has a BA in Art History, an MSEd in Early Childhood and General Childhood Education, and a certificate in Educational Therapy. She has received year two Slingerland training in addition to Orton-Gillingham, and the Wilson Reading Program. Claire’s passion for supporting unique and complex learners stems from her experience parenting a child with autism and ADHD. She has deep ties to the local neurodiversity community and leans heavily on this network for resources and inspiration. She lives in Mill Valley with her husband and two children.

Jamie Lease
Transportation & Facilities Coordinator

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

Michael Massoud
Associate Teacher

Michael is celebrating his fourth year at North Bridge Academy, where he is excited to expand his role this year. While continuing to lead our dynamic PE program, he is also stepping into the classroom as the Associate Teacher for the 3rd and 4th grades. Michael is Slingerland trained and holds degrees in both Sociology and Sound Engineering, bringing a unique blend of community mindedness and creativity to our active learning environment. A true Marin local, Michael lives right here in Mill Valley with his wife and three children.

Wallace Morgan
MFT Intern

Wallace Morgan is passionate about supporting children and adolescents through their social, emotional, and academic development. She brings experience in youth mentorship, academic tutoring, and creative education through her work with organizations including 826LA, Sage Educators, and Canal Alliance. Wallace utilizes a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to help students navigate anxiety, identity development, self-esteem challenges, and school-related stress while fostering confidence and social-emotional growth. She is especially committed to creating affirming spaces that support LGBTQ+ youth and neurodiverse learners so all students feel seen, supported, and empowered. Wallace also volunteers at Halleck Creek Ranch supporting adaptive riding, experiences that have deepened her understanding of relational care and neurodiversity-affirming support.

Julia Myers

Director of Admissions

Julia is a highly certified educator with a deep commitment to student learning and community engagement. As a member of the Bay Area Director of Admissions professional consortium, she is committed to equitable admission practices and student-centered enrollment. Julia guides parents of dyslexic learners through the admissions process with transparency and compassion. Her expertise in literacy is affirmed by her certifications as a Slingerland Certified Teacher (SCT) and an International Dyslexia Association Certified Dyslexia Practitioner. Academically, Julia holds two M.A. degrees in French Studies and International Relations, and she is a former high school French and English as a Second Language teacher.

Christian Naventi
Middle School Science Teacher

Christian has been working with students with learning differences since 2007 and has been teaching at North Bridge since 2020. 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 partnerships 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 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 young daughter.

Nick Nordlinger
Middle School English Teacher

This is Nick's 4th year at North Bridge and 12th year of teaching. He has a background in both English and Special Educationand has recently completed the year one of Slingerland tranining. 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. At San Domenico School she worked as the full time Middle School counselor. Lauren 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. 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.

Sara Ridgel
Operations Manager

Sara grew up in Utah and is passionate about helping children, families, and communities thrive. Her background includes education, human services, human resources, payroll, budgeting, and operations, giving her experience in both supporting people and helping organizations run smoothly.

Sara believes every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and confident in their abilities. She enjoys building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues and is excited to be part of a school community that celebrates each learner's unique strengths. When she's not working, Sara enjoys crafting, spending time at the beach, watching football, and exploring new restaurants with her family and friends. She and her husband have two children and a dog who keep life busy and fun. Sara is excited to be part of North Bridge Academy and looks forward to supporting students and families while helping the school continue to grow and thrive.

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
& Slingerland Teacher

Felicia Sanchez
Director of Student Life

Felicia joined North Bridge Academy in 2020 and spent six wonderful years teaching 4th grade with warmth and enthusiasm. In her role as Director of DEIB she continued NBA's mission to build a school community where every member feels a sense of belonging. As Director of Student Life, she is focused on strengthening an inclusive, connected, and joyful school culture. You might see her leading assemblies, welcoming prospective families, or supporting student leadership opportunities. Felicia is trained in the Slingerland approach and holds a Masters in Reading & Literacy Education and a Certificate in Educational Therapy.

Chrissy Sohn
Middle School Slingerland Teacher

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, year on of Slingerland and Structured Literacy. Chrissy has two children and lives with her family in San Anselmo.

Erin Minuth Terris

Lower & Middle School Director

Erin is a dyslexic educator who strives to ensure that all her students' needs are met while learning in a safe and fun environment. As the Director of Lower and Middle School, Erin will be supervising teachers, communicating with parents, and leading collaborative staff meetings. If you have any questions about your child or North Bridge after reaching out to your homeroom teacher, Erin is your “go-to” person. As a Slingerland Certified Instructor of Teachers (CSIT), Erin supervises instructors as they pursue Slingerland Certification. She also has a Masters of Arts in Teaching and is pursuing a Masters in Education in Independent School Leadership at Vanderbilt University. When Erin isn’t at North Bridge, you can find her playing outside with her family or catching a sports game in the Bay Area.

Duane Roberson
Program Support Staff & Van Driver

Bio coming soon

Rando Rode
Middle School Math Teacher

Jen Rost
Lower School Science Teacher
and Slingerland 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.

Felicia Sanchez
Director of Student Life

Felicia Sanchez joined North Bridge Academy in 2020 and has spent the past six years teaching 4th grade with warmth and enthusiasm. For the past two years, in her role as Director of DEIB she has continued NBA's mission to build a school community where every member feels a sense of belonging. Next year, as Director of Student Life, she will focus on strengthening an inclusive, connected, and joyful school culture. You might see her leading assemblies, welcoming prospective families, or supporting student leadership opportunities. Felicia is trained in the Slingerland approach and holds a Masters in Reading & Literacy Education and a Certificate in Educational Therapy.

13 SEP