 |
 |
 |
|
|
-
Katherine Michiels, Founder
A graduate of San Francisco State University with a major in biology and a minor in dance, Michiels continued her studies at Skyline College, intending to become a physical therapist. Instead, she met and was profoundly influenced by David Giveans and his progressive early-childhood teaching. At his suggestion, she studied the British Infant Schools in London, and later visited more than 50 educational facilities in various countries. Michiels’s daughter, Mary Katherine, graduated from KMS.
"All my life I have been drawn to children and felt their joy. When I realized I wanted to make a difference in this world, I decided I could do it best by working with and being an advocate for children and childhood. Katherine Michiels School is the result."
|
-
Kathleen Seabolt
Kathleen Seabolt is an Early Childhood Educator of over 20 years. She earned her BA from Mills College in Child Development, Communications and Social Policy while working in licensed afterschool care in the Oakland public schools. In addition to teaching in public elementary schools, Kathleen has directed a Head Start program, served as a Girl Scout troop leader, and administrated a non-profit multi-site program serving over 700 children. A passionate family advocate, Kathleen has been active in campaigns and programs that ensure quality care for all families including her service on the First 5 Commission Technical and Professional Advisory Committee for the County of San Diego. Kathleen is a certified trainer for the WestEd Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers and is a State of California Mentor Director. Kathleen evolved a personal pedagogy she feels is best described by the phrase "Reggio-inspired" which emphasizes respectful adult-child relationships, parent-teacher collaboration, and an Arts rich experiential learning environment. She enjoyed a childhood filled with gardens and unlimited books to read. She is the proud mother of three children: Allegra, Thomas (Strawberries) and Margaret Rose (Pumpkins), with her husband, David O'Keefe.
Katherine Michiels School is an experience that supports my authentic self as a mother and an Educator. The ethic of respect and the conscious kindness has truly created a dynamic learning community that lives its credo: "Todos somos amigos en KMS!"
|
-
Maria Luna, Director of Preschool, Kindergarten and Infant Programs. Director of Dance, Spanish and De Colores Spanish Summer Programs.
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 Ensambles. 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. She has been a KMS Director for the last four years.
.
|
-
Randall Johnson, Elementary Director
Johnson joined KMS in 1985 as an art specialist and preschool teacher, and became Kindergarten teacher in 1993 and Elementary Director in 1995. A graduate of Washington State University, Johnson continued his studies at the San Francisco Art Institute. He also has trained with High Scope and Reggio Emilia and project-based learning, and received additional training in crisis prevention and intervention from Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma. A member of the Open Mind Board of Trustees, Johnson comes from a family of educators; two sisters are teachers, and his mother, Arden Johnson, taught Kindergarten for more than 20 years. Johnson’s son, Sam, and daughter, Elly, graduated from KMS.
"I've learned so much about what truly matters in life from working with the children and staff here. KMS has taught me an amazing amount about what children can do if given the chance. I am proud to be helping to create a progressive, innovative school that children love."
|
-
Yolanda Ancheta, Infant & Toddler Program Director and Head Teacher
Ancheta earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the National Teachers College in Manila, the Philippines, majoring in history and minoring in library science. She taught high school for seven years, and in 1993 received her Certificate of Completion in early childhood education from the City College of San Francisco. Two years later Ancheta joined KMS 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."
|
-
Gaydean Valdez, Preschool Head Teacher
A classroom and garden teacher, Valdez received her certification from the Center for Horticultural Therapy Studies in Denver, and is a member of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, Northern California Chapter. Valdez joined KMS in 2002, bringing to the school her experience as a vocational supervisor and counselor for developmentally disabled adults and disturbed teens. She received her preschool teacher certificate from the American College of Early Childhood Education.
"I love being a teacher. Working with young children and their families is a daily gift. Each child is so unique with his or her own personality, temperament and talents. Yet they all show me the same thing-how to love unconditionally."
|
-
Ardis Enfiajian
Ardis came to KMS via Mari Luna when New College closed. Ardis was at New College since 2000 as their Cafe Manager/Event Planner/ Scheduler. She is Spanish bilingual and experienced in the administration of schools enrollment, budget and office structure. She has a strong love of children and education. She is the mother of two daughters. She recently became the grandmother to one boy (Chicago) and one girl (Oakland) in January of 2009. She has a third granddaughter, 3-years old, in Chicago. There is nothing Ardis loves more than an environment where children are laughing, learning, playing and shouting while being kids and making friends. KMS is this place for Ardis.
Children are who I enjoy being around more than anything else.
|
-
Allen Kushinsky, Elementary Teacher
To Allen Kushinsky, teaching isn't just a job, it is a lifetime commitment to both the academic, social and emotional development of children, as well as his own personal and professional growth. He has a Masters degree in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and an Elementary school teaching license in New York and California. Prior to coming to KMS, Allen was a collaborative co-teacher at Beit Rabban Day School in New York where he designed and implemented a hands-on interdisciplinary curriculum called "Explorations," which empowered students to construct their own knowledge through inquiry personal choice, and individual discovery. He is able to create thorough, flexible lessons conducive to a diverse classroom of learners while at the same time, establishing meaningful relationships with all students entrusted to
his care. His hand-on, child-centered interdisciplinary approach to working with children within a diverse and inclusive community of teachers, students and parents is an excellent match for the goals and mission of the KMS community.
“I was five years old when I first stepped into my classroom. My teacher, Shelly, led me to the library and asked me to pick one book, any book I liked. The decision proved harder than one would think for a 5 year old: pictures of dinosaurs, volcanoes, lightening storms, space ships, and on and on. Finally I picked a book on volcanoes. My teacher read with me for 10 minutes, and then promised me that I would soon be building my own volcano. At that moment, I was hooked on the whole going-to-school thing. Two important events happened that year -- I built that volcano and Shelly became my best friend. To this day, she’s my inspiration. I plan to do the same for every one of my students…to learn, teach, and, inspire, and grow together. “
|
-
Roberta DesBouillons, Chef and Founder of Apron Strings Culinary School
Founder of Apron Strings Culinary School in 2001, Roberta is Chief Chef. A graduate of the renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, she brings with her more than 20 years of culinary experience. Roberta started baking bread when she was 11 years old and is still seen with flour under her nails. All of her classes are hands-on and use skills such as math, dexterity, common sense, and critical thinking. Apron Strings uses fresh, seasonal ingredients turning them into dishes from all over the world. The kids are not only cooking but also learning how to use mixers, blenders, food processors and knives.
"I have been able to combine my passion for food with my love of teaching and sharing my knowledge. Cooking is a life skill that can ignite creativity and bring memories that can last a lifetime."
|
-
Alden Fletcher
Alden attended KMS from age 3 through 2nd grade. She is an alum of The Oxbow School, the countries only studio arts high school semester program, where arts and academics are taught in an interdisciplinary, integrated approach – similar to KMS. She went on to get her degree in Painting with High Honors from the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara. Before coming to KMS she worked as an Assistant teacher at the UCSB Summer Arts Institute and as an Instructional Aid at the San Roque School in Santa Barbara. In addition to being an Ultimate Frisbee athlete, she has been co-director of “Cool camp: Summer camp” for the past 12 years.
KMS formed the foundation of the person I am today. While I gained many things from my time at KMS, most important was a strong sense of self-confidence. It was a confidence that grew from the teachers trusting each child’s ability to make their own decisions. Having experienced the power of that teaching style and the effect it can have on a person’s approach to life, it is my goal in the classroom to continue to instill that quality in my students. I want them to know, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. (Dr. Seuss)”
|
-
Samantha Luong, Preschool Head Teacher
Luong is an experienced teacher having taught in San Francisco at the YMCA Stonestown Preschool for 5 years and at Bright Horizons for one year. She is attending City College of San Francisco to achieve her Director's permit.
Samantha has been a volunteer for the past 10 years in her church as a teacher for toddlers, now she has taken the responsibility of directing the program:“It is an amazing challenge, but I love to be challenged.”
"I'm very excited to start another chapter of my teaching career at KMS. I believe all children have their own unique and unfound abilities. Let's unfold them together."
|
-
Samuel Cerdena, Preschool Teacher
Sam has been a KMS preschool educator since 2006. Known as "Captain Sam" he has a special interest in Music Education for young children, and can often be found guitar in hands leading a sing-a-long. He started working with children through volunteer work at Faith Bible Church of San Francisco, and has worked and directed several programs that catered to the care of children from preschool to High School ages. He also worked in the Kindergarten classroom at Jose Ortega Elementary School. Sam earned his Associate Degree with a major in Child Development at City College of San Francisco
"Here at KMS, I not only get to practice what I know, but I get to experience the warmth in knowing that I’m not just teaching these kids, but also that they are teaching me as well. I hope to use some of my skills and special interests, like playing the guitar or telling jokes, to be a positive influence in the lives of these kids that hopefully will be remembered."
|
-
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."
|
-
Josefina Plata, Infant Teacher
Josie joined KMS in 2006, and works as a care provider to the youngest children in the Peach Palace. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines and teaches at her church's Sunday school. She is the mother of two children, an 18 year old daughter and a 28 year old son.
"The most rewarding thing about working at KMS is being able to teach and influence the children I work with and watch how they learn and develop. The children are all so precious and I love every moment I spend with them."
|
-
Giaconda Obando (Momma G)
Giaconda Obando hails from Costa Rica and has been a KMS preschool teacher since 2006. Known as Momma G, she nurtures the Pumpkin children, supporting their positive self-image through a warm nature that engages them with song, stories and a welcoming smile. Momma G enjoys the garden and creating beautiful vases full of flower arrangements for the KMS library.
.
|
-
Mariana Gutierrez
Mariana Gutierrez became a part of KMS in 2005, where she works with the Peach Palace Early Education team. She is originally from the Philippines where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Mariana devotes herself to making KMS shine, and to her family and her church family.
.
|
-
Iokso "Cathy" Ko
Iokso “Cathy” Ko became a KMS educator in 2003 and loves working with the youngest babies and their parents. Cathy earned her State of California Child Development permit after completing over 30 units in Early Childhood Education through Merritt and Laney colleges. Originally from China, Cathy sings to the children in several languages. She loves her beautiful family.
.
|
-
Lea Lamzon, Infant Teacher
Lamzon is a teaching assistant originally from the Philippines. She volunteers as a Teacher’s Aide at private schools, and has always worked with children as a babysitter and volunteer. She is also a Certified Nursing Assistant.
"I decided to become a Teacher’s Aide because 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 share the same passion for working with children and to work with all the beautiful kids, wonderful parents and supportive staff."
|
-
Ofelia Dizon
Ofelia Dizon joined the KMS staff in 2008 and works with the youngest children in the Peach Program. She loves to sing and dance, and play with all of the children. Her high energy creates a bright spot for all staff and parents. She is a devoted mother and proudly shares her Filipina heritage.
.
|
-
Ilia Correa
Ilia Correa began at KMS in June of 2009 supporting the De Colores Summer Camp. She is now a full time Pumpkin Teacher in the preschool component. Ilia was born and raised in Puerto Rico, with Spanish as her first language. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and has taken Education coursework, including Child Development. Ilia has a strong interest in Caribbean culture, and is an active participant in a bomba drum group celebrating the Afro-Brazilian musical traditions.
.
|
-
Victoria Aguilar
Victoria Aguilar became a KMS educator in August 2009, and serves as the 4-6 Elementary Coordinator. Born in El Salvador and raised Spanish-English bilingual, Victoria graduated with her BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University.
She is interested in supporting children’s Art process.
.
|
|
|
 - "Hi, I am Daniel. I am 10 1/2 yrs old and I have been going to KMS for 7 years. I want to thank all the teachers for being kind, helpful
more...
- Daniel
KMS Class of '07
- OPEN HOUSES
- ALL-SCHOOL: February 20: 9-11:30am
|
