Prior to her time at Star, Sheila worked as a Waldorf charter school administrator for nine years, overseeing all aspects of school operations and directing the Special Education program at her site. She is a firm believer in education that integrates the arts and supports the unique learning needs of each child. Sheila’s background includes over 20 years of business, education and healthcare management. She has a bachelor's degree in marketing, is a registered nurse, and has completed a significant portion of her M.B.A. coursework. A long-time resident of Sonoma County, Sheila is enjoying the rugged beauty, hiking trails and great coffee houses in Marin!
Claudia is a credentialed Education Specialist with a master's degree in special education and 16 years of experience as a Learning Specialist for students in grades 4-12. Her past administrative work experience includes Academic Dean and Vice Principal. She is deeply knowledgeable and passionate about her work, and is warm, enthusiastic, and highly detail oriented and organized. In her role at Star, she oversees the curriculum and academic program, evaluates and mentor teachers, handles student discipline issues, manages student and teacher scheduling and organizes professional development for the staff, and oversees case management for all privately-placed students. Outside of work, Claudia is a triathlete and competes at both the local and national level.
Jaime has been in the field of education since 2000. She received her undergraduate degree from Dominican University, and then went on to earn her Learning Specialist teaching credential and MA in Learning and Instruction from the University of San Francisco. She has worked as a special education teacher in both private and public schools, as well as privately with families, supporting children and teens with unique learning, social, and behavior needs. Outside of Star, Jaime’s two children keep her very active. In her free time, she enjoys listening to live music, being anywhere on the water, traveling, and going out to eat at her favorite restaurants. She has been a part-time member of the Star community since 2010.
Soren holds a B.S. in Biology with a Cellular & Molecular concentration from Humboldt State University and an M.A. in Education with a concentration in Counseling and Student Personnel from San Jose State University. They also worked as a wildlife rescue veterinary technician, a biological researcher, a career counselor for students with learning differences, and has been volunteering in various organizations since they were 15. A student aide and transitions specialist, they enjoy working with parents and assisting students in learning to self-advocate and utilizing their strengths. Soren also enjoys doing scientific research, photography, and art.
Maggie originally hails from Los Angeles but is happy to call the Bay Area her home after living in Naples, Italy, for four years. In 2002 she earned her BA in anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and went on to work in a business management office that served minor Hollywood celebrities. Her husband, Phil, joined the Navy in 2010 and for the next seven years they lived in and traveled through all kinds of fascinating places. In 2017 they moved back to the USA, bringing with them their favorite souvenir, baby Faye. Maggie enjoys reading, drawing, cooking, and, like every good Californian, hiking. In her spare time she writes and illustrates children’s books. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Star Academy staff.
Susan has worked in development and fundraising for more than 25 years, including, prior to Star, as a staff member at two Catholic parishes and as a consultant. She loves sharing the story of Star Academy and meeting people just as passionate as her about making sure our students have the resources they need to succeed in school. She has two adult children who live in New York and she and her husband are enjoying their "empty nest" along with their dog, Memphis. She loves travel, reading, movies, being outdoors and relaxing with friends and family.
Lisa worked for Marin County schools for five years, then left education for almost 10 years to work in the world of cheese. She's thrilled to be back around kids - especially the kids of Star. She grew up in Utah and moved to the Bay Area after earning her bachelor's degree in communication from Southern Utah University. She spends her springs, summers and (most) falls living for the San Francisco Giants and spends the winters counting down to Spring Training.
Originally from Upstate New York Danielle has called the Bay Area home for the past 22 years. Danielle joined Star with over 13 years of office management experience. She enjoys all the area has to offer such as the beautiful beaches, vast hiking trails and stellar views. She loves going on walks with her rescue dog Frasier, whom she adores. She is also a certified Spin Instructor.
Jessica comes to us from the hospitality industry. After graduating UC Davis, she worked as a paralegal at a law firm but decided to change directions and attend the former California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. She worked her way through culinary school as an HR assistant where she honed her administrative skills which complemented her culinary skills. As many people forget, it takes more than just great cooking to successfully run a cafe or catering company. Jessica returned to Marin as a married mother of two (Olivia and Evan). Making another life change, she now focuses on applying her financial and administrative skills here at Star Academy where she is excited to support this wonderful community.
Charlie is a law student and career paralegal with a BA in Criminal Justice and International Affairs from the George Washington University. Her prior experience includes administrative and legal assistantships in Paris and Washington DC, sociological reintegration research in Rwanda, and criminal paralegal work in the Bay Area. With a passion for education and applied sociology, Charlie is honoured to join the STAR family, where she works in office management and administrative services. When she's not working, Charlie can be found running the Novato and Terra Linda trails, performing in poetry slams and open mics, and exploring independent coffee shops.
