Sheila has been immensely enjoying her work as the Head of School at Star since January of 2016. She holds a M.A. in Education and an Education Specialist credential, in addition to being an R.N. Prior to her time at Star, Sheila spent 9 years as an administrator of a K-8 school, overseeing all aspects of school operations and directing the Special Education program at her site. Sheila’s background includes over 20 years of business, education, and healthcare management. Teaching and working with neurodiverse students from ages 8 through 22 is the culmination of her professional and educational goals and one of her greatest joys. A long-time resident of Sonoma County, Sheila enjoys the rugged beauty, hiking trails and the cooler temperatures 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.
Alysha has been in the world of education since 2014. She double majored in Cultural Anthropology and Religions Traditions at UC Santa Barbara. After working for UC Santa Barbara in the academic support and counseling departments for four years, Alysha moved home to Sonoma County to peruse her teaching credential. Alysha earned her Education Specialist Credential at Sonoma State University and worked for the Sonoma County Office of Education for 4 years before joining the Star team. Alysha worked in our high school as the Transition Living Skills teacher, then became the Transition Counselor for the high School working with students and families on transition planning. Alysha is now Star Academy's Post High School Coordinator.
Jaime has been in the field of education since 2000 and has been a member of the Star community since 2011. She holds a M.A in Learning and Instruction, and a Learning Specialist credential from the University of San Francisco. Jaime 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 behavioral needs. Jaime's comprehensive background and experience give her valuable insight into complex learning profiles to truly understand the needs of unique learners and their overall fit for our program. Outside of Star, Jaime’s two children keep her very active in the world of competitive youth volleyball. In her free time, she enjoys listening to live music, being anywhere on the water, singing and dancing in her kitchen while cooking, and traveling to competitions with her daughters' volleyball teams.
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 30 years and currently serves on the board of Development Executives Roundtable. She loves being part of the Star community, working beside staff and families who are dedicated to the success of our students. She has two adult children living in New York and she and her husband enjoy 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.
