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"A teacher affects eternity; he [or she] can never tell where his [or her] influence stops." - Henry Brooks Adams
 
Tom Becker teaches Visual Arts at Gateway High School. He studied painting as an undergraduate at the San Francisco Art Institute and received his BA in International Studies from the University of the Pacific. In 2001, he received his MFA from the California College of Art. He is an active artist whose work has been shared locally through San Francisco Cinematheque, Pacific Film Archive and SF Camera Work. He looks forward to creating a colorful mess with his visual arts class.
Sarah Benjamin teaches Spanish I and II at Gateway. She received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish at Stanford, where she also received her M.A. in Education via STEP (Stanford Teacher Education Program). Before coming to Gateway, she worked at a local youth development organization and also taught bilingual preschool. Sarah loves to travel in Latin America and has her sights set on Honduras for her next trip.
Rachel Botamino teaches Spanish II, Spanish III and AP Spanish. Both of her parents are Spaniards, but she was born and grew up in France. She has been teaching Spanish in public and private schools in the Bay Area for over twenty-five years. She has also taught in Cayenne (French Guiana) and Spain. Rachel has a BA in Spanish and Portuguese literature from UC Berkeley and has a teaching credential from San Francisco State University.
Amy Bowles is Gateway's School Counselor and Human Development teacher. She received a BA from Smith College, and M.Ed. from the Harvard University School of Education and holds a PPS credential for school counseling. A former science teacher, she has worked in counseling and school administration in Bay Area public schools for several years. As the former Dean of Students of Ben Franklin Middle School, Amy is thrilled to continue working in the Western Addition community to serve students and their families.
Quenadyne Bucher joined Gateway as the Office Manager in the fall of 2005 and also presently serves as the Facilities Manager. Quenadyne came to our school after many years with a global financial services firm leading technology teams. She has also served as Treasurer of the Gateway Parent Association for two years, but is most proud to be the parent of a Gateway 2006 graduate.
Bani Cheema is a Development Associate at Gateway. She was born and grew up in India and has lived in the Bay Area for the past four years. She graduated from California State University East Bay (Hayward), where she received a BA in International Studies with an emphasis on International law and Organization. Bani is excited to work at Gateway and contribute to the community. She enjoys traveling, swimming, music and spending time with her family and friends.
Mark Crown is the science subject area head and teaches Physical Science and Biology. He earned his BA in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and did post baccalaureate research at U.C.S.F. School of Pharmacy. Previously he taught science at Synergy School in San Francisco.
Sienna Dalton is Gateway's Attendance Coordinator. Over the years Sienna has worked closely with San Francisco youth in several high schools and within adolescent health promotion programs. Sienna served as Compliance Coordinator for one of San Francisco's federal Trio programs. She is excited to work at Gateway and enjoys working closely with students, parents and staff.
Laura Deanovic joined the faculty of the math department at Gateway four years ago. She has been an educator for seventeen years and previously taught music and/or math at South San Francisco High School, Campolindo High School, St. Catherine Indian School, and Santa Fe Community College. She was also a high school administrator at Desert Academy in Santa Fe, NM for five years. Laura has a Bachelors of Music and teaching credentials from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Education from the College of Santa Fe. She is also a drummer and classical percussionist, performing regularly with the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the San Francisco Civic Symphony, and a blues group called the Midnight Sessions.
Eric DeSanto is beginning his 9th year teaching biology and chemistry, and his 5th year at Gateway. He earned his Bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University in Biology and a Master's degree from University of New Mexico in Biomedical sciences - vascular physiology. When he is not delighting in the glories of nature or student's mental light bulbs, he is playing with his wife and 3-year-old daughter or swimming.
Anders Fairbanks Anders Fairbanks teaches math, coaches the boys’ varsity basketball team, and is the Brick House Mentor. A San Francisco native, Anders is very happy to be returning to Gateway for his third year. He holds a BA in psychology from Colorado College, and taught at public and private schools in New York City before coming to Gateway.
Michael Fuller is an Assistant Principal at Gateway. In addition to his duties as science department head, Michael taught courses in Biology and Biotechnology during his past years at Gateway. Prior to joining GHS, Michael taught Biology at Thurgood Marshall here in San Francisco and worked as a Research Biologist for Gilead Sciences after earning his degree in Genetics from UC Davis.
Sean Gass teaches 9th grade Humanities and AP English Literature and Composition. He studied English literature and got his BA at Hamilton College in New York, then ran a community center in Boston before moving out west to pursue professional teaching. He received his M.A. in Education through the Multicultural Urban Secondary English (MUSE) program at UC Berkeley. Before coming to Gateway he taught at McClymonds High School in West Oakland and Burton High School in San Francisco. This is his second year at Gateway.
Melissa Getz while new to teaching at Gateway, is not new to the profession. She spent eight years at Tennyson High School teaching chemistry, biotechnology, and various other science courses. Her educational background includes a BS in biology from Virginia Tech, a MS in plant pathology from UC Davis, and a teaching credential from CSU, Sacramento. Between her teaching stint in Hayward and joining Gateway, she was a science student teacher supervisor with UC Berkeley’s MACSME program. She credits UC Davis for her ability to teach biotechnology because while a graduate student there, she figured out just about every way an experiment can be ruined. However, she still enjoys the surprise of her students finding a new way to destroy a lab. Melissa is very excited to be back in the classroom with students who she will be challenging with learning biotechnology.
Amanda Goldman Amanda Goldman is a member of the science department at Gateway. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in ecology and wildlife biology and UC Santa Cruz with a master’s in education. In addition to teaching biology and AP biology, she is the house mentor for the purple (ishoku) house.
Angela Grimes is Gateway's Assistant Principal focusing on faculty development. Angela is an 18-year veteran teacher in the California public school system. Her career as an educator includes mentoring and providing professional development for new and veteran teachers and developing curriculum to meet the needs of our state’s diverse population. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Science and her master’s in Education from Mills College, her B. A. in Art at CSU Northridge and her Administrative Service Credential at CSU East Bay. Angela is 1 of 47,000 teachers nation wide who have successfully achieved National Board certification in 2001. When she is not focused on being an educator she is focused on creative endeavors such as drawing, collage work and quilting, as well as spending time horseback riding, practicing yoga and enjoying the wealth of California’s cultural and natural venues.
Greg Grossman Teaches Civics and Humanities and is this year’s Yellow House mentor. He earned his BA in Political Economy from UC Berkeley and his J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. Prior to coming to Gateway, Greg worked for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and practiced law at Morrison and Foerster LLP in San Francisco.
Suzanne Herko teaches Humanities 11 and works with new teachers. She is entering her eighth year at Gateway after taking one year's leave in Seville, Spain. Prior to Gateway, Suzanne taught at the Liceo Internacional in Quito, Ecuador and the Community Action Middle School in New York City, New York. She earned her Bachelor's degree in history, concentrating in women's history, at Stanford University and her Master of Arts in the Teaching of Social Studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. When not working on behalf of her students, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children.
Chris Hero – Is Gateway’s Director of Operations. He has over 10 years of experience in financial and operations management for corporations and non-profit organizations. Chris received a BA in History from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Boston University’s Graduate School of Management.
William Johnston teaches Humanities 9 and AP U.S. History in addition to serving as the co-Chair of the Humanities Department. Originally from Columbus, OH, he taught in Philadelphia for five years before moving to San Francisco in 2005. He has earned a BA in English from The Ohio State University and a MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania, and enjoys overbooking his free-time with cycling, traveling, and music.
Joe Killmaier is the Athletic Director at Gateway and the Soccer coach for Boys' and Girls' teams at the School. Joe has over 15 years experience with organized sports in the Bay Area. He has coached the Salesian boys, North Beach Azzurri, North Beach Dolphins and Tomcats soccer teams. He also managed the Deportiva Chivas competitive soccer team. Joe holds a class B soccer referee license and a National D coach license.
Christopher Lerma is Gateway's Tech Support Associate. Formerly a student of Gateway (class of '06), Chris now works for the very school he attended. He currently splits his time between work and school as he earns a BA in Computer Science from City College of San Francisco.
Mary J. Maya In addition to teaching Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1 & 2 and Spanish 1, Mary is the Spanish Department Chair, the Substitute Coordinator and this year’s Project Week Coordinator. Mary works collaboratively with the Center of Applied Linguistics in Washington D.C. designing a Heritage Program that supplements the lives of the students of Gateway High School. A native of San Francisco, her father immigrated to the United States from the Basque Country and her mother came to San Francisco from Spain during the 1960's. Mary received her BA and completed graduate studies at San Francisco State University and received her Master's Degree in Hispanic Culture and language from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Kevin McCoy is Gateway's Director of Technology. He studied flight at Florida Tech and earth sciences at Kent State University & SUNY Buffalo, and graduated in ‘96 from SUNY Plattsburgh with a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Environmental Science. Kevin moved to San Francisco in ‘97 and was employed by Ziff Davis Media as a Project Leader for the editorial tech labs, and later transitioned from corporate to education after a summer teaching experience with Aim High. He was then employed by Katherine Delmar Burke School to provide technical support and teach multimedia electives. He enjoys working on motorcycles, writing music, and the fine company of his parrot.
Tina McGovern is Gateway's Director of Development and Outreach. Before joining Gateway, Tina owned a non profit consulting/event planning business in San Francisco and is the former Development Director for Florence Crittenton Services and Mercy High School, San Francisco. She graduated from the University of Santa Clara with a BA in English. A native San Franciscan, she is a board member for City Youth Now, serving children in the City's foster care and juvenile justice system. She and her husband Ed McGovern live in San Francisco with their four children.
Joyce Groom McMinn a Gateway "Founding Mother," teaches 9th grade Psychology at Gateway. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of science in Education. She grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and moved to San Francisco after college. For many years she taught and tutored students from kindergarten through high school ages and loves to help students be successful. She is mother to three and grandmother to five. Joyce and her husband love animals and live with a variety of them.
Annie Mehalchick is the Mathematics subject area head and teaches AP Calculus and Algebra II. She has studied various fields of Mathematics at San Francisco State University and received a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in German from New York University. Annie obsesses over sunshine, attempts to make sense of the universe, and adores her parrot, Hermann.
Denise Olivera is the special education department chair and the Resource Specialist for the 11th and 12th grades. She received her BA in Psychology at the University of San Francisco, and her credential and M.A. in Special Education at San Francisco State University. She taught at a Non-Public School in San Francisco for 3 years prior to coming to Gateway. She enjoys traveling, learning new crafts, music and being outdoors.
Sharon Olken is the Principal of Gateway. Sharon earned a BA from Harvard University where she played varsity soccer and coordinated a community-service program at a local elementary school. Before coming to Gateway Sharon spent two years working for Senator Feinstein and earned her M.A. in education at Stanford University, where she also taught a course titled "Educating for Equity and Democracy." Sharon taught humanities for five years at Homestead High School in Cupertino. She spent three years teaching in the Gateway Humanities program and served as Dean of Faculty.
Richard Olsen is an artist , writer, and art educator. He is the head of the art department at Gateway high school and consultant and artist-in-resident for the San Francisco Art in Education Project. He also teaches art education at the San Francisco Art Institute. He has curated many shows of children and youth art including at Rena Bransten Gallery, Southern Exposure Gallery, the SF Arts Commission Gallery, and the SF Museum of Modern Art . His students’ work have won a number of awards including the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum’s “ best of design” award with a subsequent exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington DC. He has lectured on art and education at UC Berkeley, SF State, the College of Notre Dame, the SF Museum of Modern Art, and other institutions. He has taught in public and private settings including children deemed “Severely Emotionally Disturbed”. He received his BFA and MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute.
Molly Orner teaches English 12, Civics, and Humanities 10. She began her teaching career nine years ago as a corps member of Teach for America in San Jose. After taking a five year hiatus from teaching to work in the nonprofit sector, she made the decision to return to the field and completed a Master’s and credentialing program at Stanford University. Last year she taught English at Berkeley High School. She is thrilled to be joining the Gateway community and working in the city she calls home. Molly received a BA in English from Oberlin College. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys reading, surfing, traveling, and exploring the endless culinary delights the Bay Area has to offer.
Will Parish teaches Environmental Science and Senior Civics. He brings twenty years of work experience to the classroom, including working as an attorney in a major San Francisco law firm, developing alternative energy projects, piloting airplanes for a non-profit environmental organization, and serving as an advocate for better environmental policies. Will has taught environmental entrepreneurship to middle school students at an independent school and has been a certified flight instructor. He earned a J.D. from the University of Detroit School of Law and a BA in Political Economy from Williams College. He represents the faculty on the Gateway Board of Trustees.
Marisa Pena teaches 9th grade Learning Skills. A native of the Bay Area, she recieved her B.A. in English at San Jose State University, and her credential and M.A. in Special Education at San Francisco State University. She has worked with at-risk youth and students with special needs for the past 10 years. She taught middle school in Northeast Florida for the past year, but returned home to join the Gateway team. She enjoys taking her dog to the park, watching football, cooking, and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Timothy Petrocchi graduated from CSU Long Beach with a BA in Theater and has performed across the United States. Timothy loves the energy and inventiveness students bring to his classroom and the school theatrical productions. He invites you to come see our production this fall.
Joel Rangel is the Director of College Counseling for Gateway High School. He is a graduate from UC Berkeley and Stanford University, School of Education. He comes to Gateway from the Hispanic Scholarship fund where he delivered college admissions, scholarship, and financial aid presentations to high school students and their families. Prior to Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Mr. Rangel worked for the Making Waves Education Program in Richmond, CA where he coordinated auxiliary academic support services for 5th grade to 12th grade students. In his free time he enjoys creative writing, snowboarding, running, and relaxing.
Dierdre Smith, a San Francisco native and alumni of Balboa High School, is our Student Support Coordinator. Before coming to Gateway, Dierdre had a varied and successful career as an airline travel consultant, home-school teacher and community activist. As our Student Support Coordinator, Dierdre assists students with a variety of issues from tardiness, lost items and illness, to providing a listening ear. She enjoys traveling abroad, playing tourist in the city, and quiet getaways in Sonoma/Napa County.
Iris Smith is Gateway’s Enrollment Director. Previously a company member of Bay Area Youth Ballet and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II, Iris left her dance career behind to pursue her BA in psychology at The City College of New York. She enjoys dancing, sunshine, friends and family.
Aaron Watson teaches 11th grade Humanities and is the Boom House mentor. Prior to coming to Gateway in 2005, he taught at a non-public school in Oakland, CA and worked for 5 years with youth and families involved in the Alameda County foster care system. He received his BA in History from Brown University and his M.Ed. at the University of California at Berkeley. Beyond teaching andreading, Aaron enjoys traveling, gardening and exploring the outdoors.
Joanne Wells is the school’s receptionist as well as manager and founder of Gateway's award-winning after-school volunteer Tutor Program. In 2001, as a parent volunteer Joanne recognized the need for additional support services for Gateway’s students and designed, organized and managed the Gateway Tutor Program. During her tenure as a Gateway parent, Joanne launched the Gateway CommuniGator, an online parent e-newsletter. Her son graduated from Gateway in 2005.
Rebecca Wieder co-chairs the Humanities subject area and teaches 9th grade Humanities, 11th grade Honors American Literature, and Creative Writing; previously, Rebecca taught Humanities at Oakland Technical High School. She earned her BA in American Civilization and Latin American Studies at Brown University, and her MA of Education at UC Berkeley. Beyond teaching, reading, and writing, Rebecca enjoys exploring the Bay Area and rooting for the Red Sox.
Erin Willard is happy to return to teaching full-time this year in the Humanities Department. The Gateway librarian and a Civics teacher last year, Erin is now part of the Humanities 10 and English 12 teams. Before coming to Gateway, Erin taught 9th and 11th grade at Northeast High School in Philadelphia while pursuing her Master's. Erin earned her BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Virginia, and her M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. In life before teaching she worked as a paralegal in the corporate and first amendment practices of a law firm in Chicago and Washington, D.C. In life outside of school, Erin tries to see theater, play scrabble and catch the Cubs or Bears when they are in town.
Janette Wong Janette Wong has been teaching Algebra I and Pre-Algebra at Gateway HS and will be adding Physical Education this year. A long time ago she received her B.A. in Physical Education from Cal State Long Beach and followed up earning her Teaching Credential at Cal State University Sacramento. Janette has taught many subjects throughout her vast career in many places ranging from sunny Southern California to rainy Seattle, Washington. When she is NOT grading papers, she enjoys reading, watching Reality TV, spending time with family and friends, and traveling the world.
Tim Woolgar teaches Physical Science and Physics. He was born and raised in England but moved to San Francisco after meeting his future wife whilst traveling in Asia. Whilst earning his BEng in Aeronautical Engineering at Salford University in Manchester, he learned to fly with the Royal Air Force, but ended up working into the Information Technology Industry before leaving to travel. Tim started teaching at Gateway as a long-term substitute and then taught Chemistry and Physics at Lowell High School before choosing to come back home to Gateway in 2006.
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