Meet the team

Alexis graduated from the University of Southern California in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Graphic Design. In 2014, after leading an after school program at a Title 1 elementary school, she decided to switch gears to become a teacher. She received her 2042 Multiple Subject Credential from Dominican University of California and is currently in the process of obtaining her MA in Education from Dominican. She has always been interested in problem solving through the creative lens of a designer. She believes that, like graphic design, teaching requires critical thinking, trial and error, and creativity. She enjoys helping students reach their creative potential and use design-thinking to solve everyday problems. On the side, she practices illustration, inspired by the artwork of her students.

Maddy McGuire holds a B.A. in Art History, and earned her teaching credential and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI). Before coming to CACS, Maddy taught 5th grade at Peralta Elementary, a small, arts-integrated public school in Oakland, and the 3rd and 4th grades at Town School for Boys in San Francisco. She brings a love of stories, both real and imagined, and a constant stream of questions and curiosities to her teaching practice. Before finding her home in the classroom, Maddy worked at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, where she developed an interest in child-directed, play-based education. Maddy studied the arts in college, and while she still has a visual arts practice outside of the classroom, her passion for the arts lies in the learning experiences they facilitate for children, and is thrilled to be joining the community at Creative Arts.

Ron earned a BA and MA in English literature and later a teaching credential at San Francisco State University. In 2000, after numerous years teaching in early childhood, he joined the staff of Creative Arts, where he has taught Kindergarten and 1st grade ever since. Ron is committed to fostering a learning environment that grows the whole child, taking into account social, emotional, physical and academic needs. Ron and his wife have two teenage children who attended Creative Arts. In his spare time, Ron enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music and playing basketball.

Laura holds a BS in Environmental Science from Santa Clara University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction through the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI). Before joining CACS, she worked as an Associate Teacher at Katherine Delmar Burke School. Other past work experiences include directing the after school program at Presidio Hill School and teaching as a naturalist for San Joaquin Outdoor School in the Santa Cruz mountains. Laura enjoys designing and implementing creative curriculum that engages multiple learning styles. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, camping and traveling, as well as spending time with friends and family.

Ali earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Oregon double majoring in Human Physiology and General Science and Minored in Chemistry. She received her teaching credential and is currently pursuing an MA in Arts of Teaching from the University of San Francisco. Growing up in Lake Tahoe, California, Ali loves the outdoors and enjoys skiing, hiking and camping. Ali is passionate about teaching, and is driven to help students succeed and enjoy science and math while also helping to nurture social and emotional learning. Ali loves teaching 6 th grade and integrating arts and project-based learning into rigorous academic curriculum at CACS.

Before joining the CACS community, Eileen earned her degree in horticulture and became the owner of the first chemical-free gardening business in San Francisco. She came to CACS with her older son, who graduated in 2007, and spent several years volunteering in classrooms and collaborating with teachers on garden science curriculum. In 2001, Eileen joined the CACS staff, working as a substitute teacher, classroom aide, and educator in the Breakfast Club, summer camp, and aftercare. Her hobbies include gardening, jewelry design, hiking, hanging out at the beach with her family, and reading.