Meet the team
Staff DirectoryAlexandra Evans
Receptionist/Clerk
Alexandra is proud to join the Creative Arts community for her first year and share her passion for the arts and social justice. As a Bay Area native, she grew a strong connection to her creative side at a young age.
She began studying and performing the works of William Shakespeare at age 10. She attended Marin School of the Arts in Novato, CA for high school where she received classical training parallel to that of NYU Tisch's Acting MFA program, independently developed a robust Technical Theatre department, and received special recognition for her work as assistant director and stage manager. She went on to be employed by several local theater companies and earn her Actor’s Equity Association card for stage management. Alexandra has also studied photography, painting, interior design, woodwork, sewing, special effects make up, dance, and music.
Outside of CACS, Alexandra produces an intersectional feminist cabaret and performs stand up comedy. She is currently studying Gender and Race studies at City College of San Francisco. She loves hiking with her dog, pouring latte art, cooking with her loving partner, and rooting for the SF Giants.
Fernando Aguilar
Director
faguilar@creativeartscharter.orgFernando earned a BA at Humboldt State University and an MA in education at the University of San Francisco. His 14 years of teaching experience include work at the Hawthorne School in Oakland; the River East School in East Harlem, NY; Ryder Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, and CACS. In his spare time, Fernando likes spending time with his family, going to the beach, and trying to find good pizza.
Ann Ledo-Lane
Director of Arts Programming and Resource Development
aledolane@creativeartscharter.orgAnn leads with 20 years of education experience, commitment and passion in developing inclusive, innovative, and arts-integrated project based curriculum. She received her Masters in Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to her work in San Francisco, Ann served as an inclusion, special education and arts specialist in Washington, DC, and New York City, and is currently an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at SF State. She believes that the arts are essential in teaching and learning. Ann loves to make things with her family and explore nature as much as possible.
Jenny Kipp
Director of Operations
jkipp@creativeartscharter.orgJenny has been with Creative Arts for 5 years, first as a parent to her 2 boys, then as the Coordinator of Community Engagement, and now as our Director of Operations. Jenny has an extensive background in business, having owned a personal training business for 10 years on the east coast prior to coming to California as well as a green cleaning business in Puerto Rico. Read More
Maria Jenerik
Middle School Administrator
mjenerik@creativeartscharter.orgAfter 20 years in the radio business, Maria pursued her dream of becoming a teacher, working first as a paraprofessional and later teaching 3rd, 6th,7th and 8th grades at Creative Arts. Maria serves as coach of five CACS sports teams, and in her classroom, she employs project-based learning that draws on her passion for theater, social and environmental justice, outdoor education, and service learning.
Brooke Nagel
Lower School Administrator
bnagel@creativeartscharter.orgBrooke holds a BA in Literature and a BS in Elementary Education from Boston University, and an MA in Art and Art Education from Columbia University Teachers College. She is passionate about advocating for the arts in public schools as tools for educational equity, and believes in creating joyful learning experiences for all children. Brooke's teaching experience includes 7 years of classroom teaching at CACS and 5 years of teaching bilingual students in east San Jose. Read More
Ron Buchanan
Teacher KB
rbuchanan@creativeartscharter.orgRon 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.
Mary-Eileen Gallagher
Teacher 1st Grade A
mgallagher@creativeartscharter.orgMary-Eileen Gallagher earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education from Stanford University in 2012. She holds a BA in English from Whitman College, and was a Division I basketball player at Northeastern University. Mary-Eileen's teaching approach combines her love of educational theory, her regard for the whole-child, and her unique past experiences as an art, garden, and P.E. teacher. Mary-Eileen lovingly co-creates with her students a classroom that is developmentally appropriate for young learners, where children's natural curiosity and joy lead the learning process. Outside of school, Mary-Eileen enjoys whale watching, making art, and outdoor adventures.
Mizuho Shiomi
2nd Grade Teacher
mshiomi@creativeartscharter.orgBorn and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Mizuho came to San Francisco in 2007 to attend the University of San Francisco where she received her bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and teaching credential. She is passionate about using creativity as a differentiation tool in the classroom. Mizuho grew up playing ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball; and she recently started playing golf. In her free time she likes to read and play sports.
Justin August
Teacher 3A
jaugust@creativeartscharter.orgJustin holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Denison University and a Masters of Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining CACS he was a Teacher in Philadelphia, a Teaching Assistant in Oakland, an IT Manager, a farm volunteer at the Alemany Farm and built houses with Habitat for Humanity. Justin really enjoys a fun and serious classroom atmosphere - expect equal amounts Captain Underpants and challenging questions. He enjoys riding and tinkering with his bikes, watching bad TV, and brewing good coffee. Most weekends you'll find him with his fiancé and their beagle exploring or at home reading with his cats.
Malcolm Richards
Teacher 4B
mrichards@creativeartscharter.orgMalcolm earned his teaching credential through the Bay Area Teachers Training Institute (BATTI), and brings with him a variety of teaching experiences, both in and out of the classroom. Prior to working at CACS, he worked as an assistant teacher at The Hamlin School in San Francisco, tutored students in Minneapolis through an Americorps program, and taught environmental education in varied locales, including coastal Maine and Livermore, CA. Malcolm enjoys creating new and engaging curriculum that requires students to challenge themselves and collaborate with each other. Outside of teaching, Malcolm is a dedicated marathon runner.
Joanna Milligan
Teacher 5B
jmilligan@creativeartscharter.orgJoanna joined CACS in 2012 after spending two years as a Fifth Grade Associate Teacher at the San Francisco Day School. Joanna received her BS in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of Vermont in 2007. She is committed to utilizing the practices of Responsive Classroom as a teacher, to using the arts as both a modality for learning and an engine for differentiation, and to contributing to a school culture that emphasizes community and respect. In her free time, she enjoys riding her bicycle, cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her partner and dog.
Alexandra Graham
6th Grade Math abd Science Teacher - Advisor
agraham@creativeartscharter.orgAli 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.
Nicole Evashenk
6th Grade Teacher
cevashenk@creativeartscharter.orgCoco earned her BA from University of California, Santa Barbara double majoring in History and Sociology. She received her teaching credential from the University of San Francisco and is currently finishing her Masters in Education there this Fall. She is more than thrilled at the opportunity to be teaching at Creative Arts Charter, as she is a huge proponent of project based learning, and believes art and creativity are an imperative part to learning and creating and should be an integral part of all aspects of life. When not at school, she loves being outdoors, getting lost in music, creating visual art pieces and experimenting in the kitchen.
Lili Solomon
7th Grade Humanities Teacher
lsolomon@creativeartscharter.orgLili Solomon is delighted to be a part of Creative Arts Charter School where the educational philosophy is in line with her own. She believes that the holistic approach to education is what students need in order to feel excited about coming to school and learning so she loves that students are able to participate in an art-based, project-based curriculum.
One of her most important goals is to help instill a lifelong passion for learning in her students. As a student, Lili especially enjoyed fine arts, drama, dance, and writing classes. She did undergraduate and graduate coursework at UC Santa Cruz where she majored in Language Studies with a minor in history, and she received her teaching certificate through Sierra Nevada College at Lake Tahoe. In Hawaii and the Bay Area, she has worked with all ages of children and all academic subjects. Having grown up in the countryside of Angels Camp in Calaveras County, Ms. Solomon is an avid nature lover and an enthusiast for recycling and composting. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, keeping a garden, reading, writing, doing artwork, observing wildlife, and spending time with her two daughters.
Matthew Lowe
Teacher 7
mlowe@creativeartscharter.orgGrowing up, Matthew always had a fondness and appreciation for the outdoors. Starting as a kid in the Mojave Desert, to growing up as a teenager in the Cascade Mountains, to completing his collegiate endeavors in the groves of old growth Redwoods.
Matthew completed a B.S. in Biology, a minor in chemistry, and a Single Subject Credential in Life Science at Humboldt State University. He moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2012 to continue his teaching career as a 7th and 8thgrade math and science educator.Despite living in an urban setting, Matthew still finds the time to be active. Some of his favorite past-times include: Body Pump, hiking, and softball.
Gina Griffiths
Teacher 8th/Advisor
ggriffiths@creativeartscharter.orgGina has a diverse background in education and previous work experience with youth that spans 10 years. Her varied interactions as teacher, tutor, coach, and nanny have helped her understand and appreciate each child as an individual with unique strengths and challenges. She earned her teaching credential and Masters degree in Education from the University of Southern California in 2010. During her student teaching at CACS she fell in love with the school, the students, and the staff. Previously Gina lived in Seattle, so naturally she enjoys foggy mornings, hiking, and lots of coffee.
Eileen McCann-Kingston
After School Director
emccann@creativeartscharter.orgBefore 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.
Marissa Cotter
Counselor
Marissa is a registered Marriage and Family Therapist intern, and holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. Before becoming a therapist, Marissa lived in Long Beach, studying clinical psychology and social justice, teaching swimming lessons, and working with transgender youth in Hollywood creating social media for social change. Since 2012, she has been a proud resident of San Francisco, working with families, kids, and LGBTQ folks at various counseling centers around the city, and now in her part-time private therapy practice in the Mission District. She spends her free time with close friends or submerged in water: swimming in SF pools and chasing sunny beach days.
Sarah Van Nostrand
Paraprofessional
svannostrand@creativeartscharter.orgSarah has a BA in elementary education, with a concentration in fine arts from Ball State University. Her passion for the arts eventually lead her to pursue a graphic and digital design certificate at Parsons The New School for Design. Sarah then worked for many years as a graphic designer, while substitute teaching grades K-12 in the New York City public schools. Prior to joining CACS, Sarah worked as an after school program leader at a non-profit here in the city. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her spouse and dog, traveling, and enjoying all the great food San Francisco has to offer.
Jennie McClelland
SFUSD Resource Specialist
jmcclelland@creativeartscharter.orgJennie McClelland, SFUSD Resource Specialist
Jennie holds a BA in History and Secondary Education from Boston College. After moving to San Francisco in 1995, she taught social studies and served as assistant principal at a small, private, alternative high school for 13 years. While caring for her young son, Jennie earned her Masters Degree in Special Education, Special Education Mild/Moderate teaching credential, and Educational Therapy certificate from San Francisco State University in 2009. She has worked in multiple elementary schools throughout the district. She started at teaching at Creative Arts in 2013. She recently completed the Seeing Stars program by LindaMood-Bell. During her free time, Jennie enjoys spending time with her family, eating out, going on urban hikes, and reading.
Katie Clay
Dance Specialist
kclay@creativeartscharter.orgKatie holds a BA in English, a BFA in dance from the University of Michigan, and an MA in education from Mills College. Katie served as a student teacher and volunteer at CACS prior to joining the staff in 2009. She is passionate about the arts in public schools and educational equity. Outside of school, she makes movies, performs music, and tap dances. Her other interests include reading, cooking, forest walks, and silent film.
Leslie Keir
2-8 Visual Arts Specialist
lkeir@creativeartscharter.orgLeslie earned her BA in art from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1985, with an emphasis on printmaking and painting. She earned an MA in creativity from the Inter-Arts Center at San Francisco State University in 2002 and two years later completed her teaching credential, also at SFSU. Leslie fell in love with teaching through her work for several years as a visiting artist at Bay Area public schools. Along with many other ingredients, her curriculum integrates ideas generated from the classroom as a mode of inquiry into the tools and strategies used by artists. She is committed to social justice and equity in education.
LeShawn Darnell Holcomb
Theatre Specialist, 6th Grade Advisor
lholcomb@creativeartscharter.orgLeShawn Darnell Holcomb is a playwright, poet and performer living in Marin, California. He recently served as an Education Advocate at The Hannah Project where he led educational workshops, leadership trainings and art explorations for middle and high school students of Marin City, and has led theatre workshops with Marin Theatre Company. Prior to the Bay Area, LeShawn taught playwriting residencies with Actors Theatre of Louisville. Leshawn graduated from California State University (Fullerton), where he holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services and Afro Ethnic Studies. LeShawn is a four time national finalist for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. His plays have also been produced and performed at theaters in California, New York, Washington D.C., Arizona, Utah, Tennessee, and Michigan. LeShawn continues to write for the stage and create theater with youth, where he has the opportunity to foster and nurture young new voices.
Maggie Dale
Literacy Specialist
mdale@creativeartscharter.org
Colleen McQuade
School Counselor
cmcquade@creativeartscharter.orgColleen holds a Master of Education degree in Counseling, an Autism Specialist Certificate, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology. Her previous work includes seven years as an elementary school counselor, and 3 years as a counselor for at-risk middle school and high school students. Most recently, she served as the Dean of Students/Head Counselor at Wallenberg High School.
She is a Chicago native, the 8th of 12 children, and a loyal Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, biking, … anything outdoors! She also loves to read, create mosaics, and bake.
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