Meet Your Child’s Confidence Builders
An environment that fosters inclusive education and personalized support is something your child deserves, and it takes experienced, confident, and creative thinkers to make it a reality.
Victoria Trevor
Head of School
Ms. Victoria brings over two decades of administrative expertise to Athena Academy. Her impressive career includes leading the Lower School at the Episcopal Day School in San Mateo. With degrees in geography and education, she has rich experience teaching various age groups across England and the United States.
In her leisure time, Ms. Victoria enjoys cinema, travel, dining out, and swimming, besides being a devoted mother and a Liverpool Football Club enthusiast.
We are thrilled to have Ms. Victoria's energy and insight on our campus, ensuring our mission of inclusivity and personalized support.
Jill Andre
Specialist Teacher - Art
A Bay Area native and a life-long artist, Ms. Jill's artistic philosophy is inspired by intense observation and imagination. She believes in truly seeing her subjects, translating feelings into colors, and exploring innovative techniques. Her color sense draws from artists like Matisse and Wayne Thiebaud.
Excited to guide students in all aspects of art, Ms. Jill embodies the pioneering spirit that defines Athena's approach to education.
Aimee Bischoff
Classroom Teacher - Elementary School
With a Master's degree focusing on elementary education, Mrs. Bischoff emphasizes inquiry-based instruction and whole-child education. Her commitment to fostering curiosity, growth, and confidence aligns with Athena's mission of nurturing individual talents. When not at Athena, Mrs. Bischoff cherishes her time with her family.
Her enthusiasm for our unique project-based education style and small group instruction makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Isabel Delgado
Middle School - Math and Science Teacher
Mrs. Delgado's educational journey from the East Coast to the West Coast is marked by six years of K-8 teaching experience. With a degree in Liberal Arts Education, she enjoys engaging students of all ages. Fluent in English and Spanish, Mrs. Delgado's passions include running, sports, and family game nights.
Her vibrancy adds to Athena's eclectic and inclusive community.
Joan Galdamez
Classroom Teacher - Elementary School
Ms. Joan, a BA graduate in English Language Studies, has 20 years of experience in supporting and teaching students, including as a Reading Intervention tutor. Her personal connection to Athena Academy, where her son attended, gives her unique insight into the challenges faced by students with learning differences. Outside of school, she loves spending time with family, beach visits, hiking, swimming, movies, and reading.
Her appreciation for Athena's positive impact on students and families makes her a vital part of our team.
Jay Gluckman
Middle School - Math and Science Teacher
With degrees in Social Science and Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Gluckman is a multi-disciplinary STEM educator. His innovative, award-winning projects have nurtured art-infused STEM learning. Described as passionate by colleagues, his classes are known for being fun, interactive, inclusive, and accessible. His hobbies include family time, scouting activities, music, biking, hiking, camping, and cooking.
Mr. Gluckman’s experience enriches our commitment to an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
Lori Hobbie
Middle School Teacher - Language Arts and Social Studies
Lori's international teaching experience and education in Cultural Anthropology and Applied Linguistics have shaped her love for learning, culture, and diversity. After 12 years of teaching K-12 learners in Tanzania, she continued her passion for educating ESL populations in Texas. Lori contributed to the development of The Kindness Campaign, a Social/Emotional learning curriculum. A mother to five children, Lori enjoys language, music composition, and spending time with her granddaughter.
Her global perspective enriches Athena's mission of diverse and inclusive education.
Taylor Hovish
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Teacher & Academic Program Coordinator
Mrs. Hovish's qualifications in elementary and special education have allowed her to make a tangible difference in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorders and dyslexic learners. With a Master's degree from Harvard in the Mind, Brain, and Education program, her research on teaching methods and her ongoing training as a Certified Yoga Instructor enhances Athena's holistic approach. Described as "humorous and kind," she's lauded for making learning enjoyable.
Mrs. Hovish's role in curriculum development ensures a unified and personalized approach to teaching.
Shai Maor
Classroom Teacher - Elementary School
Having thrived with dyslexia and dyscalculia herself, Ms. Shai's compassion for dyslexic and twice-exceptional learners is profound. With a BA in Child Adolescent Development and a Masters in Education, she brings both empathy and expertise to Athena Academy. Her love for teaching grows every day as she gets to know each student, ensuring an individualized and supportive experience.
Louisa Jerome
Middle School - Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
Joining Athena in July 2023, Ms. Louisa's background in history, geography, and bilingual special education enriches our diverse and welcoming environment. Her global experience, from teaching in Madrid and Thailand to interviewing indigenous women in Peru, has shaped her belief in nurturing a classroom where students feel free to be themselves. With a Masters in Bilingual Special Education, she's poised to deepen our students' education and peer relationships.
Asya Ramizova
Specialist Teacher - Physical Education
A seven-time National Champion in Aerobic Gymnastics, Ms. Asya’s love for fitness and contagious positivity aligns with our goal to promote physical well-being alongside academic success. With degrees in Physical Education and Sports Journalism, she's ready to inspire students through engaging physical activities tailored to their unique needs and interests.
Kassey Plaha
Specialist Teacher - Music
As a renowned musician and founder of Areon Flutes Inc, Ms. Plaha brings her passion for innovation to Athena Academy. With extensive performance experience and a dedication to new music, she'll lead students in grades 1-8 to explore the transformative world of music. Her background in flute performance strengthens our mission to offer varied and enriching opportunities for all learners.
Katy Siegel
Middle School - Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher & Lead Research Coordinator
Mrs. Siegel, who has been with Athena since 2013, is passionate about nurturing the strengths of dyslexic learners. Her classroom, filled with books and art, reflects her love for creativity, having earned her BA in Creative Writing and Fine Art. Her global teaching experience and commitment to serving dyslexic students, including co-leading Athena's Student Council and Future Problem Solving team, make her a dynamic part of our mission. As Mentor Teacher, she also supports faculty in Social Emotional Learning, reflecting our holistic approach to education.
Jane Rieder
Middle School - Math Teacher
Joining Athena as a math teacher in Fall 2023, Ms. Jane’s extensive experience includes teaching in personalized, project-based math programs similar to Athena's. Her credentials in math, life sciences, English, and history and various roles in teaching botany, college readiness, and life skills, reflect her multifaceted approach to education.
As both an Athena parent and teacher, her dedication to inclusive and personalized learning is deeply rooted.
Aakash Trivedi
Classroom Teacher - Math and Technology
Mr. Aakash, a former Software Engineer with a BS in Computer Science, discovered his passion for teaching while working as a tutor. Since joining Athena in 2021, his patience and compassion have helped students find joy in learning math and technology. He engages with each student to understand their interests, making learning a personalized experience and aligning with our vision for inclusive education.
Shauna Yelnick
Specialist Teacher - Drama
With an extensive background in theater arts, Miss Yelnick has been part of Athena for 8 years. Her degrees in theater arts and English, along with her pursuit of a special education credential, shape her comprehensive approach to teaching. From play production to speech & debate, she aims to inspire students to be their best selves, not only in drama class but also within the school community, echoing our emphasis on emotional well-being.
Nicole Yozzo
Classroom Teacher - Elementary School
Ms. Yozzo brings her experience with twice-exceptional students and her dual Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Psychology to Athena. With a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership, she focuses on helping students understand and capitalize on their unique strengths. Her belief in the resilience, creativity, and courage of her students aligns with Athena’s mission to support diverse learning needs.
Anne Boswell
Director of Admissions and Outreach
Ms. Anne has been instrumental since Athena's founding academic year. As the mother of two twice-exceptional sons, she understands the journey of families with diverse learning needs. With master's degrees in education administration and counseling, and previous roles at Stanford University, she is driven to positively transform children's lives. Her passion for world culture adds a unique perspective, enhancing our outreach and inclusive mission.
Pam Crain
School Manager
Joining Athena in 2015, Ms. Pam brings a rich background in child development, having worked as a Program Coordinator, Pre-K preschool teacher, and Summer Camp Director. Her broad studies, from Liberal Arts to Film Production, and dedication to eco-consciousness reflect the innovative spirit of Athena. As a mother of two, her heartfelt connection to children aligns with our nurturing philosophy.
Amar Devi
Finance Manager
Ms. Amar's extensive experience in accounting and HR administration has been vital since joining Athena in 2017. A certified payroll professional with advanced knowledge of accounting software, she ensures that our financial operations support our inclusive education goals. Her interest in traveling and different cultures, coupled with her love for outdoors and family, adds depth to our community-focused approach.
Jo Mutch
Director of Operations and Finance
A foundational member of Athena, Ms. Jo has worked tirelessly to make the school a reality. From setting up the campus and hiring teachers to managing finances and facilities, her multifaceted role is key to our mission. Originally from New Zealand and a mother herself, she's passionate about bringing high-quality education to all learners. Her unique involvement, such as teaching puberty classes, embodies our comprehensive commitment to student well-being.
