Committed to Student Academics and Emotional Renewal
As the board, our guided purpose is to ensure the highest standards of governance, financial integrity, strategic vision, and adherence to our unique mission and legal requirements.
Matthew Duncan, MBA
President
With a diverse international career and the father of a gifted dyslexic child who attended Athena Academy, Matthew brings a global perspective to our board. He's a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP and a former Project Manager for an international development organization. Matthew's background in electrical engineering, operations management, and MBA, along with his status as an IRS-enrolled agent, make him instrumental in financial oversight and strategic direction.
Ortal Arel, MBA, PhD
Trustee
Dr. Ortal Arel who holds an MBA and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is passionate about education. She has served as a Senior Lecturer at various universities and held significant roles in the tech-ed space. Alongside her pedagogical, teaching and business pursuits, her extensive research contributed to several esteemed publications, predominantly focusing on areas of cryptography, security, and wireless sensor networks. Currently, Dr. Arel is channeling her expertise into diversity in education, technology and real estate investments.
Stephen H. Chou, PsyD
Trustee
Dr. Chou's multifaceted experience as a supervising clinical psychologist, former founder and Director of various prestigious organizations, and an adjunct professor adds depth to our board's expertise. Specializing in developmental, strengths-based, and multicultural approaches to counseling, Dr. Chou's passion for supporting gifted and twice-exceptional individuals aligns with our mission. His contribution to state, national, and international conferences on giftedness and twice-exceptionality reinforces Athena Academy's commitment to promoting healthy growth, confidence, and positive self-esteem.
James Formato
Trustee
A seasoned educator with 25 years of teaching experience in physics, math, engineering, and sciences, Jamie brings a rich educational perspective. As a chair of the Science and Engineering Department at Menlo School, his focus on inclusive classroom practices aligns perfectly with Athena's mission. Jamie's own child attends Athena, reflecting a personal commitment to our community.
Manish Madan
Trustee
With over 20 years of leadership in digital transformation and strategic portfolio management, Manish brings a rigorous focus on governance and operational excellence to the Board.
Currently a Portfolio & Delivery Lead at First Citizens Bank (formerly Silicon Valley Bank), he specializes in steering complex enterprise initiatives, financial stewardship, and long-term strategic planning. Manish combines this corporate discipline with a strong commitment to the local school community, having previously served as Executive Vice President for Barron Park Elementary School's PTA. An alumnus of the Indian School of Business (MBA), Manish is passionate about building educational environments where every student can thrive
Bridget Mercay
Trustee
Bridget's unique educational vision, having taught her own children alongside others, resonates with our mission to think differently about education. Her experience in 2E and dyslexic learning styles, along with her roles in sales and marketing, make her an asset in shaping Athena's outreach and educational approach.
Jim Pickett
Trustee
With over 20 years in education, Jim's extensive administrative experience, strategic planning, and policy development in inclusiveness and social-emotional well-being mirror Athena's core values. His innovative educational programs and his family's dedication to a healthy lifestyle demonstrate a holistic approach to learning.
Toni Ratzburg
Trustee
Toni’s belief in the importance of a strength-based and neuro-affirming approach to supporting youth led her to Athena.
She founded a group mental health therapy practice specializing in the unique needs of gifted, 2E, and neurodiverse children and families. Prior to her work in mental health, she held a career in non-profit development and operations. Toni is also a mother of two 2E children and is excited to bring all of these experiences together to help support the values and mission of Athena.
Rupa Robbins
Trustee
Rupa Robbins is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Spark Psychology. She conducts neuropsychological evaluations and provides individual therapy for children and teens. Dr. Robbins has extensive experience in both educational and clinical settings. She has worked as a 3rd grade teacher and a school psychologist. Before founding Spark Psychology, Dr. Robbins worked as a psychologist at the Summit Center in Walnut Creek. There, she developed an expertise in gifted and twice exceptional individuals.
Dr. Robbins also has an interest in children, teens, and technology. In addition to Spark Psychology, she also founded Tech Positive Parenting, an organization committed to helping families find wellness in the digital age. She has spoken nationwide on parenting in the digital age and promoting digital wellness.
Dr. Robbins holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from UC Berkeley and a B.A. in Psychology from Stanford University. She lives in San Jose with her husband and two daughters.
Jennifer Salma
Trustee
Jennifer serves as the Regional Leader for Decoding Dyslexia California's ("DDCA") Peninsula Region and as a Co-Support Group Leader for the DDCA Peninsula Support Group. Jennifer is passionate about improving public education for dyslexic learners and assists DDCA with statewide legislative efforts.
Jennifer holds a Juris Doctorate, is a member of the Council for Parent Attorney Advocates, and her son is a proud alum of Athena Academy.
