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.
Kit Bergman
Specialist Teacher - Music
Born and raised in Chicago, Kit was exposed to many musical styles from an early age. Over the years, he has maintained his passion for music by playing a variety of styles in many settings, such as TV, live radio, recording studios, touring, and some theater.
His teaching style emphasizes musicality and creativity.
Kit believes that playing a musical instrument is a fun and expressive outlet that can be enjoyed throughout your entire life.
Isabel Delgado
Middle School - Math and Science Teacher
Mrs. Delgado's educational journey from the East Coast to the West Coast is marked by seven 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.
Lindsey Husker
Middle School - Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Lindsey, originally from the East Coast, is thrilled to join the Athena Academy family after recently relocating. With a degree in Special Education, she is passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging classroom where every student can thrive.
Outside of teaching, Ms. Lindsey loves exploring new places, hiking and spending quality time with her family and friends. She’s excited to bring her energy and dedication to Athena Academy and can't wait to get to know her students and colleagues.
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.
Ariel Mahar
Social Emotional Learning Coordinator
With a MS in Forensic Antropology and a Doctorate of Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning, Ms. Ariel is so excited to join the Athena Academy team, where SEL is woven into all aspects of the learning journey.
Ariel’s approach to student support is based on the understanding that challenging behavior is the result of an unmet need or a missing skill. By gaining a deep understanding of her students she is able provide them with the skills they need to be their best selves. Outside of school, Ariel enjoys LARPing, kayaking, and cuddling her many furred, scaled, and feathered pets. Ariel is looking forward to bringing her background in Responsive Classroom, Fly Five, and Conscious Discipline to Athena Academy.
Zachary McBeth
Specialist Teacher - Technology and Makerspace
With a diverse background in Private Education and advanced Computer Science, Mr. McBeth, is passionate about guiding students on their paths through the use of computers and mathematics in both foundational and technical capacities.
Students enjoy working in the Tech Lab and Makerspace with Mr. McBeth to code, build and design.
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.
Jane Rieder
Middle School - Math Teacher
Joining Athena as a math teacher in Fall 2022, 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.
Zarina Samadzada
Middle School - Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Zarina joined the Athena teaching team during the Summer of 2024, she was excited to see the methods in action with summer students.
After majoring in English Education from San Francisco State University she has spent the last seven years teaching both middle and elementary students in a variety of settings, ranging from inner city schools in San Francisco and San Jose as well as private and charter schools. Having seen the gamit of students and their unique learning styles she is excited to explore further how she can touch students lives and inspire their confidence and love of learning.
Katy Siegel
Academic Program Coordinator and Middle School - Language Arts Teacher
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, make her the ideal person to lead our academic program. Her depth of knowledge in learning differences and curriculum expertise are a tremdous asset to the teaching team and students.
Aakash Trivedi
Classroom Teacher - Math and Makerspace
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.
Sam Webster
Elementary School - Classroom Teacher
With a Master’s degree in Teaching and an MBA, Miss Sam brings a unique blend of educational expertise and practical insight to the classroom. With three years of teaching experience, she is passionate about creating a joyful and individualized learning environment where every student can thrive.
Believing that each child’s learning journey is distinct, Miss Sam strives to make education an engaging and fulfilling experience for all. Outside the classroom, she enjoys solving puzzles and building with Legos, exploring the wonders of nature, and cherishing quality time with friends and family.
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.
